Plan B at NAMM - Update

follow-up to this post. More detail via Peter Grenader, the man behind Plan B, on the Plan B mailing list.

"Both Plan B and Buchla will be at the Noisebug booth 6108 which is on the main hall this year in the vicinity of Moog and Motu.

Sometime this week I will be posting further details on what we'll be showing on the Plan B Analog Blog (go to www.ear-group.net to sign up. On the module end will be the models 21C Mini Milton VC Sequencer, the Model 32 Vector Plotter and the M30 and 30A - two components of the mighty Triple Digital VCO Subsystem. There are four other products being introduced which are part of the big move into cases and systems.: The he Ringer, a single row rack frame offering a low-cost solution to a previously expensive expansion requirement, and the Model Zero, which is the same three row Zero Halibuton case used by NIN with some significant improvements, including power saving modes, top/bottom strip modules and the option of expanding to six rows. A photo has been posted in the PB Analog Blog.

The Performance System, which has it's own case not unlike the Doepfer portable although two rows of 102 HP and eight inches deep is our fist venture into the systems arena and will also be on display and operational.

To support the Ringer, the Zero and the PS we're introducing an external power system which utilizes two high-grade second party switching supplies as it's engine. The supplies are audio grade and protected to the point that key'd power connectors on the bus will not be required...the PSU will shut itself off instantly if a module is installed incorrectly.

Along with Noisebug's, Plan B goods will be on display at a couple of other booths as well - keep a sharp eye out!

Again, when my schedule allows I will be posting more details on all this, including photos to the PBAB. Please grant me patience with this and in getting back with anyone who may need to contact me as I'm deep into Namm hell at present and time away to post is minimal.

Thanks again and I look forward to seeing you all at the show!

- Peter Grenader"

Update: see the comments of this post for some notes from Peter.

ContinuuCon 2016 Announced

via Haken Audio

"Continuum Enthusiasts –

ContinuuCon will be June 9-11 in Asheville NC. Asheville is in a beautiful part of the USA, even more amazing than central Illinois where I live. (Here in Illinois we have both kinds of plants, corn *and* soybeans, so central Illinois is pretty cool too, but come here some other time.) If you are unfamiliar with Asheville, check out this short video showing Asheville time-lapsed dawn-to-dusk, and you may be inspired to join us:
http://www.onlyinyourstate.com/north-carolina/asheville-nc-video-time-lapse/

ContinuuCon is being organized by Asheville area Continuum owners, and is sponsored by the Bob Moog Foundation, MakeNoise, and ExperimentalSynth.com. I am really pleased they are doing it – I was not involved in organizing the event, but Ed Eagan and I will drive there to join everyone taking part.

ContinuuCon is not a sales event, and there will be no special announcements or sales hype at ContinuuCon. The idea of ContinuuCon is that we all come together, get to know each other, and learn from each other. I will give a talk/demonstration that will show you much of the process of building a Continuum (including a live demonstration of the Continuum-Playing Lego Robot I use for testing Continuums), and I will show some of the Continuum insides and how explain why the Continuum has all those expensive guts, and I will bring some historical artifacts. But that’s just my talk, there will be lots of other presentations, concerts, and sharing of playing techniques, sound design techniques, and ideas. You will see some new things people are working on, including Ed’s new Surface Shaper he is bringing from Canada, and Christophe’s Wireless Remote he is bringing from France. (Speaking of Christophe, be sure to ask about his experience with Vangelis.)

I am thrilled ContinuuCon is happening. It is all being organized by people that purchased a Continuum and have gotten to like it enough to organize the conference. I can’t express how thankful I am that the Continuum means so much to people.

Thanks,
Lippold

PS: The official website is www.ContinuuCon.com – check it out, then buy your tickets!

PPS: If you want to give a presentation or performance, I don’t know if times are still available, I am not an organizer of this event – but you can email continuucon@gmail.com … If you are one of those Famous Individuals but do not want to give a presentation or performance or talk, that’s fine too, just come lurk!

PPPS: A message from Sally Sparks (of Asheville NC): Don't forget to snag your tickets for ContinuuCon 2016 before the end of the month to ensure the lower rate!"

EML ElectroComp 101 EML-101 w/ Seq Mod

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via this auction

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Vintage Synthesizer Books

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via Senso Reverb

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Mr Woofer - Synth Demos

Published on Oct 6, 2017 Mr Woofer

Playlist:

1. Mr Woofer - Enter Space (Atari STE Demo)

"Enter Space!" says Sinclair Spectrum ZX through its Currah uSpeech synthesizer. The Atari STE and its Yamaha YM2149F chip in all its square wave glory does exactly that. The tools used to control the STE are NSQ (Near Synthesizer Quality), Chip Synth and MaxYMiser.

The powerful beats are coming from NI Massive except for the Hi-hats and noise bursts which are also Atari STE. As usual external reverb and delay are added. Hope you enjoy it!

Music and Sound Design by Mr Woofer (Konstantinos Kampanis).
Original footage and video editing by Mr Woofer.

Enjoy!

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Original Vintage Buchla 200 Electric Music Box For Sale on MATRIXSYNTH CLASSIFIEDS - Video

Note: Auction links are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.
Published on May 20, 2014 scienceforce·43 videos

For sale on MATRIXSYNTH CLASSIFIEDS

via MATRIXSYNTH CLASSIFIEDS

"For sale: original vintage Electric Music Box Buchla 200 system

Boat 1:
- model 256 dual control voltage adder
- model 258 dual oscillator A (second version)
- model 212 dodecamodule with 10 modules inside:
* preamplifier
* balance modulator, ring etc.
* voltage controlled resonant filter
* mixer
* noise source
* envelope detector
* stored random voltage
* random voltage source
* triple envelope generator
* triple lopass gate
* output amplifier / stereo mixer
* reverb (voltage controlled) assignable on the channels

Boat 2:

- Programmable complex waveform generator model 259 (mega rare old stock)
- Mixer / preamplifier model 207
- Sequential voltage source model 245
- 4 channels combination filter model 294

Details:

The two aluminum boats are old originals, fitted in this really nice vintage case, its lid is included. Professional switching PSU, working voltage 110 volts.

Modules are old originals and ALL come in near mint conditions and work perfectly, this is a truly magical instrument..
There are huge sound possibilities from the ingenious mind of Donald Buchla. This is a truly amazing system for making every type of special effects, space drones, cool rhythmic sequences and ethereal textures.

The 259 onboard is mega rare because they are early genuine examples. In the past some were sold with dubious origin and were half clones, passed off as originals.

Serious offers only. It’s not cheap as the original modules are extremely rare and consisting of components of the highest quality (old US military parts), and in my opinion it is very hard to find better sound quality. Some old original banana and audio patch leads are included.
Some trades in parts will be taken into consideration only around EMS, old modulars like Moog, Polyfusion, Korg PS series, Arp.

I can ship worldwide and local pick up is welcome."

(Matrixbrute CV'd to DFAM): "The Infinity Paradox"

Published on Feb 16, 2019 Kris Lennox

"Matrixbrute acting as controller for the DFAM.... but not only controller. I've taken the master line out from the MB and ran it into the Audio In on the DFAM, which gives a grand total of 7 (!) VCO's to play with (two on the DFAM, three on the MB, plus the two sub-oscs on the MB). What a sound. MB is controlling the pitch on the DFAM, and also gate-triggering each step, with the pitch determined by the chord I'm playing/where the chord degree lies on the arpeggio matrix. There is also some DFAM-DFAM patching.

At the start what you're hearing is just the MB. Great to hear it ran through the Moog filter. Sounds wonderful.

I was originally going to use a Y-splitter out from the DFAM, run one end to the desk, and run the other back into the MB via the external input. The result would have been the equivalent of two mirrors facing each other i.e an infinite loop. It would likely have triggered the apocalypse (or granted levitation ability, but I haven't read the manual in enough detail to be sure), so I kept it 7 VCO's only, rather than 7 multiplied by infinity.

One has to be careful.

PS the chord/harmonic progression is cyclic/infinite, hence the title. The title is also a reference to the apocalypse idea mentioned above.

All best
Kris"

Mackie Control C4 template for Rhodes Chroma

via Michael Rosner

"We just released a template for the Rhodes Chroma CC+!

If you have this synth, you know it sounds great but super challenging to program...

This is the solution!

You have Rhodes Chroma C4 template screenshots plus audio demo here. [Update: It looks like the link is down. Fortunately, the templates do appear to be available on the Rhodes Chroma site here]

Cheers,

Michael
PS: You also have more than 20 synth templates to choose from:
- Arturia CS80 V2
- Arturia Minimoog V2
- Arturia Prophet V2 (Prophet 5 only)
- JL Cooper CS10 Emulator
- JoMox SunSyn
- Kenton Pro-Solo mkII
- Mackie HUI Equalizer Emulator
- Modartt Pianoteq V3.5
- Moog Memorymoog LAMM
- Oberheim Xpander / Matrix-12
- Octave Voyetra Eight REV4
- Rhodes Chroma CC+
- Roland Jupiter-6 Europa
- Roland MKS-50 / Juno-1 / Juno-2
- Roland MKS-70 V1.08
- Roland MKS-80
- SCI Prophet VS
- Waldorf Blofeld
- Waldorf Wave V1.804
- Yamaha DX11 / TX81Z
- Yamaha FS1R"

New Schmidt Analog Synth Debuts at the Musikmesse

via John Bowen:
"I thought I’d get you the first news about a new, 8-voice all analog synthesizer debuting at Messe in the EMC/Moog Booth (along with the Solaris, Muse, Spektralis, and Mellotron stuff).

It has presets, it has 7 filters (3 ladder type, 4 state variable 12 dB set up as 2 ‘dual filters’) and 4 Oscs - each osc is a bit different. Something like 107 knobs on the thing!

The designer is Stefan Schmidt, but not the one who runs Native Instruments - it’s yet another ‘Smith’ in the synth world :-)

It’s got stereo outs, individual voice outs, and some control voltage inputs (I think 4). I’ll try to get you more info later.

By the way - it sounds great!

And it’s a REAL heavyweight synth - with the travel case (like an anvil case) it’s 55 kilos!!

p.s. we are starting production finally - I have 4 production units of Solaris at the show."

Update: trying to find out if this is the Stefan Schmidt from TBS/MAM mentioned here. If anyone knows feel free to comment or email.

Update 5/6: John Bowen confirmed it is the same Schmidt. The following is via Juergen Haible who is known for his own designs specifically in the Synth DIY world:

"That's *the* Stefan Schmidt, all right.

I've followed the development of this synth over the last 8 years or so, and have always been forced to keep my mouth shut and keep it a secret. So it finally has hit the Musikmesse and it's out in the open. From what I've seen and heard, this will be the most powerful analogue polysynth *ever*, if it goes into production. It's not the typical "modern" approach of having a knob-ladden panel connected to a small piece of electronics with specialized chips. On the contrary, it's stuffed with opamps and OTAs to the brim, and each of the endless filter functions is realized in such discrete hardware. An absolutely amazing design, from one of the most dedicated synth designers on this planet.

JH."

Rumors on the price? $25,000 euros. Only one is currently in existence.

Update 5/7:

MESSE11: Mother Of God - Its The Schmidt Polysynth

via Sonic State

Some highlights:
157 knobs - all parameters on the front panel.
Panel folds down.
LED color knob and colors can be saved per patch.
Four VCO at 8 voice polyphony for 32 analog oscillators.
Seven filters.
Many modulations per OSC, filter, etc.
Stereo.
New innovative functions - unique oscillator with four points modulation on OSC1, metallic oscillator that makes digital sounds, but is fully analog.
Schmidt made the MAM MB-33 - again, see this link for some history.
Schmidt started eight years ago on this synth. He spent six full years focused on it.

Update 4/8: some audio at the end. via D in the comments.

Musikmesse 2011 EMC Schmidt Synthesizer

YouTube Uploaded by MusicStoreTV on Apr 7, 2011

"MSTV auf der Musikmesse Frankfurt 2011 auf dem Stand bei EMC!

Schmidt Synthesizer
http://www.musicstore.de/de_DE/EUR/

Prototyp des 8 stimmigen Analog-Monster Schmidt.

http://news.musicstore.de/"

Update 4/8 5:19 PST:

Schmidt Synthesizer (Musikmesse 2011)

Uploaded by Moogulator on Apr 8, 2011
Video pan of the interface.
"8 Voice Schmidt Analog Synthesizer @ Musikmesse by sequencer.de synth database / blog"

Update 4/13: via D in the comments:

Schmidt Eightvoice Polyphonic Synthesizer video demo [Musikmesse 2011]

YouTube Uploaded by audiofanzinetv on Apr 13, 2011

Yewell Electronic Systems Midi-CV

via nikseven in this gearslutz thread via the AH list.
"has anyone heard of this company? is it an actual company? i bought this midi-cv converter used a couple months ago, and it was d.o.a., but i would like to get it up and running. i can't seem to find any info at all about Y.E.S., and i'm wondering now if it is just a kit that someone slapped their own faceplate sticker on (it kind of looks like it). and if it is a kit, can anyone identify where it may have come from, or if it resembles something that another company manufactures? sorry about the crappy phone photos."
Update via Lorne on AH:
"In 1989 I wrote to Chris Yewell and was on his mailing list. Yewell Electronic Systems (YES) were in Chagrin Falls, Ohio.

The MIDI-955 pcb board (gave velocity and pitch, 5V or 10V trigger and gate outs (the 5Vs are also available inverted), an S-Trig out for Moog. It had separate DAC for pitch (0-10V, last note infinite hold for pedal notes) & velocity (0-10V) to avoid "droop caused by sample and hold circuits." (?). There is a velocity low High output that brakes at 64-127 which allows for velocity to also be used as a switch. Channel is set internally by dip switch.

You could buy one for $149 (9.5"x 5.5", needs +/-15V and +5, all less than 50 ma) to install. It has a 14 pin sockets to expand pitch bend out and aftertouch. The other (16 pin) socket is for timing and system data. There is a stuck note reset push button option, or hold 16+ midi notes down, which shifts the gate to reset. But its a Linear 1V per octave, there were no hertz options.

The factory rack was the YES B4 MIDI to control-voltage Interface 19" rack also added bend voltages -2.25V to +2.25V (a major third) and a combo bend and pitch out for single cv in synths. He also added a 3080 (OTA) based vca for processing vintage synths with no vca access points. His bender had no zipper noise. It was $299.95 with an internal ps. That is what is in the images on the link.

He also sold the XYZ 818 experimenter's pcb which is 16 outputs of midi to triggers (also available inverted) to drive combinations of (with additional DIY circuits) pre-midi drum machines; sequencers; adsrs; mechanical relays for motors, strobe, smoke machines, lasers, slide projectors; solid state relays (motors); drivers for solenoid switches for percussion.; analog switches ; and an early digital pot for fading audio (E2POT, Xicor Inc.). he was a Mac kind of a guy.

I have a sales drawing of the pcb showing what is where generally on the board but it shows no components/traces/or schematics, sorry. Lorne in Canada"

Impressions of the Synthesizer Meeting in Kufstein 2009

YouTube via Metunar

"I made some Recordings and Pictures at the Synthesizer Meeting in Kufstein Austria 2009.
The Sound you here on the Video corresponds to the Synth you see.
There are no external Sound-Effects used.

Eindrücke des Synthesizer Treffens in Kufstein Österreich 2009.
Die Klänge die man im Video hört entsprechen den Synthesizern die man in den Bildern sieht.
Externe Effekte wurden keine benutzt."

Synth audio featured: Chroma Polaris, FBT Synther - 2000, Waldorf Wave, Moog Multimoog, Akai VX600, Korg 770, KORG MAXI-KORG 800DV, SCI Prophet VS, SCI Prophet-5, Elka Synthex, PPG Wave 2.2, Synton Syrinx, LL Electronics Oddulator, Teisco SX-400, GRP A8, Technosaurus Selector modular, EEF modular, Doepfer modular, Curetronic modular, KORG PS-3100, Oberheim OB-1.

PS

Published on Jan 29, 2014

4ms Peg, QCD / Expander, RCD, VCA Matrix
Analogue Systems RS100²,RS110²²,RS 170,RS360²,RS500e²
Arp Odyssey 2821 white noise
Bananalogue VCS
Doepfer R2M, A114, A118, A134²², A143-2,A148,
A 149-1, A151²²,A160/161, A175²²,A185-2, A 138c
Flame Chord Machine²,Talking Synth Module²
Grendel Formant Filter²
flight of harmony choices
Make Noise PP, Maths²,Moddemix³,Optomix,QMMG,René,Woggl­ebug²
Malekko Anti Oscillator²² Uncle³,Jag
Moog Freqbox²²,MP201,B Murf , CP251
Oberheim Sem bass with B Murf,TWF²,Grendel²,RS100²
Simmons Clap Trap
SSL Modulation Orgy
Tip Top Audio Z8000 manual voltage source
Toppobrillo Quantimator²,Sportmodulator,TWF²
Logic masterclock to Kenton Pro 2000² , QCD,Peg, RCD
FX :Boss VF1,Lexicon MX 400,PCM 80, Line6 echopro,TC M one XL
mackie the mixer³
kick by RS110, Maths,QMMG

Moog Memorymoog LAMM SN 2854 with Siemens Display, 5 CEMS & Manual

Note: Auction links are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.

via this auction - audio demos at the listing but they are not working for me. Your luck might be better.

"Upgrades / Modifications: LAMM upgraded and serviced including Siemens display on 04/19/2009 http://www.lintronics.de/lamm.html (See enclosed pictures for details). The original Memorymoog display is obsolete; there is no clone / no replacement available, if your display fails, the only solution is a LAMM which has the firmware to drive the new Siemens display http://www.lintronics.de/display.html."

"What’s in the box: Synth + PS cable + Original User Manual + Original LAMM CD + Service Manual (copy) + LAMM Manual (copy) + 2x CEM3310 (NOS) + 2x CEM3340 (NOS) + 1x CEM3360 (NOS) + 2x CA3080E (NOS) + 1x Ultra Rare VCO Fine Control Panel Dual Potentiometer (NOS). The Step Up converter will be in a separate box / shipment."

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Tracks from The James Newman Groove Orchestra Upcoming Release: 'This side of the curse'

Published on Aug 16, 2018 Audio Illustrator

New tracks from supporting MATRIXSYNTH member, James Newman's upcoming release, 'This side of the curse'. You can find track details including their inspirations for the videos further below.

"This will be the opening piece for a 9 piece album I'm working on inspired from Biblical ideas and truths/passages and in a Pink Floyd/Orchestral mixed style. The Album will be called 'This side of the curse'. Here is the song listings:

1) This side
2) Broken
3) Out of Sync
4) A minor moment of reason
5) Let me out of here
6) And we are not
7) The silence of grasping air
8) Another Floydian Slip
9) Flip side

PS...once again I'm using a lot of the Behringer Model D on this piece but using a variety of other softsynths as well as the Moog DFAM and Mother 32."

Video playlist:

1. This side

"This side" is a song about this side of the curse. We all know that life is not only challenging but also downright hard at times. Even in the best of times we can see that life has a way of working against us.

I believe this life is indeed under a curse and that we all long to be set free from that which we are bound under.

This piece is based from Genesis 3.

I hope you enjoy. :)

Photo courtesy of Stephanie Newman.

James Newman 's music can be purchased at: jamesnewman.bandcamp.com

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Jean Jacques Perrey and Dana Countryman Live - Seattle

Remember this post? Well, I managed to make it to the kick off show in Seattle tonight, or rather last night. It was a very FUN show. Filled with quirky bits of music and musings by Jean-Jacques Perrey. Definitely recommend seeing them if you get a chance. Title link takes you to a ton of shots and some short video/audio clips I took with my old digital camera. Apologies for the poor quality.

One of the coolest things about the show was Jean-Jacques' antics during the performances, from pretending to ride a horse to air guitar. Classic, funny stuff. He said his goal was to make others happy and to bring a smile to our faces - to have FUN. I'd say he more than succeeded. What was also fascinating was the stories he'd tell before each piece. I don't want to ruin it for anyone that might make the upcoming shows, so let's just say there was a fascinating story about Salvadore Dali and one about Disneyland. As for gear, Jean played the Ondioline (that brown box in front of him), what looked like a Moog dual manual organ, a couple of synths and a few Moogerfoogers. Dana primarily played a Yamaha DX7 and every now and then he broke out with the Synthesizers.com modular. Oh, and his little elephant mascot joined the show as well. : )

You can read more about Jean Jacques Perrey here, and Dana Countryman here.

P.S. I also had the pleasure of meeting and sharing a table with Blake of Hotels. They use a Casio CZ-3000 and JP8000 in their set up. I just checked out their site and MySpace page. Good stuff.

Update:
OK - SPOILER (do not read this if you are going to the show and want the effect of hearing this story for the first time - this is the story about Salvidore Dali):
Jean talked about how Salvadore Dali asked him what he was working on next. Jean said he was working on 'Flight of the Bumble Bee.' Dali said, hmm.. that's not that special. Jean said, well I'm doing it with live bees! Dali said, oh I must hear this. Jean recorded the buzz of live bees and other bugs. He then sliced the tapes and mapped it to the full range of a keyboard. It took him 46 hours to set this up. He then played it for Dali. Dali was blown away and said he must play it for him again. He said Dali said Mignificent! It was a fascinating intimate story and I really am not doing it justice. You just picture them sitting together and Jean playing this for Dali. Amazing. You can read more on the tape process in this excerpt of his biography.