Suzanne Ciani to Mentor Emerging Electronic Producers as Master in Residence at Studio Bell

via the National Music Centre

"Synth legend Suzanne Ciani to mentor emerging electronic producers as next Master in Residence at Studio Bell

Four artists from across Canada to be mentored by electronic music pioneer

(Calgary, AB — October 17, 2019) The National Music Centre (NMC) is pleased to announce electronic music pioneer Suzanne Ciani as the next Master in Residence at Studio Bell in Calgary.

Dubbed the 'Diva of the Diode,' Suzanne Ciani is a five-time Grammy award-nominated composer, electronic music pioneer, and neo-classical recording artist whose work has been featured in countless commercials, video games, and feature films. Over the course of her 40-plus year career, Ciani has released 16 solo albums, including Seven Waves, The Velocity of Love, and most recently, her comeback quadraphonic Buchla modular synth performance recording LIVE Quadraphonic.

Alongside NMC ON and AEMCON events, Ciani will offer her expertise on electronic music composition, including analog modular live performance and sound design techniques, with four emerging Canadian electronic artists during an intensive one-day session. Participants include Calgary producer and bass music advocate Homesick, Winnipeg-by-way-of-Toronto electronic artist Joanne Pollock, experimental music-maker YlangYlang from Montreal, and Toronto-based experimental electronic performer Korea Town Acid, who will also appear as part of NMC ON: After Hours on November 15. Tickets for After Hours are on sale now at studiobell.ca/whats-on.

The public will also have a chance to see Ciani lead a public Buchla Masterclass on November 16. Tickets for that event are available at studiobell.ca/whats-on.

'I’m thrilled to share my history and expertise in my favorite music medium, analog modular, with young emerging Canadian artists,' said Suzanne Ciani. 'I’m looking forward to our exchange of ideas.'

The Master in Residence program invites emerging artists to work under the leadership of a Master in Residence chosen to inspire creativity, encourage innovation, share expertise and provide mentorship. Previous masters have included acclaimed country icon Terri Clark, singer-songwriter Steven Page, Canadian techno ambassador, Richie Hawtin, and Our Lady Peace founder, Raine Maida. Internationally-acclaimed artist and producer, Daniel Lanois led NMC’s first ever Master in Residence event in 2015 with an interactive master session in collaboration with Sled Island Music and Arts Festival.

'As a pioneering, Grammy-nominated composer and performer of electronic music, Suzanne Ciani is a master with international pedigree,' said Adam Fox, NMC’s Director of Programs. 'Connecting emerging Canadian artists with career-altering mentorship opportunities is something that the National Music Centre takes great pride in. This is going to be a once-in-a-lifetime experience for this year’s selected participants.'

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u-he's Urs Heckmann The CVilizationist

The CVilizationist HeadphonesMix Published on Aug 9, 2019 Urs Heckmann

"This is a special mix using Sennheiser Ambeo software to recreate the spatial depth of the original quadraphonic mix.

All sequencing and quantization (time & pitch) is done using one CVilization in Mode III (with a tiny bit of help from Brains + PressurePoints). A second CVilization mixes and animates four voices of melody and percussion in its quadraphonic panning mode (Mode IV).

Some of the live action apart from mixing, filtering, triggering and sound design is recording new sequences into CVilization, and setting mutation depths to evolve these sequences during playback."

The CVilizationist StereoMix

Published on Aug 9, 2019 Urs Heckmann

"Stereo mix of a modular live performance showcasing CVilization for sequencing and mixing.

All sequencing and quantization (time & pitch) is done using one CVilization in Mode III (with a tiny bit of help from Brains + PressurePoints). A second CVilization mixes and animates four voices of melody and percussion in its quadraphonic panning mode (Mode IV).

Some of the live action apart from mixing, filtering, triggering and sound design is recording new sequences into CVilization, and setting mutation depths to evolve these sequences during playback."

CCTV-Quadtec 101 Digital dual quadraphonic oscillator first sound

Published on Aug 8, 2019 Dziam Bass

"Today I have the first sound from the Quadtec 101 digital dual oscillator.

This is a module offering a quadraphone, but initially I did not use the full show when I wave through the pan placing it on the speakers. this patch was more about the sound itself and also quite interesting sequences when one sequencer controls this patch and the sound from one oscillator I raise and lower almost like transpositions ...
This is a great module because it extends the possibilities of creating new sequences or spaces and moving between two oscillators"

more info here: https://www.cctv.fm

"THE GARDEN CITY ELECTRONIC MUSIC COMMUNITY CREATED A TIMEMACHINE USING RARE TESLA BLUEPRINTS AND WENT INTO THE FUTURE TO GATHER DATA OF THE DAY; SEEKING OUT INSTRUMENTS FROM THE CREATIVE YOUTH OF THE FUTURE. UPON RETURNING TO 2019 THEY BROUGHT THOSE IDEAS TO FILIP PIETRUSZEWSKI TO RE-ENGINEER, DESIGN, AND REALIZE THIS FUTURISTIC INSTRUMENT USING MODERN AND ANTIIQUE TOOLS AT HIS MAD SCIENCE LAB AT CAPITAL CITY TRANSISTOR AND VALVE.

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Benard Mega Bundle Vol. 2

Published on Jul 31, 2019 Benard Audio

"Cherry Audio announces that Benard has released Mega Bundle Volume 2 modules for Voltage Modular. Cherry Audio's Voltage Modular is a virtual modular platform designed to be the "best sounding, most powerful, flexible, and easy-to-use virtual modular instrument available".

Benard Mega Bundle Volume 2 ($130) brings another 43 powerful modules to Voltage Modular, plus a few more that will be added for free in the near future.

It includes chaotic generators (Logistic Map, Lorenz Attractor, Quantussi Cell, LFO Matrix), sound sources (Pluck, Additive Bell, Breakpoint Oscillator, Quad Oscillator), drone and noise sources (Boolean Drone, Square Noise), sequencers (Trigger Position Sequencer, Random Choice), utilities (Map Range, Precision Attenuverters, 3-Way Crossfader, Timer, Auto-Panner, Auto-Crossfader), controllers (Sloth LFO, Slider Box, Octature LFO, Poly LFO, Mini Voltage Grid), a fixed filter bank, and a quadraphonic panner (Mono to Quad Circular Panner), along with a huge collection of unique poly modules. Visit the Mega Bundle Volume 2 page for more details."

u-he - Urs Heckmann @SUPERBOOTH 19

Published on May 10, 2019 Superbooth Official

"Last year we presented a glimpse of CVilization, our first Eurorack module. At that time we only had one of the operation modes working, and we were still thinking about future modes. Twelve months and a few board revisions later, we now have all four modes up and running, we are fine-tuning the firmware and are cautiously gearing up for beta-testing.

I will be presenting CVilization’s Modes III and IV, the so-called “Sequence Multiplier” and the Quadraphonic Mixer. The sequence multiplier transforms CVilization into 4 independent 16-step CV channels which can record, mutate and transpose sequences. The quadraphonic mixer takes four channels of audio or CV (24bit 96 kHz, +/-10V) and lets you mix, auto-pan and CV-pan them across the 4 output channels."

Shakmat announces 6 new modules at Superbooth ‘19

Shakmat announces 6 new modules at Superbooth ‘19 including three 1U/Tile utilies for imminent release

Shakmat will be presenting six new modules at the annual modular synthesizer fair known as Superbooth. The 6 new products include three 1U/ Tile format modules, two quadraphonic modules and a clever modulation/scene programmer.
Quadraphonic solutions

The Aeolus Seeds is dedicated to quadraphonic modulation and vector synthesis. Having a fully analog signal path through four VCAs driven by a handy quad digital modulation source, this module is able to easily create automatic movements in quadraphonic space thanks to a very simple interface. Additional features include an assignable CV output (which can deliver the distance from the center, the angle of the modulation and so on...) and an audio sum output turning the Aeolus Seeds into an animated vector synthesis tool.

The Aeolus Mixer is an useful unity quadraphonic mixer allowing to sum up to three quadraphonic sources and two stereo sources in 6 hp. The module has additional outputs for 5.1 compatibility!

The Harlequin makes a scene

The Harlequin's Context brings an innovative approach to presetting, sequencing and modulation. Four channels of any modulation type (offset, envelope, lfo or random) can be stored in scenes and then manually recalled, addressed by CV, sequenced and even morphed. Useful for presetting, and very creative for unique modulation designs, the Harlequin's is a versatile tool for live musicians and studio nerds.
New 1U product line

New modules also include 1U format utility modules. Released as 1U Intellijel format, those modules are Tiles / Pulp Logic compatible – thanks to alternative panels sold separatly and 2 power connectors (classic 5 x 2 pin euro, 3 pin Pulp Logic style).The Shakmat 1U line, compact and utilitarian, includes :

• Tessitura Tailor : a 10hp octave switch allowing transposing from -2 to +2 octaves

• Time Apprentice : two clock dividers with adjustable division perfect to clock / reset sequencers for example.

• Dual VCA : two high end THAT Corp. exponential VCAs packed in 8hp

All modules will be in our demo case
Find us at booth E263!

Suzanne Ciani Quadraphonic Sound Performance at the Los Angeles Public Library

Streamed live on Apr 6, 2019 Los Angeles Public Library

"Modular synth pioneer Suzanne Ciani presents a live quadraphonic performance with a Buchla 200e modular electronic music instrument."

Antimatter Audio V3KT Quadraphonic Panner & Vector Mixer For Eurorack

Published on Mar 7, 2019 Perfect Circuit

"Antimatter Audio's V3KT can combine 4 inputs to 1 output, send 1 input to 4 outputs, or mix 4 inputs to 4 outputs. It is controlled by X and Y CV inputs which then generate 4 different CV outputs. When a joystick's X and Y CV outs are connected to the X and Y CV ins the V3KT becomes an intuitive panner/mixer, but of course other CV controls can be used to generate evolving mixes and sounds.

V3KT available here: https://www.perfectcircuit.com/antima..."

New Antimatter Audio v3kt eurorack vector processor

Published on Dec 31, 2018 jeph Nor

via Antimatter

MAP: $199

"The V3KT is a 6hp 4-channel morphing vector mixer/quadraphonic panner with dedicated CV logic outs!

• Add vector synthesis, vector mixing, dynamic signal distribution, and quadraphonic panning of signals + CV sources to your synthesizer in just 6hp!

• Use LFOs, envelopes, sequencers, controllers, etc. to control the V3KT to generate unexpected patch animation from otherwise stale mixes.

• Upgrade your joystick/XY pad to a multi-function vector processor/controller! Combine various sources (synth voices, drum machines, radio, samples, spoken word, etc.), to create experimental morphing mixes.

• Create quadraphonic signal panning for surround performances. Distribute a signal to 4 separate effects (distortions, delays, filters, etc.), at modulated levels.

• Morph 4 oscillator waveform outputs to reproduce vintage vector synthesis techniques.

• Use as a CV re-distribution continuous logic center to re-imagine your existing CV sources. Utilize multiple inputs and outputs simultaneously in all modes to create complex, interactive patches."

Part 1: Quadraphonic Master Class with Suzanne Ciani

Published on Aug 9, 2018 loopop

"Suzanne Ciani is an electronic music pioneer, composer, sound designer responsible for iconic sounds in commercials and video games, AND not only a pioneer but someone who is still leading the pack today with amazing modular performances.

But what you won't get to really know about Suzanne's performance until you attend one of her concerts is that all her shows are strictly quadraphonic, and the experience is amazing.

That experience can be recreated in the studio, so I set out to create series of videos about creating quadraphonic music and performance.

Here's Part 1 of that series - a master class with Suzanne Ciani. Suzanne's gear of choice for quadraphonic is a Buchla system, which is rare and expensive. In Part 2 I'll show how you can get similar results with any DAW, a few things that are unique to Ableton Live, and, if you're into Eurorack, a few ways to perform quadraphonically with standard and specialized modules."

Planar 2! Introducing CV Recording and CV Input Modes

Published on Aug 8, 2018 Intellijel

Planar2 was first introduced at SUPERBOOTH18.

"With its smoothly responsive precision joystick, Planar2 facilitates hands-on vector control of two entirely independent sets of outputs (quadrants A-D, and axis X/Y), plus the ability to capture and playback your gestures. Recording your joystick movements enables the creation of organic and complex envelopes, wild and wobbly LFOs, or extended sonic evolutions. It mixes, morphs, routes and pans audio inputs; triggers gates; outputs control voltages and is itself, CV-controllable. Planar2 puts the ‘joy’ back in ‘joystick,’ and the ‘fun’ back in ‘function generator.’ Its multitasking and tactile interface makes it a flexible and unique control device, no matter what your musical genre.

Features
Vector control of two independent sets of outputs: one quadrant-based (outputs A, B, C, D) and one dual-axis based (outputs X and Y).
X/Y Controller: two-axis CV generator sends either unipolar (0V to +10V) or bipolar (-5V to +5V) signal out the X and Y outputs.
Four Quadrant Controller: With nothing connected to inputs A-D, outputs A-D become joystick-controlled individual unipolar (0V to +10V) control voltage sources.
Quad mixing & crossfading: Vector mixing and crossfading of four independent inputs (A, B, C, D) to either individual outputs or the mixed output.
Quad panning: connect a mono source to Input A and use the joystick to pan it to any of the four outputs. Connect a stereo signal to Inputs A and C and pan it forward and backward in quadraphonic space.
Quad routing: Send audio to Input A and patch outputs A-D to four different processors (i.e. VCF, wavefolder, delay, etc.), then use the joystick to dynamically route the signal through the different effects.
Gate Generator: Generate gates either manually (by pressing the Manual Gate button) or automatically whenever the joystick is in motion.
CV Gesture Recorder: Record joystick motions (including gates) to play back either as 1-shot complex function generators or as looped, LFO-like functions. Start time and length can sync to an external trigger, and punch-in/out recording is supported.
External CV Inputs: In addition to its built-in joystick, Planar2 has two CV inputs, which allows external CV control of quadrant outputs A-D and axis outputs X/Y. A mode switch alters how CV affects these outputs, allowing for some advanced automation techniques (such as circular and spinning motions) that would otherwise be difficult to automate."

Alesis Quadrasynth

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

Remember these? Alesis' first professional synth, a 76 key rompler from 1993.

via Wikipedia: "In the Quadrasynth's composite synthesis system, up to four "tones" are used to create a single "patch" or synthesizer sound. These individual "tones" are created by using 16-bit digital single-cycle waveforms or digital samples as oscillator sources, and are then processed via a digital non-resonant filter, various LFOs and envelope generators, and so on - in the usual manner. The Quadrasynth contained 16MB of ROM containing PCM-based waveforms and samples, with the option of expanding the sample base via PCMCIA expansion cards which plug into the back of the synthesizer.

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Suzanne Ciani Live Performance at P2 Art's Birthday Party in Stockholm, Sweden

Published on Feb 15, 2017 Suzanne Ciani

"Performed 27 January 2017 in Stockholm, Sweden. Originally in quadraphonic spatial sound."

WDR Studio für Elektronische Musik 2018 (Visit)

Published on Feb 19, 2018

EMS SYNTHI 100 in the background. There's also an EMS Vocoder, a 16 Channel Quadraphonic Effects Generator by QUEG, a rare Jellinghaus DX-Programmer, and more.  See the link in the descriptions below for more pics.

"Besuch des Studios für Elektronische Musik - 2018, Köln
Dokumentation dazu www.sequencer.de Suchbegriff WDR Studio reicht - dies sind zufällige Ausschnitte vom Besuch, vor allem für die Anwesenden, die Themen sind auf Sequencer.de gelistet. Das Video ist für mich selbst gedacht und für die, die da waren und erfüllt daher keine Gedanken an Qualität und Co. - Es ist nur da - bitte also das zu beachten - https://www.sequencer.de/blog/wdr-stu..."

Googlish:
"Visit to the electronic music studio - 2018, Cologne
Documentation on www.sequencer.de Search term WDR Studio is sufficient - these are random excerpts from the visit, especially for those present, the topics are listed on Sequencer.de. The video is for myself and for those who were there and therefore does not think about quality and co. - It's just there - so please keep this in mind - https: //www.sequencer.de/blog/wdr-stu ... "

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Audulus 3.4 Update Adds Support for Multichannel Audio/CV Output

"Audulus LLC is proud to announce the release of Audulus version 3.4 - a free update for all Audulus platforms* allowing users to access up to 16 audio and control voltage (CV) inputs and outputs through two brand-new nodes called ADC (analog-to-digital converter) and DAC (digital-to-analog converter).

Previously, Audulus users were limited to two inputs and two outputs using the Mic and Speaker nodes. Now, with the ADC and DAC nodes, Audulus users can take full advantage of their DC-coupled** audio interfaces, such as the Expert Sleepers ES-8 and the Universal Audio Apollo.

This means that users can now integrate Audulus seamlessly with hardware synthesizers and analog effects pedals using their computer or iOS device.

Some examples uses include:
Sending and receiving simultaneous audio, modulation, and envelope CVs to up to 4 Eurorack filters for true analog filter polyphony
Clocking multiple Korg Volcas at different speeds or divisions of a master clock
Sequencing analog synthesizers with volt-per-octave (VPO) signals
Receiving multiple DC signals from hardware controllers like CV joysticks and ribbon controllers for ultra-high-resolution control over your digital synthesizers
Receiving, quantizing, and sending out analog VPO signals
Generating LFOs and envelopes of any imaginable shape
Using stompboxes on a send & return within your Audulus patches
Cloning, adapting, and modifying true work-alikes of digital and analog Eurorack modules
Generating quadraphonic or surround-sound-style effects for keyboards and guitar
Receiving an analog master clock and generating divisions, probability triggers, or Euclidean-style rhythm sequencing (or mix of all!)
Storing, recalling, and rapidly switching between different modular synth patch routings
Analyzing a guitar’s pitch and volume envelope within Audulus and converting them to an analog VPO and envelope signal
Using Audulus as a multi-effect rack with 4 mono inputs and outputs or 2 stereo inputs and outputs (with an Expert Sleepers ES-8)

These are just a few of the possibilities Audulus users have explored so far. To keep up with patches and modules using the new ADC and DAC nodes, sign up for the Audulus user forum and download and share your patches there - http://forum.audulus.com

An example of Audulus sequencing VPO signals and envelopes through an Expert Sleepers ES-8:



Users can also follow Audulus on Instagram, Twitter, Youtube, Soundcloud, and Facebook @audulus for tutorials, video clips, and sound samples of what the ADC and DAC nodes can do.

If Audulus users have any questions about how to implement the ADC and DAC nodes, they can contact Audulus at support@audulus.com

Happy patching from all of us at Audulus!

* Audulus iOS requires the Apple Camera Connector Kit to connect to the Expert Sleepers ES-8.

**Most normal audio interfaces are AC-coupled. AC-coupling prevents a constant DC offset from damaging speakers and headphones. DC-coupled audio interfaces like the Expert Sleepers ES-8 are not required to use all 16 inputs and outputs of an audio interface or aggregate device. DC-coupled audio interfaces are required to send and receive accurate DC-offset analog signals such as gates, VPO signals, and envelopes.


Example Videos of Audulus + ES-8

This picture shows a self-oscillating filter entering Audulus through audio input 4 of the Expert Sleepers ES-8 using the ADC node, and sending two oscillators through outputs 7 and 8 of the ES-8 using the DAC node to the Mordax DATA oscilloscope in XY mode."

App links for Audulus:
iOS | Mac | Windows/Linux

“SILENCE IS *NOT* REQUESTED”: A THREE-DAY VISION QUEST at Tinity College Dublin

This one in via @carolinezoids

"'Silence is *NOT* Requested': 29-31 May w/ Synth Petting Zoo, @Analog_On & #Moog System 55: http://www.tcd.ie/ … #berkeley50 @matrixsynth"

The will be performances as well of course. Full details here.

"Time to move outside our comfort zone…
In a nod towards the artistic “happenings” and gatherings of the 1960s, the Library of Trinity College Dublin presents three nights of poets, music, sound effects, psychedelic projections and swirling quadraphonic sound in the Berkeley Library.

Curated by Richard Duckworth of the Department of Music, these events link the fifty years since the Moog synth was made commercially available with the opening of the Berkeley Library, and mark a radical departure from our usual events…

The nights have at their heart the classic Moog System 55 synthesiser – in Dublin as part of an upcoming Science Gallery exhibition – and we are very grateful to Paul Smith/Moog Sound Lab UK for its use. Each night will feature a 'Synth Petting Zoo' to get up close and personal with the rig."

Analog On w/ Buchla & 5U systems.

Moogfest Announces Suzanne Ciani as the 2017 Moog Innovation Award Recipient

via Moog Music

"The 2017 Moog Innovation Award will be presented to Suzanne Ciani at Moogfest 2017, the annual music, art and technology festival in Durham, North Carolina. This award recognizes her 45 plus years of genre-defying work that exemplifies the bold, innovative spirit of Bob Moog. Past recipients include visionary artists like Gary Numan, Devo, Brian Eno, Bernie Worrell, and Thomas Dolby, and synth designers like Herb Deutsch.

Ciani, the first woman to receive the award, superseded many of her male contemporaries as a synthesist, sound designer, and composer. Well known as an early protege and long-time devotee of Don Buchla, and a friend of Bob Moog, her use of synthesizers created entirely new sounds that opened minds around the globe to electronic music as a valid form of expression. She is a five-time Grammy nominated composer and the first woman to score a Hollywood film. Her work has been featured in countless commercials, video games, and feature films.

Today, Ciani continues to inspire generosity, curiosity, and experimentation for a resurgent, multi-generational community of synth-enthusiasts and electronic music fans. Ciani’s 4-hour durational performance at Moogfest 2016 modulated between a rolling quadraphonic soundscape, stories about her early days working in New York, and tips for operating rare Buchla synths while spatializing audio. Ciani returns to Moogfest 2017 to receive the Moog Innovation award, where she will perform and be celebrated in a workshop, featured conversation as well as host a screening of a recently released documentary about her innovative life in electronic music.

Additionally, we are pleased to have more voices added to the choir at Moogfest...

Comedians often are the reflexive lens of culture, giving uplifting commentary to our often complex world. With this spirit in mind, comedian and actor Hannibal Buress will be joining us as the comedic lens and moderator in two conversations: One with the wildly inventive hip-hop producer & lyricist Flying Lotus, and another with psych-pop trio Animal Collective and legendary 1970’s synth pioneers and psych outfit, Syrinx.

Chicago based experimental song stylists Circuit de Yeux will be added to this year’s line-up, bringing her conversely expressionate sense of abstract pop to the Moogfest stage.


About Moogfest
Moogfest is the synthesis of music, art, and technology. Since 2004, Moogfest has brought together artists, futurist thinkers, inventors, entrepreneurs, designers, engineers, scientists, and musicians. By day, Moogfest is a platform for conversation and experimentation. By night, Moogfest presents cutting-edge music in venues throughout the city. This mind-expanding conference attracts creative and technology enthusiasts for three days of participatory programming in Durham, North Carolina. Performing artists include early pioneers in electronic music, alongside pop and avant-garde experimentalists of today.

Ticket information:

Engineer Festival Pass (limited quantity) - $1500
This two-day synth-building workshop, led by Moog engineers, invites a select group of enthusiasts to build their very own unreleased Moog analog synthesizer and sequencer. The hands-on workshop is conducted in two three-hour sessions within the Pop-up Moog production facility. No experience is necessary, but basic soldering knowledge is recommended. Participants in the Engineering workshop also have VIP access for the duration of the event. Priority access to all festival venues for performances and conference programming: conversations, workshops, and installations. Access to exclusive VIP viewing areas and events and gift bag. Complimentary food and drink in select locations. Workshops are available via RSVP. Engineer Festival Pass holders will receive first priority on a limited basis. Pre-Sale Engineer Festival Passes available for a limited time, while supplies last.

Buy here

VIP Festival Pass - $499
VIP access for the duration of the event. Priority access to all festival venues for performances and conference programming: conversations, workshops, and installations. Access to exclusive VIP viewing areas and events and gift bag. Complimentary food and drink in select locations. Workshops are available via RSVP. VIP Festival Pass holders will receive first priority on a limited basis.

Buy here

Festival Pass - $249
General Admission for the duration of the event. Access to all festival venues for performances and conference programming: conversations, workshops, and installations. Workshops are available via RSVP. VIP Festival Pass holders will receive first priority on a limited basis.

Buy here

Payment plans are also available. Simply select 'Monthly Payments with Affirm' as your payment method during checkout. More details are available here."

Superbooth 2017: SteveH Quadraphonic Buchla Sound Canvases (excerpt)

Published on Apr 22, 2017 Ask.Audio

"Catch this excerpt from the SteveH Buchla Music Easel sound canvases immersive experience at Superbooth 2017 in Berlin."

KOMA's Field Kit launched on Kickstarter!

"After a year of development, testing and prototyping, KOMA Elektronik is proud to present the latest addition to the KOMA family: the KOMA Elektronik Field Kit! On Kickstarter now! The new KOMA Elektronik Field Kit is the perfect tool for everyone who would like to experiment with electroacoustic sound. Use everyday objects, amplify them and use them to make sound, like our heroes John Cage and David Tudor used to do!

The Field Kit is optimized to process signals from microphones, contact microphones, electromagnetic pickups and able to run DC motors and solenoids. On top of that it can receive radio signals and convert signals from switches and sensors into control voltage. The Field Kit boasts 7 separate functional blocks all focussed on receiving or generating all types of signals. They are designed to operate together as a coherent electroacoustic workstation or alternatively together with other pieces of music electronics with the ability to use control voltage signals:

Four Channel Mixer
Envelope Follower
DC Interface
Analog Switch Interface
Analog Sensor Interface
AM/FM/SW Radio
Low Frequency Oscillator
You can easily interface the Field Kit with a Eurorack modular system. At the backside of the PCB you will find a power connector you can use to power the unit from your system. The total panel width is 36HP. You can buy the Field Kit as a finished unit or build one yourself with the DIY Version."



"All audio has been recorded straight from the Field Kit, using a DC Motor, Solenoid Motor, a DC powered fan, Roland TR-8 and Berlin's local radio station Antenne Brandenburg as audio sources."

Additional details via Kickstarter.

"The KOMA Field Kit

The new KOMA Elektronik Field Kit is the perfect tool for everyone who would like to experiment with electroacoustic sound. Use everyday objects, amplify them and use them to make sound, like our heroes John Cage and David Tudor used to do!

The Field Kit is optimized to process signals from microphones, contact microphones, electromagnetic pickups and able to run DC motors and solenoids. On top of that it can receive radio signals and convert signals from switches and sensors into control voltage!

We have finished development of the Field Kit, are ready for production and we need your support to make it happen!

[Pictured:] The final Field Kit prototype, ready for production!

It's all about the things you connect to the The Field Kit! To get you started we decided to offer an Expansion Pack with a bunch of different sources that you can use and connect to create your own signature sounds.

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KNAS EKDAHL QAUD MASSAGER QUADRAPHONIC VCA / MIXER / LFO Pan Autopan

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

via this auction

"The Ekdahl Quad Massager is a quad VCA, joystick-controlled mixer / quadrophonic panner for Audio or CV. It comes with a voltage-controlled quadrature sine LFO and no less than 18 x 1/4" ins and outs.

In short, the Ekdahl Quad Massager can be used to "move" a signal on a 2-dimensional surface, giving the effect of quadrophonic panning. In reality, the joystick position only sets the volume of the four outputs. At center position all outputs are at their maximum output volume, the further the joystick moves from the center, the less the amplitude of the opposed outputs of the travel.

Each output is controlled by a VCA, each VCA has one signal input, one signal output and one CV input. If connected, the direct CV input breaks the connection to the joystick and LFO routing so that the VCA can be used as stand-alone. The Ekdahl Quad Massager also has CV inputs for both the X and Y axis, serving the same function as the joystick movements.

The Ekdahl Quad Massager is equipped with a voltage-controlled quadrature LFO that can give both sine and cosine outputs. Traditionally, the LFO is used to move the sound in circular or elliptical patterns as well as back and forth along either the X or Y axis. The LFO also has two CV outputs (Sine / Cosine) and one CV input (Speed). The X and Y axises CV input goes full range on +/-2.5V, the direct VCA CV inputs reacts to 0-5V.

Example 1 - Setup for quadrophonic panning from a monophonic source
VCA A In - whatever sound you wanna pan
VCA A Out - Left front speaker
VCA B Out - Right front speaker
VCA C Out - Left rear speaker
VCA D Out - Right rear speaker
Combination Out - subwoofer (optional)

Use:
Manual panning: set the "cosine to y" knob to 0 and the "sine to x" knob to 0 and move the joystick around.
Automatic panning: to have automatic panning controlled by the internal LFO, set for example the "cosine to y" knob to 25% and the "sine to x" knob to 25% and set the "LFO Speed" knob to 25% - this will create circular panning. By changing the "cosine to y" knob and "sine to x" knob to different values from eachother, eliptical panning movements will result. By setting either knob to 0, panning will only happen either left-to-right or front-to-back.

Note about patching: by putting an audio cable into the "VCA A In" jack and leaving the "VCA B In", "VCA C In" and "VCA D In" jack disconnected, the audio from the "VCA A In" jack will automatically be connected to the other inputs - it's like if you had four cables, from the same source going to the four inputs. The way it works is quite simple: audio from "VCA A In" goes to "VCA B In" which in turn goes to "VCA C in" which then goes to "VCA D In", this means that if you connect two sources, one to "VCA A In" and one to "VCA C In", it works like this:
VCA A In -> VCA B In and VCA C In -> VCA D In

Example 2 - Setup for quadrophonic panning from a stereo source
VCA A In - Audio source left
VCA C In - Audio source right
VCA A Out - Left front
VCA B Out - Left rear
VCA C Out - Right front
VCA D Out - Right rear
Combination Out - subwoofer (optional)
This setup might seem unintuitive to some.

Example 3 - Setup for mixing four audio sources to one monophonic output
VCA A In - Audio source 1
VCA B In - Audio source 2
VCA C In - Audio source 3
VCA D In - Audio source 4
Combination Out - to your amp, mixer, stereo, whatever you got

Example 4 - Setup for having one dedicated sound per speaker in a quadrophonic system, using the joystick as a quadrophonic volume control
VCA A In - Audio source 1
VCA B In - Audio source 2
VCA C In - Audio source 3
VCA D In - Audio source 4
VCA A Out - Speaker 1
VCA B Out - Speaker 2
VCA C Out - Speaker 3
VCA D Out - Speaker 4

Example 5 - Setup for using any or all of the VCAs as a stand-alone unit
Inserting a cable into any of the "VCA [X] CV In" will disconnect the VCA from the joystick action and make it work as a standalone VCA.
VCA A In - Audio source
VCA A Out - To your amp, mixer etc.
VCA A CV In - To your CV-source (ADSR, LFO etc.)

Example 6 - Setup for using any or all of the VCAs as a ringmodulator
Note: This requires the "carrier audio" to be a very loud signal like that of a modular synthesizer, a preamp could be used to bring a line-level signal to the desired volume. This does not result in "true" ring-modulation but is close enough and sounds awesome, no complaining.
VCA A In - Audio source to be ring-modulated
VCA A CV In - Audio source that is the "carrier audio", that controls the modulation
VCA A Out - To your amp, mixer etc.

Example 1 - Setup for quadrophonic panning from a monophonic source
VCA A In - whatever sound you wanna pan
VCA A Out - Left front speaker
VCA B Out - Right front speaker
VCA C Out - Left rear speaker
VCA D Out - Right rear speaker
Combination Out - subwoofer (optional)

Use:
Manual panning: set the "cosine to y" knob to 0 and the "sine to x" knob to 0 and move the joystick around.
Automatic panning: to have automatic panning controlled by the internal LFO, set for example the "cosine to y" knob to 25% and the "sine to x" knob to 25% and set the "LFO Speed" knob to 25% - this will create circular panning. By changing the "cosine to y" knob and "sine to x" knob to different values from eachother, eliptical panning movements will result. By setting either knob to 0, panning will only happen either left-to-right or front-to-back.

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