Introducing IOLabs Particles - Touchscreen Physics Simulator for Eurorack

video uploads by IOLabs

A new module from the makers of Flux. IOLabs Particles is currently live on Kickstarter here.

Video Playlist:
IOLabs Particles: Touchscreen Physics Simulator for Eurorack!
IOLabs Particles: Centered Gravity Quantize Demo
IOLabs Particles: Collision Physics Demo

"Live on Kickstarter from Jan 31st 2024!

Our new module offers the possibility to create music using our creative physics engine. Add particles, animated surfaces, portals, black holes and generate gates on collisions, CV output voltages & quantized melodies!

Each particle can have entirely unique physics parameters including acceleration, velocity, mass & gravity! All interact in your simulation to create collisions and XY positional data that can be mapped to generate musically useful gates, voltages & notes. Collisions for some particles may even be switched off so that they move freely around the screen without colliding with other simulation elements.

Multiple quantize zone maps can be used simultaneously to create chords and multiple particles may be mapped to the same output to allow transposition of melodies. CV outputs can be set to send a transposed voltage from another output for easy chord generation.

One particle can control all outputs or all particles (up to 50) can control one output, and anything in between. As with Flux, we have aimed to keep the module as flexible as possible. All simulations can be drawn from scratch using the touchscreen or simulations can also be crafted in fine detail by inputting exact values in the UI.

Multiple external and internal timed resets can be used simultaneously per particle to sync to external equipment or create repetition and complex rhythms as explored in the demo video.

Endless rhythmic and melodic possibilities await!

Please note - the module's hardware itself obeys the real world laws of physics as is in no danger of floating away from your case should you experiment with gravity values. It should however be held in place by mounting screws (just in case)."

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Scrotum Lab - Yamaha DD-8 Circuit bending

video uploads by batchas

"Voltage controlled Yamaha DD-8.
Percussions sounds & rhythm by DD-8.

DD-8 is clocking my Scrotum Lab's "Mini-System" where Grilles, Le Seq and Tresses are active.
Grilles is clocked by DD-8. Le Seq is synched to Grilles. Tresses is triggered by Grilles.
Le Seq sequence is sent to the CV input I added on the DD-8.
Tresses is playing the Bells algorithm.
Mini-System is sent to effects."

Leploop groove box

video upload by NOISEBUG

https://www.noisebug.net/products/lep-leploop-v3

"LEPLOOP was designed to be a minimalist electronic music live-performance groove-box, which can be used to create a variety of electronic musical styles. Small in nature but aggressive in sound, the user will be able to create a variety of analog timbres and beats. We are happy to present the third series after ten years of production, with some update:

Panel and Box design with Italian design studio IOSAGHINI

General PCB Redesign

New Metal Shaft Potentiometer

New 15v Dc Power Supply

On\Off Power Switch

Envelope 1\2 Gate in\out Connectors

Envelope 1 release CV controllable with LFO or Sequencer

VCA 1\2 Linear \ Exponential Switch

LFO rate CV In

The LEPLOOP can be synched via MIDI to another LEPLOOP for tempo-synched operation or to another MIDI device or sequencer to receive sequence stop & start instructions.

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New OODA Sequencer for iOS

OODA Sequencer Testdrive video upload by Perplex On

"First little run with #oodasequencer going into a couple of #decentsampler instances and #purepiano. Served with particles. Enjoy. 😊"

OODA - Portable MIDI Sequencer by Ryan Robinson

video upload by e y l v y

OODA - NEW - Portable MIDI Step Sequencer - With Wormholes - Featuring SynthMaster 1 & 2 - For iOS
video upload by The Sound Test Room

And a few tutorials by the developer followed by full details:

Launch Party! Take 50% off OODA and ZOA for 72 hours.

OODA is a fresh take on the classic MIDI step sequencer with interactive and semi-generative enhancements.

What makes OODA unique is that you can connect arbitrary steps together using conditional “wormholes” to add structured (or random) variation to your sequences. Another unique feature is that OODA’s underlying model is decoupled from its voices. This allows you to interact with your sequences and create melodic variations in real time without affecting your groove.

OODA’s open-ended sequence grid can be easily configured for almost any use case. Anything from simple melodies and bass parts to semi-generative chords and arpeggios, OODA can do it all with a little creativity!

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New Landscape NOON 8 Channel Powerless Instrument

via Landscape (demos on site) Overview✺

WHO❀ Noon

WHAT❈ An 8 channel powerless instrument which is activated and modulated using voltage from external sequencers.

HOW✷ Analog circuits are powered momentarily by incoming gate and control voltage signals causing them to oscillate and breath naturally. When these circuits are linked together they can grow, inform and process one another in complex rhythmic ways.

WHY❃ This technique increases the unstable properties of analog circuits, causing increased organic textures and movement. The simple controls are provided to ensure immediacy and access to rapidly alter sounds and movement without patching.

WHERE✾ The simplicity of the interface was designed with live performance in mind. The number of internal and external variables (control voltage types, linked channel behavior plus external audio input) create lots of room for studio exploration.

WHEN✻ We plan to have pre-orders open by end of January 2022

IN-DEPTH✹

NOON is a passive analog drum/synthesizer. Each of the eight channels uses a unique analog circuit with its own characteristics. No power supply is needed. Each circuit is triggered and powered individually from incoming gates or control voltages provided by voltage sequencers or modular systems. By using this unique method, we can increase instability and magnify organic aspects of traditional analog electronic instruments. The sound of analog, at its core, is the sound of sculpted electricity. By removing the stabilizing elements of a constant power source, we can listen to the sound of electronic circuits loading and unloading, powering up and powering down, and we can increase the natural chaotic movement of electricity. The loading of circuits creates natural ways to access swing and groove or ways to deconstruct a programmed rhythm sequence to make surprisingly new ideas.

Each channel is represented by a tuning fork. Incoming voltage can be thought of as a way to “strike” each fork with momentary voltage. Between every channel there are Link buttons which allow voltage sharing between channels. Linking them provides a wide mix of results depending on incoming voltage, active or inactive channels, slider settings, gate lengths and multichannel linking. The results can be described as cross modulation, growth (creating a larger and more complex circuit), or processing (filtering, distortion). Due to the cycles of voltage and this inherent instability, a definition of what is actually occurring between channels can be hard to pin down. The eight Mod buttons, which are located at the bottom of each tuning fork, change the behavior and sound of each circuit. The eight latching CV buttons along the top allow the “☾” Even and “❍” Odd CV modulation inputs to route to even and odd channels. When incoming CV is unmuted, a channel’s behavior can change drastically and this behavior can change further when channels are linked. These CV inputs are a way to add microtonal pitch changes and/or large textural movement to voices. The Even and Odd CV inputs are summed to their respective channels to provide a rhythmic modulation reference between multiple channels. ⏚

SOUND RECORDING - Old synthesizer

video upload by Woodlark Studio

This is the first post on the site to feature one. What is it?

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New Superbooth Berlin 2021 Presentation Videos

You can use the controls on the bottom left or upper right of the player to skip around.

Playlist:
1. Joranalogue - SUPERBOOTH21 Gesprächskonzert (lecture concert)

The Belgium Eurorack synth maker Joranalogue presented not one, but three new modules at SUPERBOOTH21: Orbit 3, Enhance 2 and Step 8.

During their Gesprächskonzert at Fuchsbau they not only talked about these new modules, but Alter Fritz also performed a live session with a Joranalogue based Eurorack system.

Driven by an unrelenting passion for analogue circuits, Joranalogue Audio Design offers an expanding series of high-quality Eurorack music synthesizer modules. They're continually introducing new approaches and techniques to the Eurorack platform, making waves in the waters of analogue synthesis. All products are designed and made in Belgium, guided by experiences in both modern hardware engineering and vintage synthesizer servicing.

This year, the Joranalogue crew finally returns to Berlin to present its latest developments. Join designer Joran van Gremberghe and artist Frits Jacobs (Alter Fritz) for a whirlwind ride through the exciting world of these black and silver modules!

2. u-he Wiretap - SUPERBOOTH21 Gesprächskonzert (lecture concert) @SUPERBOOTH21

For this Gesprächskonzert Urs Heckmann, founder of Berlin based company u-he, teamed up with Sebastian Hübert for their performance and presentation at Fuchsbau during SUPERBOOTH21. The former one-man show u-he is now a tightly knit team of employees, active associates and 3rd-party contractors – with ambitious plans.

Famous for very accurate and widely appreciated software synthesizers and effects, u-he showed their first eurorack module at a previous edition of Superbooth – the CVilisation. At SUPERBOOTH21 it was time for another announcement. They took the chance to present their latest development with a Gesprächskonzert, of which you can find the video documentation below.
The module is named Wiretap and it played a major role in creating rhythm during their performance.

Wiretap is a double gate extractor for v/oct signals. It will generate a gate when the voltage goes high, when it goes low, when it's steady, when it moves, when it's higher than the other one and when it's lower. And you can set the gate length and get additional envelope outputs.

3. Bitwig - SUPERBOOTH21 Gesprächskonzert (lecture concert)

Berlin based DAW-makers Bitwig played a Gesprächskonzert on Thursday of SUPERBOOTH21. With the idea of - Less is More - Dave Linnebank showcased Bitwig and its possibilities, concentrating on simple ideas and how to creatively make them more complex. In other words: In this performance Dave starts with some short phrases, and then uses Bitwig Studio to extend them into musical passages. These will then become performance-ready clips by adding Bitwig's Operators for some fuzzy logic, getting the computer to make compositional choices while Dave is busy playing new lines on top.

Dave Linnenbank is a musician, technologist, and teacher. Over the past 20 years, he has crafted musical tools for pop and jazz artists, Broadway musicals, and desktop electronic musicians everywhere. Dave is part of Team Bitwig in Berlin, regularly making YouTube tutorials and more.

4. Verbos Electronics Complete Systems – SUPERBOOTH21 Gesprächskonzert (lecture concert)

During his Gesprächskonzert at SUPERBOOTH21 Mark Verbos is introducing the audience to the newly designed Verbos Electronics System Configurations: Designer Configuration, Performer Configuration, Producer Configuration.

Mark Verbos explains the intended use of each configuration as well as the philosophy behind not only the module selection but also module arrangement. He also plays some examples with all three system to give a musical reference to the explanation of the ideas behind each system. This Gesprächskonzert is a great opportunity to watch and hear all three configurations right next to each other – where else would that be possible? Enjoy the video!

5. Modor DR-2 - SUPERBOOTH21 Gesprächskonzert (lecture concert)

Modor introduced its powerful DR-2 drum machine at SUPERBOOTH21 with a short explanation by Marcel from Modor Music about its most deviant possibilities. This six-channel drum machine is completely digital – a discipline that Modor shines in. The DR- drum synthesizer features a sequencer with 128 steps and a very tidy user interface.

It positively surprised many people when it was introduced, because it is unusual and brings something new to the table. Luckily the DR-2 is not a copy of a classic, but uses modern digital synthesis to create drum sounds. A drum model can be assigned to each of the six channels. You can also assign the same model to several or all channels. The models include: Three bass drum models, three snare models, three cymbal models, claps, two tom models and miscellaneous, the latter divided into three subcategories: rimshot, rattle and cowbell.

This Gesprächskonzert was a very welcome opportunity to hear this rare drum machine in action. Enjoy the video!

6. Polyend Tracker - SUPERBOOTH21 Gesprächskonzert (lecture concert)

Sobutane presents his upcoming album Future Cake using two Trackers and one Medusa durng this Gesprächskonzert at SUPERBOOTH21.

After working with the Yamaha RM1x sequencer for 13 years Sobutane discovered the Tracker by Polyend. Originally bought just for drum parts, it revealed itself to be a great live-oriented tool, making him compose music outside his trusty RM1x for the first time in his life. Although the idea of a tracker is not particularly new, the Tracker still feels fresh and inspirational to many musicians. The Tracker brought Sobutane ideas and a new approach to composing his music, so he bought a second one and a Medusa, also made by Polyend. That was the starting point for the creation of the music you hear in his Gesprächskonzert for Polyend. Enjoy!

7. Ploytec Boom Kick - SUPERBOOTH21 Gesprächskonzert (lecture concert)

This Gesprächskonzert was unusually opened with a steel-guitar performance by DobBroMan, showing the Ploytec Boom Kick (Guitar Pedal).

Ploytec always valued the opportunity of Gesprächskonzerte at Superbooth and so they took the chance to do another one in 2021 this time for a rather unusual product – a guitar pedal that generates a kick drum in sync with the tapped in tempo. Additionally it sends a MIDI clock to other gear. This is useful for simple backing of what the guitarist is playing. The addition of a bass drum completes the otherwise solo guitar and with the MIDI tempo output, other instruments can play in sync – whether these are additional drum machines or synthesizers or whatever.

And there is one special thing to note about the bass drum sound – there are no samples saved to this machine. The drum sound is generated through synthesis and it has a huge range of possible sounds, suitable for pretty much all music genres.

And if you haven’t heard the Superbooth blues yet, watch until the end!

8. LPZW & Tubbutec - SUPERBOOTH21 Gesprächskonzert (lecture concert)

Kai and Tobi (aka LPZW & Tubbutec) probably could have sold every second SUPERBOOTH21 guest a 6mod6, that's how well their first joint product was received. At Fuchsbau the Berlin based manufacturers presented the result of their collaboration: a highly modified homage to the 606.

They were accompanied by an opening performance from Cem Oral a.k.a. Jammin’ Unit in which he used the new module intensively, giving a good idea about what the module sounds like in a musical context.

After the performance Kai and Tobi walked the audience through every sound engine of the module and showed their modifications of the original 606 circuits. Not only with the Gesprächskonzert, they convinced a lot of people that they created a great sounding and very versatile 606 inspired drum module.

Now the wait begins, the first batch of the 6mod6 still has to be built. Let's hope that the chip shortage does not delay the production too much.

9. Erica Synths PĒRKONS - SUPERBOOTH21 Gesprächskonzert (lecture concert)

Erica Synths team of engineers and musicians have been working hard to bring surprise us all with a new instrument that no one expected and everyone wanted. Erica Synths had their booth completely dedicated to their latest product the PĒRKONS HD-01 drum machine.

PĒRKONS features four sonically versatile hybrid voices (digital sound engine + analogue multimode filter with overdrive) and a sequencer with simultaneous control over all four percussion tracks, an internal analogue BBD FX send, parameter automation and much more. This is a modern drum machine with a serious vintage look.

For their Gesprächskonzert they brought not one, but two of these machines and finally explained it and showed what it is capable of. For everyone’s surprise, the demo started with a drone set – yes, it can also do drones. And for the final concert part of this presentation, no other than Kodek entered the stage. Sounds fun? Enjoy the video!

10. Nonlinear Labs C15 – SUPERBOOTH21 Gesprächskonzert (lecture concert)

Stephan Schmitt, the founder of Nonlinear Labs, plays some improvisations on the C15 and shows the enormous tonal possibilities of this instrument and its ability to be played very expressively – with up to four expression pedals and the two large ribbon controllers. The C15 is a puristic and distinct digital synthesizer. Its sounds are generated by elementary algorithms and feedback structures. This opens up new fields for sound design and gives musicians an expressively playable and dynamical behavior, similar to acoustic instruments. The C15 is an instrument that has to be played by hand to unfold its full potential. After the performance Stephan explains what features are new and which special features of the C15 he used.

This isn’t the first Gesprächskonzert by Nonlinear Labs, so be sure to check out the previous editions for more information about this unique instrument.

11. Haken Audio & La Voix du Luthier – SUPERBOOTH21 Gesprächskonzert (lecture concert)

Haken Audio and La Voix du Luthier have been presenting together at Superbooth for several years now, showing how well these two companies and their products fit together. This Gesprächskonzert features a Haken Continuum, the all-new Continuum Eurorack Module and the large Pyramid Resonator.
Watch Edmund Eagan passionately talk about his products and enjoy the demonstration and performance of the Continuum Fingerboard by Rob Schwimmer.

The almighty synthesis engine behind all these sounds is the Eagan Matrix, that now is also featured in the Eurorack module. This is a huge opportunity for sound designers and artists to expand their sound palette with very expressive and unique sounds.

12. UDO Audio Super 6 Desktop - SUPERBOOTH21 Gesprächskonzert (lecture concert)

UDO Audio brought the world one of the most interesting poly-synths of the recent years. Very rarely a company achieves such a success with their first ever product – but the Super 6 made it. Now UDO Audio showed the desktop version of this incredible synth. Great looks, ergonomics and the sound of the original Super 6 make this machine a very interesting option for many musicians and studios on the hunt for a capable poly-synth.

In this video George gives a little insight into the development of the company in general and his view on the past two years, since he presented the Super 6 to the world at SUPERBOOTH19.

Roland TR-707 & TR-727 Come to Roland Cloud

Roland TR-707 & TR-727 Software Rhythm Composer Overview; Two Classic Drum Machines on Roland Cloud video upload by RolandChannel

"Since their release in 1985, the renowned TR-707 and TR-727 Rhythm Composers have been the heartbeats of tracks in a range of genres including synth pop, acid house, industrial, electro, indie, alternative, and more. Now, thanks to Roland Analog Circuit Behavior technology, you can have the authentic sound and experience of these influential drum machines right inside your DAW—with modern upgrades for your workflow.

Great care went into replicating the sound and experience of the original TR-707 and TR-727 hardware with some added modern enhancements. For the sounds, we started with the original PCM ROMs found in these classics, then used our advanced circuit modeling to recreate the PCM output stage, including all its unique quirks and instabilities. Plus, you’ll get tuning, decay, PCM clock adjustment, and other parameters that aren’t present on the original units.

The updated sequencer allows you to add even more detail and nuances to your grooves. Open the sequencer’s expanded edit panel and discover individual sequencer lanes with mute, solo, last step, and adjustable shuffle for each instrument. Per-step accent is included, and each step can trigger hard or weak hits, alternate sounds, three types of sub-steps, and nine types of flams.

In this video:
00:40 Layout
01:08 Sequencer
04:53 Analog Circuit Behavior
05:38 Editing Sounds
07:54 PCM Clock
08:55 Drag and Drop Audio/MIDI
09:46 Patterns and Kits
10:29 TR-727
11:04 Sequencer (TR-727)
11:25 Editing Sounds (TR-727)
12:08 TR-727 and TR-707 Together
13:30 Roland Cloud Legendary Plug-Ins"

And the press release:

"Los Angeles, CA, September 2, 2021 — Roland announces the TR-707 and TR-727 Software Rhythm Composers, the latest additions to the Legendary series of software-based Roland instruments available through Roland Cloud. Brought to life with Roland’s advanced Analog Circuit Behavior (ACB) technology, these plug-in instruments bring the authentic sound and experience of the influential mid-1980s TR-707 and TR-727 Rhythm Composers to computer-based music production and performance workflows.

In 1985, Roland introduced the now-famous TR-707 and TR-727, the company’s first drum machines with all sounds based around PCM samples. The TR-707, with its orange livery, had the most advanced pattern sequencing capabilities to date and included 15 punchy drum sounds covering all the basics, from kick and snare to toms and cymbals. Its sibling, the blue-highlighted TR-727, was an all-out percussion powerhouse with 15 Latin-inspired sounds that could take any groove to new heights. Each unit was formidable on its own, but together they were unstoppable.

Taking their rightful places next to other classics in the Roland TR series, this dynamic duo of drums and percussion has appeared on hit tracks in many genres through the years, including synth-pop, acid house, industrial, electro, indie, alternative, and more. The software-based recreations reproduce their sound and behavior with 100-percent authenticity, coupled with modern upgrades that take them into all-new creative territory.

The playback engines in the TR-707 and TR-727 were primitive by today’s standards, with 25 kHz sample rates and 8-bit resolution (and even 6-bit for some tones). To optimize performance, Roland engineers used short PCM waveforms with decay introduced later in the analog circuitry. But this early hybrid approach had its limitations, with deviations in the digital clock and analog circuitry causing variances in the pitch and decay characteristics. This combination of factors strongly contributes to the charm of the TR-707 and TR-727 and their unique and pleasing lo-fi punch. To replicate these behaviors in software, Roland started with the original PCM wave data from the hardware. Next, ACB technology was used to recreate the interaction between the PCM engine and analog output stages, carefully including all its quirks and instabilities.

The software-based TR-707 and TR-727 also include many updated features inspired by popular aftermarket modifications. Users have deep levels of sound control unavailable with stock hardware units, including attack, decay, and tuning for individual sounds, the ability to overdrive the internal circuitry, and much more. Additionally, the sequencer features include numerous modern enhancements for infusing grooves with added detail and nuance.

The TR-707 and TR-727 Software Rhythm Composers are part of Roland Cloud’s Legendary series, which offers plug-in versions of Roland classics like the TR-808, TR-909, JUNO-106, JUPITER-8, D-50, and many others. Legendary titles are available with the Ultimate membership level of Roland Cloud. All paid levels—including Core and Pro—start with a free 30-day trial of Ultimate, allowing users to try out the TR-707 and TR-727 and all other Ultimate features. In addition, any Roland Account holder can purchase Lifetime Keys for individual Legendary series titles. A Lifetime Key provides unlimited access for as long as their account is active, even if they don’t have a Roland Cloud membership.


Availability & Pricing

The TR-707 and TR-727 Software Rhythm Composers are available to purchase now from Roland
Cloud as a Roland Lifetime Key for $149 each, and are included with the Roland
Cloud Ultimate membership."

MFOS Sequencer with Custom dual gate sequencer

video upload by O.Z. Hall

"Music from Outer Space Sequencer with MOTM panel designed by DJ Thomas White. I've created a custom module for adding two additional GATE sequencers for extra percussion. I also have a separate CV output for the inner row of knobs. Together with one of the GATE sequencers, it is possible to have two sequences at the same time (same tempo, same end step, same direction).

One other customization is a module (to the left) which will shift the level of a gate to allow a +5V gate to drive the internal clock of the MFOS sequencer. This module also contains two LFOs and two 4:1 multiples.

Finally, the voice you hear is made up of the first 5 modules on the lower row of this rack case. There is a dual oscillator, a Prophet 5 Rev 2 filter (with NOS SSM2040 chip), a programmable ADSR/LFO/Mixer with 3 extra programmable CV outputs to control Resonance and two other parameters. There is also a dual VCA.

The two percussion modules are an MFOS 8 stage phase shifter and a state variable filter modelled after the eMu Universal Active Filter. The phase shifter makes a percussive sound when the audio input is "pinged" by the gate output. It responds to both the GATE on and the GATE off. Thus, the "double time" rhythm. The second eMu filter is the first percussive sound you hear added to the sequence."

Charlottenburg, Live Ambient Impro, Wavestate, MicroFreak v3, Volca Drum, Monologue

video by Waveformer

"In this live improvised jam, I introduce the Wavestate to some old and new friends - MicroFreak, Monologue, Volca Drum, Novation Circuit, 3 Zoom MS-70CDRs and Korg NTS-1. The only prerecorded sequence is the drums on Volca Drum. The rest of the jam is live playing and active use of the arpeggiators on the Wavestate and MicroFreak. The recorded video is annotated with some notes about the performance.

During the jam, I let each synth/layer have a solo part where it is up front and center - the MicroFreak, the Monologue and the two arp parts and the pad part on the Wavestate. I try to think of them as different members of a band.

My music on Bandcamp: http://waveformer42.bandcamp.com/​

The Wavestate patch/performance is a slightly modified version of "WF Charlottenburg" and is a part of the "Berlin School and Ambient Construction Kit" available here: https://gumroad.com/waveformer​.

It has four layers - 2 arpeggiators, one arpeggiated bass and one pad. I added some inharmonic wavesamples to steps 9-16 of the pad sample wavesequence, moved around a few notes and rests on the timing lanes for the two arps, added some octave shifts to the pitch sequences, and some ratcheting to one of the arps.

During the jam, I play around with the wavesequence lanes for all the four layers - timing lane to change rhythm, sample lane to vary the wavesamples, pitch lane to add some octave changes to some notes, shape to add ratcheting, and gate to add some variation to note length. The wavesequence loop lengths are different from lane to lane, creating interesting polymeter effects. I also modify pan, filter cutoff, envelope decay and reverb mix through the jam.

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JUPITER-Xpert - Roland Jupiter-X & Jupiter-Xm Tutorials

"Video Tutorials by Robert Saint John for the JUPITER-Xpert blog related to the Roland #JupiterX and #JupiterXm synthesizers"

Playlist:
Simple Arpeggios on JUPITER-X and Xm - New JUPITER-Xpert Back to Basics Series Synthesizer Tutorial
JUPITER-X/Xm Single Tone Preset, Dual, and Arp Demonstration
JUPITER-X / Xm Tutorial - Performance Tips & Tricks for Live + I-Arp Synthwave
UPDATE: JUPITER-Xm Step Edit Sequencer Tutorial: Chords
Roland Cloud ZEN Expansions and Sound Packs for JUPITER-X/Xm : Installation
JUPITER-Xm Tutorial : Working with ZEN-Core Partials (Stupid ZEN Tricks 1)
JUPITER-Xm ZEN-Core Demo - SH-5 and SH-7 Patch Tone
JUPITER-X | Xm : Split with Bass Arpeggio Tutorial (Updated)
JUPITER 1.30 Update - 5 Big Things | Special Preview for JUPITER-X and Xm from JUPITER-Xpert
JUPITER-X/Xm Tutorial: Step Edit Using Hold Pedal
Night Stalkers - #RolandScarySounds​ with JUPITER-Xm
Roland JUPITER-Xm Custom Drums experiment
JUPITER-Xm Hidden Parameters - Roland Boutique A-01 SysEx Control

Additional details on each:

CLICK FOR MORE »

The Noiseblast Hour, Episode 9: IAMEVE and Orphx

Noise Engineering

https://www.orphx.com/

"'Described as '... if Alice took Ziggy Stardust’s hand and followed him down the rabbit hole to a world guided by the twists and turns of ethereal and colorful vocals," by The Huffington Post, IAMEVE is a singer, songwriter and storyteller. Her evocative sound tapestries are inspired from a world of a supernatural nature full of hypnotic vocals, spacey sounds, and surrealism.

IAMEVE has won several awards for her short music film “Starman” and is currently in production on a 360 Fulldome show. She has been featured in numerous TV shows and Films, most notably for the theme song “To Feel Alive” in Percy Jackson: Sea of Monsters with composer Andrew Lockington and Nicholas Dodd on Sony Classical. She has performed with many celebrated artists, notably as a guest vocalist for Moby, The Today Show, Fox Good Day NY and is featured in TC Helicon’s 'The Ultimate Guide To Singing'.

Orphx have been creating their unique fusion of rhythm and noise since the early 1990s, combining and recombining elements of techno with the experimental techniques and critical spirit of industrial music.

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The Seventh Wave Festival of Electronic Music #7 w/ Delia Derbyshire Collaborator David Vorhaus

David Vorhaus Analogue Electronic Music 1979 Published on Sep 13, 2009 JeffreyPlaide

Update: Festival info further below. Thought I would start with a couple of videos featuring David Vorhaus.

"In this historical video excerpt, David Vorhaus talks about two of his analogue inventions - the MANIAC analogue sequencer, and the Kaleidophon from 1979.

The MANIAC (Multiphasic Analog Inter-Active Chromataphonic (sequencer)) was an analogue sequencer having variable step lengths, and the ability to split sequences into several smaller groupings giving considerable sonic potentiality. Addition and subtraction of events was possible, as well as the possibility to chromatically correct the output during performance. David could program his MANIAC sequencer to play a background rhythm or combination of musical events, to then improvise over the top with another instrument or synthesizer.

The Kaleidophon was a double-bass-like instrument using four velocity-sensitive ribbon controllers instead of strings. The instrument is played entirely using the left hand, leaving the right hand free to manipulate the sound via a number of controllers and a joystick.

David speaks about the processes of making electronic music, and the developments that such possibilities can provide for the imaginative electronic musician. This excerpt is taken from the BBC 1979 documentary entitled "The New Sound of Music" hosted by Michael Rodd."

WHITE NOISE Electric Storm in Hell [not quite Full Album]

Published on Mar 9, 2013 musick2138

"The Seventh Wave presents

White Noise - a Fifty Years Celebration of An Electric Storm & Other Sonic Adventures

Voyd - live set / White Noise - live set / White Noise - talk and q&a

Friday 14 June 2019 Doors 6.30 pm.

Curfew 10.00 pm.

The Blue Orange Theatre, 118 Great Hampton Street, Jewellery Quarter, Birmingham B18 6AD.

White Noise - An Electric Storm - Review

When White Noise's debut album, An Electric Storm, landed on Island Records in 1969, it must have sounded like nothing else. Packaged in a striking black and white sleeve that pictured a spark of lightning streaking across a black sky, this was an album that - quite rightly as it turned out - resembled as much a scientific experiment as any conventional musical document.

White Noise came into being when David Vorhaus, an American electronics student with a passion for experimental sound and classical music attended a lecture by Delia Derbyshire, a sound scientist at the BBC's Radiophonic Workshop whose claim to fame was writing the original Doctor Who theme tune. With the help of fellow Radiophonic Workshop composer Brian Hodgeson, Vorhaus and Derbyshire hunkered down at Kaleidophon Studios in Camden to pen an album that reconciled pop music with the experimental avant-garde. The result is a set of eerie, delightful songs that, for all their surface simplicity, shimmer with vestigial synthesiser swells, strange echoes, disembodied voices, and distant music-box trills.

Outside of a few equally adventurous '60s releases - the debut album from US psychedelic pioneers The United States Of America, for instance - this is pretty much uncharted territory, particularly for a major label release. On ''My Game Of Loving'', a dozen multi-tracked voices built to a panting orgasm, while the closing ''Black Mass An Electric Storm In Hell'' ushers the record to a freeform close in a clatter of freeform drums, cavernous echo and chilling, animalistic screams. Perhaps unsurprisingly, An Electric Storm would struggle to find an audience on its release, and in the following years, great leaps in synthesiser technology somewhat diminished White Noise's experimental achievements. One thing that would remain timeless, however, were the songs themselves. An Electric Storm would later become a key inspiration on bands like Add (N) To X and Broadcast, synthesiser explorers who picked through these primitive, vestigial sound experiments, took careful notes, and eventually, set out to craft their own futuristic pop lullabies.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/music/reviews/pq9x/

The other two dates of the festival feature:

Banco de Gaia (Toby Marks) - he will once again be accompanied by Patrick Dunn on visuals (Patrick produces visual content for Tangerine Dream!!!).

The Black Dog is a British electronic music group, founded by Ken Downie along with Ed Handley and Andy Turner. The group are considered pioneers who, along with acts like Autechre, Aphex Twin, LFO et al came to define the UK techno movement in the early 1990's.

For further information email theseventhwave@btinternet.com

Tickets available at https://www.skiddle.com/groups/theseventhwave/"

KORG Introduces New Volca Nubass Vacuum Tube Synthesizer

Published on May 8, 2019 Korg

Priced at $199.99

"The KORG volca nubass is a groundbreaking bass synth implemented with KORG’s new-generation vacuum tube: NuTube. This modernized technology is implemented into the oscillator, sub oscillator and drive circuits; creating incredibly warm tones and rich distortions that only a tube can provide. This unique form of sound generation, along with nubass’ low-pass ladder filter, delivers countless timbral possibilities.

Compact, battery powered with built-in speakers included, the new volca nubass has everything the modern musician needs to take their music to the next level."

Playlist:
KORG’s volca nubass delivers huge bass via a real vacuum tube
Korg Volca Nubass - Overview with Nick Kwas | Kraft Music
Korg Volca NuBass | Reverb




"A powerful bass synth with a sound source based around a vacuum tube oscillator.

The acid bass machine with the pinnacle of modulation and distortion.

Even today, when digital technology allows electronic musical instruments to simulate any sound imaginable, people seek the warm harmonics and distortion produced by analog vacuum tubes. This distinctive sound has a quality beyond words that sets it apart, and cannot be captured by a response curve; it's the unmistakable sound of tubes.

The volca nubass is the first analog synth to be equipped with a Nutube new-generation vacuum tube in its oscillator. Vacuum tube plus analog means that the sound is warm, thick, and rich. The familiar transistor ladder filter gives it the character of a classic bass machine, along with overdrive, and huge-sounding distortion.

An acid bass machine for a new generation combines classic sound with the power of modern synthesizer design. It's the volca nubass.

The fusion of a newly developed vacuum tube oscillator with a classic ladder filter

A vacuum tube oscillator circuit forms the heart of volca nubass, utilizing groundbreaking Nutube technology

The Nutube is equipped with two vacuum tubes; one is used in the oscillator to generate a sawtooth wave or square wave. The other vacuum tube is used in the drive circuit of the sub oscillator, adding depth and warmth one octave below the oscillator. This oscillator and sub oscillator provide a circuit structure that brings out the harmonic character that only a real vacuum tube could provide.

A transistor ladder low-pass filter that produces a distinctive sound

The low-pass filter defines the sound of this bass machine; it uses a transistor ladder design found on classic analog bass synths. This filter is uniquely dynamic in the way it affects a sound more than just ranging from bright-to-dark. Its wide range of timbral possibilities makes it ideal for a broad variety of dance music; you can use it to create the distinctive modulation that can be heard in acid house, or increase the resonance to bring out a sharp character that's appropriate for techno.
Analog driver circuit

nubass is equipped with overdrive that uses an analog circuit reminiscent of a classic stompbox. Turning the knob toward the right compresses the volume while causing mild distortion, adding thickness to your bass sounds. The tone knob also lets you adjust the crispness of the high-frequency range.

volca sequencer makes performing and composing simple and intuitive

A 16-step sequencer that lets you automate parameters

CLICK FOR MORE »

Meet the New KORG volca modular - Details & Demos

Published on Jan 14, 2019 Korg

It's real. Looks like a mini Buchla Music Easel with the red on blue touch panel "keys".

Updates: Reverb video, audio demos, hi-res pics & additional details added below.

"KORG volca modular is a semi-modular analog synthesizer in the KORG volca format that makes modular synthesis more accessible and understandable than ever before. Featuring 50 patch points for using the 20 included patch cables to connect the eight onboard modules in any way imaginable, volca modular was created with 'West Coast Style' synthesis in mind, to offer a unique sound and design that deviates from traditional synthesis norms."

Korg Volca Modular - Demo with Nick Kwas

Published on Jan 14, 2019 Kraft Music

"Find exclusive Korg Volca Modular BUNDLES at Kraft Music.

Nick Kwas Demos and jams out on the Korg Volca Modular at Kraft Music.

The Korg Volca Modular is a semi-modular analog synthesizer with eight independent internally-connected modules, 50 patch points, and digital effects. Although focused on the complex and experimental sounds of the West Coast school of modular synthesis, the Volca Modular is equipped with the familiar 16-step Volca sequencer with parameter automation capabilities, as well as flexible scale and key settings. Sync and CV in jacks allow for connection to other Volca units, select Korg synths and sequencers, and modular systems. Like other Volcas, the Volca Modular features a built-in speaker and battery operation.

Get more for your money with an exclusive Korg Volca Modular bundle from Kraft Music. These package deals include the accessories you'll need to get the most out of your new micro modular synth, all for one low price. If you have any questions, please give us a call. Our knowledgeable sales advisors will be happy to assist in choosing the bundle that's right for you!"

Korg Volca Modular - Clock Divider

Published on Jan 14, 2019 Rishabh Rajan

"Tutorial on creating a multi-voice pattern using the clock divider."

Korg Volca Modular - Step Sequencer

Published on Jan 14, 2019 Rishabh Rajan

"A tutorial on some of the functionality of the step sequencer on the Korg Volca Modular."

Korg Volca Modular Micro Modular Synthesizer | Reverb Demo Video

Published on Jan 14, 2019 Reverb

"The synth masters at Korg just announced the Volca Modular, Minilogue XD, and Volca Drum. Starting with the Volca Modular micro modular synth, check out this video demo (as well as those linked below) to learn more about the features in this trio of new offerings from the dream team that created so many of the top-selling synths on Reverb in the past couple years.
Read More on Reverb"

"An analog synth composed of modules

Eight modules

The volca modular is a semi-modular synthesizer consisting of independent analog synth modules, digital effects, and a sequencer. Each of the modules has been carefully selected for its stand-alone completeness. The modules are internally connected so that sound can be produced even before connecting the included pin cables, and the routing is shown by white lines on the panel. Module connections via a pin cable take priority over the internal connections, bypassing them.

SOURCE：

This consists of a triangle VCO carrier and a modulator. The complex overtones generated by FM modulation are sent through a wave folder circuit to add additional overtones, producing a distinctive sound. This module is important in determining the basic character of the sound of volca modular.

CLICK FOR MORE »

Introducing the KORG volca drum - Welcome to an infinitely expanding world of sound-design

Published on Jan 14, 2019 Korg

Updates: Additional videos, audio demos, hi-res pics & details added below. Check out the SEQUENZ CB-4VOLCA Hard-shell case for up to 4 volts.

"Joining volca kick and beats as the third, and most unique, drum synth in the volca lineup.

The volca series is all about unique sound. Whether it's analog, PCM, or FM, the volca series puts unique sounds into an accessible platform. And now, the series is joined by a new rhythm machine that brings yet another sonic character. It's the volca drum digital percussion synthesizer."

Korg Volca Modular - Demo with Nick Kwas

Published on Jan 14, 2019 Kraft Music

"Find exclusive Korg Volca Drum BUNDLES at Kraft Music.

Nick Kwas Demos the Korg Volca Drum at Kraft Music.

The Korg Volca Drum is a digital percussion synthesizer and rhythm machine with a 6-part x 2-layer structure. Based on DSP-powered analog modeling, Volca Drum generates a wide range of unexpectedly different percussion sounds ranging from realistic to idiosyncratic, with wave folder, overdrive, and waveguide resonator effects. Volca Drum is equipped with the familiar 16-step Volca sequencer with parameter automation capabilities. Sync and MIDI in jacks allow for connection to other volcas, select Korg synths and sequencers, and DAWs. Like other Volcas, the Volca Modular features a built-in speaker and battery operation.

Get more for your money with an exclusive Korg Volca Drum bundle from Kraft Music. These package deals include the accessories you'll need to get the most out of your new percussion synth, all for one low price. If you have any questions, please give us a call. Our knowledgeable sales advisors will be happy to assist in choosing the bundle that's right for you!"

Korg Volca Drum Digital Percussion Synthesizer | Reverb Demo Video

Published on Jan 14, 2019 Reverb

"The synth masters at Korg just announced the Volca Drum, Minilogue XD, and Volca Modular. Starting with the Volca Drum, check out this video demo (as well as those linked below) to learn more about the features in these new offerings from the dream team that created so many of the top-selling synths on Reverb in the past couple years.
Read More on Reverb"

Korg Volca Drum Mega Tutorial

Published on Jan 14, 2019 cuckoomusic

"Korg Volca Drum is a percussive synthesiser from Korg, in the Volca range. I find it quirky and fun, when departing from the drum territory.
Here's a long tutorial, with a lot of flavours of what it sounds like, and how you can work with it."

"Welcome to an infinitely expanding world of sound-design.
Joining volca kick and beats as the third, and most unique, drum synth in the volca lineup.

The volca series is all about unique sound. Whether it's analog, PCM, or FM, the volca series puts unique sounds into an accessible platform. And now, the series is joined by a new rhythm machine that brings yet another sonic character. It's the volca drum digital percussion synthesizer.

Based on a simple trigger waveform, wave folder and overdrive are used to add overtones and distortion, and then a waveguide resonator effect brings the sound to life. The six-part DSP synth engine was designed with a completely different philosophy than conventional drum machines, and generates a wide range of unexpectedly different sounds. And of course, you can play those sounds from the volca-style sequencer.

Adding these distinctive sounds to your rhythms will revolutionarily transform your performances and productions.

CLICK FOR MORE »

Todd Barton on BBC Sounds + Multum in Parvo Release

Excerpts of Todd Barton's performance at the Unsound Festival in Krakow is up on BBC Sounds.

"A rebroadcast of excerpts from my performance of Music and Poetry of the Kesh at the Unsound Festival in Krakow last month with a wonderful ensemble of Polish musicians. Here's the link which will be active for a month.

And the first excerpt on the broadcast is from my new solo Buchla Music Easel album, Multum in Parvo with cover art by Ursula Barton! [embed below]

Much more to come in 2019! Gigs in Belgium, NYC and Santa Barbara. New Album releases too.

Happy Holidays!
Best wishes,
Todd"

"If you’re anything like me, then one of your favourite albums of 2018 was Music and Poetry of The Kesh, released on the Freedom To Spend label. Recorded over two years in the mid-1980s, Music and Poetry of The Kesh in truth was never really designed as an ‘album’ as such. It was a cassette bundled with early editions of the legendary author Ursula K. Le Guin’s Always Coming Home novel.

The novel described the art, culture, language and ethnography of a fictional tribe of indigenous inhabitants of North California, 500 years from now. On the tape, Le Guin and her friend and collaborator, composer and sound artist Todd Barton, created a detailed, vivid musical identity for these people - the Kesh.

Listened to in 2018, the sounds of Music and Poetry of The Kesh feel simultaneously ancient and futuristic. Todd designed and built new instruments to realise the Kesh’s music, which were woven among synthesisers and field recordings from the Kesh’s native Napa Valley.

It’s a stunning, singular piece of work, but the story doesn’t end there. Anyone intrigued by Music and Poetry of the Kesh would be well advised to dig further into Todd Barton’s work, starting with Multum in Parvo - a brand new piece Todd composed using the Epoch Modular Benjolin and Buchla Music Easel.

“Don Buchla created a musical instrument that he said had no ‘preconceived ideas,’” Todd recently told the Listen to This website. “He wanted people to figure out how they wanted to interface with it. You see that with Kaitlyn Aurelia Smith, Alessandro Cortini—they’re bringing their own voice to the palette. For my part, I’m obsessed with sound, with the ‘Buchla Paradigm.’

“His approach to synthesis, which was so different from Moog on the East coast, is immediately evident to anyone who has ever touched a Buchla instrument. If you listen to a Buchla, it will start rewiring your synapses.”

Todd honed his craft composing for acoustic instruments - string quartets, small ensembles and orchestras. In the 1970s he was drawn to emergent synthesiser technologies because of their abilities to access tones ‘between’ the standard 12 notes of the Western musical scale, and to have the power to craft music out of glitches and unique sonic gestures that are unplayable on acoustic instruments.

Multum in Parvo is reflective of this approach - it has a definite and logical flow as a composition, but its content is abstract sound sculpted out of pure energy, something only analogue synthesis can offer.

Sometimes sparse, sometimes bristling and jumping with detail, Multum... provides a genuinely multidimensional experience. Listen to it in the dark on your best headphones, you experience your brain moving slowly through a black space where an orchestra of strange, electro-microorganisms seem to swarm, murmurate and disperse, adding their distinct flutters, whispers and calls to an immersive electronic symphony.

Like the classic Forbidden Planet soundtrack, which Todd was inspired by, or indeed Music and Poetry of the Kesh - Multum in Parvo seems to function as part of some unique sonic ecology, according to its own rules, in its own universe and somewhere just beyond time.

Multum in Parvo is available on CD with artwork by the artist Ursula Barton - Todd’s daughter, named after his great friend and collaborator. It is also available on cassette with Blue Tapes artwork as ‘blue twenty-eight’.

Praise for Todd Barton:

"Multum In Parvo creates a very real imaginary place, and then it weaves that imaginary place into exactly where you are right now. I’ve listened to Multum In Parvo a dozen times or more and I’ve never heard the same album twice, because I change and my mood changes but also because incidental noises in my body and my surroundings – from sighs to car horns to distant giggles – all seem to be on very friendly terms with Todd Barton and his Buchla." - The Quietus

“Listen outdoors and the creek water you hear in Le Guin and Barton’s songs may sync up to the muddy river you’re passing; listen during a city’s winter and the percussive rhythm and bell-like tones will commune with your apartment radiator. These are sounds that seek to speak from then and beyond, to right now.” - Pitchfork
credits
released October 5, 2018

Improvised soundscapes by Todd Barton
on the Buchla Music Easel and Epoch Hordijk Benjolin

Cover art by Ursula Barton (ursulabarton.com)"

Critter & Guitari - New Visual Patches for Organelle

Published on Sep 22, 2018 Critter & Guitari

"Enjoy a more versatile Organelle screen! We've made some updates to Pow Pow's Polybeats, Polybeats DRG32V, Jeraphy, Punchy and Rhythm Delay Distortion. See which keys are active with a keyboard visualizer. Download them here: http://organelle.io"

2hp Euclid (euclidean rhythm generator)

Published on Sep 18, 2018 DivKidVideo

"Here's Euclid the Euclidean rhythm generator from 2hp. It takes a clock or trigger and generators Euclidean rhythms of varying lengths, with varying active steps and offset to shift the pattern around a musical bar/phrase. There's CV over length and steps and a reset to get everything back to step 1 and in sync with your other sources. A fun little unit and a useful one for rhythmic control.

A great online tool for learning about and playing with Euclidean Rhythms - http://www.groovemechanics.com/euclid/"

Analogue Solutions Generator Sequencer Now Available for Purchase

Published on Sep 14, 2018 Analogue Solutions

"Generator sequencer - Loop points and Freeze. This video shows you some cool things you can do unique to this sequencer."

"Analogue Solutions plays to win with highly-versatile next-generation Generator step sequencer

KINGSWINFORD, UK: having made musical waves with a prototype presentation at SUPERBOOTH18 in Berlin before speedily selling out of its first batch, British boutique electronic instruments innovator Analogue Solutions is proud to announce (approaching) availability of a second batch of its next-generation Generator step sequencer — a highly- versatile, multi-channel analogue appliance specifically targeted towards making it easy, fun, and intuitive to change generated rhythms and also play alternative sequences — as of September 14…

As implied by the CV & GATE SEQUENCE GENERATOR wording which is boldly blazoned across a pleasingly well-populated panel, Analogue Solutions’ next- generation Generator is no ordinary step sequencer. As a compact, slim form factor desktop design featuring three parallel-running, 16-step CV (control voltage) channels — CV CHANNEL A, CV CHANNEL B, and CV CHANNEL C — and an array of associated hands-on controls housed in a rugged steel and aluminium chassis with no plastic mouldings (making it ideally suited to withstanding the rigours of the road while being equally at home in the studio, home- based or otherwise), Generator is actually a playable step sequencer at its musical heart. How, exactly, it does that is exactly what sets it apart from the run-of- the-mill step sequencing pack.

Put it this way: with Generator it’s not simply a case of setting up a short sequence of notes to be left looping ad infinitum, as is still the case with some step sequencers out there — though there is still something to be said for those mesmerising musical compositions conjured up by the repetitive note patterns pioneered and popularised by the likes of Germany’s homegrown Kraftwerk and Tangerine Dream during their Seventies heyday and appropriated in many musical styles since; instead, its user interface is deftly designed to make it easy, fun, and intuitive to change generated rhythms and also play alternative sequences.

Firstly, four dedicated knobs offering patent-pending IReTiGaC (Intuitive Real Time Gate Control) can change the rhythm of the beats for the pattern playing by setting which of the 16 steps of the sequence will produce gates; slowly rotating each knob adds more beats in specific positions, thereby increasing the intensity of the rhythm. A pair of associated GATE pattern outputs are available alongside a FLIPPED GATE ‘copy’ — positive voltage with an inverted ‘state’ (so the output does the opposite of the main GATE outputs) — for flexibility when connecting to suitably-equipped analogue synthesisers, Eurorack modular system setups, or other analogue equipment. These output the rhythm set using those IReTiGaC knobs, and using both together with two different synths creates considerable interplay between them.

The wonderful world of the VOLTAGE GENERATOR is where Generator really steps up to the plate to offer some serious alternative action, though. This is a special kind of transposer/CV generator with six ‘slots’ — each activated using its own triangular-shaped gold-plated pressure plate. The corresponding knob above each plate is used to set the control voltage output of the VOLTAGE GENERATOR within an approximate range of 0-5V. Those voltage outputs can be sent straight to and mixed with CV CHANNEL A, CV CHANNEL B, and CV CHANNEL C’s respective CV A, CV B, and CV C outputs sockets, with an associated SHIFT switch’s settings determining what goes where: setting said switch into its ‘up’ position results in the VOLTAGE GENERATOR being mixed with A, B, C (CV CHANNEL A, CV CHANNEL B, and CV CHANNEL C); ‘centre’ is off, and ‘down’ results in the VOLTAGE GENERATOR only being mixed with C (CV CHANNEL C). The VOLTAGE GENERATOR’s control voltage is also always available on its own CV output, allowing users to patch it back somewhere else — even externally (to a suitable synth or modular setup).

So what, exactly, can be done with this visionary VOLTAGE GENERATOR? For starters, it can conceivably be used as a standalone six ‘note’ interval CV keyboard to directly play an external CV-equipped synthesiser, such as Analogue Solutions’ own Treadstone (taking the same smart, small, and affordable desktop design-driven analogue attributes of its similarly superior-sounding synthBlocks signal-processing siblings and applying them to a true analogue mono synth that packs a lot of patchable punch into a perfectly-matched, portable package). Patching possibilities abound as the VOLTAGE GENERATOR pressure plates are routed to its own outputs: the CV socket outputs control voltage, so pressing plates harder results in a higher voltage that can, for instance, be used to creatively control clock tempo, intensity, fill, or transpose via their respective INT CLOCK TEMPO, INTENSITY, FILL, and TRANSPOSE sockets. (The INTENSITY input uses a CV of approximately 0-5V to alter the intensity of the rhythm with more beats being added to the rhythm as the voltage increases; the FILL input is similar to INTENSITY, but only affects the last four steps to alter the pattern of notes in the last four beats of the sequencer.) The GATE socket outputs a gate that can be used to clock the sequencer, RESET or START it, for example. Additionally, another output voltage from the VOLTAGE GENERATOR can also be patched to alter internal clock speed or transpose. That said, there are also QUANTISED VG output sockets outputting the same signal which will quantise the VOLTAGE GENERATOR voltage to the nearest semitone (when using 1V/oct synths).

Thereafter, thanks to those three parallel channels of 16 steps, Generator steps back into more familiar step sequencing territory — albeit with dedicated start and end LOOP point controls for initiating interesting patterns — that plays well with any analogue gear that has CV and Gate inputs, including vintage or more modern analogue synths and Eurorack modular system setups. Since it does not feature a MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface) output, it is clearly not a MIDI sequencer — nor a DAW (Digital Audio Workstation) control surface. Saying that, it is equipped with a MIDI IN socket, so allows sync, start, stop, and resend control signals to be sent from a DAW or MIDI sequencer. Speaking of which, using MIDI Note information, users can program their own ‘clock pattern’ that can run to clock Generator at the same tempo, half the number of notes to run Generator at half tempo, double the number of notes to run it at double tempo, or even mute the clock note pattern to silence Generator at a particular point before unmuting to get it running again, all the while creating rhythmic patterns to make Generator syncopate with DAW patterns — much more creative and gratifying than simply using MIDI sync alone.

Analogue Solutions is clearly playing to win with its next-generation Generator step sequencer — so much so that the likes of (the still-active) Kraftwerk and Tangerine Dream should seriously consider playing with one (or more) onstage or in the studio. Speaking of which, English electronic music duo The Chemical Brothers already have access to two! That said, chances are musician, composer, arranger, record producer, and music programmer par excellence Martyn Ware would also approve... after all, he co-composed Sheffield synth-pop funksters Heaven 17’s influential single ‘Play To Win’ way back in 1981, at a time when synthesisers started to make a serious dent in the charts, exciting the ears of one teenage Tom Carpenter — Analogue Solutions’ future founder — in the process.

Priced at £629.00 GBP (inc. VAT)/$749.00 USD/€679.00 EUR (inc. VAT), Generator is available to purchase through Analogue Solutions’ growing global network of authorised dealers — including Analogue Solutions itself — listed here: http://www.analoguesolutions.com/dealers/"