M AUDIO VENOM @ Rhythm Active

Published on May 14, 2014 Rhythm Active·4 videos

"Sound Examples of the M-Audio Venom @ Rhythm Active"

Rhythm Active

ATOMOSYNTH KOE V2 SYNTHESIZER MODULE @ RHYTHM ACTIVE

Published on May 14, 2014 Rhythm Active·4 videos

"Sounds of the Atomosynth Koe Sysnthesizer"

Rhythm Active

ELBY DESIGNS // PANTHER IF112 DOUBLE DEKA EURORACK SYNTHESIZER MODULE @ Rhythm Active

Published on May 14, 2014 Rhythm Active·4 videos

"Testing the Elby Designs Panther Double Deka Eurorack Synthesizer Module."

Rhythm Active

Pittsburgh Modular Synth Block Tweaking @ Rhythm Active

Published on Apr 29, 2014 Rhythm Active·4 videos

"Tweaking the Pittsburgh Modular Synth Block"

Rhythm Active on eBay

Electronic Rhythm Generator DAYTRON EGR-160 Drum Machine Synth With Original Case

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

via this auction

"HAS MIC INPUT (1/4 JACK) SO THAT YOU CAN SING TO THE BEAT!

From the manual:

Rhythem generator is used for rhythm you want.

Inside its compact metal case there is rhythm pattern generator I.C and 10pcs of silicon transistor and 9pcs of diode.

It can also be used by professional player at home, outdoors and every circle, for it makes the general use of more 8 kinds ( Beguine, Bossanova, Rock, Swing, March, Waltz, etc. rhythm)

It formed with 5kinds of instrument of percussion ( Bass drum, Snare drum, Claves, Cymbal, High hat cymbals.)

BEGUINE - Originally west indies music, similar to 2/4 time slow folka,Jazz rhythm that motion to body just stand at one place.

BOSSANOVA - Jazz rhythm adds the element of modern jazz to samba rhythm.

ROCK - Changed rhythm for the white American to dance lightly from the blue for the Black of S. A. Rock and Roll-that is ROCK 'N' ROLL, today called GO. GO.

SWING - Jazz rhythm of agreeable impromptu playing with light active rhythm.

MARCH - Generally March is Polka for fast tempo. TROT and slow tempo.

WALTZ - Original German old dancing music."

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AIRA -- The evolution of the Roland TR-808 Rhythm Machine

Published on Jan 14, 2014 RolandChannel·828 videos

"Roland Engineers discuss the initial concept of the TR-808 which was conceived and built in 1980. Although it was designed to create 'backing tracks', creative musicians started to use the Rhythm Machine as an instrument and music changed forever. Now the evolution begins again."

Follow-up to this post.

Some discussion on The MATRIXSYNTH Lounge & the MATRIXYSNTH Facebook Page

Update: image, price and details of AIRA:

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Happy New Year! The Year in Synths 2013

Happy New Year Everyone!

What a busy year it has been in the world of synths.

This is going to be one doozy of a post, so bear with me. This post is a review of the year in synths for 2013. We begin with Tributes to Those We Lost This Year, followed by New Manufacturers & Makers, Older Manufacturers Added to the Site, New Gear Announcements, Top 10 Posts by Traffic,  My Standout Posts for the Year, and finally This Years' Synth Events. I did my best to keep things as short and concise as possible.

Let's begin with the hardest part of the post.

Tributes to Those We Lost This Year

RIP Bernard Parmegiani - Electronic & Acoustic Composer
Lou Reed RIP
RIP Dick Raaymakers aka Kid Baltan
RIP George Duke - DreamWeaver
RIP Ralph Dyck, Sept 28, 1941 – May 20, 2013
RIP Ray Manzarek

All missed and never to be forgotten. Take a moment to remember them.

------

New Manufacturers & Makers

Starting last January, I decided to keep a running list of every new manufacturer and maker introduced to the site during the year.  This is something I haven't done before and I thought it would be interesting to see how many there were in the year.   It's easy to focus on the big synth announcements throughout the year, but what about all the new makers and brands? I shouln't have to go considerably into the significance of new designers on the scene, so I'll just say two things regarding them.  One, the number of new makers is a direct reflection on the interest in our scene, and two, these are the creators of new gear which directly translate into new designs not previously available to us.  Think about that for a moment.  These are makers and designs that did not exist before.  They are part of our synth history.  So what is the total count of new synth designers for the year? A whopping 113. Think about that a bit. One hundred and thirteen new synth designers and brands this year alone.

Here they are (note a handful date back to 2012, but 2013 marked their momentum and availability):

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EURORACK MODULAR SYSTEM w/ PITTSBURGH/EMW/CIRCUIT ABBEY/FOH

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

via this auction | Rhythm Active (RSS)

"It comes with the following:

Powered 3U 85P Rack Enclosure

Elby Bus Boards and Power Module

15v DC Power Supply

Pittsburgh Modular Synthesizer Block

Pittsburgh Modular MIDI2

Circuit Abbey Gravity Well

EMW Digital Noise

Flight Of Harmony IMP

Flight Of Harmony Choices

Ad Infiitum Cables

The hard work is done, all you need to do is plug in and go go go! So next time when your mum asks what you want for xmas, you tell em a modular system from Rhythm Active."

TOUELLSKOUARN KORG MS20 TO EURORACK INTERFACE MODULE

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

via this auction | Rhythm Active (RSS)

"The TOUELLSKOUARN Korg MS20 to Eurorack Module is a great way of interfacing your Korg MS-20 / Korg MS-20 Mini with your Eurorack rig."

KORG MS20 Minis on eBay

MFB KRAFTZWERG Synthesizer Eurorack Module

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

via this auction | Rhythm Active (RSS)

"The MFB KRAFTZWERG Eurorack module is a complete ready to go module that pops straight into your modular system and includes the popular Dual LFO, Triple VCO, 24dB VCF, VCA and DUAL ADSR module.

The module KRAFTZWERG can only be played by transfers from Key-CV and gate signals thanks to its internal pre-wiring of the classical pathway VCO-VCF-VCA and the most popular modulation connections without additional patch connections. Due to its 37 patch but it is also possible to break the signal path in order to integrate or control various functions with external CV sources, such as step-sequencers, wheels or theremin controllers external components.

Key CV and Gate can KRAFTZWERG module incidentally also received via the system, provided that an appropriate MIDI-CV or bus access module feeds the signals in the system. Thus, the KRAFTZWERG module is playable without a single patch connection.

The module KRAFTZWERG offers far more than the basic equipment of a voice synthesizer. It has all the necessary components for a powerful and flexible sound generation. The oscillator section provides habitat for three VCOs, each with three waveforms that have hard-sync, pulse width modulation, ring modulation and a separate output. The oscillator block is affiliated to a blender, in which an additional noise generator can be mixed. The resonant filter is a 24-dB low-pass filter with a transistor cascade. A CV-controllable LFOs and two envelopes AHDSR, a VCA, and two multiples, round off the equipment.

Although the KRAFTZWERG module is housed on an entire board, the individual components can be used in combination with other (compatible) analog modules independently of each other and. Except for minor deviations functionality and sound correspond to separate MFB modules. Moreover, it is of course possible that KRAFTZWERG module with other modules MFB, such as the Step Sequencer SEQ-02 or an additional LFOs to add in a rack.

The module KRAFTZWERG has a width of 60 MW (units, about 305 mm) and is equipped with a Doepfer system-compatible cable connection.Unlike the console version of KRAFTZWERG the module has no built-in MIDI-CV interface.

Features:
· Modular version of MFB KRAFTZWERG
· 3 analog oscillators
· 24 dB low pass filter
· Dual LFO, two envelope generators, VCA
· 37 patch for CV and gate control
· all components can be used individually
· compatible with all Eurorack Doepfer format"

DELPTRONICS THUNDERCLAP HAND CLAP

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

via this auction | Rhythm Active (RSS)

"The Delptronics Thunderclap is a classic analog hand clap effect based on the famous hand clap sound of the TR-808 and TR-909 drum machines. Our version has extra knobs to tweak the sound from claps to finger snaps to snares to cymbals to thunderous crashes.

Features

The Thunderclap has four knobs: noise level, filter, decay and volume. The knobs can be ajusted to create hundreds of unique percussion sounds. Turn the knobs to approximately 11 o'clock for the clasic hand clap. Turn them all the way up for an effect that sounds like getting hit in the face with a metal trash can lid!

The Thunderclap can be manually triggered by pressing stomp/trigger button, or externally triggered by any positive pulse from a synthesizer, sequencer, or drum machine. It makes a great accompanyment to a TR-606 or Delptronics LDB-1.

It also also has a built-in mini-sequencer. Holding down the record button records a series of trigger events (button or external) and the pauses between them (e.g.
"clap - - - clap - clap"). Then, whenenver it is triggered, it will play back the recorded sequence instead of a single clap. If you press the record button while the trigger button is already pressed, then the recorded sequence repeats in a loop. A trigger event stops playback of the loop. Pressing and releaseing the record button with no trigger events clears the recorded sequence. The sequence can be up to 32 steps long, and the pauses can total up to two minutes."

Demo at the auction and previously posted here.

KORG DELTA DL-50 SEMI-POLY ANALOG SYNTHESIZER

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

via this auction - learn how to sell on eBay here
Rhythm Active (RSS)

The KORG Delta is a paraphonic synth meaning all voices share one filter whereas non paraphonic polyphonic synths have individual filters for each voice.

YAMAHA CS-10

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

via this auction - learn how to sell on eBay here
Rhythm Active (RSS)

ROLAND JUPITER 4 with Mods

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

via this auction - learn how to sell on eBay here
Rhythm Active (RSS)

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ROLAND TB-303 COMPUTER CONTROLLED BASS LINE

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

via this auction - learn how to sell on eBay here
Rhythm Active (RSS)

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EURORACK MODULAR SYNTHESIZER SEQUENCER SYSTEM

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

via this auction - learn how to sell on eBay here
Rhythm Active (RSS)

"On offer is the complete EURORACK Modular System. If you have ever wanted to get into the Modular World but don't know where to start, then this one is for you. This system is for some serious straight forward action.

It comes with the following:

Powered 6U 48P Rack Enclosure

Elby Bus Boards and Power Module

15v DC Power Supply

MODCAN Tripple OSC

WMD Multimode VCA

WMD Envelope Generator

Flight Of Harmony Plague Bearer Filter

Hex Inverter SympleSeq 2.0 Sequencer

10 x Ad Infiitum Cables

The hard work is done, all you need to do is plug in and go go go!"

ROLAND SH-3A

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

via this auction - learn how to sell on eBay here.
Rhythm Active (RSS)

"Specifications

Polyphony - Monophonic (low note takes priority)

Oscillators - 1 VCO plus Pink/White Noise generator and Portamento

Memory - None

LFO - LFO1 has sawtooth waveform, LFO2 sine or square and delay slider, Sample-and-Hold with level and sample time sliders. LFO's can be assigned to VCF, VCA, VCO.

VCF - Resonant self-oscillating lowpass filter w/ frequency and resonance controls

VCA - VCA is basic ADSR type

Keyboard - 44 keys"

YAMAHA CS-40M Analog Synthesizer

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

via this auction - learn how to sell on eBay here.
Rhythm Active (RSS)


"Specifications

Polyphony - (2-voices) Duophonic

Oscillators - 2 VCO's + noise gen. Triangle, Sawtooth, Square (Pulse) waveforms.

LFO - Waveforms: sine, up-ramp, down-ramp, square, and sample-and-hold.

Filter - multimode: Low-, Band-, High-Pass w/ cutoff, resonance, and ADSR envelope controls

VCA - ADSR (x5 switch)

Keyboard - 44 keys (3 1/2 octaves)

Memory - 20 patches via 2 banks of 10 presets; external cassette interface

Control - CV/Trigger outputs for each voice and CV inputs for portamento, sustain, brilliance, volume and filter"

PANTHER/ELBY ED122 POWER MODULE+POWER SUPPLY FOR EURORACK

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

via this auction
Rhythm Active (RSS)

"The Panther ED122 is a fully assembled 14HP Power Panel Module that fits straight on to your Eurorack case unit.

The Panther ED122 Power Unit takes a +15VDC supply and generates a linearly regulated +/-12V supply for powering your system and can deliver up to 1.5A on each rail. The 15V supply may be either a linear unit or an SMPS."

PANTHER/ELBY ED122 B below.

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'TRANCE-GATE' AMSTRAD SYNTHESIZER

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

via this auction
squidfanny on eBay (RSS)

Videos at the auction and previously posted here and here.

"This machine contains an integrated Step-Sequencer, which performs three distinct functions, and can be synced to other suitable gear such as Monotribe's, Volca's or other suitable vintage or DIY gear.

TRANCE-GATE - A programmable GATE, with with controls for GATE LENGTH, an INVERT switch, a master ON/OFF switch & LED lights to indicate the status and GATE length.
PITCH-MOD - Programmable pitch modulation, with a DECAY knob, AMOUNT knob, master ON/OFF switch & LED lights to indicate the status and DECAY shape.
BOLT-BAY ARPEGGIATOR - Use the included Patch-leads to connect the bolts together and generate unique Arpeggiator effects made from different tones of Ring-Mods and disrupted distortion effects. This mod has a master ON/OFF switch and LED light to indicate the status.
The STEP-SEQUENCER has controls for SPEED, and a large chrome Rotary knob to change from 8-Steps, to 7, 6, 5, etc.

In 2-Step mode, the Step-Sequencer will act as a standard LFO, with the DECAY knob changing the waveform from Square to Triangle & something closely approximating a Sine wave.

On the back of the machine are 3.5mm jack sockets, which provide Sync Input, Output and Reset. They will respond to a standard +5volt pulse from any suitable device (such as Monotribe, Volca, vintage drum machines, DIY gear or a MIDI-TRIGGER converter.

Right Panel contains a fearsome array of Rotary Switches, Buttons, Toggles and Flashing Lights.

The real power of the Amstrad comes from these Digital mods, which are able to completely transform the Instruments, Chord, Accompaniment and Drums into unique sonic forms, many of which are beyond what can be achieved with conventional synthesizers.
Expect to find Lush Chords, Complex and Harmonic Arpeggios, Strange Delays / Echos, De-tuned Effects, Extended Envelope Effects, Digital Filtering, Ring Mods and an array of Modulating Compression, Strained Distortion and Bleepy modulating Sub-Tones.....

The CKX100 is able to produce some excellent Granular Effects and Dramatic Glitch Sounds which often defy description.... Use the GLITCH BUTTONS to generate Chorded Drones, Screaming Digital Noise and Granular Drum Rolls. Use the RESET BUTTON to Instantly reset the sound to normal again.

The new Knobs / Switches / Buttons & Lights are mounted on Thick Green PCB (circuit board), and the Flashing LED Lights above are mounted on Chrome LED Holders.

The Mods are activated and controlled by an assortment of Rotary Switches, Metal Toggle Switches and Push buttons -
Large Rotary Knob - On the right of the panel is a large Silver Rotary Knob, with a toggle Switch below it and a Purple UV LED Light in a chrome bezel. This knob contains Bleepy squarewave tones, which modulate along with the rhythms, and can be used as a Sub-Oscillator along with the instruments. Use the Toggle Switch to activate & de-activate the tones. The LED light will Glow to indicate that the mod is active.
Small Rotary Knob - In the center of the panel is a small silver Rotary Knob, along with a Toggle Switch and a Purple UV LED Light in a Chrome Bezel. This knob contains 6 x Instrument / Chord Glitches which provide Beautiful Complex Arpeggios, Strange Echos, Lush Chords and Extended Envelope Effects. Use the Toggle Switch to activate the mod. The LED Light will Glow to indicate the mod being active.
6 x Glitch Switches on the left of the panel - Use these switches on the Rhythms / Chord / Accompaniment for Dark Electronic Techno-esque rhythm Accompaniment and de-tuned chords. Use with the drums for weird pitch shifting and drum shifting Rhythmic effects.

Glitch Buttons - Scramble the Digital Circuits with dramatic sonic results. . . Use with the drums for Granular Effects and Grinding 'Aphex' Style Rolls. Use with the Chord / Instrument to generate Chorded Drones, Digital Noise, Instrument/Drum Cross Modulation & General Havok and Glitch Chaos.....
RESET BUTTON - Small Green Button below the right corner of the panel is used to Instantly reset Glitched sound back to it's normal state. This button allows the user to completely Scramble, Mangle & Corrupt the audio beyond recognition, and then instantly return the sound again.

Flashing Lights - 3 x Flashing LED Lights above the panel will pulse and flash along with the sound. The lights are housed in chrome bezels. The Blue LED will flash to indicate the Vibrate (when active).

When the various modification switches are turned 'Off', the machine will function exactly like a standard CKX100..."

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