MAM MB33 Retro Analog Bass Synthesizer [TB-303 Clone] - Audio Demo

Published on Dec 2, 2016 Acid Alex

"Here's a demo of the MB33 Retro, a cool little clone of Roland's TB-303.

I've used a few different patterns and swept through the various settings so you can get a good feel for how it sounds. The MB33 has two little controls on the back to adjust the cutoff scale and offset. These have been calibrated so the cutoff range exactly matches that of the TB-303.

As you'll hear this is surprisingly close to the real thing, more so than my x0xb0x, TB-3 and TT-303 I would say. You can't get a better clone than the MB33 at this price.

I use the excellent Engine MIDI sequencer from Social Entropy to sequence the MB33 (and all my other gear). Highly recommended!

I used the MB33 Retro in my last two tracks. Check them out below..."

Retape records #1: 'Cam Bore' [Unreleased]

"Published on Nov 27, 2016

Social Entropy's Engine sequencer & eurorack modular.

"The start of a series. Made a 30 min 'making of' video of the track as well from start to end, but it ended up having no sound. RIP.

More stuff at http://www.retape.net"

Buffalo - Live Acid Trance [Roland TR-8, TB-3, System-1, Waldorf Blofeld, MAM MB33, Engine]

Published on Sep 25, 2016 Acid Alex

"This track is called 'Buffalo' - Recorded Live :-)

Please support me and buy/download this track at Bandcamp...
https://acidalex.bandcamp.com/releases

Gear used (for the synth heads!)

Social Entropy Engine MIDI Sequencer
Roland AIRA TR-8
Roland AIRA System-1 (SH-101 Plugout)
Roland AIRA TB-3
Roland AIRA MX-1
Roland Boutique JU-06
Waldorf Blofeld
MAM MB33 Retro (TB-303 Clone)
Zoom MS-100BT MultiStomp Pedal

:-)"

Trance-Portation - Live Acid Trance [Roland TR-8, TB-3, System-1, Waldorf Blofeld, MAM MB33, Engine]

Published on Jul 10, 2016 Acid Alex

"My new track recorded live called 'Trance-Portation'

I hope you like it :-)

Please subscribe and leave comments below.

You can download this track at Bandcamp...
https://acidalex.bandcamp.com/releases

Gear used...

Social Entropy Engine MIDI Sequencer
Novation Circuit
Roland AIRA TR-8
Roland AIRA System-1 (SH-101 Plugout)
Roland AIRA TB-3
Roland AIRA MX-1
Roland JU-06
Waldorf Blofeld
MAM MB33 Retro
Zoom MS-100BT MultiStomp Pedal

:-)"

Spotted on discchord.

Social Entropy Engine - CV expansion installation

Published on Apr 26, 2016 ripe909

"A quick video showing how to install and enable the CV gate output expansion for the Engine sequencer."

CV Gate Expansion for the Social Entropy Engine 8 Track Sequencer Coming April 15

This one in via MATRIXSYNTH Member Lorne:

"This is more than just 8 cv and 8 gates as there is a great deal of customization and flexibility built in to what it can do.

8 tracks of mono cv, 1 track of 8 triggers and cvs, a couple of four voice, customized output voltages, etc. User installable with two screws and a snap in cable. $125US available from the company site.

Also coming new batch of the sold out Engine sequencer and also a new OS for teh engine, all to be released the same day, so stay tuned.

Release date has been set as April 15 2016. Units in production and beta done.

Unpaid endorsement from a happy owner who paid retail at the site. Lorne"

https://www.socialentropy.com/engine/?page_id=346

GLASYS - Falling (Live in Studio)

Published on Jan 28, 2016 GLASYS

"Here's a live in studio performance of a new song called 'Falling'. A fully produced version of the song will appear on my debut E.P which I plan on releasing later this year. Let me know what you think!

Gear used: Nord Stage 2 EX, Therevox ET-4, Boomstar 4075, Social Entropy Engine and Nord Drum 2. All sounds played in realtime except for drums which are triggered from the Engine sequencer."

Social Entropy Engine Multitrack Sequencer

Published on Jan 28, 2016 Synthtopia

"At the 2016 NAMM Show, we talked with designer John Kimble about his Social Entropy Engine Multitrack Sequencer."

Happy New Year From MATRIXSYNTH! - A Look Back at 2015

Happy New Year everyone!  I want to thank you all for a great 2015 and I wish you all the best in 2016!

The following is my yearly round up for the year.  Feel free to dig into this post as much you like, or skip it and leave a comment at the bottom of the post. I'd be curious to hear what stood out for you in 2015. Do you like the direction the synthesizer world is headed in, or would you rather see more or less of any type of product?

CLICK FOR MORE »

Social Entropy's Engine Sequencer Now Available

Social Entropy's Engine sequencer is now available. Their site appears to be down, so until it comes up checkout some previous posts here.

Update: the official press release:

"SOCIAL ENTROPY ANNOUNCES AVAILABILITY OF ENGINE MULTITRACK PATTERN SEQUENCER

Allen, TX USA - Social Entropy announces the immediate availability of ENGINE hardware sequencer. ENGINE can be ordered directly from http:// www.socialentropy.com for $665 USD (plus shipping and any applicable local taxes and fees). ENGINE is available in two color schemes, red/white or blue/white.

ENGINE is a polyphonic hardware step sequencer for pattern based music composition and performance. ENGINE provides a dedicated interface for creating melodic and percussion patterns in a compact tabletop unit.

ENGINE can be used for sequencing MIDI based devices using standard MIDI or USB- MIDI, and with an optional 16 output CV expansion board, ENGINE can interface with modular synthesizers and other analog devices.

ENGINE can sequence eight simultaneous tracks. Timing for each track is independent, with only a shared master clock across patterns, allowing simultaneous patterns of varying lengths and meters. Each pattern can be up to 64 steps in length with eight timing scales, multiple levels of shuffle, directions and the ability to skip individual steps. Up to 16 patterns can be chained for extended length sequences.

ENGINE contains 512 patterns which can be either synth (melodic) type or drum type. Synth type patterns allow for polyphonic programming with dedicated accent, slide, delay, repeat and transposition and also include a built in arpeggiator. Drum type patterns allow for eight instrument polyphony, with dedicated accents, delay, per instrument repeats, instrument muting/soloing and a drum roll mode.

The sequencing engine supports simultaneous grid, realtime and step recording. Allowing realtime performances to be captured with the built in mini-keyboard or via MIDI controller. In addition, the arpeggiator, drum rolls, slides, accents and transposition can also be recorded directly into a sequence in realtime.

Functions like copy and paste, randomize, rotate and reverse can be applied to entire patterns or to individual drum instruments. All operations can be performed without stopping the sequencer. All settings are stored in non-volatile memory.

For constructing songs, snapshot and song modes allow the current state of all tracks to be captured and recalled with a single button press. 32 songs can be recorded in realtime or by step programming.
Six general purpose controller knobs can be mapped to any MIDI controller message and MIDI channel, or follow the selected track. This makes it possible to tweak devices directly from ENGINE. The knobs also control an interactive MIDI effects system that add ratcheting, delay, velocity and gate offsets per track.

The optional CV expansion board (available soon) adds sixteen analog outputs that can be used in multiple modes to provide pitch CV, gate, triggers, clocks and auxiliary voltages. A hardware slide circuit produces smooth CV output for programmed slide events. CV voltage range from -3V to +7V with +10V gates allows full range control over analog devices. The CV expansion also allows ENGINE to function as a standalone 8 channel MIDI to CV converter operating in either monophonic or polyphonic mode

Synchronization can be via internal clock, MIDI clock or DIN sync (master or slave). MIDI System Exclusive support allows pattern data to be dumped to external devices for backup or sharing.

USB connectivity via an isolated USB port eliminates grounding problems and is also used for easy operating system upgrades."

Social Entropy's Engine Midi Sequencer

Published on Apr 27, 2015 Sealion

"Talking with John Kimble in depth at NAMM back in January 2015 on the day of the first unveiling of his fabulous 8 track midi sequencer."

Update:

Social Enthropy at NAMM 2015 Part II

Published on Apr 30, 2015 Sealion

"Discussion of his Quicksilver TR-303 and TR-606 cpu upgrades for Roland gear, sneak peek at the TR-808 cpu upgrade and the RED Engine."

Social Entropy - Engine overview

Published on Feb 16, 2015 ripe909

"In this video we give a brief introduction to the Engine hardware sequencer. First, we cover the basics of the machine, then we program a basic song using various features."

New Synth Gear and Makers in January 2015

After this year's massive New Years post, I thought it might be interesting to see how many new makers and new gear announcements we received in a single month.

This may or may not become a monthly theme on the site depending on interest.  If you think it's worth while, leave a comment.

At a high level we had 12 new makers, one new old maker previously never featured on the site, and a whopping 193 new synth related products. Check out the module list below.  The list is a combination of what was either announced or released this month.

The list in order of appearance:

CLICK FOR MORE »

Details on Social Entropy's New Engine Multitrack Sequencer

Social Entropy is at NAMM Booth 1663A, Hall E.

"SOCIAL ENTROPY ANNOUNCES ENGINE MULTITRACK PATTERN
 SEQUENCER FOR CV AND MIDI

NAMM 2015 BOOTH 1663A - Social Entropy is pleased to introduce ENGINE, a hardware sequencer for pattern based music composition and performance. ENGINE provides a dedicated interface for creating melodic and percussion patterns in a compact tabletop unit.

ENGINE can be used used for sequencing MIDI based devices using standard MIDI or USB-MIDI, and with an optional CV expansion board, ENGINE can interface with modular and other analog devices.

ENGINE can sequence eight simultaneous tracks. Timing for each track is independent, with only a shared master clock across patterns. Each pattern can be up to 64 steps in length with eight available timing scales, multiple levels of shuffle and the ability to skip individual steps.

ENGINE contains 512 patterns which can be either synth (melodic) type or drum type. Synth type patterns allow for monophonic programming with dedicated accent, slide and transposition and also include a built in arpeggiator.

Drum type patterns allow for eight instrument polyphony, with dedicated accents, instrument muting and a drum roll mode.

The sequencing engine supports simultaneous grid and realtime recording. Allowing realtime performances to be captured with the built in mini-keyboard or via MIDI controller. In addition, the arpeggiator, drum rolls, slides, accents and transposition can also be recorded directly into a sequence in realtime.

Functions like copy and paste, randomize, rotate and reverse can be applied to entire patterns or to individual drum instruments. All operations can be performed without stopping the sequencer. All settings are stored in non-volatile memory.

For constructing songs, snapshot and song modes allow the current state of all tracks to be captured and recalled with a single button press.

Six general purpose controller knobs can be mapped to any MIDI controller message and MIDI channel, or follow the

MIDI channel of the selected track. This makes it possible to tweak devices directly from ENGINE.

The optional CV expansion board adds eight analog output pairs, with one output per track. Synth type patterns output CV/Gate voltages, while drum type patterns output Trigger and Accent voltages for one drum instrument. A hardware slide circuit produces smooth CV output for programmed slide events.

Synchronization can be either internal, MIDI clock or DIN sync (master or slave).

Full MIDI System Exclusive support means that pattern data can be dumped to external devices for backup or sharing. Patterns from Quicksilver 606, Quicksilver 303 and (upcoming) Quicksilver 808 can be loaded directly into Engine.

USB connectivity is also used for easy operating system upgrades. ENGINE will be available in early 2015.
For more information, please visit http://www.socialentropy.com"

Engine - New Sequencers From Quicksilver Maker Social Entropy

via the sequencer.de forums

"Social Entropy (Ripe) Creator of the Quicksilver 303/606 CPU's is showing his new 8-track prototype sequencer at NAMM this year called the Engine.

It has a raft of features similar to the TB-303 and TR-606 QS CPU's, and also a lot of other new features like skip (only seen on analog sequencers) and many more.

There is also USB, and an optional CV/Gate add-on too.

I'm sure more photos of it will emerge soon, possibly demos too."

No additional details on Social Entropy at this time.

SOCIAL ENTROPY RELEASES QUICKSILVER 606 CPU UPGRADE FOR THE TR-606

Quicksilver 606 Introduction

Published on Apr 4, 2013 ripe909·21 videos

"The Quicksilver 606 CPU upgrade for the TR-606 is now available! [Press release below] The soundtrack is by Syn303, track available here: https://soundcloud.com/syn303/kontakt..."

Quicksilver 606 Features Overview
Published on Apr 4, 2013

"We go over some of the new features of the Quicksilver 606 CPU upgrade for the TR-606. We cover individual instrument accents, 32 step patterns, MUTE and ROLL, randomize, rotate, reverse and some MIDI capabilities."

---

PRESS RELEASE:

"Dallas, TX, April 04, 2013 - Exactly one year after the successful release of the Quicksilver 303, Social Entropy is pleased to announce the Quicksilver 606 CPU upgrade. Quicksilver 606 is a completely new replacement CPU for the classic TR-606 drum machine. The operating system has been rewritten from the ground up.

The Quicksilver 606 introduces the capability to accent individual instrument triggers. A mix of accented and unaccented triggers can be placed on the same step. This ability makes it possible to program much more expressive patterns that weren’t possible on the original TR-606.

A new MUTE/ROLL mode has been added specifically for realtime performance.
MUTE mode allows muting of individual instrument tracks. Mutes can be applied in realtime and stored with a pattern or applied globally across patterns.
ROLL mode creates a note repeat of selected instruments. The time division of the roll can be changed in realtime for dynamic build-ups and variations.

Patterns can now be up to 32 steps in length, split across two 16 step sections. When extending a pattern from 16 to 32 steps, pattern data can copied automatically into the new section. Up to sixteen patterns can be chained for playback.

The sequencing engine supports standard grid and tap programming methods. A new realtime record capability also allows patterns to be entered live with a MIDI controller, with incoming velocity used to dynamically set accents.

Functions like copy and paste, randomize, rotate and reverse can be applied to individual instruments or entire patterns.


The extended track mode allows for complete songs to be constructed using patterns. Each track step has settings for instrument mutes, multiple repeats or pattern chains.

Changing between modes can be performed without stopping the sequencer. All data is stored in EEPROM memory, eliminating the need for batteries.

Enhanced MIDI connectivity provides synchronization, sequencer input and output, as well as a new "MIDI Control Mode" which allows the buttons of the TR-606 to be controlled remotely by any device that can send MIDI note messages.

Full MIDI System Exclusive support means that pattern and track data can be dumped to external devices for backup or sharing. USB MIDI can also be used for direct connection to various USB host devices.

USB connectivity is also used for easy operating system upgrades.

The Quicksilver 606 is available for immediate purchase. Price for the base CPU is $275 USD, with free installation for a limited time.

For more information, please visit http://www.socialentropy.com/quicksilver"

Quicksilver TB-303 CPU Upgrade Now Available

Quicksilver 303 Introduction

YouTube Uploaded by ripe909 on Apr 3, 2012

"The Quicksilver 303 CPU upgrade for the TB-303 is now available! For more information please visit http://www.socialentropy.com/quicksilver"

Quicksilver303_new_features

Uploaded by ripe909 on Apr 3, 2012

"This is a quick overview of some of the new features introduced by the Quicksilver 303 CPU Upgrade for the TB-303. We show system exclusive loading of pattern data, setting the pattern length, pattern copy/paste, pattern rotation, randomize and reverse. We also show how pitch or time information can be entered in step mode."

Quicksilver 303 OS update tutorial

Uploaded by ripe909 on Apr 3, 2012

"A guided video demonstrating how to update the operating system of the Quicksilver 303 CPU. This shows windows being used for the upgrade procedure, but the process is the same for other operating systems."

Update: some pics and the official press release:

"Dallas, TX, April 04, 2012 - After months of testing and development, Social Entropy is releasing the Quicksilver 303 CPU Upgrade. Quicksilver 303 is a complete replacement CPU for the classic TB-303 BassLine Synthesizer. It uses a completely rewritten operating system that enhances and extends both pattern and track modes. All operations can be carried out while the sequencer continues playback. We have strived to maintain the classic feel of the sequencer, while removing the frustration.

Many features have been added to the operating system, with a focus on realtime performance and tweaking.

The sequencer engine supports standard step entry in pitch and time modes, while a new realtime record capability allows patterns to be entered live with the 303 keyboard or a MIDI controller. Editing of pattern information is now simple, with the ability to move forwards and backwards within a sequence while the pattern continues playback. A new chase LED makes it easy to visualize the location of notes in the pattern.

Functions like copy and paste, randomize, extend, rotate and reverse can be applied to pitch or time information independently. Patterns can be transposed in octaves or semitones in both pattern write and play modes. The transpose amount is stored with each pattern.

In pattern play mode, up to eight patterns can be chained for playback. A pattern restart and clock resync function makes sure that the music never stops during live performance!

The extended track mode allows for complete songs to be constructed using patterns. Each track step has settings for pattern transposition, multiple repeats or pattern chains.

Changing between modes can be performed without stopping the sequencer and all data is stored in EEPROM memory, eliminating the need for batteries.

Enhanced MIDI connectivity provides synchronization, sequencer input and output, as well as a new "MIDI Control Mode" which allows the buttons of the TB-303 to be controlled remotely by any device that can send MIDI note messages. Full MIDI System Exclusive support means that pattern and track data to be dumped to external devices for backup or sharing.

USB connectivity is used for easy operating system upgrades.

The Quicksilver 303 is available for immediate purchase. Price for the base CPU is $275 USD, with free installation for a limited time.

For more information, please visit http://www.socialentropy.com/quicksilver"