MATRIXSYNTH: Search results for Space Town


Showing posts sorted by relevance for query Space Town. Sort by date Show all posts
Showing posts sorted by relevance for query Space Town. Sort by date Show all posts

Friday, June 08, 2012

A New Modular Format Arrives - The Kilpatrick Format Synthesizer

A bold move by Kilpatrick Audio. Make room euro, we have a new format in town. See this post for an image and list of modular formats.

"Introducing the Kilpatrick Format

The Kilpatrick format is a new kind of modular synthesizer system for players that demand something better, different and inspiring. Designed by Andrew Kilpatrick, the Kilpatrick format represents a new generation of modular music making by offering the right combination of look and feel, playability, excellent circuit design, and the perfect blend of old and new concepts that make the system easy and fun to use.

Whether you're an experienced synthesist, or looking to get into synthesizers or modular systems for the first time, the Kilpatrick system has something to offer you. The clean design is easy to learn, but also offers experienced users an uncluttered layout that gets right to making great sounds.

Kilpatrick Format Features:

4U (7") panel height - each panel offers close to 30 in. of panel space
Simple plug and play module installation - rearranging a system or adding new modules is easy
Universal use of banana cables for patching of audio, CV and pulse/gate signals - high quality cables are available in a variety of colors and lengths
Color-coded jacks indicate different signal functions and direction
Separate analog and digital grounds used for low noise signal returns - plenty of power available for digital modules
Total cabinet depth of less than 3" permits table top or rack mounting
High quality brushed anodized panels are rugged and feature clean, futuristic graphics
All modules and systems are hand-assembled and built-to-order in our downtown Toronto workshop
Kilpatrick format products are only available directly from Kilpatrick Audio"

"K1 Mixer Interface

Kilpatrick Format Mixer and MIDI Interface - 1 Space

The K1 Mixer Interface module is a combination of a high quality five channel audio mixer and MIDI to CV converter. The mixer is designed for high level signals from other modules and offers both an AUX send for use with effects, and dual stereo outputs on banana and mini jacks, as well as a headphone amplifier with dedicated volume control.
Mixer Section

The mixer circuit incorporates high quality low-noise inputs on banana jacks. Three mono channels and one stereo channel all contain input level indicators and input level controls. The stereo channel offers an AUX send level control which sends a post-input level blend of the left and right channels to the AUX output.

The mono inputs offer level controls, a post-input level AUX send, as well as a pan control. Channel 5 offers a CV input for panning instead of a pan control.

The master output contains a stereo level control and a pair of banana jacks suitable for connection to other modules or daisy-chaining several mixers. A pair of mini jacks offer line-level signals that can be output to external audio equipment. Signal level indicators show the levels at the output jacks and sense the levels after the MASTER volume control. A ground jack provides access to the analog ground on the system.

A dedicated heaphone amplifier provides a stereo output on a mini jack with a dedicated level control. This output can also be used for powered speakers or stereo recorders that work more conveniently with stereo mini cables.
MIDI Interface Section

The K1 also contains a small but useful MIDI to CV converter. Built on the success of the K1600 MIDI Interface, the MIDI to CV converter on the K1 supports a number of useful MIDI to voltage conversions, plus a MIDI THRU jack for daisy-chaining. Outputs can be assigned to note, control change and pitch bend messages. Note playing modes include single (mono) mode, split keyboard mode, two-voice polyphonic mode, which is expandable up to 16 voices with additional modules, Arp Odessey-style duo-phonic mode, and single (mono) mode with velocity output on the second CV output jack.

Outputs are programmed by pressing the SET button to select the output mode to program and then sending a MIDI message to the unit. The MIDI channel, output type and other parameters are stored automatically in the module and restored at power-on."

"K2 // Pitch Oscillator

"Kilpatrick Format Analog VCO - 1 Space

The K2 Pitch Oscillator is a fully analog voltage-controlled oscillator (VCO) with a traditional sawtooth core and waveshapers that provide sine, triangle, ramp and pulse outputs. Two different pulse modes offer either standard PWM pulse shaping or a unique multi-pulse mode that generates different timbres by producing multiple narrow pulses. Both modes can be pulse width modulated.

Front panel tuning is accomplished with coarse and fine tuning controls. Additionally a range switch allows a second coarse control to be added to the tuning signal allowing two ranges of tuning, or offering even more tuning range.

A special blend mixing section allows mixing of sine, triangle, ramp and pulse outputs. Two controls blend between sine and ramp, and triangle and pulse waveforms. These two signals are fed into a voltage controlled blending circuit which can be control with the BLEND MIX control or input control voltage.

Inputs include a calibrated V/octave input, linear and exponential CV inputs with bi-polar input level controls, a PWM input with level control, and a sync input which can be used to hard sync the oscillator with input pulses from another oscillator. Outputs are provided for the blend mix circuit and also separate outs for sine, triangle, ramp and pulse outputs."

"K3 // Digital Effects

Kilpatrick Format Digital Effects Processor - 1 Space

The K3 Digital Effects module contains two different digital effect units in a single module. The top REVERB / DELAY section produces high quality reverb and delay effects, all processed at 24 bits. The lower ITTI BITTI section produces lo-fi effects such as bit crushing and sample-rate reduction, wavefolding, distortion and signal multiplication. Reverb and delay effects are geared towards audio signals, whereas the ITTI BITTI effects can be used for both audio and low frequency control voltage signals.
Reverb / Delay

The REVERB / DELAY section provides high quality stereo reverb and delay effects with a dedicated audio DSP. A mono input and level control are used to feed audio into the processor. The output generates a left and right channel which create expansive reverbs and stereo delays. Three controls allow the reverb mix, delay mix and delay time to be controlled. The delay time can also be controlled with a voltage to create pitch shifted and sped up / slowed down effects. Two reverb algorithms and three delay algorithms are selected with the main PROGRAM control.
ITTI BITTI

The ITTI BITTI section occupies the lower half of the module. It generates low fidelity audio and CV effects using non-oversampled 12 bit analog converters to create a number of interesting types of distortion and digital processing of both control voltages and audio signals. It creates digital multiplication of two signals, sample and hold with sample-rate and bit depth reduction controls, wave folding with adjustable drive and break points, and a digital distortion effect which creates harmonically rich timbres from simple waveforms. The sample rate of the system is internally generated, or can be fed from a pitch oscillator or other source of pulses."

"K4 // Envelope Modulator

Kilpatrick Format Envelope Generator / LFO - 1 Space

The K4 Envelope Modulator combines two envelope generators and two LFOs into a single module. Each section supports a number of different uses in many types of patches.
Envelope Generator Section

The two identical envelope generators can operate in one of three modes: attack / hold / release, attack / release, and auto-repeat mode. Both a gate input and manual trigger button can be used to start and stop the evelopes, and the up and down times are voltage controllable. The outputs generate both a variable voltage and a pulse which activates during the release phase of the envelope.
LFO Section

A dual LFO section generates periodic signals of various speed and amplitude. The speed can be controlled by a voltage as well as by the panel control. The output level can be adjusted over a wide range including the ability to internally clip the output to max and min values.

Both channels of the LFO section can be synchronized together and the phase of the second channel can be adjusted ahead or behind by up to 180 degrees. This can be used to generate waveforms which have a known phase shift between them."

"K5 // Filter Amp

Kilpatrick Format Quad Filter / VCA - 1 Space

The K5 Filter Amp is a quad VCA and low-pass filter combination. Four identical channels offer manual or voltage controlled wide-band VCA, and also a low-pass filter section with controllable resonance. Both circuits operate in tandem with the same CV and input signal, but producing two simultaneous outputs.

The K5 uses high-quality, low-noise VCA circuitry throughout. The response is designed to smoothly track the input signal for optimum fades for use with an envelope generator or other type of modulation source. The LEVEL control can be used to tweak the response to suit the type of CV control and input signal.

The low-pass filter output has a resonance control which adjusts the response from slight peaking around the cutoff frequency, to extreme settings. The filter is not designed to self-oscillate but it does produce percussive pitched bursts when fed with very low frequency pulses."

via Kilpatrick Audio

Saturday, December 03, 2022

Interactive manual for the Pulsar-23



via SOMA Laboratory

"Mastering the interface of a complex semi-modular synth with hundreds of controls and functions onboard is not an easy task even for the most seasoned producer. It’s too much to memorize, and continuously checking the user manual gets annoying and interferes with the creative process. Even with using the search function you still end up scrolling up and down dozens of pages and going back and forth to understand how related features interact, a process that is more fiddly than convenient.

Why does it have to be like that? Instrument manuals - even for complex machines - are still just plain linear text with a structure that doesn't reflect the actual interface or workflow of the product it describes. Despite all the technological advances of our digital age, user manuals are still based on the same principles of how information was organized and accessed in manuscripts from over 2,000 years ago.

It's high time someone changed this! SOMA Labs designed a new and more user-friendly approach to synthesizer manuals that we believe should become the new industry standard, offering unparalleled efficiency and immediate access to relevant information through a visual (touch) interface.

What really is a synth's interface? You can compare it to a territory, like a town or a forest, where we have various objects placed in space. If each control has just one function we can compare it with 2D space, if we have multifunctional controls or menus we can speak about a 3D space. How do you best describe a space to someone else? Of course, with a map! What should a 21st century map be like? Interactive!

SOMA is therefore proud to present its new interactive manual for the PULSAR-23 drum machine, SOMA's most complex synth to date. It consists of a map of the synth’s interface where each element is clickable.

Just click on any button, connector or knob and get its description along with highlighting elements that are connected to or depend on it with the immediate possibility to check what they do.

As PULSAR-23 is a semi-modular instrument, all patching points have suggestions about which other patch points you could connect them to (about 1,000 patching tips!).

So it's also a kind of light patching tutorial.

The concept of interactive manuals can be developed much deeper and better, and we therefore invite our industry colleagues to further develop and refine this approach to user manuals for musical instruments. Let’s make synth manuals more user-friendly, easy to learn and more efficient, lowering the learning curve for new musicians and freeing up users' minds for pure creativity!

Welcome to the world of PULSAR-23!"

Saturday, November 01, 2014

Todd Barton Butoh for Easels


via Todd Barton

"I'm proud to announce the premiere performance of my new piece, Butoh for Easels. On Friday, Nov. 7 at 11 a.m. at the Schneider Museum of Art on the campus of Southern Oregon University I will be joined by three amazing synthesists: Bruce Bayard, Eden Mononym and Adam Scramstad to perform this piece for 4 Buchla Music Easels (analog synthesizers) in quadraphonic sound space. This is part of our ongoing series: Quadraphonic: Space and Metaphor Not since the 1970’s group, The Electric Weasel Ensemble spearheaded by Don Buchla and Allen Strange, have this many Music Easels been seen and heard in a single performance space. This new composition was created for the reverberant acoustic of the Schneider Museum coupled with a quadraphonic surround-sound system. This will be a unique sonic experience! I know many of you on this list are from out of town and won't be able to be here, but I hope to have good video and audio of the performance available. If you are in town I encourage you to make it -- there is nothing like quadraphonic sound LIVE! Also, there will be exciting solo performances by Eden, Bruce and Adam!

all best wishes,
Todd"

Friday, December 09, 2022

Obsolescence (Liveset Recorded 12/5/2022)


video upload by Space Town

"(EPILEPSY WARNING: contains flashing rhythmic lights)

it's been a while

finally managed to get around to recording this liveset - nothing was prearranged as per usual, and it was recorded in two takes because of my camera's recording limit (it can't go past 24-ish minutes without stopping)

bandcamp link here: https://spacetown.bandcamp.com/album/...

hardware seen: dirtywave m8 x 2, midi fighter twister
hardware unseen: polyend play (handling MIDI for the lights), TE TX-6 (for recording)"

Wednesday, November 23, 2022

Dirtywave M8 + Bastl Softpop 2 Jam (Recorded 6/6/22)


video upload by Space Town

"hey everyone! been a minute - we have been very busy with work and travel so I haven't had much time to make videos lately and we are a few days away from leaving for chicago for a few weeks so I wanted to get this lil' jam with the dirtywave m8 and the bastl softpop 2 out quick before we left

i'm still learning the softpop 2! it's my first semi-modular with such an involved patchbay so instead of patching my own stuff I basically stole a patch from soffter demonstrated in the video here:"

Softpop 2 : Secret Waveform Synthesis : Internal Overdrive and More - sofft Ideas

video upload by soffter

Friday, May 05, 2006

Live Moog Space Jam Part II

"On Friday evening, May 19, starting at 7:00 PM EDST, musicians Jordan
Rudess and Richard Lainhart will perform live in WDFH's Studio 2.
Join us for Moog Space Jam Part II, hosted by Treavor Hastings.
Richard Lainhart and Jordan Rudess will be performing live, chatting,
and bringing along some influential music from their own libraries
for this three hour event.

Jordan is a world-class pianist as well as a highly accomplished
recording artist, composer, producer and performer, and has just
completed a world tour as keyboardist with the progressive rock group
Dream Theater. Richard Lainhart is an award winning composer,
author, and filmmaker. He is no stranger to the WDFH air waves and
has performed his own solo compositions with us several times in the
past. He and Jordan are coming back for their second round of Moog
Space improvisation.

Jordan will be performing on his vintage Moog Model D and Voyager
MiniMoogs, and Richard will be playing Moog virtual instruments
running on laptop and Muse Receptor. This is an event not to be
missed! Tune in at WDFH-FM 90.3 in the Lower Hudson River Valley or
online here at wdfh.org.

To find your local time, go here: http://www.greenwichmeantime.com
--

Richard Lainhart
O-Town Media
rlainhart[]otownmedia.com
http://www.otownmedia.com"

Friday, February 11, 2022

New Bragi Modular Wyrd Matrix Mixer with A Questionable Logo



New maker and new module. Note the logo resembles an older Valhalla DSP logo. Below is a message from Sean Costello of Valhalla on the matter.

This one was spotted and sent in via Soviet Space Child.

via Bragi Modular

WYRD is a compact 4×4 matrix mixer built for performers.

The feature that sets it apart from most other matrix mixers is the performance focused offset fader at the bottom. The fader let’s you offset all four outputs (Marked A-B-C-D) with 5 volts in either positive or negative direction. This way you can set up quite complex modulation chains and then use the fader to affect all outputs. Perfect for live interaction.

WYRD is DC coupled and while it is aimed at mixing CV signals as mentioned above, it works great for audio as well. In case you want to mix audio signals, make sure to place the fader in the center. The fader has a center detent and will null in the middle position, letting you easily disengage it from the outputs.

All high quality components from mechanical parts like the pots and fader, to the electronic componets.

The panel is made of annodized, black aluminium with laser engraved graphics. This combination is very strong, the graphics will never fade or tear.

The small size for a matrix mixer and the very low power consumption makes it the perfect complex mixing source for your live or compact rig.:

Priced at €160,00

---

And a note from Sean Costello on Gearspace:

Hi! Sean from Valhalla here.

We need to point out that our older logo is:

- still in use
- is still in use in commerce, in the Eurorack space (as pointed out by the photo of the Z-DSP cartridge from Valhalla earlier in the thread)
- and is a registered trademark of Valhalla DSP, LLC.

The US trademark registration number of the old logo is 4681428. The newer helmet logo's registration number is 6567032.

Here's our blog post about the history of our logos. It is worth noting that the helmet logo dates back to 2002, and was first associated with the name "Valhalla" in a Reaktor ensemble from 2003.

https://valhalladsp.com/2020/06/23/s...lhalla-design/

Here's one of the listings for the Halls of Valhalla cartridge for the Z-DSP, as being actively sold on a major US modular vendor's website. Notice that the older logo is in use on this product.

https://www.controlvoltage.net/tipto...lla-for-z.html

One of the things about US trademarks is that they have to be defended in order to retain their legal status. Please consider this a polite public request to change your logo to something that does not closely resemble either of Valhalla DSP's trademarked helmet logos.

It is obvious from the public responses in this thread that people think that your current logo closely resembles our logo, and it would be best to not have the likelihood of confusion around our logo in a market that we both participate in.

Thanks,

Sean Costello

---

And and Official statement from Bragi Modular in response:

First things first: We definitely have zero bad intentions regarding this matter. We are not looking to step on anyone's toes.

A quick history of our logo and brand: We are based in Aarhus, Denmark, which has a very rich cultural heritage littered with rune stones and history related to the viking period, when the town was also founded. This is something very close to our hearts. Our logo itself is an original illustration by us, inspired by the modern depiction of a viking helmet.

We are currently considering our options and will open up a friendly dialogue with Valhalla DSP to solve this matter.

Thank you for your comments so far in this thread.

Simon & Morten from Bragi Modular"

Thursday, March 10, 2022

TONY's TESTBENCH - Episode 1. Waldorf Microwave XT-K


video upload by Tony Drake

"Episode one of a series of reviews of synthesizers that I come across.

The first synthesizer to get the once-over is a Waldorf XT-K wavetable synthesizer which was loaned to me by Andy D'Alton, an old friend of mine who had just serviced it and replaced the power supply. He was keen for me to put it through its paces, and i was happy to oblige.

The XT-K is gritty, intuitive, and edgy. From simple classic 'analogue' sounding pads, to grungy, to bright, and lots in-between.

A great creative tool, and easy to 'tweak' to create your own original sounds.

This video is not intended to go in-depth into the workings of the synth, but more to give the viewer an overview and a first impression by creating a short musical piece using a random selection of sounds, exclusively found on the XT-K. Detailed specs can always be found online.

Thanks to Andy from FINE TUNED SOLUTIONS. (Plumstead, Cape Town, South Africa)

For all your synth and musical instrument repair needs, contact:
Fine Tuned Solutions ( FTS)
Antony Berry
Andy D’Alton
Mark Johnstone
26 white road Plumstead, Cape Town, South Africa.
0833095421 - Andy
0825700952 - Mark
0828266055 - Ant

Waldorf Microwave XT-K song composed by Tony Drake.
All sounds recorded as direct audio from the XT-K.++-++"

This one was spotted and sent in via Soviet Space Child.

Saturday, April 15, 2023

New Sibilla Stereo Digital Oscillator Eurorack Module from Clatters Machines


video upload by Clatters Machines



"Clatters Machines moves mountains with Sibilla stereo digital oscillator module acting as an ever-evolving sound machine for soundscapes, melodies, and drones

SAN BENEDETTO DEL TRONTO, ITALY: small town lovers of music and electronic instruments Clatters Machines is proud to announce (website-only) availability of its Sibilla stereo digital oscillator — translating the beauty and harshness of a semi-barren mountain into a 10HP Eurorack module that sculpts sound with various saw and sine waves running through intricate delay networks altered by LFOs (Low Frequency Oscillators) and white noise to create constructive and destructive interferences, enabling ever-evolving soundscapes that can be both droning and/or melodic in nature — as of April 15…

Inspired by a mountain, designed by the sea. So few words, with so much meaning; those eight words that so subtly make an appearance on the Sibilla module’s rear represent its backstory, what inspired its creators, and where they are based. But, for clarity’s sake, the company collectively calls it: An ever-evolving sound machine for soundscapes, melodies, and drones.

It is fair to say, though, that there is more to that Sibilla backstory than meets the eye. “Living by the sea can be peaceful and inspiring, but also quite stressful as the tourist season reaches its peak and, all of a sudden, a small town doubles its number of citizens,” continues Clatters Machines Co-founder, engineer, electronic designer Michelangelo Nasso. “Those are the moments in which we’re constantly looking for air and a new space that is able to inspire us while calming our nerves! Luckily, we live in a weird region in which a 40-minute drive means the difference between swimming in the sea and hiking at 2000m above sea level, surrounded by semi-barren lands which actually make you forget for a moment that you’re still on planet Earth. One of those magical places is called Monte Sibilla — Sibella Mountain, and our new module tries to pay tribute to it.”

As a stereo digital oscillator, Sibilla’s L/M (left/mono) and R (right) channels are the output stages of two audio feedback loops, each of which is made up of a main sub-sinusoidal wave oscillator and two saw and sine waves with frequencies affected by the generation of (right-channel) harmonics and (left-channel) sub-harmonics. Saying that, though, all of those waves have different phases with respective offsets constantly affected by minor variations created by two pairs of GRAINS randomly fluctuating within the waves’ amplitude spectrum and being sampled at a certain speed.

Thereafter, the waves meet each other at a so-called ‘common point’ — where everything happens and changes continuously — together with two white noise sources, creating constructive and destructive interferences that are affected constantly by two LFO movements. Moreover, such interferences are then run into a resonant low-pass filter and distributed to four different delay lines from where they are finally fed back into the audio loops at different time intervals, depending on the GRAINS movement.

Making it to Sibilla’s summit as an ever-evolving sound machine for soundscapes, melodies, and drones translated from the beauty and harshness of a semi-barren mountain is destined to be a long-lasting musical journey that is as adventurous as it is inspirational in and of itself."

Monday, October 26, 2015

Space Western (Roland Boutique JU-06/JX-03,Reface DX,Korg Volca)


Published on Oct 25, 2015 Metatron's Cube

"Time,12:00 noon universal space time. The place, frontier town on Ganymede( Jupiter, and the solar systems largest moon). You called out the "Dalton Gang" for cheating in a hand of poker, and now it's time to collect. Lets see how they fancy our new mechanized armored suit. These mag-lev train robbers have finally met their match.
Somehow, the Yamaha reface DX was able to make a harmonica sounding patch...and it had to be used. Joined by a few Korg Volcas and Roland Boutiques. Thanks for watching and listening!
download@ https://soundcloud.com/miles-baskett/...
Gear list:
Roland Boutique JU-06 (Strymon BigSky)
Roland Boutique JX-03 (DigiTech Polara Reverb‎)
Yamaha Reface DX
Korg Volca Keys (TCE HoF reverb/Korg Kp3 pad)
Korg Volca Bass (Kp2 mini)
Akai XR-20
Arturia Beatstep Pro x2
Behringer Eurorack Pro/Ultragain Pro rack units
BBE MaxCom rack unit
Audacity (recording)
Slate Digital VTM/VMR
Presonus One ver2 (mastering)"

Monday, March 16, 2015

New Analog Hardware Keyboard Synthesizers from Artisan Electronic Instruments


Published on Mar 16, 2015 Michael Bachman

"Introduction to the Artisan Electronic Instruments Baroque Synthesizer"

It looks like we have a new hardware manufacturer in town.  Above are three demos of the new Artisan Electronic Instruments Baroque synthesizer. You'll find three SoundCloud demos below. Further down you'll find a concept image of the "Victorian" mono synthesizer keyboard and teaser pics for what appears to be a desktop synthesizer and a eurorack module.

The Baroque as you can see is near completion. It features an all analog signal path with dual oscillators and 4-pole lowpass filter, VCA with digital envelopes, noise (able to be pitch modulated), patch memory, and an extensive modulation system with the ability to bitcrush modifiers - 3 Envs, 4 LFOs with 7 waveforms, nine modulation paths with 18 modulators to chose from.  All knobs positions are patchable and recordable. At the end of the first video he mentions the Baroque should be completed in the next couple of months, he is considering making a version without a keyboard and potentially smaller versions (see concept pic further below), and finally the Baroque will be able to be converted into a polyphonic version using smaller internal boards (pics of the current boards below).


Some pics & additional details:

The Baroque

"All Analog Dual Oscillator, Dual Sub-Osc, 4 Pole LP Filter and VCA sound path with 18+ modulators and modifiers.

40 knobs, 48 switches and/or LEDs, 4 LCD displays
CV and Trigger outs
Midi- In and Out plus a poly-chain bus."


The guts consist of the "Ottava (left) and Maestro (middle) [which] fit perfectly inside the Baroque Synthesizer.. with space for Rondo... the keyboard scanner is in the far right."

The Ottava is the analog voice source with digital noise (diagram below), and the Maestro appears to be the digital modulation source.


All wired up.






Ottava Block Diagram ... Analog Signal Path

Panel overlay below.



The "Victorian"

"All analog dual oscillator monophonic synthesizer with on-board analog delay effects and unique hand-built circuits. Custom built curved control panel and back, oak side and case. 4 octave touch sensitive keyboard."


Upcoming desktop synthesizer?


Upcoming eurorack module.

Thursday, September 06, 2007

Salamander Music Systems

via Wavedeform in the comments of this post. I actually posted about the SMS website back on 7/12/2006. You can find all SMS posts I've put up here. Note there are three SMSes: Synthetic Music Systems, makers of the SMS MARS analog synth, Salamander Music Systems, and of course the fake SMS 2000. That said, here is the following via Wavedeform. Be sure to check out the site.

"My rather sparse Salamander site can be found here.

Salamander Music Systems (SMS) was started by Dennis Saputelli, an amazing designer. For its entire history SMS also manufactured lighting consoles, which was a much more lucrative business. Pretty much everyone involved with SMS was into it for synth-geek reasons, though, and saw the lighting stuff as the necessary evil that needed to be done to finance the synth stuff.

I worked at Salamander from roughly 1977-1985. The goal was to build the no-compromise synthesizer we all wanted. This meant that we were somewhat more expensive than a lot of systems of that era. At one point we had some pens made up that read: "SMS - When you don't care _how_ much it costs." There were a handful of (mostly large) modular systems shipped, and somewhere between 30-50 Voice 400s. Quite a lot of custom work was done also. For example, Mike Cotten of "The Tubes" had a bunch of SMS stuff, including a cool custom sequencer.

The modular was really amazing for its time. It used high quality sub-modules for all of its core functions. We started out using EMu sub-modules for the 97 Dual Oscillator, 147 UAF, and maybe one other module (I seem to remember a four pole LPF, too). The EMu modules were really expensive, and hard to get, so early on we designed our own sub-modules, some discrete, some based on SSM and Curtis chips.

The power distribution was perhaps overkill, but it also had significant advantages. Basically, there is a system wide, loosely regulated, +/- 18 VDC, and +9 VDC power supply. Each module has it's own local regulators to bring that down to +/- 15 VDC and +5 VDC. Because a module has its own power supply, it can be swapped around from system to system without the need for re-calibration. It also spread the heat around more evenly. The 1" modules didn't really have room for regulators, so they had their own regulated distribution scheme.

The Voice 400 was also really nice, but came out a little after the Prophet V, and a little before the DX-7; polyphony was the order of the day. A great sounding programmable monosynth, even with a programmable analog delay, was not what people wanted. I had one music store salesman tell me, flat out, that effects in a synthesizer were a bad idea, and that no one would want them. It turns out that they may, in reality, be a bad idea, but everyone wants them, anyway :-).

After SMS had been selling systems for a few years, Serge Systems relocated from Hollywood to San Francisco, just across town. There was a good natured rivalry between Darrell Johansen, Paul Young and the crew from Serge, and the SMS crew. If the respective companies were bigger, and we weren't all pasty-skinned synth-geeks, we would have had rival baseball teams or something. I had been a Serge user, as had Salamander user Naut Humon, currently of Asphodel/Recombinant Media Lab, and his bandmate at that time in "Rhythm & Noise", Rex Probe. Rex was also affiliated with SMS, doing assembly mostly, but a little design, too. Somehow illustrating the cycles of life is the fact that Rex is currently running Serge Modular.

Dennis Saputelli is still doing some lighting stuff, but mostly he does custom design and assembly, on an OEM basis. His company is called Integrated Controls http://integratedcontrolsinc.com/ , and is still in the same warehouse as the Salamander of old. Since I worked there, he has expanded into all the available space on the first floor of the building, and seems to be doing well."

Friday, August 21, 2009

Remembering Bob Moog


[ Note: This post stays on top for the day. Tons going up below. Originally posted at 8:36 AM PST. ]

Today marks the fourth year of Bob Moog's passing. Play a little something for him today.

Be sure to visit The Bob Moog Foundation, and Moog Music where you'll find this wallpaper free of charge.

Don't forget, the "Waves of Inspiration: The Legacy of Moog Museum Exhibit" runs from August 29 - April 30. Keith Emerson and others will be there opening weekend.

Thank you for everything Bob. The synths, the inspiration, the humor, positive vibes and the magic.

Update: Mark Pulver's Moog tattoo. Mark was good friends with Bob Moog. I remember him getting this tattoo after his passing.

BTW, if you have anything Moog specific you'd like to send in, feel free. You can reach me at matrixsynth at gmail. Of course feel free to comment.

Also, I don't ask for a dime to run this site. I've had people suggest I put up a Paypal Donate Here button. I don't because I do have ads on the site and I believe in offering the site for free. But if you do want to donate, even just a few bucks, donate something to The Bob Moog Foundation. Little donations can add up. They are keeping not only Bob Moog's memory alive, but the magic and history of synths.




Update: On the technical side of things, here is a list of patents (creations) from Bob Moog via Jerry on the SDIY list: "well to name a few, "Voltage-Controlled Electronic Music Modules" (R.A. Moog, Journal of the Audio Engineering Society , Vol.13, No. 3, pp 200-206, July 1965...

Update on the Patents via ASSI:
Here's the fulllist of patents where he is named an inventor:
EP000000157821A4 PEPPER WILLIAM JR MOOG ROBERT A [DE] LEITFÄHIGE
ELEKTRODENMATRIX UND MATRIX VON WIDERSTANDSELEMENTEN ... no
EP000000157821A1 PEPPER WILLIAM JR, US MOOG ROBERT A, US [DE] LEITFÄHIGE
ELEKTRODENMATRIX UND MATRIX VON WIDERSTANDSELEMENTEN ... yes
US000004778951A PEPPER JR WILLIAM, US MOOG ROBERT A, US [EN] Arrays of resistive
elements for use in touch panels and for producing ... yes
US000004280387A MOOG ROBERT A [EN] Frequency following circuit yes
US000004213367A MOOG ROBERT A, US [EN] Monophonic touch sensitive keyboard
yes
US000004202238A MOOG ROBERT A, US [EN] Compressor-expander for a musical
instrument yes
US000004180707A MOOG ROBERT A, US [EN] Distortion sound effects circuit yes
US000004166197A MOOG ROBERT A, US WALBORN RICHARD M, US [EN] PARAMETRIC ADJUSTMENT
CIRCUIT yes
US000004117413A MOOG ROBERT A [EN] AMPLIFIER WITH MULTIFILTER yes
US000004108041A MOOG ROBERT A COX ROGER FLAVIUS [EN] Phase shifting sound effects
circuit yes
US000004050343A MOOG ROBERT A [EN] Electronic music synthesizer yes
US000003475623A MOOG ROBERT A [EN] ELECTRONIC HIGH-PASS AND LOW-PASS FILTERS
EMPLOYING THE BASE TO ... yes
WO001985001375A1 PEPPER WILLIAM JR, US MOOG ROBERT A, US [EN] CONDUCTIVE
ELECTRODE ARRAYS AND ARRAYS OF RESISTIVE ELEMENTS FOR ... yes

Other patents listed at the site of Don Tillman are either from employees of Moog
Music or related to some inventions that have been used in Moog products (like the
Bode frequency shifter). This is not to take away from Bob, but I'm sure he would
have been the first to point out that some other guy had invented something. The
patent family he's got together with Mr. Pepper is of course for the touch panel
for the Voyager.
Polyphonic Modes
US 4,778,951: Arrays of Resistive Elements for use in Touch Panels and for Producing Electric Fields"

Update via The Bob Moog Foundation:
"August 21, 2009 -- A Moog Day of Rememberance and Celebration
When August 21st comes around each year, we pause to remember Bob and the remarkable legacy that he left for us all to enjoy. His impact is so widespread that people remember him in all kinds of ways that are meaningful to their particular connection with him. Take a moment today to pay tribute to Bob by:

* Connecting with Bob through your instrument. Lay down a killer lead on your synth or play an ethereal melody on your theremin.

* Listening to some of your favorite Moog tunes. Bob loved working with musicians and fed off their creative drive. He was often astonished at what they could do with his instruments.

* Going out and hear some live music tonight. Bob believed deeply in live music as a force that brings people together in community.

* Reading about Bob's life, work, and legacy. Visit the CaringBridge site and read Ileana Grams-Moog's reflection on today's significance.

* Supporting the Bob Moog Foundation. We carry Bob's legacy forward by inspiring and educating people through electronic music. Donate here so that we can continue our important work.


Today we also celebrate the Bob Moog Foundation's third anniversary of making waves. Next week we head to the Museum of Making Music in Carlsbad, CA for the opening of the first exhibit featuring Bob's archives. The exhibit, Waves of Inspiration. The Legacy of Moog, pays tribute to Bob's impact and celebrates his legacy, just as we are doing at the foundation today.


The Bob Moog Foundation

Make Waves by donating to the Bob Moog Foundation"

Update via Richard Lainhart in the comments:
"Here's a link to Part 1 of Jordan Rudess and Richard Lainhart's Moog Birthday Space Jam, from May 23, 2004, featuring an introduction by Bob Moog:

http://www.otownmedia.com/Polaris_Part_1.mp3
[link updated]

"50 years ago, American maverick inventor Robert Moog began developing electronic instruments that altered the course of modern music for all time and have since become an integral part of our musical culture. Jordan Rudess, keyboard virtuoso, and Richard Lainhart, synthesist extraordinaire, will be performing live online on Sunday, May 23, at 1 PM Eastern Daylight Savings Time, to honor Bob Moog on his 70th birthday, and on the 50th anniversary of his company Moog Music. We'll be using old and new Moog instruments exclusively, including a vintage Mini-Moog, a modern Moog Voyager Mini-Moog, Arturia's Moog Modular V software, and a Moog Etherwave Theremin, in a classic electronic space improvisation streaming live on the Internet from O-Town Live."

Bob was a great man, and a good friend, and we still miss him."

Update: new flickr images in today

Vintage analog synthesizer - Moog

flickr by nra24

Below: moog hockey
Hmm...
flickr by theres no way home

Update: the Moog hockey table has been verified as real. You might remember the Moog phone. Note these were made by Moog in the 80s long after Bob Moog left the company.

Update via NOISECOLLECTIVE
Saint image below with Moog and Roland and: "Here are some pictures of my moog prodigy exposed @the past 'TORINO SYNTH CLINIC'"

Update on the hockey game via brian in the comments: "It's not called Moog hockey, but "Super Chexx" hockey. Sadly, the Super Chexx game has ALWAYS been collectible in the arcade world anyway, due to it's clear plastic bubble look and the sound effects.

With "sound by Moog" written up there at the top as I recall. It sounds REALLY bad, but grainy as hell in a good way. I'd be surprised if it was 8-bit. More like 4..."

Monday, April 23, 2018

Dave Smith Instruments In The Spotlight With the OB-6 and DAN MOORE – MODULUS III



You can find the full interview on DSI's website here.

"Modulus III is an instrumental live electronica trio based in Bristol, UK and comprised of multi-instrumentalists Dan Moore and Drew Morgan, with drummer Matt Brown. The trio recorded their self-titled debut LP at a live performance in their home town of Bristol. The resulting record was released in 2018 on vinyl, CD and digital.

Despite having the chops of top-level session instrumentalists, Modulus III’s musical manifesto is a reaction against the tendency for virtuosity for virtuosity’s sake in a lot of modern/nu jazz, and is more philosophically akin with the post-Sun Ra-esque aspirations of fellow post-jazz, electronica space cadets such as The Comet Is Coming, the hypnotic, polyrhythmic explorations of Steve Reich, and the expansive, improvisatory ethos of early 70’s Miles Davis. We chatted with Dan about how he’s using the OB-6."

---
You can find previous posts featuring DSI's Spotlight series here.

Thursday, March 27, 2014

Landmarks - Korg PolySix, ER-1, Roland TR-606, TR-707


Published on Mar 27, 2014 traxus12·11 videos

"Bit of a slow jam with the new hardware setup. I sequence the PolySix by recording a MIDI loop into Ableton then go to town twiddling knobs on the synth itself. The drum machines are all synced with Ableton as master clock. I'm loving the 606 and 707. This has been my first chance to really mess around with them synced together. Feel free to post below if you have any questions or comments!

---Instruments---
Korg PolySix
Korg ER-1 MKII
Roland TR 606
Roland TR 707

---Effects---
Alesis MIDIVERB II
Alesis Quadraverb
Boss RE-20 Space Echo

---Other---
Mackie 1604VLZ3
RME Babyface
Ableton Live, Audacity"

Sunday, August 14, 2011

Astronauta Pinguim


YouTube Uploaded by astronautapinguim on Aug 14, 2011
Performance starts around 1:25.
"Astronauta Pinguim playing "Wir sind nicht allein" live at CCJ (Centro Cultural da Juventude), São Paulo, on a friday, august 12th, 2011.

The intruments: Crumar Toccata organ, Korg VC-10 vocoder, Moog Prodigy (through the VC-10 vocoder), Minimoog model D and pre-recorded background music.

Filmed by Kay Mavrides"

Playlist:
Wir sind nicht allein - Astronauta Pinguim
Modern machine - Astronauta Pinguim
Ghosts inside your house - Astronauta Pinguim
Fly-by-wire - Astronauta Pinguim
Lisa Boyle - Astronauta Pinguim
(we are) the space guys - Astronauta Pinguim
(welcome to) the central lab - Astronauta Pinguim
Guess who is coming to town - Astronauta Pinguim

Saturday, December 17, 2011

Astronauta Pinguim - live at CCSP - Complete Performance


YouTube Uploaded by astronautapinguim on Dec 16, 2011
1 Intro, 13 tracks & 2 MATRIXSYNTH Ts! :) Thank you Astronauta Pinguim!!!

"Astronauta Pinguim and Ramiro Pissetti live at CCSP (Centro Cultural São Paulo) on december 11th, 2011."

Crumar Tocata, Moog Minimoog & Prodigy, KORG VC-10 Vocoder.

Playlist:
Astronauta Pinguim - live at CCSP (intro)
Wir sind nicht allein - live at CCSP
Astronauta Pinguim - Modern Machine
Astronauta Pinguim - Fly by wire
Astronauta Pinguim - Modern Machine
Astronauta Pinguim - Lisa Boyle (live at CCSP)
Nastassja Kinski (CCSP)
Astronauta Pinguim - Ghosts inside your house (CCSP)
Astronauta Pinguim - Harajuku Girl (live at CCSP)
Astronauta Pinguim - (we are) the space guys
Astronauta Pinguim - V.C.O. (live at CCSP)
Astronauta Pinguim - Oscillations (live at ccsp)
Astronauta Pinguim - Guess who is coming to town + Hung up
Astronauta Pinguim - Welcome to the central lab (to Dr. Robert Moog and Peter Zinovieff)

Wednesday, June 01, 2016

New Eurorack Modular Maker Møffenzeef Mødular Introduces New Open Source Module


Published on Mar 29, 2016 Møffenzeef Mødular

We have a new eurorack manufacturer in town. The above are the promo videos for their Genetically Mødified Øscillatør (GMØ). Further below you'll find details and audio demos captured for alternate firmwares for the module - Møngrel & Bøbcat.

Playlist:
1. GMØ prøductiøn begins!
2. GMØ NØØDLE SESH - Two GMØ's: 1 tabla bank, 1 snare bank. Support modules: 4ms Shuffling Clock Multiplier, Synthrotek DS-M, Hex Inverter Mutant Clap, Make Noise DPO & Phonogene, Music Thing Modular Radio Music.
3. GMØ RØNALD FINCH DEMØ




Details via Møffenzeef Mødular:

"The Genetically Mødified Øscillatør (GMØ) is an øpen søurce, lø-fi, digital, esøteric drum mødule. Rather than taking a “set it and førget it” apprøach to drum synthesis, the GMØ is øutfit with cømplete bipølar CV cøntrøl øver every parameter. The user can dial in everything frøm micrøsøund blips, tø drawn øut gøngs, tø screeching mutated beasts. When in løøping møde the GMØ can be viewed as a mutated VCØ, cømbining the best elements øf granular and wavetable synthesis. Its løw resølutiøn øutput means løts øf side-band mødulatiøn, nøise, and møst impørtantly: character. This beast is best understøød in practice rather than in theøry."

FEATURES:

“SPECIMEN” HØT SWAPS SAMPLE SELECTIØN

“SPEED” CØNTRØLS PITCH ØF SAMPLE (0.01% - 300%),

“HEAD” CØNTRØLS START ØF SAMPLE SELECTIØN

“TAIL” CØNTRØLS END ØF SAMPLE SELECTIØN

“BANG!” INPUT RESETS SAMPLE TO START TIME

"ØURØBØRØS" TØGGLES LØØPING ØN AND ØFF

"ØURØBØRØS" INPUT TØGGLES LØØPING ØN AND ØFF WITH A CLØCK OR GATE

BIPØLAR CV CØNTRØL ØVER ALL PARAMETERS

REVERSE PØLARITY PRØTECTIØN, PØWER FILTERING, AND KEYED HEADERS

PRØPER +5/-5 CV INPUT BUFFERING AND CURRENT LIMITING

SELECTIØN WINDØW CAN BE AS SMALL AS 10 SAMPLES

SAMPLES HELD IN FLASH MEMØRY

12BIT AUDIØ ØUTPUT

SKIFF FRIENDLY - LØW PØWER, SHALLØW MØUNTING DEPTH




"The Møngrel is an alternate firmware of the G.M.Ø that can be døwnløaded via øur github and upløaded øntø the mødule. The Møngrel is the dirtiest and mangiest øf døgs... the type øf døg yøu just want tø smack! We dare yøu tø kick øur møngrel and make its tail gø in between its legs (this will change the decay time). By varying the amøunt it yips and yaps, the user can tweak the pitch øf its twø ønbøard øscillatørs. Each øf these øscillatørs are summed intø a ring mødulatør, which lets the user dial in juuuuust the right amøunt øf grrrøwl før that freaky, funky, space yøwl. Flip the “snarl” switch and make that møngrel yelp its timbre frøm sine tø square. (Møffenzeef Mødular døes nøt cøndøne animal abuse. But we dø encøurage wicked experimentatiøn with øur mødules.)"

FEATURES:

“TAIL” CØNTRØLS DECAY TIME (2MS - 230MS)

“YIP” CØNTRØLS PITCH ØF ØSCILLATØR ØNE (20HZ - 2KHZ)

“YAP” CØNTRØLS PITCH ØF ØSCILLATØR TWØ (20HZ - 2KHZ)

“GRØWL” CØNTRØLS RING MØDULATIØN AMØUNT

“SNARL” SWITCHES TØGGLES BETWEEN SINE AND SQUARE WAVE SHAPE

“SNARL” INPUT TØGGLES WAVE SHAPE WITH CLØCK ØR GATE

“BANG!” INPUT TRIGGERS EXPØNENTIAL ATTACK/DECAY ENVELØPE

BIPØLAR CV CØNTRØL ØVER ALL PARAMETERS

REVERSE PØLARITY PRØTECTIØN, PØWER FILTERING, AND KEYED HEADERS

PRØPER +5/-5 CV INPUT BUFFERING AND CURRENT LIMITING

12BIT AUDIØ ØUTPUT

SKIFF FRIENDLY - LØW PØWER, SHALLØW MØUNTING DEPTH




"The Bøbcat is an alternate firmware of the G.M.Ø that can be døwnløaded via øur github and upløaded øntø the mødule. The Bøbcat is an ex-løver øf the GMØ’s and a cløse cøusin tø the Møngrel. Øutfitted with twø channels øf decaying digital nøise, this mødule is a nice, simple additiøn tø any drum synth setup. Simply feed it twø trigger søurces and bask in the gnarly hissing gløry. If yøu feel sø inclined–and need the extra gnar–flip the “snarl” switch tø gø frøm alley cat screeches tø guttural møans."

FEATURES:

TWØ CHANNEL DRUM VØICE WITH IDENTICAL SECTIØNS

“TAIL”: CØNTRØLS DECAY TIME (2MS - 230MS)

“HISS”: CØNTRØLS PITCH (0.01% - 300%)

“SNARL”: SWITCHES TØGGLES BETWEEN WHITE AND BRØWN NØISE

“BANG!” INPUT: TRIGGERS EXPØNENTIAL ATTACK/DECAY ENVELØPE

BIPØLAR CV CØNTRØL ØVER ALL PARAMETERS

REVERSE PØLARITY PRØTECTIØN, PØWER FILTERING, AND KEYED HEADERS

PRØPER +5/-5 CV INPUT BUFFERING AND CURRENT LIMITING

12BIT AUDIØ ØUTPUT

SKIFF FRIENDLY - LØW PØWER, SHALLØW MØUNTING DEPTH

You'll find additional information at http://www.moffenzeefmodular.com.

Thursday, October 29, 2015

Space Frontier (JU-06,JX-03,XR-20,Reface DX,Volcas)


Published on Oct 29, 2015 Metatron's Cube

"You beat the Dalton Gang......But you know there will always be another. For the time being, you get to fly off tword the sun and another day. Another game of poker. A different town.
This is a little more down beat compared to the last video, but with the same set-up. More of the DX sound as an into.Thanks for watching and listening!
download@https://soundcloud.com/miles-baskett/...

Gear list:
Roland Boutique JU-06 (Strymon BigSky)
Roland Boutique JX-03 (DigiTech Polara Reverb‎)
Yamaha Reface DX
Korg Volca Keys (TCE HoF reverb/Korg Kp3 pad)
Korg Volca Bass (Kp2 mini)
Akai XR-20
Arturia Beatstep Pro x2
Behringer Eurorack Pro/Ultragain Pro rack units
BBE MaxCom rack unit
Audacity (recording)
Slate Digital VTM/VMR
Presonus One ver2 (mastering)"

Sunday, April 08, 2012

Monthly Synth Module Building Workshops at Robot Speak

"Monthly Synth Module building workshops at Robot Speak starting @ 12:00 on Saturday May 19th!

Every third Saturday of the month we will get together and build up a synth module in a group.

How much does it cost and what do you get ?:

$150- Per seat includes pcb and all parts to build a module. There will be a group there to help make sure your module is completed in that Saturday session.

Never soldered before ? Can't read schematics ? ....

Don't worry. Show up early and we will show you how.

What do I need to bring?

Soldering Iron, Wire strippers, Solder sucker, any tools. ( If you don't have them all the first time its ok. contact Dmitri before hand and we will sort something out).

Will it work with my Eurorack system ? How about panels ?

We are working on making these workshops Non Format Dependent. What we mean by that Is we plan to do circuits that will fit behind most panel sizes. While some pcbs already have panels available for them on the market. We are working with some very talented panel designers to help do custom panels for the group.

Projects will also include power regulation when needed for +-12v and +-15v systems.

Ok are you sold yet ? As if that weren't enough. We received the ok from Ken Stone to build his Serge licensed pcbs. Serge lived across the street in the 70s and 80s.

upon hearing about this Cynthia Webster of Cyndustries fame has joined us and will be giving the first workshop on May 19th! Cynthia was here in SF's modular heyday and used to hang out and solder with Serge. She is designing a very special top secret circuit for us to be unveiled at the workshop! We can say that you will be able to use it with your modular system.

So for $150- I get to build a circuit/module designed by Cynthia Webster for my modular even if i never built a module before ?

Yes. You don't have to source the parts your self. This will be a module that is not yet on the market so... You couldn't buy it if you wanted to. Social learning and building. I could go on and on about what kind of a value this is but I won't. Did I mention that she will be traveling up from So Cal to give the workshop in person?

She is doing this, We are doing this to help kick start some communal modular SDIY in SF. We have rich history here but when someone comes from out of town to visit the old mecca of modular there isn't much to see... We aim to change that. We aim to build this monthly thing, purvey the art of SDIY, Celebrate the history.

A link to Dmitri's blog post explaining how this all started.


Link to an interview with Cynthia Webster

Cyndustries website

We are going for it and you can be there to dial it all with us as it happens!

Space is extremely limited

Email info@robotspeak.com or call 415-554-1977 to reserve a seat."
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