Percussa Cubes with Resonant Synth

Percussa Cubes with Resonant Synth from Livid Instruments on Vimeo.
"Using the distance sensors on the audio cubes, I'm controlling synth parameters with one cube to "shape" the sound with my hands, then using another as an "exciter" to make the sound happen by waving my hands in front. Much as a violin needs a bow to excite the string to vibrate, and a flute needs air to make its sound, this synth I programmed in Cycling '74's Max/MSP (based on CNMAT's "resonators" object), relies on a virtual breeze from my hands to make sound."

Novation Ultranova Demos by Microflat

Microflat

Playlist:

DIFFICULT! Demo of Novation Ultranova Arpeggiator on "A038 Classic Combo PM" Patch - GREAT SOUND!
NICE! Demo of Monophonic Lead Synth Sound from the Novation Ultranova "A025 80 Saw" Patch
SLOW BUT LOVELY! Demo of Atmospheric Synth Sound from the Novation Ultranova "A008 Slow Pad" Patch
FAST & EQ'ED ARP! Demo of Inspiring Synth Sound from the Novation Ultranova "B002 Tribal Path" Patch
GREAT PUFFY SOLO LEAD! Demo of Lead Synth Sound from the Novation Ultranova "B087 Puff Pipe" Patch
AWESOME DELAY & DEEP/DARK & PERCUSSIVE SOUND! Demo of Novation Ultranova "B119 Hammer Cube" Patch
DO YOU WANT AN EXPRESSIVE VOCODER SOUND?! Demo of Novation Ultranova "A111 Wah String Machine" Patch
VOCODER A LA KRAFTWERK SINGS "HIT THE LIKE BUTTON NOW" Demo of Novation Ultranova "A026 Vocoder Mic"
DO YOU WANT AN INSPIRING SUPER TINY CHURCH ORGAN?! Demo of Novation Ultranova "B102 In Chapel 2"

AudioCubes by PERCUSSA Knobcon Demos & SYNTHOR Tutorials

Published on Oct 7, 2016 AudioCubes by PERCUSSA

Playlist:
1. Wavetable Oscillator Patch (Knobcon demo) - "In this video we loaded the "Wavetable Oscillator" Patch, one of the patches which we've shown at Knobcon. The LFO (green cubes) are modulating the number of indexes of the wavetable oscillator as well as its frequency. In the depth editor of the software we also specified that the LFOs can modulate each other, as we show in this video."

2. Step Sequencer Patch - Knobcon Demo - "In this video we loaded the "step sequencer" patch (knobcon demo) which is available on our website. It's a simple patch where we use the distance to change the notes of the step sequencer. The signal of the step sequencer is modulating the amplitude and frequency of the LFO."

3. FM Synthesis Patch (Knobcon demo) - "FM synthesis patch using 1 output, 2 oscillators, and 1 envelope generator"

4. Wind Blowing Patch (Knobcon demo) - "In this video we loaded the 'wind blowing' patch which is available on our website. We have 4 modules: output, filter, noise generator and DC generator. In the video we explain how we're patching the different modules as well as how we can use REMOTE to change the cutoff of the filter."

5. Visualization features in SYNTHOR - "In this video, we give an overview of the most important visualization features in SYNTHOR."

6. How to name a patch in SYNTHOR - "In this video, we explain how you can rename and save your patch in SYNTHOR using REMOTE."

7. How to connect REMOTE and AudioCubes - "While SYNTHOR is running on the computer we connect REMOTE through USB. The REMOTE acts as a base station for the wireless AudioCubes. Each time a cube is switched on it automatically joins the wireless network and a synth module is assigned to it."

8. Easily switch presets in SYNTHOR using REMOTE - "Easily switch presets in SYNTHOR with a tap of a button on REMOTE. Synth modules are automatically assigned to each AudioCube when switching or loading presets."

9. Wind Blowing patch using AudioCubes, SYNTHOR and REMOTE - "In this video we loaded the 'wind blowing' patch which is available on our website. It's a simple patch where we use the distance between LFO and envelope (ADSR) to change the modulation depth. We use REMOTE to change parameters of the ADSR envelope."

10. Wireless Patching using SYNTHOR and AudioCubes - "Basic video that explains how synth modules can be patched using AudioCubes."

11. Patch and change modulation depth simulaneously - "In this video we show how you can patch synth modules and at the same time change the modulation depth by changing distance."

Salamanderanagram's Reaktor Effect Patching and Modulation using AudioCubes Topology

Published on Apr 8, 2015 Percussa

"In this video Salamanderanagram set up an effect matrix in Reaktor, in which he can change the routings as well as effect intensity simultaneously, using a few AudioCubes. When an cube detects another cube, a connection is made, and when you move the cubes closer together the modulation depth changes.

The demo is split up in two parts - in this part he shows what topology mode is and what it means to get detection, orientation and distance info all at the same time."

Additional info via Percussa:

"As you already know, the new software update for Wireless AudioCubes gives you orientation info as well as distance info when two cubes detect each other in an AudioCubes network. You can send this data via MIDI to any software or hardware instrument you can imagine, to turn routings on or off between synth or effect modules, while at the same time changing modulation depth of the routings or other parameters.

This is a very powerful idea, which is demo'ed to great effect by Salamanderanagram: he set up an effect matrix in Reaktor, in which he can change the routings as well as effect intensity simultaneously, using a few AudioCubes. When an cube detects another cube, a connection is made, and when you move the cubes closer together the modulation depth changes.

The demo is split up in two parts - in this part he shows what topology mode is and what it means to get detection, orientation and distance info all at the same time. In the next video, you will see his Reaktor patch working as he moves the AudioCubes in the network. Enjoy!"

FM Synthesis in Reaktor using AudioCubes Topology by Salamanderanagram

Published on Jul 6, 2015 Percussa AudioCubes

"How to build an FM operator synth in Reaktor using Percussa AudioCubes and Topology mode https://www.percussa.com/2015/07/05/F..."

"In the first video Salamanderanagram shows off a very simple FM operator synth which he built in Reaktor, and demos it using the AudioCubes. To control the FM synth he is using MIDIBridge 3.0 for AudioCubes, and uses the new topology mode. Topology mode will send MIDI note triggers when cubes detect each other and will send MIDI CC messages for the distance between the cubes. This makes it easy to connect things when cubes detect each other and to change sound parameters when the distance is changed between cubes.

In the case of the FM synth in this video, when cubes detect each other, FM operators (sine oscillators) are connected so they can modulate each other. By moving the cubes closer or further away, parameters of the oscillators can be changed. In his setup depth modulation, width modulation and ring modulation parameters are changed when the distance between the cubes changes. Oscillators can also modulate each other simultaneously when 2 cubes are placed together which creates very interesting results! Finally, when you turn a cube, you can change the parameters that are being modulated, from ring modulation to feedback for example."

FM Synthesis in Reaktor using AudioCubes Topology by Salamanderanagram (part 2/2)

ambient one-synth drone jam with SH-32 in an early 12th century Norman church at dusk - creepy vibe!

video upload by drone-in-the-woods

"After setting up in my forest studio to jam some ambient synth loops, it started to rain pretty hard so I had to pack up with haste. I decided to try a new spot that I had in mind - a 900 year old church in a field in a tiny village called Upwaltham, situated in the South Downs national park.

I had an old synth with me that I've only just realised I could run on battery power, however, I forgot both my lithium batteries having put them on charge earlier! So I had to run it off of 6AA batteries I had with me for the looper and with the synth drawing a whole 1A, it only lasted for about 20 mins before powering off.

Roland SH-32
Boss RV6
Roland Cube Street Ex
Tascam DR40

Composed and performed by Keith Sutton 19th December 2022"

Percussa to Present Digital Modular Synthesis System at Knobcon with New REMOTE Hardware Controller

FM synthesis using AudioCubes, REMOTE and SYNTHOR

Published on Aug 29, 2016 AudioCubes by PERCUSSA

"In this video we loaded the FM synthesis patch in SYNTHOR consisting of 1 output and 2 LFOs. Using REMOTE we can change the different parameters of each of the modules, such as the wave form or fine parameters of the LFO."

Percussa will be introducing REMOTE, a new hardware controller for their Synthor modular system at Knobcon this year. Many of you will be familiar with Synthor from previous posts here on the site. The following is in via Percussa.

"Los Angeles, CA (USA) August 29, 2016 - Percussa is proud to announce the official debut of its SYNTHOR digital modular synthesis systems, at Knobcon 2016, September 9-11 in Chicago, Illinois, USA.

With the launch of Percussa’s digital modular synthesis systems a new generation of digital modular synthesizers has been born. Using the hands-on wireless patching interface (AudioCubes), powerful synthesis software (SYNTHOR) and a tightly integrated controller (REMOTE), patching synth modules and changing modulation depth and synthesis parameters has never been so fast and intuitive.

WIRELESS PATCHING INTERFACE

SYNTHOR digital modular synthesizer systems come with a wireless patching interface which allows musicians and sound artists to patch synth modules in real-time by placing AudioCubes, which represent the modules, next to each other.

Moving cubes closer and further away changes the modulation depth of the signals flowing between the synthesis modules, allowing artists to expressively control more parameters simultaneously than is currently possible with traditional systems.

Multiple patch connections between modules can be created simultaneously by placing cubes next to each other, something which is impossible to do with systems where patch cables are created one-by-one.

POWERFUL DIGITAL SYNTHESIS SOFTWARE

Synth modules are automatically assigned through the SYNTHOR synthesis software to each cube. It is like having a virtual case of modules, offering the advantages of computer based synthesis, but with dedicated hardware interfaces for patching and parameter control. SYNTHOR runs stand-alone on MAC and PC and needs no other software or plugins.

The SYNTHOR digital modular synthesis system has built-in visual feedback: synth modules, patch connections, clock timings, and signal amplitude are all mapped to RGB colours and light intensity on the AudioCubes patching interface, giving musicians an instant overview of the state of the system at all times, without patch cables in the way, which is very convenient in live performance situations.

TIGHTLY INTEGRATED PARAMETER CONTROL SURFACE

Modular synthesis setups are easily created using the tightly integrated REMOTE controller which lets you configure AudioCubes and set parameters in the SYNTHOR synthesis software without having to touch your computer or mouse.

CLICK FOR MORE »

Musikmesse: Roland GAIA SH-01

via jalvac of Future Music Spain. Googlish here.

"37 keys of standard size, battery operation and no hidden options, these are the hallmarks of GAIA SH-01, a synth built on the great tradition of Roland's analog synths compact. Offers a 64-voice polyphony and a intuitive user panel where the faders and knobs are arranged from left to right to indicate the signal flow. This is a tool with which you can relive the joy and satisfaction they once felt when you put your hands on your first analog synth. Three oscillators per voice, multimode filters, envelopes nine generators and a system of meaning ... It comes equipped for the challenges of live performances, and other benefits of GAIA SH-01 include a phrase sequencer, input external audio (with a function to attenuate the sounds of speech) and the ability to record directly onto a USB key."

CLICK FOR MORE »

Ambient drone jam across the South Downs via modulated light beam with SH101 Crave MC101 birdsong

video upload by drone-in-the-woods

"Original drone jam in Brandy Hole woods with SH101 and Crave. The Crave was triggered using the 101's internal sequencer and this was the recording with all the birdsong.

The audio from this session was then transmitted the following day, via light, from Butser Hill to the Trundle, 12 miles away. The audio modulates the intensity of a bright red LED and a lens is used to form a beam. The white flashing light on the Trundle is the locator for the LED transmitter, once the LED is pointing towards the white light, the scope is used to align the receiver's photo diode. The output from the photo diode is then converted to audio and played through the Cube. This was recorded live with additional sounds from the MC101.

Future plan is to build a couple of two-way transmitters/receivers, so that light-speed communication can be established between the hilltops. Greater distances are being tested too.

Roland SH101 synth
Behringer Crave synth
Roland MC101 synth/samples
Boss DD6 delay
Roland Street Cube Ex amplifier
Tascam DR40 field recorder

Music composed and performed by Keith Sutton
10th and 11th May 2023"

wireless audiocubes visualization in synthor #2

Published on Mar 12, 2016 AudioCubes by PERCUSSA

https://percussa.com

"in this video we show the new network visualisation feature of the wireless audiocubes, together with synthor, our new digital modular synth which is included for free with every audiocubes system."

"For those of you who don’t know SYNTHOR yet, it’s a modular synthesizer application we're working on for the AudioCubes. It lets you patch simply by placing wireless AudioCubes next to each other. By changing the distance between the cubes, the amplitude of the modulation signals between the modules can be changed. This allows the user to patch wirelessly and change synthesis parameters simultaneously, simply by moving cubes relative to each other. SYNTHOR is currently in BETA and available for free download on our website.

The cube network visualization feature which we integrated into SYNTHOR lets users visualize the location and orientation of the AudioCubes in the network. As you can see in the video below, each time a cube is added or removed from the network the changes are automatically reflected in the visualization window.

We're planning a patch recall feature, such that if you load a preset file in MIDIBridge containing all SYNTHOR settings, the connections between the cubes and distance will also be recalled, which lets you continue with your modular synth patch and cube setup where you stopped the day before, a feature that’s not or rarely available on traditional hardware modular synthesizers."

All parts here.

Cube Quest

This is a slightly odd one. In the comments of the previous Ultravox post I mentioned a game I vaguely remember from the time that had sounds similar to the explosion sounds in the very beginning of Ultravox's Vienna. That game was called Cube Quest. I remember being awed by it at the time because one, it was 3D, two, it had some of the most beautiful visual effects for the time, and three, the audio was strange and far more impressive than any arcade game I played before it - both the audio system of the cabinet and the sound effects and music. Very synth oriented vs. just trying to emulate given sounds in the game.

I ran a quick search for Cube Quest and found this site. The game came out in 1984. On the site there are some interesting samples and video. It was a laser disc based game, so I assumed the audio was previously recorded, which could be the case for some of it, but I also found schematics listed here. In the first set of schematics, you can clearly see pages on the "Sound Synthesizer." I'm curious if anyone knows what kind of synth engine this had as well as any info on recordings that could have been done on the laser disc. In the second set of schematics you can see a parts list for "Mother Sounds."

BTW, if you click through to the site, each thumbnail will bring up a larger shot if you click on it. It was a really trippy game. It kind of had the vibe of Tron meets Logan's Run. Really bizarre and diverse as you can see in some of these screens. I specifically remember getting to the plants section to the left. Gameplay was a bit like Tempest on steroids, where you had to shoot geometrical objects coming out of the vortex. As I said above the sound effects were very impressive at the time. I remember the explosions sounding like the intro drums of Ultravox's Vienna.



Update: videos, via kroffe in the comments. Embedding is disabled for these so here are the links:
http://youtube.com/watch?v=4p081CnHDHo
http://youtube.com/watch?v=ikFNUA6Be4U
http://youtube.com/watch?v=1EwERR1bgWs

Found this also:
http://www.brightcove.tv/title.jsp?title=292663199&channel=288075
Starcade episode #98 - check last segment at 20.40 ;)

Update via Kathy in the comments:
"I own the original laser disc that was used to make the image. I worried that it might go bad, so wanted it captured.

Parts of it can be played on a regular Laser Disc player,like the attract videos you see on YouTube, but to make the game work, the tunnel images (all made by Able Graphics, an old pioneer in the graphics field for TV commercials) are interleaved images of stepping through the tunnel, every other frame (or so) was played forward, and then the interleaved images were played in reverse (and recorded in reverse) and a "loop" could me played that made the tunnel seem to go on forever. If you watch that on a regular Laser Disc player, it is a jumble of forward and backward images that do not make sense, and is over in less than a few second. The program steps through the interleaved images on the disc in the right order (forward and back) to make an endless loop of that tunnel.

There was audio on the LD as well, but only game sounds from the hardware played during the game while in a tunnel. The audio you see in YouTube videos are from the "splash" videos (attract mode) that played when the game was idle.

Sorry for being anonymous, but the LD was a copyrighted item! :-)"

Cube Synth from Virsyn..preset demo and tour

Published on Oct 12, 2013 thesoundtestroom·146 videos

"Another great synth from Virsyn..This is very different for a lot of synths out there..fro more info on all ios related music and more..go to www.discchord.com or http://forum.audiob.us/"

iTunes: Cube Synth - VirSyn

"Dark Signals" by Mark Mosher (Live Rehearsal Video)

"Dark Signals" by Mark Mosher (Live Rehearsal Video) from Mark Mosher on Vimeo.

"'Dark Signals' is a song from my album I Hear Your Signals. This video is in HD and I captured the audio full fidelity right from my sound card in real-time and made note edits. It's one of my favorite songs off the album and is becoming a crowd favorite at live shows. A dark original electronica song with driving big beats, bit-crushed high-hats, a dash of ambient texture, and tasty distorted synth leads. Checkout the rippin' synth solo at the 1:42 mark performed live from a Tenori-On matrix controller sending notes to a virtual synth running in Ableton Live. The Moog Etherwave Theremin signal is being converted from analog back to digital and is driving virtual synths as well.

You can buy the album name your prices ($0 for Free) over at markmosher.bandcamp.com.

Mark Mosher
MarkMosherMusic.com"

"Alone" by Mark Mosher played on AudioCubes (Rehearsal) from Mark Mosher on Vimeo.

"In this video I'm playing my original instrumental electronic music song "Alone" from my album REBOOT markmosher.bandcamp.com/​album/​... .

I'm about half way through arranging and programming the synthesizers and controllers so I can add this song to my live set. I'm making great progress so I thought I'd share a rehearsal video.

It's such an organic piece, I decided to play the entire song from Percussa AudioCubes using only spatial hand movement. Ableton Live is playing back the pulsing drone, but almost all other elements are being played live via the AudioCubes. The AudioCubes are in "sensor" mode so placing my hand in front of a cube face plays a note on a virtual synthesizer hosted out of Live - almost like a Laser harp.

I only use the Novation Launchpad to change which tracks are armed thereby allowing me to switch which synths I'm playing on-the-fly throughout the song.

At the 2:00 minute mark I start playing chords by using multiple faces simultaneously.

Mark Mosher
MarkMosherMusic.com"

Yamaha Tenori-Ons on Ebay

Jam with beatstep pro moog DSI and eurorack modular modules

Published on Dec 24, 2015 Flux302 of Fluxwithit.com

"Eurorack funk jamming with the Beatstep pro
Drums = Neutron sound Orgone accumulator (Snare)
Thomas Henry MPS synth cube kit (Kick)
Animodule Shnoize (Hi Hat)
Synthrotek DSM and Audio Damage Neuron (percussion) - modulated between the two using RYO PATHS
all into Animodule M1xxor (with rhythmic batting into it from beatstep)
all into Clouds and Hexinverter Mutant hot glue
bass line = System1m in pro mars mode
lead = Mogg sub phatty
Organ chords Dave Smith Instruments Prophet 12 sequenced via Native Instruments Maschine"

Roland Inspiration Centre - Synth Studio Tour | Toronto, Canada

Published on Oct 19, 2019 synth4ever

"An in-depth synth studio tour of the Roland Inspiration Centre in Toronto, Canada hosted by Dustin Good (keyboard/DJ product specialist at Roland Canada).

Roland Inspiration Centres allow musicians to try out the latest Roland and BOSS gear and attend exclusive events in Toronto and Vancouver. While visiting Toronto earlier in 2019 I was able to stop by and see the space in person.

In this studio tour, Dustin takes us through the Roland Inspiration Centre and goes over various Roland digital and analog synths, BOSS guitar effects pedals, guitar amps, drum machines, DJ equipment, and much more.

A big thanks to Dustin and Roland for having me drop by! To learn more about Roland Inspiration Centers in Vancouver and Toronto, visit: https://www.roland.com/ca/getinspired

----

Timecodes:

0:00 - Intro

0:49 - Workspace & Product Showcase Area
2:10 - Boss guitar pedals
2:46 - Roland Boutique synths
3:33 - Roland Aira synths & drum machines
4:12 - Roland Juno-DS
4:51 - Roland System-8
5:17 - Roland System 500
5:47 - Roland System 100-M (Oscar Peterson's)
7:33 - Roland JD-XA
8:22 - Roland DJ-808
11:00 - Roland DJ-202
11:18 - Roland AE-10
12:38 - Mixing console & video switchers
13:31 - Roland Combo Organ
13:47 - Boss Amplifiers (Blues Cube, Nextone)
15:15 - Roland AX-Edge Keytar
17:12 - Accessories, guitar cables, travel bags
18:21 - Roland T-shirts (Jupiter-8, 808, JX-3P, Juno 106)
19:33 - Events, Festivals & Synth Meetups
22:42 - Roland Inspiration Centre locations

23:25 - Conclusion"

SEARCH /Broadcasting Tijuana Electronic Music to outer space

YouTube via pepemogt.

"Manglano-Ovalle transformed the bullfight ring of Tijuana located at the border in to a Radio telescope searching for "aliens". He suspended an antenna above the building and a receiving dish below, Live Electronic Music was brodcasted in the building, on the web, FM radio and into space. This project makes reference to the social situation of Mexican "Aliens".

In the video Pepe Mogt(Latinsizer, Fussible, Nortec), Ramon Bostich(nortec Collective) and Leslie(Dream addictive) were making music with digital and analog sequencers and synths(Arp Odyssey, Oberheim), the audio out of this machines was sent to Manglano-Ovalle Transmiter in real time in to outer space.

info about synths used:
The ARP Odyssey was and still is a very popular synth because it is a powerful lightweight version of the awesome ARP 2600. It was also ARP's response to the Minimoog and the Odyssey became the most popular synth ARP ever sold! The Odyssey is a 2-oscillator analog synth (with duophonic capability) which sounds really nice; the Minimoog has 3 oscillators and is considered fatter. The Odyssey comes well equipped with all the tweakable features you'd expect: resonant low pass filter, ADSR envelopes, sine or square wave LFO and even a sample-and-hold function. It also added a few new features such as a highpass filter in series with the lowpass, oscillator sync capability and pulse width modulation. It is a very professional and expressive machine that can create nice analog basses, interesting leads and great effects and sweeping sounds or noises!

There were many versions of the Odyssey over the years, each a little different. Pictured above is the Odyssey I (Model 2800). These original white-faced Odysseys used a tinny 2-pole VCF filter design (Model 4023) similar to old Oberheim SEM modules. They also used a rotary knob for pitch bending. These models were produced between 1972-74. Odysseys have been used by ABBA, Bomb The Bass, Ultravox, Gary Numan, LTJ Bukem, Air, Tangerine Dream, 808 State, Apollo 440, Nine Inch Nails, Astral Projection, Chick Corea, George Duke, Josef Zawinul, John Foxx, Vangelis, Elton John, Latinsizer, Jethro Tull, Fussible, Nortec Collective, Jimmy Edgar, DEVO, R.E.M. and Herbie Hancock

TR-808
The TR-808 is a classic drum machine that used analog synthesis to create its sounds. The sounds have a very thin and pure quality and aren't grungy like it's successor the TR-909. In fact, the 808 has become the signature beatbox used in most R&B and hip-hop as well as a lot of dance and techno music. Booming bass kicks, crispy snares and that annoying cowbell sound made famous during the 80's are all part of the 808 and its famous sound.

Its 16 drum sounds include the famous boomy low kick, snappy snares, low/mid/hi toms, low/mid/hi congas, rimshot, claves, hand clap, maracas, cowbell, cymbal, open hihat, closed hihat and accent. All of the sounds can be edited and/or tuned and have individual outputs. Unfortunately it is not MIDI equipped but it does use Roland's DIN Sync.

The TR-808 was OK in its time. It just didn't sound like real drums. When the Linn Drum machines appeared, the 808 seemed doomed. But its unique sound and analog allure have found it a long-lasting home in many forms of music. Clearly the 808 has been one of the more important and famous drum machines in the history of music, spawning imitators (ReBirth, DrumStation) and band names (808 State). Famous users include Orbital, Uberzone, Download, Aphex Twin, 808 State, BT, Bomb The Bass, Sense Datum, The Prodigy, Josh Wink, Faithless, Skinny Puppy, Bushflange, Jimi Tenor, A Guy Called Gerald, Eat Static, Dr. Dre, Jimmy Edgar, Nortec Collective, Freddy Fresh, Richie Hawtin, Jean Michel Jarre, Cocteau Twins, Bostich, Marvin Gaye, Latinsizer, Luke Vibert, Ice Cube and Puff Daddy."

"Chaos"Improvisation Part I

YouTube via Korgator. Don't miss the electronic digidiroo in Part 2 below
"Korg Monopoly-Sequence,Korg Triton Le 61-Effekt Sound,OB 12-Bass Sound,Roland JP8080-Solo Sound"

"Chaos" Improvisation Part II

"Didjeribone+Synths+Software Synth Cube"

PERCUSSA Announces New Mode in MIDIBridge: IMPROVISOR

An update via Percussa: "After releasing the MIDIBridge 3 update a while ago, along with the firmware update that introduced topology mode (see blog posts … ) I’ve been working on a new version of IMPROVISOR, the generative composition software for the AudioCubes. If you don’t know what this software does, check out the video below:



What is IMPROVISOR?

In short, using IMPROVISOR you can play live generative music by programming patterns into the software and then linking those to AudioCubes, and by then placing AudioCubes next to each other.

Depending on the orientation and location of AudioCubes, the resulting sequences will be different since each cube plays back a different pattern, and when cubes are placed next to each other patterns add up and subtract :-)

It’s great fun to play with and much easier to use than all the other generative / algorithmic composition software out there which has a lot of focus on academic concepts and is not very interactive, IMHO.

From Max/MSP patch to C++ application

IMPROVISOR started as a Max/MSP patch, and after the feedback from AudioCube users I’ve decided to turn it into a C++ application, and make it part of MIDIBridge, the main software application you are already familiar with when using AudioCubes.

This way the speed and performance of IMPROVISOR will be drastically improved, and it will instantly work with up to 16 cubes, and you’ll be able to take advantage of the features already built into MIDIBridge, such as MIDI clock syncing.

IMPROVISOR MODE

IMPROVISOR will show up in MIDIBridge as a new mode (see the lower left corner in the screenshot below). When two cubes are in this mode, they will work together. The cube that is following will add the pattern played back by the leading cube to its own pattern and a root note, and will send the resulting notes out through its MIDI port (selected on the right hand side in MIDIBridge).
This way, you can have up to 16 patterns playing simultaneously and in sync, each pattern potentially influencing the other patterns. By setting different pattern lengths for different cubes you’ll be able to create really interesting results, as you can see in the video below:

Of course you’ll be able to reuse patterns between cubes and you’ll be able to load and save them along with the other settings in MIDIBridge. IMPROVISOR will also have some global controls allowing you to set the tempo, as well as tap it, and start/stop/reset the sequencer as you wish.

Finally, you will notice there is an AUDIO button at the top in MIDIBridge now. I’ve added audio out, and this button calls up a dialog box letting you set the audio driver type (ASIO, DirectSound, CoreAudio, etc), buffer size, sample rate, resolution, etc. I’m planning to build SYNTHOR, the upcoming modular synth, into MIDIBridge as well, and this is where you will configure your sound interface to use the sound generation capabilities of new modes such as SYNTHOR. Check out a SYNTHOR video below:



When will it be available for download?

This new update of MIDIBridge 3 with IMPROVISOR mode is not available for download yet, but I’m working on it as we speak and will make it available for download over the next weeks. Look for a seperate announcement on one of the next newsletters :-)

That’s it for now :-) I hope you are excited about all this like me, and I can’t wait to finish IMPROVISOR mode and push out the next MIDIBridge update!"

ARP2600 + 1613 Sequencer

video upload by Synth Cube

http://synthcube.com/

Percuss New Wireless AudioCubes firmware and MIDIBridge in the Works

via the Percussa newsletter:

"First of all, thanks being on this list and for supporting Percussa and my work with AudioCubes and for reading the newsletter!

I've been silent for quite a while, posting a bit less than usually, both on the newsletter and the blog. This is because I've been working hard on a new update to the AudioCubes firmware, as well as a new version of MIDIBridge :-)

Why a new version of the firmware and MIDIBridge?
If you've used MIDIBridge, the main application to generate MIDI information using AudioCubes, or if you've read the manuals, you already know that there are three modes you can put the cubes in: SENDER, RECEIVER (used for sending MIDI note on/off triggers when cubes detect each other), and SENSOR (used for sending MIDI continuous controllers based on distance between cubes or hands and cubes).

With the current version of MIDIBridge and the firmware, you don't have this cube detection + distance information at the same time. I'm working on a new update to change all that, and to make distance information and cube detection available simultaneously, in the form of a new cube mode in MIDIBridge, called TOPOLOGY.

This will bring what you can do with the AudioCubes to a whole new level! Imagine the AudioCubes as a synthesizer where signals can be patched and modulation depth changed simply by creating a network of cubes and changing their relative distances, or imagine sending MIDI triggers and controllers at the same time, the possibilities are enndless. These new capabilities will give rise to new, improved and updated AudioCubes software :-)"

Modular Synthesizer for AudioCubes: Synthor

Published on Oct 20, 2012 Percussa·89 videos

"Synthor is a new app made in Max/Max for 8 AudioCubes. Buy the Modular Synth package for AudioCubes including the free Synthor app directly at the Percussa website. More info at www.percussa.com"