Acire 🥉(Erica Synths LXR02 & DB01 // Conductive Labs NDLR turning the LXR02 into a polyphonic synth)

video upload by 2-Minute Warning

"If you've already watched a some of my videos, you might know that I sometimes like to divert a few electronic instruments from their use 😅
So here the challenge was to make the LXR-02 (which is supposed to be mainly a digital drum synth) act as a drum machine & a polyphonic pads synth 😄

For this, I used the Conductive Labs NDLR sequencer with its polychain feature (on its PAD track) which can turn up to 4 mono synths into a 4-voice polyphonic synth. (I used this feature on another video, this time with 4 physical analog mono synths: [below]).

Therefore I used 3 of the tracks of the LXR-02 to play 3-note chords by the NDLR. I used the LXR's individual output, through the Strymon Bigsky reverb for the PADS (through the Pill ducking pedal being triggered by the LXR's drum kick).

I also used 1 track of the LXR-02 to play the ARP part (also sequenced by the NDLR). This time the individual output went through the Strymon Timeline delay.

The Erica Synths DB-01 was used to play the bass riff (still sequenced by the NDLR) through the Eventide - H9 pedal (with some heavy modulated Chorus bringing a Lo-Fi vibe to the sound!).

* Hardware used *

- BASS : Erica Synths DB-01 Bassline + Eventide H9 (Chorus)
- DRUMS : Sonic Potions x Erica Synths LXR-02 (individual output 1+2)
- PADS : Sonic Potions x Erica Synths LXR-02 + Strymon Bigsky + Pill Pedal (individual output 3)
- RIFF : Sonic Potions x Erica Synths LXR-02 + Strymon Timeline (individual output 4)
- LIVE SEQUENCING : Conductive Labs NDLR"

052▶️ Chains (NDLR // Polychain DB01, SE02, 0Coast, Circuit MS // Minitaur // Minibrute // Tanzbar)

video upload by 2-Minute Warning

"I wanted to use a couple of the nice features of the NDLR for this video, so I went to set up 6 analog mono synths all sequenced by the NDLR, a couple of effects and the Tanzbar drum machine for this video!

The first feature used here is poly chaining, where 1 track (PAD track) of the NDLR sent 4-note chords to 4 mono synths (Erica Synths - DB01, Make Noise - 0Coast, Roland - SE02 and Novation - Circuit Mono Station), considering them as a unique 4-voice polyphonic synth!

It reminded me a bit me my wonderful Vermona Perfourmer, where each voice of the synth can have different setting regarding the oscillators, envelopes, filter etc. 🤩

I needed to make some quite complex routing in order to be able to side chain the pads with the kick of the MFB - Tanzbar analog drum machine.

I also used the 'chord sequencer' of the NDLR in order to play the whole track as a song (it's like a song mode, where sequences automatically change the global chords).

Here are some further details on the setup:

* PAD: DB01 to SE02 to Bigsky (Right Input) to The Pill Pedal (Input 1) triggered by Tanzbar's kick
* PAD: 0Coast to Circuit Mono Station to Bigsky (Left Input) to The Pill Pedal (Input 2) triggered by Tanzbar's kick

These 4 analog synths were set up in order to respond to the poly chain function of the NDLR (i.e. With a 4-note chord, the NDLR will send each note to one the 4 synths).

* DRONE (Bass): The Moog - Minitaur was being triggered by the DRONE track for the bass.
* MOTIF (Melody): The Arturia - Minibrute 1, through the ZVEX - Instant Lofi Junky & Strymon - Timeline

I forgot to mention that the Tanzbär's main output was processed by the Eventide - H9 (Reverse Delay) effect, excluding its kick which was outputted on its separate output in order to trigger the side chain for the pads on the Pill Pedal."

The Conductive Labs NDLR

Published on Sep 4, 2017 Conductive Labs

via the Kickstarter campaign:

"What is The NDLR...

The NDLR is for anybody who loves making music but finds themselves staring at their keyboards not knowing what to play. It is a new MIDI device that defines a new place in your synth studio. It fits between your sequencer and keyboard controllers and your sound modules. It keeps your oscillators busy by playing sequences of notes over several MIDI channels so you can keep your fingers busy tweaking patches and twisting knobs!

The initial idea: multiple synthesizers playing notes and chord changes at the same time, without a computer in the way. The initial idea evolved into playing up to four parts: a drone note, bass line, pad notes, and a motif sequence, simultaneously.

The NDLR can play up to eight synthesizers via MIDI. It can send...

a bass line to one synth.
an arpeggiated sequence to your favorite lead synth.
chord notes of a pad to up to four synthesizers by using interleaved poly-chaining.
a drone note targeting those exotic evolving synths.
a MIDI pass-through from your favorite external sequencer or keyboard controller and it will be automatically transposed from “C” into the current chord notes.
A ring of seven buttons enables playing any chord degree directly. When shifted, the same buttons allow you to pick chord types: triads, 7ths, 9ths, and suspensions, etc. The sonorities of these chords, major, minor, diminished... are automatically selected based on the chord degree and the key and mode chosen.

All the above mentioned technical details melt away while playing The NDLR. But we quickly realized while developing those features that keeping songs fresh with ever changing patterns and chord progressions is vital. The chord degree and chord type can also be selected externally by a sequencer. The notes played by the sequencer become the root notes of the chords that The NDLR plays.

The eight encoder knobs enable you to vary the sequences, rhythms, densities and range of notes. There are also three LFOs and two randomizers that can be assigned in the x8 modulation matrix to any of the parameters of The NDLR or to external MIDI CCs. This ensures that in addition to the motion of your synth patches there can also be an automated chord progression and modulation of The NDLR parameters.

We stuffed all this into one box that's easy to use and fun to play. It's an easy choice for anybody who loves making music and wants to tweak knobs on their otherwise silent synthesizers. So support this Kickstarter project now!"

The NDLR - a MODULATION demo with easy to see and hear notes

Published on Oct 3, 2017 Conductive Labs

"We are using an iPAD app called midiLFO to modulated The NDLR's PAD settings using MIDI CC messages. We plugged the iPAD into The NDLR using a 5 Pin MIDI cable. The midiLFO app MIDI output is set to channel 16 and so is the NDLR CC Cntrl input (set in the MIDI menu). There are 3 MIDI CC "LFOs" going at the same time, modulating three different PAD parameters on the NDLR, Position, Range, & Velocity. Most all NDLR feature values are available via CC messages.

In addition to receiving MIDI CC messages, this functionality will also be built in to The NDLR through the modulation matrix. The NDLR has 3 MIDI LFOs and 2 Probability sources. These sources can be mapped internally to most all NDLR feature values and externally to MIDI CC destinations for modulating synth parameters like filter cutoff & PWM, etc. Please see the menu graphics on the Kickstarter page for the Mod Matrix options."

Note The NDLR has reached funding goals on kickstarter.

Synth Jams by Jay Hosking

Published on Jul 26, 2019 Jay Hosking

Spotted the first video in the playlist above on discchord.com. The Playlist contains 21 videos. You can use the player controls to skip around. Descriptions for each are below. All videos feature various gear so you should be able to get an idea of some of the capabilities of each featured. You can check out Jay Hosking's music at https://jayhosking.bandcamp.com/.

Note, more will likely get added over time. The following playlist is as of this post:

1. Jam w/ Vermona PERfourMER MkII, Elektron Analog Rytm MkII, OTO Bam, Styrmon Big Sky, Fugue Machine

A live, semi-improvised performance, all on hardware, and inspired by some pretty tough news that has me sentimental.

I loved the Elektron Analog Four MkII so much that I picked up the Analog Rytm MkII. My feelings on the Rytm are mixed. On the one hand, it's missing that spontaneity and spark of units like the Arturia DrumBrute Impact and Teenage Engineering OP-Z, with no readymade performance effects, roller bar, or global randomization, and a slower workflow. On the other hand, I really like its analogue sound engines, any unused tracks can be converted into impressive analogue mono synths, it does beautiful things to samples, and like all Elektron boxes it integrates the effects into the sequencer really nicely.

As for the Vermona PERfourMER MkII, I'd been pining over it for ages, and it was fun to finally tinker with it. The Perfourmer definitely excels in the mid- and high- range, and I love how the independent voices making really interesting voices for chords.

Vermona PERfourMER MkII + OTO Bam — Three synths (left chord note, right chord note, melody)
Vermona PERfourMER MkII + Strymon Big Sky — Bass chord note synth
Elektron Analog Rytm MkII — Drums, samples, sample melody, punchy bass
Fugue Machine (iOS) — Sequencing
IK Multimedia iRig Pro Duo — MIDI out from iOS

Written and performed within a 24-hour period, and uploaded as is, with only a little sidechain compression on the Perfourmer (to emphasize the sound that the Rytm was already making), and compression/limiting on the master.

https://jayhosking.bandcamp.com/

CLICK FOR MORE »

Conductive Labs NDLR: Creating Generative Music

Published on Apr 10, 2020 Oscillator Sink

"The NDLR can be a tricky device to classify. It is not a traditional sequencer, but it certainly does sequence. To call it an arpeggiator would be to undersell it significantly, but arpeggios are very much an intrinsic part of its DNA. It is obviously far away from a traditional midi controller but it offers hands on control over midi instruments.

So I think that maybe it's better to think about the NDLR in terms of how it influences your relationship with your instruments. When you use a keyboard controller, you are playing the role of performer. When using a sequencer your job is more that of composer, with the sequencer then in charge of the actual performance.

With the NDLR you are more acting like a band leader during a jam. You set up a musical environment with rules, and as the performance happens, you direct the flow of the music with broad strokes; the details are left up to the performers jamming away inside the NDLR.

This blurring of the line between composer and performer really speaks to my interest in generative music so in this video, starting with a blank slate, I look at how you can use the NDLR to create generative music, taking an in-depth look at some features that I think are really cool when working in that kind of environment.

Here's Loopop's video on the NDLR:" [posted here]

You can find additional posts featuring the NDLR here.

Conductive Labs NDLR Demo #1 (in two parts)

Published on Sep 29, 2017 Genshi Media Group

"This is my first encounter with the Conductive Labs 'The NDLR' (pronounced noodler). The guys at Conductive Labs (who had previously seen my demo videos here on Youtube, and had attended a couple of my live performances) asked if I would run one of their prototype NDLRs through it's paces... and of course, how could I resist! This is still a beta unit; some features have not yet been implemented (such as the LFO section) but hopefully these series of quick demos will give you all an idea of what the NDLR can do in a musical context. I only have it for a week before I have to give it back, so I will be doing as much as I can while I have it...

In this Demo #1 I have the NDLR Paired with the Waldorf Blofeld. Since the Blofeld is Multitimbral, it's quite easy to have the NDLR play the various parts on the Blofeld. A perfect example of the ultimate minimal setup for live jams!

In the next, forthcoming Demo #2, I will have the NDLR play a Korg Minilogue (for the PAD) and three Moog Mother-32s. I will also dive deeper into the Menu system.

In Demo #3, it will be the NDLR with the Moog Sub 37, ARP Odyssey, Waldorf Microwave XTk and the Micro Q!

Please support these guys on Kickstarter to make this project happen, I really want to see this get out into the world! https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/..."

Improvisation with Cirklon and NDLR

Published on Feb 22, 2020 Martin Peters

"It has been a while for various reasons. But this afternoon I thought, let's do a quick improvisation to show off with the NDLR. I got the NDLR at the end of last December and it is a great source of inspiration. The Cirklon clocks the NDLR and sequences the NDLR's chord progressions by sending CC messages. The NDLR drives the Mopho and the Korg ARP Odyssey as the 2 motif's and the Roland JD-800 as the pad. The Cirklon drives the Synthesizers.com for the bass, the SEM, the Plaits and the Braids for the snare sound. Some soloing on the Moog Voyager Old School, the Moog Prodigy and the Moog Polymoog Synthesizer. This all is recorded in 1 take. Sorry for my bad camera work and the fact that the camera stopped after 15 minutes. Hope you enjoy it nevertheless."

Conductive Labs NDLR Launch Party Demo Performance

Published on Nov 19, 2018 Genshi Media Group

"::| TO HEAR THE FULL RANGE OF FREQUENCIES, A GOOD PAIR OF HEADPHONES ARE HIGHLY RECOMMENDED |::

This was a demo performance I did for Conductive Labs NDLR launch party on November 18th, 2018. Local folks who contributed to the crowdfunding were able to pick up their NDLRs in person, while others will start seeing theirs in the mail these next coming weeks!

My performance was a bit rough due to the Arturia Keystep not behaving. I was using the Keystep for two things: first, to switch between the "Chords" of the NDLR (same as hitting the buttons on the NDLR) but set so that Velocity would change the number of notes the PAD on the NDLR would play (so a light key press would play about 3 or 4 notes, and a hard key press would play 8 notes of the PAD. Also, the modulation strip on the Keystep was used to change the Octave range of the PAD) - and second, to switch over to play additional sounds direct off the Waldorf Blofeld, while the NDLR was Arpeggiating the first four sounds. Considering I put all of this together a couple of hours before the performance, it didn't turn out too bad."

The Cinematic NDLR: Prophet REV2 / PEAK / WAVESTATE

video upload by Alba Ecstasy

"👉Prophet REV2 patches 👉https://www.albaecstasy.ro/prophet-rev2/

This is the third time trying to use the Conductive Labs #NDLR in a track that I could publish or improve, after a few tweaks to get it a little.

I thought it would be inconvenient for me to use such a device as the NDLRm only using its arpeggiators on my synths, since I'm used to program my sequences by my own and playing them in sync, manually.

Is it good for my #Cinematic projects? For sure!
It easily allows me to start such a track that can be worked and improved lately in my DAW.

Is it good for Berlin School? Well... since I'm just discovering it, I have to find a way to integrate it with my sequencers and my workflow.
The major contribution is that brings the chord progression (that I'm not using too much in my tracks), and starting from here, I'll have to sync the NDLR to the internal sequencers of my synths.

But in the #ambient world, the NDLR is a must!

Is it easy to use the NDLR?
I haven't yet read the user manual.
I have printed it and abandoned because the NDLR is very intuitive as long as you already worked with synths and sequencers.
Do you need music theory? Not so much if you're only using the NDLR.
That's why it should be, imho, a must in every beginner's studio.

Is this track too long and incomplete? Yes!
But I hope you'll enjoy it anyway!

Sections and their instruments:
Pad: Korg Wavestate
Drone & Motif 2: Prophet REV 2 (REV 2 is by-timbral and I use it on two distinctive MIDI channels)
Motif 1: Novation PEAK

❤️, ae"

Happy New Year From MATRIXSYNTH! - A Look Back at 2014

Happy New Year everyone!

I want to start by thanking everyone that comes to MATRIXSYNTH and helps make it what it is - the readers, the supporters, and of course all the sponsors on the right.

THANK YOU and have a GREAT 2015!!!

This site is a labor of love and a ton of work. This site is ultimately meant to be an testament to everything synth in the making. We have over nine years of daily synth history captured here, 119,983 published posts. I can't wait to see what the future brings us in 2015!

That said, here are a few interesting bits from 2014 in the longest post of the year. ;)

CLICK FOR MORE »

Knobcon 23: NDLR 2 Updates

video upload by sonicstate

"At Knobcon 2023, we had the pleasure of chatting with Steve from Conductive Labs, who introduced us to the NDLR 2. This innovative sequencer has recently been re-released, addressing previous chip supply challenges that had temporarily halted its production. The NDLR 2 is a multi-track sequencer with an innate understanding of music theory. What sets it apart is its chord-changing capabilities, which occur seamlessly when you modify the chord structure, making it a valuable tool for musicians seeking an intuitive and chord-aware sequencer. Furthermore, Steve unveiled an exciting new feature – the Rotator algorithm, contributed by Robbie Kilgore, which transforms monophonic notes into triads, opening up exciting possibilities, particularly for jazz enthusiasts. The NDLR 2 is currently available for $379, and with its fresh feature and ample stock of 1,000 units, it's poised to be a valuable addition for musicians and producers looking to streamline their sequencing and composition process.

For more details on the NDLR 2 and to stay updated on its availability and features, visit the Conductive Labs website at ConductiveLabs.com. The NDLR 2's unique chord-aware sequencing and the newly introduced Rotator algorithm make it a compelling choice for musicians who seek creative control and expressiveness in their music production."

Introducing the Nodular Desktop Synthesizer - Two Sided Analog Monophonic Semi-Modular Synthesizer

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

via this auction

Update: the maker/brand name for this synth is ndlr.synths. I created a new channel label for them. We have a new synthesizer manufacturer in town.  See second "Update" at the bottom of this post for additional notes on the design.

via the auction:
"Up for sale: one monophonic analog synthesizer. I've been making analog synthesizers for about 15 years now, but this is the first I am offering up for sale to the 'general public'. I am hoping to make a business out of selling this particular model, and you could be my very first customer.

The pictures show the same unit that is up for sale. The cabinet is made from 3/4" natural cherry boards, except for the base, which is made of 3/4" MDF. Both instrument panels are made of 1/8" thick anodized aluminum. The panels have been mechanically engraved and the engravings filled with chemically hardened black enamel paint. The whole unit measures about 18" wide by 18" deep by 12" tall. It weighs about 40 pounds. This is a very well made unit, with sturdy instrument panels that'll last a lifetime.

This synthesizer has its own +15/+10/GND/-10/-15 volt power supply and will only run on 120VAC 60Hz. It consumes about 45 watts of power at full bore.

All the modules in this synthesizer have been designed to work together seamlessly, and all use the same standards: 1 volt per octave, 10 volt peak-to-peak signal voltages, and 5 volt peak-to-peak gate, trigger, and control voltages. All patches are made among the modules via banana jacks. And a few different ways of interfacing to external modules or instruments are offered via 1/4" phone jacks.

A description of the different modules follows:

(1) ring modulator

(1) white and pink noise and random voltage source

(1) sample/track & hold

(1) voltage comparator

(2) low frequency oscillators (LFOs):

(1) headphone amplifier

Both offer voltage controlled frequency, variable offset and symmetry, and sinusoidal, triangular, and pulse wave outputs. By adjusting the speed knob, the frequency can be changed from about 20Hz down to really, really, slow. This range can be extended through voltage control.

(3) voltage controlled oscillators (VCOs):

All three offer 1 volt per octave frequency control, voltage controlled pulse width modulation, ac-coupled linear frequency control, hard sync, and sine, triangle, sawtooth, and pulse wave outputs. They'll track to within .2% over at least 8 octaves with basically negligible temperature drift once the enclosure is warmed up. And they'll operate from below audio to above audio frequencies.

In addition, the first VCO offers a frequency range switch and fine tuning.

CLICK FOR MORE »

Things2Come

Martin Peters

"I recorded this video on the 3rd of May. But I was not sure if it was good enough to share. Since then, I have grown to like it more and more. The songs is very melancholic and kind of reflects the mood I am in lately. The solo reminds me somewhat of Dave Stewart in his National Health years. The song is very basic with only 5 tracks: the bass from the Synthesizers.com Modular driven by the Cirklon sequencer, 2 sequences generated by the NDLR driving the DSI Mopho and the Korg ARP Odyssey, the strings from the Roland JD-800 also driven by the NDLR and the solo in the Moog Minimoog. The Cirklon clocks the NDLR and also sequences the chord and chord-type changes.

The track was recorded live to multi-track in Studio One and I did some little mixing afterwards. Hope you will enjoy it.

The track is uploaded to Bandcamp. Search for Attorks and you will find it."

Ambient poly synth jam with the NDLR, Deckard's Dream, OB-6, Peak, Dreadbox Abyss, Polymoon, Big Sky

Published on Dec 12, 2019 Jay Hosking

"A live, semi-improvised performance, all on hardware, and inspired by winter looming. I've long wanted to make a couple of videos about how the sequencer really determines where the music goes, and I thought there was no better example of this than the NDLR, which is such a beautiful little inspiration device. In my opinion, I think the NDLR thrives at making interesting ambient explorations, and I hope I've demonstrated that here.

I've also wanted to make a "poly synth jam" and show each of the poly synths I currrently have next to each other. Some really interesting things revealed themselves here: 1) the Peak is the clear winner for bass; 2) I like the OB-6 a lot better for plucks or shorter decays than I do for pads; 3) the Abyss holds its own among these bigger names and is a real gem with lots of personality; 4) the Deckard's Dream isn't particularly rich or versatile, but adds the most beauty to the track, and it's a joy to make a patch from scratch.

Conductive Labs NDLR — Sequencing
Black Corporation Deckard's Dream + Meris Polymoon — Pad
Sequential/Oberheim OB-6 — Motif 1 (brighter arp)
Dreadbox Abyss + Strymon Big Sky — Motif 2 (mellower arp)
Novation Peak — Drone (bass monster)

Written and performed within a 24-hour period, and uploaded as is, with only a little compression/limiting on the master.

https://jayhosking.bandcamp.com/"

The NDLR Modulation Matrix Jam

Published on Dec 12, 2017 Conductive Labs

"A jam using The NDLR Mod Matrix - Support this great project now!
The NDLR at IndieGoGo: https://igg.me/at/ndlr/x/17526825

The instruments used include:
Oberheim Matrix 6R
E Mu Orbit
Korg Volca Bass and FM
Korg MS-2000R

Everything is being played by The NDLR."

The NDLR // with Waldorf XTk & Micro Q, Moog Sub 37, ARP Odyssey

Published on Aug 31, 2018 Genshi Media Group

"::| TO HEAR THE FULL RANGE OF FREQUENCIES, A GOOD PAIR OF HEADPHONES ARE HIGHLY RECOMMENDED |::

Another beta test demo of the Conductive Labs NDLR Sequenced Arpeggiator, this time with hardware synths. The NDLR is connected and driving the synths as follows (by order of appearance):

• NDLR MOTIF 1 - Moog Sub 37 on MIDI Channel 2
• NDLR MOTIF 2 - ARP Odyssey on MIDI Channel 1
• NDLR DRONE - Waldorf Micro Q on MIDI Channel 3
• NDLR PAD - Waldorf Microwave XTk on MIDI Channel 4"

Waver - Ambient (NDLR, Waldorf M + Analog Heat, Bigsky, Timeline, Julianna, H9, Rooms, Pill Pedal)

video upload by 2-Minute Warning

These were spotted and sent in via Soviet Space Child.

"This is my 2nd video with the Waldorf - M getting in the ambient territories, after having spent a few days with this astounding wavetable synth!
I used the multitimbral mode with each of the 4 parts playing respectively the Bass, Pads, Carillon and Lead.
The 4 parts were sequenced by the Conductive Labs - NDLR which can sequence 4 tracks (which works out perfectly 😄).
I used the 4 stereo outputs of the M for this one, going through some of the coolest pedals effects I have 🤩

* Hardware used *
- Waldorf - M with the following effects for the:
- BASS: Elektron - Analog Heat Mk2 + Strymon - Bigsky
- PADS: Death by Audio - Rooms + The Pill Pedal
- CARILLON: Strymon - Timeline
- LEAD: Walrus Audio - Julianna + Eventide H9 Max"

Waves | Ambient Live Impro (Waldorf M + Death By Audio Rooms) Wavetable Multi-timbral #Jamuary2022

"Just wanted to capture and share with you the first hours I just spent discovering a new synth, the Waldorf M, 8-voice hybrid synthesizer! It's a quick live ambient jam tweaking some parameters. This synth is just 😍

I haven't read the manual yet, but managed to use the Multitimbral mode with 4 parts. Parts 2, 3 & 4 are being played by my left hand and Part 1 (arpeggio) by my right hand.

On the first part of the track, you are hearing the raw sound of the synth (without effects) and then I added some reverb with the Death by Audio Rooms pedal.

* Hardware used *
- Waldorf - M
- Death By Audio - Rooms (reverb pedal, on the second half of the track)"

Dancer 🕺 (NDLR // Nymphes + Lofi + Bigsky // DB01 // TR6S // 0Coast + Timeline + Particle // SE02)

video upload by 2-Minute Warning

"Here is my latest track featuring the inspiring NDLR 4-track sequencer, trying to do something more uptempo this time (the NDLR really excels at doing ambient tracks, but can it be used for some more 'techno' tracks? 🤔 Hope we'll get an answer thanks to your comments 😉)

I used 4 analog tracks for this jam (Nymphes, DB01, 0Coast and SE02), sequenced by the Conductive Labs NDLR sequencer. The drums were sequenced and played by the Roland TR6S 'rhythm performer' (where I used mainly the Analog Circuit Behavior and FM engines). Recorded in one take.

* Hardware used *
- PADS: Dreadbox Nymphes + Zvex Instant LoFi Junky + Strymon Bigsky + Pill Pedal (triggered by the TR-6S)
- BASS: Erica Synths DB-01 Bassline
- MOTIF-1: Make Noise 0-Coast + Strymon Timeline (Delay) + Red Panda Particle 2 (Granular Delay)
- MOTIF-2: Roland SE-02
- DRUMS: Roland TR-6S
- Sequencer: Conductive Labs - NDLR (sequencing all 4 synths)"

Reflections

Martin Peters

"This music is somewhat inspired by the beautiful music accompanying the slide show of the Node Live Blu-Ray. You hear the Sequentix Cirklon sequencing 2 voices of the Synthesizers.com Modular, the Oberheim SEM and the Mutable Instruments Stages which is configured as a Harmonic Oscillator. The NDLR is sequencing the Korg Odyssey and the DSI Mopho. The VCF of the Moog Polymoog is triggered by the gates of a separate Cirklon sequence. The solo is on the Moog Minimoog.

The title refers to questions spinning around in my head for which no one knows the answers to.

The track was recorded live to multi-track on the Behringer X32 Compact and mixed in Studio One afterwards. I hope you will enjoy it.

The track can be downloaded from Bandcamp."

Arps and acid with Midicake ARP, Arturia Minifreak, TT-303, Dreadbox Erebus, Roland TR-06, Meris LVX

video upload by Jay Hosking

"A live, semi-improvised synthesizer jam performed entirely on hardware.

Important note: Midicake sent me over the ARP for free. I rarely get free gear, though I'm very grateful when it happens. There was no expectation for me to put it in a video, and no request from Midicake other than to share my thoughts with them. That said, I really enjoyed using it and I'll be keeping it around, as it strikes a nice balance between the "plug-and-pretty" of the NDLR and the "depth and detail" of a traditional sequencer. I've still got plenty to explore with it. Thanks, Chris!

I started with the ARP, because I wanted to see what it could do. I didn't want to overload the table at first, so I took out the Minifreak, which has voices to spare. Very quickly I was creating arpeggios and sequencing lines I really liked, and easily able to customize the lines to what I was looking for, from rhythms to polymetrics to inversions etc. I started with just standard major and minor chords, but it was extremely easy to customize the chords on the eight chord buttons once I wanted some 7ths and 6ths. And to have a chord sequencer built in was extremely helpful, as it reduced the amount of gear I needed on the table.

Once I had the bones of the song structure, I filled out some more parts, with Erebus on bass and the TR-06 on drums. Finally, I felt it needed something a little gnarlier around the interlude, and luckily I'd just picked up the awesome 303 clone from Cyclone Analogic. Once that was in place, it was just a matter of shaping the song through performance parameters. The final result is pretty cool, and adds some tones, timbres, and textures I haven't been getting as much these days.

Thanks for listening.

Midicake ARP - most sequencing (i.e. for Minifreak and Erebus)
Arturia Minifreak - three synth lines
Dreadbox Erebus - bass synth
Cyclone Analogic Bass Bot TT-303 - acid bass (using its own sequence)
Meris LVX - drive and delay for TT-303
Kenton MIDI Thru - MIDI splitter/thru box"