MATRIXSYNTH: Search results for arp educational


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Showing posts sorted by date for query arp educational. Sort by relevance Show all posts

Saturday, September 30, 2023

ARP Modular Synthesizer Lab (aka MSL) #33 Model 1509 VCA

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


via this auction

"Extremely rare vintage ARP MSL Model 1509 VCA parts.

For a description of the ARP Modular Synthesizer Lab (aka MSL), see http://synthmuseum.com/arp/arpmsl01.html 'The MSL was designed for classroom instructional use, a cheap alternative to the 2600, this system consists of individual battery-powered modules similar to those found in the second generation of ARP Odysseys. The basic setup included the keyboard and the VCO (modules 1504), VCF (module 1506), envelope (module 1506) and a battery operated amplifier/speaker modules. Also available were modules for LFO, VCA (module 1509 in this listing), noise(module 1503), sample-and-hold (module 1507), ring modulator, multiple (module 1510), and mixer/atenuator. The modules are connected by mini cables (grey, yellow, or red), and were designed to be used with or without a keyboard. ARP sold each module for between $40 (for the multiple module 1510) to around $70. The keyboard sold for around $175. They drafted workbooks, one for each module, with a comprehensive teacher's manual.'

You can find additional posts featuring ARP's Educational modules here. EML also had a version of their own featured here.

Thursday, July 27, 2023

EML 101 Classic Synthesizer

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


via this auction

Tuesday, February 14, 2023

MUSONICS ACQUIRES STG SOUNDLABS, SHIPS 902 VCA REVISION



muSonics is back.

First a little background from Wikipedia:

"1971–1977: Moog Musonics, Moog Music, Inc.

In November 1971, rival company muSonics bought R. A. Moog, Inc. and relocated the company to Williamsville, New York. An old factory at the north end of Academy Street was purchased. The company was renamed Moog Musonics, then Moog Music, Inc.[3]

In 1972, former televangelist and successful salesman David VanKouvering joined the company as VP of Marketing, creating a network of retail stores throughout the United States and then the entire world.[5] Despite the increased commercial success the company saw with the introduction of the Minimoog than with previous products, competition with contemporary manufacturers such as ARP Instruments, Oberheim Electronics, and Electronic Music Studios drove the company steadily deeper into debt.[6][7] Moog Music, Inc. was ultimately sold to Norlin Industries in 1973. At this point, rival companies such as the aforementioned ARP Instruments were producing both monophonic and polyphonic synthesizers that rapidly outpaced the Moog in popularity. By 1975, ARP owned 40% of the synthesizer market share, effectively boxing out Moog Music, Inc.[8]

In 1976, Norlin moved the company to a facility on Walden Avenue in Cheektowaga. In 1977, once his contract with Norlin expired, Robert Moog officially left the company to pursue his own ventures, founding the firm Big Briar.[9]"

---

And the press release for the new muSonics:

For Immediate Release

January 23, 2023

Chillicothe, Illinois - muSonics has acquired very failed Eurorack manufacturer STG Soundlabs in a private equity trade valued at 6 million Dogecoin. Based in the greater Buffalo area, muSonics is America's oldest synthesizer company whose first instrument, the Sonic V educational synthesizer, is highly-regarded as one of the most reliable analogue instruments of the 1970s.

Suit & Tie Guy, former STG Soundlabs president and newly appointed CEO of the merged company, STG muSonics, was quoted as saying “I’m excited to be an important part of a history-rich American brand such as muSonics, which exists in a unique category alongside names like Abercrombie & Fitch, Montgomery Ward, and Radio Shack."

The first STG muSonics product, the Voltage Controlled Amplifier in the American modular synthesizer format, is currently available at Noisebug of Pomona, California. It is the final revision of the Voltage Controlled Amplifier made by muSonics in the early 1970s as part of their very famous and well-regarded modular synthesizers. Updates and improvements include 15 volt power support, selectable AC coupling, and a new shallow profile of less than 2 inches behind the front panel.

Pending the completion of the acquisition, muSonics will be moving from their current office, a vintage dumpster located behind the Wegman’s grocery store in Williamsville, New York, to downtown Chillicothe, Illinois, making it possibly the only company moving to the state this year.



Wednesday, August 17, 2022

Live annotated eurorack emotional cinematic synthwave, ARP-2600, Moog, OB-6 Tangerine Dream inspired


video upload by EthanJamesMusic

"This is a live cinematic synthwave electronic music performance inspired by later Tangerine Dream music, where I wanted to setup a more meditative environment and create a slow musical progression by interweaving layers with the Eurorack, using the electric bass as a guitar type of instrument, providing bass from the Moog Grandmother, chords from the DSI OB-6, and texture from the ARP-2600, and more texture from the Buchla 208c Easel Command. This is an entirely live and unrehearsed improvised performance, and I included annotations to show some of what I'm thinking about and also to demonstrate the different musical themes weaving in and out of the texture Since I'm a film composer by trade, this came out relatively cinematic and would work in certain movie score settings. This is a very simple setup to make a big sound. I hope this is educational for you as well, in terms of how I put these performances together. Hopefully this camera angle also helps you learn something!

Patch Notes:
Eurorack:
Stillson Hammer running at x6 multiply but using 1:1 gate from 0-ctrl to make bass. Two envelopes, one to VCA, one to filter.
Tempi clock divider running two channels of Make Noise René. First channel is to Dixie II oscillator to Jove filter to Erberverb. Second is to Serge NTO to Serge VQVCF to Echophon. I'm using a x4 clock divider to the Y channel, which is 1:1 to the VCA gate, but I'm using the C channel gate to the filter, which creates an interesting rhythm.

Moog Grandmother:
Normalled patch

ARP-2600:
3 oscillators tuned in octaves.

DFAM:
Pitch to Noise volume to create snare.

OB-6:
Polysaw chord setting"

Thursday, July 07, 2022

Live annotated eurorack Tangerine Dream inspired cinematic synthwave, ARP-2600, Moog, OB-6


video upload by EthanJamesMusic

"This is a live cinematic synthwave electronic music performance inspired by later Tangerine Dream music, where I wanted to setup a more meditative environment and create a slow musical progression by interweaving layers with the Eurorack, providing bass from the Moog Grandmother, chords from the DSI OB-6, and melody from the ARP-2600. This is an entirely live and unrehearsed improvised performance, and I included annotations to show some of what I'm thinking about and also to demonstrate the different musical themes weaving in and out of the texture Since I'm a film composer by trade, this came out relatively cinematic and would work in certain movie score settings. This is a very simple setup to make a big sound. I hope this is educational for you as well, in terms of how I put these performances together. Hopefully this camera angle also helps you learn something!"

Tuesday, June 07, 2022

ARPchives LIVE Special Birthday Edition "In His Words"


video upload by Alan R. Pearlman Foundation

Features the ARP 2600 assembly line. Note the Blue Marvin / Blue Meanie.

"(NOTE: These videos are for historical preservation and EDUCATIONAL purposes only. )

We are very excited to release 'The Lost ARP Tapes,' recently discovered footage that had been buried in decades worth of television. Join us Tuesday, June 7th on our YouTube channel to watch them live and celebrate Alan Pearlman’s birthday.

We will be having several releases. featuring footage from the 1970s of demos, two different ARP factories, Alan R. Pearlman, Phil Dodds, David Friend, David Frederick, and Tom Piggot! Not seen in 45+ years!

Included in these sessions will be other rare footage of Alan R. Pearlman speaking in later years (not in any other documentary) as well as contemporary interviews with ARP employees"



And via Dina Pearlman in the ARP Foundation mailing list:

Today is my father's birthday

Alan R. Pearlman would have been 97 today! Because he was born in 1925, he remembered the George Washington Bridge being built, the Great Depression, was a World War II vet.. he worked on the early NASA projects, saw the first person on the moon. And he built one of the most famous synthesizers in the world.

With celebrating my father's birthday we also recognize our future—the kids who love their STEM classes, the musicians who have aspirations to make music, or the filmmakers who wish to make soundtracks.

This summer we are trying to raise a minimum of $15,000 for the following projects:

ARPs for ALL - insurance, restoration and repair of instruments

ARPchives including scanning, digitizing and licensing rights to rare photos. See also: Google's Music Makers and Machines!

Our first residency at ARPs for ALL (estimated $10,000 for housing, transportation and engineering assistance) Grantwriter(s)

We will also be holding our Fall Synthposium and Fundraiser 2022: A Fifty Year ARP Odyssey!

READ the Synthposium Press Release

We hope you will consider making a tax deductible donation to The Alan R Pearlman Foundation

My father was a mentor. In his tradition, The Alan R. Pearlman Foundation is dedicated to preserving his legacy to inspire others, and to provide them with the tools to do so with our ARPs for ALL projects as well as our ARPchives that include Hot off the Press!

This year we have located some lost ARP tapes premiering on YouTube later today [above] (more coming later this summer) We have also located some rare photographs, but we have to purchase them, so this is part of our goals for this latest fundraiser.

Read the 'Lost ARP Tapes' Press Release

Monday, May 09, 2022

KORG NTS-2 Oscilloscope Kit w/ PATCH & TWEAK


NTS-2 + PATCH & TWEAK with KORG: A message from Kim Bjorn video upload by Korg

"KORG, in collaboration with noted publisher Bjooks, ('PUSH TURN MOVE', 'PATCH & TWEAK' series...) is proud to present a fascinating KORG and ARP synth exploration experience in the form of this special, limited edition Bundle.

This bundle combines the NTS-2, a powerful new tool optimized for a variety of studio tasks, and the “PATCH & TWEAK with KORG” book, a comprehensive look at semi-modular synthesis through the lens of KORG and ARP’s iconic synthesizers. Along with a multitude of artist interviews, patch tips, tutorials, historical explorations, and more, this book will teach you how to put the NTS-2’s power to work in your studio as a companion to your synthesizers and audio gear.

Synth beginners and seasoned musicians alike will find the journey not just educational, but also inspirational and full of new discoveries."

Nu:Tekt NTS-2 Oscilloscope Kit - Assembly Tutorial

video upload by Korg

"Easily build the NTS-2, analyze sounds, and create—it's fun, and functional!

The NTS-2 offers a four-channel input oscilloscope to monitor and analyze audio and CV signals, a flexible dual wave generator, an FFT spectrum analyzer, as well as a tuner.

*All parts and tools are included; no soldering.

More Information here:

https://www.korg.com/products/dj/nts_..."


Friday, December 03, 2021

Bob Moog Fondation 2022 - 2023 18 Month Calendar



via Signal Sounds, available here

The Bob Moog Fondation is a charitable organisation, based in Anaheim, North Carolina, just a few streets away from the current Moog factory. It acts both as a archive for Bob's work over the years, a museum to show the timeline of his inventions (and more general synth developement) and an educational resource for schools providing hands on experience for children and adults.

Imgaine you had to do all those things? It's pretty certain you'd quickly lose track of what day it is, what week it is or even what month it is (signs of recognition and enthusiastic ndoding from fellow COVID brain fog peepz at the back of the crowd)?

What you would need in that case is.....a calendar! Obviously you can get calendars with amazing inspritation quotes, beautifull sunsets and cute animals but what if you could get an unbelievalbe nerdy synth related calander featuring 18 of the world's most influential synth designers? That would be pretty freakin' cool, no?

"We are proud to announce the release of our epic 2022 Synthesizer Pioneers 18-month calendar, which honors 18 innovators in the field of synthesis from the past 60 years. This is the fifth calendar released by the Foundation focusing on the rich history of Bob Moog’s legacy and the web of innovation in synthesis to which he was connected.

This calendar is the first to bring to the fore the historic achievements of synthesizer pioneers from all over the world. It features:

Harry Olsen and Herbert Belar (RCA)
Harald Bode
Raymond Scott
Bob Moog
Don Buchla
Peter Zinovieff (EMS)
Alan R. Pearlman (ARP)
Ikutaro Kakehashi (Roland)
Fumio Mieda (KORG)
Tom Oberheim
Dave Smith
Roger Linn
Wolfgang Palm (PPG)
Dave Rossum
Peter Vogel and Kim Ryrie (Fairlight)
Ray Kurzweil
Felix Visser (Synton)
Makoto Fukuda (Casio)
Many of the pioneers have contributed historic photos of themselves, with their hallmark inventions from their private archives. Also included within the calendar are scores of dates of particular historic importance provided by the pioneers. A brief narrative is included with each photo.

The 18-month calendar also weaves together connections between Bob Moog and many of the featured pioneers. His relationships with them ranged from inspiration to friends to colleagues to business associates. Secondary photos on many of the pages highlight that connection, showing Bob with his fellow pioneers.

The 18-month calendar is printed on #80 stock paper, making the images suitable for framing after the year is over!

This is the first time any of the Moog Foundation's products have been availabe outside of the USA so we're pretty happy to be able to bring it to you, and a portion of the profits are re-invested in the Bob Moog Foundation so it's a win/win situation.

The calander runs from Jan 2022 until May 2023 (and before you ask, we have no idea why it's an 18 month calendar...maybe they're just relaly indecisive and couldn't cut the list of synth pioneers down from 18 to 12?) and is available right now, right here.

Thursday, November 11, 2021

ARP-2600, Moog Grandmother live cinematic Tangerine Dream inspired synthwave annotated performance


video upload by EthanJamesMusic

"I wanted to do a live synthwave performance with annotations that show what I'm thinking as I create these. Almost everything on my channel is an improvisation, so I'm thinking on both music theory and technical levels at all times. This starts with static arpeggios and utilizes modal shifting to create the chord progressions. I'm using a fairly simple setup of just the Moog Grandmother and the ARP-2600, so that the text can follow the music. The arpeggios are inspired by new Tangerine Dream electronic music. Since I'm a film composer by trade, this came out relatively cinematic and would work in certain movie score settings. I hope this is educational for you as well, in terms of how I put these performances together."

Monday, September 13, 2021

How to discover SYNTH GEMS


video upload by peter m mahr

"Making of SYNTH GEMS1. The new book of BJOOKS.

https://bjooks.com/blogs/blog/all-abo...

SYNTH GEMS 1
Written by Mike Metlay
Concept, and design: Kim Bjørn
Editing team: Chris Meyer, Marc Doty, Gordon Reid, Collin Russell and Kim Bjørn
Copy editing: Diana Smethurst
Image editing: Kim Bjørn
Additional image editing and illustration: Natascha Bondo Bjørn"



"Text from the back cover:

SYNTH GEMS 1 is your guide to an eclectic and amazing collection of synthesizers as art. Experience the history, technology, and sonic innovation of electronic music in a completely new way.

With their widely diverse designs and intentions, synthesizers offer a world of fascination. What thoughts and emotions guided their creators? What do they say about the era when they were created? How do their form and function define one another, and the music they make?

As much for serious synth enthusiasts as for newcomers to electronic music, SYNTH GEMS 1 is an enlightening look into this wonderful world of vintage synthesizers.

An art gallery of electronic aesthetics

SYNTH GEMS 1 takes you on a tour of over 60 remarkable keyboards — large and small, famed and rare, elegant, beautiful, and brutal… and ranging from classics that define entire genres to rare oddities that bring their own grace to the world.

Each synthesizer is presented in a series of finely detailed photographs, with a discussion of its origins and importance. From the dawn of commercial synthesis to the close of the Twentieth Century, the lives and times of these unique instruments are chronicled in exquisite pictures and thoughtful stories – mingling music, technology, commerce, and visual art.

Meet the synthesizer

Besides a brief introduction to the basic elements of synthesizer design, as well as a comprehensive Glossary, the book is rounded out by tours of the three museums that opened their collections to be photographed, and a selection of resources for further study: books, films, educational initiatives, online resources – even ways to play with these sounds at home.

Known classics and significant rarities

Explore the designs and read the stories behind instruments from famous brands such as ARP, Casio, Clavia, Korg, Moog, Oberheim, Roland, Sequential, and Yamaha – as well as vintage gems from Crumar, Electronic Dream Plant, Elgam, E-mu, Ensoniq, Fairlight, Kawai, Gleeman, Lord Synthesisers, Steiner-Parker, Technics, Waldorf, and more.

The GEMS Series from Bjooks celebrate the inner and outer aesthetics of electronic musical instruments:

Detailed and beautiful color photographs, taken specifically for this series
Insightful discussion of the technical details – and the historical significance – of each instrument
Clear and inviting introductions to the concepts that guide these designs"

Wednesday, August 11, 2021

SAVE THE DATE! The ARP 2600 Synthposium: 50 Years of the 2600


via The Alan R. Pearlman Foundation

"SAVE-THE-DATE: SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 18TH

THE ARP 2600 SYNTHPOSIUM

A hybrid in-person/online event and fundraiser celebrating 50 years since the release of the very first ARP 2600. The day will feature live performances, panel discussions, special guests, synthesizer clinics, a cocktail reception, and more!

The in-person segment of the SYNTHPOSIUM and fundraiser will take place at The Record Co., a community recording and rehearsal space for musicians in the Boston area. With its brand new facilities and impressive array of equipment, The Record Co. has partnered with us to house seven ARP synthesizers, shipped from around the world, that are available for public use.

The online event will be streamed live via several different sources.

Tickets and Information
We want to ensure everyone's safety, so tickets will go on sale two weeks before the September 18 event, so we can plan as accurately as possible.

Visit our Facebook Event page or the event page regularly for updates.

All proceeds will benefit the Alan R. Pearlman Foundation. The Foundation's mission is to celebrate the legacy of inventor, musician, entrepreneur and engineer Alan R. Pearlman by making his innovative inventions publicly accessible, and inspiring future generations to imagine and create.

OUR GUEST SPEAKERS INCLUDE:

David Baron
Phil Cirroco
Lisa Bella Donna
David Friend
Jennifer Hruska
Brian Kehew
David Mash

THE ARP 2600...
To call the ARP 2600 an influential synthesizer is a grand understatement. When first produced in 1971, the 2600 presented musicians with the power of a full-fledged modular synthesizer, but with "normalled" connections allowed anyone to play without knowing how to program. It was educational, powerful, and flexible... And it sounded phenomenal. The 2600 can produce amazing sonic textures, leads, basses, sound effects, and just about any other sound you can imagine.

Early adopters such as Edgar Winter, Pete Townshend, Joe Zawinul and Stevie Wonder helped popularize the 2600 in a musical context. Stevie even had a customized 2600 with the controls labeled in Braille. The 2600 is also famously known as the voice of Star Wars' R2-D2, being played by sound designer Ben Burtt.

And with the reintroduction of the 2600 by Korg, as well as Antonus and 2600 VSTs such as Time wARP, Cherry Audio's CA2600 and Arturia, a whole new generation of musicians can now experience the endless possibilities of this incredible synthesizer. LEARN MORE"

Thursday, June 17, 2021

The Alan R. Pearlman Foundation Announces ARPs for All



via The Alan R. Pearlman Foundation where you can find additional details.

"The Alan R. Pearlman Foundation (ARPF) is thrilled to announce ARPs for All: a new program to bring the magic and inspiration of rare vintage ARP synthesizers to EVERYONE in the music-making public.

In partnership with The Record Co. (TRC), ARPs for All is launching an initial collection of 5 instruments (the ARP Avatar, Axxe, Odyssey, and a vintage ARP 2600 with ARP Sequencer) available for hands on use, learning, and experimentation at TRC’s community recording and rehearsal facility in Boston. Over the summer of 2021, these will be joined by an ARP Omni, Quadra, Solus as well as a rare ARP Explorer on loan from the estate of Alan R. Pearlman.

In the coming year ARPF and TRC will grow this living collection of instruments and foster deeper community engagement through experiential educational programming for the public as well as music synthesis-focused residencies for emerging artists.

Join us and make ARP’s incredible legacy of musical (and electrical!) ingenuity accessible to future generations of makers. In other words: ARPs for All!"

Tuesday, March 16, 2021

EML Electronic Music Lab

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


via this auction

"I.W. Turner Inc. Electronic Music Lab Modules. Includes Mixer, Electronic Switch, Triangle Wave Generator, Square Wave Generator, and White Noise Generator. All models except the Mixer require a 9V battery (not included). All items work, except for triangle wave generator (9V battery plug is missing). Someone cut the 9V battery plug from the triangle wave generator and I don't know where the black wire goes. The back cover is also missing from the Triangle Wave Generator. The sound seems weak on all the units but the mixer and the controls are scratchy, so I am selling it all AS IS. The circuit boards look hand lettered, but they may be printed I can't tell. From what I've seen online, these were made in the 70's."

Reminiscent of the ARP Educational modules. You can find a few more EML modules in prevoius posts here.

Tuesday, December 01, 2020

Alan R. Pearlman Foundation 2021 Calendar & Year in Review



via the Alan R. Pearlman Foundation

The Alan R. Pearlman Foundation was formed to honor the legacy Alan R. Pearlman, inventor of ARP Synthesizers - groundbreaking electronic synthesizers that changed the face of music forever. "to make his innovative inventions publicly accessible, and help inspire future generations to imagine and create through charitable projects."

Year in Review

Last January we were given an opportunity to introduce the Foundation to the music instrument industry at the hugely popular NAMM (National Association of Music Merchants) show. You, the supporters of the Foundation helped us, the foundation board members to promote the Foundation, its mission and its charitable projects to electronic musicians, engineers, potential donors and the press. We had an extremely successful show and made hundreds of contacts as well as raise money and awareness for our projects.

Other 2020 Achievements:

Attained 501(c)(3) Status: The Foundation is now a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization! All donations are eligible to be tax-deductable! We received our status at the end of this past March! What a surprise!

ARPchives LIVE! We have been hosting a series of online educational opportunities and live stream 'studio visits' called ARPchives LIVE!

50th Anniversary of ARP Synthesizers Celebration: This included a series of recordings, live streams, commemorative artifacts and most exciting: an ARP 2500 ROUND-TABLE [posted here]. with opening remarks by Jean Michel Jarre!
Participation in virtual synthesizer festivals including Synthfest a la Maison (France)[in the playlist here] and SoundMit (Italy) [posted here], and collaborations with Willem Twee Studios and AES [posted here].

News and New Activities

Due to the worldwide pandemic, our major fundraising event was cancelled, and of course, like all of you, we did not attend the variety of trade shows that were originally scheduled for this year.

We have an exciting 2021 planned for you.

NEW PROGRAM! ARP Living Collection and Studio: We are partnering with a non-profit recording studio to create a recording and creating ARP-centric studio environment. We have the space, and the beginning of a collection, and plan on launching next year. We will be able to have visitors like you, use the ARP Synthesizers in a variety of ways. Details to be announced at the beginning of 2021

NEW LEARNING: We are working on an exciting, never-before seen series of instructional videos, that will be released on a pay-as-you-can subscription.

TWO NEW Webinars dates TBA: The 2600 and a Women in Synthesis summit.

How You Can Make a Difference

Though the Foundation is in its infancy, we are now a 501 (c)(3) not-for-profit. We are seeking funding to cover some of our costs to create online learning materials, purchase technology for our future online programs, marketing for the concert and scanning materials for the digital archives.

We need help from people like you! Music lovers, synth lovers, creators and believers in perpetuating educational and creative opportunities.

Please consider making a donation today. Visit our website's donate page or, for some fun perks, donate to our IndieGogo page where you can get the ARPCHIVES 2021 Calendar!

Friday, October 30, 2020

Electronic Dream Plant WASP synth, Kim Wilde, Nick Rhodes... in memory of Chris Huggett,


Electric Cafe

"This video demonstrates the sound of the Electronic Dream Plant WASP synthesizer, Kim Wilde used it for her hit single Kids In America, and Duran Duran keyboard player Nick Rhodes used it early in with the band.

Sadly Chris Huggett passed away on October 22nd 2020 but leaves behind a legacy of synth production that in a British way rivals that of Moog, Oberheim, ARP, and other synthesizer manufacturers. Today there are companies who recognise the popularity of the EDP WASP and have cloned them, Behringer and the Jasper are just two who have released their version of this classic vintage sounding synthesizer which rivals some Moog, Oberheim, ARP, Yamaha, and other famous synthesizer company products since the late 1970's.

This video contains images that do not belong to the uploader of Electric Cafe but are being used for education purposes. The music created is all original apart from Kim Wilde Kids In America:
Artist
Kim Wilde
Album
Kim Wilde
Licensed to YouTube by
[Merlin] Absolute Label Services; ASCAP, EMI Music Publishing, UNIAO BRASILEIRA DE EDITORAS DE MUSICA - UBEM, PEDL, SOLAR Music Rights Management, LatinAutorPerf, Kobalt Music Publishing, and 16 Music Rights Societies
All synths programmed were: Electronic Dream Plant WASP, and that's all!

Copyright Disclaimer under Section 107 of the copyright act 1976, allowance is made for fair use for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing. Non-profit, educational or personal use tips the balance in favour of fair use."

Also see: Legendary Synth Designer Chris Hugget of EDP, OSC, and Novation has Passed Away

Saturday, February 15, 2020

MACBETH M5 Semi-Modular Analog Synthesizer

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


via this auction

"This is the Original M5 with the black & orange colour scheme, as used for the later version ARP 2600.

Note that whilst it looks like a later model Rev.3 ARP2600, the M5's sound is both Moog and Oberheim inspired.

[Update: note the lawsuit mentioned below never happened. There was contention over the filter but it never got to that.  via Wikipedia: "Early versions contained an imitation of Robert Moog's 4-pole 'ladder' VCF, later the subject of a threatened (though ultimately nonexistent) lawsuit"Also the epoxy covered modules were likely more for performance reasons. Not sure if it was to stabilize temperature and to isolate the modules. See the comments at the bottom of this post for more.]

The original ARP 2600 (Blue Meanie model) that many/most claim sounds best of the 2600's, stole the Moog filter design of course, hence epoxy sealed units, lawsuit, 4072 ARP filter redesign, etc... Plus, the M5 actually dwarfs the 2600 in overall height + size. This M5 is one of around 90 (I think) of the original versions that were hand made between 2005/6, so only 14-15 years old compared with over 40 for a 2600.

It has great build quality courtesy of Ken McBeth. No tiny slider tops or mini jack sockets to fiddle with... On a practical note you can get multiple (man sized) finger tips between the slider tops for patching/mixing/modulation purposes. A joy to play with as you can easily see all patch points, sources, destinations, signal flow, etc.

As regards stability & tuning, many older analogue synths had & still do have problems with these factors. This M5 tunes very accurately and holds tune throughout every session, nor is this dependent on whether it's hot or not - inside or out, as was the downside of many old analogue synths, though it's appreciated some do like such instability... I prefer to start off with known stability & increase detuning/instability if/when needed. There is even a stability pot on Osc#3 for dialing in that effect when required, except it's under your control and not at the mercy of other elements...

IMO the M5 is sonically much more powerful and versatile than the 2600, based on the dual filter type design alone.

Monday, November 18, 2019

Help Fund the The Alan R. Pearlman Foundation & Support a Trip to NAMM


Published on Nov 18, 2019 Alan R. Pearlman Foundation


It looks like we have another foundation dedicated to one of the greats of synthesizer history. The Alan R. Pearlman Foundation is currently seeking funding for a trip to NAMM on Indiegogo. Above is a video from Alan R. Pearlman's daughter Dina Pearlman.

"About the Alan R. Pearlman Foundation & ARPchives

My name is Dina Pearlman. I'm the daughter of the late Alan R. Pearlman, inventor of ARP Synthesizers - groundbreaking electronic synthesizers that changed the face of music forever.

Why It's Important

Since the death of my father in early January, I have seen overwhelming evidence that there needs to be a thoroughly reexamined history of his work because his story and that of ARP Synthesizers is relevant to the history and understanding of modern music.

Even more importantly, because of the high cost of education and vintage electronic music instruments, we want to offer opportunities for musicians, particularly young and underfunded musicians to have educational and artistic opportunities - something that Alan was passionate about.

This is why the Alan R. Pearlman Foundation was formed - to honor his legacy as an inventor, a musician, an entrepreneur, an engineer and a mentor... to make his innovative inventions publicly accessible, and help inspire future generations to imagine and create through charitable projects.

Getting Started

Before we can start our projects, we need to get the word out about our Foundation and our Mission.

We have been given an opportunity to introduce the Foundation to the music instrument industry at the hugely popular NAMM (National Association of Music Merchants) show this January. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for us. At NAMM, the foundation board members will promote the Foundation, its mission and its charitable projects to electronic musicians, engineers, potential donors and the press.


How You Can Make a Difference

As the Foundation is in its infancy, we are seeking funding to cover some of our costs of attending the show: that includes tradeshow booth expenses, marketing materials, and travel expenses for three of our board members. We need help from people like you! Music lovers, synth lovers, creators and believers in perpetuating educational and creative opportunities. As the Foundation is still applying for 501(c)(3) status, we cannot guarantee a tax-deductible contribution.* However, we can offer some fabulous incentives!"

Find them on Indiegogo here.

Monday, August 19, 2019

ARP 2600 with 3604P Keyboard

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

via this auction

"This vintage 2600 is fully functional and in very good condition.Comes with 3604P Keyboard. Recently serviced by Switched On and sounds amazing!

The ARP 2600 is a semi-modular analog subtractive audio synthesizer, designed by Alan R. Pearlman with Dennis Colin, and manufactured by his company, ARP Instruments, Inc. as the follow-on version of the ARP 2500. Unlike other modular systems of the time, which required modules to be purchased individually and wired by the user, the 2600 was semi-modular with a fixed selection of basic synthesizer components internally pre-wired. The 2600 was thus ideal for musicians new to synthesis, due to its ability to be operated either with or without patch cords, and was, upon its initial release, heavily marketed to high schools, universities, and other educational facilities.

Analog Monophonic Semi-Modular
Manufactured by ARP Instruments, Inc.
Dates produced: 1972-74
3 Oscillators + LFO Mode (4027-1)
24 dB/octave low-pass filter (4012)
1 VCA
1 ADSR & 1 AR Envelopes
Utility functions:
Input Preamp
Envelope Follower
Ring Modulator
Noise Generator
Multiple
CV Processors (Att/Inv)
Lag Processor
Sample & Hold
Panner
Spring Reverberator
External control: CV/Gate"

Monday, March 18, 2019

1972 Blue EML Electrocomp 100

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

via this auction

"One of maybe only 100 made in the blue colour before they made the 101 in silver. It also has a few differences to the 100 other than colour... Very playable, musical and fun. A rival to the Minimoog and Arp 2600. I preferred it to the Minimoog. Comes with very elusive original users manual, with patches and educational content. Works well, sounds excellent."

Tuesday, January 22, 2019

Dave Smith Speaking at NAMM A3E Summit on Developing Disruptive Technology, 1PM Friday


For those attending NAMM, Dave Smith will be speaking as part of the A3E Summit at 1PM on Friday. If you'd like to attend you can register here, promo code: A3EFUTURE2019. General attendance passes can be had for $25 "to attend all of NAMM - Exhibits and Educational Conference Sessions." This sounds like a full NAMM pass to me. A3E is the company/organization.

Update: Dave Smith will be at Meeting Room TKAB during NAMM. He will be showing some new sound libraries from 8Dio for the Prophet X.

They include the following add-on packs:

Minimoog Model D
Sequential Circuits T8
Oberheim OBX
ARP 2600
Juno 4
Jupiter 6
Moog Prodigy

Update: it looks like Michelle Moog-Koussa of The Bob Moog Foundation will be on Friday at 3PM, and Bert from Percussa will be on Thursday at 2PM. You can find the full schedule on A3E's website here.

From the flyer pictured left:

"A3E Deep Dive "Developing Disruptive Technology: Risk vs. Reward

Disruptive technology is becoming the hallmark of the 21st century, replacing traditional business models with technology-driven automated systems that lower overhead, accelerate turnaround time and broaden the marketplace. Meet the forward-thinking companies that are reshaping the music industry, and find out how to manage the risk and capitalize on the reward of disruptive technology."
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