MIDIBOX SID KEYTAR CUSTOM DIY GIANA 64 C64 COMMODORE SYNTHESIZER

Note: Auction links are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.
Giana 64: Commodore 64 Keytar Published on Feb 25, 2010

"A quick demo of a keytar I built out of a Commodore 64. It uses two SID 6581 chips and was made using the Midibox Sid platform from www.ucapps.de. Better video to follow later." See here.

via this auction

"Up for auction is a unique electronic musical instrument, The Giana 64. Giana is a custom MidiBox SID v2 built into a keytar form-factor using an original Commodore 64 case for the body. The build includes several unique additions to the standard Midibox SID, including an assignable ribbon controller, expression pedal input, CV inputs, and of course the integrated keybed. A full MidiBox SID control surface is integrated into the neck.

I built Giana in the winter of 2010. It was a true labor of love, being one of the first large-scale electronics projects I ever worked on. The first video I posted of Giana went quasi-viral (by 2010 standards) and was covered by numerous synth blogs including Synthtopia; as far as I know it remains the only MIDIbox SID ever built into a keytar form-factor.

I tried to design it to look a little like a ghostbusters proton pack—some of the “retrofited” elements, like the rainbow ribbon cable running across the exterior, are not actually functional, but were fit for a hax00ry, cyberpunk vibe.

The instrument can be used flat on a table, or worn upright using the built-in strap buttons. The entire system is mounted onto a single piece of solid wood, and the plastic components are attatched with metal hardware, making it quite sturdy / gig-able.

Please note that for aesthetic purposes, the majority of the controls have been left unlabeled. The neck layouts are uniquely spaced, so that with a little practice all the major functions can be easily memorized. A PDF will also be provided labeling each function, to be used in combination with the official Midibox SID user manual.

Features:
MIDI Box SID V2 including standard MIDI I/O
Full control surface including mod matrix
Dual 6581 SIDs in stereo configuration, hand matched for similar filter characteristics
Integrated keyboard
Assignable ribbon controller (range-centered for use with pitch bend)
3 assignable CV inputs, 0-5V range, diode protected (plug and play with Euro modular)
Assignable expression pedal input
Custom power supply (not a recycled c64 PSU) provides robust power
Ships in custom case with custom foam inserts (see pictures—adapted from a rifle case)

Included Items:
Giana 64 Keytar
Custom PSU
Custom Carrying case
Moog EP-2 expression pedal
Rainbow guitar strap
Interface guide PDF

The instrument is in excellent condition, having been privately owned for 7 years, with about 3 of those years spent in storage. In preparation for the auction I tested every function and all systems are nominal. Since this is a DIY project however, the instrument is being sold as-is. Potential buyers should understand the responsibility that comes with owning a DIY instrument.

The pictures were taken a few days ago and reflect the present condition of the instrument. The linked youtube videos were recorded back when the instrument was first built. Not much has changed since then except for a few minor chips in the paint."

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DM1 The Drum Machine for iPhone by Fingerlab

Note: Auction links are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.
YouTube Published on Jun 8, 2012 by fingerlab

"DM1 the most popular Drum Machine for iPad is now available for iPhone.
Easy and fast to use, loaded with 64 superb electronic drum kits and beautiful hyper-realistic graphics, DM1 has been designed for a lot of instant fun.

As electronic musicians ourselves, we, at Fingerlab, have developed DM1 with the intention of delivering the perfect mix between fun playability and powerful sonic capacities. We always keep in mind the importance of a beautiful design with the right balance of powerful abilities while avoiding clumsy, overbusy interfaces.
Check our 64 electronic drum kits. 19 classic vintage drum kits plus 45 in-house produced electronic kits, edited and mastered at Fingerlab professional studio.


DM1 offers 5 main sections:

1 - THE STEP SEQUENCER frees your imagination with a smart use of the multi-touch screen. Just turn on and off steps in your sequence with the tip of your fingers to create cool beats, or unexpected rhythms!

2 - THE DRUM PADS simply lets you play and record the beat that tickles your fingers. No need to be a first-class drummer, automatic quantize does the work for you.

3 - THE MIXER for quick and subtle sound mixing of your drum kits. Featuring settings for volume, pitch, pan, sample length, custom drum kit element for each channel, mute and solo mode.

4 - THE FX TRACKPADS a creative duo of FX trackpads to distort, modulate and transform your beats. The effects include: Overdrive, Delay, Phaser, Texturizer, Robotizer, Resonant Filter & Compressor.

5 - THE SONG COMPOSER allows you to quickly make a song with the beat patterns you have created. Just drag and drop the patterns onto the timeline. Fast and easy.


Specifications:
✔ Graphic design by Jonas Eriksson
✔ Smart ergonomy for fast creativity and fun
✔ 64 vintage and produced drum kits, mastered at in-house Fingerlab Sound Studios
✔ Step Sequencer with multi-touch matrix
✔ Mixer page with pitch, length and level rotary controls, pan controls, and custom drum kit per channel
✔ 9 Big Drum pads, quantized recording and pitch-bend ribbon
✔ 7 FX Trackpads for real-time sonic destruction
✔ 16 or 32 Steps per patterns
✔ The Randomizer tool
✔ Extra fast drum kit loading
✔ Playable pattern selection for extra creativity
✔ Mode song with intuitive editing
✔ High-quality export to email, iTunes shared folder or AudioCopy
✔ Audio background mode
✔ WIST synchronisation technology by Korg for syncing 2 iPads/iPhones together

http://www.fingerlab.net/website/Fingerlab/DM1.html

Follow us on twitter @fingerlab"

iTunes:
Fingerlab

iPads on eBay
iPod Touch on eBay

Circuit Bending Workshop: Radio Lala (V-Tech)

YouTube Uploaded by elohess2 on Oct 29, 2011

"A longer session which shows how to occupy the pushbuttons of a toy with a 4066. This is t he first part. Inside the video you will find how to find out what to bend and how to bend the pushbuttons which are organized as a matrix.

It's a longer video, but I can't explain all the stuff in five words."

Update:

Circuit Bending Workshop - Part 2 - Pitch Control With A Voltage Divider

Uploaded by elohess2 on Nov 1, 2011

"In this video I show you how to build a pitch control. This the most common task in circuit bending. I show a way to do it which is not often described in books.

The magic voltage divder pitch control... :-)

I've tried to cut this session and make a shorter video. No chance... The recorded session was about 2 hours...."

Circuit Bending Workshop - Part 3 - Line Out and Sound exploration on a PCB

Uploaded by elohess2 on Oct 31, 2011

"Circuit Bending Workshop Part 3. Building a line out and finding some sounds on the pcb and use 4040 to divide a interal high frequency signal into noise. Use a CD4040 chip as divider

And: after 30 min I found out some new features of my video editor. :-) I 've had a lot of fund to use the effect generator during sound demo. Spectacular! (If you don't like to here my boring speach - start at 30:45. And fasten your seatbelt..."

Circuit Bending Workshop Part - Feedback Games

Uploaded by elohess2 on Nov 2, 2011

"The next recording. This video show how to build with the CD 4040 chip from the last video a hef4017 a sequencer powered as clock from the keyboard matrix and then feet the result into the jacks we build in the first video. More strange sounds.

This is the second try to make an upload without interruption"

Arctic Keys for iOS Now Available

"Arctic Keys – setting a new standard in cool sounds

A Hardware quality synthesizer accessible to all on iPad

Arctic Keys is a virtual analog synthesizer for iPad that delivers audio quality equivalent to that of high cost hardware options. Featuring a classic dual-oscillator subtractive synthesis design that gives you sound creation flexibility, with an easy to use user interface that just wants to be tweaked. Whether you’re a music professional or a passionate novice, Arctic Keys enables you to create cool, smooth sounds, The formula is simple – Tweak, Perform, Share.

Tweak. With all the synthesizer parameters immediately available on one page, you get instant feedback as you tweak. The two low frequency oscillators (LFOs) each have three modulation destinations. Each LFO may be free running or synched to tempo and the timing rate adjusted. The modulation matrix allows for deep routing between the Mod Wheel, aftertouch and 16 x 4 analog-style gated step-sequencer. Quickly change pages to edit effects and sequences.

Perform. The classic arpeggiator is complimented by the 16 x 4 gated step-sequencer. Play a note to trigger the sequencer. Step through a sequence to play short melodic lines or let it modulate the synthesizer. The different key gating options may be used to change how the sequence is triggered. Each of the four tracks has an assignable modulation destination and loop point. Along with traditional Pitch and Mod Wheels, adjust the velocity by tapping along the length of the key from top to bottom. Change the key mode to mono for retro lead lines. Adjust the size of the keyboard to suite your style or use a gesture to scroll through the octaves. Place the keyboard into Pitch mode and use multi-touch gestures to bend individual notes, while sliding up and down the keys to add aftertouch.

Share. The live phrase recorder lets you save your performances as 44.1KHz 16-bit WAV files and as a Standard MIDI File. The MIDI File includes all the knob control change information along with the notes you play. Use Sonoma AudioCopy or Intua Audio Sharing to paste recorded audio directly into other apps. From within Arctic Keys, email the patches you make, then open them directly and save into your patch library or share them with Wi-Fi and iTunes File Sharing.

Key features at a glance
• Alias-free analog modelling oscillators
• 16x4 gate step-sequencer with deep modulation routing
• Effects processors including EQ, distortion, chorus, and stereo delay
• Multi-touch performance oriented keyboard with pitch bend, velocity and aftertouch
• Real-time phrase recorder with audio, MIDI, and patch file sharing
• CoreMIDI support with Virtual MIDI Ports

Arctic Keys, is available via the App store for USD $4.99

Like what you hear and want to know more?

App Store Arctic Keys - One Red Dog Media
YouTube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7_EKRBaCSdE
SoundCloud Patch Demo http://soundcloud.com/one-red-dog-media/arctic-keys-patch-demo
GarageBand project featuring the music in the YouTube video http://dl.dropbox.com/u/33525372/ArcticKeys-PromoTrack.zip"


YouTube Uploaded by onereddogmedia on Oct 8, 2011
previously posted

Arctic Keys - One Red Dog Media - iTunes

iPads on eBay

3XFX mod box

YouTube Uploaded by ISOTROPOSPHERE on Sep 7, 2011

"This is a mod box I commissioned to have built by 3XFX as a companion to a prior 3XFX mod box I purchased on the Bay way back when he was making them.

The mod box also provides a switched patch connection (x4) to assist in triggering bends on my Diabolical Devices bent Casio SK-8 as they dont have a switch matrix on the patch bay like the Tablebeast bent Casio SK-1 and SK-5.

The 3XFX mod box features two LEDicles from Bleep Labs which are controlled by 555 timers and the large dial pots on the box for speed. The LEDicles are also able to be triggered by the pushbutton switch for each.
Each LEDicle has an Opto-sensor below it on the box which is tied to the two rca points below each sensor for resistance bending. Then the 4 way switch matrix for rca bend points on the Casio's.

Korg ER-1 mkII and Korg ES-1 mkII providing back up for the Casio SK-1 bent by Tablebeast.

Just a video showcasing the 3XFX mod box and some experimenting. Enjoy!!!"

Diabolical Devices (Class A) (RSS)

Mister Magisters – Toy Modular

via Pakir:
"Iv been sitting on this pair of Mister Magister for a while now, they are somewhat similar to a swedish talking Speak & Spell. After finding some funny bends i couldnt decide what components to put in it so i decided to make it modular. The tiny patchbays on the front goes to soilderpoints on the card and by putting different components in the patchbay you can get the machine to flip out in all kind of ways. Sometimes its screaming and making little noisebursts and other times it gives you strange ryhtmic melodies, bleeps and bloops. Then if you get tired of all the wackyness you can rip everything out of the patchbay and now it will speak pretty much randomly from its memory. Making strange sentences, poetry. In swedish.

One of the machines has a 8×8 led-matrix connected to the patchbay, you can use it to bend the Magister. When you´ve connected enough cables to it the leds will flicker like any old 70s super computer. =)

The nice thing about them being two is that you can use the extra long cables to bend them against each other. =)

Anyway. its a great little toy. I havnt seen many of them bent. Dont know if people know about them at all.
It would be nice to make a better control surface for it or adding a sequencer but its very much fun the way it is.
Patching at it, making leds flicker in the led-matrix, makes you feel like a mad professor. =)

http://devsound.se/2011/mister-magisters-toy-modular"

Mister Magister - Circuit Bent 1

YouTube Uploaded by salkinitzor on Jul 31, 2011

"A short demo of my bent Mister Magister couple. The patchbays on the front goes to solderpoints on the circuitboard. Patching around with different components & wires is true exploration.
You can use the longer patch cables to connect them to each other to make funny bleepy interactions.
It speaks swedish. =)"

Mister Magister - Circuit Bent 2

Richard Lainhart - Bellingham Electronic Arts Festival Lecture & Performance

Slideshow of Richard Lainhart's lecture at the Bellingham Electronic Arts Festival (BEAF), Friday, May 6, 2:PM PST, 2011 (mentioned in this post). Below is a video of the Buchla and Haken Continuum portion of the lecture followed by a performance of Olivier Messiaen's Oraison written for the ondes Martenot at the 48:00 mark (see this post for the original version and this post for another performance by Richard). You will notice Richard makes references to earlier parts of the lecture. These included his training on the CEMS modular synthesizer system and the ondes Martenot (don't miss this post and this post on the CEMS). See the labels at the bottom of this post for more info on each. I will upload those videos at a later date. They were background to Richard's experience with early modular synthesizers and controllers that eventually lead him to the Buchla and Haken Continuum. It was a great lecture and I hope you enjoy it. Be sure to bookmark this one. I also want to thank Richard Lainhart for doing lectures like these. They are a rare treat.


YouTube Uploaded by matrixsynth on May 19, 2011

The following is a full transcript. BTW, if anyone is interested in transcription services, let me know.

"RICHARD LAINHART: BUCHLA AND HAKEN CONTINUUM LECTURE

Speaker: Richard Lainhart
Lecture Date: May 6, 2011
Lecture Time: 2:00 p.m. PST
Location: Western Washington University
Event: Bellingham Electronic Arts Festival 2011 (BEAF)
Length: Digital AVI recording; 57 minutes 32 seconds

[Beginning of recorded material]

Richard Lainhart: Okay. What I want to do now is actually talk a little bit about the system itself here and about the design of the system and explain what's actually happening here and why it's designed this way, and again, my focus on, on expression. So this is, as I mentioned, this is the Buchla 200E. This is a current electronic music instrument that is still being made now by Buchla. Don Buchla again was a contemporary, or is a contemporary of Bob Moog, and he took a very different path than Moog did. And one of the reasons I think that Moog's instruments became so popular, of course the Mini Moog was like the first real break-out electronic music synthesizer, was that Moog's instruments had keyboards on them. They had black and white keyboards. And you could use them to play, you could use them to play rock and roll with them basically because you could plug them into a really loud amplifier and it could be louder than a guitar. And it could be a bass, you know, it could be louder than a bass and all that sort of stuff. And of course a lot of, you know, a lot of wonderful music was made with that instrument.

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NAMM: Spectrasonics Omnisphere 1.5 & Omni TR for iPad

Don't miss the video at the bottom of this post.

"At the 2011 NAMM show, Spectrasonics made two product announcements and demonstrated both a major new version of their award-winning Power Synth Omnisphere® along with a new iPad app called “Omn TR” that allows wireless-remote control of Omnisphere. Many of the new capabilities in version 1.5 of Omnisphere are featured in the “Omni TR” app.

The company’s flagship synthesizer includes a host of new features, in particular a new interactive interface called “The Orb” offering stunning real-time synthesis manipulation capabilities (also a key element in the new “Omni TR” app) — along with many deeply expanded additions to the synthesis engine and user interface. The v1.5 update also includes many important user-requested features such as the new 5-Column Browser view and support for polyphonic aftertouch. The new version also includes a significant update to the factory patch library, taking advantage of all the new sound design capabilities and bringing the total number of included sounds to over 8,000. Omnisphere 1.5 is set to be released on February 15th, 2011 as a free downloadable update for all registered users.

'Our goal for Omnisphere has always been to make it the ‘best of both worlds’ – awesome sounds AND a dream instrument for sound design,” says Eric Persing, Founder and Creative Director of Spectrasonics. “As longtime synth geeks ourselves, we are just as excited as our customers to see how Omnisphere is growing and evolving as a synthesis platform. We’re really looking forward to hearing how our users explore the new sonic worlds this version opens up. I think it’s some of our best work yet.'"

At the 2011 NAMM show, Spectrasonics made two product announcements and demonstrated both a major new version of their award-winning Power Synth Omnisphere® along with a new iPad app called “Omn TR” that allows wireless-remote control of Omnisphere. Many of the new capabilities in version 1.5 of Omnisphere are featured in the “Omni TR” app.

The company’s flagship synthesizer includes a host of new features, in particular a new interactive interface called “The Orb” offering stunning real-time synthesis manipulation capabilities (also a key element in the new “Omni TR” app) — along with many deeply expanded additions to the synthesis engine and user interface. The v1.5 update also includes many important user-requested features such as the new 5-Column Browser view and support for polyphonic aftertouch. The new version also includes a significant update to the factory patch library, taking advantage of all the new sound design capabilities and bringing the total number of included sounds to over 8,000. Omnisphere 1.5 is set to be released on February 15th, 2011 as a free downloadable update for all registered users.

“Our goal for Omnisphere has always been to make it the ‘best of both worlds’ – awesome sounds AND a dream instrument for sound design,” says Eric Persing, Founder and Creative Director of Spectrasonics. “As longtime synth geeks ourselves, we are just as excited as our customers to see how Omnisphere is growing and evolving as a synthesis platform. We’re really looking forward to hearing how our users explore the new sonic worlds this version opens up. I think it’s some of our best work yet.”

omnitr.jpg
Omnisphere 1.5 Update
Expanded Synthesis
Omnisphere 1.5 includes new and expanded synthesis capabilities, with newly designed “zoom” interface views for the synthesizer’s Harmonia, Waveshaper and Granular synthesis areas. Harmonia can create extremely rich sounds by adding up to 10 oscillators per patch with new independent modulation possibilities on each oscillator. The Waveshaper now includes more extreme sound mangling capabilities with the new polyphonic “Crusher” and “Reducer” modules, which include ‘Animation’ and ‘Force’ parameters that can all be modulated. Omnisphere’s Granular synthesis area has been made significantly more powerful by including new ‘Speed’ and ‘Position’ modes, which create dramatic polyphonic shifts through the audio and time spectrums. At the center of the Granular Zoom interface is a new real-time ‘Granular Visualizer’ showing a colorful graphic model of the effect of parameter edits, all of which makes Omnisphere’s complex Granular synthesis easier to understand and more fun to use.


The Orb The innovative “Orb” feature of Omnisphere 1.5 is both a remarkable sound manipulation tool and an intuitive performance interface — it can be thought of as a ‘circular controller.’ Now with a single click of the mouse, the user can instantly customize the sound. Best of all, the Orb automatically works with every patch a user has, there’s no setup necessary.The user simply moves the Orb cursor with a mouse, a MIDI controller or in the case of an iPad, with fingers directly on the Orb itself. As the Orb moves around the concentric circles, it morphs between automatically generated parameter scenes in Omnisphere’s STEAM engine in a highly intelligent and musical manner — all patch dependent — manipulating the sound in subtle or radical ways appropriate to that particular patch. If the user doesn’t like what the Orb has created, a complete new set of manipulations can be chosen by simply rolling the “Dice” button, which instantly creates a brand new group of intelligent sonic modifications and effects to try. There’s no limit to how many serendipitous sonic variations the “Dice” can create – opening up the vast power of the STEAM engine to every user, regardless of synthesis knowledge.

For advanced synthesists seeking maximum flexibility, the Orb can also be setup manually and used as a new modulation source in Omnisphere’s sophisticated Mod Matrix.The Inertia slider of the Orb allows the user to create a ‘movement trail’ after letting go of the Orb, just like a ball might roll and bounce off the walls of a circular enclosure, adding a musical symmetry to the “performance” of an Orb interaction. Users can also Record their performance movements directly into the Orb and play the performance back in sync with their controller or host. The Orb’s movements and sonic results are saved within the patch, multi or the host’s session for later recall. The movement of the Orb can also be automated in the users host.The ideal control surface for Omnisphere’s new ‘Orb’ is the multi-touch interface of the simultaneously announced “Omni TR” iPad app, but the Orb can also be used with standard mice, trackpads and MIDI controllers.Hands-On Expression
Omnisphere 1.5 includes support for Spectrasonics new “Omni TR” iPad app, which provides wireless multi-touch performance control over the synthesizer. Alternate controllers that send multiple simultaneous MIDI channels have improved handling with the new “Clone Part” feature, making it easier to edit with multichannel systems like Guitar synths and the Eigenharp™ controller. Omnisphere 1.5 also adds support for MIDI keyboards and devices that send polyphonic aftertouch. A special new MIDI Learn mode enables hardware controllers that send a single channel to have all of their learned knobs, sliders and switches affect any parts currently selected in Live Mode – making Omnisphere even more intuitive when controlled from a hardware synth such as a Moog Little Phatty™.Version 1.5 of Omnisphere is set to be released February 15th, 2011. The update will be free for all registered users and can be downloaded from the Spectrasonics website. http://www.spectrasonics.net

Omnisphere is available now from all Spectrasonics dealers - MSRP $499US / 379Euro

Highlights of Omnisphere 1.5

• Innovative “Orb” ‘circular sound manipulation’ interface with Motion Recording and “Dice” button for infinite variations and one-touch sound customization

• Expanded Synthesis capabilities:

Harmonia: New zoom page shows all Harmonia parameters per layer adding up to 10 oscillators per patch with new independent modulation options for Levels and Fine Tuning on each Harmonia oscillator.

Waveshaper: New zoom page with extreme new processing modules including polyphonic ‘Crusher’ and ‘Reducer’ sections with ‘Force’ and ‘Animation’ controls that can all be modulated.

Granular Synthesis: New ‘Speed’ and ‘Position’ modes. New zoom page with new ‘Granular Visualizer’ showing a graphic model of the effect of parameter edits which makes Granular synthesis easier to use.

• Patch Library Update: Over 700 brand new patches created by renowned Spectrasonics sound development team gives Omnisphere over 5,000 patches and 8,000 total sounds
• New 5-Column Browser view displays more sound categories and attributes simultaneously
• New Online Video Tutorials for Version 1.5 capabilities
• Support for new ‘Omni TR’ iPad app
• New “Recently Added” Browser sorting option
• Added support for MIDI devices which send polyphonic aftertouch
• New ‘Clone Part’ feature allows easier editing/setup with multichannel MIDI controllers
• New MIDI Learn hardware control mode follows Live Mode selection
• Modulation Envelope points can be key-command snapped to semitone when modulating pitch
• User-assignable Legato Interval rule added
• V1.5 is a FREE update for registered users of Omnisphere!


The new “Omni TR” iPad app introduces Spectrasonics ‘TR’ (Touch Remote) concept - combining the tactile advantages of the iPad as a performance-oriented touch surface, with the company’s powerful computer-based virtual instruments – creating a true hands-on experience for musicians.“One of the big differences between software and hardware synths is the feeling of hardware that’s so wonderful,” says Eric Persing. “With the iPad and our new Omni TR app, we are excited to bridge that gap and bring the sense of touch to state-of-the-art virtual instruments like Omnisphere.”Omni TR brings Omnisphere’s interactive features closer to the music creation process with the ability to create setups and sound modifications very quickly. The user’s fingers can activate patches, tweak filters, re-mix, bend and spin amazing performance possibilities from the innovative new ‘Orb’ circular controller.With its high contrast interface, ‘Omni TR’ is perfect onstage for live performance or even in the studio where the iPad sits at the controller keyboard located away from the studio computer. Best of all, the Omni TR app is extremely easy to use, offering full two-way communication with Omnisphere with just a simple wireless connection to the computer running the plug-in.Main Page
The Main page mirrors Omnisphere’s unique Live Mode offering 8 patch slots with latching and trigger modes, individual mute and solo, and mixer faders. In this page alone, Omnisphere becomes a new performance instrument with the iPad sitting at the user’s controller keyboard. Patch names can be simply touched to be enabled, one or more at a time for layers and stacks. Users can also browse and select Multis and Patches directly from the iPad to instantly change sounds for a new song or live set.

Orb Page
Omni TR was designed to make the iPad the ideal control surface for Omnisphere’s innovative new ‘Orb’ feature. The ‘Orb’ is both a remarkable sound manipulation tool and an intuitive performance interface — it can be thought of as a ‘circular controller.’ Now with a single gesture, the user can instantly customize the sound in Omnisphere. Best of all, the Orb automatically works with every patch a user has, there’s no setup necessary.

As the Orb moves and orbits around the concentric circles, it morphs between automatically generated parameter scenes in Omnisphere’s STEAM engine in a highly intelligent and musical manner, all patch dependent — manipulating the sound in subtle or radical ways appropriate to that particular patch.

If the user doesn’t like what the Orb has created, a complete new set of manipulations can be chosen by simply rolling the “Dice” button, which instantly creates a brand new group of intelligent sonic modifications and effects to try. There’s no limit to how many serendipitous sonic variations the Orb can create – opening up the vast power of the STEAM engine to every user, regardless of synthesis knowledge.

The tactile experience of moving the cursor around the Orb space on the iPad with a finger to create variations in the sound is remarkably musical. Where standard controllers might change one or two simple parameters in a linear manner, the Orb morphs a host of parameters that are patch specific, and easily changed on-the-fly.

The Inertia slider of the Orb allows the user to create a ‘movement trail’ after letting go of the Orb, just like a ball might roll and bounce off the walls of a circular enclosure, adding a musical symmetry to the “performance” of an Orb interaction.

Users can also record their performance movements directly into the Orb and play the performance back in sync with their controller or host. The Orb’s movements and sonic results are saved within the patch, multi or the host’s session for later recall. The movement of the Orb can also be automated in the user’s host.

Controls and Jumbo Pages
The Controls page features a touch-based pitch ribbon performance controller and 8 touch sliders assigned to groups of the most useful performance/editing parameters for each Omnisphere layer. The Jumbo page shows large patch names on all 8 parts, easily seen in a live stage performance situation.

The new “Omni TR” iPad app is compatible with both Mac and Windows systems running Spectrasonics Omnisphere v1.5 or higher and will be available free from the App Store on February 15th, 2011 (pending Apple’s review)."

Namm Show 2011 - Rudess

YouTube via accordoTV | January 15, 2011 |

http://audio.accordo.it/articles/2011..."

NAMM: M-AUDIO VENOM

Update: M-Audio Venom Review & Interview here
Update: already on eBay
"Top Features
the warmth of vintage keyboards combined with modern digital processing > aggressive new sound
512 single-sound patches and 256 layered patches > start playing right out of the box
intuitive real-time performance controls plus software editor > endless sound design possibilities
49-key, full-size, synth-action keyboard > great playability
Pro Tools compatible USB audio/MIDI interface > ready for the stage and studio
The M-Audio Venom 49-key synthesizer combines the character of classic analog synths with modern digital processing to deliver an aggressive, infectious new sound. Whet your appetite with the included presets, then sink your teeth into creating original sounds—from atmospheric and subtle, to angry and downright nasty. Easily tweak parameters from the intuitive top-panel interface, or explore endless sound design and configuration possibilities with the included software editor. Perform bass lines, leads, and more with a full-size keyboard designed to satisfy serious players. You can even use Venom as an audio interface with Pro Tools M-Powered* and other music software—forming a powerful production machine to take your music in dangerous new directions.
* Requires Pro Tools M-Powered 8 or higher.

Full Features
49-key, full-size, synth-action keyboard
12-voice polyphony, each voice including:

* 3 oscillators with 41 waveforms and 53 drum sounds sampled from vintage analog synths, FM digital synths, and drum machines
* pulse-width modulation, sync, FM, and ring modulation
* resonant multimode filter with tube saturation limiting
o 12 dB/octave (2-pole) low pass
o 12 dB/octave (2-pole) band pass
o 12 dB/octave (2-pole) high pass
o 24 dB/octave (4-pole) low pass
o 24 dB/octave (4-pole) band pass
o 24 dB/octave (4-pole) high pass
* 3 LFOs with selectable sample-and-hold
* 3 AHDSR envelopes
* 16 modulation routes

4-part multitimbral operation with independent MIDI-syncable phrase sequencers
512 onboard Single patches
256 onboard Multi (layered) patches
2 global bus effects

* Reverb, Delay, Chorus, Flanger, Phaser

1 insert effect per multitimbral part (4 total)

* Compression, EQ, Distortion, Bit Reduction, Decimation

classic arpeggiator with up, down, and alternating patterns
tap-tempo and manual BPM control from top panel
built-in USB 2.0 audio/MIDI interface (USB 1.1 backward compatible)

* 2 x 2 24-bit, 44.1 kHz operation
* mic, instrument, and stereo line level inputs route to DAW
* synth sounds route to DAW
* DAW audio output mixes into main outputs
* stereo main audio outputs (1/4" TS)
* stereo headphone output (1/4" TRS)
* master volume knob; instrument and mic gain knobs
* MIDI In and MIDI Out (5-pin DIN)

large custom LCD
4 rotary encoders and 1 button for performance control and editing
dual-function octave up/down and transpose controls
assignable pitch bend and modulation wheels
sustain (1/4" TS) and expression (1/4" TRS) pedal inputs
included Vyzex Venom software editor

* arrange sounds into banks, rename patches, and save backups
* patch collider feature mashes up multiple patches to create new hybrid sounds
* 16-cell modulation matrix offers comprehensive routing configurations"



Update:



Update:

Avid Venom - NAMM 2011

YouTube via soundonsoundvideo | January 15, 2011 |

"12 Voice Virtual Analogue Synthesizer"

Introducing Venom from Avid on Vimeo.

"Feast your ears on the new M-Audio Venom synth—plus hear from veteran synthheads The Crystal Method, Mark Mothersbaugh, and James Dewees."

Update:

NAMM 2011 - Crystal Method Pimpin' M-Audio Venom

YouTube via SynthMeTV | January 16, 2011 |

"One of the big reveals at NAMM 2011 has been the new Venom synthesizer from Avis / M-Audio. This is their first ever hardware synthesizer that was teased pretty hard before the show with video they released featuring Ken Jordan and Scott Kirkland of Crystal Method drooling over the "Storm Trooper" synth off camera. Check out the panel from NAMM with Scott and Ken talking about the Venom and even playing us some new tracks they used the synth. Scott even gets up and noodles on the patches for us. Good stuff!"

Update: Keyboard Magazine videos:







Update:

M Audio Venom synth demo

musicradartv | January 16, 2011

NEW APPS AVAILABLE FOR THE LINE 6 MIDI MOBILIZER

"—Transforming your Apple® iPod touch™, iPhone™ and iPad™ into a complete music production studio—

CALABASAS, Calif.—November 18, 2010—Line 6, Inc. (line6.com), the industry leader in digital modeling technology for music-creation products, is proud to announce a dozen new apps for the MIDI Mobilizer™, the only MIDI interface for Apple iPod touch, iPhone and iPad.

“Developers are doing an amazing job of harnessing the power of the Apple devices and turning them into serious music-making MIDI machines – all made possible by MIDI Mobilizer,” remarked Chris Grigg, Mobile Products Manager at Line 6. “Prepare to be completely amazed at how much you can do with such tiny, affordable gear.”

MIDI Mobilizer is the most simple, compact, and portable Line 6 device yet. It easily connects directly with any Apple iPod touch, iPhone or iPad and coupled with MIDI Memo Recorder (a free app available for download on the Apple App Store), it allows musicians to conveniently play, record, and backup MIDI data any time, anywhere.

Following the announcement earlier this summer of the free MIDI Mobilizer Third Party Developer Program, over 70 app developers around the world are working on new apps that will support MIDI Mobilizer. In addition to MIDI Memo Recorder, there are currently a dozen apps available for MIDI Mobilizer: NanoStudio, NLogSynth Pro, NLog MIDI Synth, Music Studio, Pianist Pro, StepPolyArp, MIDI Surface, Little MIDI Machine, MIDI Live, bs-16i, and S1MIDI Trigger. [brief descriptions on each further below]

NanoStudio, for example, is a techno-styled, full-featured virtual recording studio complete with 16 sample trigger pads, a comprehensive sequencer, a sample editor, a mixer and 10 FX units. Another is NLog Synth PRO, which is a professional virtual analogue synthesizer with 192 factory sounds, powerful synth features, and more. Pianist Pro, an 88-key virtual piano for the iPad, has been highlighted in Apple commercials and recommended by the New York Times, Rolling Stone magazine, and others.

These apps are just the beginning – many more are in development and will be available soon.

MIDI Mobilizer is compatible with millions of MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface) devices, from classic to modern, including synthesizers, digital pianos, effects processors, and Line 6 guitar amps and POD® products.

MIDI Mobilizer is available now, with an estimated street price of $69.99."

iPads on eBay
iPads on Amazon

iPod Touch on eBay
iPod Touch on Amazon

Be sure to see the Line 6 label below for demos of apps supporting the Line 6 MIDI Mobilizer.

Update: brief descriptions on each app (links take you to iTunes where you'll find full info):

NanoStudio
"NanoStudio is a virtual recording studio for iPhone/iPod Touch. It has 4 virtual analogue synths, 16 sample trigger pads, a comprehensive sequencer, a sample editor, a mixer and 10 effects units all integrated into a single application.

Record samples using the built-in microphone*, resample NanoStudio's own output or upload your own samples over WiFi using our NanoSync tool for Mac or Windows. NanoStudio comes with a range of samples, loops and drum kits to get you started...."

NLogSynth Pro
"The N E X T L E V E L of IOS musical instruments:
- A PROFESSIONAL GRADE synthesizer in your pocket with extreme value
- 192 IMPRESSIVE FACTORY SOUNDS
- including fresh new soundset by the trance producer 7 Skies (www.7skies-music.com)

- ENDLESS options for SOUND EDITING
- Over one 150 parameters and options
- More than your beloved hardware synths might offer
- Store up to 96 own edits in 3 user banks
- Exchange sounds with your friends by email

- STUDIO QUALITY sounds
- Professional 44.1 kHz Stereo CD quality
- Internal 32bit floating point engine
- Highly efficient sound algorithms
- Enabling maximum CPU performance of your iPad..."

NLog MIDI Synth
"This app is an extended version of the famous "NLog Synthesizer" app providing external access from MIDI keyboards or other MIDI controller. The synth engine has been rewritten to provide polyphonic realtime response. Now you have a real synthesizer out of your IOS device which you can play with your keyboards. A MIDI interface is needed to operate with external keyboards. This version supports Line6's Midi Mobilizer. Other interfaces like Akai's Synthstation will be supported in future updates once they become available. The app is also usable without MIDI interface with on-screen keyboard..."

Music Studio
"Music Studio offers a complete music production environment on the iPhone/iPod touch with features and a sound quality previously only known to desktop applications and expensive audio hardware.

It combines a piano keyboard, 40 studio-quality instruments with sustain, a fully fledged 128-track sequencer, extensive note editing, reverb, real-time effects and much more on a user-friendly interface."


Pianist Pro
"As featured in the latest Apple "iPad is Musical" TV Ad, recommended by The New York Times, The Independent, The Daily Telegraph, Rolling Stone Magazine, and played live by legendary band Squeeze on the Jimmy Fallon show (NBC).

Pianist, the ORIGINAL iPhone piano, turns Professional in an all new iPad-only app with photo-realistic graphics and an unbelievable sound. Pianist Pro was the number one music app for the iPad at release and has remained high in the charts ever since."

StepPolyArp
"StepPolyArp is a midi step polyphonic arpeggiator. The arpeggiator does not play any sound itself, it transmits midi notes to a Mac or a PC to be used in combination with any sequencer, virtual instrument (VSTi, Audio Unit) or midi synthesizer.

The arpeggiator can transform chords into sequences of notes played one after the other in several ways. A matrix polyphonic step modulate arpeggiated notes in time and pitch. The main controllers (velocity, modulation, panning, volume, aftertouch, and pitch bend) are also programmable through a step editor. The integrated keyboard automatically adapts to the selected musical scale."

MIDI Surface
"MIDI Surface is a full-featured MIDI control surface for iPhone and iPod touch, brought to you by the minds at Audiofile Engineering (creators of FiRe - Field Recorder, Backline Calc and other essential audio apps). Designed for use with the Line 6 MIDI Mobilizer hardware accessory, MIDI Surface allows users to easily create and save their own customized MIDI control surfaces. It delivers seamless touch-screen control of MIDI-enabled instruments such as keyboards, drum machines, software synths and more."


Little MIDI Machine
"Little MIDI Machine is an analog-style MIDI step sequencer app for the Line 6 MIDI Mobilizer interface. This app requires you own the hardware Line 6 Mobilizer MIDI interface hardware accessory for full functionality.

Little MIDI Machine gives you the step sequencing power of a hardware analog sequencer on your iPad! Program two independent sequencers that send note and velocity MIDI data out on two MIDI channels to control your hardware synthesizers. LittleMM includes many of your favorite hardware sequencer features such as mute and un-mute notes, skip steps, reverse the sequencer, adjustable clock speed, etc. If you do not have a Line 6 Mobilizer, LittleMM can generate very basic melodic sounds in place of sending MIDI. This will let you play around with the app and try it out, but it is not a feature that will be developed further and is not the primary purpose of the app. LittleMM is intended to be a MIDI sequencer driving external hardware.

With Little Music Machine you can use your Line 6 MIDI Mobilizer interface along with your favorite hardware synth and your iPad to create mind-bending loops and sequences."

MIDI Live
"This application is designed for live performance using the Midi Mobilizer from Line 6. It provides realtime modification of midi file parameters including:

* Song Tempo
* Key Change
* Instrument Assignment
* Song Cue
* Mixing Parameters

It is possible to alter these parameters while the song is playing or save for future playback. Playlists are also supported. Songs can be freely downloaded from the internet or loaded from your laptop.

Note: This application does not make sound on its own, it requires the Midi Mobilizer from Line 6."

bs-16i
"bs-16i is a 16 multi-timbral playback sampler. It supports SoundFont, and can be used for keyboard instrument, MIDI sound module, and MIDI player.

The sampler engine is ported from bs-1 / bs-16, which is developed as professional plug-in for Logic (Audio Units) and Cubase (VST instrument).
Using SoundFont libraries, you can play with your great number of Instruments.
It supports all standard MIDI messages, so it also can be used as a GM (General MIDI) sound module.

As a keyboard instrument, you can play with scalable keyboard, pitch bend wheel, and many control change controllers.

Internal MIDI player supports SMF (Standard MIDI File) format."

S1MIDI Trigger
S1MidiTrigger turns your iPad or iPhone into a customizable touchscreen MIDI controller that can replace hardware devices costing hundreds of dollars. Connect wirelessly to audio workstation applications on the PC or Mac, or use Line 6's MIDI Mobilizer hardware add-on!

You can use the built-in controller screens or design your own, with touch pads (for drums and other instruments), sliders, X-Y pads and more. (Note: This requires a MIDI application -- it does not play music by itself.)

S1MidiTriggger is compatible with the open-source DSMidiWifi server, but for even faster response you can download our free S1 server software for PC or OS X. (A fast wifi connection is recommended.)

Don't worry if you don't have the best musical skills! With S1MidiTrigger, it's very easy to just tap some pads to play simple notes or even complete chords.

Watch a demo of version 3.2 on YouTube" [posted here]

OP-X PRO-II: Trailer

YouTube via virtualoberheim | August 25, 2010

"http://www.sonicprojects.ch/

SonicProjects OP-X PRO-II software VSTi synth - the new flagship. Introduction trailer.

The soundtrack of the video trailer has been exclusively done with OP-X PRO-II and Steinberg Groove Agent for drums. No external effects or treatment (except for drums) have been used, mixing just included levels and pan. All involved sounds are factory presets of OP-X PRO-II.

Here's the entire list of the used presets and settings, in chronological order:

High Sweeps:
MATRIX BANK 9 SyncNotch Sweep FXPM

Deep Strings:
DEFAULT BANK 1 Matrix Softstrings II

LFO Pad:
MATRIX BANK 6 BP Stereomod Pad

Filter Effect:
EFFECTS BANK 15 Filtereffect Water Down

Deep Timpani Doublehit:
MATRIX BANK 88 Matrix Fmod Bumbs NS
BASS BANK 12 Signs Of Life Bass

Filter Selfreso Sweep:
EFFECTS BANK 14 Filtereffect Blobs (Envelope edited)

Warm Mono Sweeps:
SYNTHEX BANK 5 Synthex MM Sweep

Porta Squeak:
DEFAULT BANK 125 Sawsolo Ultra Wide Bend (Portamento set a bit slower)

Bass:
BASS BANK 1 Fretless Bass

Chord Strings:
DEFAULT BANK 1 Matrix Softstrings II
PADS BANK 2 Supersoft Slowmod Pad

Arpeggio:
ARPEGGIOS BANK 21 Jupiter Techno ARP

Porta Solo:
DEFAULT BANK 125 Sawsolo Ultra Wide Bend (Portamento set a bit slower)

Brass Stab:
BRASS BANK 13 Prophet Brass Stab

Prophet Sync Sweep:
DEFAULT BANK 60 Prophet Unisync II (Pitch Osc2 set higher)

Percussive Solo:
PROPHET BANK 76 Prophet Perc Solo

Portamento Chord:
OBERHEIM BANK 3 Poly Portamento (Portamento set a bit faster)

Sample Hold Pad:
SAMPLEHOLD BANK 3 Moving SH Arpeggio

Distorted Guitar Tone:
DEFAULT BANK 13 OB Rock Unison

Sync Solo:
DEFAULR BANK 15 OB Syncsolo Damped (Filter Sustain set higher)

Highpitch Downsweep:
DEFAULT BANK 125 Sawsolo Ultra Wide Bend

Slow Portamento Solo:
PROPHET BANK 33 Prophet Ultrawide Bend (Portamento set slower)


Drums:
Steinberg Groove Agent:
Hip-Hop Kick (eq boost: 100hz 14.4 dB low-shelf)
Hip-Hop Snare (pitch set deeper, a bit Reverb A)
Electro Hihat (a bit Cubase Double Delay 1/16 sync)

Tempo: 120bpm"

circuit bent e-mu xl7 command station w/ mm1 module

via this auction
also see this post
"this auction is for the circuit bent emu command station and the mm1 midi module the unit was purchased as a brand new instrument. the previous owner said the command station was used for only a few hours. i have confirmed this and the unit internally is pristine. all knobs, buttons, outputs, velo pads, ribbon, etc are in pristine shape and just like new. the outer shell was painted and salvaged from a emu mp-7. internally it is a xl7 and is absolutely in mint shape. i've had this unit for a few weeks now and can confirm everything is working perfectly both in mm1 and emu command station. this is a one-off offer and most likely will be the only one in existence

the following audio is several drum tracks played in realtime with a simple appegiator programmed for each sound. the emu sports 32 independant arpeggiators. the drums are then circuit bent and leads into a formant synth texture controlled with a wind controller.

CLICK FOR MORE »

4ms Circuit bent Bend matrix (Joytoy version) midi I/O

via this auction

"Bend Matrix from 4ms factory. This one was custom build by Dann Green himself. It has the classic two parts matrix hardwired to circuit bent toys producing some infinite possibilities of bent sequences. Several modes are added for extra flexibility : record sequence, different modes of bent sounds (effects, notes, drum parts). Rare enough on those art piece is a midi out and midi in (!) to sync the Bend Matrix to some other midi gear.

Here you can see me use it with a Flame midi talking synth : more vids (theau playing the ghostmatrix).



On my youtube channel you can see some more videos of it in action (build in sounds used). Here is my channel : http://www.youtube.com/user/theau61?feature=mhw4

The bend matrix is powered with 9V DC PSU and comes with a custom instruction manual.

More info on the Bend Matrix : http://4mspedals.com/bendmatrix.php

what is the bend matrix?
the bend matrix is a midi sequencer for circuit bent projects
...a dynamic tool to store and recall your analog synth patches
...a microcontroller brain that leeches onto a host circuit
...a signal router/mixer that can be played like an instrument and patched to your other midi gear
...an octophonic surround-sound system controller for routing and spinning 4 inputs to 8 outputs
...a circuit bending controller for live performance, e.g. turn a thrift-store kids keyboard into an arpeggiating, sequenced, midi-controlled player piano (forget squinting over a pcb with an alligator clip in the dark trying to find your glitch point!)
...an automatic patch-bay and sequencer with real-time analog controls: strobe, arp, gloob, random.
...a meta-instrument: play the playing of other sound-makers, routing them into each other, multiple outputs/effects, programming and saving patches

what does the bend matrix do?
connect/disconnect glitch points within an external circuit-bent device (two separate 4x4 matrices or one single 4x8 matrix)
connect/disconnect/route audio inputs into multiple outputs (4 inputs=>8 outputs or 8=>4)
act as a patch matrix for modular synthesizers, or other cv/signal routing
store up to 128 "patches" in memory (memory is held even when power is disconnected)
sequence the 128 stored patches at specified bpm (2 - 2000 bpm)
generate random patches
apply effects to the current patch (or sequence of patches) using analog controls: randomization, arpeggiation, strobing, gloobing.
inputs midi note/cc commands, so you can program your patches and sequences using standard midi gear
outputs midi note/cc commands, so you can use the bend matrix to sync up to other midi gear (video effects, etc...)

how might i use it?
a. circuit bending
add midi in/out to your circuit bent projects
program/save/recall patches of bend points
sequence trigger points to essentially convert any sound generating device into a player piano
real-time analog controls (joystick, knobs, photocells) provide special effects/glitching/strobing/arpeggiation and randomization

b. effect switching/re-ordering
change effect ordering and routings on the fly: store up to 8 patches per bank, with 16 banks
series, parallel, and series-parallel configurations possible
sequence your effect changes, so you can simply hit "next" after each song and the next effect ordering
up to 4 effects in any order and combination of in/out of the loop
dynamic re-routing
external stomp switches and rack-mounting optionally available.

c. modular synthesizers
patch synth modules together using a central button matrix to control routings
save/recall patches, (8 per bank, 16 total banks = 128 patches)
sequence patches within banks, sequence playback of multiple banks
split matrix functionality allows one half to control patches (e.g. lfo->vcf, adsr->vca, etc) while the other half can send midi note commands or make

d. art installations
flexible configuration allows a variety of sound sources and amplifiers to be dynamically routed (16 total bi-directional ports: e.g 4 inputs => 8 outputs, or two separate 4 in => 4 out...)
route trigger/sensor/microphone signals to various processing devices
outputs can trigger lights, sounds, motion, anything that runs on electrical power (use your imagination!)
customizable matrix size and configurations available

additional notes:
the photocell modification adds four light-sensitive photocells, each with an enable switch. the photocell overrides use of the knob for real-time effects.
the trigger input jacks include step ahead, step back and play/pause. this versatile input accepts cv, audio or any line signal.

9vdc powersupply included (120/240v).
2mm aluminum panel 12" x 10" on aluminum box (2" tall)."

circuit bent alesis quadrasynth s4 plus synthesizer

via this auction

Sold For: $400



"the above audio track features just the sounds of the quadrasynth itself and it's bent interface is being modulated in realtime with an akai ewi4000s wind controller merged with several different evolving layered sequences being played by the dave smith evolver.

all sounds from are from quadrasynth recorded direct with effects being handled directly by the quadrasynth's effect chain.

will not be making many of these due to overhead costs. bid now if you want

features

-43 point patchbay with 16 switchable points with 4 switches and 4 input jacks

-8 high quality stackable banana jacks- i will include 4 different colors and sizes. including 4 which can easily wrap around from the footswitch jacks to the front panel with enough room around most rack cases

-original clock or injected precision getlofi oscillator with realtime continously variable sample rate control

-knob to control sample rate

-switch to control sample rate manually or via midi

-midi circuitry by highlyliquid installed which controls sample rate via any midi cc controller, note information, program change, etc.

-midi power led and activity led

-midi input for modifications and midi thru jack added

-milk glass lens and slow phase color changing led

-4 inputs for footswitch with dedicated 8 switchable banana jack points

-green led indicators for bends

-replaced direct solder tabs for memory battery with a convient coin cell holder which allows easy slip in and replacement of battery

-fresh lithium 2032 memory battery (should last 10-15 years)

-all modifcations piggybacked on a 1u rackmount enclosure (take your circuit bent gear on tour without fear!!)

-cleaned all mechanical parts and contacts

-excellent condition alesis s4 plus (retains full functionality if nothing is activated)

-original owners manual

-jpeg diagram of bends emailed to winner

-power supply included for north american use only. power supply can be included for international shipments (please refer to shipping notes)

the alesis s4 is in excellent cosmetic and perfect functional condition. missing the adat plug cover (doesn't effect anything) the only issue is that the backlight is slightly dimmed from a factory fresh unit. screen is still clearly visible in complete darkness.

start with a synth that features up to 4 voice layering per voice of polyphony, a full featured 8 source/destination modulation matrix (9 source/destination after modification) impressive legato and articulation, great morphing, custom split abilities, powerful effects algorithms, 4 quad knobs that transmit midi or provides realtime control, huge selection of waveforms, flexible filter and amp functions, 3 lfos per voice, up to 64 voice of polyphony, 16 part multitimbral, and a design team from alesis which featured some true musical synthheads and you have an impressive synthesizer. add the ability to circuit bend and drastically alter waveforms as well as the ability to modulate sample rate manually or via midi and you have one of the most bizzare and powerful editable circuit bent synth availble. after market support is still excellent on this synth. several editors exist that facilitate the editing of the quadrasynth's powerful synthesizer system including motu, midiquest, and soundtower that will make the most of your circuit bent synth. i'm using soundtower's editor (cheap!) and it makes editing a breeze as well as a great librarian for organizing your sounds.

midi circuitry is of the highest quality by highlyliquid. it handles dense information at fast speeds. for example the midi responds brilliantly to the dense midi information a wind controller sends and the fastest sequencer speeds i can throw at it all at the same time via midi merge. the midi mod allows a thru chain from the s4 plus into the added midi in (or you could send any midi in signal from any other controller or sequener) and still have another thru port availble. the midi circuitry is fully programmable and retains memory. you can assign virtually anything to the sample rate. sample rate is controlled with a getlofi precision oscillator, also of the highest quality and able to precisely keep up in speed with whatever midi thrown at it without a hitch. in order to program the added midi circuitry you simply need to send it a short group of sysex commands (34 characters or 17 figure string) via a daw, sequencer or a freeware utility such as midi-ox. very easy, and completely custom. for more details please review the easy to use charts on the firmware manual via highlyliquid's site: http://highlyliquid.com/support/docs/pdf/MPA-Firmware-Ver-1-2.pdf

this is a fully featured synth before modifications. to really understand the potential of this instrument please refer to www.alesis.com and search for a pdf of their s4 plus quadrasynth model. i'd ignore reviews from people that used this instrument as a preset box. that's not it's biggest strength. although many of the presets are great, it's biggest strength is the synth itself and it's depth of editing.

if you are not comfortable with midi, sysex, controllers this may not be the synth for you. you will need to edit the sounds and control information to get the most from your setup. it's pretty easy and logical in comparision to most synths i've used. if editing isn't your bag, again this is a preset box so there are over 500 preset sounds (an additional 128 slots in a user bank) for you to start bending away immediately!!! i'd highly recommend an editor like soundtower for the alesis. it's cheap, very easy to navigate and synchs up perfectly without any bugs."

Update:

circuit bent alesis quadrasynth and akai ewi4000s

YouTube via spunkytoofers

ILAB Report: 4msPedals Bend Matrix (5aaasp)

YouTube via iloveanalogue
"This was the first time ILAB got to check out the Bend Matrix, a MIDI powered
analogue box that features sound generation from old 8-bit toys. More information
on it is available at http://4mspedals.com and the boxes are available for purchase from
http://analoguehaven.com
http://iloveanalogue.blogspot.com"

Basic Demonstration 9 Super Steps / Hyper Steps

YouTube via DayflightTrok genoQs Octopus http://www.genoqs.com/

"Short demonstration about the new important function for Live jamming or studio works.
Have fun, it´s sequencing time!"

Update: an image and some info on the genoQs Octopus from Analogue Haven:
Update via lars in the comments. The Octopus is at OS v1.6. See their site linked above for more info. The following pertains to features in OS v1.0 which are still relevant and interesting to me at least. Also, according to lars it should be "hyper steps" not "super steps."
"GenoQs have now released their amazing OS v1.0, which adds many new features to the Octopus sequencer. All new Octopus sequencers ship with v1.0, and older units can be updated by following the update procedure on GenoQ's Downloads page.

In the following, we use the following mark convention:
(***) for new features,
(**) for evolved functionality, and
(*) for minor changes.

FREE TRACK CHAINING (***)
Tracks in a Page may be chained according to any configuration desired by the user.

TRACK PROGRAM CHANGE (***)
Tracks now retain the MIDI program change information as a track specific value.

EDIT TRACK DIRECTIONS (***)
Directions 6-16 are freely editable by the user, including re-trigger and randomize options.

STEP GROOVE ATTRIBUTE (***)
A step may be delayed at playtime by a random amount of time in multiples of 1/192 of a note.

GRID-TRACK MODE (***)
Up to 90 tracks are mapped to Matrix buttons and act as virtual track selectors allowing for direct track operation.

STEP-NOTE RECORDING (***)
Notes may be recorded directly on pre-selected positions in a page, irrespective of timeline and chase-light position.

PAGE SCALE CAD (***)
Changes to a scale may be set to affect the pitch values of the tracks in the page. Whenever the scale is modified, the track pitches are aligned to the new scale, modifying the harmonic structure of a page in a musical way.

VAST MIDI-IN CONTROL (***)
Apart from recording MIDI data, MIDI IN ports can be used to control various functions of the machine via MIDI IN signals. This includes selecting grid sets and toggling grid pages via program change messages, or even creating and modifying scales on the Octopus - all at runtime of course.

VIRTUAL MIDI CHANNELS (***)
Provide an internal wiring of tracks to the Octopus MIDI in. In this way, Octopus tracks may be used to leverage the capabilities of MIDI IN control, right on the Octopus.

MAP FACTORS (***)
Each relevant attribute map now has a map factor, which indicates the amount to which that map is applied to the current output.

EXPORT CONTENT TO SYSEX (***)
Memory content may now be exported as MIDI system exclusive streams, providing a means to store machine state data outside of the Octopus.

PITCH BEND HANDLING (**)
Now pitch bend data can be recorded and worked with, similarly to any other MIDI controller data.

TRACK FLATTENING (**)
The FLT mutator has evolved to new semantics. It is now applied to two or more tracks to create a "stacked" version of that track selection into a single track.

NEW EFFECTOR STATE (**)
Tracks can now take on an additional state with regard to the Effector. In addition to being unaffected, a sender, or a receiver, tracks may now be receiving senders.

CC MAP LEARNING (**)
In addition to programming CC maps, you can now have them learn by listening to MIDI IN input. Saves time and comes in handy.

FORCE TO SCALE INPUT (**)
Externally played notes can be passed through the Octopus and forced to the scale of the current page.

TRACK SPEED MULTIPLIERS (**)
Octopus now features additional track speed multipliers. These include: 1.5 (for direct creation of triplets), as well as the following: 1/1.5, 1/8, 8, 1/16 and 16.

BANK CHANGE MESSAGES (*)
In addition to sending program change messages Octopus now also sends bank change messages.

Sequencer Specifications:

FRAMEWORK
Sequence grid: 144 pages - popularly known as 'patterns'
Tracks per page: up to 10, with up to 16 steps each
Track resolution: up to 1/192 of a note

USER INTERFACE
Elements: 258 pushbuttons, 21 endless encoders
Front panel: 630 x 270 mm

PERFORMANCE
Concurrent play: up to 9 pages or chains thereof
Editing capabilities: full during play, seamless saving
Track play: polyphonic, shuffle, groove, roll

DIMENSIONS
700 x 450 x 140 mm, 8 Kg"