1976 Custom EML Prototype Synth?

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

via this auction

This has popped up twice before, once in 2007, and once in 2015. Both posts have some additional info.

Update: It's worth noting back in the day you could hire EML to build out custom designs. Check out the monster Mattson EML system and The Performance Music Systems Syntar from Mattson in previous posts here. Also see Carbon111's Syntar page.

From the current listing:

"This is a 'Modular' unit, similar to the EML 100/101 but doesn't have a pre-patched Signal Flow.

I've never seen any other - if you have any information about this item, please contact me.

It offers:

* Noise Generator

* 2 VCOs with Pulsewidth / Waveshape controls
* a 3 input Mixer
* the classic EML Multimode Filter
* Spring Reverb

* External Input

* VCA

* S&H/Sampler LFO

* LFO with 2 outputs

* Envelope Generator which can be triggered by the Keyboard of the Sampler

* Glide

*Multiple

It is fully working and really offers the classic EML sound (I do have a EML 101 to compare) ."

CLICK FOR MORE »

Synthesis Technology E560 Deflector Shield - The Lost Demos

video upload by John L Rice

"Index:
0:00 Year 2010 - First test of the new E560 featuring music by Carbon111
2:42 Year 2013 - Subtle demo of the E560 in frequency shifter mode
5:24 End

This video happened because I was digging through some old hard drives and found a few things I had lost track of for years!

The first part of this is a video I had posted to YouTube back in 2010, but out of frustration dealing with YT copyright claims and trying to keep my channel commercial free, I deleted it. The main problem came because I used part of a track by my friend James Maier, AKA Carbon111, and he was totally fine with my use (thanks James! :-), but dealing with YouTube check bots at the time wasn't so easy. This was my first test of the new at the time E560 module and it is also my very first eurorack video! Check out James's site for lots of interesting synthesizer info and links where you can buy his music! 👌
http://carbon111.com/

Modules used in part 1:
Synth Tech E560 Deflector Shield
Doepfer A-147 VCLFO and A-174 Voltage Inverter
Malekko 8NU8R

Part two came about because around three years later there was a discussion on the MuffWigger synth forum (now renamed as ModWiggler) about frequency shifters and how most demos tended to be of the more extreme effects they can create but not many show the subtle uses. I was asked about my missing demo from part 1 here and I couldn't find it at the time so I did a new audio only demo and posted it to my Soundcloud page. I just have a free Soundcloud account and my storage space is limited so I occasionally delete old tracks to make room for new ones. Since I decided to repost the original video, I decided to include the later noodles demo as a "bonus track".

Modules used in part 2:
Synth Tech E560 Deflector Shield and E355 Morphing Dual LFO

Thanks for watching, rating, and commenting, I appreciate you all! 🤗"

Ensoniq Fizmo Transwave Digital Synth

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

via this auction

"regulator has been changed last year by a professional engineer working at Revox."

See this article on Carbon111 for info on the regulator fix.

CLICK FOR MORE »

Shelter In Place by Carbon111

"Shelter In Place" is a little sketch piece using mostly "junky synths".
Casio SK-5, Casio MT-540, Korg ER1, Resonance Circuits Hallucinogen Machine, Critter&Guitari Septavox, Critter&Guitari Kaleidoloop, the Moog Grandmother provides a squidgy lead in a couple of spots.

Performance Music Systems SYNTAR Turns 40

it’s been 40 years since the Performance Music Systems SYNTAR was introduced at the #namm show in #1980 by george mattson - bob #moog even got to try it out #keytar #namm2020 #eml #analog #synthesizer #ymo #rydeen #cover pic.twitter.com/mXVY8ypfP8

— sdf (@sdf_pubnix) January 19, 2020

via @sdf_pubnix

"it’s been 40 years since the Performance Music Systems SYNTAR was introduced at the #namm show in #1980 by george mattson - bob #moog even got to try it out #keytar #namm2020 #eml #analog #synthesizer #ymo #rydeen #cover"

Check out previous posts featuring the Syntar here.

The Syntar was the first self-contained synthesizer keytar. Before the Syntar, keytars were controllers. The Syntar was created by George Mattson of Mattson Mini Modular. There was a keyboardless version of the Syntar called the SWAN, or Syntar Without a Neck. A SWAN II was announced back in 2018, under development with Division 6.

Update: you can find a great article on the Syntar at Carbon111.com here, and an interview I did with George Mattson way back in 2006 here.

Ashes by Carbon111

Instruments used:

Yamaha VL1, Vermona '14, Dreadbox Abyss, Dreadbox Nyx, Acidlab Miami

released June 26, 2018


More from Carbon111:

https://carbon111.bandcamp.com

Ashes by Carbon111

Instruments used:
Yamaha VL1, Vermona '14, Dreadbox Abyss, Dreadbox Nyx, Acidlab Miami

released June 26, 2018

Ensoniq FIZMO realtime transwave synthesizer

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

via this auction

"I previously had this listed as not working. I thought this was in need of repair, but all along it was a bad power adaptor. I found a spare adaptor and the synth is indeed working great."

Note these still require a voltage regulator fix to be safe. You can find details on the Fizmo fix on Carbon111.

CLICK FOR MORE »

Persephone by Carbon111

Persephone is the latest release from Carbon111. Long time readers of the site will know Carbon111 from his awesome synth (and more) resource site Carbon111.com. If you are not familiar with the site, do check it out. You will find in-depth resources on Serge, Mattson Mini Modular, Waldorf's Microwave series (including wavetable charts!), and much more.

But this post is about his latest release, Persephone. The official release date is tomorrow, however, the Bandcamp release is up now (embedded above). CD preorders are currently live and will ship by early December. The CDs will be a limited edition of 300, with custom handcrafted packaging, liner notes, and track list, all signed and numbered. They are professionally replicated CDs, not burned CDRs, and will come in a lovely handcrafted black case. The gorgeous cover painting is by Mike Dubisch.


"The music on this album was created with love and the following instruments:

John Bowen Solaris
Waldorf Microwave mk1
Waldorf Microwave XT
Vermona '14
Vermona Perfourmer
Vermona Mono Lancet
Serge Modular
Sequential Circuits Prophet 600
Sequential Circuits Six-Trak
Analogue Solutions Leipzig SK
Kawai K3 and K3m
Industrial Music Electronics "Azathoth"
Ensoniq VFX
Yamaha VL1 and VL1-m
Yamaha TG33
Nord Stage 76
Korg MS20
Korg Electribe ES-1
Korg Electribe ER-1
Acidlab Miami
Native Instruments Absynth
Native Instruments Kinetic Metal
Bowed Dulcimer
Critter & Guitari Kaleidoloop

All music written, produced and recorded by James Maier
Mastered by Hermetech Mastering

Copyright (c) 2017 James D. Maier

Public Domain animal sounds on 'Spring' courtesy of the US National Park Service

released November 9, 2017"

Happy Holidays from MATRIXSYNTH!

Merry Synthmas everyone!

Here are some festive pics featuring the gear I picked up throughout the year. You'll spot a synthesizers.com Box 11 modular system, an Evaton Technologies RF Nomad, a Division 6 Morpheum (Rudolf loves them), and a Siel DK-600 from Carbon111.

Thank you everyone!

Enjoy the wallpaper and have a great, relaxing holiday season!

The Syntar Turns 35 Today

via George C Mattson (inventor of the Syntar & Mattson Mini Modular) on Facebook

"35 years ago today I was trying to stretch between a keyboard and a control knob. A patch cord jumped out of a jack, stared me down and told me I needed one of these....

The Syntar was born...."

You'll find a write-up on Syntar on Carbon111 here.
And an exclusive interview with George Mattson on the Syntar posted here back in 2006.
And of course see the Syntar label below for mentions in posts over the years.

via George: "A rare pic of the prototype I was lugging around..."

"The prototype was made of wood and steel. It weight 26 Lbs. Therefore, "lugging" is an active verb. Production models were 14 Lbs. Much lighter..."

MMTA FALL SYNTHFEST Coming to Seattle on October 26!

Update: It was an awesome event as always! You'll find pics and videos of the event as they go up on the MMTA SYNTHFEST 2013 channel.  Some are already up and mine are yet to follow.  New posts of course will go up on the front page.  You can get to the channel via the link at the bottom of each post.  Note there was an earlier event this year so this post will mark the bottom of the last event.  Posts beneath that are from the prior event.

Heads up everyone! The MMTA SYNTHFEST is currently scheduled at Shoreline Community College in the Music Building (800) Saturday, October 26.  The event is Free!  Full details will follow in future posts. Until then mark your calendar and make arrangements as needed. This is not an event you will want to miss!

This year's previous Spring SYNTHFEST included the Synth Petting Zoo for people to check out and play with gear, a Tradeshow Room with local vendors & manufactures, a Presentation Room with lectures & performances, and a Jam Session room.  Last year we had a rare look into the history of Yamaha from Dave Bristow.  Mark Vail, author of Vintage Synthesizers, along with John Bowen and the Solaris, were also in attendance. For a full list of manufactures from that event, see this post.

Click here for all posts on last Spring's event including pics and video coverage.
Click here for coverage on 2012's event.

MMTA Fall SYNTHFEST Facebook Page
Check out the MMTA on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mostlymodular
MMTA website & forum: http://www.mostlymodular.com
Book a table here

Update: some confirmed for the event via the table booking link on the MMTA forum above:

JohnLRice
infradead
Vsyevolod (stephen)
barto
danngreen (4ms)
synthwerks (james husted)
mattson mini modular
circuit abbey
sythrotek / antimatter
computer controlled
carbon111
lorne in canada
Malekko

Map: http://goo.gl/maps/LZDn4 - parking might be $3.

Happy 4th of July!!!

The festivities are about to begin in my neck of the woods.   Carbon111 and his lovely wife Laura are about to head over for some classic 4th of July BBQ sandwiches, homemade baked beans and potato salad, and firework viewing off our deck.   Pictured above is our view of the bluffs and the Pacific Ocean in the background.   Last year the fireworks on the beach ran for three hours straight as far as the eye could see up and down the coast. Absolutely insane.  I should have brought my Minitaur to blare some deep bass filter sweeps during the show! Oh well, next year.  Have a fun and safe 4th everyone!  Do NOT BURN your synths!

Ensoniq FIZMO Inner Power Supply Mod

flickr set by dipching (some great shots in this set including the mod). You can find the Fizmo Fix on Carbon111's site here and step by step instructions on Muzik Elektronix here.

Tubeway Army - Are friends electric with PPG 1020 Monophonic Synth

Update: Re-Published on Jun 10, 2013 exclusivevids1000

Update: video re-posted here.

"Taken from their 1979 album Replicas. This take however,is never used for broadcasting, i think i know why, this take they did more for fun....., still one of my favorite songs of All-time ...., but that remines me of a question, and maby one of the Gary Numans die-hard fans knows the answer ..,In my memory , i thought i have seen about 33 years ago , a kind of promo of this golden classic, but i am sure that i did see Gary Numan with hair coloured white, does anyone know if some kind of old video exist anywhere ?

Personnel
Gary Numan -- Minimoog synthesizer, guitar, vocals
Paul Gardiner -- bass guitar
Jess Lidyard -- drums
Ced Sharpley & Gary Webb
Production Gary Numan -- production"

via James Maier aka Carbon111 on Facebook

Big Ol' Box of Malekko - MA SYN

I figured I'd start and end with this shot. Look at the green letter's behind the top snakeskin Monorocket case and you'll get the MA SYN reference. Synths can be a sin after all.

So, look what arrived in the mail this week. :)  A big ol' box of Malekko modules.  One Wiard Joystick Axis Generator (JAG), two Richter Anti-Oscillators, two Richter Oscillator IIs, a Richter Noisering, a FADE module and and Wiard XMIX.  Richter is Grant Richter of Wiard of course.  Malekko produces Wiard modules in eurorack format.  Below are a ton of unboxing shots and my Monorocket snakeskin case the modules went into.  As you can see, the case is also home to my Division 6 Mattson SQ-816 prototype sequencer.  The shots get flashier once I have everything mounted in the case.  The top and bottom shot is the case sitting on top of a second snakeskin Monoroket case with a Mattson Mini Modular system to the left and right.  The MA SYN in the background is a MATRIXSYNTH banner I had made for events.   Mood lighting comes from one of those RGB LED light bulbs with remote, a gift from my good friend Carbon111.

So...  You know what I'll be doing this weekend.  :) Thank you Malekko Heavy Industry!

On a side note I just found out after setting up this post that Josh of Malekko is setting up a raffle for a number of Malekko modules to benefit Muff of Muffwiggler.  Details on that here.  Do check it out, it's a chance to help out, and a chance to win some great gear.

CLICK FOR MORE »

Carbon111 on AnythingNapkin.com

via James Maier on Facebook.

"Dave nailed it! :D"

http://www.carbon111.com
http://anythingnapkin.com

Spot the synths...

Analogue Solutions Leipzig-SK Pics from James Maier aka Carbon111

Some pics via James Maier on Facebook (click through for more). James runs Carbon111.com a great resource for synths. You'll find pages dedicated to the Waldorf XT, Serge modulars, the Fizmo Fix and tons more, including his music, so do check it out.

MMTA Spring SYNTHFEST 2013 Pics by James Maier aka Carbon111

Full set on Facebook here.


Pictured:

Mark Vail, author of Vintage Synthesizers & former Editor of Keyboard Magazine drawing the winning ticket for one of two Bob Moog Foundation raffles at the event.  Craig Padilla on the right & Jarrett manning the desk on the left.

David Skinners Synthesizers.com Box11 cased system.  Randy Jones of Madrona Labs in the background to the left. I also see Lorne aka kidtronic with a MATRIXSYNTH T!  :)

Jason with his three cabinet wide Mattson Mini Modular system & the recently released SQ816 sequencers.

NAMM 2013: John Bowen Solaris Booth 5406 Hall B

Pic via James Maier aka Carbon111 on Facebook

If you make it to NAMM, don't miss John Bowen's Solaris at booth 5406 in Hall B.  It's a massive beast of a synth, quite possibly the pinnacle of boutique digital synthesis.

http://www.johnbowen.com