Happy New Year From MATRIXSYNTH!

Happy New Year everyone!

First I want to thank everyone who takes the time out of their busy schedules to come visit the site. I want to give an extra thanks to everyone who supports this site, including the sponsors you see above and on the right. Without them this site would not be possible.

As many of you know, running MATRIXSYNTH is a labor of love. The site has been running for over 13 years and hopefully will continue on for many years to come. Every single post goes up by hand, seven days a week, including holidays and "vacations." Some of you may not know this, but MATRIXSYNTH is a one man shop by me, matrix. I have not missed a single day of posting since back on August 6 of 2005 when I first launched this format of the site. I say "this format of the site" because I actually registered matrixsynth.com back in October of 1997. You can still see the old site here. On the left were links to sites I visited back in the day. It's actually a pretty neat snapshot of what was around on the web back then before the days of YouTube and social media. I launched this version of the site back on July 20 of 2005. As of this post there have been 175,117 posts on the site. We had 13,302 posts in 2018. Every single one went up by hand. I am extremely humbled and grateful of those who choose to support the site. Thank you so much!!!

Now, for some numbers. I haven't shared them in a while as they started to feel a little redundant year after year, but I figured why not? The image above is a map of visitors to the site in 2018. We had 540,712 users visit for a total of 3,418,064 pageviews. We finally have a visitor from North Korea this year! The numbers are from Google Analytics and should filter out bots. BTW if you look at this all time map, the only country to not have visited MATRIXSYNTH to date is the Central African Republic. It's pretty amazing to think someone from every single other country in the world has visited the site.

The following are the top 10 countries to visit by traffic:

1 United States 4,564(35.30%)
2 United Kingdom 1,070(8.28%)
3 Germany 866(6.70%)
4 France 653(5.05%)
5 Canada 544(4.21%)
6 Italy 512(3.96%)
7 Japan 464(3.59%)
8 Netherlands 357(2.76%)
9 Poland 331(2.56%)
10 Norway 314

(Update: I originally had the list by language which duplicated DE and FR. The list has been updated for country only).

A couple of years ago I started tracking new gear for the year with "new gear" labels. For 2018 we had the following:

695 new items never featured before on the site. This includes 49 posts on older gear never featured before.
111 new makers
92 new synths
63 new soft synths
67 new sound/noise machines
36 new synth effects
266 new modules
42 new mobile apps
11 new drum machines
111 new DIY projects
26 new controllers
40 new tools
7 new cases

And finally we had 52 posts to get the exclusive label for the year. These are the rarest of the rare featured on the site.

Note there is some overlap and the primary focus of MATRIXSYNTH is hardware synthesis. Rather than go into a top 10 list (which I never was into because all gear has its use imo), click through any of the links above to see what came in by category.

On the mega synth front, we saw the release of the Sequential Prophet X and XL (DSI changed names to Sequential as well), the Moog One and Grandmother, Yamaha MODX, Korg Prologue, and the Waldorf Quantum finally made it to release. You can also recap what was featured at NAMM 2018, SUPERBOOTH18, Knobcon, and SoundMit and other events.

This year we lost the following in the synth world. Note this does not include discontinued gear, although with Erthenvar being featured as a company, I may include gear in the the future.

Erthenvar Closes Shop
RIP John Leimseider
RIP Shirleigh Moog
The Candlelight Vigil: A Synth Cover in Memory of Jóhann Jóhannsson (From Prisoners)
David Van Koevering Has Passed Away

-----

And that's it for 2018. Happy New Year and onto 2019! Thank you to everyone that enjoys, contributes, and supports the site! I started MATRIXSYNTH to track everything synth. It's rewarding to know people out there still enjoy the site. MATRIXSYNTH is my gift to you.

Erthenvar Closes Shop

This one is in via John L Rice who had the following to say:

"They came up with a lot of important contributions for the Eurorack community including 1U Tiles, right angle 3.5mm patch cables, and case hardware, etc. (fact check me on that though, they are just the first people I know of that offered some of those items)" I'm not sure myself. If anyone knows feel free to comment.

Here is the announcement via Erthenvar:

"September 24, 2018

End of the Road

Dear friends,

We regret to inform you that effective Sunday, September 23rd 2018, Erthenvar is no longer accepting orders and is working to wind down.

We would like to thank you for your continued support over the years. You made this a fun and fulfilling endeavor.

I would like to thank M, which is actually short for mom, for her tireless work helping my dreams become a reality. Without her, I would have had to shut down years ago. Love you, mom!

A shout to John Kennedy, who I began this journey with way back in November, 2010.

Thank you to Jason Degelman for helping with builds and so many good modular discussions.

I still love the logo after all these years, thanks Alex Vu!

Please contact us if you are interested in purchasing the company.

I look forward to the next chapter,

Nicholas Gregorich"

You can find a handful of posts featuring Erthenvar here on MATRIXSYNTH.

Electro Lobotomy 1U Tile PassiVac Jam

Published on Aug 4, 2014

"1U Tile PassiVac // passive Voltage Controlled Attenuator // $28 + shipping. https://www.etsy.com/listing/19843817..."

1U Tile PassiVac // lunchbox snack

"Made using Erthenvar 1U panels. Now in black and silver!"

601.4 [eurorack volca touchOSC]

Published on Feb 20, 2015 donaldjasoncrunk

"in this patch, a cycling/modulated function acts as master clock for the STG Soundlabs .DIV, this clocks the WMD SSM as well as feeds the SSM inputs. Outputs go to "Play" on the Phonogene, the Korgs' sync inputs, and the fall of the function for clock stutters, and into the SSM's own input. the DAC output of the SSM modulates the pitch of the Phonogene. The XY pad control other CV inputs on the Phonogene, the Monotribe and Volca Keys are mixed before entering the preamp salvation of the Phonogene

a new configuration for my Erthenvar / Pulp Logic lunchbox synth centered around the WMD Sequential Switch Matrix and Make Noise Phonogene. both are controlled by some custom layouts i made in touchOSC, and MIDI is being transmitted via the MIDI Implant tile.

this rig is really intented to function alongside the Korg Volcas and other similar instruments, with the SSM being very useful for routing clocks and audio between the boxes."

iTunes: TouchOSC - Robert FISCHER

601.3 [eurorack volca touchOSC]

Published on Feb 18, 2015 donaldjasoncrunk

"a new configuration for my Erthenvar / Pulp Logic lunchbox synth centered around the WMD Sequential Switch Matrix and Make Noise Phonogene. both are controlled by some custom layouts i made in touchOSC, and MIDI is being transmitted via the MIDI Implant tile.

this rig is really intented to function alongside the Korg Volcas and other similar instruments, with the SSM being very useful for routing clocks and audio between the boxes.

in this patch, a custom grid of touchOSC buttons selects presets from the SSM, which is routing audio inputs from the Volca, Monotribe and pre recorded guitar loop into the Phonogene. Monotribe provides master clock, and modulation of Phono is provided by a second CV out from touchOSC."

601.1 [eurorack volca touchOSC]

Published on Feb 16, 2015 donaldjasoncrunk

"a new configuration for my Erthenvar / Pulp Logic lunchbox synth centered around the WMD Sequential Switch Matrix and Make Noise Phonogene. both are controlled by some custom layouts i made in touchOSC, and MIDI is being transmitted via the MIDI Implant tile.

this rig is really intented to function alongside the Korg Volcas and other similar instruments, with the SSM being very useful for routing clocks and audio between the boxes.

in this patch, a cycling function acts as master clock for the STG Soundlabs .DIV, which the WMD SSM dutifully distributes to the Volcas, Phonogene and back into itself. The XY pad controls CV inputs on the Phonogene while the Korg Volca keys and Monotribe stumble along behind."

iTunes: TouchOSC - Robert FISCHER

Chords: Remember Chord Memory?

Published on Nov 19, 2014 erthenvar

"Auditioning some chord sounds for some hardcore techno using the Erthenvar Patch Chord along with the Pulp Logic Chords expander"

Mutable Instruments Anushri Synthesizer

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

via this auction

"This is a fresh built custom Anushri synthesizer.

Custom features.
-Larger Power Switch more conveniently located.
-Bracketed 3.5mm Jacks used by many Boutique modular synth manufacturers and DIY enthusiasts.
-Completely redrawn enclosure to suit our needs and specification. Raster laser engraving now includes a more informative legend for the top panel functions.

Build Spec.
-Light Smoke Custom Acrylic Enclosure.
-Red / Red Tinted Blue LEDs.
-Alps Pots.
-Chrome Audio Jacks.
-Larger Power Switch.
-Erthenvar 3.5mm jacks.
-Nichicon Muse & Fine Gold Audio Capacitors.
-Compact / Efficient AC Power Adapter Included.


Anushri

'Anushri is a monosynth like no other. In addition to its analog VCO/VCF/VCA and digital modulation sources, it includes a fun and immediate note sequencer with step-by-step recording, and a gritty 8-bit drum machine with a truly original control interface.'

'Anushri’s audio generation and processing chain is analog. The main sound source is a VCO with sawtooth and pulse-width waveforms, coupled with a sub-oscillator – a simple formula that made the success of the Roland SH-101 and MC-202. Following the VCO comes a multimode VCF, whose 12dB/octave slope provides a refreshing change from the rounder and cleaner 24dB/octave Moog-style filters. The band-pass and high-pass modes provide additional filtering flavors. Anushri’s secret weapon of sonic destruction is a switchable fuzz circuit inserted between the VCF and VCA – which bring a heavy dose of nasty distortion.'"

CLICK FOR MORE »

Traveling with Lunchbox

Published on May 14, 2014 erthenvar·11 videos

"Out and about with a PulpLogic Lunchbox Traveler. The entire rig is battery powered!"

Patch Chord Erthenvar

Published on Nov 18, 2013 Davide Tonini·244 videos

"Audio:http://www.mixcloud.com/DavideTonini/..."

via Davide Tonini on The MATRIXSYNTH Lounge

Erthenvar Patch Chord Version 3

Published on Jul 28, 2013 erthenvar·10 videos

"The Erthenvar Patch Chord gets multiple waveforms and some other neat features in version 3"

Water Proof 7U Portable Eurorack Case From Synthrotek

via Synthrotek

"Synthrotek's Original 7U Waterproof Eurorack Case is here! We start off with a very rugged SeaHorse band case (very similar to Pelican) and fit it with 7U x 84hp vector rails and 20 square rail nuts per row (2.5mm). This allows you to have 2 x 3U @ 84 HP AND a full 84hp rail dedicated to the 1U format. You can find plenty of 1U modules from Pulp Logic at Erthenvar.com.
We had some custom brackets made for just this case, a one of a kind.

KEEP YOUR GEAR SAFE! while traveling or in the elements!

DOES NOT COME WITH A POWER SUPPLY -
2 TipTop uZues work really well. We are currently in development on a power supply and will have it soon.

FEATURES:

Automatic pressure purge system

Molded-in padlock holes (fits standard size Masterlocks®)

Available with easy-to-install Panel Kits supplied with o-rings and screws

Inside Dimensions:
18.38" x 13.28" x 6.22"
(48.7cm x 33.7cm x 15.8cm)

Outside Dimensions:
19.75" x 15.53" x 7.48"
(50.2cm x 39.5cm x 19.0cm)
Available Colors: Black, Gunmetal Gray, Safety Yellow (OSHA) and Intl. Orange (SOLAS).

A padded detachable shoulder strap is available for an additional $17.

MADE IN THE USA!!!"

CLICK FOR MORE »

Grids and Jupiter Storm Euro Modules

Grids and Jupiter Storm Euro Modules from Chris Whitten on Vimeo.

"Video demonstrating several instances of Grids and Jupiter Storm. Kick:TipTop BD909 Cwejman BLD Open Hat:Jupiter Storm Noise>WMD Synchrodyne BPF Noise Percussion:Jupiter Storm Noise>Synchrodyne BPF>WMD MMVCA (stereo panning) Bass:Grids>Cwejman BLD Clap:Grids>Tip Top 909CP>Make Noise Echophon Chords:Grids>Cwejman ADSR-VC2. Bubblesound VCO>Erthenvar Patch Chord>SynchrodyneLPF>Make Noise Echophon Snare:Grids>Jupiter Storm>Echophon No Midi No EQ Sync to Pro Tools>Innerclock IILS"

via Innerclock Systems

recovery

Published on Apr 14, 2013 donaldjasoncrunk·24 videos

"another Erthenvar / Make Noise lunchbox jam, this time sans vocals. just a nice slow buildup, a little tense but with some really pretty sounds from the DPO that almost remind me of plucked strings. abusing the FSRs in this one. monotribe provides periodic kick drum, sustained low bass and white noise. sequence from Littlemidi on the iphone again. any questions? feel free to ask in the comments below!"

runaway

Published on Apr 13, 2013 donaldjasoncrunk·23 videos

"live track for the Eurorack Lunchbox Easel, monotribe, vocals and guitar pedals - all atop a crisp bed of xylophone loops. noisy, but this time with a beat. the Lunchbox is sequenced by the Littlemidi sequencer running on iphone, and the DD5 + akai headrush are hooked up via aux send from the mixer. this is my current live rig, just waiting on the MS20 mini to complete it! very portable, a ton of sound from this combo and not enough gear to allow things to spiral out of control. this is of real concern to me, as i tend to run everything on the verge of a feedback loop. balance must be maintained.

no longer will i be hiding my rampant interest in cold war era soviet technology, FYI

the direction i've been moving with the Lunchbox Easel is surprising to me - given the lineage, i'd expect to be working more 'experimentally' with it - but i love these simple melodic sequences coming from the DPO + optomix combo! sounds like no synth i've ever had, so simple but rich in timbre ."

via Jason Degelman on The MATRIXSYNTH Lounge: "another erthenvar lunchbox jam"

Three Amigos - Random Sequencer / Turing machine

Published on Apr 8, 2013 ISOTROPOSPHERE·111 videos

"Testing all three of the Random Sequencer / Turing machine modules I constructed.

Big Thanks to Tom Whitwell, Thonk, and Erthenvar for making this happen.

Custom panels fabricated by me and hand painted in the recesses. Design based loosely on the original panels for these modules.

Had fun making these and they work rather well."

Random Sequencer / Turing machine
Published on Apr 8, 2013

"This is a primary testing of the Tom Whitwell Random Sequencer / Turing machine module.

Also testing The Harvestman Evin 209 matrix mixer along with the cv ins and outs on the Thingamagoop.

Thanks again to Tom Whitwell, Thonk and Erthenvar for all things necessary to build this module.

Custom panel designed by me based on the original panel, hand painted recesses.

Enjoy!!"

Make Noise FUNCTION PLL Unboxing & Demo Video

Published on Mar 28, 2013

"the patch :

monotron-e (with monotribe knobs) vco out
to input 2 of a196-pll
LFO out is stacked and sent to FUNCTION and PLL
FUNCTION eof eoc sends cv to monotron-e filter
Maths( erthenvar knob ) sends to vco cv

off screen :
MFB seq02 is clocking
pittsburgh audio timetable
Delptronics LDB-1e
processed with ensoniq dp4"

MONOTRON-e 4 VOICE with custom knobs from erthenvar

Published on Mar 10, 2013 FSK1138·168 videos

"the PATCH :

maths and 4ms PEG
are driving the filter and vco CV inputs of the 4 monotron-e units

all 4 VCO are sent to the 4MS VCA matrix
16 inputs of the 4MS VCA matrix are being modulated by maths, 4ms PEG
and 4 lfos from the monotron-e that have been split with
pulp logic patch multi-- this also provide the input for maths and the two 4ms peg

MFBseq02 triggers lfo reset and cv 1v/oct on all monotron-e units

output of the 4MS VCA matrix is mixed with MFB drum-99 mixer

4 monotron -e, maths, MFB drum-99 mixer
all with custom knobs from erthenvar

erthenvar.com/store/eurodiy/knobs/minifl­uted"

Erthenvar / Make Noise Lunchbox Easel [guided tour]

Published on Mar 3, 2013 donaldjasoncrunk·21 videos

"this is a tour of my new "Lunchbox Music Easel" (suggest a better name in the comments, PLEASE!). i try to explain my reasoning behind the module choices, and how it stacks up against the new Buchla Music Easel. i think it does well! this narrative intended for people with modular synthesizer knowledge. non nerds beware

the next video will be some performances with the Lunchbox easel - the sounds you hear in the background of this narrative come from 2 20 minute sets located on my soundcloud, pure lunchbox performances. https://soundcloud.com/donaldcrunk

buy the case here: http://erthenvar.com/store/lunchbox
and of course http://makenoisemusic.com/


ALSO: please download and enjoy my new record, released this week by Kamagraph Records!!!!!!!!!! http://kamagraphrecords.com/main.cfm \m/\m/"

Lunchbox Chords

Published on Jan 10, 2013 erthenvar·8 videos

"Erthenvar Patch Chord in a PulpLogic Eurorack Lunchbox along with some Doepfer modules and PulpLogic 1U Tiles. Visit http://erthenvar.com"