Lego Synths on Display at BrickFair, NJ This Weekend

via @grobiebrix

"The #LEGO Synthesizers are on display @BrickFair NJ all weekend! #minimoog #korg #roland #yamaha @moogmusicinc @matrixsynth @KeyboardMag"


http://www.brickfair.com

You might remember these from this previous post.

See the Legos and miniature labels below for more!

Lego rotary sequencer.

Published on Sep 14, 2016 Rare Beasts

"This is a Lego reproduction of a synth that I designed. Blocks are placed at the end of each arm, as the block passes the colour sensor the sound that corresponds with that colour is played."

More Mini Lego Synths

via @grobie

"Iconic synthesizers, reimagined in LEGO. They could become real sets with your free vote! https://goo.gl/aN8Bmt"

ContinuuCon 2016 Announced

via Haken Audio

"Continuum Enthusiasts –

ContinuuCon will be June 9-11 in Asheville NC. Asheville is in a beautiful part of the USA, even more amazing than central Illinois where I live. (Here in Illinois we have both kinds of plants, corn *and* soybeans, so central Illinois is pretty cool too, but come here some other time.) If you are unfamiliar with Asheville, check out this short video showing Asheville time-lapsed dawn-to-dusk, and you may be inspired to join us:
http://www.onlyinyourstate.com/north-carolina/asheville-nc-video-time-lapse/

ContinuuCon is being organized by Asheville area Continuum owners, and is sponsored by the Bob Moog Foundation, MakeNoise, and ExperimentalSynth.com. I am really pleased they are doing it – I was not involved in organizing the event, but Ed Eagan and I will drive there to join everyone taking part.

ContinuuCon is not a sales event, and there will be no special announcements or sales hype at ContinuuCon. The idea of ContinuuCon is that we all come together, get to know each other, and learn from each other. I will give a talk/demonstration that will show you much of the process of building a Continuum (including a live demonstration of the Continuum-Playing Lego Robot I use for testing Continuums), and I will show some of the Continuum insides and how explain why the Continuum has all those expensive guts, and I will bring some historical artifacts. But that’s just my talk, there will be lots of other presentations, concerts, and sharing of playing techniques, sound design techniques, and ideas. You will see some new things people are working on, including Ed’s new Surface Shaper he is bringing from Canada, and Christophe’s Wireless Remote he is bringing from France. (Speaking of Christophe, be sure to ask about his experience with Vangelis.)

I am thrilled ContinuuCon is happening. It is all being organized by people that purchased a Continuum and have gotten to like it enough to organize the conference. I can’t express how thankful I am that the Continuum means so much to people.

Thanks,
Lippold

PS: The official website is www.ContinuuCon.com – check it out, then buy your tickets!

PPS: If you want to give a presentation or performance, I don’t know if times are still available, I am not an organizer of this event – but you can email continuucon@gmail.com … If you are one of those Famous Individuals but do not want to give a presentation or performance or talk, that’s fine too, just come lurk!

PPPS: A message from Sally Sparks (of Asheville NC): Don't forget to snag your tickets for ContinuuCon 2016 before the end of the month to ensure the lower rate!"

Wintergatan's Marble Machine - performed on Teenage Engineering OP-1

Published on Apr 3, 2016 tubesockor

"Another tribute to Wintergatan's amazing 'Marble Machine' song & video! Here performed live on Teenage Engineering OP-1 instead of a gigant ball machine. I tried to be as true to the original as possible (down to each separate drum hit :) ). Instructions on what's going on are available in the video. I'm using the LEGO accessory to get better control over one of the parameters."

Ableton Introduces Max for Live Connection Kit

Published on Mar 24, 2016 Ableton

"For the tinkerers among you, Connection Kit is here: a new Max for Live Pack that makes it simpler than ever before to set up new and experimental ways to extend and interact with Live.

This free collection of Max for Live devices provides instant connection between Live and technologies like Arduino, LEGO® MINDSTORMS® EV3, OSC and much more.

Get the Max for Live Connection Kit for free here: https://www.ableton.com/packs/connect...

Breakdown of video:
00:02 Drumstick starts playhead, which triggers an LFO that controls a servo using the Arduino device
00:07 Another servo with a pen attached to it is being controlled by parameter changes in a clip
00:11 The golf ball is mapped to the XY pad of the Camera device, which controls the frequency of a filter
00:13 The pendulum swings between a light sensor and a light source, this motion modulates an EQ8
00:22 LFOs in Live are controlling graphics in Processing using OSC
00:25 Input from Leap Motion controls Live using OSC
00:30 The golf ball triggers a MIDI note
00:34 The JSON Video device loops a video snippet, creating a new beat
00:38 Automation in Live controls the motors of the LEGO® MINDSTORMS® EV3 device
00:50 The robot uses a crocodile clip to close a circuit when touching the banana
00:53 A pressure sensitive pad from littleBits™ is triggered by a hammer, causing the music to stop"

Brix System 2016 - Two LEGO game consoles and one synthesizer

Published on Mar 13, 2016 Love Hultén

"For more info, visit lovehulten.com"

See the Brix System channel below for previous posts.

Lego Eurorack Modules by decay

You might remember the Lego eurorack cases by decay. Here are some conceptual Lego modules via decay:

"I recently started to build some Modules out of Lego... They have no functionality (yet), although some knobs can be turned. They don´t represent any modules that are on the market. They could also be used as blank panel since they perfectly fit into Eurorack format...

Here you can have a look at the Legomodules:
Overview here
Detailed Pics here"

BRIX MUSIC TRIO 2016

Published on Feb 23, 2016 Love Hultén

What the? OK, this gets a post.

What you are looking at are musical instruments for the "Brix System - Handcrafted Wooden Electronic Devices Inspired by LEGO" with a Korg Kaossilator and Bliptronic 5000 built in.


For more, visit lovehulten.com.

Lego Eurorack Cases by decay

decay sent in these pics of his Lego eurorack case. You'll find more pics here.

"Lego Technic cases for modular eurorack systems. No screws, no glue used, just the rails to fix the modules."

Update: I asked decay how he fastened the rails to the case. Here's what he had to say: "the rails fit exact into the build case, so i just fixed the four edges with legoparts. the case is very stable and light…and of course modular, meaning if i want to make the case bigger let´s say 104HP i can just expand it…that´s the possibilities of Lego."

CLICK FOR MORE »

Four Iconic Keyboards, Reimagined in LEGO

via @groble

"Four iconic keyboards, reimagined in LEGO. They could become real sets with your free vote! https://goo.gl/aN8Bmt"

As readers of this site, I'd guess you can ID each?

Moog Modular 55 Lego Set Project Adds Bob Moog Minifig

"Moog Modular 55 project now includes a Bob Moog minifig! https://goo.gl/edrBUj"

Click through for details.

Moog Modular 55 Lego Set

Vote for Lego to make them here!

Another great set via andy g @grobie

You can also vote for his Minimoog Lego set here [previous post].

On the Moog 55 set:

"The synthesizer that started it all...The Moog System Modular Synthesizer, represented here by the widely-known 55 model.

In 1964, Dr. Robert Moog showed the first of his modular synthesizers to the world, and over the next few years transformed the emerging world of electronic music synthesis by taking a keyboard-based approach to the controlled manipulation of electronic sounds. The Moog 55 and subsequent models made their way into universities, concert stages, and recording studios around the world.

In a modular synthesizer, various electronic components such as voltage-controlled oscillators, amplifiers, filters, and envelopes are "patched" together in various ways by hardware cables, allowing the composer or player to a world of new sonic possibilities. Since the instrument is modular, various components can be swapped out, replaced, or upgraded to suit the needs of the musician.

This Lego-ified version of the Moog 55 has swappable black panels full of components, dials, and audio jacks that can be connected in various ways. Obviously, the elements are only meant to suggest the qualities of the various modular components, and the owner of this set could customize the cabling and dial and jack placement to their heart's content."

Mini LEGO Minimoogs

via @moogmusicinc, via @grobie

"I made Mini LEGO Minimoogs. Say that 5 times fast."

Update: More pics here and you can vote for them becoming an official LEGO kit here!

Details from LEGO Ideas:

"Go retro-analog with these miniaturized versions of the classic Minimoog synthesizer! The Model D (left) and the Voyager Old School (right) are both represented in a small display set that would look great on the shelf of any synth geek, electronics buff, or general music lover.

In 1970, Bob Moog's company revolutionized the synthesizer industry once again by incorporating elements of his monumental Moog Modular in an all-in-one portable package, enabling electronic musicians to easily bring these spectacular sounds onstage. The iconic Model D and its subsequent revisions defined the sound of bass and lead sounds in pop and rock music for decades. In 2002, along with the resurgence of retro synthesis, Moog repackaged the Minimoog into a new model, the Voyager. The Voyager "Old School" is the model depicted here.

The control panels are not intended to be a one-to-one reproduction of the control panels of these instruments, which would be practically impossible at this scale. Instead, I chose to simply suggest the knobs and switches and panel prints with simple elements. The design of the side panels closely resembles that of the original models: metallic on the Model D and wood-grain on the Voyager Old School. Both synths sit on simple Lego recreations of an X-style keyboard stand.

Another detail of note is the accurate representation of the keyboard. Many piano and organ builds do not accurately reflect the pattern of black keys in alternating groupings of 2 and 3, but I found a way to achieve this with a combination of a could hinge elements oriented in different directions. These all reside atop white grille tiles, but utilizing hidden jumper tiles to achieve the most correct proportion possible.

Possible project updates include additional Minimoog models and refinements. Models of synths or keyboards from other manufacturers will likely merit their own projects.

Synth lovers unite, and help make these recreations a reality! They look great on my desk, and they'd certainly look great on yours!"

Brix System by Love Hultén - Giant Wooden Lego Synth & More

Published on Apr 28, 2015 Love Hultén

"Brix System; a collection of functional, hand crafted life-sized LEGO bricks, custom made from wood."

"This conceptual collection consists of eight scale 6:1 versions of classic Lego bricks, each fully functional in one way or the other.

'Like most people, I was raised by Lego. For this project, I chose to work with a set of decorated bricks from the iconic 79-87 'Legoland Space' line, mainly because of nostalgic reasons. These were bricks that would trigger my imagination as a kid. 25 years later, and they still trigger'

Size for a 4x4 brick is 20x20cm, that is scale 6:1

For more info, visit www.lovehulten.com"

Brix System part 2 - Additional music machines

Toa Mata Band - Episode4

Published on Sep 2, 2015 Opificio Sonico

Previous posts here

"Toa Mata Band is known as the World's first LEGO robotic band controlled by Arduino Uno, which is hooked up to a MIDI sequencer. In this video (the fourth episode) the robots are playing another tribute, this time to the coolest electronic music duo ever. Enjoy!

The performance was recorded live in July 2015.

Artwork: Giuseppe Acito
Camera: Giulio Masieri
Music: de Homem-Christo\Bangalter
Performed: Toa Mata Band

:: Booking: http://www.fpartists.com/ar...

https://soundcloud.com/opif...
opificiosonico@libero.it
http://www.opificiosonico.com"

Happy Birthday Commodore Amiga!

The Amiga Demoscene Mixtape Vol. 1 - mixed by DJ Arvy (The Old-School Classics Edition)

Published on Jun 11, 2013 DJ Arvy

The Commodore Amiga turns 30 today! via Boing Boing

Playlist:

1. The Amiga Demoscene Mixtape Vol. 1 - mixed by DJ Arvy (The Old-School Classics Edition)
"A non-stop DJ Continous Mix featuring some of the greatest and most popular Soundtracks from the early 90s Old School Amiga Demos.

Playlist:
0:05 "Deep Space" by Greg (from "Odyssey" by Alcatraz, 1992)
0:45 "Stardust Memories" by Jester (from "World of Commodore" by Sanity, 1992)
4:15 "Part6" by Greg (from "Odyssey" by Alcatraz, 1992)
6:35 "Hyperbased" by Firefox & Tip (from "Enigma" by Phenomena, 1991)
11:19 "Checknobankh" by Laxity (from "Desert Dream" by Kefrens, 1993)
14:25 "Elysium" by Jester (from "Elysium" by Sanity, 1991)
17:50 "Vite and Plack" by Virgill (from "Interference" by Sanity, 1993)
21:41 "Part3" by Greg (from "Odyssey" by Alcatraz, 1992)
23:21 "Overload" by Firefox & Tip (from "Voyage" by Razor 1911, 1991)
29:30 "Nagual Dance" by Jugi (from "Paradigma" by Complex, 1993)
33:35 "Demomodul#3" by Laxity (from "Desert Dream" by Kefrens, 1993)
37:55 "Cyberride" by Jester (from "Extension" by Pygmy Projects, 1993)
42:16 "A nice Day for a Walk" by Julius / Mad Freak (from "3D Demo II" by Anarchy, 1992)

Free MP3-Download at soundcloud:
https://soundcloud.com/deejay-arvy/th..."

2. The Amiga Demoscene Mixtape Vol. 2 - mixed by DJ Arvy (Old Skool) ft. Mods by Moby, Laxity and more

CLICK FOR MORE »

The Many Sounds of Analog Synthesis (CB's DIY Modular Synthesizer)

Published on May 5, 2015 Chris Beckstrom

"A collection of patches that demonstrate the variety of sounds my synthesizer can make. All sounds are made by the synth except for a splash of spring reverb.

For more about this project:
http://cb.hopto.org/cbfishes/2015/05/...

Here is each patch from the video:
0:00 Shotgun-shell Light "Theremin"
0:41 Acid bass sequence
1:20 Tuned Noise
1:42 Weird Resistor Ladder Sequencing
2:09 Big Thick Drone
2:31 Playing my Stylophone-style Keyboard
2:51 Playing the keyboard with fingers instead
3:08 Cowbell!
3:29 Laser bass drums
3:45 10 step sequencer as oscillator
4:10 Manual and clocked arpeggios"

Chris Beckstrom's DIY Modular Synth- Improvisation 5/4/2015

Published on May 4, 2015

"Improvising with my DIY modular analog synthesizer. I've been building this synth for a few months now, now it's time to learn to play it! Here's some improvisation/noodling from this morning. The synth was recorded live through an analog mixer (with a touch of spring reverb) into Ableton Live."

Interesting bit via CB's website:

"My approach to building the modules– the various musical Lego bricks– was to use the simplest circuits possible and keep the per-module features low. I wanted each piece to do one thing well; before starting this project I had zero electronics experience, zero understanding of the inner workings of synthesizer hardware, and zero math skills. I reasoned that if I created one thing at a time, eventually I would have enough modules to make some sounds. Keeping the features low helped me keep the circuits simple. If any experienced DIYer looked at my circuits they’d see how laughably simple they are, but in the end it doesn’t matter. All that matters is the sounds that come out!

So far I’ve probably put about $100 into this instrument, most of that expense coming from the electronic components themselves. Aside from the Monotron I panel-mounted, everything was built from raw components following schematics I found on the internet. No kits. I’ve altered most of the circuits to cooperate with the rest of my synth– removed capacitors here, added resistors there– completely by trial and error. I don’t have an oscilloscope, so the main way I test things is by actually using the synth (to hear if the LFOs are working correctly, I have them modulate an oscillator). I think this is a different approach than some electronics enthusiasts who rely mostly on the oscilloscope to show them what is happening. So far it’s mostly worked– aside from the hours spent troubleshooting circuits that didn’t work..."

MESSE 2015: Patchblocks

Published on Apr 16, 2015 sonicstate

"MESSE 2015: Patchblocks Lego for music geeks!"

Toa Mata Band - Episode3 - Lego Synth Depeche Mode Cover - Everything Counts

"Everything Sounds" Published on Aug 11, 2014 Opificio Sonico

Follow-up to The Toa Mata Band - Tiny Robots Playing Tiny Synths

"Toa Mata Band is known as the World's first LEGO robotic band controlled by Arduino Uno which is hooked up to a MIDI sequencer. In this video, the third episode, the robots are playing some unconventional drum-percussions made by some food packaging are captured by a contact microphone (piezo) and processed in real time in the D.A.W. Ableton Live. A brand new device appears for the first time, it's a moving platform on x-axis, made of Lego bricks, gears and servo motors that permits to move with semitones-steps the tiny synth.

The song is a cover of the famous synth-pop band Depeche Mode, it's a personal tribute to the band who made my days in the 80's.

The performance was recorded live in July 2014.

This video is only a showcase of my works, it's not for commercial
use.

Artwork:Giuseppe Acito
Camera: Luca Zanna for ZeD video project
Music: Martin Lee Gore
Performed: Acito & Toa Mata Band

opificiosonico@libero.it
http://www.opificiosonico.com
https://www.facebook.com/ToaMataBand
https://www.flickr.com/photos/opificiosonico/
https://twitter.com/OpificioSonico


\\\ Thank you for watching and don't forget to subscribe my channel ///"