Micromac D Part One: Introduction

Published on Oct 4, 2013 macbethsynthesizers·89 videos

"This is the first video aimed to demonstrate the diverse capabilities of the three oscillator desktop sized MacBeth X-Series Micromac-D analogue synthesizer. In this video, I briefly explain the functionality of the unit. Next video to follow..Thanks for watching!"

Micromac D Part Two: Oscillators

Published on Oct 7, 2013 macbethsynthesizers·90 videos

"This is the second video aimed to demonstrate the diverse capabilities of the three oscillator desktop sized MacBeth X-Series Micromac-D analogue synthesizer. In this video, we get to hear what the Oscillator section does, plus a few extras! As always, when things get going- hows does one adequately show what the potential of this thing has? Watch on...........there's some Trio-phony too!"

Macbeth X-Series Dual Oscillator MK2

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

via this auction

"Macbeth X-Series Dual Oscillator MKII module.

Dual oscillator with parallel outputs
6 waveforms – 12 outputs in total!
sync function
octave switches + continuous pitch control per osc
noise generator + ring modulator
extensive CV control"

CLICK FOR MORE »

Macbeth: X-Series 'Backend' Filter

flickr by Analogue Haven

"The Macbeth X-Series 'Backend' Filters are here! Beautiful construction and very nice sounding, they share the same price and size as the Dual Oscillators. Having both completes a synthesizer "voice" in Eurorack. Modules ship from stock via our website. LINK: www.analoguehaven.com/macbethstudiosystems/xseriesbackend..."

Macbeth: X-Series Dual Oscillator ready to ship

flickr by Analogue Haven

"Great shot of the first batch of Macbeth X-Series Dual Oscillators on their way over from Scotland. We are anxiously awaiting delivery of these and we will update our website as soon as they come in. About half of the first batch of 20 are reserved with serious interest in the remaining modules. LINK"

Macbeth X Series BBD fun

Published on Apr 26, 2015 jakobsweb

"I had some fun with my modular synthesizer and thought I'd share this with anyone interested.

BBD stands for Bucket Brigade Delay (with Doepfer the D stands for Device). A technique used in pre-digital times to create audio delay, flanger or chorus effects (says Doepfer).

In this vid I played around using my much loved Macbeth X-Series VCOs and filter, arpeggiated by a Mutable Instruments Yarns midi/cv modul. The 2 LP outs of the SV filter go into a Doepfer BBD module with 1024 stages (means quite fast delays - I also have the Tapped BBD module with various outputs worth another vid). The slower the delays the more noise is added by the BBD module (good filters can reduce this to some extent). From the Doepfer BBD module the signal goes into a Synth Tech E580 Resampling Delay module that also has a BBD setting, creating the effect digitally. Funnily enough the SynthTech module also produces a slight noise floor in the BBD setting ... The E580 however is a stereo module and offers an wide range of delay settings. From there each audio output of the E580 (delayy out plus tap out) goes into a separate VCA (Doepfer A-132-3) from there into a panning module (Doepfer A-134-1).
I added some beats and stuff to show that an effect like that can work in a musical context."

Macbeth X-Series: Oscillator

flickr By Analogue Haven

"The next Eurorack module from Macbeth Studio Systems will be the Oscillator. More than just one half of the Dual Oscillator, this single module retains the full and rich sound of the original but offers a wide range Osc Sweep knob as opposed to the octave switch while still using the luxury multi-turn fine tuning pot. It also has a switch to put it into LFO mode as well as two seperate sub oscillator outputs- in addition to all the standard waveform outputs.

We expect the X-Series Oscillator in early January for a price around $699. The size is 21 HP. For those who already have a Dual Oscillator, it makes a perfect third oscillator/modulator for that classic "Minimoog voice".

LINK: www.analoguehaven.com/macbethstudiosystems/."

Don't miss Ken MacBeth's New Years video.

MacBeth Studio Systems Website Update with Pricing & a New Video

micromac with dual sv filter - New X-Series micromac & Dual Filter Demo

YouTube Uploaded by macbethsynthesizers on Mar 25, 2012

"Here's a video [image posted here] that I've just done of the micromac prototype loaded into a 3U Eurorack housing- Featured with it is the MacBeth X-Series Dual SV Filter- they make an interesting match! At times there is plenty of 'ah yah ah yah ah yah' sounds! Two oscillators were taken from the micromac and plugged into the Dual SV- the Vortex prototype pvides us with LFO modulation here!
Apologies for the indistinct talking through this one- toothache!! has set in! Anyway- I hope you enjoy this pure analogue example of synth stuff!"



www.macbethstudiosystems.com/

via Ken MacBeth on Facebook

"Well....that's the website updated- easy links to the distributers, prices, launch time info for the micromac!"

MacBeth Studio System X-Series Modular

More info is up at MacBeth Studio Systems

"Introducing the MacBeth X-Series Modular Synthesizer! This is the start of an on going open plan system aimed at discerning and creative musicians. The 5U format is an established one and has been around since the sixties. More and more- electronic music artists are seeking to expand the palette of their synthesizer tools into modular analogue synthesizers."

Be sure to see this video.

Some Details on the New MacBeth M5X and Eurorack Modules?

via Ken MacBeth on Muff's Modules and More: "the M5X is due for launch some 8 - 10 weeks from now. I'm awaiting parts being manufactured and coming into the UK. The M5 and M5N have proved to be popular- and I have had many enquiries over the past while requesting information on how to get a unit. The M5N is now discontinued, but a new version with some different features is now on the horizon. Since I have been developing the circuits for the X-Factor synth- which has spawned some modular development- I have decided to vamp up the M5N taking it too- to a different level. All circuits within are being redesigned to the X-Series level that have been talked about elsewhere on this forum. For me, it's an exciting challenge and I can't wait for the result. There are still a crew out there who want the semi-modular approach, normalised jack sockets and all...so keep looking. Today- I hope to conclude a design for the 3U guys too... hihi ...it's 5.32 am here- so on with the day!!

Ken"

via Mr. Array.

Update: Mr Array reminded me this is the first mention of 3U modules. Note the X Series modules previously posted are 5U. See these posts for more X Series including video. Scroll when you get there.

Macbeth Micromac D

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

via this auction

"This Macbeth X-Series Micromac D fully analog synth is in excellent cosmetic condition, it works as it should, no functionality issues. It has seen very light use.

This is a rare synth, was made in the UK out of production, and hard to come by. Built like a tank. Solid enclosure and solid controls. No cheap Chinese plastic components here.

“The fattest vintage sounding desktop analogue synthesizer available.”

Sold with its power adapter for 220v.

A masterpiece by Scottish synth designer genius Ken Macbeth, this is Ken’s take on the classic Minimoog Model D concept of a 3-VCO synth with a 24db ladder filter.

Ken Macbeth is - besides Wowa Cwejman - the best boutique analog synth builder of our time, doing everything the old-school way of through-hole solering. This is true analog!
The sound that his synths deliver is simply out of this world and the Micromac D is no exception. Despite its desktop size it packs a heavy punch. Seriously - in terms of sound this is as good as it gets.



Here are the specs:

3 x 1v/octave tracking voltage controlled oscillators.
Oscillators 1 and 2 featuring 4 waveforms: sawtooth, square, triangle and sine. oscillators 1 and 2 feature pwm control inputs.
Oscillator 3 featuring 6 waveforms: sawtooth, square, triangle, sine, ramp and lower frequency noise.
Oscillator 2 can be hard synchronized to oscillator 1.
Oscillator 3 can be used as a modulation source, both in the audio range and the low frequency range. oscillator 3 can be used to modulate oscillators 1 and 2 as well as the voltage controlled filter. oscillator 3 can be disconnected from the main controlling cv.
Oscillators 1,2 and 3 feature separate control voltage inputs for external control sources.
Oscillators 1,2 and 3 have separate audio outputs (pre-mixer) for external proccessing in other systems.
Oscillators feature separate attenuated volume controls into the filter.
Oscillators 1,2 and 3 feature both course and fine tune frequency controls that have a range above and below the audio spectra.
Noise generator features white noise with its own attenuated volume control into the filter. setting 6 on the oscillator 3 waveform control allows a lower frequency noise to be used for modulation effects and can also be used as audio source.
1v/octave voltage controlled filter:
24db/octave transistor ladder low pass filter. oscillates at high 'q'/resonance.
Tracking of the filter from the main cv input can be 0%/half/full (0v/octave, 1v octave and 1.5v/octave)
The filter also features a separate 1v/octave external cv input for other control sources.
The vcf is swept directly by its own envelope generator.
2 x envelope generators. ads/switchable release type. filter eg can be switch between a positive going envelope or an inverted envelope. filter eg can be switched to sweep oscillator 2 for hard synchronization sweeps. vca eg can be diconnected via an external vca cv input socket.

All analogue circuitry used in the design is the 'old school' through hole parts."

Macbeth Studio Systems: X-Series Dual EG

flickr By Analogue Haven

"New from Macbeth, the Dual Envelope Generator in Eurorack continues his "X-Series". Here is a photo of the final prototype.

The Dual EG is a classic dual ADSR design and includes a "bonus" utility VCA. The module was made to be versatile, thanks to the range control, but extra attention was placed on the envelope attack and decay times to allow fast, "clicky" envelopes much like a Roland Sh-101.

The module is in production now along with the Dual SV Filter. It should be available within a few weeks. We'll update our website closer to the release date.

LINK for more info: www.macbethstudiosystems.com/ (X-Series tab)."

MacBeth - new x-series 1.mpg

YouTube Uploaded by macbethsynthesizers on Oct 19, 2011

"This is first short intro vid for the new Macbeth X-Series Modules in 3U- more to follow- but I like the slightly heavy feel to this! You are basically listening to one oscillator triggering two dual EGs sweeping the the dual SV filter- so it's one filter module that you are hearing!
Available from Analogue Haven and Schneidersladen very shortly!"

Macbeth Micromac-D X-Series Analog Voltage Controlled Desktop Synth

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

via this auction, also on Reverb

"This Macbeth X-Series Micromac D synth is in excellent cosmetic condition, and it works as it should, no functionality issues. Made in the UK. As you may know, this is a rare synth, out of production, and hard to come by. Built like a tank. Solid enclosure and solid controls."

CLICK FOR MORE »

Macbeth X-series Dual Oscillator

flickr by Analogue Haven

"Now with a name and probably a final front panel. We are taking pre-orders for Macbeth's new X-Series Dual Oscillator in Eurorack format (see link below). The price is $1295 plus shipping, delivery time is approximately 5 weeks. The first module run will be small. LINK"

macbeth x series 1

YouTube via macbethsynthesizers
"Stills of Ken MacBeth with the X-Series modular prototype modules. Soundtrack made with the same..."
Images of modules here

Macbeth X-Series Micromac-D

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

via this auction

"A masterpiece by Scottish synth designer genius Ken Macbeth, this is Ken’s take on the classic Minimoog Model D concept of a 3-VCO synth with a 24db ladder filter.

Ken Macbeth is - besides Wowa Cwejman - the best boutique analog synth builder of our time, doing everything the old-school way of through-hole solering. This is true analog!

The sound that his synths deliver is simply out of this world and the Micromac D is no exception. Despite its desktop size it packs a heavy punch. Seriously - in terms of sound this is as good as it gets.

CLICK FOR MORE »

MacBeth Mk1 Modular Synthesizer Setup 1

MacBeth Mk1 Modular Synthesizer Setup 1 by macbeth synthesizers

"Hi this is a recording of 4 separate stereo tracks using the MacBeth Mk1 Modular Synthesizer (prototypes)
The main bassline is 2 x Mk1 Oscillators fed via the Mk1 8 Input Mixer into the Mk1 Filter 'A'. Also used on this track is the Mk1 Dual EGs module with discrete VCA. The Mk1 Filter is used in 6dB/Octave, 12dB/Octave and 24dB/Octave modes. All played manually via the X-Series Analogue Keyboard Controller! Some delay and reverb added- hope you enjoy this demo- Ken"


Mk1 Setup 2 by macbeth synthesizers

"Here is another track that I did with MacBeth Mk1 prototypes- again- played by hand! ...at times ham fisted! Ken"

follow-up to this video

Macbeth Dual Oscillator

via this auction
"Macbeth Dual Oscillator for Eurorack Modular synthesizers. For those of you who don't know you need a standard eurorack case to power this unit, doepfer etc. Unit works great it's not very old and in perfect condition. I personally think this is the best sounding euro oscillator module on the market, it has a real classic vintage sound and honestly sounds fatter than a lot of vintage analog oscillators. Completely worth the money, some people gripe about macbeth prices but they are missing out!!! Simply the best and I've owned two macbeth M5s and can tell you the dual oscillator module sounds better, more gooey and warm and breathes with more life than the m5 oscs. I'm thinking this is actually the first used Macbeth Dual Osc to hit ebay??? I'm only selling to fund another big synth purchase and I'm selling off my euro stuff because I don't like patching all that much with little tiny 1/8th cords haha. These are $1299 new and here in CA there is crazy tax so don't miss out on the buy now... always lots of watchers on the modular stuff so act fast and treat yourself to the best analog oscillators around. I must just say that the ring mod on this thing is to die for, it's so freakin warm and good sounding and I've tried a lot of ring mods..."

Macbeth X-Series Dual Oscillator

previously posted

MacBeth Mk1/X-Series Touch Keyboard 2

MacBeth Mk1/X-Series Touch Keyboard 2 from Ken MacBeth on Vimeo.

"Hers's a smaller file sized vid that I have just done before I turn in! This is 2 x Mk1 Oscillator 'A' and 1x Mk1 Oscillator 'B' with it's sub octaves- Filter is Mk1 Filter 'A' on 6dB/Octave slope. Again we see the the touch keyboard prototype that I've tried out- just 5 notes! The bigger version to follow!

Ken M"

Follow-up to this video post.

DSC 0244 - Ken MacBeth and Prototype X-Series Keyboard Controller

YouTube via macbethsynthesizers

"...Ken MacBeth demonstrates the prototype of the X-Series Analogue Keyboard Controller- more of this vid shortly- this is just a clip! Although capable of some fancy keyboard licks- this vid shows the monster it can become. It has bot Pitch Bend and Modulatio wheels- in this case one of the two LFOs has been overidden by the insertion of an oscillator from an M5N as a modulation source- enjoy!"

Update:

MacBeth All Analogue Keyboard un-edited #2

YouTube via macbethsynthesizers.

"- here is another example of that analogue kbd controller being played in a more softer fashion akin to the lead style. As you can see- this prototype is not housed yet so it moves around a bit- but none the less- it gives you some idea of what is going on! The unit features two LFOs- inspired by the Sonic Six! I hope that you enjoy- Ken M

PS- shot using a Nikon D90- Tamron 80-210 of old. This vid is completely unedited as yet"