Vector Synthesis with Pure Data and the Vectrex by macumbista

Vector Synthesis - Disembodied Hand from macumbista on Vimeo.

"This video employs my Vector Synthesis library for Pure Data to produce an animated vector image using audio signals, which is then displayed on an XY oscilloscope. Here, the shape being displayed is a 3D OBJ file, rendered as three audio signals -- one for each of the X, Y, and Z axes -- with rotations applied to all three dimensions. Display monitor is a 1950's tube oscilloscope which got hot enough to toast bread during the making of this video."

More examples below - don't miss the last one. Vimeo still does not support playlists as far as I am aware of, so popping each one up individually here. Also see Vector Video Synthesis with a Vectrex and Cocoquantus by Hainbach.

CLICK FOR MORE »

Neanderthals Electronics workshops on tour April-June 2009!

".:::DATES + CITIES:::.

20-24 Apr: Queen St. Studios, Belfast UK
04-09 May: eNKa, Berlin DE
25-29 May: Lydgalleriet, Bergen NO
01-05 Jun: WORM, Rotterdam NL

.:::NEANDERTHAL ELECTRONICS:::.

More than 40,000 years ago, our Neanderthal predecessors invented the first music instruments from simple objects around them (bones and stones, sticks and skins...), without reference to any existing music history, and primarily for their own pleasure rather than that of others.

Nowadays, we use complex audio hardware and software which make it "easier" to make music, so long as we channel our creativity into such socially acceptable avenues as Western Classical or Minimal Techno. As with any established genre, the results are often completely predictable, and therefore quite boring.

But some of us, deep in our wild hearts, still long for the Stone Age simplicity of pure noise!

This 5 day workshop is designed for 8-10 people, possibly with a background in sound, but with no previous electronics experience. They are shown how to use simple objects from our modern environment (resistors, capacitors, transistors, LEDs, integrated circuit chips...) to design and build their own personal, customized primitive noise synthesizers. Each is a tiny world of its own, using primitive analog computers in combination with feedback, sensors and audio inputs to create a unique sound. Even from the same plan, no two are alike!

Participants are encouraged to use found materials for the construction of their personal instrument. The workshop concludes with a group performance and an invitation to the audience to experiment with each of the instruments which have been created.

.:::VIDEOS FROM PREVIOUS WORKSHOPS::::.

http://www.vimeo.com/album/64426
[You might remember these from this previous post]


Neanderthal Electronics workshop, Tartu Estonia from macumbista on Vimeo.


Copenhagen Noise Workshop from macumbista on Vimeo.

.:::ABOUT THE INSTRUCTOR:::.

Derek Holzer (1972) is an American sound artist living in Berlin, whose current interests include DIY analog electronics, sound art, field recording and the meeting points of electroacoustic, noise, improv and heavy metal music. He has played live experimental sound as Macumbista or Derek Holzer--as well as taught workshops in Pure Data and electronics--across Europe, North America, Brazil and New Zealand.
http://blog.myspace.com/macumbista
http://www.vimeo.com/macumbista
http://www.umatic.nl/info_derek.html

.:::REGISTRATION INFO:::.

Please register early for all workshops, as they are limited to 10 places each! All workshop fees include electronic components + use of tools.

BELFAST

***DATES: Monday 20 April - Friday 24 April 2009 10.00-16.00 daily
***LOCATION: Digital Arts Studios, 37-39 Queen Street Belfast BT1 6EA
***COST: This workshop is FREE!
***FINAL PRESENTATION: Saturday, 25 April 2009 9pm til late. Catalyst Arts, 5 College Court Belfast BT1 6BX. £5 donation welcome.
***REGISTRATION: events@digitalartsstudios.com or phone 02890312900

BERLIN

***DATES: Monday 4 May - Saturday 9 May 2009 12.00-18.00 daily
***LOCATION: eNKa / ElsenStr. 52 (2.Hof) Berlin, Germany
***COST: 120 EUR
***FINAL PRESENTATION: Saturday 9 May, 19.00, eNKa
***REGISTRATION: eNKa_NK@gmx.de www.myspace.com/enka52 +49 (0)176 20626386

BERGEN

***DATES: Monday 25 May - Friday 29 May 2009 10.00-16.00 daily
***LOCATION: Lydgalleriet, Østre Skostredet 3, Bergen, Norway
***COST: 500 NOK (approx 56 EUR)
***FINAL PRESENTATION: Friday 29 May, 19.00, Lydgallerie
***REGISTRATION: post@lydgalleriet.no +47 48 23 78 88

ROTTERDAM

***DATES: Monday 1 June - Friday 5 June 2009 11.00-18.00 daily
***LOCATION: WORM, Achterhaven 148, Rotterdam
***COST: 50 EUR
***FINAL PRESENTATION: Friday 5 June, 21.00, WORM, 5 EUR entry
***REGISTRATION: workshop@moddr.net

--
::: derek holzer ::: http://blog.myspace.com/macumbista ::: http://www.vimeo.com/macumbista :::
---Oblique Strategy # 193:"

Macumbista Fuzztone SoundBox

Note: Auction links are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.
video upload by Chris Menes Sound

"A short demo of my 'Macumbista' sound box. Built at a workshop in London with sound artist, Derek Holzer a few years ago. It is a simple amplifier circuit with a speaker. The spring has a contact mic attached to it and it generates feedback when it's placed on the speaker. The touch points connect to various parts of the circuit so you can circuit bend it with your hands."

via this auction

Note this is not the same one in the video above.

"Macumbista Fuzztone SoundBox Synthesizer Super Rare

Purchased directly from Derek Holzer of Macumbista

Rarely used and in perfect condition

Comes with Spring/Contact Mic

This was over an 8 month waiting list and they are no longer being made

Runs on a 9 volt battery

This has touch points and can be played alone as a noise source or you can use the contact mic or plug any line level source in and create

Full details from the Macumbista Website:

A new generation of the SoundBoxes is born, combining the touchable body contacts and high-gain portable amplifier from the original design with a nasty distortion with enough controls to keep your fingers busy wiggling for a long while.

OVERVIEW

* Large, high-efficiency (read: LOUD!) 12cm speaker
* High-gain input, suitable for contact microphone, electric guitar, etc. (Line level signals can be attenuated if clipping is not intended.)
* Line output
* Neutrik 6.3mm (1/4 inch) jacks on both input and output
* Four-control, switchable, extreme[!], vintage hand-selected Germanium transistor distortion
* Six “circuit-bending” touchpoints
* 9V battery operation
* Includes a resonant spring contact microphone.

This SoundBox could easily be used as a portable guitar amplifier with built-in distortion, for example, or can be used as an instrument in it’s own right to create a wide range of electronic sounds and textures.

The sound of this instrument is quite similar to what can be heard in the following video (however the video was done with the SoundBox and FuzzTone distortion pedal as separate units). Through the creative use of feedback, as well as the CHP and SQZ settings on the pedal, generative tones and chaotic patterns can emerge"

CLICK FOR MORE »

Macumbista Benjolin V3 2014

via Macumbista

"I am currently taking orders for the next run of the Macumbista Benjolin V3 2014.

The Benjolin is a standalone synthesizer designed by Rob Hordijk from the Netherlands. It contains two oscillators (one LFO and one VCO), a voltage controlled filter and a circuit called a “Rungler”, which allows chaotic cross-modulation possibilities between the different parts of the circuit. Hordijk refers to the Benjolin as a circuit which has been “bent by design.”

These hand-made Macumbista Benjolins have been further customized with a patchbay, which can be used to interface with other modular synthesizers or to setup further control voltage feedback systems within the Benjolin itself, attenuators on the three control voltage input and LEDs displaying the internal state of the Rungler."


See the link above for price, additional details and demos.

Macumbista Rob Hodijk Benjolin Update

via macumbista.net where orders are open. You'll find additional pics and a filter input demo there as well.

"The Benjolin is a standalone synthesizer designed by Rob Hordijk from the Netherlands. It contains two oscillators (one LFO and one VCO), a low pass filter and a circuit called a “Rungler”, which allows chaotic cross-modulation possibilities between the different parts of the circuit. Hordijk refers to the Benjolin as a circuit which has been “bent by design.”

These hand-made Macumbista Benjolins have been further customized with a patchbay, which can be used to interface with other modular synthesizers, or to setup further feedback systems within the Benjolin itself, a switchable external line input to the Benjolin filter and LEDs displaying the internal state of the Rungler..."


"Quick and dirty demo of Benjolin 2013v1, the first of several Benjolins to be built for sale in 2013. The Benjolin is a standalone synthesizer designed by Rob Hordijk from the Netherlands. It contains two oscillators (one LFO and one VCO), a pair of band-pass filters and a circuit Hordijk calls a “Rungler”, which allows chaotic cross-modulation possibilities between the different parts of the circuit. This hand-made Benjolin has been further customized with a patchbay, which can be used to interface with other modular synthesizers, or to setup further feedback systems within the Benjolin itself, as well as LEDs displaying the internal state of the Rungler."

macumbista Spring SoundBoxes 2013

via macumbista where you'll find more pics.

"The Spring SoundBoxes are small, portable and battery-powered electro-acoustic instruments. They can create a variety of drone and reverb-type sounds through feedback between a small speaker and a resonant piezo-electric microphone, as seen in this video [previously posted here]. Or they can bring out the hidden sounds within found objects as seen in this video [previously posted here].

These SoundBoxes are unique, handmade works of sonic art, made from German cigar boxes dating from the 1930′s to the 1960′s, and feature 92mm black speakers, a resonant-spring contact mic, a line-out for recording and “circuit-bending” body contacts. They can also simply be used as cigar-box amplifiers for whatever other electronic instruments you might have.

Each of these SoundBoxes can be purchased for EUR 83 (EU) / EUR 69.75 (ex-EU) plus postage costs. Please include the number in the edition which interests you. This is the first ten of an edition of thirty this season. Contact “macumbista” AT_THE_DOMAIN “gmail.com”.

The next SoundBoxes in this edition will feature a smaller, backlit 77mm transparent speaker with artwork inside the boxes, and will be announced in the coming week. Thank you for your kind attention..."

Macumbista Benjolin Butterfly V2 Desktop Synth

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

via this auction

CLICK FOR MORE »

TONEWHEELS trailer

TONEWHEELS trailer from macumbista on Vimeo.

"TONEWHEELS is an experiment in converting graphical imagery to sound, inspired by some of the pioneering 20th Century electronic music inventions. Transparent tonewheels with repeating patterns are spun over light-sensitive electronic circuitry to produce sound and light pulsations and textures. This all-analog set is performed entirely live without the use of computers, using only overhead projectors as light source, performance interface and audience display. In this way, TONEWHEELS aims to open up the "black box" of electronic music and video by exposing the working processes of the performance for the audience to see.

Derek Holzer: sounds, electronics
umatic.nl/tonewheels.html"

TONEWHEELS Cologne

TONEWHEELS Cologne from macumbista on Vimeo.
"First TONEWHEELS performance, August 25 2007 at the "Kunst & Musik mit dem Tageslichtprojektor" workshop, Molkerei Gallery Cologne, DE. Yes, I do bite the electronics and get a mouthful of 12V DC at the end!

Derek Holzer: sounds, electronics"

Macumbista Benjolin Circuit-Bent Noise Synthesizer Rob Hordijk Design

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

via this auction

"The Benjolin is a standalone synthesizer designed by Rob Hordijk from the Netherlands. It contains two oscillators (one LFO and one VCO), a voltage controlled filter and a circuit called a “Rungler”, which allows chaotic cross-modulation possibilities between the different parts of the circuit. Hordijk refers to the Benjolin as a circuit which has been “bent by design.”

These hand-made Macumbista Benjolins have been further customized with a patchbay, which can be used to interface with other modular synthesizers or to setup further control voltage feedback systems within the Benjolin itself, attenuators on the three control voltage input and LEDs displaying the internal state of the Rungler. This particular Benjolin has BLUE CV/audio output banana jacks and YELLOW CV input banana jacks. The BLACK banana jack is wired through the volume knob to a 6.33mm (1/4") Neutrik output jack on the back.

You can watch a short demo of two of these Benjolins in action here: http://vimeo.com/70111383 [posted here]

The patchbay of these Benjolins has banana jack connections for the square and triangle waveforms of each of the two oscillators, the Pulse Width Modulation output of the two oscillators, the Rungler output, the XOR (exclusive/or) logic operation of the two oscillators and the output of the filter.

There are also banana jack control voltage inputs with attenuators for the frequency of each of the two oscillators and the filter cutoff frequency. The layout of the panel is designed to be both intuitive and playable (unlike many EuroRack modules, for example…). And finally, the three output bits of the Rungler have been visualized with red, green and blue LEDs.

All Benjolins use a Neutrik 6.3mm (1/4″) output jack, an additional GROUND banana jack to interface with other modular systems and a 12 VAC “wall wart” power supply (mainland European and North American versions available).

I have been personally producing these hand-crafted Benjolins for the last two years under licensed agreement with Rob Hordijk. You can see more about them on my website.

You can find more detailed information about the Benjolin, and about the Rungler function in particular, here."

CLICK FOR MORE »

EMS Synthi 100 Oscillographics [Radio Belgrade Electronic Studio]

EMS Synthi 100 Oscillographics [Radio Belgrade Electronic Studio] from macumbista on Vimeo.

"This is a series of audiovisual X/Y oscilloscope patches for the EMS Synthi 100 at the Radio Belgrade Electronic Music Studio, and visualized on the Tektronix 5000 series modular rack oscilloscope. They were programmed to run autonomously without any human control. Most of them use two or three oscillators tuned to a close harmonic, and small changes in the frequencies (including temperature drift!) will make large changes in the image/sound. A couple use the Synthi 100's low pass filters as well. All are based on Ron Pellegrino's laser designs from "The Electronic Arts of Sound and Light" (1983)."


Oscillographics EMS Synthi 100 filter test [Radio Belgrade Electronic Studio] from macumbista on Vimeo.

"This is an audiovisual X/Y oscilloscope patch designed for the EMS Synthi 100 at the Radio Belgrade Electronic Music Studio and visualized on the Tektronix 5000 series modular rack oscilloscope. OSC 1 serves a visual purpose mainly and can be adjusted freely. OSC 2 provides the fundamental of the image/sound. OSC 10 sweeps FIL 2 through the harmonics and adds or subtracts nodes from the visual figure. Based on Ron Pellegrino's "Laser design 6", The Electronic Arts of Sound and Light (1983). NOTE: for X/Y display, replace "Time Base/Ampl" module on oscilloscope with "Y2" module.



* OSC 1 -> OUT 1

* OSC 2 -> FIL 2

* OSC 10 -> FIL 2 (control)

* FIL 2 -> OUT 1 (control)

* FIL 2 -> OUT 2

* FIL 2 -> OUT 2 (control)

* OUT 1 -> SCOPE Y1

* OUT 2 -> SCOPE X

* OSC 1 settings: 5:10:10:7.4

* OSC 2 settings: 5:5:7:2.5

* OSC 10 settings: 0:10:5:3.5:0

* FIL 2 settings: 5.5:5:10

* OUT1 settings: LVL:7, FIL: 5 (ON)

* OUT 2 settings: LVL: 7, FIL: 5 (ON)

* OUT 4 settings: LVL: 10, FIL: 0 (OFF)

* LEFT MATRIX (left:top) 69:56, 70:58, 85:36, 88:15, 105:37, 105:39

* RIGHT MATRIX (left:top) 77:18, 72:42, 72:43"

Macumbista Benjolin - Quick Example 01

Published on Jan 11, 2017 djangosfire

"Just a short improvised test example of what type of sounds are possible from the Benjolin circuit.

By no means is this a detailed demo - quick and fun only :)

This Benjolin V4 Macumbista was built by Derek Holzer.

Thank you - Adam"

cryptography (study I)

cryptography (study I) from macumbista on Vimeo.

"The "Cryptography Studies" examine the use of simple analog implementations of pseudo-random number generators, akin to those used in encryption algorithms, for the chaotic production of sound patterns. One of the simplest pseudo-random number generators is a three-stage shift register with a non-linear feedback loop, such as that found in Rob Hordijk's "Benjolin" instrument design.

This one was built over Easter weekend 2012 as a starting point for further research on the topic. I have focused on the chaotic zones which occur when new parameters have been set by the controls or feedback patching, before the machine settles into a steady state and predictable pattern.

You can read my extended musings on the relationship of cryptography and music here:

macumbista.net/?p=2697"

Macumbista Butterfly Benjolin analog modular synth

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

via this auction

"The Benjolin is a synthesizer designed by Rob Hordijk. It featrues two oscillators, a low pass filter and a random circuit of Rob's own design called a Rungler that outputs voltages, somewhat similar to a sample and hold circuit.

The Macumbista Benjolin is hand-built by Derek Holzer from Rob's circuit design. The Butterfly Benjolin you see here is actually TWO Benjolins together in one box. They are patchable via banana jacks. The cross modulation possibilities are endless.

This one is from 2014. Has the (discontinued) hand-stamped faceplate. Mine also has a mix output that uses the volume controls to blend both of the Benjolins and send out via a single 1/4 output. Very handy for showing up and plugging into an amp. Still has the standard single outs for each Benjolin as well. Comes with 6 banana cables.

I've taken very good care of it. No issues. Being a handmade instrument, it isn't perfect, but that's part of the charm."

CLICK FOR MORE »

DIY Doepfer and Analogue Systems Eurorack Modular

via macumbista. Click the image for the super size shot.

The system contains the following modules were are for sale:

Still available as of 16 July 2010:
Doepfer A-100P6 Suitcase 220V EUR 370 /75% = EUR 277.50
Doepfer A-175 Voltage Inverter EUR 45 / 75% = EUR 33.75
Doepfer A-135 Voltage Controlled Mixer EUR 120 / 75% = EUR 90
Doepfer A-138 Mixer (exp) EUR 45 / 75% = EUR 33.75

Added 16 July 2010:
Doepfer A-199 Spring Reverb (module only without tank, RCA jacks added to faceplate of module to allow tank to be kept outside case)
EUR 60 / 75% = EUR 45 RESERVED
Doepfer A-174-1 Joy-Stick (spring removed, stiff enough to hold its place)
EUR 75 / 75% = EUR 56.25 RESERVED
Doepfer A-136 Distortion/Waveshaper (broken trace on PCB repaired by hand, fully functional)
EUR 60 / 50% = EUR 30
Analogue Systems RS-40 Noise / Sample & Hold / Clock
EUR 139 / 75% = EUR 104.25
Analogue Systems RS-30 Frequency To Voltage Converter
EUR 115 / 75% = EUR 86.25

Added 25 August 2010:
Doepfer A-128 Fixed Filter Bank EUR 160 / 75% = EUR 120
Doepfer A-198 TRC Trautonium Ribbon Controller (module only, you will need to buy or make the ribbon controller yourself)
EUR 70 / 75% = EUR 52.50
Dual Lag Processor (DIY module, same as Livewire Dual Bissel Generator, retail EUR 179) EUR 40 RESERVED
Dual Lag Processor (DIY module, same as Livewire Dual Bissel Generator, retail EUR 179) EUR 40 RESERVED
Dual Tonepad Rebote Delay (DIY module, analog-sounding digital delay) EUR 40 RESERVED
Dual Tonepad Rebote Delay (DIY module, analog-sounding digital delay) EUR 40 RESERVED

Not Pictured:

Doepfer Pocket Control 16 knob MIDI controller, early version with black/blue paint and yellow lettering EUR 30
Assortment of Patch Cables 11 x 25cm (black), 7 x 50cm (gray), 9 x 75cm (red) EUR 12/EUR 0.50 each with module order
Blank Aluminum Panels (2mm thick, 128.5mm/3U high, undrilled, finished on one side with plastic protective film, good for use as blank panels or for DIY projects)
—9 x 4 HP (20mm) wide EUR 0.50
—12 x 8 HP (40.3mm) wide EUR 1.00
—10 x 12 HP (60.6mm) wide EUR 1.50

This Eurorack system is located in Berlin, Germany. All modules are in perfect condition unless noted, and all modules are fully functional. Prices do not include shipping, I will send a quote for that once we have agreed on what you would like to buy..." See macumbista for further details including contact info.

Vector Synthesis: a Media Archaeological Investigation into Sound-Modulated Light

You might remember some of Derek Holzer's aka macumbista's vector oscilloscope videos, including a couple from Hainbach featuring the Vextrex, previously posted here.

Derek wrote in to let us know he has a new book coming out, currently seeking funding on Kickstarter here. Click through for additional details and demos.

"Vector Synthesis: a Media Archaeological Investigation into Sound-Modulated Light is a computational art project inspired by theories of media archaeology, by the history of computer and video art, and by the use of discarded and obsolete technologies such as the Cathode Ray Tube monitor. This text explores the military and techno-scientific legacies at the birth of modern computing, and charts attempts by artists of the subsequent two decades to decouple these tools from their destructive origins. Using this history as a basis, I then describe a media archaeological, real time performance system using audio synthesis and vector graphics techniques to investigate direct relationships between sound and image using analog CRT displays. Key to this system is a didactic, open source approach which encourages reuse and modification by other artists. The conclusion of the book reflects on how the project and the research surrounding it has contributed to the larger experimental audiovisual arts community through events such as the Vector Hack Festival.

Example videos from the project can be viewed here: https://vimeo.com/macumbista

Artists discussed include Mary Ellen Bute, Ben Laposky, Lyn Lye, Norman McLaren, Desmond Paul Henry, James Whitney, John Whitney Sr., Dan Sandin, Steina Vasulka, Woody Vasulka, Larry Cuba, Bill Etra, Mitchell Waite, Rosa Menkman, Cracked Ray Tube, Andrew Duff, Benton C. Bainbridge, Philip Baljeu, Jonas Bers, Robin Fox, Robert Henke, Ivan Marušić Klif, Jerobeam Fenderson, Hansi Raber, Ted Davis, Roland Lioni, Bernhard Rasinger, and the Kikimore group.

I wrote this book over the period of 2017-2019 as part of my MA thesis in Sound in New Media at Aalto University in Helsinki. It is 122 pages long, has 21 illustrations, links to several video examples online, and was fabulously designed by Claire Matthews.

I'm launching this Kickstarter because so many of you expressed interest in having a printed copy of this work. The proceeds of this Kickstarter (after covering the printing costs) will be used to get copies of this to people who have assisted in its creation, and just as importantly to organizations who deserve one -- places like Signal Culture in Owego NY; Cirkulacija 2, Ljudmila, and Project Atol in Ljubljana; the Radio Belgrade Electronic Studio in Serbia; the Media Arts and Technology Department at the University of California Santa Barbara CA; or the Media Archaeology Lab in Boulder CO, who either have directly contributed to the development of this project over the years, or whose missions correspond strongly with my own. My aim is to print and distribute 100 copies, or more if there is additional interest. Your support of this publishing project will help make that possible.

REVIEW

'The aesthetics of the Vector Synthesis project are timely and capturing: when our world has become as politically and environmentally problematic as it is, with the whole Enlightenment project under threat, art somehow has to express this, and Holzer does this by applying the aesthetics of the glitch, the broken, the old and dirty, but with the belief that there within we find meaningful contemporary expression. This is an aesthetic that questions the techno-progressive ideology, the perfect technological society of the future, and admits that our universalising narratives of simulation, control, truth and identity have become problematic.' Thor Magnusson, Senior Lecturer in Music, University of Sussex, UK, author of "Sonic Writing: Technologies of Material, Symbolic, and Signal Inscriptions" (2019, Bloomsbury)."

On Kickstarter here.

Benjolin 2016 Pre-Orders Now Open

via macumbista: "The Benjolin is a standalone synthesizer designed by Rob Hordijk from the Netherlands. It contains two oscillators (one LFO and one VCO), a voltage controlled filter and a circuit called a 'Rungler', which allows chaotic cross-modulation possibilities between the different parts of the circuit. Hordijk refers to the Benjolin as a circuit which has been 'bent by design.'

These hand-made Macumbista Benjolins are officially licensed by Hordijk, and have been further customized with a patchbay, which can be used to interface with other modular synthesizers or to setup further control voltage feedback systems within the Benjolin itself, attenuators on the three control voltage input and LEDs displaying the internal state of the Rungler. The double version, which I have named the Butterfly Benjolin, allows incredible amounts of chaotic cross-modulation between the two halves of the instrument."

Neanderthal Electronics workshop, Tartu Estonia

Neanderthal Electronics workshop, Tartu Estonia from macumbista on Vimeo.
"More than 40,000 years ago, our Neanderthal ancestors invented the first music instruments from simple objects around them (bones and stones, sticks and skins...), without reference to any existing music history, and primarily for their own pleasure rather than that of others. Nowadays, we use complex audio hardware and software which make it "easier" to make music, so long as channel our creativity into such established and socially-accepted avenues as Western Classical or Minimal Techno. But some of us, deep in our hearts, still long for the Stone Age simplicity of pure noise!

In this four day workshop, which ran from 11-14 Feb 2009, ten Estonians with no previous electronics experience were shown how to use simple objects from our modern environment (resistors, capacitors, transistors, LEDs, integrated circuit chips...) to design and build their own personal, customized primitive noise synthesizers. They worked their asses off and enjoyed themselves immensely, and here are the results.

Please write to "derek" AT THE DOMAIN "umatic.nl" for more info about this workshop."

Copenhagen Noise Workshop

Copenhagen Noise Workshop from macumbista on Vimeo.
"From 2-6 February 2009, I worked with students from the Kunstakademiet in Copenhagen to create a series of personal noise devices. Here, the students and guests of the final presentation show how much pleasure you can get from your own noise!'

TONEWHEELS HURDY-GURDY(VIELLE A ROUE OPTOÉLECTRONIQUE)

TONEWHEELS HURDY-GURDY(VIELLE A ROUE OPTOÉLECTRONIQUE) from macumbista on Vimeo.

"This optoelectronic hurdy-gurdy was commission by the Acces(s) Festival, Pau France in October 2012.

TONEWHEELS is an experiment in converting graphical imagery to sound, inspired by some of the pioneering 20th Century electronic music inventions, such as the Light-Tone Organ (Edwin Emil Welte, 1936 Germany), the ANS Synthesizer (Evgeny Murzin, 1958 USSR), and the Oramics system (Daphne Oram, 1959 UK). Transparent tonewheels with repeating patterns are spun over light-sensitive electronic circuitry similar to that used in 16 & 35mm motion picture projectors to produce sound.

The TONEWHEELS Hurdy-Gurdy presented at Acces(s) is not an "interactive" artwork in the common sense. While it does not reward the impatient museum visitor with flashing lights and noises at the simple touch of the button, it does invite participation in the process of technological music creation. Although it first appears to be a very traditional instrument known to many folk-music cultures, it functions in a very different way which can only be discovered by playing it.

The artist would like to thank Tobias Traub of Oroborus Customs e.K. and Carlo Crovato for their invaluable assistance in creating this instrument. Circuits designed by Jessica Rylan and Eric Archer are also used within the system.

More information on this project can be found at http://macumbista.net/?p=3020"

The Last Benjolin of 2014

via Macumbista

"The Benjolin is a standalone synthesizer designed by Rob Hordijk from the Netherlands. It contains two oscillators (one LFO and one VCO), a voltage controlled filter and a circuit called a “Rungler”, which allows chaotic cross-modulation possibilities between the different parts of the circuit. Hordijk refers to the Benjolin as a circuit which has been “bent by design.”

These hand-made Macumbista Benjolins (produced under licensed agreement with Rob Hordijk) have been further customized with a patchbay, which can be used to interface with other modular synthesizers or to setup further control voltage feedback systems within the Benjolin itself, attenuators on the three control voltage input and LEDs displaying the internal state of the Rungler."

DIY Modular by Macumbista

You'll find another pic and more at Macumbista

"The modules I've built, from top left to right:

TOP ROW
Two Dual Thomas Henry XR-2206 Voltage Controlled Oscillators (Bugbrand PCB layouts, self-etched)
4x4 Bipolar DC Matrix Mixer (Ken Stone CGS 33 & CGS 04 PCBs)
Blank Panel (singlewide)

MIDDLE ROW
Super-Psycho Modulation Source (Ken Stone CGS 21)
Wave Multiplier (Ken Stone CGS 29)
Blank panel for another Dual Thomas Henry XR-2206 VCO (will complete tonight!)
Blank panel (doublewide)
Two channel DC Mixer (three inputs per channel, large jack outputs)(more CGS 04 PCBs)

BOTTOM ROW
Dual Synthacon Voltage Controlled Filters (Marc Bareille PCBs)
Dual Polyvoks Voltage Controlled Filters (Marc Bareille PCBs)
Blank Panel (doublewide)
Blank Panel (singlewide)
Breadboard Prototyping area (= doublewide blank panel)"