SynthAddict Studio Tour at CLOWNFEST 13

CLOWNFEST 13 DAY 2 THE STUDIO TOUR DAY video upload by pierrot the acid clown

A quick tour with supporting member SynthAddict, who's numerous videos you've seen here on MATRIXSYNTH. His custom MATRIXSYNTH hat makes an appearance along with a mention of the site at 3:26.15. Note the video is set to start with SynthAddict at 3:17:30. You can use the player controls to skip around or to the beginning of the full four our show if you want to. Thank you to SynthAddict for the MATRIXSYNTH plug and for supporting the site!

And a prior studio tour from 10 months ago:

PtAC - CLOWNFEST XI - SYNTH ADDICT CRIB

video upload by pierrot the acid clown

Please Consider Supporting the Site

If you enjoy the site and have the means, please consider supporting the site for as little as $2 a month or a one-time donation. You can find details on how to support the site here: https://www.matrixsynth.com/p/support-matrixsynth.html.

Supporting the site currently helps keep it pop-up-ad free. You might notice intrusive pop-up and video ads on other sites. I'd like to keep MATRIXSYNTH free of such ads, however, if not enough support comes in, I may have to enable them at some point. This site is a full-time job, so every bit of support helps.

If you are a manufacturer, maker, or anyone who profits from having your products and videos promoted here on MATRIXSYNTH, please consider supporting the site. Every post that features your content promotes your content.

Supporting members are also able to submit their synth content for posts. Please note not everything goes up, however. I try to keep the site free from politics, hate, and discrimination, and only synth content goes up. No offense to other gear, but this site is exclusively about synths. Also, please do not support the site if your intent is to promote another site. This site is about this site and the content featured on it. It's ideal for people promoting sample packs that demonstrate specific synths, or people making videos showcasing various synths and modules. Just skip through posts to get an idea of what's featured here on MATRIXSYNTH. Finally, supporting the site would allow me to cut back on auction posts by limitting them to suporting member listings, sponsors, and only the rarest of the rare synth items.

That said, thank you to all of my current supporters and sponsors! Running this site takes a ton of work in more ways than one. As the saying goes, it can be impossible to make everyone happy. You are so appreciated and help keep the site going.

Update: Thank you for everyone donating. For the one-off donations, shoot me an email at matrixsynth @ gmail.com, or leave a comment below if you'd like to be added to the support page.  I don't share email aliases w/o permission for privacy reasons, so let me know what alias to list.  If you prefer not to be listed and just want to make a donation, thank you! 

New Moog Muse Details

Some new details on the upcoming Moog Muse have been shared online and have been added to this post. They appear to be from a Norweigan shop, and appear to be legit, however, we won't know for sure until Moog officially announces the Muse, of course. Some slightly larger pics have been added there as well, however, they are still pretty blurry. They do, of course, give you the gist of it. Click here for the update.

A note on leaks: please note MATRIXSYNTH does respect embargos, and only shares what has already been leaked online as once the news is out, the news is out. This is a synth news site and synth leaks are news. Not keeping up-to-date would essentially make the site irellevant. If you are a manufacturer, my recommendation is to NOT release images or details to anyone, including shops, until you are ready to formally announce the product. The majority of leaks come from online shops that either fail to keep things private, or leak it on purpose to get pre-orders in ahead of others. This is one of the reasons I do not link to shops that leak gear, as it only encourages them.

Please note as a courtesy to sponsors and supporting members of the site, I will reach out if I do spot a leak, prior to posting. If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out.

Ghirardelli MATRIXSYNTH

Custom MATRIXSYNTH cap in front of Ghirardelli Square, San Francisco in via SynthAddict.

Taken "after heading to Ghirardelli Square in SF for a nice ‘end of the day’ hot fudge sundae.

You can see the sunset on the left, coming from the direction of the GG Bridge. 😀🍨🌉"

Cheers to that. :)

Philips MC100

video upload by Blossom Bisquits

http://matrixsynth.com/blog/media/oberheim/matrix6patches/Matrix-6%20-%20matrix%20patched.mid"The Philips/Brother PCM 100 Composer Digital Sequencer, released in 1986, was a pioneering mini-workstation that had a brief market presence. It featured a 2-OP FM synthesizer, producing sounds reminiscent of the Yamaha Porta series home/toy keyboards.

Equipped with a 2-octave touch keyboard, the PCM 100 boasted a robust real-time/step sequencer with 8K RAM for recording. Its large LCD screen facilitated composing and note entry, allowing playback of any of the 100 onboard FM sounds.

Although the synthesizer itself was monophonic, it offered three additional parts for accompaniment, including bass lines, chords, and 15 rhythmic patterns. Uniquely, the PCM 100 included a built-in cassette recorder for storing and loading composed sequences.

Architectue

- **Type:** Digital
- **Synthesis:** Frequency Modulation (FM)
- **Oscillators:** 2
- **Waveforms:** Sine
- **ROM Size:** 32 kb
- **Modulation:** Envelope, Oscillator, Sequencer
- **Notes:** 2-OP FM Synthesizer

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Pro Synth Network LIVE! - Episode 208 - 4th Anniversary Episode - SPECIAL GUESTS!

video upload by

SynthAddict's MATRIXSYNTH cap from 19:05 on gets the post. :)

"Music Technology Discussion with Kent Spong, Andrew Longhurst & Rob Puricelli!

It's our birthday!! 4 years ago, we decided to start doing a livestream and here we are, 4 years and 208 consecutive episodes in! Join us as we celebrate 4 years of mayhem, nonchalance, sarcasm, wit, vim and vigour and the occasional discussion about synths and music tech!"

Polymoog 203a Demo (by synthpro)

2n video added to this previous post: https://www.matrixsynth.com/2024/03/what-is-all-that-stuff-inside-polymoog.html

Godwin Symphony SC849 Demo & Pics

In case you missed the video it's back in this post:

https://www.matrixsynth.com/2024/02/super-rare-godwin-symphony-sc849-mod849.html

Pics have been added as well.

Patchwerks - Community Hub & Music Store Fundraiser

You can find the GoFundMe here.

Patchwerks is more than a synth shop. They host local synth events in the Seattle area, share performances online, publish tutorial videos, and help promote artists [many featured here on MATRIXSYNTH]. Now they need some help on their end. The following was sent my way via a friend, via Patchwerks's news letter. You'll of course find additional details on their GoFundMe.

"WE NEED YOUR HELP

We’ve proudly watched as the community that developed around Patchwerks has grown through a shared passion for the joy and magic of electronic instruments. All of our staff feel so much gratitude when people come to our store to play, learn, and connect with each other.

We’ve been so humbled by everyone who has come through our doors – whether you’ve been a first-time synth-curious explorer who trusted us to guide you, or whether you’ve been one of our own musical heroes who has consciously decided to purchase your instruments from an independently-owned and operated business.

Unfortunately, due to economic pressures beyond our control, the community we built at Patchwerks is at risk of losing its home… and we’re reaching out to ask for your help.

If you're willing to help us survive, a donation of as little as $25 can help Patchwerks continue our operations in a healthy way.

The years 2022 and 2023 made it difficult for us to operate, and now we're at the point where we need to ask for help or cease operations. We have a strong plan to get healthy, but we can't do it without you. Please consider donating to our GoFundMe campaign today."

Latest Showroom Sessions: Sherman and Limanjaya

video upload by Patchwerks

"Join us for Showroom Sessions, a monthly series of curated electronic music. Hear some of the region's boldest voices in ambient, experimental, dance music, and more. Proudly presented by Patchwerks with generous support from the community. This month, we host the talents of Portland-based Limanjaya and local head Sherman.

Sherman / Selector Records on Capitol Hill in Seattle.

Sherman’s been dabbling with gear since around 1997, and after many years of trying out different pieces has settled on a couple Critter & Guitari Organelles running custom patches, running through a Memory Man (w/ Hazarai, of course) delay pedal, building bizarre polyrhythms that on occasion sound good. On the spot beats intricately twist around each other, get manipulated, finagled, and fade into more intricate grooves.

Sherman has releases on Telomere Plastic, iLLikoi, Basement Sounds, and new local label Basement State.

Limanjaya:

Joshua Limanjaya Lim is a modular synthesist and producer residing in Portland, OR. He uses sample flips, glitchy beat repeats, and infectious melodies to craft his sound. Whether he is performing ambient, hiphop, or house music, the goal is always to get people moving. His latest album, UNTITLED 2023, is out now on all streaming platforms.

IG / _limanjaya
Bandcamp: https://limanjaya.bandcamp.com
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/1W5Ff...

0:00 Sherman
32:24 Limanjaya"

Hohner Stringvox Repair Notes

This one is in via supporting member, zasm.earth.

"I completed a repair of a Hohner Stringvox (ELEX K2) revision 3 Piano & Strings keyboard, and have posted an extensive, technical, multi-page article on the subject, with pictures and new schematics. If anyone’s interested they can have a look, starting at:

https://zasm.earth/hohner-stringvox-repair-notes-1

Different K2 versions have previously been mentioned at:

https://www.matrixsynth.com/2008/01/hohner-stringvox.html

https://www.matrixsynth.com/2009/03/hohner-roland-string-vox-arp-string.html

https://www.matrixsynth.com/2011/09/1970s-hohner-stringvox-string-vox.html

https://www.matrixsynth.com/2014/07/rare-italian-elex-vintage-analog.html

https://www.matrixsynth.com/2019/09/hohner-string-vox-super-rare-string.html

https://www.matrixsynth.com/2021/06/elex-k2-1970s-rare-italian-vintage.html"

Soundtoys Black Friday Sale

Soundtoys is offering a number of discounts on their various plugins from now until Dec 1.

You can find all the details on Soundtoys' website here.

Also, you'll notice some new banners here on MATRIXSYNTH. You can click on them anytime to get to the sale.

Two Takes on Behringer - Which Do You Fall Under?

The following videos feature two perspectives on Behringer. I was going to skip both of them, because honestly, I'm kind of tired of the whole thing, but I figure it was worth posting for those unaware of the toatality of it. Jorb does a good job summarizing it all. Note, this will be the last post on the topic, unless something else new and stupid happens.

I do want to clarify what goes up here on MATRIXSYNTH and why. Firstly this site is about the gear, not people. People can have whatever opinions they want. Secondly, this site does factor in how people including manufacturers treat each other. I post what I want to post, and after running this site for over 18 years, I've come to appreciate those who appreciate the site and what I do. Supporting members let me know they appreciate the site by supporting the site. Banner sponsors on the top and right of the site let me know they appreciate the site by sponsoring the site.

Behringer does not support or sponsor the site, and I am aware that they pose a significant and existential threat to some of my supporters and sponsors. So, why do I sometimes feature Behringer? Because this is a synth news site and is meant to be an archive of synth gear over time. I can't just ignore that. So what do I feature? I limit Behringer posts to new product announcements, significant news, and supporting member videos and content only. I skip everything else.

As for sponsors and supporting members, I share whatever they want me to share, within reason, as a thank you for supporting the site. As for non supporting members and sponsors, I share what I want to share. Some clarity on that: when I first launched the site in 2005 I posted everything anyone sent in and everything I came across. Everything was new. YouTube launched in 2005. This was the first time we were able to see people messing with their synths, and this site was the first to cover it. Eurorack and modular was in it's infancy back then and botique manufacturers had limited exposure, mainly on forums and email lists. I remember going to NAMM and someone working for one the manufacturers asked me if I thought eurorack would take off or was just a fad. It was that new. I thought it would take off, and it did. That said, it's no longer possible to post everything that goes up as it would just become too much noise in the end. I'm sure the amount I post daily is already noise to many. So, now I post what I want to post, and yes, how a manufacturer treats others is always factored in.

That said here are the two takes on Behringer. Where do you stand?

Let's Talk About Behringer.

video upload by Jorb

0:00 Intro
3:27 The Clones
10:17 Antagonism
19:52 Wasted Potential

LET'S TALK ABOUT BEHRINGER SYNTHESIZERS... AND JORB | THAT SYNTH SHOW EP.45

video upload by SYNTH SAMURAI

Beanie Bunnie - Moo Moo Dual Oscillator

video upload by Jeanie

You might recognize Jeanie and her Buchla performances from previous posts here on MATRIXSYNTH.

Timestamps:
0:00 - Set up for Sync / Through Zero and Ring Modulation
5:57 - Melody / Kick and Metallic Percussion
7:54 - Kick / Snare / Bass and Percussion
9:20 - Square Bass / Kick / Snare / Metallic Percussion
11:19 - Jazz Drum Kit / Bassline and Noise
13:19 - Jazz Drum Kit and Bassline
15:18 - Drums and Noise



"Moo Moo Dual Oscillator is available now!

I’ve been working on analogue designs since I got asthma during pandemic and had to take a break from singing…

This multiple layered dual oscillator produces a wide array of sounds from pure tones to complex noise and has some unique qualities that I’m really happy with. And today, finally ready to release…

There are some module introductions below. Please contact me for more details if you’re interested. Thank you so much for your support!

The Moo Moo Dual Oscillator from Beanie Bunnie features:

2 x Fully featured through zero analogue oscillators.
1 x Analogue Noise source with dedicated analogue state variable filter.
2 x 2 input mixers with inverted outputs for extra wave shaping options, plus CV and manual controls for crossfading between each input.
2 x Octave controls with 5 octave range and CV control.

Each oscillator section features:
Individual outputs for Sine, Triangle, Saw, Square and Pulse wave forms (+/-5V).
1 x Through zero linear frequency modulation (TZ LIN FM) input which is normalled to the output of the opposite mixer/crossfader and a TZ LIN FM amount control.

1 x TZ OFFSET control that offsets the through zero modulation 0 crossing point and also acts as a coarse tune for the oscillator frequency.
1 x Large fine tune control that has a 1 octave range for precise setting of the frequency.
1 x Octave with CV input that has a 5 octave range.
1 x Pulse Width Control and with CV modulation (PWM) input.
1 x Noise amount control that sends the output of the filtered noise section directly into the through zero modulation of the oscillator (this is in parallel with TZ LIN FM input).
1 x Sync control with option of setting both oscillators to hard or soft sync via the mode button.
1 x Exponential Frequency Modulation Input for V/Octave connection from a keyboard. The right input is normalled to the left so both oscillators can follow keyboard pitch with only one connection.

Each mixer section features:
2 x Inputs (A and B) for audio or CV sources.
1 x Crossfader control plus CV input that can also act as a volume control or VCA when only one of the mixer inputs is used.

The noise section features:
1 x Analogue noise source (sent into the filter).
1 x Analogue state variable filter with selectable Low Pass, Band Pass and High Pass modes.
1 x Mode select button with hold function to switch the oscillator sync between hard or soft sync.
1 x Filter resonance control.
1 x Filter frequency control.
1 x Filter frequency CV input.
1 x Filtered noise output.

The other modules shown in the video are the Tiny Tot Utility and the Huhu 4 Att-Verter.

The Tiny Tot Utility features:
2 x 2 input mixers with bipolar attenuverters for each input and one input normalled to +5V.
2 x Manual or CV controlled dividers with setting for /2, /4, /8 and /16.

The Huhu 4 Att-Verter features:
4 x Attenuverters with dedicated outputs.
1 x Mixed output for channels 1 and 2.
1 x Mixed output for channels 3 and 4.
1 x Mixed output for all channels.
Channels 2 and 4 are normalled to +5V.

www.beaniebunnie.com"

Update: you can find an overview video by Todd Barton here.

RIP Barry Schmetter aka Resonant_Space

The following is in via Supporting member, Poorness Studios.

"I have some more bad news. My friend Barry Schmetter passed away earlier in the week. He died of a heart attack in his home. It's hitting me really hard so I just can't find the energy to sing a Sunday Song this week, but I will play a snippet from one of Barry's art installations."

Curium (a tribute to Barry Schmetter)
video upload by Musical Miscellany (Poorness Studios)

"Resonant_Space, aka Barry Schmetter is a Washington DC-based artist creating ambient and experimental electronic music using modular synthesizers and field recordings. He also creates sound and video installations, and video art."


The following is a playlist of Barry's synth related videos followed by his works on SoundCloud.

video uploads by resonant_space

matrixsynth · Resonant_Space

Paul T Schreiber of Synthtech / MOTM Retires From The Synth Business

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Paul T Schreiber (@synthesistechnology)

"After 27 years, I have retired from the synthesizer business. I still have a #day_job which will last until Dec 1st. The last set of 16 modules shipped to Patchwerks in Seattle, including the last E520 Hyperions.

Is there a chance someone will buy my IP and continue the product like? I keep hoping. Thanks to everyone who were friends and customers."

---

The man behind MOTM and Synthtech/Synthesis Technology retires. Paul Schrieber was making modular synths in the MOTM 5U format before eurorack took off. He essentiall started his own format, 5U in height like Moog's MU 5U but different. See this old post for a pic of different modular formats. He made his modules available in both DIY and finished form. You all should be familiar with MOTM and Synthech if you are regulars of the site. If not, see the MOTM and Synthech labels for posts over the years.

Since the launch of this version of MATRIXSYNTH back in 2005, there have been a total of 831 MOTM posts, and roughly 367 Synthtech posts, including this one. I say roughly as there was another Synthtech that made the Chroma Cult - Rhodes Chroma MIDI Interface, that shares the Synthtech label I used to get the count. The first post to mention MOTM dates back to This EAR post on July 30, 2005, the second to MOTM Madness - Featuring Yamaha GX1 Filter clone on August 4, 2005. Sadly the mp3 linked there is gone. People let their sites go unfortunately. The first post to mention Synthtech is the Epic Son video by John L Rice from back on August 2, 2011. His designs also made it into non modular synths like this Studio Electronics Omega 8 w/ MOTM CS80 & 440 Filters.

The Complete Yamaha CS Black Series! CS-5 CS-10 CS-15 CS-30

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

via this auction

"All have full function and are setup for 120v (though I think the CS-10 needs to be double checked). The CS-15 and CS-30 come from our friend Ko (Modeless) in Japan. Someone posted a CS-30 mod design of Ko's on Matrixsynth [some posts here - found the 5 and 15 but not the 30] and I asked if he would do the same for mine. It is all installed (except) the Osc Sync board (unfortunately he didn't have the parts, put the switch in place - but that's where it ended) - it has, for instance, Din Sync for the sequencer. The mods do not interfere with or remove any of the original function. I have the list and may add it here later. The CS-5 was a reverb purchase for me, and the CS-10 came from a synth tech/collector friend in Sacramento (he can't precisely remember if he converted the CS-10 to 120v - hence should be checked)."

CLICK FOR MORE »

SIEL CRUISE Vintage Analog Italian Synthesizer

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

via this auction

From the listing "The last one sold on Reverb was 4 years ago." Not sure about that. You can see a few posted here. Remember, you can search for any synth + auction here on MATRIXSYNTH to bring up previous listings.

You can find a demo of the Siel Cruise in the 2nd playlist here.

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The Ciat Lonbarde Peterlin - Peter Blasser Meets Benjolin

Chaos Patterns with the Ciat-Lonbarde Benjolin / Peterlin Synthesizer

video upload by Duskmos

Note the "Peterlin" made it's first appearance with Hainbach on May 7 here on MATRIXSYNTH. This post features a few examples from others, and additional details and pics below.

Above: "In this Signal Colors Palette video, I'm taking a first look at the Ciat-Lonbarde Benjolin / Peterlin, a tiny wooden synth featuring a nod to synthesis history by putting the focus on sound creation with a circuit design inspired by the 'Rungler' by Rob Hordijk.

Hang out while I coax some cool sounds from this wildly experimental sounding synth!"

Quirky little groove machine: Ciat-Lonbarde Peterlin first impressions

video upload by NoctopolisMusic

"Listen to albums, download tracks and support me at https://noctopolis.bandcamp.com/
I was lucky to get a Ciat-Lonbarde Peterlin (why not Blassolin though?) from the first batch at PatchPoint and these are clips from my first don´t-know-what-I-do-sessions with it. First one: solo. Second one: with Lorre Mill Double Knot 3. Third one: with Moog Subharmonicon."

Ciat Lonbarde Peterlin meets Serge VC Resonant Equalizer

video upload by La Synthèse Humaine

This is the first post to feature the Peterlin.

"first patch ring modulates peterlin xor to vcfq with a sine wave - both controlled by rungler. this is mixed with the peterlin audio output in the vc res eq and its bands get modulated by various peterlin outputs

second and third patches have a bit less and a bit more going on... all gets a little confusing and knotted up

check out my newest album Contraluz here: https://critiqueofeverydaylife.bandca..."

"Dressed in their signature banana jack-laden wooden enclosure, the Peterlin is Ciat-Lonbarde's take on the Benjolin: a tribute to the synthesizer designs of Rob Hordijk. Deceptively simple in appearance, the Peterlin is a highly interconnected instrument containing two oscillators, a resonant lowpass filter, and Peter Blasser's take on the infamous Rungler circuit. Clocked by one oscillator, the Rungler is a shift register feeding upon not only its own output, but also listening to the output of the other oscillator to further influence its data with feedback chaos. As the Rungler's CV output is then fed into the oscillators and filter, a range of hefty drones and chaotic noise is possible. Of course, the Ciat-Lonbarde take on this classic experimental instrument is filled with its own mysteries.

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Sequential Circuits Multi-Trak - recently serviced with battery leak fix installed

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

via this auction

"Check out the MATRIXSYNTH article on the battery leak fix mod and how it's done. If it's not my Multi-Trak you end up with, you'll want to inspect yours to make sure that's taken care of.

The Multi-Trak has a character that is particularly unique, especially when compared to other polysynths of the mid 80's. Some will immediately think of the matrix editor, a somewhat trendy synth interface at the time. If you can come around to matrix patching, I've found 3 things that mostly distinguish the Multi-Trak: its precocious and self-contained sequencer, the oscillator envelope, and the somewhat snarly Curtis CEM3394 voice chip.

The sound is a bit brash and brassy, sweet, snappy, something like sour candy, but it can be sculpted into lush and hazy sounds, just like any subtractive synth. The Multi-Trak fits naturally in many styles of music; techno, disco, dance rock, hip hop. It's sibling, the Six-Trak, was used on the 2017 album GT Ultra by Guerilla Toss. This classic Sequential Circuits synth certainly boasts an intimidating feature set, but it is fairly easy to get used to. With a bit of patience, you'll find plenty of play and ideas."

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MORTON SUBOTNICK • SIDEWINDER • PERFORMED LIVE FROM TOOL'S STUDIO (4K)

video upload by Peter Grenader

"MORTON SUBOTNICK'S SIDEWINDER:

Part 1 : in four movements (9 minutes 45 seconds)

Part 2: in three movements (6 minutes 45 seconds)

Performed live from Tool's studio Hollywood, CA by Jill Fraser, Shiro Fujioka, Peter Grenader, Thomas Klepper

Filming/Editing: K. David

Recording Engineer: Tim Dawson

Title Graphics: Hyejin Sunwoo

Produced, arranged and mixed by Peter Grenader

Morton Subotnick's seminal 1971 electronic work Sidewinder performed live at Tool's studio in Hollywood CA on March 26th, 2023 by Jill Fraser, Shiro Fujioka, Peter Grenader and Thomas Klepper, at the invitation of Joan LaBarbara, in celebration of his 90th birthday.

The idea of an adaptation of Sidewinder has been on the radar of zZyzx Society's Jill Fraser and Peter Grenader - both CalArts alumni who worked with Subotnick, for years. The process began with an abridged orchestration drafted by Peter Grenader, where the quartet was encouraged to both replicate his soundscapes and develop more interpretative timbres for the individual parts. With that, two general rules applied:

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