VGM #209: Beware the Forest's Mushrooms // Super Mario RPG [Synth Rock Cover]

video upload by Amie Waters

"Don't get lost in the Forest Maze, just follow that weird magical puppet! Who else is excited for the remaster of Super Mario RPG??? #supermariorpg"

◈ STREAM: https://www.twitch.tv/amiewatersmusic

◈ BANDCAMP: https://amiewaters.bandcamp.com

Instruō Superbooth23: THE MOVIE

video upload by Instruō

WARNING: This video contains flashing lights which may not be suitable for people with photosensitive epilepsy (There's also a wee bit of swearing!)

This is a movie that follows the creative crew that is Instruō.
In 2023 the company travelled to Berlin to present at the Superbooth trade show/festival.
At the time of these captured events, the expanded team at Instruō numbers 20+ personnel.
Pretty much the entire crew goes to Berlin as we show off who we are and what we make.
This is a look behind the scenes of a Eurorack modular synthesiser manufacturer as they present at the world's best Synth-show!

Directed by Mathew Pieraccini
Edited by Jasōn H. J. Lim

"This 'documentary' is the beginning of a new form of content that I'm (Jasōn) working on in parallel to the endless stream of new instruments that we're developing.
It's a long time since it was just myself working solo back in the early days of Instruō
(~2016).
I now have the privilege of working with some of the most fun and creative people I've ever met.
We collaborate now as a creative coop. My hope is to showcase more who we are, what we're doing and how things work at the workshop here in Glasgow.
I've always been a fan of behind the scenes content so my plan is to open thing up a bit to showcase my collaborators and what they do inside and outside of roles at Instruō"
~Jasōn

00:00:00 prologue
00:01:22 Instruōduction
00:02:05 THE TEAM ASSEMBLES, Glasgow 2023-05-08
00:03:02 BUS
00:03:40 Road Trip (UK)

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Amanita rhopalopus Plays Eurorack Modular Synthesizer: Mushrooms Talking

video upload by MycoLyco

"Through the use of bio data sonification we can listen in on the bio electric activity of this Amanita rhopalopus specimen. It was rather old and had lots of bugs crawling all over it but there was still some beauty to be found. I love mushrooms and their unique morphology.

Changes in electrical resistance are converted to control voltages for a eurorack modular synthesizer. This produces what has come to be known as Mushroom Music. The resulting sound is dependent on the artists style, synthesizers and patching choices. I try to patch into many parameter to create a sonic universe of potential sounds that the mushroom can explore freely."

Lung Oyster Mushrooms, Scion, VCV Rack - Generative Ambient Patch

video by Omri Cohen

"There's a full walkthrough video of this patch, together with the VCV file, on my Patron page - https://www.patreon.com/posts/49547351​
And the WAV file is also available for download - https://www.patreon.com/posts/49547292​"

Mushrooms Talking Live: Cordyceps Militaris Plays The Make Noise Strega and A Few Others Things

video by MycoLyco

"Cordyceps Militaris Mushrooms are connected to the new Make Noise Strega via the Instruo Scion. The Scion measures changes in resistance and converts them to control voltages and gates. In addition to the Strega there is another voice controlled by the Scion. This voice is the DPO into optomix QPAS and Mimeophon. This voice is then fend into the external input of the Strega. The all parameters being controlled are being controlled by CV from the mushrooms except the filter cutoff which is being controlled by the onboard envelop follower for the external input."

Ten Minutes Of Cordyceps Playing Modular Synth While Being Harvested
"Using a bio data sonification device and a eurorack modular synthesizer I hook up a tub full of Cordyceps Militaris to play synth as it is being harvested.

Electrical resistance is measure by passing a small current through the mushrooms similar to a lie detector test. The changes in resistance are then converted into control signals which determine the rhythm, pitch, timbre and effects parameters of the modular synthesizer."

More mushrooms here

Christmas Tree Plays Eurorack Modular Synthesizer: Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays

MycoLyco

"A Christmas tree plays eurorack modular synthesizer via a bio data sonficaiton module. Merry Christmas and happy holidays! A special shout out to all those kids out there who don’t celebrate Christmas, I only recently started as I married into it and it can be a tough time. I feel you... sorry I couldn’t figure out how to get the menorah to play synth, maybe next year?

Changes in resistance are converted to control voltages for a eurorack synth. The tree was a little grumpy and needed some water to start talking, understandably so.

Thanks everyone for tuning in! If you dig it please share it!"

Previously:

Mushrooms Play Synth Live Universe A1

MycoLyco

"Mushrooms play synth by being connected to a eurorack modular synthesizer. They provide the control hub for a complex patch including some programmed on the fly kick drum.

This is a live set with human fungal and plant interactions to provide some sort of entertaining music.

I connect various things to the synth, lions mane, cordyceps, a succulent, human hand, monstera and also connect them together."

Five Minutes of Pink Oyster Mushroom Playing Modular Synthesizer

MycoLyco

"Through the magic or rather science of bio data sonification, this flush of oyster mushrooms get a shot at playing a eurorack modular synthesizer before they become my dinner. Electrical resistance is measure by passing a small current through the mushrooms similar to a lie detector test. The changes in resistance are then converted into control signals which determine the rhythm, pitch, timbre and effects parameters of the modular synthesizer.

Longer pink oyster mushroom videos coming later this week, and the audio will be in stereo! Make sure to like, subscribe and hit that notification bell. Especially if you read this far!! Thanks for all the support you all rock."

BLM 7200 Modular Synthesizer System with AC-420 Aluminum Enclosure Red

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

via this auction

Note the mushrooms on the front panel.

"BLM 7200 Modular Synthesizer System with AC-420 Aluminum Enclosure
Modular Dimensions: 17"x13"x3"

Modular Synth Weight: 8 lbs.
Package shipment is about 14lbs.

Red Color.

10 Patch Cables are included.


The power adapter is included!
12v DC Adapter is included to power up the system. World compatible, it is auto-switching. You must supply your countries IEC outlet cord.

This is a perfect addition to the Korg Arp 2600!

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Synthesizer Show and Tell: OB-6 (DSI/Oberheim)

Published on Dec 17, 2018 Learson Peak

"Synthesizer Show & Tell EP: 7 covers the OB-6 (Tom Oberheim/Dave Smith)

0:00 - Introduction
1:05 - Track Preview
1:34 - But Can It Do 80’s?
2:57 - Bass
4:50 - Get Plucky
6:12 - Portamento Mushrooms
6:36 - Sound Effects
7:22 - Take Me To Your Leader
9:34 - Filter
10:44 - Outro
11:24 - Original Track

*GEAR I’M USING ON THIS EPISODE*

DSI/Oberheim OB-6 Desktop
Roland JX-8P (as a MIDI controller)
Moog Expression Pedal
EV RE-20 Vocal Microphone
Neve 500 Series 511 (Mic preamp)
Focusrite Clarett 8Pre-X
Pro Tools 12
Video Recoded with iPhone 6+"

Chord memory - AX80 + Juno 6 and Korg PSS 50

Published on Dec 4, 2018 Miguel d'Oliveira

"Noodling around with chord memory function to beef up sounds - all mashed via a Korg Super Section PSS-50
MiniBrute added on bass.
Was aiming for a Super Mario trip on mushrooms but not sure I got there."

DEATH ANGELS// Juno-106, System-8, TR-8

Published on Nov 4, 2018 MR TUNA Music

"Found some mushrooms today"

Buchla Easel Cartoon Music

Published on Mar 23, 2018 Todd Barton

"So...what if...Carl Stalling...had an Easel...and...some magic mushrooms? Enjoy! Also, checkout my macprovideo Buchla Easel course :-) https://www.macprovideo.com/tutorial/..."

Sequential Circuits Pro One Synthesizer w/Vesta Kozo CV/Midi MDI-1 & Shrooms

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

via this auction

Spot the mushrooms on the circuit board.

"This Sequential Circuits Pro-One is in amazing condition and fully functional, and is Midi-Capable via INCLUDED Vesta Kozo Midi-CV converter. It is a fully and professionally restored Late-Model with fully-functioning Keyboard. This is all-original, with NO modified circuitry or re-soldered components. All rotary pots and switches have been professionally cleaned. All key contacts on this later non-J-wire model have been restored and functioning. Everything works and sounds great. While no vintage synth is ever "truly" mint or perfect, this one has been well cared for and not cosmetically re-finished. Incredibly clean unit inside and out. Original Power cord (does not use AC wall adapter).

If you are shopping for this synth, it probably needs no introduction, but obviously it has an amazing sound, midi-syncable programmable arpeggiator and sequencer via CLK input, and incredible-sounding filter, controls, and modulations you would expect from an analogue synth of this era.

This specific model has the coveted "Buddha" circuitboard with interesting and cryptic solder "signatures" inside, including mushrooms,etc.. on the main board, created by the original SC assembly engineers. (see photos). Numbers and markings were made by factory technicians, and I've enclosed photos of those as well.

The late-model keyboard is fully operational and restored with all keys functioning fine, but I have included with the unit the rare and unusual Vesta Kozo MDI-1 midi-to-CV converter so it can be immediately used with any midi-capable or computer/midi sequencer-based system. This unit alone had several hundred in Value, but it's a great match with the synthesizer providing midi capability.

The unit is in excellent condition with virtually no scratches or wear, other than some light wear on the original wooden sides. Case, plastic, knobs are in fantastic condition."

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Sequential Circuits Pro One Circuit Board with Mushrooms, Shiva & CEM 3340, 3320 & 3310 Chips

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

Rev 1.2 circuit board via this auction

I've seen the mushrooms and Shiva before, but I do not recall the writing on the digital interface card before. Anyone know what it says?

"The CEM chips are as follows:

Three (3) CEM3340's, one each for the synthesizers two VCOs - Voltage Controlled Oscillators, with the third (white dot version) for the LFO - Low frequency Oscillator.

One (1) CEM3320 Voltage Controlled Filter. As installed in the Pro One this part is configured as a 24dB Low Pass Filter for that classic synth performance. However, the CEM3320 itself is far more versatile on its own. According to that data sheet it can be configured as a low pass, hi pass, band pass or all pass filter and it has voltage controlled resonance!

Two (2) CEM2210 Voltage Controlled Envelope Generators - VCADSR's. In the Pro One, one of these is used to modulate the VCF cutoff and the other controls that final output level from the Voltage Controlled Amplifier - VCA . By the way, the VCA is one-half of a CA3280 dual Operational Transconductance Amplifier, or OTA, while the other half of this device provides the glide/portamento function.

THE STORY BEHIND THE BOARD: I purchased the Pro One that this board was removed from several years ago here on eBay. The seller stated that he had no way to test it so it was being sold As-Is and that it may not work. He also stated that it has been stored in an unheated outdoor storage shed for a long time. Well, I bought it and guess what? It didn't work or at least it didn't work properly. During my initial testing I discovered that it would not read the keyboard, and you could not program the sequencer leading me to believe that the 8021 microcontroller was shot. I was able to verify that all of the CEM chips performed their intended function when I used an external source for the control voltage and gate except for the fact that the VCO's did not track at 1-volt per octave. Also, to the best of my ability to determine, all the switches, both slide and rotary, as well as all of the pots were working as they should. I later sold the chassis, keyboard and knobs to a friend and I kept the board intending to make a project out of it. I now realize that I never will get around to it and so it's time to let it go. It has been stored in an anti-static ESD safe bag since its removal from the chassis."

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Dancing Machine : Computer dub riddim . early digital reggae dancehall 80's mix

Published on Oct 3, 2013 INTI FARI·65 videos

"Distilerz Electronic Music Studios 2013

Inti-Fari preprogramming riddim

Oberheim DMX + Acidlab-303 " Drum + Bass " .
Mélodie : Op-1 .

Tribute to Jammy's , Tubby's , Harry-j , Ujama , Steely & Clevie and more style"

Some magic Mario Brothers mushrooms in there.

Update:

Wicked Sound system Cuss-Cuss Riddim Futur French Dub Connection Ems synthi Bass acid rub-a-dub-step
Published on Oct 3, 2013 INTI FARI·66 videos

"Distilerz Electronic Music Studios 2013

Performance Homme + Machine .

Drum octapad spd-30 + Bass and EMS Synthi
Inti-fari Dub Operateur ."

Wet Ice Cream - iYM2151 Track by discchord

This one in via discchord.

"Here is a demo I put together while exploring the app. It started off as something like Chipstep, but then I got carried away with increasingly incrementing parameter changes in the sequencer. I enjoyed the results, but I won’t be offended - or surprised - if you don’t. A lot of music explores psychedelic themes inspired by mushrooms and LSD, few venture into the more forbidden neurotoxins. Here is my take on PCP House."

You can find his review of the app here.

Sequential Circuits Pro One Synthesizer 1983

via this auction

"Serial# 100+9260"

Buddha & Mushrooms

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Trevor Pinch's Vintage DIY Modular Synth

via Inverse Room, via Muff's:
"You guys will dig this.
Some of you probably know Trevor Pinch from his book Analog Days [Amazon hardcover & paperback, preview on Google books], about the history of the Moog synthesizer. Trevor's a friend of mine--we both teach at Cornell U.--and he recently restored his moribund DIY modular that he built in the seventies. Last night he and our friend James Spitznagel (together they are Electric Golem) played a show here in Ithaca, with Trevor on his synth and Jim using a Mopho, Evolver, Orb, Nintendo DS and various iPhone apps.

Oh BTW sorry these are not better photos. I should have brought a DSLR for this but I had a digital rangefinder camera with me that is not so hot at high ISO. Full set is here (for now): http://inverseroom.creotia.com/golem/"

I contacted Trevor Pinch and he had the following to share:

"Hey Matrix:
I built that synth in London in 1973. I used it til 1975/6 in a collective band/scene in London and then in Manchester - we also had a VCS3 and various gizmos from EMS as one of our band knew Tristram Cary, one of the founders of EMS. By the way anyone interested in EMS should check out the half hour documentary Matt Bates made for Australian TV - 'What the Future Sounded Like'. I was a talking head for that movie. It's got tons of info in it and great clips of Hawkwind, music of early Floyd etc [below].

My synth was kinda in storage before being shipped to the States in 1990. It was smashed up badly in the move and I only started work on it again a few months ago when Park Doing here in Ithaca persuaded me to get it going to jam with Johnny Dowd, Richie Stearns, Brian Wilson, and others for a 'Requiem for Analog TV' show we did at Cornell. Since then I've played out with it a couple of times with Park's band, the Atomic Forces, and once with The Electric Golem with Jim Spitznagel.

The schematics come from the hobby magazine Wireless World August 1973. Tim Orr did the design (he was the same guy who designed the EMS Vocoder). I built it 1973. The Voltage Control filter is online [link]

VCO 1 has square, triangle, sine , and variable mark space (I think in the US they call it duty cycle - adjusting the width of the top of a square wave). It turns out the variable mark space is one of the most musically useful controls I know.

It has three frequency ranges from very low to way up there! There are two VCO inputs with 1 K pots to control the voltage in.

VCO 2 has square, triangle, sine, ramp, and pulse outputs. There are two VCO inputs with 1 K pots ditto.

VCO 3 is a six-step sequencer with an incredible frequency range, with each step selectable and tunable. This is the awesome guts of the beast. There are two VCO inputs with one K pots. You feed the sequencer output as an input into the VCO1 and VCO2 and away you go.

There are also the following modules:
2 voltage control amplifiers
2 exponential converters
A keyboard module for operating a resistor chain monophonic keyboard - I abandoned the keyboard as I could never get it in tune and it sounded better out of tune!
I voltage control filter - band pass or low pass output - band pass only is working
I mixer with three channels and two virtual earth mixers for summing and reversal with three channels each,
White noise source and blue and red noise (variable) outputs
Spring reverb.
Envelope shaper. Not yet working
Two preamps. Buggered.
2 very low frequency outputs. Not yet working.
Sample and hold - Never worked!
Joy stick control and circuits with two pots providing variable X and Y voltages.
The joystick is home built by using three pots (design based on the first one that David Cockerell made for VCS3) my killer control for live performance (think Brian Eno and the way he used the joystick on the VCS3 (Putney)). The joystick was beat up terribly in the move and was the hardest single thing to get working and nicely balanced. Read the story of how the pitch and mod wheel were designed for the minimoog in Analog Days! Having a controller that feels right when you play is for me half the battle.

There is an onboard power supply for 240 volts in and 15v plus and minus and 5 volts plus out. Useless in US! So got new power supply built.

The modules are mainly built on plug in breadboards made by a UK company called Electrokit. So when I blow out transistors - happens all the time - I can unplug for easy access. Also I like to leave it open so shaking the instrument shakes the modules and affects the sound and of course the reverb. Opening the black box is my aesthetic.

Housed in hand machined painted aluminium case (wise choice in hindsight as it is sturdy, light and didn't rust!)

Patch bay is banana plugs, wires and sockets (what we used to call banana plugs or Wonder plugs in the UK). US banana plugs are too big - anyone know where I can get the UK banana plugs from as I need more?

If anyone is interested in my early experiences in playing the synth, they are written up in a chapter in a book by Sherry Turkle, Evocative Objects - the reflection is online at a awesome exhibition, "Remix, Rewind and Replay" at Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art which I was on a panel for. http://www.rewindremixreplay.org/pdfs/pinch.pdf

By the way, that essay was written before I got the synth working again. In that essay I said the synth had no name. When I unearthed the old schematics to start soldering work I found I did give it a name, "Stray Capacitance". That's what the synth was like - full of capacitance.

The synth truly has a unique sound : the sonic energy is simply amazing. It can cut through like a chain saw on magic mushrooms - everything sort of feeds back on everything else in various unpredictable ways. Its like a live bucking beast to control. Park Doing says I shouldn't call it a synth and I agree. It's more a sometimes controllable sound and noise maker. John Robert Lennon (aka Inverse Room) on seeing and hearing it in action the other day - said how come it just doesn't explode. It's a miracle that it works at all! Its industrial sound is awesome in a punk band and when playing alongside someone with more varied and sweeter sounds (like Jim Spitznagel can produce) it can cut through and complement and attract attention. With the spring reverb it sends you into space. In the early days we also used to use huge tape loops as well.
That's it!

Trevor"

I'd like to give a huge thanks to Trevor Pinch for taking the time out to share this with us and of course Inverse Room for sending this our way.


YouTube via inverseroom — April 25, 2010 —

"Inverse Room interviews Trevor Pinch, author of "Analog Days" and other books about the history of technology, who demonstrates the DIY modular synth he built in the 1970's.

The thing I find really cool about this design is the step sequencer that can be run at high enough speeds to create, in effect, a new oscillator with primitive custom waveforms. And of course there's the total lack of sides to the case--gotta love that, too!"

Chenrezig, the Tibetan Buddha of Compassion

via Audio Cookbook where you'll find more pics and the write-up.

If you own a Pro-One, Chenrezig is with you.

And some mushrooms...

Sequential Circuits Pro One Mushrooms

flickr by white.label.syndicate
(click for more)