NOT NAMM: MOTM E340 Cloud Generator and E350 Morphing Terrarium Now Available

Both modules are now vailabe at the following locations:

North America: Analogue Haven
UK: Post Modular
EU: Schneidersbuero: E340 E350

Analog Modular Karussell! System by Schneiders Buero.

Published on Apr 28, 2013 SchneidersBuero·21 videos

"Take a look at the analog modular system by Schneiders Buro. See people interact with that really cool ´modular synthesizer system wich turns 360° while operating.

Analog Modular Karussell! System by Schneiders Buero JoCognito"

Ken MacBeth at Schneider's Beuro

more pics and the write-up at navs.modular.lab

follow-up to this post

http://schneidersbuero.de
http://www.macbethstudiosystems.com

Trash invaders #001 – Schneiders Buero

Trash invaders #001 – Schneiders Buero from Kaare Bøje on Vimeo.
"Recently I was on a trip to Berlin, fooling around as a tourist, but I did have one plan: To visit Schneiders Buero (The largest store in Europe with showroom when it comes to modular synths and the more special filter/fx brands). I had a good talk with the owner himself (Andreas Schneider) who has run the shop for more than 10 years. Before Schneiders Buero he was working with sales for Jomox. He claimed that the store was the biggest of its kind in Europe and I have to admit that I’ve not seen so many modulars/drum machines/filters in a store showroom before (Here I’m talking about the more rare equipment). The best thing is that you can try all of it and the people working there are very helpful. The store itself is quite hard to find and is placed in Kreutzberg (Berlin), but if you ever go there and have just a little interest in modular synthesis or rare filters/effects then you need to go to Schneiders Buero. I made a little video (with sound from the pocket cam) and there are more pictures from my visit on our website – justastudio. (Sorry for the English, but it’s not my native language) Links: schneidersbuero.de justastudio.net - pictures + video "

Phonoschrank - live at SchneidersLaden

Phonoschrank - live at SchneidersLaden from HerrSchneider on Vimeo.

"Phonoschrank presents his experimental noise and drone music in SchneidersLaden. He plays two SOMA Lyra-8 synthesizers in combination with a eurorack effects rack. After this very nice event and incredible performance we invited him to play again - this time at the Berlin Marathon September 15th and 16th!

Don't miss this! See you there!

---> Sunday // 11am // SchneidersBuero - directly at the marathon course!
---> Ritterstraße 3 in Kreuzberg"

Musikmesse: Future Retro Orb Sequencer - Product demo without music

YouTube via beckhusen
"Short product demo of Future Retro Orb Sequencer, fimed at Musikmesse frankfurt 2009.
For more info go to www.future-retro.com"
Metasonix Assblaster next to it.
Note that sounds like Schneider of SchneidersBuero and Totally Wired - previous posts.
BTW, what is his first name? I keep thinking it's Tom, but I do not remember.

Alpha Sphere Schneiders Buero @ RoughTrade London

Published on Apr 21, 2013 SchneidersBuero·20 videos

Cloned Again - Analogue Solutions SY02 (Korg MS-20 filter remake)

via Navs

"This one's been around for ages and I don't know why it's taken me so long to try it out, but I'm glad I now have.
Apparently a 1:1 clone of the original and much-loved Korg MS-20 High Pass/ Low Pass filter combo, it's a cracker! Have a quick listen here and here. And if that piques your interest you can download the zipped test here. The test unit was part of SchneidersBuero's JimiBox. More info here.

Cheers,
Navs"

"I Dream of Wires: Hardcore Edition" 2013 Official Trailer

"I Dream of Wires: Hardcore Edition" 2013 official trailer from I Dream Of Wires on Vimeo.

"I Dream of Wires" (IDOW) is an upcoming, independent documentary film about the phenomenal resurgence of the modular synthesizer - exploring the passions, obsessions and dreams of people who have dedicated part of their lives to this esoteric electronic music machine. Written and directed by Robert Fantinatto, with Jason Amm (Ghostly International recording artist Solvent) serving as producer and co-writer, IDOW is set to receive it's festival premiere, May 2013.

Preceding IDOW's official theatrical release, we will be releasing this special, extended cut: "I Dream Of Wires (Hardcore Edition)" (IDOW-HE) will be released independently on BluRay / 2xDVD, and shipped to all IndieGoGo and pre-order customers, June 2013. IDOW-HE is for the hardcore modular synthesizer and electronic music fanatics, and will run approximately 4 hours long (!).

IDOW-HE is a strictly limited-edition item, available to order exclusively through idreamofwires.org from 2/11 - 5/31, 2013. It's bound to sell out in pre-orders, so don't sleep...
IDOW-HE BluRay / 2xDVD is available to pre-order now:
http://idreamofwires.org/order

"Themogene (I Dream Of Wires theme)", from the forthcoming IDOW original soundtrack album by Solvent, is available to listen/download in its entirety via Ghostly International on Soundcloud:
https://soundcloud.com/ghostly/solvent-themogene

Additional music/sounds featured in this trailer: Container, Jack Dangers (Meat Beat Manifesto), Richard Devine, John Elliott (Spectrum Spools/ex-Emeralds), Gert Jalass (Moon Modular), Richard Lainhart, Solvent, Jon Sonnenberg (Travelogue), Keith Fullerton Whitman.

"Who said that?" (in order of appearance): Brad Garton, Dean Batute, Maggie Payne, Bernie Krause, William Maginnis, Terry Pender, Jack Dangers (Meat Beat Manifesto), Benge (John Foxx and the Maths), Vince Clarke (Erasure), Daniel Miller (Mute Records), David Kronemeyer, Jon Sonnenberg (Travelogue), Carl Craig, James Holden, Richard Devine, Luke Abbott, Tony Rolando (Make Noise), Flood, Trent Reznor (NiN/How To Destroy Angels), Dieter Doepfer, Dominic Butler (Factory Floor), Paul Schreiber (Synthesis Technology/MOTM), David Kronemeyer, Eric Barbour (Metasonix), George Mattson, William Mathewson (WMD), Tony Rolando, Eric Barbour, Daniel Miller, Drew Neumann, John Elliott (Spectrum Spools/ex-Emeralds), Andreas Schneider (SchneidersBuero), Eric Barbour, Scott Jaeger (The Harvestman), Andreas Schneider, Dieter Doepfer, Chris Carter (X-TG/Chris & Cosey), Charlie Clouser, Danjel Van Tijn (Intellijel), John Tejada, Drumcell, Legowelt, Alessandro Cortini (SONOIO/ex-NiN), John Foxx, Deadmau5, James Husted (Synthwerks), Paul Barker (Malekko/ex-Ministry), Container, Cevin Key (Skinny Puppy), Robert A.A. Lowe, Trent Reznor, Gur Milstein (TipTop Audio), Gary Numan.

http://idreamofwires.org
http://vimeo.com/idreamofwires 
http://facebook.com/idreamofwiresdocumentary

STECKBOX

"The STECKBOX is a simple, universal patchmatrix with 64 crosspoints. Eight inputs and outputs are connected through attentuators, light sensors, buttons or simple shorting jacks... either directly, variable, controllable or not at all; the possibilities are always expanding. As an analogue controller, systematic instrument or multiple, the STECKBOX acts as a control center at the heart of your creative work."

http://www.steckbox.com
Available at Schneidersbuero

Curetronic 5HE Modular System

"The Curetronic modular synthesizer is the only german-made system in 5rackspace, i.e you have lots of space to jack and to operate. So they are compatible with US-modular systems if needed. Module connection is provided by a 10-pin-jack, which is compatible with the Doepfer system-bus. Jacks are 6.3mm (= 1/4�), of course, Knobs can vary on demand. The Systems we have seen have been very well done and mounted exactly in the also well done wooden cases. At least because of business reasons I would not recommend the available kits for soldering iron artists.

technical details
available modules: VCO, VCO-light, dual shape LFO, quint LFO, quad CV-LFO, VCF-VCA, VCF-CV-reso, multi-VCF, VCA, ADSR, noise, digi-noise, dual mixer 2x4, dual ringmodulator, dual sample & hold, clock divider, clock sequencer, wave-crush, MIDI-interface, CV-phaser, multiple, fine-tool, tool and more ones to be introduced at Superbooth in Frankfurt .."

Click the image for the full size shot. via SchneidersBuero.

'Totally Wired' is released on DVD!

"Dear Friends,
It gives me great happiness to announce at last the release of 'Totally Wired', a film about Schneiders Buero, now available on DVD from www.amazon.com

To thank you for your patience and support, a 10% discount is available to you with the following code: FRLD3JPV

The film will also be available from www.schneidersladen.com and in Schneiders Buero, Berlin.

All Tweets, Forwards, Adds and Posts would be greatly appreciated!

I hope you enjoy the film and look forward to your feedback.
Niamh Guckian, Director, 'Totally Wired'.

For sneak peaks and trailers, please visit www.totallywired.tumblr.com
Totally Wired on Twitter"

Trailer for 'Totally Wired' from Niamh Guckian on Vimeo.

"This is the trailer for the forthcoming documentary ‘Totally Wired’. Enjoy!" "A documentary film about Andreas Schneider's infamous 'Schneider's Buero' [Schneidersbuero], the boutique electronic musical instrument shop in Berlin. 'Totally Wired' explores one man's electric evangelism, and the interface he has built to connect analogue instrument inventors with their end-users. The film features an informed selection of inventors and artists alike, including Dieter Doepfer, Junior Boys, Ken MacBeth, Anthony Rother, Jessica Rylan, Daniel Miller, Wowa Cwejmann, Per Salzwedel, Ricardo Villalobos, Magda, Marc Houle and many more." http://totallywired.tumblr.com/ via wire to the ear. previously posted

Sneak Peek from 'Totally Wired' - Ken Macbeth

Sneak Peek from 'Totally Wired' - Ken Macbeth from Niamh Guckian on Vimeo.

previously posted

Loop Arena Multi Touch Console

loopArena MTC performance @ superbooth lounge

YouTube via sport4minus.

"excerpts from a performance in Frankfurt/Main, Germany in the course of the music fair.
http://www.multitouch.de
http://www.sport4minus.de
http://www.digital.udk-berlin.de
http://www.superbooth.com
http://www.schneidersbuero.de"
Similar to, but not Reactable. via Music Thing.

SubtleNoiseMaker Cacophonator II thru guitaramp

YouTube Uploaded by druesenhieb on May 26, 2011

"SubtleNoiseMaker Cacophonator II thru guitaramp.
www.SubtleNoiseMaker.hitart.com"

Also available at Analogue Haven and Schneidersbuero.

Why You Should Consider Getting a Modular

I wasn't sure when I was going to put this post up, but considering the previous post on a grunge effects module, I figure now is a better time than ever. You will see more effects based posts moving forward, but they will be focused on using them from a synth perspective. My gut tells me you will begin to see more effects based modules over time as well. Here's why, and why you really should consider getting into the modular world if you haven't already.

I'll try to keep this short: a modular doesn't have to be a full blown synth. It doesn't have to be a synth at all. It can be an extension to your existing setup; it can be a simple way to process your synths, guitar, drums, etc.

Start with an empty case that suits your needs and budget. Then buy a single module or two max. Be sure to pick the right size format to start (see this post for modular formats). Once you have a case, a modular can actually be a more affordable way to deal with GAS (Gear Acquisition Syndrome) than other gear. Modules are usually cheaper than synths. Also worth noting, is if you are into effects pedals, a modular system is much less messy and much easier to transport. In time I'm sure more effects oriented modules will be made. What's interesting to note is most modules do not have an on/off bypass switch like pedals. You'll need a bypass mixer module to work around this if this matters to you.

Note the biggest price of entry will be the case, but they can be affordable.

An example would be the following:
Monorocket Mission6 Case - $350
Tiptop Audio Happy Ending Kit - $149 (added 1/20/11)
Or if you want to go really minimal - a Doepfer beauty case for $120
Note the above are just examples and are both Euro-rack format cases.
Be sure to see the format chart for others and plan before you buy. See the shops below to research more and of course search for the other formats.

As for modules and what to start with. There are far too many to list. What you'll want to ask yourself is how do you want to use it. That will be dependent on your current setup. There are pretty much three types of modules to consider - those that process sound (filters, ring mods, effects, etc...), those that produce sound (Oscillators, noise sources, etc...), and those that control sounds (LFOs, envelopes, sequencers, etc).

Examples of how to integrate a modular with your synth:

1. If you have a Pedal input on your synth you can start with any controller module like a sequencer or LFO. I use a Tiptop Audio Z8000 sequencer for example. Plug it into the Pedal or CV in on any of your synths and let it sequence whatever you can route to. You will need something to clock the sequencer or in layman's terms, to get it going. If you have a drum machine, you might be able to use it to clock and sync the sequencer. For example on a Roland TR-909 you can use the Rimshot Out to trigger the sequencer. If you don't have something to clock it, you can get a low cost LFO module.

2. If you pick up a filter or effects module, simply run your audio through it. Pick up a second module like an LFO or sequencer to modulate the filter.

3. Add a sound source module to the mix.

The point of this is that you don't need to buy a full blown modular to get started. My experience was kind of funny. I was waiting for years to get a modular because every time I priced out a base system it was just too high. I finally picked up a Mattson Mini Modular because I wanted a Syntar but knew I couldn't afford one and by the time I did it might not be available. Once I had the MMM, I thought great, now I can get a eurorack case and buy a module here or there over time. I picked up my case and then found myself using it with my synths more than my MMM!!! It was a very duh moment. I realized I could have started a long time ago.

As for what modules to start out with, there are way too many to go into detail here, and it really is a personal thing. The best thing to do is to research and start thinking about what would make sense to you - size/format, cost, and what sort of modules would best work for you.

Shops to research modules and prices:

US:
http://bigcitymusic.com/
http://noisebug.net/
http://analoguehaven.com/

UK and Europe:
http://schneidersbuero.de/
http://postmodular.co.uk/motm
http://modularsquare.com/

BTW, I want to be super fair in this post. If I missed any shops for modular gear, let me know and I will update the post. If you prefer to remain anonymous shoot me an email. My contact info is on the bottom right of the site.

Modulars are like legos for synths - legos of the synth world.

StromKult London

via StromKult where you'll find the links to more details.

"After some rumours we thought its a good idea: finally now we will open up a first showroom in London to touch, listen and feel the components of the modular world of nowadays. On October 10th we would be happy meeting you for our release of the modular testsalon inside Rough Trade East, please see more details on SchneidersBuero and/or here during next week."

Navs Trans Europa Exzess from the Superbooth

via Navs

"Studio version of my set at the Schneidersbuero Superbooth event at the Saasfee Pavillion last week.

I took a 6U system to Frankfurt, which was the same rig I used for the recording: 4MS RCD + breakout, Analogue Solutions MX224 & SH-NZ, Cwejman RES-4, MMF-1 & VCA-4MX, Doepfer A-133, Makenoise Wogglebug & Maths, Plan B M15 & M12, Toppobrillo Sport Modulator & Triple Wavefolder and, of course, the EHX Stereo Memory Man w/ Hazarai."

Wowa Cwejman Has Passed Away

Some sad news in today. Legendary synthesizer maker Wlodzimierz Cwejman, known as Wowa Cwejman to the synth community, has passed away. As anyone who has visited this site over the years knows, his creations are recognized as the best of the best when it comes to quality and sound. He will be sorely missed.

The following was shared by Maho Cwejman:

“I’m incredibly sad to say that Wlodzimierz Cwejman (Wowa ) passed away yesterday. Wowa was an incredible man making great things and I love that we made so many together. Right now I hope you appreciate I need some time but will come back as soon as possible with an update to Cwejman. I want to thank everyone for your support and kind words🙏 Wlodzimierz Cwejman 1949-2021

Cwejman music AB
#Cwejman”


A tribute by verstaerker:

In Memory of Wowa Cwejman
video by verstaerker

"In memory of Wowa Cwejman who passed away 30.01.2021
Thank you Wowa for you wonderful instruments wich always inspired me making music.

The video is from a workshop long time ago in Schneidersbuero .. i think around 2008.
The music is made in 2007 after i bought my Cwejman S1. The sounds are done with a Doepfer A-154/155 Sequencer, Cwejman S1 and a Roland JV1080 for the pad.

Rest in Peace!"


And a couple of interviews from the archives:

Wowa Cwejman Interview From Totally Wired [previously posted here]

Published on Jan 19, 2017 brian tregaskin

"last bit of totally wired which includes interview with wowa cwejman"

Totally Wired was a documentary associated with Schneiders Buero, the people behind SUPERBOOTH.

Workshop with Wowa Cwejman @SchneidersLaden [previously posted here]

Published on Jan 15, 2019

"At the beginning of July 2018 SchneidersLaden had the opportunity to welcome Wowa Cwejman again. The occasion was the presentation of four new modules. Wowa Cwejman was so kind to give us an overview of these modules in the large showroom of SchneidersLaden, together with Tom Körting they went through all new aspects of the modules and patched some sound examples. With the displayed oscilloscope you get a good sense of what is happening with the signals. All in all a lot of new possibilities to explore!

Update: a tribute from C Nich0llsL.



"Single take recording from Cwejman S1. I was fortunate to pick up one of the last batch (in grey). Had been kicking myself for not getting one when they fist launched for several years. It is beautiful.
The recording had been sitting on my desktop for a couple of months. After hearing of Wowa's passing, I am sharing as an homage to the beautiful tone of this instrument and to the man that created it.
Recorded through Strymon;s Night Sky, the resonances seem to stretch out into the darkness.
Left unadorned for those who may want to take a moment and gaze at the Night Sky.
Thank you, for a beautiful instrument."

Tiptop Audio Modular Workshop w Konstantin Gervis

tiptop audio modular workshop w Konstantin Gervis from Andreas Schneider on Vimeo.

"Explaining the outstanding possibilities of Tiptop Audios Eurorack modules Konstantin Gervis gave an attractive workshop for SchneidersBuero inside CentralMusic. Performing with his own folding case he praised the possibilities of having 808 and 909 drumsounds in such a compact instrument for comparably small prices. Even after he introduced all the modules that could have been found in this system, we reduced the lenght of the video to the most compact overview of some very good ones combined with some sounds he made that evening..."

MFB and Spectral Audio

Title link takes you to some news on MFB and Spectral Audio on SchneidersBuero.
Spectral Audio: They are still with us and will be introducing the sequencer pictured here along with other modules.
MFB: There is a delay on some of their products due to modernizing their technical procedures, however the Synth Lite 2 will be available around the Frankfurt MusikMesse (think European winter NAMM). The Polylite will be discontinued and is selling out now.

via altermark