MATRIXSYNTH

at 1/03/2006 02:06:00 AM

Interesting EMS Synthi page popped up on AH. Title link takes you there. Included are shots of an EMS VCS3 with silver knobs, Synthi 100 and info sheet (pictured below), Synthi demo record and sleeve, and an typed letter response to an order inquiry with a reference to Pink Floyd. Note the reference to the BBC in the sheet below. My guess is it's the Synthi 100 that made its way into the BBC's Radiophonic Workshop.

at 1/03/2006 01:30:00 AM

Title link takes you to a Casio SK site posted in the comments of my Brothers Separated at Birth post. Didn't realize how many different models were out there. The page has images, samples, info and of course circuit bending.

The Beefy SK-60

at 1/03/2006 01:11:00 AM

Click here for an episode of Computer Chronicles from 1986 on MIDI Music. Amazing how far we have come. $100 for a singe CD-R. : ) Links to video stream on on the left pane when you get there. Via this post on VSE.

Computers and music, MIDI machines and interfaces, and music composition software.

Guests: Chris French, Music Software; Bob Moore, Hybrid Arts; David Schwartz, Compusonics; Chris Potter, Mimetics; Curtis Sasaki, Apple; Gary Kildall, Digital Research; Gary Leuenberger, Midi Revolution

Products/Demos: Casio SK-1 Synthesizer, Atari ST, Activision's Music Studio, ADAP Sampler, DSP-1000, Apple II GS, Ensoniq Sound Chip, Soundscape, Commodore AmigaEZ Track, Kidnotes

at 1/02/2006 04:21:00 PM

Interesting. Never heard of this double LP before. Via gm on AH.

"Excellent 2-LP boxed set as in introduction to and survey of electronic music, circa late 1960s.
All work realised on the Moog Series III Synthesiser.
Apart from the first and last track listed, each section is broken down into various examples. "

at 1/02/2006 03:34:00 PM

Octave CAT demo record up on the bay. But before you bid, check out the free dowloadable copy and more on Audio Playground, posted back on 11/09/05. Title link takes you there. Also check out the Serge Musician's Tape, posted on 10/13/05.

at 1/02/2006 10:59:00 AM

Nice video of Philip Dodds (head of engineering for ARP) and the ARP 2500 in the film, Close Encounters of the Third Kind. Click here then here for a couple of interviews with Dodds on the Rhodes Chroma site that mentions how he ended up in the actual film and a "close encounter" with George Lucas who came to check out the set after completing the post production of Star Wars. Amazing bit of synth history. If you haven't actually seen Close Encounters of the Third kind, rent it. It's a great sci-fi film of the era.

at 1/02/2006 10:56:00 AM

Update: More keeps coming in the comments. Make sure to check em out.

Update: And the twin via the comments of the post:

Casio Rap-Man

Interesting Flickr shot of the Casio SK1 and the Realistic Rap-Master with a cpation states the Rap-Master was a copy of the SK1. Who knows... I bet some circuit benders out there would. If you know, feel free to comment.

at 1/02/2006 10:49:00 AM

Title link takes you to a couple more. Love the blue knobs, and I actually like how these shots are blurry. Adds a little warmth to the crisp digital of the synth.

at 1/02/2006 10:22:00 AM

David Vanenborn sent me an email announcing a new synth blog he just set up inspired by Matrixsynth! Very cool. I am flattered. It looks like he is off to a great start including a post on the Fairlight CMI Demo Tape with an mp3 sample. Definitely worth checking out. Pictured below is the first shot on his first post. Title link takes you there. Update: DVDBORN added to my blogroll on the right.