New NAMM 2006 Sonic State Videos

New set of synth videos up.



Access Virus OS Update TIOS 1.1
Future Retro XS
Native Instruments KORE
Future Music Store in Hollywood

That last one on Future Music reminded me of many a synth dream I've had thinking if I grab the synth before I wake up, I'll have it. They even have the loft with unknown goodies.

Synth Demos on Harmony Central

The thread started in Jan 2005. Currently at eight pages of nothing but individual synth demos. Title link takes you there.

Andromeda A6 Demos

Sizzlemeister put up a post on HC asking people to post demos consisting only of the Alesis Andromeda A6. Pix posted a nice long one that covers a wide range of the A6. Title link takes you there. Enjoy.

Shot of the limited Red Panel A6

Optigan Sighting

Found an Optigan listed in the Seattle Craigslist for $400. I have no idea what these usually go for.

The Optigan is a groovy piece of gear by Mattel that came out in the early 1970s. Similar to a Mellotron, but it uses optical disks instead of tape. Check out this post for a good site with some samples. Title link takes you to the Optigan site.

Notes pulled from Craigslist:
"Optigan for sale with 6 disks, manual and 2 songbooks. It has been recently refurbished/overhauled so it has rock solid speed and and is clean inside and out.

works perfect

Disks include:

1. Big Organ and Drums
2. Pop Piano Plus Guitar
3. Latin Fever
4. Guitar in 3/4 Time
5. Folk and Other Moods-Guitar
6. Nashville Country "

Update via the comments: "there was one on Craig's list LA just recently, too, for $225."

Metasonix TM-6 Filter

Samples and thoughts via Michael Weeks. Thanks Michael!

"Overall impressions of the filter: I don't have any experience with the TM-2 Filter, so I can't make direct comparisons. This is the same filter basically as what is in the new S-1000 Wretch Machine synth, but in a standalone case and with an additional CV input for Resonance. The CV controls are ALOT of fun, and the filter responds very well to every source I've tried through it.

It's character is DEFINITELY different, there is a sort of "huh, never heard that before" quality to the sound and the resonance, and the filter types really do offer up a rediculously wide (and, dare I say, close to conventional?) amount of tone shaping.

Overall it's been a blast having it here to do audio demos with - I love me some filters, and have abused a sherman filterbank for a number of years now. Overall this thing is a fun fun fun box with a very unique sound, but not as alien as some other Metasonix boxes. Worth demoing for an hour or so :D

Here's some audio demos of the Metasonix TM-6 filter (also up on the product page http://metasonix.com/index.php?opti...id=31&Itemid=62

Run a Guitar through it
http://thewretch.com/tm6_demos/TM_6_GuitarDemo.mp3
Ibanez artcore, run through the TM-6 using the Moog CP251 to send an LFO to control the CV

Run Drumloops through it
http://thewretch.com/tm6_demos/TM_6_DrumDemo.mp3
Drumsamples overdriven and run through the TM-6, tweaking throughout

Run a Synth through it
http://thewretch.com/tm6_demos/TM_6_SequenceDemo.mp3
Mam MB33 sequenced by Future Retro Mobius, overdriven through the filter and tweaked throughout

Michael Weeks
www.endmusik.com"

Video Synthesis Pioneer Nam June Paik Passes Away at Age 74

Title link takes you to his official site. Also do an image search for his name to see more of his amazing work. Click here for an article in Synapse that mentions his influence on Steve Rutt.

Samplebase Looking for Sound Designers

I know some of you can do this without blinking. Title link takes you there. Via Analog Industries.

Doppelgangers of the Synth World

I kind of knew there was a huge organ fan base out there with the likes of Michael Leicher. As Mathew states below, they are indeed just as insanely obsessive as us. What's interesting is Wendy Carlos made the move to organs. Title link takes you to the transformation of her studio. As an aside, there recently was an auction on the Seattle Craiglist for a Minimoog for $350 by a guy that stated he was more into organs. The post has been pulled and I haven't heard back from my inquiry. Anywhoo... More organ links below. Thanks Mathew!



"You should check out what Theatre Organ hobbyists are doing.

They're insane, like us. :)

http://theatreorgans.com/
http://www.artisan-instruments.com/riac.html
http://www.virtualorgan.com/RunScript.asp?p=ASP%5CPg0.asp
http://www.otheroom.com/namm/techno.html

FWIW, the only reason I know anything about this theatre organ
business is because it is Wendy's current obsession.

http://www.wendycarlos.com/wurlynew/rhwing.JPG

details here:

http://www.wendycarlos.com/wurlynew/index.html#before"

Roland SH-5 - New Flickr Shots

Title link takes you to more.

Vintage Georges Jenny's ONDIOLIN

You don't see these every day. Title link takes you to shots pulled from this auction. Notes below in French and then translated to English via Google. More on the Ondioline on 120 Years. Via Music Thing.



"Tres rare Ondioline de Georges jenny, premier synthe analogique, conception de la fin des annees 30 Modele probablement apres guerre, complet et d' origine, a remettre en ordre et en etat: celui çi s'allume mais les sons sont difficilement cernables; de plus , il semble y avoir un probleme avec le commutateur de volume au genou A SAISIR. . ."

"Very rare Ondioline of George Jenny, first synthe analogical, design of the end of the Thirties Model probably after war, complete and of origin, has to give in order and state: that çi ignites but the sounds are difficult to identify; moreover, it seems y to have a problem with the switch of volume to the knee TO SEIZE. ."