MATRIXSYNTH

at 5/31/2006 12:18:00 AM

Resonating rice. Amazing. Via Music Thing. BTW, Tom thinks this video is spooky but has an even spookier video on his post. I don't know, I thought this video was pretty cool. That other video, though. Scared the crap out of me. So much so I won't post it here; you need to go there to see it. Freaky, freaky stuff I tell yeah - can't believe I actually watched the whole thing. Thanks Tom.

Update via the comments (thought this was pretty funny):

"Doktor Future said...
This is so good. I'm happy to see that humanity is so close to discovering anti-gravity and personal psycho-shields.

On another note, it would be cool if there'd be a movie where the dead communicate with resonance patterns. Sort of like that lame 'EVP - Electronic Voice Phenomenon', but this would be 'URC - Undead Rice Communicator'."

at 5/31/2006 12:17:00 AM

Shots pulled from this post on craigslist. Details below.

Details:

"This is a completely assembled and working modular synth.

( Those unfamiliar with Formant may wish to google-search for background.
Search "Formant Modular" or "Elektor Formant" )

They were kits that hardcore electronic wizards assembled. This one has been built by a professional electronic technician and I have never seen so much attention to detail paid to the soldering, wiring layout and assembly. The builder was totally anal about putting this together.

This is a complete "Book 1" Kit, all hard-wired in a cabinet with a keyboard.
3 x VCO (multi-waveforms out)
3 x LFO (multi-waveforms out)
1 x VCA
2 x VCF
1 x RFM (parametric eq)
1 x COM (main output with bass, treble and mid eq)
2 x Ring Modulators
With patch-cables and connector for 61-note keyboard that has portmento and vibrato.

A 2x8 sequencer is also included. The synth itself is hardwired, meaning you don't need patch cables to make sounds. But you can add patch cables for extra deep modulation, sweeps, etc.

The VCFs cover the full range of Moog, Arp and Oberheim sounds via the LP, HP, BP and Notch selectable filters. In addition, there are unique sounds that the Formant is good at that I have never heard out of any other synthesizer.

It is basically (more than) equal to a Minimoog or Arp 2600, but allows deep depth for those wishing to create complex and layered custom synthesizer sounds like a filter sweep that goes on for days and days and days.

$2500 Firm."

NOTE: This is not for sale via Matrixsynth. Just pulled the details for reference and posterity. If you are interested in the unit, click on the title link and contact the seller.

at 5/31/2006 12:16:00 AM

Title link takes you to more shots by Jason Proctor. This one is up for sale; if interested contact Jason.

at 5/31/2006 12:15:00 AM

Title link takes you to shots pulled from this auction. There is a great shot of the back side of the MPG-80. After seeing it I realized I've never seen the back side before. It's also a table top unit to my surprise; I've only seen the MPG racked before.

at 5/31/2006 12:10:00 AM

Synthesizers.com clone of the Moog 960. Title link takes you to the post on Sequencer.de.

at 5/31/2006 12:05:00 AM

flikcr by gentle bakemono. Title link takes you to more.

at 5/31/2006 12:00:00 AM

Title link takes you to an AN1X demo by Zamise on VSE, also saved off here. Be careful, there are some high resonance squeals at the end.

at 5/30/2006 09:52:00 AM

I recently received an email from Felix Martin of Hot Chip. I was flattered to find that he reads this blog. I heard of Hot Chip in passing but hadn't checked them out until now. Good stuff that really grows on you. Watch this video a couple of times and you'll see what I mean. You can also check them out on MySpace and thier official site. Felix and the rest of the band are very into synths and keys. They use a number of them including a Casiotone MT-70, Fender Rhodes Mark II, Teisco 60-F, MicroKorg, Roland SH-101, Moog MURF, Elektron Machinedrum and Akai MPC1000. Check out the Teisco in the video. I never realized they were that small! Also, love the red balloon scene in the video. : )

"we are appearing on the jools holland music show this friday on BBC2 if you are able to tune in, playing all the stuff mentioned above. also, the Over and Over video features some of the gear but is very obviously mimed!"

Felix goes on to say, "I have studio in london as well which is filled with odd old synths, including a modified Pro-5 that used to belong to the BBC symphony orchestra - will take some pictures soon and send them in"

Can't wait. Thanks for sending this in Felix.

at 5/30/2006 12:45:00 AM

Click play button to launch. Ok, I might be stretching this one as "Everything Synth" but a computer drives it so, I'm guessing you can control it somehow via MIDI and your synths. Just be sure it's your outdoor studio.

More videos. Title link takes you to Infernoptix.com with more info, images and videos.

BTW, remember the rave kids killing their eardrums up against the speakers in their little trance dance worship of the bass?... Well, just keep these up high if you plan to use 'em...

at 5/30/2006 12:24:00 AM

Now this is pretty cool.

Title link takes you to a page on the instruments used by Doug Wyatt on his The Dream of "I." What's great about it is you can click on an instrument and hear it played solo followed by in the track. It's an interesting exercise in that you actually get to hear how a particular synth sounds solo vs. in the given track. Some just sound odd until you hear them in context. Great stuff. Make sure to track back and check out the rest of Doug's site while there.

Update via the comments:
"Doug Wyatt is also the main developer behind OMS at Opcode, back in the OS9 days, and also CoreMIDI/CoreAudio at Apple on OSX. Brilliant guy, and responsible for making some essential tools for sequencing and audio on the Mac."