The End of MOTM synth kits

I posted about this back on July 6. Looks like the day has finally arrived. Via Paul Schreiber on the AH list:


"Tomorrow at 9PM Texas time, I am loading into the shopping cart: link

the last and final set of MOTM analog modular synth kits. I'm both relieved and
sad. About 7500 kits have been built by members of this list, in 17 different
countries. However, the sheer logistics of keeping up with 50,000 parts/month
means I am converting to assembled modules only. And letting other folks worry
about it.

The last *order* date will be Dec. 1st, assuming there are kits left to order :)
It will take until the end of the year to ship all of them (there are ~375 on
back order as of today). Yes, the shopping cart says 'In Stock' but that doesn't
equate to 'will ship by Friday'.

I have "turned off" the kit portion of the cart until I've completed the update.

Thanks to everyone for the many years of excitement. MOTM is far from dead: in
fact, just the opposite. By no longer spending 90% of my time shuffling parts
around, I can concentrate on *design* and *delivery*.

Paul Schreiber
Synthesis Technology"

Synton Fenix Modular

Update via the comments: "Electrically they're fine. Mechanically, they could use some help. Boards held in place with hot glue (and the wrong type that doesn't stick well to smooth surfaces), various pot shaft types, poor strain relieving, thin metal, etc. Wonderful in the design, poor in the construction. Fwiw, I've serviced at least 5 of them. Anyone that buys one should open it up after shipping and before powering up. The boards inside can flop over onto each other and short out."

Update: Be sure to check out the comments. Supposedly, this is Thighpaulsandra's Fenix. Link to studio shots posted here.

No title link. Two shots and details pulled via this auction. Sent my way via Vincent.

"Very rare semi modular synthesizer, one of only 75 designed and built by the original Synton team. A direct descendant of the Synton 3000 modular synthesizer and the Syrinx lead synth. Almost every module is unique: this means that every LFO and Envelope Generator (and most mixers, VCO's, VCF's) have different controls and ins/outs. The Fenix uses industry-standard 1 V/octave for pitch control, and positive gate signals. Internal audio levels are 4 VPP, control voltages are -4/+4 or 0-8 Volts. Uses sturdy banana jacks for patching.
3 VCOs
3 LFOs
1 Noise module (2 independent sources with VLFO output)
2 Multimode VCFs
1 24dB/oct low-pass VCF
4 VCAs
3 General-purpose mixers, plus 1 integrated in VCF3
2 Dedicated CV mixers
3 EGs plus extra AD in EG1
2 Portamentos
2 Ring modulators
1 Slew limiter
1 Sample & Hold generator
1 Comparator
2 External signal processors
2 Main CV inputs (3.5mm mini-jacks on rear panel)
2 Auxiliary CV inputs (3.5mm mini-jacks on rear panel)
2 Gate inputs (3.5mm mini-jacks on rear panel)
2 External audio inputs (quarter-inch jacks on front-panel)
Grounding point
Power: 17V/17V @ 880mA. Universal 115V/230V external PSU."

malgorithm speaks

"Test of a voltage controlled digital signal processor, in the context of a small-format modular synthesizer. JUST SAY NO TO RoHS."

YouTube via meatlog. Sent my way via Stag Ejector.

Stekgreif Modular MIDI Controller

LEGO based MIDI building blocks. Construct your own MIDI controllers. Title link takes you to the site mostly in German. Here is a Google English translated link.

via SoNiCbRaT.

EL-Foil - Solution for Dimming Displays

Bookmarking this one in case I ever need it. Title link takes you to a site that explains how to deal with fading displays on certain synths.

"After some years many displays become "darker" and unreadable. In most cases it is not necessary to replace the whole display. These displays are transparent with backround-light. This light is an EL-Foil."
The EL-Foil is the lighting element strip within the display.

The Klangbox

And we have a real image of the Klangblox in the flesh - not rendered. Link to more on the Klanbox in case you are wondering what it is.

Cortex Design Terpstra Keyboard

"Similar to a digital piano in function, but with a totally radical new form, our revolutionary Terpstra Generalized MIDI Keyboard."

Title link takes you there.

Kitten Composer

YouTube via infinitedigg. Via Cute Overload. Yep, I'm guilty. I check out Cute Overload every now and then. Hey, my daughter makes me. : )

Cavagnolo Exagone Monophonic Presetable Synthesizer

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

"analog synthesizer of French manufacture (1982): very rare Cavagnolo EXAGONE XM 64. Good state general (large sounds) a number of oscillators: 2+1 sub-oscillator. Forms of waves: 3. 2 LFO, 1 ADSR, 1 filter PB (24 db/Oct), 64 presets (sites to memorize the sounds). Sold in the state (correct operation), without guarantee."
Sent in via Vincent.

P.Lion - Happy Children

YouTube via jubilao. Sent my way via Jos. Roland Jupiter 8.

Xpander Drones by Andrew

Title link takes you to some Oberheim Xpander drones by Andrew.

"Just in time for Halloween :)"

Also mirrored here.

Buchla 200e Demos

This one sent my way via françois. Title link takes you to seven Buchla 200e demos. I've posted a link to the share in the past, however it looks like a few more have been added. Thanks françois!

SoundLab Mini Synth

flickr by janvanvolt.

Index of /waveterm/LJLab2006

Title link takes you to a slew of synth shots from Andrew Dean, including some rare items (Update: the site is gone, title link now points to Waveterm's flickr set for the LAB). The gear list is pretty long so hop over to see based on the titles. You'll find a ton of PPG including the Waveterm and EVU (Expansion Voice Unit - the sequencer looking thing in the shot below), various Simmons drum machines, the Yamaha CS30L (below), and more. Note the CS30L is flat unlike the CS30 which had an angled control panel.
Update: More on the PPG Waveterm and PPG in general, including samples on the PPG Webpages. Tip via Mr. Array in the comments.

CLICK FOR MORE »

Oberheim OB8

Just a cool shot of the OB8 sent to AH from the "opening shot of the music video for "Sierra Leone" by Coconut Rough, from 1983." BTW, I checked YouTube for the video, and couldn't find it.

Update via Andrew in the comments: Here's the YouTube link.

Jomox Clap Samples by Mark

Mark sent the following to AH. He gave me the ok to host the samples and put this up.

"FYI, a look inside the SE shows a ROM chip with the words "Airbase ROM" stickered to it - so it definitely is the exact sample set. Here are some samples from the XBase09SE - dialed to different settings in a usable range: link.

The 808 and 909 are pretty much what you'd expect. The CR78 doesn't sound a thing like a clap to me, but an interesting sound. The JMX (Jomox) clap is a new one altogether, and pretty cool.

Enjoy,
Mark"

Esa Kotilainen @ Tuubi, TV1 (1979) (Musiikki-TV klassikko)

video upload by Ghost10101

Sent my way via HarriL. Esa Kotilainen is a member of Wigwam.

Custom Cased Wiard

This is just too cool.

Via sequencer.de. Title link takes you to the thread with much larger shots posted by 11ish.

Modified Minimoog

"Additional function is : LFO (TRI wave only), Pitch env, OSC sync, DC modulation"
YouTube via interlogic. Sent my way via frederic.

Livewire Dual Bissell Generator

"Based on an original design by the (in)famous Harry Bissell, Jr., this module contains two quite unique lag (or slew) generators... while this module does normal glide/portamento type effects nicely, what makes it unique is the fact that you have separate control over the rise time, fall time and shape of the curve... very useful and fun to play with."

MiniMoog

flickr by DSutherland.

"This is a scan of the sales literature for the Moog MiniMoog synthesizer. This is definitely vintage 1970s - I used to carry this bit of paper around with me everywhere when I was a teenager, one of the things I used to dream about : )"

Korg MS20

Just a few shots sent to AH via Brandon Rogers.

MS20_1.jpg
MS20_2.jpg
MS20_3.jpg
MS20_4.jpg

Hmm... I wonder what that little grey guy is.

Plan B M16 Sound Clip

Via Peter Grenader on the Plan B list back on 9/10:

"The following link is a soundbite of the Model 16 prototype currently in it's final stages prior to release.

This sample consists of two VCOs, slightly detuned at octaves that DO NOT CHANGE PITCH. I'm using the VC sweep function in Bandpass mode and stepping through four(of 12) filter outputs, then slowly increasing the resonance from full CCW to full CW, roughly giving the effect of a crossfade from a standard fixed filter bank to a vocorder."

Update via Peter in the comments:
"Well, I hope you guys don't think this is the coolest effect going, becauuse I've yanked the voltage control of this feature off the final version. It'll stil go from low res (one filter) to high res(two filters in series) for each of the 12 in the matrix, and you will still be able to select a mixture betwen the two...but not via VC, only with a pot.

The circuitry required to do this correctly vs. the net effect itself, to my taste, iwas not singing together. It would easily add another $20 to the bottom line

So we lost this VC, but we gained two other very cool features, so I don't feel guilty about nixing the VC here.

We've added a STEP PULSE out, which returns a timing pulse every time the SWEEP function goes fro9m one filter to another...and..we added a soft/hard select switch to that as well, which gives you either hard step between the filters with the sweep function, or a softer fading from one to another. And the sweep did retain it's VC, so I think it's all good.

In any event, the other two sound samples on the EAR site for the M16 are more interesting. Have a listen.

- P"

Link to EAR site.

Bristol Audio Synthesis

Softsynths for Linux.

Hammond, Yamaha, Roland, Rhodes
ARP
Moog
Korg
Sequential Circuits
Oberheim

Title link takes you there.

Yamaha CS30 Demo

Title link takes you to a couple of demos and a supersized shot of the image in this post. Via one of the anonymous.
Direct stereo recorded to CD without any processing or eq.
Live manipulations:
LFO speed
Cutoff of both filters
Vcf 2 amounth
Swithing vcf 2 to bp
Switch in the ringmod from vco to lfo and morf from normal to ring
Variating the balance slider (at right of kb)
Vcf and vca envelops tweaking

Tangerine Dream 1969

via frederic:
"To me, this video is an absolute must ! Why ?
Because for the very first time one can see Thomas Kessler.

Thomas Kessler (a very ahead minded composer) is the man who transform Tangerine Dream from a psycho-rock band into an electronic music band. That fact is not much told. But that fact is the basis for a good understanding of Tangerine Dream's story and also Klaus Schulze's story (remember he was a guitarist/drummer before he met Thomas Kessler)."

kluster 1971

via frederic.

TECHNOMANIA! episode 5

Via Sonic State. Love the monome toast. BTW, if you haven't seen the Creative Labs drumm video before, do check it out in full.

Japan Collection - Sonicstate.com

Via Sonic State. Make sure to check out the article as well.

Waldorf Update

Via this electro-music.com thread. I have no idea if this is real.

"From: Michael von Garnier
Sent: 06 October 2006 09:50
To: David
Subject: AW: Sales query

Hi,

we are going to have 3 of the old models available soon (MicroQ, Q and Q+) as well as the software bundle 'Waldorf Edition'. There will be a version 2 upgrade available later this year, including Mac/Intel compatibility and AU format)

For next year we are working on a couple of new products, at NAMM and Musikmesse we will see more.

We also have this liitle module for the CME UF series keyboards: The CME Nano module which is basically a MicroQ sounding preset synth.

My best,

Michael von Garnier

-----Ursprüngliche Nachricht-----
Von: David
Gesendet: Donnerstag, 5. Oktober 2006 16:54
An:
Betreff: Sales query
Hi,

Please can you advise what products you have for sale? I am ideally looking for a new Microwave XT but will consider others.

Many thanks,

David."

Update via Moogulator in the comments:
"it's real, I wrote something based on this info some month ago for a magazine in germany called "beat", and still there is no more info available, we have to wait for the products to come.. so this one tells no real new things.. it's also true, that the Q rack is no longer available.. (as well as the XT also) - atm we are waiting for the OS updates on XT + Q Series and new Waldorfs on NAMM"

Eric Siday's Moogs

Title link takes you to more.

via frederic.

Oakley Sound Systems: Example Modifications

Title link takes you to a list of mods on the Oakley site including the Roland SH-5, SH-101, EH Smallstone, SCI Prophet 5, Moog Rogue, Moog Minimoog, Roland TB-303, and Roland Jupiter-6 with sound samples for some.

"The SH-5 shown below was suffering from a damaged keyboard mechanism and several other faults. The customer wanted it seriously modded. The keyboard section was removed and a banana plug patch panel put in its place. A new circuit board was designed and fitted to allow for various CV and audio signals to enter and leave the SH-5. The low pass filter was modified to a Moog style ladder for a more weighty sound."

Circuit Bent Roland TR-626

Title link takes you to shots pulled from this auction.

Details:
"This Roland TR626 is a samples drum computer, with individual outputs and great sounds. Good for making r&b, house, techno and many other styles... But the greatest thing about it is the bends... They turn this machine into a living noise, scream, distortion, flanging, synth tones, kit changes, etc etc etc... Thoses changes in sounds, are made by a patchbox, that is connected to the TR626 by a 25 pin cable. Connecting the plugs ramdomly will surprise you (if you are into noise music).

Included in this package is the folowing;

- Roland TR626 Rythm Computer
- Roland TR626 User manual (in english only) ORIGINAL
- Bend Patchbox (modular style with plugs for banana Jacks)
- Power supply (not original but compatible with other gear)
- DB25 Parallel Cable (for connecting TR to PatchBox)
- 6 PatchCables Stackable"

via GetLoFi.

Roger Joseph Manning Jr and his synths

Title link takes you to the post on Synthwire. If you like synths, don't miss this one. : )

Roland PG-200 guts.

flickr by polaranta.

Title link takes you to one more shot.

Rogue Moog + Ring Mod + MuRF

The Setup:


The Output:




YouTube via azotus. Sent my way via frederic. Title link takes you to more by azotus.

Anonymous Studio Pic

No title link. Just a nice studio shot sent my way.

"Here's a pic from a client of mine. I serviced his Micro and Mini moogs. The Mini has a Midi converter in it too."

Creamware Klangboxes Ready to Launch

Remember the Klangbox?
The following in via Creamware News:

"Flight control to Klangbox group: ground clearance granted. Over."

Yamaha CS5 Through CS10 Sample

Via Chris Strellis:
"I connected the CS-10 Gate and CV out to the CS-5 and routed the CS-5 audio out into the external audio in of the CS-10 and played them together. Now you have an extra oscillator and filter and EG and LFO etc. You've now pretty much made a CS-15 and a bit (CS-17.5?). The CS-5 has sample and hold on an LFO which the CS-10 doesn't. Also having two independent bandpass filters in series you can get you synth to talk a bit! Here's an mp3 demo of the units in action: link (5 mins 55 secs 5.94Mbytes). I added echo and reverb and compression to the sound file" Thanks Chris! BTW, do check out strellis.com for more of Chris' work.

ARP VCF Clone by Wasbut

There's been some discussion on cloning ARP modules on AH. Seems the majority of what's currently out there are DIY projects. There's a big interest in having the major manufactures produce modules. Note this is regarding individual modules rather than an all in one systems like MacBeth Studio Systems M5.

Title link takes you to Wasbut's ARP VCF clone with samples on Yusynth. You will also find other clones including EMS, Moog, and Steiner, along with other interesting modules.

Cwejman Module List on Analogue Haven

Title link takes you to the full Cwejman Modular list on Analogue Haven.

via synthbaron: List of new modules as of this post:
ai2 Audio Interface
ap1 Audio Processor
fsh1 Frequency Shifter
ph4 4Phase Modular
sph2 Spatial Phaser
vcfc VC Forward Compressor
vca2p Panning VCA
dmf2 Two Modes Dual Filter

Plan B Model 15 Is Capable of the Elusive Homer Waveshape

Inverted as well, no less. Title link takes you to the details. Peter rocks.

Plan B Model 15 Page on Buzzclick-Music.com

Title link takes you to a Plan B Model 15 page on Buzzclick-Music.com. Note Buzzclick is Peter's personal site, while EAR is the official site for the Plan B modular product line. The page on Buzzclick loads with an interesting sample of the VCO - best in stereo. You'll find tons of info and samples of the module. BTW, this is clearly an older page for the module.

AM4000 Synthesizer

"The AM4000 Modular Synthesizer is a replica of the original ARP 2500 analog modular syntheszier that was manufactured in the USA by ARP from 1970 - 1975.

Many of the module schematics have been transfered into Eagle CAD, and the Dual Noise Source has been successfulyy tested, along with the 4023 and 4075 filters."

Planned Modules The AM 4000 has the following ARP 2500 module clones:

AM4003 - Single VCO (audio and LFO ranges)
AM4004 - Dual ADSR
AM4005 - Ring Modulator and VCA
AM4006 - "Moog" 24dB transistor ladder LPF
AM4012 - ARP 2600 "Moog" 24dB transistor ladder filter
AM4016 - Dual analog noise source
AM4023 - ARP Odyssey Mark 1 12dB filter
AM4033 - Dual DADSR
AM4035 - ARP Odyssey Mark 2 "Moog" 24dB transistor ladder filter
AM4036 - Single Sample and Hold
AM4075 - ARP Odyssey Mark 3 - 24dB filter

Title link takes you to more info on the excellent Emulator Archive. BTW, I have no idea when this went up and/or if it's vaporware at this point. If anyone has more info, feel free to comment.

Creamware Scope Track

Title link takes you to an all Scope track. The image gives you an idea of what was used. More on Scope here.

Hawkind's Putney?

via this Craigslist post:

"The original portable synthesizer introduced in 1969. A solid Aformosia cabinet housed the following modules interconnected by means of a matrix patchboard that uses resistor pins. Comparable to a Moog System 1P or 12, Arp 2600, EML 101, Roland 100.



Module complement:
3 x Voltage Controlled Oscillators.
Noise Generator.
2 x Input Amplifiers.
Ring Modulator.
Voltage Controlled Low Pass Filter.
Trapezoid Envelope Generator.
Voltage Controlled Reverberation.
Meter.
2 x Stereo Output Amplifiers.
Joystick.

This is a pre- Prestopatch unit. It is an earlier model that has had the power supply upgraded. It is autographed by Dave Brock of Hawkwind. VCO3 works,veneer, needs adjusting (if you want, I like this flaw). This is one of the most musical sounding VCS3 I have ever seen. Many sound like lab gear. The same is true with Minimoogs. That's why Alien Planetscapes and Hawkwind used this synth and kept it in the family.

It has a DIN pin input for an external keyboard or you can run a guitar, keyboard or mic through it. right now we are just moving the joystick around and getting great Doctor Who sounds. This style unit was also used by Brian Eno, Pink Floyd, and The Who ('Don't Get Fooled Again').

Those things next to the pin matrix is an oscilloscope output, which on later ones is derived from one of the other ports. This machine is very rare. It is a Mk 1 and the pins are original handmade probably by Zinovieff."

For the archives, this one is listed at $5300.

Update: This is the same one from this post. Looks like the price went down. Consensus then was that this was not actually owned by Hawkind, but rather only signed by Dave B. Via ps in the comments.

Opus 2006 Japan

via GetLoFi.