MATRIXSYNTH


Monday, August 20, 2007

ElectroDziska's Analog vs Digital (segment)


YouTube via 3gzproductions. via Mr. Array.
"Segment of electro music documentary by Iris B Cegarra"

Metasonix TM-1 in MOTM Format


via this auction

via brian comnes.

"This is a Metasonix TM-1 Wavefolder in MOTM format, 2U of tube mangling ready for your modular synth! This is a prototype that works great, but there are some behind-the-scenes... engagements, shall we say, that dissuade me from selling it with the forecoming modules (still a month out) from The Bridechamber. This unit's PCB was not made for conversion, so there are some wires that are spliced, things of that nature that I couldn't rightly let go of. Now, to let you know, some things are sent out into the world in converting a big yellow 3U stompbox into a tidy 2U black MOTM format module WITH A CLEAR WINDOW THROUGH WHICH YOU CAN SEE THE TUBES GLOW -- that is, sweat, many choice words, a bit of blood, and not a small amount of sanity (I won't admit to tears!). The back is covered by a metal bracket which was engineered to protect you, and for you to plug in the included wall-wart power supply. Unlike the stompbox, there are CV attenuators for the VCA and Beam Mod CVs. Do note that the output is at stompbox level, and will need to be amped. Tubes yo."

x0xb0x

Title link takes you to some amazing shots via this auction.

x0xb0x serial number #496
" The custom finish on this x0xb0x includes extremely limited edition (11 pieces made) custom artwork, with matching matte black knurled knobs, and a red RUN button. The artwork is rear-printed 10mil Lexan with 3M adhesive which is the exact same type of label used on industrial equipment. Have no fear about the artwork being damaged as your fingers bump the panel while turning the pots. The original, clear, harsh looking LEDs have been replaced with diffuse red LEDs to match the artwork. The rear panel of the x0xb0x has been painted matte black to match the front panel and give this x0xb0x a unified look.

(Note that the red RUN button isn't painted; it's a proper molded plastic piece from the same series as the other buttons and should stand up to years of mashing it with your thumb. Please also note that the resistors used with the LEDs have also been properly selected so that the LEDs are not overpowered. Many individuals doing custom LED replacements haven't bothered to select the proper resistors and risk cooking the LEDs.)

Because the original x0xb0x design includes no power switch (it must be plugged and unplugged in order to toggle power), I have fitted a toggle switch on the back of the enclosure. With this x0xb0x there will be no unneeded wear placed on the connectors, nor on you as you crawl behind things to unplug the power.

In order to further enhance the 303-ness of the x0xb0x I took the additional step of selecting only high-beta 2SA733P transistors for the key positions in the x0xb0x. This is noted on the x0xb0x site as one of the best "mods" to be done to the x0xb0x, and the one which will make it as 303-like as possible. (It's already spot-on, I just wanted to take it that extra step and be certain it sounded good.)

So, since people seem to like bullet points, here's a summary of this x0xb0x, #496:

· Roland TB-303 Clone: One of the best available!
· Built-In Step Sequencer
· Triggerable via MIDI
· Professionally Hand Assembled
· Custom, High Quality Artwork
· Power Switch
· Diffuse Red LEDs
· Red RUN Button
· Hand-Selected 2SA733P Transistors
· Knurled Black Aluminum Knobs
· Black Rear Panel
· Internal Headphone Jack: Compose without external mixing equipment!
· 128 Banks of Pattern Memory
· 64 Banks of Track Memory
· External Power Supply
· RED PCBs"




Yamaha AN1x Demo via elmosexwhistle


Cool Yamaha AN1x demo posted by elmosexwhistle on this VSE thread.

"hey fellow synth heads, on this here mp3 file you can hear what kind of sonic madness i've been creating with my an1x these past few months...interestingly there are no external effects (albeit a little treble added to brighten the sound slightly) and a little crossfading to shorten down the track...a load of patches are on this demo, includng melotrons, harpsichords, mad fm shiz and big lush pads...also alot of points where you'll be thinking *how the hell did he do that on a 4osc synth?* i don't even know myself sometimes"

Metasonix Wretch Machine

Title link takes you to shots via this auction.

PAiA Fatman


via this auction


MOOG Realistic MG-1

Title link takes you to shots via this auction.

Breakaway Vocalizer 1000


via this auction

"If you don't know what this thing is, it's a crazy synthesizer controlled by the microphone. You can sing into it and it accompanies you with a corresponding synth sound. That is, if you sing a 'C' it will make a 'C' sound with the selected instrument. It does some recording... It also has rhythms and other functionalities."

Update via retrosynth in the comments: "It's an ESQ-1 digital synth engine without the analog filters. Interesting, and supposedly useful for thereminists for doing pitch to MIDI conversion. I personally thought it sucked for pitch to MIDI but I never tried it with an electronic source such as a synth or theremin, just guitar and piano."

Update via larriji in the comments:
"I have one of these. Two of my friends started the Breakaway company and when they dissolved it I inherited one. I wish I had gotten more of them. I have use this extensively back in the days when I was doing dance tracks with Psychic TV. It works great with synths as the sound source. The kazoo aspect I found very limited. The cheese element outshines your musical intent when humming into it. But it actually is a very helpful tool when using it with synths. Since it forces notes to pitch you can come up with some very interesting and usable "accidents". I used this on some tracks on PTV's Trip Reset. Does anyone know what these sell for? I have friends who want one. I have no idea the current value. A note of trivia here. Roman Babiak, cofounder of Breakaway said Stevie Wonder was one of their first customers. He picked one up at a NAMM then after trying it called them up and bought another one. I thought that was kinda trippy. I would be curious what he used them on."

Bee Gees Rhythm Box


via this auction.

Kraftwerk and their BeeGees Rhythm Box.


Cosmic Blooper FM Synth



via this auction

"This is a Cosmic Blooper synth built on an IBM PS2 platform. Basically, there's a program on the hard drive of this computer that allows you to sequence a bunch of FM sounds that are inside the computer. You can change the sounds and do lots of modifications to them during the sequence. When you turn the computer on, it boots up and a prompt comes up. You type in FMKING.EXE and you're off. As you can see in the pics, I wrote a few symbols on the keyboard. There is usually a guide on screen that tells you what keys to push for different functions, but I Sharpied a few of the important ones on the keyboard for simplicity. This thing is fun and warped and works well and sounds great as you can hear in the clip." I couldn't find the clip. If anyone can,leave a comment and I'll update the post with it."

Update via Stamba in the comments:

"Well.. everybody can build it as it's only a software you can DL here http://www.kolumbus.fi/sami.wilenius/fmking.htm

You just need a PC under DOS sytem and adlib, sb or sb pro-compatible sound card.

It evens works with dosdox !
:)"

PREVIOUS PAGE NEXT PAGE HOME


Patch n Tweak
Switched On Make Synthesizer Evolution Vintage Synthesizers Creating Sound Fundlementals of Synthesizer Programming Kraftwerk

© Matrixsynth - All posts are presented here for informative, historical and educative purposes as applicable within fair use.
MATRIXSYNTH is supported by affiliate links that use cookies to track clickthroughs and sales. See the privacy policy for details.
MATRIXSYNTH - EVERYTHING SYNTH