click here for Poesboes. You'll find some synth experiments including a KORG MS-20 style oscillator, the Hand Cranked Wobulator and more.
Monday, December 03, 2007
Poesboes World of Sound Adventures
click here for Poesboes. You'll find some synth experiments including a KORG MS-20 style oscillator, the Hand Cranked Wobulator and more.
keybdwizrd - Plugsound Demo #1
YouTube via keybdwizrd.
"All sounds created using Plugsound Pro from Ultimate Sound Bank (software instruments). Sequenced using MOTU Digital Performer."
New Box of Fun
YouTube via drjackohollious.
"This is the a capella off of a Dj Vadim track called "Edie Brikell" feat Slug. I am syncing the Yamaha AN200 to the record. All of the beat is on the machine. I am also using the kaoss pad to add some effects to the beat only. Let me know what you think."
1980's Midi Series (7)
YouTube via DIGITALSCREAMS.
"Learn all about midi....the 80's way LOL ;)"
Anyone remember the previous video I put up featuring this guy? I couldn't find it.
Exploring Quadrasynth+ sounds1
YouTube via loonytunes1234.
"Exploring the Quadrasynth Plus presets and generally messing about with my new toy. This thing has an ace prog rock feel to it, i think we are going to get along. And what a lovely key action I left my camera running whilst playing around with this thing trying out the different presets."
Korg Wavestation SR "Vector Synthesizer"
YouTube via retrosound72.
"some typical wavetable and vector synthesis sounds from the Korg Wavestation SR more info: www.retrosound.de"
Oberheim Matrix-6R
images via this auction
Remote? Anyone know what that is?
Update via Xavier in the comments: "there was a remote programmer planned for the matrix 6/6R. I am not sure whether Oberheim ever released such a piece of hardware but Access (from the later Virus fame) went on business manufacturing such an accessory.
Here is a picture
Btw, there is also a very nice bit of info here:
http://matrixsynth.blogspot.com/2006/10/access-matrix-1000-programmer.html
Cheers
Xavier"
Roland SH-101
via this auction"What’s wrong with sh-101 analog synthesizers? Absolutely nothing. Their rich, warm sounds are sought after by musicians from all genres. There is one problem however, memory. Up for auctions is one overlay template that you can store your custom created sound on so you will not be wasting your precious time trying to re-capture your original sound. It’s simple, you use permanent marker to draw lines on the durable clear plastic template to your specifications without damaging or writing on
your expensive classic analog synth. This clear template is a custom fit for the sh-101 top level settings. Great for studios and performing musicians. Keyboard not included. Pat. Pending."
Sunday, December 02, 2007
Allen & Heath AHB Inpulse One
images via this auction
"Allen & Heath's records suggest only 140 of these instruments were completed, some with MIDI functions, some without, and some with 64K RAM as specified in the handbook.
This example has MIDI and 256K RAM.
AHB released this machine in the early 80s - you can read my article about it in the August 2004 issue of Sound on Sound, which is available online. I'm also including this issue of the magazine with the drum machine. (Incidentally, at some point during creating that article I was given the wrong name for one of the project members - it should be Simon Bohanon, not Simon Jones, as the sound engineer).
Features:The Inpulse One is exceptionally pleasant to program - if you look at the pictures you'll see the zoned, large control panel, and the step-sequencer method of programming in action. The pads are velocity sensitive, and designed to be played with sticks - former Argent drummer Bob Henrit was a consultant during the development of the Inpulse One.
The sounds are quite compressed, very early 80s Cure in feel.
MIDI implementation is patchy. You can assign each pad (16 voices in all theoretically) to a range of keys and play the pad across that range with pitch variations, but it doesn't send MIDI note data - it appears to send MIDI timecode. It has a timecode display as well; I haven't fully explored this feature since I have no use for it.
It has 256K RAM, which should allow for some fairly impressive sounds!
It has individual outputs, trigger inputs, mix output connections, as well as tape I/O, pedal and MIDI interfaces. Stereo placement can be adjusted per pad (copy one sound to another pad, pan them left/right, and make sequences with panned drums!), volume and accent can be set in programming mode as can pitch. Patterns can be chained into songs and it has a substantial memory for these.
Built like a tank - as you can see, the PSU is an example of how well made this drum machine is. There is nothing else like it, and probably never will be again."
SYNTHI A CLONE
Remember the Synthi A clone? Steve, who made the clone, wrote in to let me know he finished updating his synthi A page. You will find new pics of the final project and 8 samples.
Synthesizers.com Q119
images via this auction"Synthesizers.com Q119 - Analog modular sequencer
* Very flexible analog step sequencer. For info and specs, take a look
* Built in a very nice wooden box with ends in solid oak.
* Power supply included. 230V.
* Contains everything you need, so it's ready to go as it is. You don't need a Synthesizers.com system to use it. An excellent alternative to old sequencers like Korg SQ-10, Arp Sequencer and more, but this one is newer and a lot more reliable. If I may say it myself, it is also a lot prettier. :)"
5G Synths 2.jpg
flickr by AE Paterra
Click here for more images of FiveG in Tokyo.
Update via teak in the comments:
"i went there a few years ago and spent around 6 hours playing on various synths...
it was very hard to find, had to go the end of one arcade[through a rack of clothes] to an elevator and up to a floor with no signs and found a door to which lead to the room of synths... to my surprise i wasnt told to leave, instead when asked they said they enjoyed the sounds..."
YE OLDE MOOG
"The list of more or less notable composers who dipped into the novelty Moog scene either before they started their "serious careers" or to cash in the moog hype reads like a list of actors/actresses with early secret outings into porn.Mike Batt (the man behind Synthesonic Sounds) is one example: While his career is peppered with some success stories in mainstream music (most recently he produced the excellent British-Georgian singer Katie Melua) his two Moog albums remain a well-hidden footnote in his biography."
Click here for more including a download of the album on Orpheus Music. Be sure to track back to the root of Orpheus Music for more.
A1910
DIY modular via Dan. I received this one via email a couple of days ago. I emailed Dan back asking for more details but haven't heard back. If anyone knows more about this one feel free to comment. It definitely looks nice.Update:
Some more info from Dan:
"here are some more info on my synthproject.
its completely analog of course and most part of it is built
from discrete circuits. the sound character is typical oldschool analog.
it has that nice and warm character that i think new digital synths lack.
the system on the picture has two modules of everything vital
so it may be configured as one or two voices or one voice
with two of everything.
there are four LFOs in total.
a similar but smaller modular system was sold to a
swedish techno duo.
this is actually an old project that I designed ten years ago."
And via Segerfalk in the comments:
"Swedish DIY, for sale at: http://www.tradera.com/Analogt_modul_system-auktion-52530745
15000 SEk = approx 1650 euro....
2st Dual LFO,
2st Oscillatorer : 1V/oktav input. PW, PWM.
2st Filter : Low pass, band pass and high pass.
2st Envelope generator : ADSR.
2st VCA :
Noise generator, sample & hold, 2st slew limiter."
The Mighty Boosh, Series 1, Episode 7 - Electro
This is the full episode of the clip posted here. via kryptum.
Cynthia Twin Wasp Filters In Stock
"Delight in the double sting of the Twin Wasp Filter!This is actually two complete Multimode Wasp filter circuits joined together at the hip in a fascinating yin-yang relationship. There is only one input and one output to and from the pair of filters, so they work as a single Super Wasp with a variable internal signal relationship control that can be dialed from serial to parallel and all of the fascinating sonorities in between.
We've combined the really novel features of two different filters originally from the creators of the imaginative WASP and Oscar keyboard synthesizers manufactured in Oxford England back in the late twentieth century.
Unique to the delightfully quirky WASP is it's clever use of a CMOS logic chip in place of traditional op amps to form its 12db state variable type filter. They have adjustable resonance, but will not self-resonate. They do however have variable distortion controls!"
More info here
Evolver Drone with ER1 and Bitman
4 oscillator Evolver drone, ER-1 drums through a Bitrman and a tad of Jomox M-resonator
via brian c.
Nena - 99 Red Balloons demo Oberheim OBX-a SCI drumtraks
YouTube via lewisjp8young.
"me playing a short demo clip of Nena - 99 Red Balloons using a Oberheim OBX-a and a SCI Drumtraks. the sounds are all custom program by myself. note that i play a couple of extra bars of the Oberheim bassline."
Ultimate Percussion K2
via this auction"This is an interesting electronic drum brain that can be triggered and sequenced. It has some cool synth drum sounds and even has a stereo mixer as well as a micro sequencer. Also has a mount on the bottom to attach to a mike stand or similar."
PAiA Gnome
via this auction
"Vintage PAIA GNOME micro-synthesizer circa 1978, with instruction book and related technical book.
GNOME has two function generators, VCA, VCF, and VCO (i.e., voltage-controlled amplifier, filter, and oscillator). Normalized design eliminates patch cords and simplifies operation. Includes a novel integral controller strip, which allows control of sound parameters by sliding a probe on a conducting strip of vinyl. See PAIA web site for details about the GNOME.
Includes original 32-page instructional book Using the GNOME Micro-Synthesizer, which explains music theory and gives numerous example patches (knob/switch setting combinations), such as WIND, SNARE DRUM, ELECTRO-SAX, etc. Concludes with schematic and description of each circuit. Booklet is in good condition, except that the staples have been removed from the binding.
More detailed information on the same subject is covered in the INCLUDED book:
Electronic Music Circuit Guidebook by Brice Ward - published by TAB Books - Softcover, second printing (1977) - ISBN-100830647430 - 223 pages. Covers electronic music theory and practice, with many examples of circuits from the PAIA Gnome Micro-Synthesizer, as well as other circuits.
Linn Sequencer
images via this auction.
"This item here is a Linn Sequencer manufactured back in 1985 prior to Linn Electronics [LE] closing down and Roger Linn moving on to develop the MPC-60 for Akai. This sequencer has the last latest revision operating system installed before LE closed down; 5.17. I was able to test this disk drive with some floppies that I picked up the other day and it does in fact work. These drives are very rare and cost over one-hundred dollars when you find them. The internal memory of the unit can hold 10440 notes. Using the disk drive, you can store 110,000 notes or more according to the Forat website. This is a prime example of awesome workmanship by Roger Linn and shows that he had the sequencers nailed before he started working for Akai. This unit here excels and gives you plenty of options. It's simple to use, as easy as using a tape cassette deck.
The LCD is crisp and the backlight works great. It passes the memory test as well. The operating condition is excellent. The cosmetic condition on the face is excellent, looks great mounted. The chassis is sort of beat up as you can see. The rear of it looks pretty good too! In this auction you will receive:1x LinnSequencer [Linn Sequencer] 32 Track MIDI Recorder
1x power chord
9x ds/dd disks for use with the disk drive, there were 10, but one disappeared somewhere from the little one. ;)
2x floppie drive cleaner disks and no solution, but an empty solution bottle.
1x copy of the www.forat.com/sequencer/ information/instructions printed out."
Built in drawer.
via heliospace
Saturday, December 01, 2007
Syntech Chroma Cult - Rhodes Chroma MIDI Interface
images via this auction
"Rare Midi interface for the Rhodes Chroma synthesizer."
Update via Chris Ryan in the comments:
"Syntech is a long-defunct company that initially produced the Chroma MIDI interface; Ken Ypparila, a former employee, continued manufacturing them and produced another batch in 2001. I'm no longer in touch with him, so I'm not sure if he has any left. These days, the CC+ is the way to go for MIDI on the Chroma; you get much more as well. — Chris"
All Tube Synth
"2 VCO’s, 1 VCF, 1 VCA and a 2 channel mixer (from the old RCA tube book)"
More on Deviant Synth.
Update via Zerosum in the comments: "He posted some cool clips here"
Rapture Install Tip
I had a little trouble installing my copy of Cakewalk's Rapture on my laptop. I have an old Sony Vaio VGN-S270P running Vista and the DVD drive just kept spinning. I tried rebooting and the same. I then tried Safe Mode by pressing F8 on boot and I was able to successfully install there. No problems whatsoever. I thought I'd put up a post in case anyone else runs into problems installing any software. I couldn't find anything on the net regarding install issues with Rapture, so I'm guessing it was just my system. I've had similar problems with it in the past. So... the tip is if you can't seem to install or read from a CD or DVD, try it in Safe Mode. It just might work.
Dimension Pro and Rapture Demonstration
YouTube via CakewalkSoftware. Note this video is from 2006. I'm actually installing Dimension Pro at the moment and decided to see if there were any videos up to watch during the install.
"Musikmesse presentation on Project5, Dimension Pro, and Rapture. Due to the nature of filming on a tradeshow floor, the audio quality of this video is less than perfect."
Waldorf Microwave 2 "Wavetable Synthesizer" by RetroSound
YouTube via retrosound72.
"some self-made retro patches by RetroSound. sounds: Corona (wavetable pad), Vangelis CS-80 Emulation 1 and Vangelis 2, D-50 Sound, Slow Mini, Tears (wavetable pad), PPG Pad, Juno Pad... more info and sounds: www.retrosound.de"
Kawai K5000 Rack *Advanced Additive Synthesizer*
YouTube via retrosound72.
"Kawai K5000 = Additive Synthesis + special PCM samples; some typical factory sounds from the Kawai K5000R. more info: www.retrosound.de"
Oberheim OBXa + JUNO 60 + JSQ 60 part 4
YouTube via magevers.
"The fat "jump" Oberheim OBXa and the Roland JUNO 60 with the JSQ 60 together. The OBXa was played in split mode and i have used a phaser on the juno 60. This recording was made with a small pocket camera."
Roland D-550 (D-50 Rack) "Linear Synthesizer"
YouTube via retrosound72.
"some typical Roland D-50 sounds from the 80`s. sounds: soundtrack, fantasia, voices, digital native dance, spaced sweep, staccato heaven, nightmare, ok chorale, future pad. more info: www.retrosound.de"
Changing the battery on a Korg EX-800 or Poly-800
"This document explains how to change the lithium battery on a Korg EX-800. I believe it also applies to the Poly-800.The battery is a 20 mm, 3 V lithium model that's soldered onto the PCB. Since the model number is written on the side that faces the PCB, you can't read it until you've unsoldered the battery. It's a CR2032, a.k.a. DL2032" [link]
SynthFesta2007OSAKA in Japan
SynthFesta2007OSAKA in Japan #01
SynthFesta2007OSAKA in Japan #02
YouTube via unyo303. "OPA Modular (Moog IIIc clone)" [It's actually a System 55 clone - see update below]
Anyone recognize the tune? :) If you give up it's the first video here and you can find covers here.
Update via Peake in the comments:
"It's a System 55 clone, not a IIIc. There are versions of the 921a, 921b, and 921 oscillators, not the 901a, 901b, and 901. The 921 is visible in the second video; it has green LEDs."
SynthFesta2007OSAKA in Japan #02
YouTube via unyo303. "OPA Modular (Moog IIIc clone)" [It's actually a System 55 clone - see update below]
Anyone recognize the tune? :) If you give up it's the first video here and you can find covers here.
Update via Peake in the comments:
"It's a System 55 clone, not a IIIc. There are versions of the 921a, 921b, and 921 oscillators, not the 901a, 901b, and 901. The 921 is visible in the second video; it has green LEDs."
Oberheim MC3000d MIDI Desktop Controller - Help Needed
heliospace put up a post on the Matrixsynth Forum. He needs help with his MC3000d. More details there along with more images. If you don't have an account and don't want to create one but you can help, shoot me an email. It's on the bottom right of the site.images mirrored here.
The Mighty Boosh - Future Sailors
YouTube via blahblah9087345.
"The Mighty Boosh - Future Sailors on Thursday 29th on BBC Three." Featuring the Minimoog.
Update: One more via Constantine in the comments.
Note: see this post for the full episode of the video below. The video below will spoil the full episode. Someone sent me the full episode after putting this post up.
Mighty Boosh - Kraftwerk Orange - Electro (with lyrics)
Waldorf Blofeld - Perspective on Size
This should give you an idea of how big (or small) the Waldorf Blofeld is. Click the image for a larger shots.via Boele of SCD.
You might notice the PPG Wave 2 it is sitting on top of previously featured here.
Apple II alphaSyntauri Music System
images via this auction"Apple ][
Alpha Syntauri
Mountain Computer Music System
Complete Apple //e based setup
Fully working, with lightpen, monitor, disk drive, manuals
This auction is a genuinely rare chance (I hate the phrase, but I haven't seen one of these on auction for a year at least) to obtain a Mountain Computer Music System based AlphaSyntauri. This is a digital synthesizer and sequencer package dating from 1979-1982 in terms of hardware - they went out of production in 1985 or so. It is very similar to the Passport Soundchaser system. The complete setup consists of:
AlphaSyntauri "Pratt & Reed" based 61-key velocity sensitive keyboard, which I have rebuilt and cleaned with new bushes. It would benefit from replacement of the foam damper strip along the base below the keys which has disintegrated with age, but this is largely a cosmetic component. This is the same key mechanism used by many classic synthesizers. There is also an interface card for the keyboard.
AlphaSyntauri's preferred bundle of the "Mountain Computer Music System" voice cards - 8-voice (technically 16 oscillators) stereo sound generator and interface board with lightpen, with wavetable synthesis. This has the original box, in poor condition, and manual (no original disks). The system was also available with three-voice square wave cards from A.L.F, which are very limited.
An Apple //e unenhanced system. To be chronologically correct, this should have a ][+ or //e, this is the nearest I can get to a ][+. Enhanced //e models have timing issues. This is equipped with a duodisk disk drive and interface card, and a Philips monitor of suitable persistence for the lightpen to work. It is also equipped with a higher-output, better cooled AE PSU which should make it rather more reliable despite being 25 years old. In the picture, an 80 column card is visible - this is included in the auction but will not be fitted, as it appears to cause minor timing issues with the synthesizer (I added it to the system to include with the auction then remembered why I removed it!).
Software, including the B3 wavetable generator. This is quite complicated to use, but the results are impressive. To be fully useful, the software needs Apple II paddle controllers - either the later, 9-pin D-sub connector type or earlier ones that connect internally. I no longer have a set of these, but will attempt to locate some before the auction ends. They sell for a few bucks on eBay US when they come up.
It's hard to really fully explain how main "MetaTrak" system works, but it features a sixteen track sequencer, is multi-timbral, and quite flexible. By 1979 standards, it was absolutely stunning. Rather than try and explain what it sounds like, here's a link to a recording of a demo track provided with the system called Galaxy Gap [player above] - this has been played back directly from the system for sale, recorded by myself. It is not multitracked or processed in any way. During playback, the notes are represented on screen in a similar style to the panels on "Close Encounters" - when using other software modules, they are bar-graphs showing velocity.
You can play live over an existing track in MetaTrak. Other software has different features; documentation for the Mountain Computer Music System is included but I had to dig around the internet to find out how to use a lot"
Also see this post.
Firstman SQ01 Analog Synthesizer
via this auction. via Inteliko."Firstman SQ01 Analog Synthesizer which is a Multivox company.
This rare mono synth does some really deep, very analog bass. Somewhere between a Moog bass and an TB 303. You can enter notes into sequences with the one octave of membrane keys, ala EDP Wasp. There are 4 banks or 4 sequences of memory that can be written and recalled.
ALSO, you have CV in and out and clock in and out for control. With using the same CV converter I use for my Roland TB 303 and modular synth it plays just fine. Also I have stepped the sequencer in sync with my TR 606. So both sync of sequencer and CV playability are possible. This is a very rare item."
Vince Clarke's Fairlight CMI
images via this auction
"This piece of equipment was owned and used by Vince Clarke FROM ERASURE. It has been regularly serviced. The equipment was part of his studio that has been relocated to the USA. There is no reserve on this item. The Fairlight CMI (Computer Musical Instrument) was the first polyphonic digital sampling synthesizer. It was designed in 1978 by the founders of Fairlight, Peter Vogel and Kim Ryrie, and based on a dual microprocessor computer designed by Tony Furse in Sydney, Australia. It rose to prominence in the early 1980s. This particular unit unfortunately was in a flood and got a bit wet.... It is being sold as untested."Vince Clarke Demonstrating his Fairlight CMI (mp3) courtesy of Chris Strellis.
via DVDBorn
Vintage Soviet analog drum machine Lell UDS
YouTube via Vtolus.
"vintage Soviet Analog drum machine Lell UDS triggered by Korg ESX. Modulated noises on the back made with Polivix, pad with Casio Cz-101"
Yamaha DX7 MKII FD (Pad Visions)
YouTube via DIGITALSCREAMS.
"Some say the DX7 is crap at making pad sounds - I say the problem lies with the user, not the synth. But you be the judge! Here is a collection of pad sounds I recently programmed that cannot be made on anything but an FM synth! Enjoy."
Roland GR-100
images via this auction."the GR100 is one of the rarest and least known of the Roland GR synths, it's the predecessor to the GR-300."
More info including the manual on http://www.joness.com/gr300/
Something for Christmas...
Roland SH-101
via this auction"The SH-101 is very cool, especially for techno, drum&bass and ACID! It's a monophonic bass synthesizer. Its sound lies somewhere between the TB-303 and a Juno bass sound. It has a lot of simple but cool features. You can control the VCF, pitch, LFO or all from the pitch bender. It has a white noise generator, arpeggiator with up, down and up/down patterns and a simple real-time sequencer. The LFO offers random, sine, square or noise waveforms. And normal or auto portamento effects give
you that elastic bass sound. There are external clock inputs for the sequencer and arpeggiator, CV/GATE inputs and outputs and a CV hold pedal. Unfortunately there is no patch memory storage and although it has no MIDI there are upgrades available for it from many analog service companies that will allow you to incorporate it into any MIDI studio environment. It can also be controlled by MIDI using a CV/MIDI converter. It's great for bass sounds or bubbly analog effects. They come in three different flavors - gray, blue or red (there was a VERY rare white version too)!"
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MATRIXSYNTH - EVERYTHING SYNTH
© 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
