MATRIXSYNTH

JoMoX T-Resonator

via Nova Musik, via sequencer.de.

"Just Announced!!! Available this February!!! The T-Resonator is an expanded filter box based on the M-Resonator technology, but with an ionternal digital stereo delay that is integrated into the multiple feed back analog signal path which offers amazing and awesome sound effects."

Update: you can find some samples here. via SIGHUP in the comments.

Octopus BlackSea - special edition

"Curiosity and an idea on color variation.. When we were done*, what we saw took our breath away! Check out the picture book and decide for yourself!"

More info on the genoQs site; be sure to check out the BlackSea Book for more images.

via Cikira

Uni-Fiestas

YouTube via vivipedraglio.

Go Santa! Vivi on myspace.

"Music by Vivi Pedraglio, Roland SP-555 and Roland V-Synth XT."

Talking Heads "Burning Down the House"

YouTube via cockaleekieman. Sent my way via Dustin. Spot the synths.
"Talking Heads "Burning Down the House" taken from the Stop Making Sense dvd."

Tom Oberheim's Marion MSR-2

via this auction via jan.

"Some facts/rumors about the MSR-2:

* it probably uses the same VCO chips as in recent Prophet08 and DSI Evolver.
* It has Audio-In, so you can process external audio signals thru the envelope/filter et al.
* The Marion MSR-2 is known for having the 'Oberheim sound' packaged inside a compact single-space rackmount module with modern digital reliability and MIDI implementation.
* Despite its rather harmless and simple appearance, the MSR-2 allows for some fairly complex but intuitive programming. The filters, envelopes, LFOs and other parameters are very analog-like in their sound and editing methods.
* The module is also 16-part multitimbral.
* And external inputs route a signal through the envelope and filter sections.
* The MSR-2 is rare but definitely worth checking out."

Update: see the comments for some useful info.

SCI Pro-One

images via this auction, via inverseroom.

"The MIDI jack receives only, and will only decode note and gate info--no mod and pitchbend (you can still use the wheels on the P1 when the MIDI jack is engaged). This means you can play the synth from a larger external keyboard, which I always did--or you can sequence it. The little toggle next to the jack switches the keyboard between using its own keys or accepting MIDI signals."

The Birth of MOTM

I just saw this on the My Synthesis Technology MOTM Analog Modular Synth blog. It's a letter from Paul Schreiber, the founder of MOTM, sent to the Analog Heaven mailing list back on Tuesday, April 22, 1997. Fascinating bit of modular history.

"Subject: My evil modular plans
Date: Tue, 22 Apr 1997 11:50:43 -0000

Here are my plans (well, to date at least) for my modular projects

1) The $35/module synth

This will presented 1 module at a time on the website. All documents will be in PDF format. I plan to author in Visio Technical for the schematics (or maybe OrCAD 4.3 DOS using Postscript output). The verbage will be MS Word 7.
(People who want these 'native' files can get them as well).

The modules are presented as a schematic, theory, parts list. No pcb. No front panel. All parts are either from Digikey/Mouser here in the States, or CEM chips (from me!).
I will avoid CEM when possible (saving them for item #2).

The schematics will be a merge of Electronotes, Moog, ARP, and stuff I plain make up. These are presented "as is": hey, they're only $35 in parts!! Some modules will have SPICE analysis charts as well.

This is to encourage a "jumping off" point for DIYers. I suggest a contest for:

a) nicest looking unit
b) best audio use . Make a big .WAV or something, let's all vote!

2) Re-Issue Digisound

These are updates/redesigns of the Digisound modules. Same "footprint". People with existing racks can shove these right in. Presented (from me, at least) as "semi-kit": all CEM chips + pcb + front panel. All other parts Mouser/Digikey again.

Guessing these will average about $85 each (from me) plus the R's & C's (not much!) I may go off and buy 1000 good pots and throw those in as well. Note that in my modules, ALL pots/jacks are SOLDERED to the pcb. NO WIRES!!

Since everybody likes sequencers, I'll do that one first!

3) Titan Modular

Makes the Serge and Moog stuff look like a SH101. The no-holds-barred design (for me. And anybody else who tags along!). This is a CD quality, (but FAAAAATTTTTTT) modular using DSPs, Xilinx gate arrays, $25 optical
shaft encoders, etc etc. Fully MIDI. patchable, and reload-able using any old computer with RS232. And the best part is, I expect a Moog 55 equivalent to fit in the size of a Moog 15 cabinet and cost around $4000. Last time I checked, Moog 55s were around $15,000.

As a teaser, the "low end" VCO has 16 independent outputs!

4) Moog 35 on a ISA card

I am pondering doing a full EXACT copy (part for part, slop and all) all on an IBM ISA card. Plugs into your PC. Can patch it, CakeWalk it, etc. Guessing this will run about $750. Any response? Have I lost all sense on this one???

Your kind comments and feedback welcome!

Paul Schreiber
Synthesis Technology"

Yamaha Tenori-On

images via this auction. Via donnachacostello on the Matrixsynth Forum. Note these are still only available in the UK, so if you are not in the UK and want one, here's your chance. Cute message.

Analog Solutions TransBass XPress

Saw this one on Analgue Haven where you can find samples.
"Key Features of the TBX-303:
Pure analogue voice circuitry.
Accurate TB303 circuitry clone.
Physically the same size and layout.
Extra tone controls and circuits for more sound variety e.g. LFO, CrossMod. Rugged steel construction.
MIDI In for software sequencer control."

More info on the Analog Solutions page as well. It's also referred to as the TB-X and TBX-303.