MATRIXSYNTH

CSI Analog Computer

images via this auction. via z.
Note these are not modular synthesizers but analog computers. If anyone out there has integrated Analog Computers with their modular gear, I'd be curious to hear about your experiences. Feel free to post them in the comments or send email.

Some details on these pulled from the auctions:
"CSI Model 6F13 Analog Computer. Serial number: 75
This computer contains the following 6 modules plus the main controller:

* 1 A/D Converter 8-bit
* 2 Summer Integrators
* 1 Comparator
* 1 Function Generator
* 1 Multiplier

CSI Model 6F13 Analog Computer. Serial number: 38
This is a very rare analog computer that was built by Compumedic Sciences Incorporated. It was originally owned originally by the NTDC, (Naval Training Device Center) of Orlando, Florida and put into service in 1970. There isn't much information about this machine on the web and what information is out there is from people who purchased one of these from me a few years ago. You can see one of them here on the Old Computer Museum website.

Please note that I do not have a manual or any documentation for this machine! I also do not have any of the mini-banana patch cables that are needed to operate it. The plugs can be readily purchased from most electronics suppliers such as Mouser or Digi-Key.

The reason I had this and the other computers like it was that they can be used in experimental electronic music as they are electrically compatible with any modular system. Many analog computers such as the Heathkits have 100V signals! The CSI computer uses +/-15V signals which most modular systems can handle. Also, unlike most other analog computers, this one comes with a very good set of modules, some rather unique to this one, like the digital converters.

This computer contains the following 10 modules plus the main controller:
* 1 A/D Converter 8-bit
* 2 D/A Converter 8-bit
* 2 Summer Integrators
* 1 Summers
* 1 Differential Amplifier
* 1 Comparator
* 1 Function Generator
* 1 Multiplier"

Update via Tommy (also check out the comments of this post for more):
"this is a link to just the first page (ugh) of an article which appeared in vol 22 issue 2 of the computer music journal.

Its an amazing publication, most of it goes right over my head...theres some far out academic shit in there. Personally I'd rather just switch on a device, twiddle some knobs and see what happens "

Creating Pads Tutorial Part 1

Creating Pads Tutorial Part 2

YouTube via OldSchoolJungle. Sent my way via fischek.

Waldorf Gekko MIDI Chord Memorizer

via this auction. via Dangerous Muse

"The Gekko Chord is a very compact, MIDI powered tool. It is powered by the incoming MIDI signal. The Gekko allows you to enter a chord and then play back the chord from a single note (the lowest note of the chord). In this way, if you play a C maj7th or whatever, the Gekko triggers that interval of notes from the bottom most note up. This works in the same way as Roland's Alpha Juno Chord Memorizer. You can enter notes simultaneously, while holding the button on the Gekko, as a chord or press and hold the sustain pedal to enter notes in succession. This makes it easy to enter chords with wide ranges.

After releasing the Gekko's button, the device is active and the LED is illuminated. When there is an incoming signal, the LED is briefly switched off. The Chord memorizer function can be bypassed by pressing the button again. This does not erase the previous chord, which can be accessed by pressing the button again. The original chord will not be overwritten until you press ad hold the button to signal a new chord to be memorized.

Here is a link to a PDF of the Gekko Chord manual.

Here is a link to the Sound On Sound review of the Gekko Chord Memorizer."

alesis ION roland SH32 (3)

YouTube via Biosynth.
"ion / sh32 / m300 (atari non utilisé)"

Waldorf Gekko MIDI Arpeggiator

images via this auction. via Dangerous Muse
"The Gekko Arpeggiator is a very compact, MIDI powered tool. It is powered by the incoming MIDI signal. The Gekko breaks an incoming chord down into a single note line and repeats the line rhythmically in accordance with a preset program. This feature is the Gekko Arpeggiator's primary function. You can determine the repetition rate, duration of the notes and the tonal range of the generated notes.

The Gekko is controlled by and edited from any C to the next Bb on the keyboard. The key controls are:
Arpeggio down - C - All notes are generated in descending order.
Arpeggio up - D - All notes are generated in ascending order.
Alternate - C & D - All notes are generated alternating in ascending and descending order.
Octave down - Db - Extends the range by the next lower octave.
Octave up - Eb - Extends the range by the next higher octave.
1 Octave - Db & Eb - Sets the tonal range to one octave.
Gate half - E - Sets the duration of the note to half the note's value.
Gate double - F - Sets the duration of the note to twice the note's value.
Legato - E & F - Sets the duration of the note to the note’s value.
Clock 1/8 - Gb - Sets the repetition rate to an 8th note.
Clock 1/16 - Ab - Sets the repetition rate to a 16th note.
Clock 1/32 - Gb & Ab- Sets the repetition rate to a 32nd note.
Tempo down - G - Reduces the tempo in 1-BPM increments.
Tempo up - A - Increases the tempo in 1-BPM increments.
120 BPM - G & A - Sets the tempo to 120 BPM.
Latch Notes - Bb - Switches the Hold Mode on and off. When Hold Mode is activated, the arpeggio continues to play after you release the chord. Once you play another chord, the notes of this chord are arpeggiated.

Here is a link to a PDF of the Gekko Chord manual."

Korg Poly Ensemble PE-1000 YouTube's 1st Poly Ensemble Video

YouTube via tardis454
"I just got this old dogger today. It's a complete with case and pedal 1976 Korg Poly Ensemble PE-1000. I have been looking for a good strings synth for a while, and I think 've finally found a keeper. I chose this in lieu of an Arp Solina, and a Crumar Performer. Please excuse my crappy playing, and the even crappier lighting. This is just a sound demo using the expression aka modulation pedal it came with. There will be more videos of this synth soon... :o)"

Cyber Psychic vs. Drum Machine

YouTube via Analogger. Not safe for work content in this one.
"I wrote a basic drum pattern using the Roland SH-32 and fed it thru the Cyber Psychic pedal. The lowpass filter on the pedal is capable of self-oscillation - and when you add the two internal oscillators modulating the resonance, you get all sorts of insane noise. Just minor adjustments on the knobs produce unexpected random results. I added a basic chord pattern with my Gibson SG (drop D tuning) thru a Damage Control Demonizer. As far as some of the other video clips - all I can say is thank Heaven for little girls. The end audio clip is from a guy who swears he can summon UFOs at will. He truly believes all religion stems from an alien encounter many years ago."