MATRIXSYNTH

Friday, April 04, 2008

PPG 1020 - VEMIA

"Fascinating vintage synth, very rare, and certainly at the time considered an improvement on the earlier all-analogue 1002. But not perfect:- Here are Lucid's notes (they decided that with Moog modulars and Minimoogs to deal with they couldn't guarantee to get this mended in anywhere near quick enough time). 1. The keyboard decoding is not working correctly 2. The keyboard output voltage is FM modulated by some digital noise. However, raising the glide control stops this. In its defence: 3. The bottom key mechanism is broken but the key can still be played. 4. The filter, oscillators, LFO, envelopes and noise all work. 5. It makes an effective weird sound FX generator just as it is. 6. All CMOS decode stuff so probably fixable. So if you have access to technical knowhow, you could turn this into more than just a creator of unusual sounds."
Note the Roland Jupiter-6 with custom fire paint job in the background. Click the image for a larger shot.
You can find this one on VEMIA - Click on Auctions, Search, and search for 5855 or PPG for more.

Cavagnolo EXAGONE XM 64 - VEMIA

"VERY RARE Vintage Analog Synth : CAVAGNOLO EXAGONE XM64. Less than 100 have been produced for the entire world ! Like RSF famous synths, the Cavagnolo EXAGONE XM64 is a monophonic progammable analog synth made in FRANCE in 1982. Some features: 2 VCO , VCF , LFO 1 , LFO 2 , LFO DELAY , EG , ADSR , NOISE , PORTAMENTO ... 64 memory locations to save and recall your synth patches! CV/GATE IN OUT, filter input, and many more for external controls (see on the photo below). The Cavagnolo Exagone XM64 sounds like a mix of minimoog and a Roland System 100 (deep and very warm sound, it can make very big and fat Bass like Minimoog, but it can also sounded nice high leads with its own personality. The synth is integrated in its original flight-case .CAVAGNOLO EXAGONE XM64 is perfect for a musician who is bored with moog roland and sequential circuits synths , and is looking for a strong analog vintage synth with a unique sound ! This CAVAGNOLO EXAGONE XM64 has been fully serviced (ampli OP and memory battery have been changed 2 month ago. It is in Perfect working order and in very good cosmetic ;I can say 'near mint' because i'm the first owner and it has never leave my studio) It's a 220Volt model. It's a unique chance to get a very rare analog synth in Museum Condition and in perfect working order"
You can find this one on VEMIA - Click on Auctions, Search, and search for 5724. via Pete

Two More Serge Creature Demos

On SYNTHWIRE

Be sure to check out Carbon111's excellent STS Serge Creature page.

SPACE ODDITY (New Stylophone Version) Remix

YouTube via MalquiLans
"Bowie's classic done on Stylophone with guitar backing based on early demo"

P1000327

flickr by frederic_intl
(click for more)

full size

KORG MS20

JimmyShoot-3473

flickr by antontrax

full size

www.jimmysuzan.com
www.tricombdynasty.com

KORG MS10

DJmag Review The Korg Mini-KP DJ Effects Kaoss Pad

YouTube via djmagtv. Note: you can see more dj oriented vids from them here.
"Check out the full capabilities of the wicked new Korg Mini-KP effects processor. There's 100 effects on there and if you're in the UK, it costs £100... so £1 per effect - ridiculous. It sounds absolutely lush and the likes of James Zabiela takes it on tour with him. Enjoy."

JazzMutant Dexter Review Touch Sensitive Midi Controller

YouTube via djmagtv. www.jazzmutant.com

DJmag - James Zabiela DJ Tricks - 01

YouTube via djmagtv.
"Here's James Zabiela showing exactly how to do the tricks he uses on his DJ mixes."
Anyone know what that loop device is? I still haven't gotten me a proper looper. If anyone has any suggestions/opinions on the best loopers and why, please feel free to comment.

DJmag Vermona Action Filter Review

YouTube via djmagtv

"Here's a classic DJ filter remade. Vermona used to make the Stanton filter from a few years back, but this one has extended range and a few more mods. Check out this overview to see what it's capable of."

DJmag's Marc '01' on the Yamaha Tenori-On

YouTube via djmagtv. via Nusonica
"DJmag reviewer Marc '01' has just completed this awesome demo of the Yamaha Tenori-On. Marc tok advantage of al the features available to make this awesome clip in one take. The editing you see is just of the visuals, not of the sound. It sound unlike any other Tenori-On performance because he's loaded in his own samples alongside the built-in synthesizer. Enjoy!"

space echo 301

YouTube via mopipi2. "w0OW0Ow0OW0ow0W00!!"
Be sure to check out this video by mopipi2 as well.

roland phase five..

video upload by mopipi2

"vintage phaser by roland."

Korg polysix

YouTube via mopipi2. via Nusonica.

Doepfer MS 404

images via this auction

Roland TB-303 emulation
MS-404 specifications
MS-404 review

via Pawn Sphinx on the forum

click the image for the full size shot.

Anyware Instruments InSEQt Sequencer 3

YouTube via tomabeman
"The new Anyware Instruments Sequencer controls the Anyware Instuments Semtex XL Modular and the TMSS/Theis Modular. The upper Sequencer controls the Percussionsound from the Semtex and the Cutoff-Groove at the TMSS/Theis. The Lower Sequencer controls the pitch from the TMSS/Theis. Rythmical groove with the Fm-modulation of the Sequencer-Clock. Transposition via Keyboard in Quantizer. Have fun"

SCI Prophet VS + Pro-One + Roland Juno-60 by RetroSound

YouTube via retrosound72

"digital pads and sounds: SCI Prophet VS
analog pads: Roland Juno-60
bassline: SCI Pro-One triggered by the TR-606
drums: Roland TR-606

live played, no overdubbing, no sequencer software, mono recorded, no external effects used"

Futuristic vintage sign - MOOG * A NEW DIMENSION IN SOUND!

YouTube via bigcitymusic
"http://www.bigcitymusic.com
Here is a really cool vintage (1970's) sign that Big City Music owner, Roger Cordell, purchased in the 90's. Bob Moog saw it in January, 2000 and commented, "Wow, there are not many of THOSE out there." He should know.

Can you guess what synth you are hearing on this? The audio is not exactly great. It was recorded using the built-in video mic. Sounds cheesy. Mmmmm cheeeeese!"

Blue Synth Heaven

Image of an E-mu Emulator I and PPG Wave 2.3

via Kevin of Audio Playground, home of a vast amount of synth info and some online virtual versions of classic gear you can actually play.

The knob section on top of the Emulator is "a JLCooper filter box. It adds ADSR for both filter and amp. about 1/2 way up it will self osc. It makes some really crazy synth sounds on it own."

Andromeda Modular Jam

via JZ - "they´re 100% dry, only one voice"

Rare Chromaton 14 Analog Video Synthesizer

images via this auction

"extremely rare analog video synthesizer from the 1970's. Here is an opportunity to purchase a piece of history. The Chromaton 14 was designed and manufactured by Ralph Wenger in 1977, and released by BJA Systems. It originally sold for $ 9,500 USD, and there were approximately 120 units sold. As of today, less than 8 working units are known to exist. This may be your only opportunity to own such a rare video synthesizer. The Chromaton 14 is a fairly small video synthesizer, approx 18 by 18 inches square. It includes 2 camera inputs with color quantizers, but can also generate fairly complex color images without any external inputs. There are six pattern generators that can be sent to each of the chroma keyers (there are 10 preset patterns in each). The beauty of the Chromaton is that it can be played like an instrument. There are two motion generators in the upper right which can control the movement of the patterns. When the patterns are combined with the camera inputs, truly psychedelic imagery results. The pattern generators and motion generators can be set to respond to an audio input. All of the switches and knobs on the front panel are 0-5v, so this would be ideal to modify for voltage control (and for use with a modular synthesizer). Since there are two camera inputs, the system is ideal for video feedback applications.

My unit was recently serviced and cleaned. I have tested all the pattern generators as well as the camera inputs and controls. The camera inputs were designed to be used with broadcast cameras. They must be synced to the Chromaton with a genlock/sync signal. If you want to connect consumer cameras, you will need to use a timebase corrector or video mixer to syncronize the cameras/video sources with the Chromaton's sync signal. I am not including this equipment; you must provide this on your own.

I am including the schematics for the Chromaton 14, in case it needs future service. As with all vintage equipment, I am selling it as is. I guarantee that it is working and will arrive functional; however, there is no warranty on this item as it is vintage analog synthesizer equipment.

Here is a sample video showing a few basic patterns, the response to audio, and that the camera inputs are working. The video shows only a fragment of what this synthesizer is capable of. Be aware that the camera used is a consumer video camera which is not syncronized to the Chromaton, so the picture fluctuates. If a timebase corrector or video mixer was utilized, the image would be stable:

Chromaton-14 Demo

YouTube via sydilaxe. via Bryan

"Demonstration of Chromaton 14 video synthesizer. Camera inputs are not synced, so they are not stable."

Thursday, April 03, 2008

Performance Music Systems SWAN via VEMIA

"[VEMIA note: If you thought the Syntar was rare, how about this unique instrument?] S.W.A.N Vintage One-of-a-kind very rare monosynth with flight case. The S.W.A.N. is a vintage monosynth built by Syntar inventor George Mattson [of the Mattson Mini Modular]. The S.W.A.N. is literally a Syntar-Without-A-Neck or, a desktop version of the Syntar without the left-hand controller system. This system is owned by George Mattson and it is labeled 'Prototype 1' even though the electronics are stock Syntar circuits. George built it because dealers were inquiring if they made a 'desktop' version. So, he made one. This is the only S.W.A.N. in existence and is a fully functioning system. George has recently replaced all of the caps and tuned up the system. Information and a better picture can be found at Carbon111 The weight is in its flightcase; outside it is 8.2kg. NB Like all of the lots so far in this particular auction, it is being sold as a non-VAT registered item. But if you import anything from outside the EC into the EC, you may be liable to VAT as a form of import tax." You can find it listed on VEMIA - click on Auctions, Search, and then search for 5881.

Update via Stephen Jones in the comments:
"I've played this very synth about a year ago. It has features unlike any mono synth ever made. I really hope this goes to a good home. I'd estimate that its auction value will be about $7400 and even that would be a steal.

It has a Pratt-Reed gold double buss bar keyboard with a good solid feel. (not J-Wire or membrane carbon contacts like everyone else was using)

Its got two oscillators, a ring mod second, noise, an LFO that does audio rates and the same SSM filter that makes the Prophet-5 Rev 2 sound so good.

Good luck and I hope it goes to a good home."

I played this one as well. Amazing synth, amazing piece of synth history. This was a hard one to put up.

Update: someone actually had the gall to list this on Ebay. The auction was quickly pulled.

Rare Performance Music Systems Syntar via VEMIA

"Vintage rare Performance Music Systems Syntar [Update: this predated the MOOG Liberation - see Carbon111's page linked below for some interesting and controversial history regarding the two] with documentation and flight case. The original “Keytar” is being offered for auction from original owner/inventor George Mattson [of the Mattson Mini Modular].

The package includes a Syntar Series I analog monosynth with power supply, connector cable, owners manual, a pad of patching charts and service documentation. The package also includes a flight case with a royal blue crushed velour interior. The Syntar has been in the possession of the owner since manufacture in 1981 but never been in circulation. George has recently replaced the capacitors and tuned up the system. The condition is very good with some minor signs of wear and age. The mylar graphics have stressed over the years and wrinkled as shown in the pictures. Overall, the system operates 100%. Information about the Syntar can be found at Carbon111 - including a nice picture of Bob Moog playing it. [VEMIA note: this has to be one of the rarest well-known synths ever entered into VEMIA, and to have it serviced and sold by the original designer is pretty nice too.] NB Like all of the lots so far in this particular auction, it is being sold as a non-VAT registered item. But if you import anything from outside the EC into the EC, you may be liable to VAT as a form of import tax."

You can find it listed on VEMIA - click on Auctions, Search, and then search for 5880.

The Subliminal Kid in the studio

YouTube via rubenbroman
"Live jam with Macbeth M5N, Roland tr-909, Roland System 100 Seq, Roland RE-301 & Boss DC-2"

via The Subliminal Kid:
"It´s a live jam in the studio where i trigger the Macbeth M5N with a Roland System 100 Seq synced with a tr-909. One channel from the Macbeth i run thru a Roland RE-301 and the HH from the 909 goes thru a Boss Dimension C."

BlackJacks

The Monochrome ModCyn
featuring dueling BlackJack Zeroscillators and additional Modcan and Cynthia modules.

via Cynthia

Jen SX-2000 Synthetone

images via this auction

Minisonic 2 Dual VCO Analogue Synth w/ EMS like filter

images via this auction

"The Minisonic 2 was a two-oscillator synth with an EMS-Synthi-like filter as well as a VCA, a ring modulator, two envelope generators and a noise generator." (SoundOnSound)"

Yamaha TX816

images via this auction

8 DX7s in a rack

Oberheim OB-1A

images via this auction

"This model is the OB1A varient which was made towards the end of the OB1 production run - it has different color scheme (grey graphics) and some of the functions vary slightly from the standard model (black graphics)"

Anyone know what those variations are? The auction doesn't say.

keybdwizrd - Prophet '08 Demo #1 (stereo)

YouTube via keybdwizrd
"Demonstration of the Prophet '08 8-voice analog synthesizer from Dave Smith Instruments. Lexicon MX200 effects."

Update - Parts 2 and 3:
keybdwizrd - Prophet '08 Demo #2 (stereo)

keybdwizrd - Prophet '08 Demo #3 (stereo)

TR-606 Voice Mod - The Beast

You might recognize this one from this post (you'll find some more details there).

You can find the official site for The Beast Roland TR-606 and TB-303 here.

via sequencer.de

audio_Output: Richard Devine - The Electronic Muisc Manuscript

"Just released by Sony is the The Electronic Music Manuscript sound library, which happens to be a brilliantly thought out collection of sounds plus an 'above and beyond' style presentation that you don't often see as part of commercially released sound libraries. The two CD set comes bundled with a large number of photographs which highlight some of Richard's methods of mayhem, two videos showcasing the creative processes, a huge interview with Richard giving a more in depth look at his work and history, NI Battery kits and finally the 24bit WAV files..."

click here for the full post with interview on trash_audio.

Rare ARP Educational Synthesizer

via this cl post

"ARP Educational Synth with keyboard and four modules: VCA, VCF, VCO and ADSR. Battery powered but I have a custom made power supply for all pieces that I can also include."

via Michael

circuit two tests

flickr by breath.sound
(click for more)

MOOG MG-1

full size

Avant Garde Project

"The Avant Garde Project is a series of recordings of 20th-century classical- experimental- electroacoustic music digitized from LPs whose music has in most cases never been released on CD, and so is effectively inaccessible to the vast majority of music listeners today."

via Richard Lainhart on AH:
"This is a free archive of out-of-print LP recordings in high-quality digital format, including a lot of important electronic music that hasn't been heard in many years.

I have no affiliation with this site, and I'm not completely convinced that it's ethically legitimate, but those issues aside, it looks like a great resource."

ARP 2500 - VEMIA

Next up on VEMIA:
"One of the classic vintage modulars, Alan Pearlman's pride and joy, at a hugely tempting start price. The full-size cabinet (model 2515, probably made in 1972) has the following modules: space; blanking panel; 1023 Dual Oscillator; 1006 Filtamp; 1047 Multimode Filter / Resonator; 1027 Clocked Sequential Control; blanking panel; 1036 Sample & Hold / Random Voltage; 1033 Dual Envelope Generator; 1045 Voltage Controlled Voice; 1006 Filtamp; 1033 Dual Envelope Generator; 1050 Mix-Sequencer; 1002 Power Control Module. It comes with a split keyboard, two octaves reverse colour (with SP-5 control module) and three octaves (with SP-2 control module). According to the full user manual copy included (over 100 looseleaf pages), the reverse colour section is two-voice, but the keyboard hasn't been tested at all - the previous owner always used MIDI-CV, and the leads have unfortunately been mislaid. The modules haven't yet been tested at VEMIA, because there is currently (pun intended) a 15-amp round-pin plug on it, although it is US voltage. This is because the previous owner had three cabinets, which were modified professionally to go through a single extension switch - and the engineer obviously thought that these 15A plugs and sockets (still used for pro lighting) were the best to use. US plugs tend to be moulded - you can't just swap the plug, so it's not been done yet. If it is, we will note it here. The modules were tested by the owner as he was working his way through the whole system deciding which of it he could bear to part with. Everything that he checked was in working order, though might need minor calibration on arrival. There are two lit push-button tops missing, and two knob caps - check the photo. Dimensions in mm: main cabinet 1187 wide x 280 deep x 555 high keyboard 1187 x 480 deep x 70 high. So when it's together, its about 1187 x 480 x 625mm. That's roughly 47.5 x 19.2 x 25 inches. An iconic machine!"

Synth DIY UK 2008

via the SDIY list:
"Just a quick reminder about this year's synth-diy meeting here in sunny Cambridge.

What : synths, synths, beer, synths
When : 11th - 13th July 2008
Where: Robinson College, Cambridge

To book a room for the weekend please do so by filling out the form
below: link

And photos from previous years are here

This event is open to anyone. Day trippers are most welcome, so if you hate the thought of sleeping in a student room (they are _nice_ student rooms!), or you live locally, come on over and join in the fun.

Cheers,
Neil
--
http://www.njohnson.co.uk"

MusicScienceGuy's Jammer

MusicScienceGuy's Jammer gives you "the abliity to build, cheaply, any style modern keyboard you wish, and even try out the various layouts to see which is suitable to your needs, that is: you can make your own Thummer, Janko, C-thru Axis, b-system, C-system etc."

You can find more info, discuss design, learning and performing with fellow alternative keyboard keeners on musicscienceguy.blogspot.com.

hobnox

Two online Roland TB-303s, a TR-909 and effect pedals. Click here. Note you can drag and drop the order of them as well.

yamaha cs30

YouTube via vaskuryandex
"The CS-30 is a large, knob infested, black analog synthesizer with traditional features. It is a monophonic synth with extensive analog control and shaping. It has two oscillators with separate outputs, two VCF resonant filters, two VCA amplifiers and three envelopes. It also features a ring modulator, external audio triggering and a simple but useful 8-step sequencer for use as a sketch pad, pattern or arpeggio effect. The CS-30 does not have any on-board effects, memory nor MIDI"

Roland TD12 V Drums and Analog sequencers (HQ stereo)

YouTube via SuperPussMusic. via Nusonica.
"Controlling my Roland TD12 V Drums module from my Roland System 700 and System 100 analog sequencers.

The control voltage outputs from my sequencers are fed directly into the trigger inputs on my TD12. All output voltages are 0 - 2 vdc, including the hihat foot controller signal. The snare and crash signals are going to the rim and edge inputs respectively.

As you can see, this works remarkably well with no modifications to any of the instruments.

My Yamaha SY77 is being used as a master clock for the sequencers.

Audio was directly out of the TD12 into my camera and video was edited using Adobe Premiere."