Tenori-On and Roland TB-303

YouTube via chachijones
"Getting the Tenori-On and Roland TB-303 Bass Line synth to sync up wasn't easy. The Tenori-On is driving the MIDI clock (through a MIDI/sync converter box), but it drifts slightly out of sync every time you switch between Modes or Blocks, or input new notes. Plus, because the Tenori-On's sequencer only seems to start and stop in place, there's no way to set it to start at the beginning of the measure except to carefully stop it right on the one. Hopefully a firmware update will make syncing the Tenori-On with other MIDI gear over MIDI clock easier in the future.

If you republish this video in your blog, please link it back to my original post on CNET's Crave blog. http://news.cnet.com/8301-17938_105-9..."

Plan B doing homage to Buchla

YouTube via dkimcg
"I took the new synth in today to get some adjustments done. While I was there Peter Grenader, the genius behind the PlanB modules showed me some tricks and how to properly use some of these modules thus opening my mind up to the Buchla philosophy of synthesis. It was such a great experience meeting the man behind the instrument, almost like a modern day version of a violin maker.

Well, this is what I did when I got home after watching Peter do some simple, but amazing patches on my synth. The last video was me running rampant on the PlanB, this one shows why I chose these modules. This is the first of many patches that will have that Buchla inspired PlanB sound.

Thanks Peter!

The only thing added was reverb on the computer. I borrowed a LFO from the Filtered Coffee to get the time base to vary by using the control processor. Other than that, it's all self contained Plan B modules."

Charvel GTM-6 Midi Guitar System

via this auction.

"basically, its a vintage midi driver guitar system that lets you play synthesizers, keyboards, drum machines, and samplers from your guitar!! --and, just throw the switch, and you can go back to playing guitar on the guitar!!"

jaminator synth guitar

via this auction
When I first saw this auction I thought it was the "janitor" synth guitar. All it would need is some bristles on the end of it. Sweep and modulate. Sweep and modulate. You can then ride it between your legs. Scoot, scoot across the room!

Steiner Microcon

via this auction

margin-right: 1em; "Serial# 5599 Here are some details about the unit: The Steiner Microcon is a complete synthesizer (less keybaord) in a single module. It has its own power supply, VCO, LFO, VCF and envelope generator, thereby combining all of the most needed parts of a synthesizer in one unit. "It can be used with synthesizer accessories such as sequencers, electronic valve instruments, guitar slave-drivers, pitch followers, or with a keyboard. Multiple units can be combined with a guitar controller to form full polyphonic synthesizers at a fraction of the cost normally expected. Combined with a regular synthesizer, it ads an extra 'voice' to your present system.

'Oscillator stability and tracking are the best that state of the art will allow. Numerous inputs and outputs are available on the front and top of the unit. Other signals available inside can be brought out for special applications, and connected to other equipment in a variety of useful ways. The Microcon truly packs alot of synthesizer into a small space (which looks to be about 4-inches by 6-inches. There are 8 knobs and 6 switches. The VCO has knobs for course and fine tuning and switc hes allowing selection of "three waveforms". The LFO has knobs for rate and level and a switch for beat and is available for vibrato. The VCF has knobs for frequency and gain, as well as a switch for resonance. The Envelop Generator has knobs for attack and decay, as well as a switches to enable damp (a quick release decay) and sustain. The VCA is described as a "trigger controlled audio gate". Connections include positive and negative trigger out, VC filter in, calibrated and uncalibrated voltage control ins, a signal out (which "can be paralleled"), and a trigger in. According to the product literature the "beat function causes the VCO to sound like to sound like two oscillators beating together.' The Minicon was rumored to be used as the synthesizer innards of the Hagstrom Patch 2000 guitar synthesizer."

Oberheim SEM

images via this auction

Part 1: Laurie Spiegel Bell Labs Interview 1984

YouTube via MusicMouse
"This interview was taped at Bell Labs in 1984, with brief intro by Max Mathews. Some of this footage may have made it into the documentary for which this was recorded but most of it has not been seen anywhere yet. Apologies for not knowing the name of the interviewer. This is Part 1 of 2."

Part 2: Laurie Spiegel Bell Labs Interview 1984


video upload by

Update: also see this video.

Evolver's Plan B Revolution

YouTube via dkimcg
"My new PlanB modular synthesizer sequenced by the FutureRetro Revolution which also filters the DSI Evolver and sequences the Jomox MBase01 kick. I just got the Plan B modular, so I'm still getting the hang of it. I play around mostly with the Model 10 Polyphonic Envelope Generator here, with some other tweaks on the Plan B filters and gate. Some analog Moogerfooger delay, Space Echo, TResonator, blah blah blah and reverb in the computer.

Stereo Version here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dstdi2..."

Formant (Part 2) on Synth.nl

You can find the full post on Synth.nl here. Also see Yusynth (Part 6) here.
"When I studied it closer I was surprised about the fact that the PCB's of the modules were not fixed to the front panels. A lot different than the Yusynth modules I'm working on. There is a whole metal construction in the wooden case to hold the modules. Also the whole inside of the case is covered with tin foil. This is done for shielding purposes I guess. Another thing I was a bit surprised about is the stuff that was laying around loose in it. From the loose components and the wooden housing I could tell that there used to be a back panel, but that is missing now. It was probably ripped of by force and took a lot of components with it."

Update: Formant (Part 3),

Beat Maker for iPhone by Intua - Demo and Review

YouTube via iSmashPhone. Note BeatMaker is available now. via CDM.
"Read full review on our website. A video demo of Beat Maker, a music studio app from the App Store, with an extensive review."
You can get BeatMaker here: