A Visit to Thighpaulsandra's Aeriel Studios Pt 10 - Pt12

YouTube via matrixsynth.

Thighpaulsandra and Peter Forrest talk about the EMS VCS3 and SYNTHI. At 5:40 the VCS3 begins to purr. The repeating drone in the background is the Synton Fenix modular from the prior post. Be sure to click on the Aeriel Studios label below for all posts in this set.
http://thighpaulsandra.com/
http://www.myspace.com/thighpaulsandra

Lucky and the Synths

flickr by Loscha
"Lucky the Cockatiel on the keys of my Casio CZ-101, which is driving the Korg MS2000r which you can see with lights flashing. He has a bit of a hop, then, decides he's had enough and flaps off. Video taken by Michelle."

Yamaha GX-1 closer look

YouTube via RothHandle. "A closer look at the gx-1" ABBA's GX-1
Check out the programmable cartridge at 4:18 and the patching mechanism that follows.
At 7:34 he talks about aftertouch on the GX-1 and get this, it has sideways aftertouch!
Be sure to watch this video in full.

A patch I'm having fun with.

flickr by Bapt_

full size

KORG MS20

ooscc prototype

YouTube via eaced
"ooscc is the open open sound control controller. This ooscc sends OSC messages over ethernet based on analog inputs. More information at experimentalistsanonymous.com/ooscc"

"ooscc:
* stands for open open sound control controller.
* is an open source/hardware controller that communicates via the open sound control protocol.
* is intended as a replacement for common MIDI controllers.
* is meant to help DIYers transition from MIDI to better methods of communication.
* communicates via ethernet (via wi-fi is a future goal).
* can be powered by USB or a 5V DC adapter. Battery power is also a possibility.
* is open-ended, and will eventually allow interfacing with both analog and digital inputs and outputs.
* is currently very much in beta stages.

Here is the first ooscc made, which has 32 analog inputs (adc channels). 24 of them are wired as pots, and 8 are faders (all non-motorized). The potentiometers could be replaced with any (0-3.3V) voltage source. In order to accomodate more or less analog inputs, the hardware and firmware would have to be modified slightly. For more information about the architecture of the ooscc, go to the technical page."

Electrocomp EML-101

via this auction

"EML 101 is a 4 osc monosynth. Its semi modular so you can make sounds without patch cords if you like. There is a multimode sweepable 12db filter 2 envelopes , a ring modulator that can be mixed in with a knob, a great sample and hold which can sample a number of sources, an external input for processing sounds as well as a noise generator. One unique feature is the keys/oct knob which allows you to play different types of scales. The keyboard is very easy to use, the modulation amount knobs go in either direction to either the lfo or the sample and hold. Each osc has octave switches and fine tuning like a minimoog. The synth sounds like it looks, basically a cross between a moog/arp and electronic test equipment... It really has its own thing going on. It can do some moogy leads but its not really its forte. Fans of early electronica like raymond scott will love it; its very electric and a bit raw. Four oscillator sounds are ridiculously thick, and the filter is a joy to use sounds very SEM ish. You can get great percussive patterns with the sample and hold and filter resonance. The ring mod is quite evil, can do 'machine' noises and sound effects very well. All in all a unique keyboard that folds up into a small box."

Casio CZ1000

via this auction

Oberheim TVS-1

images via this auction
"Technical Details:
The left-hand side of the unit contains the Sequencer. It is easy to use. The lower wide knobs control SEM #1, and the upper thin knobs control SEM #2. This allows for harmonies to the sequenced sounds, or doubling up of the sound for more powerful sequences. There is also a Sample & Hold (S/H) feature to the sequencer.

The External X/Y Controller Box controls the VCF’s (Voltage Controlled Filters), and the VCO’s (Voltage Controlled Oscillators). When the joystick is moved in the “X” left to right, it controls the VCO’s, changing the frequency. When moved up and down in the “Y”, it opens and closes the VCF’s. It makes for some very interesting sounds.

The two SEM’s (Synthesizer Expander Modules) allow for two-voice (two key) capability. Each SEM has two oscillators, which can be controlled separately, or synchronized by simply flipping the “Sync” switch. The SEM’s can also be used in unison, which makes for a very fat sound."

Open Labs presents iphone Beatmaker Tutorial

YouTube via OpenLabsInc. via Devi of Devi Ever
"Open Labs product developer Matthew Presley demonstrates how to use the new iphone application beatmaker in conjunction with NeKo TSE."
You can get Beatmaker here:

Bebe Barron's Mixed Emotions

via Peter Grenader of Plan B:

"In 2000, Curtis Roads, composer, director of the of the electronic music department at UCSB and ex-editor of The Computer Music Journal commissioned his friend Bebe Barron to compose a piece of music at UCSB's CREATE studios.

At first Bebe was hesitant to do this, but at the arguing of Barry Schrader, over a six week period with the technical assistance of composer Jane Brokman, Bebe did in fact compose what was to be her last body of work, aptly entitled 'Mixed Emotions'

Although digital, it has a remarkable analog quality to it, akin to the timbres we would expect from the Barrons. You can hear Bebe speaking about these similarities in a taped audio interview which is still accessible at npr.org (search Barron once on the site, you'll see the link).

Until recently Mixed Emotions was heard only by those who attended it's premier at UCSB and at the 2001 SCREAM Festival at CalArts. Earlier this year however, Leonard Newbauer (Bebe's husband) commissioned a gentleman by the name of Mario Salinas to tape and produce a video of her memorial. In it they included Mixed Emotions, which is accompanied by some really interesting video graphics. The presentation is great. Without hesitation I can say that Bebe would be very pleased.

After some discussion, I have received approval from Leonard to release the Mixed Emotions section of the memorial DVD to the internet. It will be officially premiered on Matrixsynth in the next few days and will take permanent residence on my You Tube space:

http://www.youtube.com/user/petergrenader

Keep your eyes and ears tuned for this significant body of work - the last from legend and first lady of electronic music, Bebe Barron.

- Peter Grenader"

For more info on Bebe Barron's influence and legacy see this post.

Update via Mike in the comments: "And don't forget that Wendy Carlos just posted a lovely tribute to Bebe Barron on her own website: http://www.wendycarlos.com/people/BebeNYC/index.html"