MATRIXSYNTH

Monday, December 29, 2008

Roland Juno-106

via this auction

"Well I thought I would try a Synth but I'll think i'll go back to guitars or try a keyboard with less knobs." Hmm...

MidiDuino - Midi Command + Arduino

"demonstrating the integration of the midi command into the arduino environment"
More info on Ruin & Wesen and CDM.

MS10 & Yamaha

flickr by i.genius
(click for more)

full size

KORG MS10
Novation Basstation
Alesis Micron
Yamaha DX11

http://www.myspace.com/s0nicbrat

pics in order:
Tenori-on
OLD SOUNDS 2008 @ NMS Photo by Yuan Zhiying
Doepfer A100 Modular System
My studio gears 2006
Be sure to check out sonicbrat's myspace for more

Sonicbrat on MATRIXSYNTH

If-Morebass 20-12-08

YouTube via enclavevision
"If Records 13th birthday compilation launch,20 December 2008,at More Bass,Melbourne."
Beginning features bits of a 4 way korg ds-10 live jam. You can find 28 minutes of the jam here.

Expert Sleepers Minky Starshine

via Seth on AH:

"I'm surprised that in all of this discussion nobody's mentioned additive synthesis (or at least if they have I don't recall it). I have an interesting soft synth called Minky Starshine, from Expert Sleepers, which lets you adjust the harmonics, control any of them with any of three envelope generators and modulate them with LFOs. On top of that, it shows you what the resulting wave will look like. If someone could send the desired levels of the harmonics in decimal format (i.e., fundamental at full volume is 1.0, next harmonic is 0.75, third is 0.5, etc.) for what the various waves are supposed to be I can plug them in and post some screenshots of the resulting waveforms. Maybe I'll even dig out my scope as well.

It's darn cool and it's only $29. You can play with it all you want in demo mode as well.

I'm not usually a fan of soft synths, but this is one of the ones I like, mostly because it's so unique."

Official description:
"Minky Starshine is at heart an additive synthesiser, augmented with possibilities for subtractive synthesis (i.e. filtering) and pulse width modulation.

A waveform is created by summing 16 independently controllable 'partials'. By setting the relative levels of the partials appropriately you can create familiar waveforms such as sawtooth and squarewave, but you can also create an infinite range of timbres in between.

As well as simply setting the levels of the partials, you can flexibly assign them to three 'groups'. Each group has a very flexible envelope generator and an LFO, so you can change the balance of the partials (and therefore the timbre of the sound) over time.

The LFOs have a wide frequency range and can also be used as ring modulators.

The waveform as a whole can have its pulsewidth controlled. An envelope and LFO is provided, as well as control by note velocity.

A resonant filter is available, capable of lowpass, bandpass and highpass and a continuous range in between. Again, control by envelope, LFO and note velocity are possible.

A flexible modulation section is provided, capable of chorus, flange and delay effects.

The factory presets showcase some of the range of sounds that can be produced.

If you'd like to read more about the plug-in before downloading it, the user manual is online here."

Oberheim OB-Mx CEM3374

images for this auction

CEM3374 and empty case

Note the auction is for a 2-voice expansion board only, not the case.

click the images for the full size shots.

etwas Modulargedudel…

via Aliens Project:
"An einem Sonntag findet man auch mal wieder etwas Zeit, um ein völlig sinnloses “Irgendwas” am Modularsystem zu patchen. Viel Spaß beim Anhören:"

Googlish:
"On a Sunday you can find a little time once again to a completely senseless "Something" on the modular system to patch. Have fun listening to:" [Original link / Googlish link]

Synths:
"For my Sunday Modular Gedudel were the dotcom and the PPG-300 modular synthesizer used. The analog strings came from Solina string ensemble and the beats of an old Roland CR-78, including the master clock (trigger) gifts.

As the effects came Jomox T-Resonator for the CR-78 Drums and a Monacor REV-25 for the PPG-300 is used. The strings were stopped by PPG Voltage Controlled modifier and a DC-50 Roland chorus skillfully. "

Raymond Scott Centennial Vinyl Figurine & CD Set

Available at raymondscott.com

via Boing Boing, via Jeff of http://raymondscott.blogspot.com/ in the comments of this post.

Note Press Pop also make the Bob Moog doll.

The small keyboard is Raymond Scott's Clavixox. The larger instrument is Raymond Scott's Electronium, video of it directly below (previously here).

Raymond Scott's Electronium

YouTube via DrRek

"As it remains in non working order in the Basement of Mark Motherbaugh's Mutato Music Offices in Hollywood, CA courtesy of http://absurdity.biz's circuit bending documentary"
Be sure to click on the labels at the bottom of this post for more. There are a lot of nuggets in there.

bent consola

YouTube via comemelinhos. "my first video game bent... korg kaoss sound"

KORG DS-10 DEMO

YouTube via aqi
"KORG DS-10ウェブサイト用デモソングです。
こちらもあわせてご覧ください。
http://www.aqi.co.jp/produc..."
KORG DS-10 on Ebay
KORG DS-10 on Amazon

Synthesizer Korg 770

YouTube via mouwaap. Audio is not the greatest on this one, but it should give you a feel for it's size, interface, and some of it's tonal character.

Korg Legacy Collection Analog Edition Polysix

YouTube via bulksagara

Korg legacy collection Mono/Poly

Korg Legacy Collection Mono/Poly X-MOD

Korg Legacy Collection Mono/Poly VCO

邦題　愛しのCANDY ダルファー ♪

YouTube via PXE02321
"KORG DIGITAL EDITION DEMO FOR EWI USB"

Korg Poly 800 + Roland TR-707 Demo /// Walking Home

YouTube via nekrobot
"Title: Walking Home

Bass, Strings, Lead = Korg Poly 800
Drums = Roland Tr-707 (Samples)

Demo i made for an auction a while ago."

SCI Prophet VS + Roland Juno-60 + TR-808 "Mystic Island"

YouTube via retrosound72

"vintage synth demo track by RetroSound

'Mystic Island'

-inspired by early John Carpenter soundtracks-

high strings and storm fx: SCI Prophet VS
dark strings: Roland Juno-60
drums: Roland TR-808

direct recorded, no playback"

cs15 yamaha analog synthesizer

YouTube via abertronic
"ebay Item number: 220336501439. 2min external reverb added"

"Interesting article concerning the cs15 and links to service manual

cs15 manual" [via synthdiy.com]

ELECTROPLANKTON エレクトロプランクトン演奏

YouTube via jetdaisuke.

"The ELECTROPLANKTON is Nintendo DS music software made by Toshio Iwai known as the TENORI-ON producer"

And for those curious about jetdaisuke's shades (glasses):

カニエ・ウェストのシャッターサングラス

click here for prior posts on electroplankton.

New Interfaces for Musical Expression

"On behalf of the NIME 2009 Committee, we invite you to be part of the 9th International Conference on New Interfaces for Musical Expression, organized by the School of Music, School of Art, Carnegie Institute of Technology, Entertainment Technology Center and School of Computer Science at Carnegie Mellon University.

We encourage contributions in the following categories:
* Papers (full papers, short papers, posters)
* Demonstrations
* Live Performances
* Installations

Complete submission guidelines are available on the conference website here.

TOPICS
We welcome submissions on topics related to new interfaces for music performance including, but not limited to:
Novel controllers and interfaces for musical expression
Novel controllers for collaborative performance
Novel musical instruments
Computational methods of composition
Augmented/hyper instruments
Interfaces for dance and physical expression
Interactive Game Music
Robotic Music
Interactive sound and multimedia installations
Interactive sonification
Sensor and actuator technologies
Haptic and force feedback devices
Interface protocols and data formats
Gesture and music
Perceptual & cognitive issues
Interactivity design and software tools
Musical mapping strategies
Performance analysis and machine learning
Performance rendering and generative algorithms
Experiences with novel interfaces in education and entertainment
Experiences with novel interfaces in live performance and composition
Surveys of past work and stimulating ideas for future research
Historical studies in twentieth-century instrument design
Reports on student projects in the framework of NIME related courses
Artistic, cultural, and social impact of NIME technology
Gesture measurement
Enabling music networks
Bio-music

IMPORTANT DATES
Submission of proposals (papers, posters, performances, installations):
January 24, 2008

Notification of acceptance/rejection (installations and performances):
March 13, 2009

Notification of acceptance/rejection (papers and posters):
March 20, 2009

Early registration:
May 1, 2009

Author registration (papers and posters):
May 1, 2009

Submission of final papers:
April 15, 2008

FURTHER INFORMATION AND CONTACT
For any further information/question/comment/suggestion, please send a message to the local organizing committee at http://www.nime2009.org"

PPG Wave 2.2

via this auction
"Very Rare...One of 300 ever made...this is the nicest I've seen!!

Polyphony - 8 Voice / 8 Part Multitimbral

Oscillators - 2 to 16 Oscillators per voice (using Digital Waveforms); 30 Wavetables with 64 waves per table

SSM Filters - analog 24 dB/oct lowpass VCF filters with ADSR envelope

The German made PPG Wave 2 series of synthesizers are incredibly great sounding analog/digital hybrid vintage synths. They use digital samples of wavetables and feature analog VCA envelope and VCF filter sections for a classic and warm sound. The Wave 2.2 (pictured above) has oscillators that can generate over 2,000 different single-cycle 8-bit digital waveforms! Covered by knobs, the Wave still looks analog and this comprises the "Analog Control Panel". More complex and new-wave editing of the wavetables and samples is covered by the "Digital Control Panel" where there are several key-pad buttons and an LCD screen. Another familiar treat to analog junkies is the inclusion of an 8-track sequencer which features automation of pitch, loudness, filter cutoff, waveforms and more. A cool feature - its onboard sequencer will also record any filtering and wave changes, in real-time!! The more commonly encountered Wave 2.3 followed the 2.2."

Sunday, December 28, 2008

Installing Low-Gain's NESmod (Version 1.0)

YouTube via natemccoy
"This is a quick video I made outlining the installation of Low-Gain's NESmod. I hope you enjoy it.

Here is Low-Gain's Web documentation regarding the modification installation.
http://lowgain-audio.com/NESmod.htm
He has the modification available for purchase via his website, as well as some other cool music.

This modification allows for an amplified direct connection to the 2A03 allowing for greater sound output and quality from the NES.

This is ideal for anyone using the NES for sound and musical compositions.

Low-gain gave this modification to me at blip festival '08 so i made a quick and simple video. Thanks a lot man!

Here are some websites of my own personal music if you are interested.
http://www.rivel.org
http://mrspastic.googlepages.com"

1st Baltimore SDIY Group 2008 Christmas Holiday Party

"The 1st Baltimore SDIY Group 2008 Christmas Holiday Party on 12/27/2008 went extremely well. Jeff Brown came with his modular synthesizer, Art Harrison brought his new Theremin (www.harrisoninstruments.com), Dave Vosh brought his mini DIY modular & Doepfer modular systems, David Rickert brought his DIY mini modular system, Davis White brought his laptop system with the REASON program, Peter Blasser brought his DIY Theremin, Hal Schmulowitz brought his Korg R3/Roland SH32/Yamaha DX-200, my guest Mike Delvison brought his Korg DW8000 & I brought my Korg MS2000BR/Roland D-100/Yamaha DX-200/Doepfer A-100 series mini modular synthesizer." more info and pics here.

MIDImplant

"the smallest MIDI to Control Voltage (MIDI2CV) converter ever made*, and it's dual channel...

* if you find smaller one with similar functionality, I'll remove this claim and send you one MIDIMPLANT device for free"

MIDImplant

Oberheim Two Voice

click here for more images

via Shagghie

Roland TB-303 Modded

click here for more shots sent my way via Shagghie. Details:
"Blue *shaved* LEDs, such that they are flush with the surface, which is better for extended use as your fingers don't impact the LEDs themselves, and it also diffuses the LED's intensity too by adding a 'frosting effect' of sorts. Very trick!

The MIDI in and out cables are for the Colin Frasier midi kit.... and they connect via two custom, well-made mini cables (1/8", pictured). The Colin midi kit is the best on the market by far....you can play back any midi sequence from the 303's own sequencer later on, so you effectively have 'infinite memory' when used with your DAW's sequencer, etc. It's totally, completely, amazing. For production, it's insane to be able to recall a track you worked on a year ago, and replay the midi sequence back to the 303...it's comes back IDENTICAL to the 303's original sequencer...just make sure Logic's 'quantize' features are off when recording the original 303 sequence. For live perforamance, it's also awesome to clock off the MachineDrum, without need for any third converter boxes, etc. The MD can even 'play' this 303 with it's own midi machines, too...for a different non-acid vibe. Radical!"

Hand made analog modular synth and Max/MSP processing

YouTube via yakthekyle
"An excerpt from an improvisation on my hand built modular synth controlled by and being processed by Max/MSP. + Hand made photocell controller for Max."

KORG Poly Ensemble

via this auction

* MS-20 + SQ-10 Analog Groove Machine *

YouTube via Newueel
"This self explaining video shows a way on how to turn your MS-20 into a fat groove machine using a Korg SQ-10 analog sequencer.
Watch it, try it, enjoy it !!!

No patch settings included this time :P To try it yourself: Just start with the MS-20 default knob settings and follow the video."

Mattel SYNSONICS Analog Drum Synthesizer

via this auction
"vintage 1982 Mattel "Synsonics" electronic drum synthesizer. This analog device has four surface mounted drum pads, with controls for overall tune and volume mounted on each side of the housing. This machine is rigidly constructed, and it can actually be played with normal wooden drum sticks!

Power is by 6 "C" Batteries, or a optional 9-VOLT DC power supply. I have installed a new set of Duracell batteries, since I do not have the plug-in type of power supply. This unit can be plugged into a mixer via a set of stereo RCA outputs, or you can listen privately, through a pair of stereo headphones. I turned the power on, and tried all of the programs and functions of this amazing little drum box, and was instantly impressed with the really cool analog drum sounds built into this machine! This unit is fully functional, and is remarkably free from wear and tear, and is not dirty or dusty.

An original Synsonics owner's manual is included, it is terrifically helpful in programming this device . These manuals are extremely rare! This Sysonics drum pad system also comes with the original stand mounting clamp, that will allow you to attach this assembly to any modern Pearl, Yamaha Or DW drum stand. The bracket is easily removeable to allow you to use this drum machine as a tabletop system."