Sync-Lock Elektron SH-101 Jam.mp4

YouTube via innerclock2004
"This Video shows the same audio tracks playing from Ableton Live via an Edirol FA-101 Soundcard. Outputs 3 and 4 from the FA-101 drive the Sync-Lock which in turn drives an Elektron Machine Drum via Midi Clock and a Roland SH-101 via the External Clock Input. Initially we hear only the Elektron Machine Drum pattern. Next we push [Play] on the SH-101 Sequencer which is being externally clocked from Live via the Sync-Lock Trigger Out. Next we move to the Mixer and bring up the DAW/Live Audio Tracks in the mix. I then move over to Live and individually Mute/Unmute the Audio Tracks. I then move back to the Roland SH-101 and use the [Transpose] Function and then tweak the filter setting in real-time. Finally I turn down the Elektron Machine Drum for a few bars so you can hear the SH-101 and DAW Audio on their own and then back up again to finish."

Update:

$49 Bliptronic 5000 LED Synthesizer from ThinkGeek

YouTube via thinkgeek
"Need a quick and dirty sequencer, or a fun and simple instrument with which to noodle? Bliptronic 5000 is here! http://thinkgeek.com/c4e1"

"Retro Musical Droid Arrives... from the Future

If HAL 9000 mated with R2-D2 and their electronic offspring was tutored by Kraftwerk it would probably end up something like the Bliptronic 5000 LED Synthesizer.

At once a minimalist musical plaything and a hardcore old-skool synthesizer, the Bliptronic defies categorization as it belts out 8-Bit style style tunes from its grid of glowing buttons.

You'll notice sound similar to a retro Casiotone with an interface not unlike a simplified Yamaha TENORI-ON... if that makes any sense. Either way, once you start touching the keys of the Bliptronic you'll be hooked by it's simple pattern-based approach to music.
close-up

Bliptronic Philosophy... in Regards to Music
In the world of the Bliptronic, creating a song revolves around an ever evolving 4-beat pattern. Each row of vertical buttons represents the notes in one octave. Push a button to turn on a note, push the button again to turn off a note. Push multiple buttons in one vertical row to make a chord. The Bliptronic plays whatever you have selected in sequence horizontally across the display. When it reaches the end of the pattern, it repeats. The genius comes as you modify the pattern by turning notes on and off while the pattern is still looping to create evolving electronic melodies.
playing in a group

Knobs and Buttons, There are Some
In addition to the grid of glowing LED buttons you'll notice some other controls on the Bliptronic. These allow you to set the tempo (From 60-160 BPM), choose the instrument (From 8 different retro-synth type sounds), adjust the volume and turn looping on or off. A big "play" button at the bottom makes the Bliptronic uh... play. If you hit it again it stops. Yep.
looks stylish

The Bliptronic is a Social Butterfly
One Bliptronic is grand, but more Bliptronics are even grander. An infinite number of Bliptronics can be attached together using the link ports and included cables. When one Bliptronic reaches the end of it's pattern, the next Bliptronic is instantly triggered to start playing. This allows you to make longer songs where each person controls a section of the song. You can even set the tempo and instrument differently on each Bliptronic in the chain to achieve unconventional musical results.
chained together

Product Features
* Unusual retro synthesizer is played with a grid of glowing buttons
* Create looping patterns and change them dynamically while playing
* Chain multiple units together and create more complex melodies
* One octave range. 8 notes can be played simultaneously
* 8 different old-skool synth sounding instruments to choose from
* Sounds created using FM waveform synthesis
* Set the BPM (beats per minute) from 60 to 180 in 20 BPM increments
* Built in speaker with headphone jack and line-out jack
* Front panel is constructed from brushed aluminum
* Includes, manual and 2 link cables for connecting additional Bliptronic units
* Requires 4 x AA batteries (not included)"

moog genie LRG with blacklight

flickr by itsnotevengood

LapTop Stands for DJs (Crane/Odyssey/Uber)- Review

YouTube via eangolden
"In this video we look at 3 of more popular laptop/controller stands for djs and compare their pro's and cons. For more info, photos and a full review please visit this article:

http://www.djtechtools.com/2009/11/23..."

PE Minisonic Serial Number 001

via Julian

"The inventor of the Minisonic (Doug Shaw) tells me: 'Serial No.001 Minisonic must have been the first to have been made under license by SMS (Synthesiser Music Services) Ltd., from their base in Holland Park, London, and probably dates to late 1974- early 1975.'"

You can find more pics here. Be sure to also scroll up when you get there for more info on the Minisonic. The label below will take you to prior posts here as well.

future DJ

flickr by cray5656

Roland TR-909

Yamaha CS30

via this auction

inside a Yamaha CS30

OSCar

via this auction

"This model is with MIDI in, out and thru"

Roland MC202 Synthesizer/Sequencer

via this auction

more pics here

Vintage Serge Modular Synth Catalog, Flyer and Manual

via this auction

"Vintage Serge Catalog, Glossy Flyer and Rich Gold Bound Manual. This is an original printed manual from Sound Transform Systems from the "Oakland Years". The Flyer is original from when Serge ran the company on Haight Street and the manual is a prinited copy by me professionally bound with clear plastic cover and black plastic back cover. The catalog has some VERY cool information on many older modules including descriptions and drawings. Some nice items for the Serge fan!"

CLICK FOR MORE »