MATRIXSYNTH

OBERHEIM FVS-1 Four/Eight Voice expander synth cabinet

via this auction
"This expander cabinet holds four SEM modules and an additional module, like the Mini Sequencer, Output Module, or Polyphonic Keyboard Module (see my other auctions). It is a large, robust box that is perfect for consolidating your new or vintage SEM modules. There is a patch panel for each module on the front of the box with 10 patch points--they connect via molex connectors to the pins on your SEM modules. The expander also includes a power supply for powering the SEMs"

RARE Vintage PAIA Synth Spin MkII Analog Leslie Phase

via this auction

"Official description: 'Other than the rotating speaker sound, the Synthspin can produce numerous effects ranging from very slow phasing sounds to a bubbling pseudo-reverb. Electrical inputs provide for foot-pedal control of both speed and range of the rotating effect and allow instantaneous foot-switch cancellation and bypass functions.'"

Roland SH-3a

via this auction

"Roland SH-3a. This is a very unique synth. It was Roland's first non-preset synthesizer, and was one of the few ever designed Analog synthesizers with both subtractive and additive synthesis.

Though it’s only a single oscillator synthesizer, the additive blend feature allows for the creation of some really fat sounds. And a chorus effect on the 8’ tone gives the same sound that most synth’s use two oscillators for anyway: detuned chorus.

The Sh-3 had a five stage diode ladder filter…the Sh-3a replaced it with a four stage transistor ladder filter. It’s often said that it was changed due to a Moog patent infringement…but I don’t think that’s correct since the Sh-3a is even closer in design to the Moog 904 ladder filter. Moog did sue Roland over filters…but I think it had more to do with other models. But anyway, when most people think of the Moog sound they think of the Minimoog, which is totally different…not like the 904 that this one resembles.

To me, there’s two things that really make this synth valuable. One, it has a CV and Gate interface for the oscillator that allows it to be controlled remotely. One Midi to CV convertor later and you’re suddenly sequencing this from your favorite DAW. That will keep it active in your studio line-up…not just a sideline tool. Second, this thing has a very vintage analog sound. I attribute several things to this, including the filter, and the fat additive section. But also, there’s something about the CV tracking on the oscillator that occasionally give’s you what sounds like a transient tracking error..so you get this slight random portamento sound now and then that somehow reminds you of how alive this thing is. Soft synths, digitals, and most analogs don’t do that... The Sh-3a weighs about 35 lbs"

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C64 with Tubes

via the re-64 blog

Super Rare Vintage Chamberlin Rhythmate Drum Machine

Untitled from PHONOGRAPH VIDS on Vimeo.

via this auction
"super rare Chamberlin Rhythmate Drum Machine. This is an early model 35 with el84 tube amp, 12 inch speaker and 16 track tape loop. This IS the one! I haven't seen a Rhythmate for sale in over ten years on Ebay. These were Chamberlin's first designs and the predecessor to the Melotron. This is a must for any Chamberlin, Melotron, Optigan collector or avid fan... as am I. I hate to sell this as it was in my collection of things..."I'll never sell" but things happen, babies get made, and this too shall live on someone else's record. Here is a recording I did with it a couple months ago:
SONG SAMPLE OF ACTUAL MACHINE: MP3

It runs extremely smoothly and all 16 tracks play as seen in video. The back of the amp has controls for treble, bass, and volume as an addition to the volume knob on the top. The tempo stick is a little finicky though I have been told this is how they are. I believe it works similar to an optigan tempo which controls the voltage. 16 beautifully recorded drum tracks on to tape!"

iPad App by Smule: Magic Piano [initial tour]

YouTube via smuleage — April 03, 2010 — "Magic Piano, by Smule, exclusively for iPad. http://magicpiano.smule.com/"

smule on iTunes
Magic Piano on iTunes

BTW, I just picked up my iPad today. I didn't pre-order and actually waited in line four hours starting at 7:30 AM. The wait wasn't as bad as I expected chatting with like-minded people. I can't wait to explore the iPad and get my hands on Magic Piano actually. Need to catch up on posts as quickly as possible. :)

Update:

iPad App by Smule: Magic Piano [Fur Elise]

iPad App by Smule: Magic Piano [Turkish March]

GrooveMaker iPad Free

YouTube via ikmultimedia — April 03, 2010 — "A quick video of the new GrooveMaker for the iPad with GrooveMaker Free."

GrooveMaker iPad Hip-hop

GrooveMaker iPad House

GrooveMaker Free for the iPad on iTunes

ikmultimedia on iTunes:

Update:

More info on the full version here.

"In GrooveMaker for the iPad the user will find a convenient mixer-like environment with large slider controls for volume, pan and master level of the 8 controllable loop tracks as well as more immediate track controls such as tempo, solo, mute, etc… all available from the same screen.

There are new functions available such as the ability to switch the snapped grooves with a simple touch or control the number of loops that are automatically combined during a random mix. These push the limits of what you will be able to do with GrooveMaker in a live situation such as, for example, integrating the iPad into traditional DJ setups.

There are 4 GrooveMaker packs for the iPad available now: Free (a 120-loop pack with a mix of House and Hip-Hop), House, Hip-Hop and D’n’B with over 300 loops each for a cost of only $9.99 from the iTunes App Store."