Roland Jupiter-8 "CS80" Improvisation: "The greatest love" by Danielle

YouTube Uploaded by TheSynthFreq on Apr 26, 2011

"Hi :) Here is my newest improvisation using the Roland Jupiter-8 (CS-80 lead) and the JV-880 (Jupiter-8 strings). Both patches were programmed by me. I tried to make the famous CS-80 sound on the amazing Jupiter-8. No FX used, just pure JP-8 synth. :)
This song is dedicated to my mother who is going through a lot right now.
I kept the chords simple and cheerful.

Please enjoy
:) Danielle (TSF)"

Also see this post.

MPC500 Aphex Twin

MPC500 Aphex Twin from nanonum on Vimeo.

"Nannou - Aphex Twin / finger drumming on AKAI MPC500

nanonum.com/​
twitter.com/​#!/​nanonum"

iPad MIDI on the Cheap

If you have an iOS device and have been considering using it with MIDI there are currently four options.

1) There's MIDI via the Line 6 MIDI Mobilizer which requires apps that support MIDI through their SDK. Apps that do not support their SDK but support CoreMIDI will not work with it.

2) There's OSC to MIDI which requires that you have a device between the iPad and destination MIDI device that converts OSC messages to MIDI. Not all apps support this. For apps that do, this is fine if you want to control things on your computer with your iPad over wireless, but not so good if you want to control external hardware synths, unless of course, you are fine with using your computer as a MIDI dongle. The Missing Link is an option for direct wireless OSC to MIDI, bypassing the computer all together.

3) There is MIDI Wifi via DSMidiWifi or a Network Session to your computer. Again, this is great if you want to use your computer, but not good if you want to go direct iPad to hardware.

4) Finally, and probably most importantly for us gear heads, there is CoreMIDI which is becoming the standard for most apps. You can go wifi with a computer as your MIDI device, or for use without a PC you need two things, one you need the USB Camera Connection Kit from Apple (if you pick up a used one, make sure it comes with the USB attachment/dongle and not just the SD card attachment), and two, you need a class compliant MIDI device that will support what you plan to use it for. For example you can use the KORG NanoKeys for MIDI IN to the iPad, but obviously not for MIDI OUT of the iPad. See http://iosmidi.com/devices/ for a list of devices and what they support.

As I already have the Line 6 MIDI Mobilizer and The Missing Link, I didn't want to spend too much for CoreMIDI, so I decided to go cheap and picked up the HDI MIDI Cable from Amazonfor $5 plus shipping for a total of $10.14. It works for me but some people are reporting various issues with it.

I hooked it up and it was instantly recognized by apps that support CoreMIDI. It uses the thin USB computer type cable as you can see. I wasn't sure if I would like it, but I do. For some reason, it feels thinner, lighter, and more flexible than some of the thicker MIDI cables I have. I should note the Line 6 MIDI mobilizer has even thinner, and flexible cables as well. Thinner is better with the iPad as the point is to be as unobstructed as possible. Length was also a concern for me and the cable is great at about six feet long. Again being light and thin is good and the device takes a very small profile compared to some other class compliant MIDI devices. One thing I did notice was when I accidentally nudged the Camera Connection Kit (the white square you see the HDI MIDI Cable connected to) and lost the connection, I had to completely remove it and re-seat it to get the app to pick it up again - the Camera Connection Kit that is, not the USB cable. The USB cable sits snug in the CCK. The only reason I mention this is to remember to keep the CCK snug if you are performing or recording! Another reason I have my fingers crossed for a wireless CoreMIDI device.

In short, if you are thinking of picking up or using your iPad with other hardware and/or software, research the apps you are interested in and make sure to note the method of connection they support. Most apps have a support site where you can also find out what they plan to support in the future. Check the http://iosmidi.com/devices/ list for supported hardware and those that are not supported. For example, older Midisport Uno USB devices with the solid blue enclosure will not work with CoreMIDI, while the new M-Audio Uno USB with the clear case will.

Apps pictured:
StepPolyArp - Midi Step Polyphonic Arpeggiator - Laurent Colson - great polyphonic sequencer and arpeggiator with some nice features. See the link for details on iTunes. Hooking it up with the KORG MicroKORG pictured or any synth for that matter is tons of fun. An interesting and obvious side note is you can use the iPad as a controller for your desktop synths that don't have keys. Setting up a small portable workspace with the iPad as your MIDI controller really can work. No you don't have full size keys but even setting up a mini keyboard in TouchOSC works surprisingly well.

Domestic Cat MIDI Touch - like TouchOSC but also supports Sysex and NRPN.

Not pictured but an alternative MIDI editor for the Line 6 MIDI Mobilizer is S1MIDI Trigger.

And some relevant links:
HDI MIDI Cable from Amazon
iPads on eBay
iPod Touch on eBay
Line 6 MIDI Mobilizer on eBay
Camera Connection Kit on Amazon
Camera Connection Kits on eBay - note some of these are big and 3rd party devices. I picked mine up from the local Mac store as I didn't want to wait.
Line 6 MIDI Mobilizer on eBay

Crumar Spirit Vintage Analog Synthesizer

Note: Auction links are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.
via this auction

"The Spirit is a monophonic synthesizer which has two audio oscillators and two simultaneous signal paths, which can output in stereo....

here were supposedly less than 100 of these made - this one is Serial Number 80.


If you aren't already familiar with what this can do, you can see an excellent review and description of its operation here.

Includes all original gear:
Soft carry case
Owners manual
Schematics booklet
warranty card
manufacturing quality control sheet
2 line in/out cables
power cable
cleaning cloth

Input/Output connections:
External audio in
Shaped audio out
ADSR/mix audio out
Filter pedal input
Oscillator B pitch pedal input
Keyboard gate output
Keyboard pitch voltage output
External pitch input
External gate input

There is a covered port on the back labeled MIDI, but there isn't anything behind it. There have been Synhouse MIDIJACK adapters available for this synth in the past - you may still be able to find one."

CLICK FOR MORE »

Vintage Korg MS-50

YouTube Uploaded by lusydoebay on Apr 1, 2011

"one osc simple flow, delay"


Uploaded by lusydoebay on Apr 1, 2011

"simple delay"

via this auction

Circuit Bent Cleartone Three Tone Push by freeform delusion

YouTube Uploaded by eecouk on Apr 26, 2011
freeform delusion on eBay
"ClearTone Thee Tone Push

1/4inch Jack output

On/Off Toggle Switch
...
Two Knobs to shape the sound

Push button to add more playability

Three way toggle for tonal changes"

Teaching 6th Graders How to Solder at Eco Arts Festival

YouTube Uploaded by RothMobot on Apr 26, 2011

"Roth Mobot was invited to conduct one of their circuit bending workshops at the annual Eco Arts Festival in Cedar Rapids, Iowa."

Taurus 3 :: A Step Outside

YouTube Uploaded by experimentalsynth on Apr 25, 2011

"You've learned all the RUSH cover songs. What else can you do with a Moog Taurus 3?

The Moog Taurus 3 springs from a very iconic lineage. Because of that rich history, it's easy to type-cast it and not fully explore the full sonic potential it presents. The inclusion of volume, pitch, filter and gate control voltage inputs, coupled with a MIDI-syncable arpeggiator can take it far outside its usual low-end drone duties. This video just scratches the surface of what is possible. Its purpose is to encourage you to "step outside".

The first example shows the Taurus 3 filter being modulated by a Make Noise René: a very fun analog step sequencer with some interesting Cartesian (X & Y clock) capabilities. The CV inputs on the Taurus 3 make it a great add-on for modular synthesis set-ups and there are an almost unlimited number of interesting things you can connect to them. The René is definitely at the exotic end of the spectrum but it is still extremely useful. It's great to have that extra level of control available at hand level too.

Due to personal preference, I tend to use things like the René to control filter cutoff instead of pitch. I enjoy the ability to play the notes while synchronized filter events occur. It gives a pleasing (at least to me) mix of tight-sequenced and loose-live feel.

The second example takes things even farther afield. I first discovered the Droid app Nanoloop in a recent CDM article. Its useful features and sleek user interface made it an instant favorite.

Here I used one of my favorite production tricks: processing the Droid audio through a Moog MF-101 (Moogerfooger) low pass filter. In addition to nicely warming up the Droid, it also created a control voltage (CV) proportional to the volume of the input audio. In other words, the CV mirrored the volume envelope of the beat Nanoloop created.

This is an incredibly powerful tool. When that CV controls something interesting... say that filter on a Taurus 3, some very interesting synchronizations occur, all completely in the analog realm. When the Droid outputs a loud kick, the CV output on the Moogerfooger goes high and the Taurus 3 filter opens wide. As soon as the kick sound is over, the CV goes low and the filter shuts. Mid-volume sounds open the filter midway. These are not discrete steps. The CV hugs the volume contour of the input audio and outputs a nicely wiggly, but tightly synchronized analog control signal.

This is conceptually very similar to side-chaining and the great thing about it is that the filter modulations created will follow any changes in the rhythm. Sudden shift in tempo coupled with a time signature change to 11/8... no problem! I haven't tested it but this should also work with a live drummer. Of course, there is no rule that says you have to connect the CV to a filter input. You could connect it to volume or if you're feeling really avant-garde, to pitch.

This technique works best with when the beat is not too busy and has some definite dynamic peaks and valleys. A bit of gain adjusting and tweaking of the base filter cutoff frequency on the target synth (the Taurus 3 in this case) are sometimes needed, but the unique results more than make up for this little bit of work. Higher resonance settings on the target synth will make the filter modulations more noticeable. If you have a synth with CV inputs but without MIDI, this is a great way to get it dancing to your beat.

The last example shows a somewhat basic MIDI-synced arpeggiator application. By using your foot to transpose the arpeggiation, you can create quite a sophisticated soundscape while your hands are free for other musical mayhem.

All of these applications are fairly basic. Imagine doing any of them while using the Taurus 3's USB connectivity to simultaneously control Ableton Live, or while it is part of a monster MIDI stack...

Lastly, remember to wear sensible shoes."

Pittsburgh Modular Generator Noise Demo

YouTube Uploaded by amphonic on Apr 26, 2011

"This is a demo of the Pittsburgh Modular Generator synthesizer module. The Generator is a dual oscillator built around two triangle core, wide range, periodic waveform generators. Ideal as the basis for tuned percussion/noise, abrasive amplitude, frequency and timbral modulation. Tones, drones and textures. As a multipurpose signal generator, Generator can provide the basis of a wide range of complex sounds from drums to atonal, nintendo zipper/fart noises. This module was made for FM madness.

The Generator is modulated by a Doepfer A-145 LFO."

Bach's GIGUE FUGUE in G Major - on an 100% analog monosynth - PREVIEW!

YouTube Uploaded by syntesen on Apr 26, 2011

"-EDIT: To see where I'm currently at with the track, here's the Ableton screenshot shown briefly in the video: http://dave.gl/jsb_ableton.png !!!

This is a quick preview of my latest work. I recently purchased an MFB Microzwerg analog patchable synthesizer, so I just had to record a beautiful Bach work with it.

The Microzwerg is, indeed, 100% analog. The only digital part is the MIDI to CV/Gate converter. Apart from that, it's VCO's, not DCO's... and it's just sheer beauty to play around with!

Now, to record the track - totally like Wendy Carlos did, I suspect - just one note at a time, without MIDI sequencing, just pure hand-played... and creating patches as you go, as there's no patch storage, so the sounds will change (which rather makes the track come alive!) is really great fun, but it's also a hefty amount of work!

So please, comment, say what you think! If you like it, great, I could use some encouragement to finish the last ~65% of the music score. If you don't, well, I'd like to hear that as well!

All the best & love,
David

————|RECORDED WITH|————
-- Apple iMac 21.5"/Core 2 Duo 3.06GHz/8GB DDR3RAM
-- MFB Microzwerg synthesizer
-- Lexicon digital reverb unit
-- Bode-like Linear Frequency Shifter (used for phase-shifts)
-- Extremely cheap Behringer Chorus Pedal
-- M-Audio KeyRig49 cheapcheapcheap MIDI keyboard"