Free Open Source FM Synthesizer for Max4Live and AudioCubes via PERCUSSA

"PERCUSSA today announced SOUNDOR, the free and open source FM Synthesizer for Max for Live, the visual programming environment in Ableton Live based on Cycling 74's Max/MSP. SOUNDOR is available as a free download from the Percussa website, and allows users to explore FM Synthesis using hand and finger gestures, through AudioCubes' high speed and low latency sensors, requiring no MIDI mapping or
programming.

SOUNDOR features 4 oscillators each with their own waveform mixers, allowing the user to mix sine, square, sawtooth, triangle and noise waveforms to create totally new kinds of waveforms. Each oscillator section also features a state variable filter (SVF), and can modulate any other oscillator in pitch and/or amplitude. Each oscillator's output can also be sent via its own ADSR to a master out, for lots of sound possibilities. Oscillators can overdrive each other through the built in waveform mixer, and can be controlled through the MIDI Keyboard as well as manual settings.

SOUNDOR integrates seamlessly with AudioCubes: rather than having to MIDI map the AudioCubes onto parameters in SOUNDOR, the moment an AudioCube is plugged in, it is automatically connected to any of the waveform mixer parameters and filter sections, through an easy to use connection matrix in the synthesizer. The 4 high speed low latency sensors of AudioCubes can control multiple parameters simultaneously and can even be inverted. A pedal input allows the user to keep the sensors values in place, while the hands are near the sensor, allowing exploration of the parameter space of the FM synthesizer while at the same time allowing rigid locking of parameters to keep the sound steady once an interesting combination of parameters has been found. SOUNDOR supports the well known preset system of Ableton Live and Max4Live, so presets can be saved and recalled just as for other Max4Live devices.

SOUNDOR is free and open source (creative commons, noncommercial, attribution, share-alike - see http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/3.0/). PERCUSSA encourages users to download the synthesizer and to come up with their own versions and modifications.

Availability and Pricing
SOUNDOR is available from PERCUSSA as a free download from
http://www.percussa.com/downloads/
For video and audio demos, see http://www.percussa.com/software/soundor

About PERCUSSA and AudioCubes
PERCUSSA creates hardware and software for artists, educators, and researchers working with sound, music, visuals and physical computing. Our AudioCubes hardware and software are used for generative composition, live performance, sound design, music education and therapy. AudioCubes come with easy to use applications, as well as powerful development kits, compatible with visual programming languages such as Max/MSP and Pure Data, as well as low level programming languages such as C and C++. AudioCubes are used by thousands of artists around the world.

More information about PERCUSSA and AudioCubes is available from http://www.percussa.com/"

ANimALOGICA Bologna Synth Meeting Videos by Noctivaga Musica

YouTube Published on May 23, 2012 by Noctivaga Musica - 1st 3

Playlist:
ANimALOGICA Bologna Synth Meeting 1a Edizione 1/3
ANimALOGICA Bologna Synth Meeting 1a Edizione 2/3
ANimALOGICA Bologna Synth Meeting 1a Edizione 3/3
ANimALOGICA Bologna Synth Meeting 2a edizione - GRP A8 Synthesizer - Published 6/12/12
ANimALOGICA Bologna Synth Meeting 2a Edizione - Synthesizers.com
ANimALOGICA Bologna Synth Meeting 4a Edizione - Seminario Giorgio Rossini 1/2 - 8/24/12

Note I focused mainly on the synth demos here. For performances and lectures see Noctivaga Musica's YouTube channel here.

knobcon update

An update via knobcon's organizer, Suit & Tie Guy

"The Hyatt has extended our booking window. you can now book a room at the 79 USD rate until the 31st.

also, we now officially have sponsors. they are Five12 and STG Soundlabs. there will be door prizes, drawn out of a hat by someone who is not me, of merchandise (software and synthesiser modules) from the sponsors."

thank you,
Suit & Tie Guy
suitandtieguy.com
stgsoundlabs.com

http://knobcon.com/

The Harvestman Homicide Censor

via Scott Jaeger on Facebook

"Figured it out. This was bothering me for 4 years."

http://www.theharvestman.org/

Note the Arabic numbers.

The Bob Moog Foundation Timeline of Synthesis Coming Soon

via The Bob Moog Foundation on Facebook:

"In an effort to become your source for electronic music history, we have created the first of many historical timelines that we will be releasing throughout the year. We intended to release the timeline last week. However, we have made the conscious decision to postpone the publication of the timeline while it is being reviewed by experts in the field. Bob was fond of saying "Get it right the first time", and that's exactly what we are making every effort to do. Thanks for your patience! It will be worth the wait!" http://moogfoundation.org/timeline/latecomingsoon/

MacBeth MacBeth Mk1 VORTEX Video - squelchy!

YouTube Published on Aug 29, 2012 by macbethsynthesizers


"This is a short video of the MacBeth Mk1 VORTEX Analogue Synthesizer module in action with a MacBeth Mk1 Filter 'A' switched between 6db/Octave and 24 db/Octave. I've also used a Mk1 Mixer 'A' and a Mk1 Dual EG with built in VCA. The VORTEX is a complete synth in a 5U format- 6 space size! 2 x LFOs, 2 x VCOs, 1 x Noise, 1 x Mixer, 1 x Filter and Dual Egs with built in VCA. Here the whole lot is being driven by LFO 2 set to S&H on the VORTEX!"

Images via Ken MacBeth on Facebook

Wolfgang Palm Shares The PPG WaveGenerator App - Show And Tell

YouTube Published on Aug 29, 2012 by PPGWavegenerator

"In this video, creator of the PPG Wave, Wolfgang Palm gives and extended show and tell of the new PPG WaveGenerator App for iPad."

iTunes:
WaveGenerator - PPG - Wolfgang Palm
iPads on eBay

Update: take a look at 2:28 on. This is interesting. On previous wavetable synths you can only transverse wavetables in order. You can set which waveform to start and end with and the direction, but you can't draw the path like this. The implementation might remind you of Animoog.

Update:

PPG WaveGenerator iPad App - Show And Tell 2 Creating Wavetables

Published on Aug 30, 2012 by PPGWavegenerator

"Wolfgang is back sharing more of the wholesome goodness found in his new baby PPG WaveGenerator App."

PPG WaveGenerator Show And Tell 3 Part 1.mov

YouTube Published on Sep 11, 2012 by PPGWavegenerator

"Wolfgang shows some more tricks and tips with the new PPG Wavegenerator App."

PPG WaveGenerator Show And Tell 3 Part 2.mov

PPG WaveGenerator Factory Program Example Video

PPG WaveGenerator Factory Program Example: Invader ZIMmer, Jay de Miceli (NutekK Labs)

YouTube Published on Aug 29, 2012 by nutekklabs

"When Wolfgang Palm called on me to be a part of his newest project I cleared my calendar without hesitation. Soon he introduced me to his vision, the next generation synth -The PPG WaveGenerator.

This next generation PPG has the original PPG wave models but it also allows you, to create your own wavetables. Using my own wavetable, 'supertable' I created the program 'Invader ZIMmer'. There are no effects and no sequencer used here, this is a rich textured cinematic arpeggiated program - right out of the factory bank. And it was recorded straight from the ipad headphone jack.

This was not the first project that I worked on with Wolfgang Palm, and have once again learned so much from this 'master of synths'. It has been an honor to be a part of such an innovative project and an incredible part of PPG history.

-Jay de Miceli
http://www.nutekklabs.com
http://www.facebook.com/nutekk.labs
http://soundcloud.com/nutekk-labs
http://nutekklabs.tumblr.com/"

via Nutekk Labs on The MATRIXSYNTH Lounge

iPads on eBay

Native Instruments announces a new generation of MASCHINE

Jeremy Ellis On The New Maschine Generation

Published on Aug 29, 2012 by NativeInstruments

"Watch an incredible performance from Jeremy Ellis with the new Maschine and Maschine Mikro. He creates a track completely from scratch -- the sound you hear was recorded live in one take without any overdubs or post production. Filmed at the abandoned former US listening station on Berlin's Teufelsberg."

Press Release:

"Berlin, August 29, 2012 – Native Instruments today announced the new generation of MASCHINE, its critically acclaimed groove production studio. From October 1, 2012, both MASCHINE and MASCHINE MIKRO will receive a major overhaul with new updates to hardware and software, and the addition of the MASCHINE STAND and colored CUSTOM KITS.

The new MASCHINE hardware is now available in a choice of black or white. New backlit multicolored pads provide advanced visual orientation, and the pads have also been updated for increased sensitivity. Re-designed displays provide a wider viewing angle for increased clarity, and the surface layout has been refined with the addition of a master push-encoder and new buttons with a click action.

The forthcoming, free MASCHINE 1.8 software update introduces the new color-coding system. Sounds, groups, patterns and projects can be assigned specific color schemes, which are reflected in the colors of the pads and buttons on the hardware, providing instant visual feedback and improved workflow. Furthermore, the new software also includes offline time stretching and pitch shifting capabilities as well as a range of new effects, including NI's hugely popular dynamic mixing effect TRANSIENT MASTER. Numerous workflow improvements such as Host Transport Control, Browser Sample Preview Mode, Auto-Write Pinning and more plus a number of new hardware shortcuts allow for faster and even more intuitive control of the software via the MASCHINE hardware.

Another major new addition to the 1.8 update is the inclusion of NI's perennial synthesizer MASSIVE – an extremely popular instrument, renowned for its bass and lead sounds. The full version of the synthesizer is included, adding 1,300 additional sounds to the MASCHINE library. Anyone updating to 1.8 update will receive MASSIVE, existing MASCHINE users included. The instrument will be available as a download after software registration.

The more compact MASCHINE MIKRO hardware will also be available in black or white versions, and includes the same increased-sensitivity, multicolored pads and clickable buttons. MASCHINE MIKRO runs on the same software as the larger MASCHINE, so MASCHINE MIKRO owners also get MASSIVE, color-coding, new effects and all workflow improvements.

The new MASCHINE generation introduces optional accessories. Owners of the new flagship MASCHINE can customize their hardware with a choice of CUSTOM KITS– interchangeable faceplates and knobs in five color schemes. Applying the new magnetic faceplate is easy and takes only a few seconds – no additional tools are required. Note that CUSTOM KITS are not compatible with any version of MASCHINE MIKRO.

The second accessory, the MASCHINE STAND, delivers an optimized viewing angle and improved production ergonomics. Designed for both studio and stage use, the stand has a rugged aluminum construction with a black anodized finish. Used on a desktop, the stand provides a secure, non-slip hold thanks to a system of rubber holding pins and rubber feet. Particularly useful on stage, the included Mounting Adapter connects the unit to standard snare drum stands, for neat integration into drum setups. The MASCHINE STAND is compatible with the new black/white MK2 hardware or first generation MASCHINE, but not MASCHINE MIKRO.

A new video with finger-drumming virtuoso Jeremy Ellis filmed at the abandoned former US listening station at Berlin's Teufelsberg showcases the new MASCHINE generation.

The new MASCHINE generation, including the accessories, will be available from October 1, 2012. All items can be pre-ordered immediately.

Pricing:

MASCHINE $669/ 599 EUR / 62.800 ¥
MASCHINE MIKRO $399 / 349 EUR / 36.800 ¥
MASCHINE CUSTOM KITS $79 / 69 EUR / 7.800 ¥
MASCHINE STAND $79 / 69 EUR / 7.800 ¥

Additional information on the new MASCHINE generation is available at:
www.native-instruments.com/maschine"

Update: pics added and be sure to see this post on Create Digital Music for a hands on review.

Novation Announces MiniNova

Novation // MiniNova Artist first look

YouTube Published on Aug 29, 2012 by NovationTV

More videos below.

"Novation MiniNova Artist first look
Visit here for more details: http://novationmusic.com/mininova
~ LIKE our video and click 'show more' for additional information.

We showed the MiniNova to a selection of high profile artists and producers on a recent tour of North America. Check out some of their reactions to the synth in this video.

MiniNova is a compact, super-cool performance synth with the same sound engine as its big brother: the UltraNova. It comes with 256 incredible onboard sounds which you can tweak with 5 knobs, or totally warp with 8 'animate' buttons. MiniNova also has an onboard VocalTune™ effect as well as a classic vocoder so you can recreate iconic vocal sounds from Hip Hop, Urban and electronic music.

Novation MiniNova key features:
• Hugely powerful micro synthesizer with UltraNova's sound engine
• Brand new VocalTune™ and classic vocoder effects
• Live synth: tweak and warp your sounds in realtime
• 256 awesome onboard sounds - instantly searchable
• Layer up to 5 effects per voice
• Comes with editing software and a software patch librarian
• Run guitars and other instruments through the vocoder, VocalTune™ and effects
• 37 key controller keyboard with MIDI I/O"

CLICK FOR MORE »