Friday, July 04, 2014
THE NATIONAL ANTHEM ON THEREMIN
Published on Aug 8, 2012 ThomasGrillo
"This is The National Anthem of The United states as performed by thereminist, Thomas Grillo on an ESPE01 enhanced Moog Music Etherwave Theremin.
The accompaniment track is produced by http://www.spiritrax.com for use as accompaniment"
Happy 4th of July everyone!
This one in via @MoogFoundation
Crumar Performer - Solid State Music
"(c) 2014 vintage synth demo track by Retrosound
all sounds: Crumar Performer (1979)
recording: multi track without Midi"
Taming the beast (Doepfer analog modular synthesizer)
Published on Jul 4, 2014 GruithuisenCityMan
"Taming the beast (Doepfer analog modular synthesizer)
Hello ! My name is Frederic Gerchambeau. I have made this movie and this music. The music has been made using a Doepfer analog modular synthesizer.
Enjoy !"
Blue Lantern Modules Dwarf Star Synthesizer Semi Modular desktop analog synth
Note: Auction links are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.
via this auction
Videos at the auction previously posted here.
"Let me introduce to you the Dwarf Star Synthesizer. A fully analog desktop synth. This is perfect for live performance, groovebox setups, and music production.
I revisited the idea of the all in one box. Many will remember I started my journey building a synthesizer called the 'nexus' many dwarf years ago.
I miss the experience of not having to patch and have a cable in the way for the most basic sessions. I especially miss the concept of the toggle switch.
I personally love melody and music production. That being said I designed this synthesizer for the professional who needs to finish those darn tracks!
The beginner is also at home with this synth. This is one of those boxes you will keep, even if it was your first.
What does this do?
This is an analog synthsizer that is plug and play. No need to buy or install into a
cabinet.
What do I need to play this with a keyboard?
The dwarf star synthesizer is fully analog. You need to own or purchase a Midi to CV
converter. The dwarf star synth uses the 1v/octave standard.
Can I use the Dwarf Star Synth with other Analog synthesizers?
Yes, it is compatible with all euro format modules.
The dwarf star's 3.5mm jack outputs are -5v/+5v swing. So if your synth can handle those
voltages it should work. The dwarf star synth is designed to handle at max 0-10v input
control voltages. Normal CV use is rated at 0-5v input.
Do I need to patch to get some audio going?
No patching is required to get audio going from the outputs. Knob positioning is required
however. I made a reference manual to get you started.
Is this the only one you will make?
The first run consists of 100 units. So if you need more, or you needed a replacement
unit, it will not be a problem.
How did you build the inside of the synth?
The internal construction is using the latest build technique similar to arduino header
stacking. There is a giant control pcb board, and individual 'cards' for each analog
section. So in other words there is not a bunch of wires connected to potentiometers.
The dwarf star uses star configuration for powering up the individual cards. I use 0.156"
power connectors, not ribbon cable.
I spent all this money and dam! The vco's modulate each other. I hate this! Do the vco's
bleed and influence each other when nothing is even patched up?
No, careful electrical engineering was performed by myself. +10 years experience was put
into the dwarf star synthesizer's vco section. Each analog card section for example is
using reference voltages for the control knobs. Other Blue Lantern tricks of the trade
are being applied to each section. The vco section is using a triangle core and special
sync circuit. The sync circuit is quite strong, so when not in use, the sync knob should
be at '0'. Very small vco change is noticible if the sync knobs are turned up but nothing
is connected. During testing, this only happened when the vco's where in ultra high
frequencies, close to fully clockwise. But I say again, all you have to do is have the
sync knob to zero when sync patching is not in use, and the vco's don't move.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The sections.
You get the following:
*Two Triangle Core VCO's using a discrete transistor array for triangle generation.
Bergfotron Advanced vco was the initial influence in the making of these vco's.
*Mixer section, with all basic waves mixable, no patching required. VCO 1 generates two
sub harmonic pulse frequencies. Will will not see this on any other analog desktop synth!
FAT SOUND.
*PPL VC NOISE GENERATOR. Remember the defender arcade game blast fx? Yup, you get this
inside. Large metal knob is your sweep to go from asteroids to white noise. You won't wee
this on any other analog desktop synth.
*Cool Audio v2164 Chip 12db Analog Filter. You get a superior quad vca based analog
filter. This particular filter is mixable so that you get lowpass, band pass, high pass,
notch, and all pass. I added the blue lantern touch and allow the user to select
capacitors for the filtering, you get 470pf and 120pf. You also get a diode limiter to
control extreme settings. Again, you will not see a filter like this on any current
desktop synth. The mixer section and filter go hand and hand. The mixer section will
saturate the filter if level knobs are close to fully clockwise. So you get an extreme
and soft soound pallete.
*Linear based Envelope Generators. You get two. These are analog, and have individual
loop lfo's for each. I added a timing capacitor switch to allow for short or long
envelopes. One envelope is hard wired to the filter, and the other is hard wired to twin,
stereo vca's.
*Cool Audio v2164 Chip twin VCA's. You get stereo output. Each vca gate knob is
individually controllable. There is a 3.5mm jack to patch up a rotor stereo effect. This
will allow a left, right, left, right panning effect for example. The output on the vca
section also contains a synth level to line level converter.
*VCLFO #1. This lfo is OTA LM13700 based and has a triangle core. The cv section has
exponential cv and a special linear cv section. The linear cv section is my pride and joy
circuit. It allows for arpeggio like cresendos when patched with another lfo.
*Skew LFO #2. This lfo does not have voltage control and is basic. It is similar to the
MS20 lfo in design. You get a triangle shaper with output, and pulse width output.
*Sample and Hold. This sample and hold uses the Skew LFO for the clock. You need to patch
something to the input jack and patch the output jack to something else to use it. So
this section is 'free floating'.
*Stereo 'Vintage' Sounding Delay. This is using twin PT2399 chips to simulate BBD chips
to make cool delay trails. Each control has CV inputs.
The 1/4" jack outputs are not balanced, they are Tip and Ring format (TR)."
via this auction
Videos at the auction previously posted here.
"Let me introduce to you the Dwarf Star Synthesizer. A fully analog desktop synth. This is perfect for live performance, groovebox setups, and music production. I revisited the idea of the all in one box. Many will remember I started my journey building a synthesizer called the 'nexus' many dwarf years ago.
I miss the experience of not having to patch and have a cable in the way for the most basic sessions. I especially miss the concept of the toggle switch.
I personally love melody and music production. That being said I designed this synthesizer for the professional who needs to finish those darn tracks!
The beginner is also at home with this synth. This is one of those boxes you will keep, even if it was your first.
What does this do?This is an analog synthsizer that is plug and play. No need to buy or install into a
cabinet.
What do I need to play this with a keyboard?
The dwarf star synthesizer is fully analog. You need to own or purchase a Midi to CV
converter. The dwarf star synth uses the 1v/octave standard.
Can I use the Dwarf Star Synth with other Analog synthesizers?Yes, it is compatible with all euro format modules.
The dwarf star's 3.5mm jack outputs are -5v/+5v swing. So if your synth can handle those
voltages it should work. The dwarf star synth is designed to handle at max 0-10v input
control voltages. Normal CV use is rated at 0-5v input.
Do I need to patch to get some audio going?No patching is required to get audio going from the outputs. Knob positioning is required
however. I made a reference manual to get you started.
Is this the only one you will make?
The first run consists of 100 units. So if you need more, or you needed a replacement
unit, it will not be a problem.
How did you build the inside of the synth?The internal construction is using the latest build technique similar to arduino header
stacking. There is a giant control pcb board, and individual 'cards' for each analog
section. So in other words there is not a bunch of wires connected to potentiometers.
The dwarf star uses star configuration for powering up the individual cards. I use 0.156"
power connectors, not ribbon cable.
I spent all this money and dam! The vco's modulate each other. I hate this! Do the vco's bleed and influence each other when nothing is even patched up?
No, careful electrical engineering was performed by myself. +10 years experience was put
into the dwarf star synthesizer's vco section. Each analog card section for example is
using reference voltages for the control knobs. Other Blue Lantern tricks of the trade
are being applied to each section. The vco section is using a triangle core and special
sync circuit. The sync circuit is quite strong, so when not in use, the sync knob should
be at '0'. Very small vco change is noticible if the sync knobs are turned up but nothing
is connected. During testing, this only happened when the vco's where in ultra high
frequencies, close to fully clockwise. But I say again, all you have to do is have the
sync knob to zero when sync patching is not in use, and the vco's don't move.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The sections.
You get the following:*Two Triangle Core VCO's using a discrete transistor array for triangle generation.
Bergfotron Advanced vco was the initial influence in the making of these vco's.
*Mixer section, with all basic waves mixable, no patching required. VCO 1 generates two
sub harmonic pulse frequencies. Will will not see this on any other analog desktop synth!
FAT SOUND.
*PPL VC NOISE GENERATOR. Remember the defender arcade game blast fx? Yup, you get this
inside. Large metal knob is your sweep to go from asteroids to white noise. You won't wee
this on any other analog desktop synth.
*Cool Audio v2164 Chip 12db Analog Filter. You get a superior quad vca based analog
filter. This particular filter is mixable so that you get lowpass, band pass, high pass,
notch, and all pass. I added the blue lantern touch and allow the user to select
capacitors for the filtering, you get 470pf and 120pf. You also get a diode limiter to
control extreme settings. Again, you will not see a filter like this on any current
desktop synth. The mixer section and filter go hand and hand. The mixer section will
saturate the filter if level knobs are close to fully clockwise. So you get an extreme
and soft soound pallete.
*Linear based Envelope Generators. You get two. These are analog, and have individual
loop lfo's for each. I added a timing capacitor switch to allow for short or long
envelopes. One envelope is hard wired to the filter, and the other is hard wired to twin,
stereo vca's.
*Cool Audio v2164 Chip twin VCA's. You get stereo output. Each vca gate knob is
individually controllable. There is a 3.5mm jack to patch up a rotor stereo effect. This
will allow a left, right, left, right panning effect for example. The output on the vca
section also contains a synth level to line level converter.
*VCLFO #1. This lfo is OTA LM13700 based and has a triangle core. The cv section has
exponential cv and a special linear cv section. The linear cv section is my pride and joy
circuit. It allows for arpeggio like cresendos when patched with another lfo.
*Skew LFO #2. This lfo does not have voltage control and is basic. It is similar to the
MS20 lfo in design. You get a triangle shaper with output, and pulse width output.
*Sample and Hold. This sample and hold uses the Skew LFO for the clock. You need to patch
something to the input jack and patch the output jack to something else to use it. So
this section is 'free floating'.
*Stereo 'Vintage' Sounding Delay. This is using twin PT2399 chips to simulate BBD chips
to make cool delay trails. Each control has CV inputs.
The 1/4" jack outputs are not balanced, they are Tip and Ring format (TR)."
Mountainking Electronics P.M. DUAL Prototype VCA VCF FRAC Passive Synth Module
Note: Auction links are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.
via this auction
"This is a prototype of a synthesizer module designed by Alan from Mountainking Electronics.
It is two independent passive modulators each with two different switchable modes, VCA (voltage controlled attenuator) and VCF (voltage controlled filter). "Passive" means that it does not require a power connector. VCA mode is for "tremolo," "ring modulator,"and other amplitude modulation effects. VCF mode is very similar to the VCA mode but it you'll notice a passive lowpass filtering effect when fed with an LFO or envelope generator and a subtle timbrel effect when an audio frequency signal/cv is used for the modulating signal. The two modulators can be cascaded for more complex modulation effects.
CONTROLS:
LIMIT: This limits/attenuates the input signal. This can be useful to help the module works with various signal levels.
DEPTH: This controls the "depth" of the modulating signal by attenuating the signal/cv. Modulating signal/cv can be an LFO, audio frequency oscillator, envelope generator, etc.
IN: Input for the signal to be modulated.
OUT: Output for the signal to be modulated.
MOD IN: Input for modulating/cv signal.
The module is built into a FRAC rack sized, hand cut and drilled, panel. PLEASE NOTE: The panels height and width (double width/3" size) are about a 1/16" taller and wider then the standard FRAC rack size. This should not cause any problem with most racks/systems but please keep it in mind. The panel is approximately 1/8" thick. Also, the mounting hole are abit rough around the edges, again nothing you should sweat about, but I just want you to know what to expect.
Alan from Mountainking has designed quite a few synthesizer modules but most of them will not be available for some time."
I created a new Mountainking label for these. There has been only one previous post featuring Mountainking back in 2012 here.
via this auction
"This is a prototype of a synthesizer module designed by Alan from Mountainking Electronics.It is two independent passive modulators each with two different switchable modes, VCA (voltage controlled attenuator) and VCF (voltage controlled filter). "Passive" means that it does not require a power connector. VCA mode is for "tremolo," "ring modulator,"and other amplitude modulation effects. VCF mode is very similar to the VCA mode but it you'll notice a passive lowpass filtering effect when fed with an LFO or envelope generator and a subtle timbrel effect when an audio frequency signal/cv is used for the modulating signal. The two modulators can be cascaded for more complex modulation effects.
CONTROLS:
LIMIT: This limits/attenuates the input signal. This can be useful to help the module works with various signal levels.
DEPTH: This controls the "depth" of the modulating signal by attenuating the signal/cv. Modulating signal/cv can be an LFO, audio frequency oscillator, envelope generator, etc.
IN: Input for the signal to be modulated.
OUT: Output for the signal to be modulated.
MOD IN: Input for modulating/cv signal.
The module is built into a FRAC rack sized, hand cut and drilled, panel. PLEASE NOTE: The panels height and width (double width/3" size) are about a 1/16" taller and wider then the standard FRAC rack size. This should not cause any problem with most racks/systems but please keep it in mind. The panel is approximately 1/8" thick. Also, the mounting hole are abit rough around the edges, again nothing you should sweat about, but I just want you to know what to expect.
Alan from Mountainking has designed quite a few synthesizer modules but most of them will not be available for some time."
I created a new Mountainking label for these. There has been only one previous post featuring Mountainking back in 2012 here.
Technics SY-1010 Vintage Analog Monophonic Synthesizer SN CA7K04A028
VERMONA SYNTHESIZER
Note: Auction links are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.
via this auction
"Made in GDR (German Democratic Republic) 1981"
via this auction
"Made in GDR (German Democratic Republic) 1981"
TRANSCENDENT 2000 POWERTRAN - Analouge Mono Synth
Note: Auction links are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.
via this auction
"This Synth did work at some stage and with a little love and care this synth would reward you with a very usable EMS filter. Would be a great project synth. According to legend, EMS didn't want their name associated with the varying build quality of a home made synth, hence the kit being marketed by Powertran. It looks great even as an ornament.
The Powertran Transcendent 2000 was an English synthesizer designed by Tim Orr, also notable for his work at EMS and Akai. In the late 1970s, a good synthesizer was too expensive for many musicians, so Orr conceived the Transcendent 2000 as an affordable kit that could be assembled at home - a similar concept to the one used by PAiA in the United States.
The synth behaves pretty strangely, the unit powers up, however oscillators do not seem to function, except for very intermittently. The filter, which until quite recently did work with an external input, now behaves very erratically and does not process input signals."
via this auction
"This Synth did work at some stage and with a little love and care this synth would reward you with a very usable EMS filter. Would be a great project synth. According to legend, EMS didn't want their name associated with the varying build quality of a home made synth, hence the kit being marketed by Powertran. It looks great even as an ornament. The Powertran Transcendent 2000 was an English synthesizer designed by Tim Orr, also notable for his work at EMS and Akai. In the late 1970s, a good synthesizer was too expensive for many musicians, so Orr conceived the Transcendent 2000 as an affordable kit that could be assembled at home - a similar concept to the one used by PAiA in the United States.
The synth behaves pretty strangely, the unit powers up, however oscillators do not seem to function, except for very intermittently. The filter, which until quite recently did work with an external input, now behaves very erratically and does not process input signals."
Moog Minimoog Model D Vintage Analog Synthesizer SN with Kenton MIDI SN 10007
Studio Electronics Boomstar SE80 Analog Synthesizer SN 100446
Note: Auction links are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.
via this auction
"The snap and punch of hardware envelopes drive the BOOMSTAR's brilliant voltage controlled circuits with unparalleled sonic integrity and versatility. BOOMSTAR is the ultimate desktop analog synthesizer for those who remember and desire still, the electronic Analog sound that changed the world, and for seekers who have yet to discover that magic and delight... in their time.
Driven by rapid fire hardware envelope snap, and near Modular sound flexibility (at the flip of any of its 20 toggle switches), the STUDIO ELECTRONICS BOOMSTAR® desktop* synth is a performer and sound designer’s waking dream. The Boomstar foundation: two Oscillators—stackable waveforms with Sub OSC, two Envelopes invertible, loopable, with ‘drone’ and ‘master’ mode, is accented expressively by hardware XMod and exponential glide, extensive modulation routing, and a flexible software LFO: jacked for heavy lifting and fine-tuned experimentation—even go ”off synth” with the external input and color exotic oscillations.
The quick-turn shaft pots along the bottom for the hardware Ring Mod, Noise, Filter Feedback and VCO Levels make vital sonic change intimate, immediate, and indispensable; the adjacent Overdrive switch adds warmth and edge. Thirty one pots insure fluid, intuitive mastery over wide-ranging sweep and subtlety of tone: feather in the changes or whip them suddenly and rhythmically into shape.
S. E.’s patchable, discrete, through-hole, hand-matched transistor, American-made analog synthesizers are as rugged as they are flexible; inspiring instruments built to last a lifetime, and then some, no matter which brilliant, hand-crafted filter model you choose.
Features
All discrete circuity. Hand matched transistors in filter and amplifier.
2 Oscillators: Sub Oscillator, Sync, Pulse Width, Tracking On/Off, Modulation, Fine Tune
Waveforms: Toggle Switches select combinations of Sine, Triangle, Saw and Square waveforms
Classic Yamaha CS-80 Filter design
Filter: Frequency/Resonance Controls, Filter keyboard tracking, Mod depth, Mod Source
2 Envelopes: Attack, Decay, Sustain, and Release controls; Envelope Invert switches, Destination toggle switches
Drone/Envelope 1 Master center-off toggle switch
XMod: Oscillator 2 mod depth to select Osc 1 Pulse Width, Frequency, or Off
LFO: Rate, MIDI Sync On/Off, Waveform selection, Mod Depth, 2 Destinations,
LFO Waveforms: Sine, Triangle, Saw Up, Saw Down, Square, Offset Square 1 and 2, Random, and Slew
Amplifier: 2 Levels of Overdrive, selectable by 3-way toggle
Additional: Master Tune, Glide Time, Dynamics to Filter Frequency, Envelope 1 to Oscillator 1 Pulse Width
Mixer: Osc 1, Osc 2, Ring Mod, Noise, Feedback
Front Panel Jacks: CV In, Gate In, Filter Frequency In, Amplifier In, Oscillator Out, External Signal In
Back Panel Jacks: MIDI In/Out, 1/4" Audio Output, DC Power Out
Back Panel Switches: MIDI Learn Switch (Channel, Note Priority, Aftertouch, Mod Wheel Destination) and Tap Tempo for LFO
Overflow Switch for polyphonic chaining"
via this auction
"The snap and punch of hardware envelopes drive the BOOMSTAR's brilliant voltage controlled circuits with unparalleled sonic integrity and versatility. BOOMSTAR is the ultimate desktop analog synthesizer for those who remember and desire still, the electronic Analog sound that changed the world, and for seekers who have yet to discover that magic and delight... in their time.Driven by rapid fire hardware envelope snap, and near Modular sound flexibility (at the flip of any of its 20 toggle switches), the STUDIO ELECTRONICS BOOMSTAR® desktop* synth is a performer and sound designer’s waking dream. The Boomstar foundation: two Oscillators—stackable waveforms with Sub OSC, two Envelopes invertible, loopable, with ‘drone’ and ‘master’ mode, is accented expressively by hardware XMod and exponential glide, extensive modulation routing, and a flexible software LFO: jacked for heavy lifting and fine-tuned experimentation—even go ”off synth” with the external input and color exotic oscillations.
The quick-turn shaft pots along the bottom for the hardware Ring Mod, Noise, Filter Feedback and VCO Levels make vital sonic change intimate, immediate, and indispensable; the adjacent Overdrive switch adds warmth and edge. Thirty one pots insure fluid, intuitive mastery over wide-ranging sweep and subtlety of tone: feather in the changes or whip them suddenly and rhythmically into shape.
S. E.’s patchable, discrete, through-hole, hand-matched transistor, American-made analog synthesizers are as rugged as they are flexible; inspiring instruments built to last a lifetime, and then some, no matter which brilliant, hand-crafted filter model you choose.Features
All discrete circuity. Hand matched transistors in filter and amplifier.
2 Oscillators: Sub Oscillator, Sync, Pulse Width, Tracking On/Off, Modulation, Fine Tune
Waveforms: Toggle Switches select combinations of Sine, Triangle, Saw and Square waveforms
Classic Yamaha CS-80 Filter designFilter: Frequency/Resonance Controls, Filter keyboard tracking, Mod depth, Mod Source
2 Envelopes: Attack, Decay, Sustain, and Release controls; Envelope Invert switches, Destination toggle switches
Drone/Envelope 1 Master center-off toggle switch
XMod: Oscillator 2 mod depth to select Osc 1 Pulse Width, Frequency, or Off
LFO: Rate, MIDI Sync On/Off, Waveform selection, Mod Depth, 2 Destinations,
LFO Waveforms: Sine, Triangle, Saw Up, Saw Down, Square, Offset Square 1 and 2, Random, and Slew
Amplifier: 2 Levels of Overdrive, selectable by 3-way toggle
Additional: Master Tune, Glide Time, Dynamics to Filter Frequency, Envelope 1 to Oscillator 1 Pulse Width
Mixer: Osc 1, Osc 2, Ring Mod, Noise, Feedback
Front Panel Jacks: CV In, Gate In, Filter Frequency In, Amplifier In, Oscillator Out, External Signal In
Back Panel Jacks: MIDI In/Out, 1/4" Audio Output, DC Power Out
Back Panel Switches: MIDI Learn Switch (Channel, Note Priority, Aftertouch, Mod Wheel Destination) and Tap Tempo for LFO
Overflow Switch for polyphonic chaining"
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MATRIXSYNTH - EVERYTHING SYNTH
© Matrixsynth - All posts are presented here for informative, historical and educative purposes as applicable within fair use.
MATRIXSYNTH is supported by affiliate links that use cookies to track clickthroughs and sales. See the privacy policy for details.
MATRIXSYNTH - EVERYTHING SYNTH
