Behringer Pre-NAMM Event [Episode 107]

Published on Jan 24, 2019 CatSynth TV

"Behringer presented their latest synthesizer offerings, including some brand new models, at the MUSIC Tribe Pre-NAMM event in the Chatsworth neighborhood of Los Angeles. We try out a few of the instruments for ourselves

The synthesizers we previewed include:
Behringer Odyssey
Vocoder VC340
Rhythm Design RD-808
Neutron
MS-101 monophonic analog synthesizer

The VC340 and Neutron are currently available, the others are still in preview.

For more NAMM coverage, please subscribe to this channel and visit www.catsynth.com"

New Eurorack Modules from 2hp

Sine
Sine wave VCO with sub output and wavefolding
ETA: May
MSRP: $149

Bell
Physical modeling voice
ETA: March
MSRP: $149

Grain
Granular processor
ETA: April
MSRP: $149

DC
DC offset generator
ETA: February
MSRP: $89

Buchla BEMI Introduces New “Red Panel" Brand

Buchla U.S.A. introduces an independent division of new products under the brand name “Red Panel.”

Minneapolis, Minnesota January 24, 2019: Announcing Buchla U.S.A.’s introduction of a subsidiary company called “Red Panel.” Red Panel was created to pursue new and innovative Buchla-related musical instruments that are priced within the reach of the average musician. For its first line of products, Red Panel has worked closely with Dave Small of Catalyst Audio and Buchla artist consultant Todd Barton in order to bring Don Buchla’s seminal product line, the 100 Series, to the Eurorack format. Nine modules will be introduced and demonstrated at the NAMM convention, including the 106 (Six Channel Mixer), the 110 Quad Voltage Controlled Gate, the 156 Control Voltage Processor, the 156 (modern version), the 158 Dual Channel Oscillator, the 180 Dual Attack Generator, the 112 Touch Controlled Voltage Source, the 190 Dual Reverberator, the 193 (Combination of 194 and 191) Dual LoPass / Bandpass Filters, and a 6U 84HP case. These products will be available in the Spring of 2019.

Buchla U.S.A. will continue to meet the needs of Buchla customers through the production of high-quality historic synthesis/performance technology with a focus on and celebration of Don Buchla's legacy.

By listening to the needs of composers at the San Francisco Tape Music Center, Don Buchla created one of the first modular voltage-controlled electronic instruments in the mid-1960s as only a gifted designer and engineer could. His innovative and seminal musical instruments have inspired composers and listeners alike for over 50 years."

Update: see this post for a NAMM floor demo.

New Flame Mäander Desktop Synthesizer & Filter Bank Pic, Details, & Demos

See the update here.

New intellijel Scales 8hp Dual-Channel Note Quantizer and Step Sequencer

Aphex of Scales Published on Jan 24, 2019 Intellijel

Update: playlist added above with the following videos:

1. Aphex of Scales
2. Scales Weighs In
3. Scales Trigger Modes
4. Sequencing With Scales
5. Spinning Melodies With Scales

"Scales is an 8hp dual-channel note quantizer and step sequencer. Fundamentally, it takes an input voltage, quantizes it to notes in a user-defined scale, and sends that quantized voltage to an output, where you can use it as a melodic pitch source for oscillators or any other module that expects to see discreet note values at its input.

Scales goes far beyond the fundamental, allowing you unprecedented control of the pitches and intervals hiding inside your control voltages; turn LFO’s into arpeggiators; random voltages into harmonic counterpoint; and unquantized external CV sequencers into chromatically tuned note sequencers.

Quantization can be locked to an incoming trigger. There are a number of trigger output options as well, ranging from no triggering (good for pitch shifting drones); through triggers that sync with either of the two outputs (or both); to a trigger or gate transmitted in sync with one sent to the module’s TRIG input.

Shift

Scales features two independent outputs, enabling you to create shifted harmonic intervals within your chosen scale using only a single pitch input. Using the SHIFT input you can modulate changes on OUT A and/or OUT B.

You can also use the shift input to switch between scales or to change the root of any existing scale pattern or split Scales into two quantizers — each conforming to a common scale, but fed entirely different voltage sources.

Sequence

Scales also features a 128-step SH-101 style step sequencer (complete with storage for up to 35 fully programmable patterns) — allowing you to feed OUT B with sequenced notes and rhythm patterns, while OUT A continues to function as a standard pitch quantizer for external voltages. You can even sync the sequencer to quantizer events on OUT A.

Features

CV inputs and outputs operate in a -10v to +10v range with 1v/oct scaling
1-octave keyboard for selecting scale notes in real time and LED buttons provide visual feedback of quantizing
Save and recall up to 35 different scales and sequences, arranged in 5 banks (black keys) of 7 scales each (white keys)
35 factory scale patterns included
High resolution precision DAC for accurate pitch generation
Adjustable trigger delay
Input filtering eliminates jitter
Low latency"

New intellijel Steppy 3U 4-Track 64-Step Programmable Gate Sequencer

Published on Jan 24, 2019 Intellijel

Playlist:
1. Tap Recording With Steppy 3U

Rhythms can be played live in Steppy's Tap Recording Mode. When active you can finger drum the four tracks and delete steps from the sequence.

2. Rhythmic Variations From Single Step Patterns With Steppy 3U

Steppy provides a number of methods to add interesting variations to even the simplest patterns. In this video each track is sending a single step pattern, but with per track clock division, random ratcheting, and probability settings, a huge range of rhythms can quickly and easily be achieved.

3. Producing and Perusing Patterns With Steppy 3U

Steppy has a number of quick and easy shortcuts to create patterns, but can also store up to 8 patterns. Steppy will automatically reload the last saved or loaded pattern the next time it powers up. Saved patterns are great for creating basic rhythms to use as departure points, or to set up the structure of a song or live set in advance.

"Steppy is a 4-track programmable gate sequencer with eight internal memory slots, external clocking, numerous tweakable parameters, and a performance-first design aesthetic.

Each track features numerous independent parameters that govern its playback independently of the other tracks. Specifically:

Each track has its own length, which can range from 1-step to 64-steps, allowing for polyrhythms, fills, or constantly evolving gate interactions between tracks.
Each track has its own gate length, which ranges from very short to very long, with tied gates possible at the extreme setting.
Each track has its own clock divider, allowing patterns to play out over completely different periods of time.
Each track has its own swing setting, which offsets the timing of every other step.
Each track has its own delay setting, which offsets the timing of every step.
Each track has its own probability control, which sets the likelihood that each programmed gate will fire when called upon by the pattern.
Each track can be shifted (or ‘rotated’) forward or backward by a number of steps. So if you’ve created a pattern that ‘feels’ like it has its downbeat on step 3, you can shift that pattern two steps to the left, so that the downbeat sits on step 1.
Tracks can be programmed by entering active steps on the grid or tapped in live as the sequence is moving. Tracks can be selected and modified in real time as the sequence plays. A select button allows you to directly access each track (and each page of 16 steps within that track) directly through Steppy’s intuitive multifunction buttons array.

Tracks can be individually muted and unmuted, and a special performance mode (called “Loopy”) enables you to touch any two gate steps and instantly create a performance that loops between those steps.

Track patterns can be cleared without clearing its playback parameters, and all track patterns (along with their individual playback and performance parameters) can be saved as a preset to one of eight internal memory slots.

Also available in 1U."

EURORACK + AE MODULAR SYNTH (feat. VLK) #TTNM

Published on Jan 24, 2019 The Tuesday Night Machines

"VLK and I had a beer, shared a clock signal and improvised on our modular synthesizers. MORE INFO BELOW!

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PixelNoises Synth T-Shirts by The Tuesday Night Machines:
https://shop.spreadshirt.com/pixelnoi...

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Audio gear used:
- Eurorack Modular Synthesizer with Verbos Complex Oscillator, Piston Honda, Make Noise René, ADDAC 506, Metasonix craziness, Maths and more.
- Tangible Waves AE Modular Synth with LOPAG, MULTIFX, Grand Square, Spring Reverb, SVFilter, Nyle Filter and more."

Korg M1 Modded circuit bent / textures sounds and pads with modular

Published on Jan 24, 2019 Polynominaldotcom

"Just modded and bent the classic M1/M1r wavetable with 6 switches on the back of the machine. 5 sounds demo with circuit bent options.
First 3 demo with normal Midi keyboard, In 2 others, the Mi1r is driven by an algorithmic generator module 'Turing machine' . Generated patterns are midi converted with a doepfer a-162 cv to midi module."

Oberheim Xpander | Living in the Matrix

Published on Jan 24, 2019 Alex Ball

"The Oberheim Xpander (1984) is quite a curious release from the legendary developer.

It has the classic muscly Oberheim sound with 6-voice polyphony at 2 VCOs per-voice. However, it then becomes very interesting because it then has some deep digital control. There's five LFOs and five envelopes per voice, lag processing, tracking generators, ramp generators a filter with 15 modes and a whole bunch more. Pretty amazing for 1984!

The instrument is fairly chunky, but most of the control is built around page diving and a modulation matrix. So, it would be absolutely enormous if they had a switch or potentiometer for each function. It's kind of a modular-esque synth without any cables and some elements being virtual.

Furthermore, there are multi-patches where a different single patch can be loaded for each of the six voices. The voices also have their own CV/Gate and discrete outputs if you so wish. It's also fully midi equipped and so some folk use the Xpander as a midi to CV converter to control various parts of a modular rig.

After I'd read the manual and got my head around the workflow, I programmed a few patches, tweaked a few others already saved on the unit, did some live playing, some midi and some CV/gate sequencing and this was the result.

All synth sounds: Oberheim Xpander
Midi control via Prophet REV2 and my DAW
Drums: Oberheim DX
Vocals: Recorded with an AKG C414
Guitar: Dan Electro Baritone / Boss HM-2 / Fender Blues Junior mic'd with an SM57"

Buromaschinen | Abstract Thinking | Monomachine solo | From Focus Range EP

Published on Jan 23, 2019

"Abstract Thinking"
From the album "Focus Range EP" by Buromaschinen.

Tech notes:
Recorded live.
Sequenced on Elektron Monomachine.
Synthesizer: Monomachine.
Additional reverb: Strymon Bigsky.

Video shot on a mobile phone in Tokyo, Mori Building.
Buromaschinen is part of the distant future association, distantfuture.org