WC Olo Garb

Great synth site via Deep Synthesis Journal. Check out the gear list for some oddities including the Polish APS Analog Drum Machines I posted on below, an Electro Harmonix vocoder including a great mp3 of it, and something called an Amstrad Fidelity CKX-100 Computerphonic that closely resembles an EMU EMax II. More models inlcuding shots and mp3s via title link.

Amstrad Fidelity CKX-100

APS Mini Rhythm MR 3201 & Auto Rhythm

Don't see these everyday. Two Polish analog drum machines. Title link takes you to main gear list of site. Scrool down to drum machines for these.

APS Mini Rhythm MR 3201 MP3 Sounds pretty tight.

"32 rhythms Polish analog drum machine from the Communist era. Has 6 knobs: bass, snare and hihat volume, global tempo, fine tempo, main volume. Goes together with a foot switch that has 2 buttons: start/stop and intro/fill-in. These buttons are also on the main unit and are activated when the foot switch is unplugged."

APS Auto Rhythm - MP3

"The same as APS Mini, but more functions. 32 rhythms, 8 instruments [3 in Mini], volume of each instrument adjustable. Also the brightness of the snare can be modified. Apart from the standard [and indispensable] buttons start/stop and intro/fillin there's a 'delay stop' button, which, if pressed, stops the machine after a few seconds. Two LEDs, the green one for beat down and the red one for quarter note. Whereas I love the analog sound of APS Mini, the Auto samples seem to sound a bit rigid."

Korg Microcontrol - New Flickr Shot

Warm shot of the Microntrol.

Casio VZ1

Title link takes you to a site on the Casio VZ1 including some samples. Found it on Vintage Synth Explorer. Vintage Synth link will take you a discussion on the synth.

The Redsound Elevata that wasn't

Redsound Elevata Darkstar Keyboard mock-up. I beleive this was taken at a tradeshow, either the Musikmesse or NAMM. It never made it to production. Title link takes you to a couple of more shots.

Creamware Minimax AB Demo MP3

Via Vintage Synth Explorer. Right click title link and save.

Roland TR-808 - 'bay shots

Some Roland TR-808 shots from the 'bay. More via title link.

I love the warmth of this shot.

Future Retro Revolution - 'bay Shots

Carbon111's Future Retro Revolution is on the 'bay. Some amazing shots saved for posterity. Title link takes you to more.

MicroKorg - New Flickr Shots

Kord MicroKorg shot on Flickr. Gorgeous shots.

5 OSC Box

Via GetLoFi.

Sound Lab Slide Interface

Via Electro-Music. Interface created by Uncle-Krunkus to control his Sound Lab. Title link takes you to post with more.

Moog Clock

Saw this via Create Digital Music.

Cirucuit Bending the Suzuki Omnichord

Title says it all. Click through for more including pictures and samples. Someone on AH said it actually sounded like a Buchla. : ) From the samples I heard of the Buchla it kind of does. There is a certain percussive crispness there I've heard on some Buchla samples.

Andromeda A6 Track

From F.A.S Truhan III via AH. Right click and save locally. I'm amazed at the variety of characters the A6 can pull off. Amazing. Run track btw, and only 10M.

"My friend Ron West was gracious enough to host this on his FTP site for a little while. For those curious, this serves as a pretty good opportunity to hear alot of stuff the Andromeda 6 can do, especially since I'm making it do alot of things I keep hearing tons of people swear it can't. For the gear whores: If it sounds analogue, it's an Andromeda 6, this does most of the sounds. Exceptions: Drums are a Roland R-8mkII. During the 'anime theme song' bridge, there is a Casio CZ-3000 pad mixed in with the two A6 pads, and the wave sequencing in the same section is a Korg MS-2000. At the end, the uber-electro percussion joining the R-8 drums is a Korg ER-1. MS-2000 handles the vocoder action, and the superhuge string sound at the very end layered with the A6 'horns' is an ARP Quadra. Enjoy. Or not. Fair warning, if you don't like your acid lines super nasty, steer clear or you might hurt your fragile aesthetic sensibilities ; )"

Akai EWI4000S Video on Sonic State

Title Link takes you there.

Different Skies Feed

Via Synth Sights:

"The concert is Saturday night ... 7:30 PM (Arizona's on Mountain
Standard Time, right? which is GMT-0700)

They were (successfully) testing a live web stream earlier this
evening ... I assume it'll be up for the concert. Check
www.differentskies.com ...

Doug"

MacBeth M5 in Stereo

Thought this was funny. In via AH. Title link takes you to bigger shot on Analogue Haven.

A horse and his AX-60

Don't remember where I got these shots, but I love 'em. If you know please comment. Title link takes you to a slightly bigger shot of the below and two more. Beautiful horse. And not a bad Akai AX-60. : ) horse

Some DIY PDFs and JPGs - Buchla, ARP, RSF

In via AH. Mark Verbo's site for schemos.

Includes:
RSF Kobol Expander Waveshaper
RSF Kobol Expander Sawtooth Oscillator
Buchla "Timbre" Waveshaper
Buchla Lopass Gate
Buchla 258 style oscillator
ARP Odyssey 2 quadrant modulator
Buchla Source of Uncertainty
Buchla Bandpass Filter
Three position toggle switch
Vactrol Crossfader

1984 PPG New Wave Ad

This PPG Wave ad popped up in my random image viewer. Title link takes you to bigger shot.

How to Make Arp Strings

Mark Smart posted this on AH. Super simple walkthrough with samples for each step. Really nicely done. Title link takes you there.

Different Skies Video Coverage

I posted about the Different Skies gathering yesterday. Well... I just got the ok from Jim Combs to post this link to some video coverage. Right click and save. Title link takes you to the Different Skies website which also has a video link. I can't wait to check it out. Enjoy. : )

Note: The file is 20 minutes and 320M. : ]

Six Machines That Changed The Music World - Wired

Via Cynthia via AH. Thanks Cynthia!


The list according to Wired:

• Roland TB-303


• Roland TR-808


• Technics SL-1200 Turntable


• Nordlead 1


• Amek System 9098 Equalizer


• Akai S950 Sampler

Intwesting. Off to go read the article on why. Interesting that the Minimoog didn't make the list.

EMU 2200 VCO

This popped up in my randomn image viewer. It's an EMU 2200 VCO. Notice the Eų in the title. Title link takes you to a bigger shot.

Nintendo Music Keyboard 1984 Prototype

Via Create Digital Music. Wow. Never knew this even existed. Title link takes you to more info and more shots.

Roland - New Flickr Shots

Click through for more. Funny how thin the Juno-60 looks in this shot.

Korg 800DV - New Flickr Shots

Click through for more shots.

MIT Ionosphere - Sounds of the Atmosphere

Via Engadget via digg. Building 54 at MIT has been turned into a giant speaker. : ) Click through title link for more. Funny that it's building 54 as in studio 54.

Another SoundLab Custom Design

I posted about the SoundLab on 8/30. Here is another design that cropped up on electro-music.com. Pretty nice design especially with Halloween just around the corner. : ) Title link takes you to more.

Kosmophone - Space Age Midi Controller - literally...

Sent to me by Charles Vestal. Thanks Charles! Click through for more info, shots and samples. Amazing.

That silver cylinder in the rack is the Kosmophone.


"The Kosmophone is a gamma-ray spectrometer operating in the range of about 3 to 7 million electron-volts (MeV) controlling a MIDI music synthesizer.

This octave of the electromagnetic spectrum, about a million times higher frequency than the octave our eyes respond to, contains very little energy that originates in our solar system. Almost all of the energy in this band is a result of unbelievably energetic radiation coming from the far reaches of the universe, 'Cosmic Rays'. Fortunately, they tend not to make it all the way through the approximately 100 miles of air over our heads. As they smash their way through the atmosphere the collisions produce energetic emissions and it is these secondary emissions the Kosmophone responds to. The energy level of each detected event is measured and that information is sent to the MIDI control port of a music synthesizer. The 'cosmic data' is not altered or supplemented in any way and would be presumed to be completely random.

The measured distribution of energy values is indeed very uniform and the rate does not vary from local day to night. Apparently the normal output of our sun contains no significant gamma rays (which is a very good thing for us!) but they are produced in bursts during solar flares. "

Update via the comments:
"Many thanks for your interest and kind words, but please note the silvery cylinder at the bottom of the rack is just the detector; a 3" Teledyne Isotopes 4Pi-well-type NaI scintillator previously owned by a government weapons laboratory. The 1RU panel above it is the Pulse Height Analyzer and of course above that the synth and power amp."

Analog Solutions Modifications Page

I was searching the net for more info on a Moog Prodigy Modular picture I have. I came across Analog Solutions' Modifications Page. I didn't realize how many modifications they had for vintage analog synths. Title link will take you there with more shots.

Listed Mods as of this post:

Roland SH101 modular upgrade
Roland SH101 cut-down modular upgrade
Roland MC202 modular upgrade
Roland SH09 keyboard removal
Roland SH09 keyboard removal
Roland SH3a modular upgrade and keyboard removal
ARP Axxe modular upgrade and keyboard removal
ARP Odyssey modular upgrade and keyboard removal
SCI Pro 1 modular upgrade
Moog Prodigy modular upgrade
Moog Radio Shack MG1 basic CV upgrade
EDP Wasp rack mounting
EDP Wasp modular upgrade
Roland TR606 / TR303 blue LED mod
Roland TR606 / TR303 blue LED mod
Roland TB303 BORG modification
Roland TB303 BORG modification
Roland TB303 BORG modification
Roland TR606 separate audio outs
Roland TR606 tonal mod (extra pots)
Roland CR78 tonal mod (extra pots)
Roland TR808 tonal mod (extra pots)
Roland CR8000 tonal mod (extra pots)
Roland TR808 MIDI kit

Analog Solutions Four Voice

Analog Solutions produced the SEMblance Oberheim SEM clone. Well it looks like they are now coming out with a Four Voice. Title link takes you to the Analog Solutions site.

Analog Solutions Four Voice Prototype

WP-20 Mini Synth

Another from GetLoFi. How about I just post a pic and say click through to GetLoFi for more. Back to scrounging the net... : )

Yamaha Gear List and Timeline

Via GetLoFi. Kick ass find by Circuit Master. The list also includes key technology introductions like PASS (Pulse Analog Synthesizer System for the CS series). Wow! I never knew they refered it to PASS. Some key points below just in case they delete the list on us (have fun spotting your favorites : ).

1962 Fist product on their list
D-2

1966 Silicon transistor
E-2, A-3

1970 IC (Integrated Circuit)
EX-42, B-6E, B12, B-12R, E-3R, YC-20, YC-30

1975 LSI (Large Scale IC)
VCO, VCF, VCA (Voltage Control Technology)
GX-1, CSY-2, BK-2

1977 PASS(Pulse Analog Synthesizer System)
E-30, E-50, E-70, EX-1, EX-2, A-40, A-60, B-40, B-60, B-45, C-40, C-60, D-80, CS-50, CS-60, CS-80, CP20, CS-10, CS-30, CS-30L, SS30

1981 FM Tone Generator (Frequency Modulation System)
E-75, E-45, 6000, PS-10, PS-20, PS-30, GS1, GS2, CS-70M, CP11, CP25, CP35, SK15

1982 CD
A-505, B-205, B-405, B-605, B-805, C-405, C-605, 7000, HS-200, HS-500, PS-30B, PS-3(I),(S), PC-100, PSS-30, MP-1, HS-400, HS-501, PS-300, CE20, CS01, SY20, CE25, CP11W, CP7

1983 VLSI (Very Large Scale IC) MIDI
FX-1, FX-3, FX-10, FX-20, FS-100, FS-200, FS-300, FS-500, MR-1, PC-50, PS-35, PS-35S, PS-55, PS-55S, PC-1000, MK-100, YP-10, YP-20, YP-30, YP-40 · DX7, DX9, PF12, KX1, DX1, PF10, PF15

1987 AWM Tone Generator (Sampling System)
HS-4, HS-5, HS-6, HS-7, HS-8, HX-1, HX-3, HX-5, CHX-1, CVP-10, CVP-6, CVP-8, CLP-500, CLP-100, CVP-100MA, CVP-100PE, PSS-130, PSS-470, PSS-570, PSR-22, PSR-32, PSR-12, PSS-370, VSS-30, PSR-80, PSR-90, DSR-1, RX17, DX7S, TX802, ARM1, QX3, DX7-2C, WX7, RX7, V2, PF85, TX16W, TX1P

1991 GM MD
EL-30, EL-50, EL-70, EL-90, CVP-55, CVP-65, CVP-35, CVP-45, CVP-75, YPP-15, YPP-35, PSR-31, PSR-100, PSR-200, PSR-400, PSR-500, PSS-102, PSS-104, DD-11, PSR-6700, RY30, SY99, TG100

1993 VA Tone Generator (Physical Modeling System)
EL-20, EL-27, CVP-25, CVP-83, CVP-85, CVP-87, DD-3, PSR-110, PSR-210, PSR-300, PSR-310, PSR-410, PSR-510, PSR-1700, PSR-2700, TG300, VL1, CBX-K3, CBX-S3, CBX-D5, CBX-302

1996 SoftSynthesizer
CLP-311, CLP-411, CLP-511, CLP-611, CLP-811, CLP-911, DD-50, PSR-190, PSR-220, PSR-230, PSR-78, AR-100 · G1D, G50, P50m, QY700, VL70m, CS1x, CBX-PCC10, MU90, MU90B

1998 FS Tone Generator (FM + Formant Shaping System)
EL-900, CLP-810S, CLP-820, CLP-840, CLP-860, CLP-880, CVP-600, PSR-195, PSR-225, PSR-79, PSR-D1, EX5, P-200, EX5R, EX7, WX5, FS1R, CS2x, EX5S, RM1x, SU700, CBX-K2, MU100B, MU128, MU15, SW1000XG

2004 Internet Direct Connection
ELS-01/01C(STAGEA), CVP-309, CVP-307, CVP-305, CVP-303, CVP-301, PSR-3000, PSR-1500, PSR-450, PSR-295, PSR-293, PSR-175, DGX-505, DGX-305, DGX-205, DGX-203, DD-55C

A little Oberheim SEM P*rn on a Tuesday Afternoon

Came accross the following two Oberheim shots in my synth p*rn collection. Not sure where I got these. If you know please post and I'll update this with info. Title link takes you to bigger shots.

Modded Oberheim SEM Tower



Two Oberheim Four Voices side by side. This is just plain classy. Ga. Ga. Ga...

History Channel piece on Drum Machines

Update: From the source. It aired on More Gadgets on Tuesday, September 13 at 7:00pm ET. You can purchase the DVD for $25 or wait for it to show up On Demand cable if you have it.


In via Ben Vehorn on AH. Title link takes you to History Channel's Modern Marvels page, but I couldn't find the piece. Maybe it hasn't made the site yet? Will need to keep an eye out on it.

Ben Via AH:
"The show "Modern Marvels" on the History Channel just did a piece on
the history of drum machines. Though it wasn't ridiculously in-depth
(8-10 minutes), it was pretty accurate and cool to see. They started
with metronomes, then showed a Wurlitzer drum machine (I think it was a
Sideman), then went into the home organs and analog drum machines (Korg
55, TR-808). They talked about how sampling changed everything and had
some guy demo-ing a Linn 9000 (though no LM-2, which seemed an
oversight), then went into V-drums and grooveboxes."

Suzuki Omnichord

Update:
"To my knowledge, the first Omnichord was introduced in 1981 (1982 in
the western hemisphere).
I think the 1975 model as advertised is as credible as a 1975 Buchla 200E. :-)

Senso"


Update: Shots of the original in via AH.

http://www.vintageplanet.nl/pics/sf2004/Omnichord-1.jpg
http://www.vintageplanet.nl/pics/sf2004/Omnichord-2.jpg



Update: Picture from Pimp Daddy Nash. That ain't made in 1975. That's just crapy advertising. Lame.



Update: Make sure to check out the comments of this post. I can't get through the title link to check it out for myself, but according to Pimp Daddy Nash (gotta love that alias : ) ), this unit has midi. One slight problem, midi didn't come out until 1983...

Update: From Bryan Carrigan via AH:

"Here's a track made with the omnichord beat, pad, and harp
pretty exposed in the intro. These are great for writing songs!

click on "tutelary genius"

http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/uhp"

Retro Thing has a post up on the Suzuki Omnichord, now the Suzuki QChord. The post got me wondering when this thing originally came out and if it was analog to start. Sure enough it was. The title link will take you to a site that has more info and shots, and actually has one for sale.



"Suzuki OmniChord OM-300 Model Analog Keyboard Synthesizer, c. 1975 (yeah right, this is the later model with midi), made in Japan, serial # 06300, ivory plastic finish, original box case."

Update via temp1 in the comments:
"Hi, the brown Omnichord OM-27 (ca. 1981) pictured is my Omniconcertino, that I modified with all the upholstry-tacks as body contacts and a guitar-pedal delay.

check here for more info and pictures of unmodified Omnis:

http://www.klangbureau.de/Omnicon_E.html
http://www.klangbureau.de/Omnihist_E.html"

Motus Mavis

Shots of the Motus Mavis keep popping up on my randomn photo player, so I guess it means I should put up a post. : ) Title link takes you to the Motus Mavis Site including more pics and samples. Amazing site design btw.

I always thought the contols on this looked like mini saw blades. Wicked.


From the site:
I am constantly developing new techniques of creating and modyfying sound with electronics, and various ideas can be incorporated into a comissioned work. Below are some descriptions of my original designs.

Granular Delay Oscillators Filters Modulators Sequencers LFO Construction

All the Synthesizers I create are one-of-a-kind, custom built, and totally original. I use only the highest quality parts and materials, and design the circuitry from scratch. Clearly this method prevents me from competing with mass produced synthesizers, however, the new possibilities and inspiring designs are meant for those who desire something personal and unique, not available as a preset. Please email me at: computer_jones @yahoo.com

Takla Makan - Spiraling: Sequentix P3 Driving Reason

Absolutely beautiful track in via Tony Allgood (Takla Makan). Title link takes you there. No log-in required, but you might have to temporarily disable your pop-up blocker for the track window to launch. It's worth it. I have it looped while I work. I need a P3.

Gleeman Pentaphonic on the 'bay

An even rarer synth on the 'bay. You don't see these too often.

Roland System100 on the 'bay

Beautiful Roland System 100 on the 'bay. Title link will take you to more shots taken for posterity.

Akai MPC 2500

Via Sonic State. Title link takes you to more.

Analog System RS Integrator Demo

Via REwire on Vintage Synth Explorer. Impressive range of sound.

Yamaha Electone Site

Fred Lui dropped by to post a comment on my GX1 Site post. He included a link to his site dedicated to the Yamaha Electone line of instruments including the EX21, EX42, GX1, EX1, EX2, FX1, HX1, ELX1, and ELX1m. Click through title link for more including larger shots. Now if I cold only read the site. : )

Yamaha GX1

Different Skies - Electronic Space Music Festival

Groovy. I think this is the first animated gif on my site! : )



In via AH. Title link will take you to the daily photo log. Looks amazing. Wish I was there. Check out the site for more info on what it's all about.

"HOW MANY PEOPLE PARTICIPATE IN DIFFERENT SKIES?

Typically, there are about 20 participants at Different Skies in Arcosanti including musicians, video artists, interns, and production folks. This is limited by the amount of housing space available to us for the event and by the amount of stage space and mixing channels for the main concert. This allows everyone to participate in the proceedings; there are always groups of people talking or playing who have room for one more, and there is a good feeling of community.

The Saturday concert typically gets an attendence of over 100 people."

PPG Wave 2.3 Rack

Wow! I never knew these even existed.



"PPG Wave 2.3 Synth custom rackmount version. I hear that there were only
about 10 of these worldwide. Very good cosmetic condition. Unit is a classic"

EAR Products For Sale

In via AH (Note: I updated the email address below to prevent spam bots from picking it up. If you send email, make sure to take out the spaces):

Sept 13, 2005

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
contact: Don Hassler
EAR
dlh30039 @ yahoo.com
http://www.ear-group.com

EAR Products released for sale.

LOS ANGELES -

Electro-Acoustic Research (EAR) is excited to announce a limited
quantity
release (10 units each) of the following in Doepfer Eurorack format:

Livewire:

Livewire Cyclotron
Livewire Frequensteiner Filter

Plan B -

Model 12 State Variable Vactrol Filter
Model 13 Dual Timbral Gates
Model 17 Event Timer

These units are currently available for sale and immediate delivery. Current module
reservations will be held for 24 hours.
For
more information -or- to purchase any of the above, to go:

http://www.ear-group.com/

Click on the PURCHASE navbar selection for a shopping cart purchase via
Paypal. You may view photographs of the modules on each products
listing
page.

A larger production run of each module is expected by Oct. 1, 2005.

Oberheim SEM Resource Page - ErsatZ Planet

In via AH. Someone asked for the pin out points for the Oberheim SEM. James Husted replied with his site, ErsatZ Planet. Amazing resource including the following (Title link takes you there):

The Owner's Manual for the Synthesizer Expander Module (SEM)
The Schematics for the Synthesizer Expander Module (SEM)
This includes the stand alone SEM power supply and wireing harness
Synthesizer Expander Module (SEM) Parts Placement drawing
Operations manual for the 2-voice with Mini Sequencer
The Schematics for the 2-voice Analog Keyboard (1st Generation)
The Schematics for the 2-voice Digital Keyboard (2st Generation)
The Schematics for the 2-voice (and 4-voice) Power Supply
The Schematics for the 2-voice Mini Sequencer
The Schematics for the 2-voice Output Module
The 2-voice Wiring Harness
The 4-voice Wiring Harness
The Schematics for the 4-voice Digital Keyboard (also 8-voice)
The Schematics for the 4-voice Programmer
The Schematics for the 2-voice (and 4-voice) Power Supply

More DSI Polyvolver from Stefan Trippler

Title link takes you to the mp3. Enjoy.

Bluesynths

In via AH. Bluesynths is a great synth resource site as is. I'm looking forward to the updates.

Hey folks,

Just letting you lot know that www.bluesynths.com is back on. We're busily
writing new sections, so please exscuse the simplicity of the site for now.
You should be able to search all our synth articles, as well as all the
sounds etc.

By next week we should have all the user/tech manuals online (copyright
pending), then work will start on a better/interactive user section. I would
appreciate any feedback on what you would like to have... my personal ideas
in development right now are:

1. public blogs/journals for each user (allowing them to write studio/synth
related diaries. I would hope for synth developers & hobbiests to post
technical diaries of their current projects)
2. user studio gallery
3. user kit-list (big section, manage your own kit list, which is then
searchable... get an idea of who owns what synthesizer, and how much they
payed, date, serial etc).
3. internal user messaging
4. pdf download of all articles (soon)
5. forums (may take a while)
6. german language (soon)
7. searchable retail services (big section, a worldwide list of all synth
repair companies, and vintage synth retailers, including (when possible) a
company review by us. postable comments for each one by users - ensures you
keep them on their toes for bad service! etc.)
8. synth literature (background reading... this was up before, but I need to
edit it slightly).

If anyone has any web related questions (bugs etc.) then feel free to e-mail
me directly:
lawrence.eldridge(a)bluesynths.com

Hope you enjoy it!