MATRIXSYNTH


Thursday, April 20, 2006

Triadex Muse

Update: Tom of Music Thing noticed that the details for the auction copied below are taken from his Triadex Muse post on Engadget from way back. Check it out; it's a direct copy word for word. Eeentwesting...

Cikira sent me a link to this auction. Below are all three shots and details pulled from the auction. I've never seen one with covers before. BTW, you might also remember Cikira's Aibo playing a Muse in this post. Thanks Cikira!

Details (not sure about that first sentence):
"It's probably the rarest, strangest, best-looking vintage synth ever mass-produced. At a time when Moog and ARP were selling synths the size of wardrobes that looked like lab equipment and cost tens of thousands of dollars, the Muse was the size of a typewriter. It cost $300 and looked like something Dieter Rams would have designed for Braun in the sixties.It had impeccable geek credentials. It was designed by two MIT professors, Marvin Minsky and Edward Fredkin. So what was the Muse? Well, not really a synth. It was a digital sequencer, which played melodic-sounding bleepy music through the internal speaker, based on a baffling set of algorithms. As you moved the sliders, the algorithms changed, and the music changed.The Muse even had an even rarer accessory, the ‘Light Show’, which flashed coloured lights in time to the music. Inevitably, the Muse was a commercial disaster. Only 280 units were ever manufactured.In 2004 1 of these received a bid of $1799.00 on Ebay. AOL search (TRIADEX MUSE) what I have for sale is 3 individual pcs., THE MUSE, THE LIGHT ORGAN and THE EXTERIOR AMPLIFIER, all 3 pieces have only been out of their boxes to be photographed, are these the only ones in this incredible condition? all cords are still wrapped up and all paperwork is still in the boxes, heres a chance to own the best examples of these RARE music boxes from TRIADEX. I believe this is a modest starting price for something of this caliber.Any questions please e-mail me.Buyer to pay shipping & handling USPS.Payment must be received within 10 days or item will be re-listed." This one started at $1600 US.

It is digital. More on the Muse here.

ProgSounds on YouTube

Now this is cool. Luca Capozzi of ProgSounds set up a synth specific group on YouTube. I didn't realize you could even set up groups on YouTube. He just posted the group on Synthwire. Currently there are 11 synth specific videos up. You can join and post your own, and you do NOT have to join and be a member to view the videos, so definitely check them out. Currently there are Korg MS20 and Nord Modular G2X videos up. Title link takes you there.

Korg MS20 Demos

Andre Majorel postes some MS20 samples on AH. I asked him if it would be okay to post them here. He said yes, so here it is. Thanks Andre!

"All MS-20 with no external processing other than delay and reverb.

http://www.teaser.fr/~amajorel/misc/telegraphiste-3.1.mp3

MS-20 + delay + reverb. It demonstrates a characteristic of the
MS-20 : because the keyboard CV out is Hz/V and the VCF Fc CV in
is V/oct, the VCF tracks the keyboard exponentially (i.e. the
cutoff frequency is too low in the bottom, too high in the top).

http://www.teaser.fr/~amajorel/misc/ms20boing.mp3

IIRC, resonance on both filters with Fc swept at different rates.

http://www.teaser.fr/~amajorel/misc/ms20shot.mp3
http://www.teaser.fr/~amajorel/misc/ms20zip1.mp3
http://www.teaser.fr/~amajorel/misc/ms20zip2.mp3

Assorted junk.

My MS-20 doesn't have any subboard so I guess it's a Korg35 version."

PPG 1020/1002 analog Synthesizer on Sequencer.de


via Sequencer.de

More Shots and Tracks on Gnostic Rocket

Title link takes you there.

Making of a MidiBox SID - New Flickr Set



flickr by ludo_d. Title link takes you to the set.

Using The Moog Synthesizer

Interesting site on the UCSC Modular Moog. Via the Piano and Synth blog.

petersonacidbig - New Flickr Shot


flickr by point_misser.

Here's an interesting shot. An ad for the Roland TB-303 and TR-606. Remember these were originally meant to be used as bass guitar and drum replacements, not acid. Also featured on Music Thing.

In color here.

Oscar Peterson

Note To You - New Flckr Shot

flickr by scragz. Why? What does it mean?

Wednesday, April 19, 2006

CME UF8 Mini Review on Analog Industries

Just looking for an excuse to post this shot. : ) It's a good mini review. Check it out. Title link takes you there.

Another MIDI Gadget from Thomas Dolby

This one sent my way via Dave of UMOP. Title link takes you to more shots of Thomas Dolby's gear.

Oberheim OB-Mx Sample

Title link takes you to an amazing sample of the Oberheim OB-Mx sent my way via Brian Kehew of The Moog Cookbook. I've heard some samples of the OB-Mx in the past that were good, but nothing like this. There is a bit of controversy over the OB-Mx. Don Buchla helped design the synth. There was an early prototype version said to sound much better than the final release. It's rumored that the final release was rushed to market by Gibson (owner of Oberheim at the time). The synth was buggy, voice boards were prone to failure and tuning problems, it was very expensive, and it was said that it was lackluster in the sound department. After listening to these samples, I'm not so sure. It sounds amazing to me - very unique, heavy and full. This thing has balls. Big stinky, rubber, balls (something rubbery about the sound). Put a plug in it Butt Probe, this is refined nastiness.

OB-Mx Prototype (shot via teknobo)


OB-Mx Final (shot via VSE)


Thanks for the sample Brian. Here are a few older posts on the OB-Mx: 1, 2, 3 (samples), 4 (pics and samples), 5 (samples).

Teknobo

Title link takes you to Teknobo, a Japanese synth site. Make sure to check out the gallery.

Digisound 80 Modular Synthesizer Website

Title link takes you to the Digisound 80 Modular Synthesizer website. Make sure to check out all of the links for tons of information, documents, images, full module lists and more. There is a lot of information there including this excellent pdf tutorial on synthesis.

Russian VSTs

Title link takes you to host of a number of classic russian synths in VST format. You can download all four here. Via deb7680 in the comments of this post.

Chroniques de la Mao

Title link takes you to a French blog by deb7680 with quite a bit of synth coverage including an interview with a Pierre Henry (I beleive that is his gear in this shot). Time to break out the translation tool again. I also see Matrixsynth on the blog roll. : )

Dot dot dash - MIDI Enabled Telegraph

In via Justin Sabe. Title link takes you there. Thanks Justin!

Personal Noise - New Flickr Shots

flickr by krakow81. Title link takes you to more.

Tuesday, April 18, 2006

The MPC - Music Percussion Computer

Title link takes you to shots of the Music Percussion Computer sent my way via altemark. The MPC previously made an appearance on Matrixsynth in this post. Via Synthony: "Music Percussion Computer is a fully dynamic, touch-sensitive playable and programmable electronic rhythm instrument. The MPC's sophisticated microelec tronics provide a whole new range of percussion sounds playable in real time with drumsticks and programmable through its own on-board microprocessor. And the MPC's one-of-a-kind interface system with the *Timex Sinclair 1000 personal computer produces a clear graphic display for composing, building rhythm tracks or just learning the drums."

The Record Producers: Trevor Horn

Title link takes you to the fascinating BBC radio show on Trevor Horn including the introduction of the TR-808.

Via dvdborn.

Shot from
The Most Wanted Man In Pop.

You might also recognize Trevor Horn from The Buggles' and Video Killed the Radio Star.

Synthesizer Studio of Volker Dassler on YouTube

This one via Jordan Kola. Title link takes you there. Thanks Jordan!

Update via duvalle in the comments: "take a look a the song "Happy Dance" from dassler. well, it's not my type of music - but he got some nice synths in his studio .... ;-)"

Making the Monome - New Flickr Set

flickr by pressmonome. Title link takes you to the set. Sent my way via iLEZ. Thank you iLEZ.

Raymond Scott's Electronium on YouTube


Published on Apr 11, 2006 Dr. Rek

"As it was in non working order in the Basement of Mark Motherbaugh's Mutato Music Offices in Hollywood, CA courtesy of http://absurdity.biz 's circuit bending documentary.

UPDATE FROM THE RAYMOND SCOTT ARCHIVES: Raymond Scott's Motown Electronium was removed from Mutato last year & an attempt to restore it is currently underway.

I can't wait!"

More on RaymondScott.com here

Exclusive Syntar Shot


Two more shots of the Syntar sent my way via creator George Mattson. The shot to the left is a close up of the left hand keyboard. Click each for a bigger shot.

"Here's a nice shot of the Syntar, and for the DIY-ers, a close-up on how the left hand keyboard worked. A matrix exclusive. I never showed this to anyone. But you can see, it literally is fish hook shanks, hat pins, tie wrap ends used as bell cranks and airplane hobby springs." George

Amazing. Thanks again George.

Don't miss the earlier post on
George Mattson and The Syntar.

Brian Kehew's Studio and The Con Brio ADS


Brian Kehew of The Moog Cookbook sent me this shot. Note the Con Brio ADS 200. Only two of these were ever made. Brian has the first of two that was made from parts of the first Con Brio, the ADS 100. You are looking at the first ADS 200 in that shot. Simply amazing.

Synths:
(close) Con Brio
(middle) Alesis Fusion, Andromeda, CONN Electric Band, ARP String Ensemble, 360 Systems Keyboard, Chroma
(next) OB-Mx, Akai 612 sampler, Chamberlin 200
(last) Moog Voyager, Chamberlin M1

Thanks Brian!

Electronica EM-25 Soviet String Synth

Title link takes you to shots and samples pulled from this auction.



"DESCRIPTION: Elektronika EM-25: 49-note (C-C) polyphonic string / brass / organ keyboard. Control of string and organ envelopes. Brass section has ADSR, LFO with vibrato delay and rate control, filter with resonance. Single or multiple triggering of envelope. Sliders ranged along the panel behind the keyboard, with three integral-LED switches in centre. Roland-like modulation wheel, keyboard splittable. Made in the Moscow electronic factory.

EM-25 HAS 6 MAIN SECTIONS OF CONTROL:

POWER - on/off switch
STRINGS - attack, sustain, global sustain mode on/off; registers 16", 8", 4" - left, 8", 4" - right
ORGAN - registers 16", 8", 4", 2"/ 8", 4", 2"
SELECTOR - strings; organ; brass on/off
BRASS - vibrato; 16", 8", 4"/ 8", 4"; LFO rate, delay; filter ADSR, multi trig on/off, filter LFO deptch, mod, cut off, resonance
TRANSPOSER - detune, slide time, interval, octave, main volume, pitch wheel

CONNECTIONS - phones; stereo out, mono (0dB, -20dB), ext control in - mono, poly; pedal (for volume & pitch shift)"

Tucker vs. DJ KEN-ONE.2 on YouTube

Anyone know what keyboard this is? Update via the comments, it's a Yamaha YC-45D

Crumar Performer - New Flickr Shots



flickr by jumpstart. Title link takes you to more.

Electrocomp EML 401 - New Flickr Shots



flickr by Heath Finnie. click here for more.

TB-117 Bassline



A shot of October71's xOxbOx. Title link takes you to the post on VSE.

Roland SH-09 - New Flickr Set



flickr by altemark. Title link takes you to more.

Alkex Bio Octopus



Custom MIDIbox sid by Alkex. Title link takes you to more shots. Via Moogulator.

Korg MicroKorg - New Flickr Shot



flickr by iLEZ.

New Documentary, Podcast, to Feature Dave Smith


"No Island Media has announced plans to make a documentary and synth tutorials with legendary synth pioneer Dave Smith."

"The documentary begins production in April 28, 06 in St. Helena, California and will be released in May 2006. Free edits of the programming will be formatted for digital download, including free segments for streaming internet, rss/atom feeds, quicktime, windows, bit torrent, phone, psp, tivo and iTunes. Full digital downloads will be available for purchase at noisland.net, at the Google Video Store and select web retailers. The documentary and tutorials will also be available on DVD in June 2006."

Very cool. via Synthtopia. Shot via M.E.S.I.

Synth Pioneers Honored

"Librarian of Congress James H. Billington has made his annual selection of 50 sound recordings for the National Recording Registry. This year, the libary has selected some synth-heavy classics, including Walter/Wendy Carlos' Switched on Bach, and Stevie Wonder's Songs in the Key of Life."

Title link takes you to more on Synthtopia.

Oberheim TVS Shots

Oberheim Two Voice System. Title link takes you to shots pulled from this auction. Via Brian Comnes.

25k of Classic Analog

Worth 25k? You be the judge. Title link takes you to the shots pulled from this auction for a Musonics Minimoog, Oberheim OB-8, Moog Minimoog, Rhodes Chroma, and a Memorymoog Plus. Sent my way via Danielle Black and Rob Puricelli. Also see this gallery.

Monday, April 17, 2006

George Mattson and The Syntar


I recently engaged in an email discussian with George Mattson, creator of the Syntar. That's him next to Bob Moog who's trying out his Syntar at the 1980 Chicago Summer NAMM Show. The discussion we had was fascinating and private, and I thank him for sharing his story with me. As it was part of synth history I asked George if it would be ok to put up a post here, as I'm sure other synth enthusiasts would enjoy this bit of synth history as well. He gave me the go ahead, so here it is. Note that this was originally private and not meant to be a post - this was just me and George going back and forth. The references to Starship are to Jefferson Starship. Many thanks to George for taking the time to share this with me, and for letting me put this up.

"I was born as a non-Mormon in Salt Lake City, Moved to Anchorage, Alaska in Sept '64 3 weeks before my 10th birthday. Graduated from High School there in 1973. That Fall I moved to Moscow, Idaho where I enrolled in the School of Mines studying Mining and Metallurgy. Bought my first synths at that time-the 101 and 200 when there were only 3 manufacturers. ARP, Moog and EML. I liked the versatility of the EML line and went that route. That was the days that you had to send a certified cashiers check for the full purchase amount and they were made to order. Went to College 5 semesters and stayed a freshman with a 1.18 GPA. My older brother moved down and had a bunch of recording gear so we started a recording studio trying to break into commercials. I had picked up a Poly-box by then and my Yamaha YC-45D. Then bought the EML sequencer and a 300. Couldn't stand the clutter and built the box for the sequencer, Told EML what I was doing. They bought the original cases back from me and credited that against another 416 panel and another 300 just to fill 2 big gaping holes in the box. I had most of the synth panels on one side of my bedroom and all of the keyboards (including a Baldwin upright, a Rhodes and a friends EML 500) including the 101 keyboard on the other side of the room. We'd hire musicians to play the tunes and I ran/programmed the synths. Oct. 04 1978 I was alone in the room running back and forth between the consoles and the keyboards when I said to myself: "what I need is...." and the concept of the Syntar hit me. Then I said "somebody should make one of these" Then I said: "Hey, I could do this!" (I talked to myself a lot.) Jan '79 I moved to Bend, OR. Moved in with my folks and tried to find investors. I built a hand-made prototype using EML circuit modules and went to the 1979 Atlanta NAMM lugging this thing around trying to get a manufacturer to go for it and hire me as a team leader on the project. The only person that had any emotion about it while talking to me was Herb Deutsch from Norlin. He said he'd talk to his Board of Directors and call me. In Jan '80 I went to the NAMM winter market in Anaheim with Michael Garrison (He landed his distribution agreement with Ariola on the way down) and Mike asked if I saw the Moog booth. He took me over and we saw the prototype of the Liberation strapped onto a mannequin. I went home devastated and my folks put up the investment money to get started. They're no slouches; both my Mom and step Dad have electronics degrees. I advertised the Syntar in the mags a month before Moog advertised the Liberation. The thought was if I could beat them to it, at least people couldn't say I copied them. That never worked. They had a little bigger budget than I did. But, anybody researching it will find that I had it first. No big deal now. I had to close shop because we were broke and were facing a takeover. So, I closed it down, called Starship, told them I needed a job and got hired. A year and a half later They wanted me to move to San Francisco rather than flying me back and forth from home. I didn't want my 4.5 and 3 year olds growing up in the California rock and roll scene and moved here in July of 1983. Went out one more time with Starship in Aug/Sept 1983 and told them I was leaving. Been here since doing different things."

"Well, that's the way it went down. Can't change the facts. Of course, I would loved to have made money from all of the work I put into it. The sad part is that I still can't play keyboards. I'm a guitar player since I was 10. Hey, right after I moved to Anchorage."

"That picture was taken in June of 1980 at the Chicago NAMM. That's me next to him- I was 26 YO. Notice that he's playing prototype #3.( The first was the one I hand built from EML circuit modules, the second used forked plasic keys over fluted shafts-that one was later modified and used as a LASER controller by the guy doing the LASER shows for Blue Oyster Cult and Tangerine Dream)) The Syntar hanging in the background is just a panel and cardboard simulated left hand keys. The prototype Bob is playing has curved aluminum keys that dragged a resined string over a pulley. The final (and production)version was much more aesthetic and worked like a charm."

Thanks again George. Fascinating story. I really can't play either. : )
BTW, George also provided the EML Poly-Box Samples in this post.

Update: George later made up the 1.18 GPA with a 3.8 GPA with his AA in Electronics. : )

Korg Lambda ES-50 Page



Title link takes you to a really nice page on the Korg Lambda set up by Carbon111 - also posted on Synthwire.

ARP Quadra VC Phaser x 2 - New Flickr Set

flickr by unrest.
Title link takes you to the set.

Battery Powered Doepfer

See the XLR connector in the bottom right corder? Follow it to the back of the case. those are batteries that power the modular. Nice. Title link takes you to more including the custom case. Via Julian on AH.

Tiesco 60F - New Flicker Set

flickr by altemark. Title link takes you to the set.

JoMox XBase 09

Title link takes you to shots pulled from this auction. It went for $439.

One

New track and new shots on Gnostic Rocket, featuring the Springboard Dub.

Yamaha CS80 Shots



Title link takes you to more shots. I let this one slip away. It went for $2445. I played it and it was in immaculate condition. I really couldn't afford it, so maybe it's a good thing...

Oxford OSCar Shots



Title link takes you to a couple more shots.

Sunday, April 16, 2006

Orgon Modular

Title link takes you to shots pulled from this auction. Details below.



Description:

3x VCO 01
Very acurate 1v/oct tracking.
linear and expo modulation.
High temperature stability.
Sine, triangle, Pulse/Square and Sawtooth waveforms.

6x ADSR ENVELOPE GENERATOR
<1 mS attack time.
Gate in and thru sockets.
0v to 10v output.
Manual envelope trigger button.
Attack and Decay LED's.
Attack and Decay Gate outputs.


1x Noise Generator
White, Pink, Red and Blue outputs.

3x Dual LFO (six LFO's in total)
Triangle/saw and Pulse/square outputs.
Bi-color Rate LED.
.oo1 Hz to 300Hz Range.
Output shape control.

1x Enigiser Filter
25 different filter responses
2 audio inputs
2 CV inputs
Voltage controlled resonance
Design Taken directly from the ORGON SYSTEMS ENIGISER

2x Log/Lin VCA
2 audio inputs
2 CV inputs
Log and Linear response
Initial Gain control
Good design, no "DC thump" or "bleed through"

1x Waveform Animator
Combined clipper, adder, subtractor and nonlinear amp

1x Multimode filter
2 audio inputs
2 CV inputs
lowpass, highpass, bandpass and notch responces
Classic statevariable design

1x Audio/CV Mixer
4 in 1 out

1x Multi Connection

1x PSU
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