Wooster Synth

Via Nathan.

"I designed the case and the keyboard controller, and built the synth around one of Ray Wilson's awesome Soundlab boards."

Title link takes you to more shots.

Synthesizers.com Q106 Oscillator demonstration

YouTube via AutomaticGainsay.

The Devil Perspective

flickr by polaranta.

ARP Odyssey

Click here for the full size shot.

10 min jam with a NM1 raw no fx

Title link takes you to the sample on electro-music.com. Clavia Nord Modular.

A Classic Synthesizer

flickr by ArtWerk.

click here for the full size shot. The top reads, "We Are The Earth Intruders."

Sequential Circuits Pro-One Modded

Title link takes you to shots via this auction.

"Regarding its insides, this Pro One is quite special in some ways:
- It has a Doepfer MCV-4 MIDI-CV interface built-in
- It has a modified Fatar CMK-37 Midikeyboard installed
As you can see on the pictures, the Pro One is in immaculate condition from the outside. While adding MIDI interface and MIDI Keyboard special care was taken to not modify the outside appeareance of the instrument. No extra holes have been drilled, all connectors utilize the existing jacks or holes. If necessary, all modifications can be reversed. From the outside this instrument looks like a perfect-shape stock Pro-One!

The modifications have been implemented with great care and make the Pro One quite powerful in a modern MIDI environment. With this Pro one you can:
- Play the synth via external MIDI-input
- Play the synth via velocity sensitive internal MIDI-Keyboard
- Use MIDI velocity to control Filter cutoff. There is a pot on the back to adjust modulation amount of Filter cutoff, so you still have the pot for Keyboard follow available independently - this is not possible on stock Pro-Ones
- Use MIDI aftertouch to control Frequency of second Oscillator. This is especially useful for sync sounds which the Pro One is famous for
- Use the internal MIDIkeyboard to record your performance on an external sequencer or use the Pro One as a small Masterkeyboard. I found it is a big difference if you play directly on a synth and record what you play or have to utilize a remote Masterkeyboard to play a synth via an external MIDI-CV converter.
- Forget also the trouble with J-wire keyboards, corroding contacts, uneven Keys and crappy feeling on usual Pro Ones. This keyboard lets you play the Pro one just like any other modern synth!

As a result of the modification the integrated Arpeggiator, Sequencer and CV in/out are not available anymore, I needed the ARP/SEQ switch to implement the Local on/off function and CV Jacks for the MIDI in/out. But since you have MIDI control anyways I believe there is no point of having these functions and connectors anymore.

The MIDI in and out jacks are utilized via using the existing CV jacks. A special cable is provided to convert from this jacks to standard MIDI connectors (see picture). All this has been done in order to leave the outside appearance of the instrument untouched.

Apart from that the unit has been calibrated to factory specs recently and works 100%."

OBSX Black Walnut Wood Panels

Title link takes you to more shots via synthwood.

Humanoid Sound Systems Scanned Synth Pro

"Scanned Synth uses a unique new form of synthesis inspired by advances in digital music theory. It is designed to create rich complex digital tones and fantastic sound effects, while using simplifed controls and traditional synths techniques such as filters, lfo's and effects.

Perfect for biting metallic growls, movement filled pads, and weird modular-like sound effects, ScannedSynth Pro provides a unique sound that is constantly changing and new every time you press a key. Featuring a revolutionary synthesis engine, combining the powers of both Physical Modelling and Wavetable synthesis, with simplified controls and full MIDI automation, ScannedSynth Pro is both simple and complex, powerful and easy to use."

Title link takes you there

ULTRA EXPELIENCE / Hataken

YouTube via htkn.

"music : improvisation performance with analogue synthesizers by Hataken. photo slide is include his performance and his instruments for live performance. ending is with some CD covers of his albums and joined. thank you for checking it!"

Interview of Hataken directly below. Note this is the same video in the interview.

Hataken Interview

Back on March 31, I put up a post on Hataken, a Japanese DJ artist who primarily uses analog synths. At the time, Shane Chisolm, the manager of Don Juan Dracula mentioned Hataken was working on a remix version of DJD's "Take Me Home". Shane asked me if I'd be interested in doing an interview with Hataken, and I thought why not. It would be interesting to hear his perspective on the world of synths as a live DJ artist. The following is the result of that interview. Note, this is a long one. You will want to use page down to scroll through. If it is too long for you, I recommend reading one or two questions each time you visit the site. Each DIY item below would typically have been a separate post. There is a lot of interesting stuff here. That said, I start with an introduction followed by asking Hataken how it all started for him. Note the focus is primarily on synths as this site is about everything synth, and Hataken delivers. The gear he has both worked with and designed to meet his specific needs is overwhelming. There's also an interesting interlude on experimenting with frequency counters to produce specific frequencies of sound known to have healing properties, and of course there is a bit of the age old discussion of digital and analog.

Before we start the interview, I want to thank Hataken for taking the time out for this, and I want to thank Shane for suggesting it. It's a fascinating history of a DJ synth artist with interesting perspectives that I'm sure I will come back to over time. Be sure to check out the video and link to more at the end. And of course be sure to check out Hataken's website.

1. Can you tell us a little bit about yourself?

CLICK FOR MORE »

Modusonics MOOG Modules

"All reissue modules are newly manufactured, based on vintage Moog Music Inc. Buffalo, NY design, and are hand-built and calibrated to meet or exceed original factory specifications. All newly designed Modusonic products are compatible with all vintage Moog Modular products. Modusonics reserves the right to change specifications without notice."

Title link takes you there. Note Modusonics was originally named MOOG CE. The owner, Michael Bucki renamed the company when Bob Moog sought the name back. You can read more about this and the infamous Minimoog Model E in this post. Note the Model E or Donimoog was manufactured by Don Martin of MOOG Music Inc., not Michael Bucki of MOOG CE.

Pictured is the 904A Voltage Controlled Low Pass filter.

At the MOOG Factory

Via Steven:
"Recently while on tour my group Life In Balance visited the Moog factory in Asheville NC. Besides the gigs this visit was just a real highlight for me. The people at the Moog factory were very warm and gave freely of their time. Later Chris Stack, Linda and Cyril Lance from Moog came to our gig then Cyril joined us for an after show beer or two. How wonderful is that!

Thanks for a great Blog I visit it a few times a day.
Steve Sciulli Life In Balance
http://www.lifeinbalancemusic.com
http://www.myspace.com/soundhealer

Steve with the Voyager and the EWI4000s both going through a Powerbook running Live6"

Bottom shot is the MOOG Voyager Prototype.

SuperBird- In the Studio

YouTube via neutronemission.
There is some ARP String Ensemble in the first minute of the vid then it's all guitar.
"SuperBird, a Youngstown, Ohio-based band comprised of Joe Shelby, Bryn Zellers, and Andy Conrad at Excello Recording in New York, late June 2007. A behind the scenes look. Hugh Pool produces."

Slagsmålsklubben - live Arvikafestivalen 2007

YouTube via triumphthruxton.
"Slagsmålsklubben - live Arvikafestivalen 2007"

ARP Axxe 2313

Title link takes you to shots via this auction.

MOOG Multimoog

Title link takes you to shots via this auction.

SIMMONS SDS V

Title link takes you to shots via this auction.

'Module' based
Synthesis Type - Analog Discrete analogue
Polyphony - Max 7 / Typical 5(When fully loaded)
Multi-timbral - Up to 7(When fully loaded)
Patches - 4 per module
Controllers : 1 pad trigger and 1 voltage trigger/module
Dimensions - 17" x 11 1/2" x 6"
Weight - 16 lbs.

Super Sound Drummer DRM-260

Title link takes you to one more shot via this auction.

Made in Korea.

"Control knob for volume, control knob for Rhythm / Tempo. Power and Stop buttons. Rhythm Selector for TROT; WALTZ; ROCK; SLOW ROCK; DISCO; CHA CHA; BOSS NOVA & RUMBA. On the back are two jacks, one for the foot switch, one that simply says Out. 9v DC plug, little paint wear on the right side of the back.

Some Specs:
Type: Drum-machine/ module/
Synthesis Type: Analog ???
Polyphony: Max: 6; Typical in use: 6
Multi-timbral (number of parts): 1
Controllers : none
Effects : Number of FX units: 0; Number of different effects: 0.
Drum Section : # kits: 1; # sounds: 6.
Inputs and Outputs :
Number of Audio Outs (excluding Phones) : 1
Number of Audio Ins : 0
Number of MIDI Outs (excluding Thru) : 0
Number of MIDI Ins : 0
Comments about the sounds : Ancient analogue drums! Very "poppy" snare, high end kick bass, super sizzly hats (for a late 70's drum machine). Similar to Hammond drums."

10 MORE greatest beat making videos ever*

Quick Beat MADE BY A DOG?!?!

YouTube via Fingasmith.

"My hip hop loving dog making a quick beat. With no assistense from me."

Click here for the 9 others on Music Thing.

MOOG Manuals on E-Music DIY

Title link takes you to them.

Catsynth.com is Back up - Tribute to JD

Catsynth.com is back online and to my honor, in their 1 year anniversary post, they paid tribute to my cat JD who recently passed away. JD was THE coolest cat ever. Rock solid and my best friend. I'll miss him. Title link takes you to Catsynth.com. And to Catsynth.com, thank you. I put a comment up there on what JD meant to me.

JD passed away on 7.9.07

IWANTYOUTO

IWANTYOUTO

Add to My Profile | More Videos
Guess who this is. Via Jez. Previous post.

Update via their MySpace page (the answer as to who this/"I" is, is in the comments of this post):
"Well the band members vary depending on the country I'm in. FB USA is to feature Gino Robair (Electronic Musician Editor and drummer with various outfits including Tom Waits), Mike Brown (From Livewire Electronics- a CA based synth manufacturer) Eric Barbour ( A synth and effects pedal manufacturer who owns Metasonix- they do nice horrible products including The Wretch- a tube based synth, Scrotum Smasher and a fave- the yellow Butt Probe- it's yellow- has cute S&M cartoons on it, and it also has dung on it. Hat's off to Eric) Alessandro Cortini (He plays keyboards currently with Nine Inch Nails, and also is in an outfit called Modwheel Mood.) It's an interesting mix of Artists..."
Their influences are also worth a look.

TYCHOMUSIC

Click here for ISO50's TYCHOMUSIC. You will find a few synth shots in the Gallery, but of course, be sure to check out the music. This is really good stuff - great music to chill to. As for synths, it features a bit of SIEL and more.

Pictured
SIEL OR400
SIEL EXPANDER
SIEL DK600
KORG Mono/Poly


You can find more general info on SIEL on the Siel Synthesizer Website.
Update via Ethan Callender in the comments: "Be sure to check out his awesome design work, too."

YC45D Service Manual

Title link takes you to a 15M PDF of the service manual via Loscha.

Rush - Subdivisions

YouTube via lmpec. Oberheim OB-X, Minimoog and Tempest.

Update: new upload by someone else:

Subdivisions - Rush

YouTube via AirbrushRocks — April 14, 2008 — "'Subdivisions' is a Rush song often considered to be describing feelings of isolation, boredom, conformity, and sadness springing up from teenage life in the suburbs.
"Subdivisions" was released on the 1982 album Signals. Aside from being a perennial fan favourite and a staple of live performances, the song appears on several greatest hits compilations, was released as a single in 1982, and despite doing little serious business in the UK charts, it gained a lot of radio airplay in Britain at the time. It was also played live prior to its release. Pre-release live versions exist on the internet.

The promotional videos scenes were filmed in the Toronto area. The downtown scenes in downtown Toronto, the suburbs scenes in Scarborough, Ontario, near Warden and Finch. The high school scenes were filmed at L'Amoreaux Collegiate Institute, in the same area. The student that walks downtown in the video is Dave Glover, a student at the L'Amoreaux Collegiate Institute at the time. Near the end of the video, Glover is seen playing the video game Tempest at an arcade, which was reportedly his favourite video game at the time. Info courtesy: wikipedia.org]"

STL VAZ

I just realized I haven't ever put up a post on VAZ, one of the first VA modular soft synths. Pictured here is VAZ Plus, the entry level system. Title link takes you to STL where you will find more info on VAZ Modular, VAZ 2010 and VAZ Plus. Does anyone know if the Sequencer can be used to control external synths or is it meant to sequence VAZ only?

VAZ Plus Synthesizer
The synthesizer architecture, which is much more advanced than its simple appearance suggests, allows unique sounds to be crafted easily and quickly, essential for making your music stand out from the crowd. The quality and diverse range of analogue sounds will surprise you, and there are hundreds of preset sounds included. The synthesizer can be played over MIDI, or using the high resolution timing provided by the VSTi and DXi plugin standards. There is also a handy QWERTY keyboard option for auditioning sounds when no external MIDI keyboard is available.
VAZ Plus Sequencer
The polyphonic VAZ Plus Sequencer combines the best of classic analogue and digital pattern sequencers. In addition to note sequencing it can be used for patterned modulation of parameters such as Filter Cutoff and Resonance. The sequencer can also synchronize with the host directly when used as a VSTi or DXi plugin or via MIDI Clock for the standalone version.

Gattobus

flickr by gattobus.

Gattobus runs on the keyboard

Gattobus Programs KORG Radias

Note how Gattobus clenched his teeth in the bottom shot.

Sonic Transmutation

Title link takes you to more shots and info on the 2004 event. You might recognize a few pieces from Ciat Lonbarde.

via DaleG

Sound Thrasher 2.0 - Analog Noise Box

via this auction.
"This is a 100% original functional art piece, by New York outsider artist Bent-It, which is one from his new Sound Thrasher series. It has two oscillators that modulate eachother making for some tripped out droning, 80's video game-ish, spacey, ring modish, psychedelic analog noise all by itself. But when you plug in anything that's loud enough, like the drum machine i uded in the sound clips, the Sound Thrasher 2.0 will more then live up to it's name and Thrash any incoming sound waves creating really harsh, or beautiful depending on your taste, noise/music. Also you can flip the on-off switch rhythmically for some cool sounds. This piece also comes with a 1/4" input and output. The 1/4" out allows you to plug this thing into all your favorite effects pedals and boards or directly into your amp (but using effects is way cooler and broadens your sound making capabilities astronomically). It runs on a standard boss style 9 volt DC wall-wart adapter"

These samples were made using an amp with a cheesy built in delay effect.
SOUND SAMPLE 1
SOUND SAMPLE 2
SOUND SAMPLE 3

These samples were made with a roland tr-505 drum machine plugged into the Sound Thrasher 2.0's input. The Sound Thrasher 2.0 is plugged into the same amp used to make the clips above.
SOUND SAMPLE 1
SOUND SAMPLE 2"

Sequential Circuits Six-Trak

Title link takes you to shots via this auction.

Casio CZ-101

via this auction. The CZ-101 Box.

"Comes with the original 3 manuals – casio cz101 manual, the sound data bank maual that has 50 pages of block diagrams that show parameters for many sounds, the sound synthesis handbook that explains these types of syths and sound concepts, and the synth cue chart page. These manuals are very hard to find and are rare to find all bundled. Has cool features such as pitch bender and midi control over channels. Has a ¼” inch output and I will include the power adapter as well. This is a cool little instrument controller that has some great vintage tones, noise mod, ring mod, envelope staging and the best part is that it has guitar strap holders that allow a whole new level of interaction for a keyboard player to get right up there and jam with the rest of the band out front."

MOOG Minimoog

Title link takes you to shots via this auction.

"On the back it reads Mini Moog Synthesizer Model D, Moog Music Inc. Buffalo NY. Assy. JB 8-28-78 / Insp. 31/8/5 S/N/ M-10677."

Carvin NS1 Nylon Synth Access Guitar

Title link takes you to videos of the Carvin NS1 Nylong Synth Access Guitar.

MATRIXSYNTH THANKS!!!

The following people have been supportive of the site in one way or another and deserve a special mention.

• Chris Randall
• Chris Carter
• Jacknife Lee
• Laurie Spiegel
• Thighpaulsandra
• Mitchell Sigman
• Velvet Acid Christ
• Peter Grenader (Buzzclick and Plan B)
• Allesandro Cortini (Modwheelmod, NIN)
• The Chemical Brothers
• Richard Lainhart
• Barry Schrader
• Nick Batt (Sonicstate)
• Cynthia
• Ken MacBeth
• George Mattson
• John Bowen
• Parallel Worlds
• Tom Whitwell

The Blue SidStation

Remember the blue Elektron SidStation in this post? Title link takes you to more pics. via jesper of electronic-obsession:

"The guy I traded with was the original owner and he had ordered his Sid directly from Elektron in Gothenburg since he lived nearby. Who went over to pick it up and pay and when in their small office he saw an empty blue "shell" on a shelf he asked about it and wondered if he could have that instead. He could... :) Almost the entire batch of Sid's are silver metallic. The exception being ten or so being made for the crew themselves and these are red metallic. (Yes, I've seen one once for sale on a swedish auction site. Not too expensive but not very good looking either. Red was never my colour... anyway...) The other big exception is certainly the batch of 50 (?) of the limited edition series Sid Station Ninja's being black (metallic I think?). It was when these were planned that Elektron asked the maker of the shells
to come up with a few examples of alternative colouring that the blue Sid was born. (Maybe because of the swedish origin?) Since these alternative shells were shelved I've seen another Sid being blue and that was also for sale here in Sweden. I don't know where it ended up... I've talked to Elektron about this and they confirmed the above story with the words; -there sure can't be many blue ones around... Need I say I consider this blue Sid the best I've seen? ;)

electronically yours, jesper"

FM3 Buddha box

YouTube via dosle.
"messing with the FM3, releasing audio ghosts"

Update via Matt: FM3 Buddha Machine website.
"I bought mine off Turntablelab.com a few months ago. It's a fun ambient machine to get creative juice going. It gets me doing some abstract beats playing it and noodling with the MPC ;)."

Casio CZ-1 Samples for the Alesis Fusion.

Title link takes you to the links on Failed Muso. Not sure what format they are and if they can be used with other samplers.

drumfire demo 2001

via uucuu in the comments of this Drumfire auction post:

"i love the drum fire, very unique and crunchy sound, and lots of fun to chain the channels together on the DF-500. The 2-channel rack DF-2000 is a bit more flexible with a noise filter and waveshape control. I just dug up a demo I did from 2001 and put it up temporarily on virb.com: the only encoding I found of it was a 160kbps, which isn't great but here it is anyway. I think this was only the Drumfire and Metasonix Hellfire just live tweaking."

Casiotone CT-410V Part.2

YouTube via jopachelbel.

Part 1 here.

Beatmaking on ReBirth RB-338 (in 3 min)

YouTube via Denkitribe.
"Who said "Everybody needs a 303"? Now ReBirth is free, so everyone can have two 303s. Let's make an acid music (in only three minutes)."

GypsiMIDI

Remember the GypsiMIDI? The following are some words from someone that has actually used one. Note that it is for sale. Contact info below.

Via Matt:
"General info: It's the right arm. I have all of the software and manuals that came with it (these things can also be downloaded from the sonalog webpage). I purchased it about 4 months ago and have used it about 10 times. The project that I was getting together to use it with ended up falling apart and now I have this really cool motion to midi controller that I never use. As for what it does, it translates your right arm's entire range of motion into midi CC's which can then be used to manipulate synthesizers and the like. I was using it with a davesmith mono-evolver and getting amazing results out of it. I was able to play the keyboard with my left hand and manipulate the synth with my right arm in real-time. Because there is so much information being recorded from your arm's movement you can really control alot more parameters than you can with just simple knob tweaking alone. Furthermore, this technology has the potential to revolutionize electronic music (and music in general) if placed in capable hands. Imagine dance music being created live and in realtime by dancers. I think the best way to understand how it works is just to watch the demonstration video's provided on Sonalog's website. I am asking $900 for it. I paid $1300 for it including S/H when I purchased it. Please direct emails to this email address paisleyartmachine AT gmail.com"

Title link takes you to a couple more shots.

Roland GR-300

Title link takes you to shots via this auction.

"Classic Roland resonant filter, compression, vibrato, pitch-shifting and awesome hex-distortion. You can plug in a CV pedal (not included) for hands-free controlled filter sweeps. LIghtning-fast, responsive analog synth circuitry with no lag-time! Requires a Roland G-808, G-505, G-303, G-202 guitar controller and cable (original G-500 guitar may work also, not sure). This unit is not designed to work with the later Roland GK MIDI pickups, it uses a 24 pin cable which is NOT included.

You can download the manual in PDF format here:
http://www.joness.com/gr300/GR-300_OM.pdf

For more info on this unit visit these links:
http://www.helpwantedproductions.com/guitsyn.htm
http://www.joness.com/gr300/patent.htm
http://www.hillmanweb.com/guitsyn.html
http://reviews.harmony-central.com/reviews/Effects/product/Roland/GR-300/10/1
http://mixonline.com/recording/interviews/audio_polices_every_breath/index.html"

Roland GR-100

Title link takes you to shots via this auction.

"Early 1980's Roland GR-100 polyphonic guitar synthesizer unit, excellent condition, all functions work as they should. Sounds great!! Classic Roland filter, vibrato, chorus, and features an even more sophisticated hex-distortion circuit than the GR-300 model. The hex-fuzz offers incredible clarity for each string, you can acheive that 'clear distortion' reminiscent of Brian May or Robert Fripp. And there is also a separate VCF circuit for each string! You can plug in a CV pedal (not included) for hands-free controlled filter sweeps. Very inspiring to play and harder to find than the GR300. LIghtning-fast, responsive analog synth circuitry with no lag-time! Requires a Roland G-808, G-505, G-303, G-202 guitar controller and cable.
Please note: this unit will not work with the later Roland GK-series MIDI pickups, it uses a 24 pin cable which is NOT included.

You can download the manual in PDF format here:
http://www.joness.com/gr300/GR-100_OM.pdf

For more info on this unit visit these links:
http://www.joness.com/gr300/GR-100.htm
http://www.helpwantedproductions.com/guitsyn.htm
http://www.hillmanweb.com/guitsyn.html
http://www.synthony.com/vintage/GR100.html
http://mixonline.com/recording/interviews/audio_polices_every_breath/index.html

http://www.joness.com/gr300/patent.htm"

Roland System 100

Title link takes you to more shots in a flickr set by missmillogram, sent my way via ISO50 / Tycho.

Update: Looks like there is one up for auction with some of the same shots and some different.

technik - troprecordings.de

Title link takes you to the studio page for technik. The two shots to show the diversity of what you will find there.

Above is tph (Thomas P. Heckmann) and the machines.

Below is the PPG Realizer - this was in essence going to be the first synth to specifically model other synths. An image of the synth to be modeled would appear on the screen with lines connecting the knobs you see to the parameters in the image. A Minimoog was frequently shown.

via Audio Lemon via electro-music.com.

Keyboardless Minimoog in Cherry with English Chestnut

Title link takes you to more shots via synthwood.

Roland System 100m 182 Sequencer

via this auction.

Long Range/ Phil Hartnoll - Orbital

YouTube via madtheory.

"A look at his favourite synths from Orbital days to Long Range. Edited and compressed from August issue of Future Music Magazine."

Kitsch Space Drum Dub Disco Synth Sound Effect

via this auction.
"Freak Machine! This is a weird little sound effects box which dub dj`s used to use to toast with - has a little speaker built in and two screws at the back to wire an output to (I can do that for a coupla quid if you need). You`ll have heard the sounds on this thing used on various and nefarious rekkids from back in the day - generally manipulated in some way. True analogue & sounds it - get some Moorish Madess in the mix Bwana! Runs on 2 x walkman batteries (not supplied unless I can find a pair) all the way to Revolutionary Dub Heaven!"

Anyone know more about this piece, specifically who made it and the actual name of the model?

Synthesizer-Magazin

Title link takes you to Synthesizer-Magazin a German Synth magazine in traditional print via sequencer.de. There is a 20 page mini issue for download under "Leseprobe".