MATRIXSYNTH: Sunday, March 23, 2008


Sunday, March 23, 2008

The Rhodes Chroma Registry Approaches 500 Registered Chromas

If you have a Rhodes Chroma you owe it to yourself to visit the excellent Rhodes Chroma site. Chris Ryan, the host of the site and the Chroma list announced that the registry is approaching approximately 500 Chromas. Word is that only 1200 were built. If you have one and have not registered already, please do. You can do so anonymously for the most part.

Vintage synths with reliability issues

Sequence 15 has a good post up on synths with known issues including the Roland Juno-106, Ensoniq Fizmo, the Chroma Polaris and the KORG Polysix.

"Everyone who plays or collects vintage synths knows that it's a labor of love. Some are difficult to keep in tune; some contain parts that are hard to find replacements for, and some are just cranky and unpredictable. However, there are a few synths with known failure mechanisms to watch out for. The shame of it is, all of these are well-regarded for their sounds and playability. Still, there are things that owners and potential buyers should be aware of. Here's a guide to these problematic synths."

Click here for the full post.

Blacet Research

flickr by Jimurphy

full size

EMS Vocoder 5000

"Here is a series of MP3 files taken from an original EMS Vocoder Demo tape dated 14 oct 1976. Given this date and some of the sounds produced in the demo (including pitch shifting) I would think this is the EMS Vocoder 5000 in action since the EMS Vocoder 2000 was not produced until 1977."

Click here for the demos and more.

SND FB-14

Jan send in some images of his SND FB-14 Extended Range Fixed Filter Bank. You can find them here. You can find more info on the SND FB-14 here. BTW, Jan is selling his. If you are interested you can contact him at jan-hinnerk.helms [at] t-online.de

Playing with Zizzle Zoundz


YouTube via brianbrarian.

What is it? The following video sums it up. Check out the music of sound, where I found these videos, for more..

Cool New Music Toy!! Zoundz!

YouTube via civrj1

"This is one of the coolest new products I've seen in along time. You move the pieces around and they glow and pulse to the music that you create. One of the pieces even lets you record your own music or voice.
I really like the fact that you can add effects to the music, even the music you play from your ipod. It uses RGB LEDs triggered by Rfid tags to make all the music. It even has a talking clock!"

Tom's Custom Synth Cabinet



click here for more details and shots.

ARP 2600 with CMS Mods / Upgrades

images via this auction
"ARP 2600 semi-modular synthesizer, with full complement of CMS modifications and upgrades.

This auction includes the 2601 Console (s/n 26010788) and 3620 Keyboard Controller (s/n 36200788). Not only is this 2600 in outstanding cosmetic and functional condition, the numerous modifications and upgrades performed by Phil Cirocco at C.M.S./Discrete Synthesizers make this a truly phenomenal instrument. Here is a list of the work performed, with descriptions from the CMS web site:
AUDIO PATH UPGRADE PACKAGE
This mod replaces all gain stages in the 2600 console with audiophile grade components for crystal-clear highs and a deep low end, while still maintaining the distinctive character of the 2600. Upgraded sections include: lag processor, voltage processors, reverb stages, preamp, VCF mixer, output mixer, output buffers, etc. We also fix the annoying VCA thump. Noise in the reverb section is reduced by 35%. Filter headroom is increased by a factor of 2! Stability and sound improvement guaranteed. Later model 2600s (almost all wood / tolex 2600s) use inferior sounding gain stages that severely impede the true sound of your 2600. Earlier 2600's (Blue Marvins and Gray Meanies) use "high slew rate" chips that sound much clearer. Restore your 2600 back to the specs that the original ARP engineers intended! Don't be fooled by imitations from "noob techs" or DIY attempts. If the Audio Path Upgrade is not performed correctly, it can become unstable and lead to high frequency self oscillation of all the amplifier sections!

MOOG STYLE FILTER MODULE - 4012cx
The 4012 filter was used from 1971 (blue Marvin) to the middle of 1976. If your 2600 is a gray face, It probably utilizes the 4012 module. The 4012 is a ladder type filter using discrete transistors. The original 4012 made by ARP is prone to instability. The 4012 replacement filter by CMS is guaranteed stable yet uses the exact circuit that ARP used. Better quality components and personal attention to craftsmanship yield a filter of superior sonic characteristics! See the Sub-module section for more info.

VCA MODULE UPGRADE - (4019)
If your VCA module is unencapsulated, we can give it crystal clear highs and a deep low end. Also provides lower distortion and a faster slew-rate. If you have an encapsulated ARP VCA, this upgrade is not available, but improved unencapsulated replacement modules are available, see submodules page, model 4019cx.

POWER SUPPLY UPGRADE
The power supply in your 2600 is about 20 to 30 years old. Chances are that your power supply is not up to spec. This can result in excessive noise, ripple, and instability. This mod replaces your unit with a high power, highly stable, military spec power unit with remote sense regulation. The overall sound quality and oscillator purity are noticeably improved. Rebuilt ARP units are available for 125.00 (50.00 core charge).

17 INCH REVERB TANK
Ever wonder why later model 2600s have such a lame reverb. Later model 2600s use smaller reverb tanks with a shorter delay time than earlier 2600s made by ARP. The only reason I can find for this change is economic. Our brand new reverb tanks use 6 springs, counter wound and placed in parallel for a rich, full sound. This mod restores your reverb sound back to the original "Blue Marvin / Gray Meanie" configuration.

1/4 INCH LINE LEVEL JACKS
Professionally installed 1/4 inch Switchcraft jacks at line level (designed to interface with your studio mixer etc.) on both main outputs, VCA output, and preamp input. 4 jacks total.

SYNC SWITCHES
Two independent miniature toggle switches that sync vco-2 to vco-1, and vco-3 to vco-1 This setup enables dual sync (two separate harmonics) if desired.

ENVELOPE GENERATOR RANGE EXPANDER SWITCHES
Miniature toggle switches that provide 2 additional time ranges for the attack, decay and release time of the ADSR generator and the attack and decay time of the AR generator.

VARIABLE VCF KEYBOARD TRACKING
The filter tracking on a 2600 is fixed at 1v per octave. This is quite limiting especially if you are shooting for natural textures. This mod provides a miniature rotary potentiometer that adjusts the tracking ratio from 0 to 1v/octave

LED INDICATORS
providing visual feedback on both E.G. outputs (red), s/h clock (green) and envelope follower (yellow). Requires power supply upgrade.

24Db DUAL MODE FILTER - MODEL 2621
The one key element missing in a 2600 is a highpass filter with resonance and associated coupling circuitry. The CMS 2620 is a dual mode, 24Db (Lowpass/Highpass), discrete, transistor ladder filter from the CMS 9000 series modules, Installed in the left speaker section. This original CMS design features a beautiful "raspy" resonance. Complete with anodized face plate, high quality controls, 1/8 inch Switchcraft normalized patching. Special switch links both filters in your 2600 together for a truly remarkable sounding bandpass function (24Db x 24Db). The resonance on the highpass function is also very unique and distinctive. Requires power supply upgrade. Now comes with voltage controlled resonance.

VCO / 4 CHANNEL MIXER / INVERTER - MODEL 2627
Installed in the right speaker section, this VCO utilizes the same exact circuitry used in the other VCO's in your 2600 to assure exact tracking and pitch stability characteristics. All four waveforms are available as well as pulse width modulation. Low frequency mode and normalized patching are also provided. The mixer section serves as a high quality audio mixer with the inputs either normalized to all 4 outs of VCO-4 or externally patched. The mixer can also be used as a voltage summer or inverter. Requires power supply upgrade.
In addition, the following mods are present:
• The AR has been converted to an ADSR for even more CV potential;
• All three oscillators have been fitted with -1/0/+1 "octave" switches. This switch will transpose the oscillator by the amount predefined by the "Interval" pot (up to one octave)
• An additional set of multiples have been added in the lower left, now giving you 2 x 4 mults;
• Voltage Processor sections 2 & 3 have positive outputs available as well as the conventional negative;
• External trigger input for the Sample & Hold."

Synth Babes vs. Synthettes

It seems a few would prefer we go back to the Synth Babes label.
I'm curious what others out there think. Pick your label!

Patch Charts for Easter by Jeff

Patch charts for the following synths:
Octave CAT
MOOG Minimoog
Sequential Circuits Pro-One
Roland SH-09
Roland SH-1000

Happy Easter!

Update:
Roland SH-3A added.
patch sheets via Jeff

synthscape

flickr by dreikelvin

full size

"welcome to my spaceship."

MacBeth M5N

Anyware Instruments InSEQt Sequencer


YouTube via tomabeman
"The new Anyware Instruments Sequencer controls the Anyware Instuments Semtex XL Modular and the TMSS/Theis Modular. Seqences like "Berlin School" ;-) Have fun"

Sequencer demo


YouTube via Kernelproject. via Nusonica. q960 sequential controller from synthesizers dotcom.

Electrolysis


YouTube via williamc99
"A song made by me yesterday. I made the video as well. I used FL Studio for this song. The Synthesizers seen in this video are the Roland SH-101 and the Yamaha CS-01."

Delia Derbyshire - Love Without Sound (1969)


YouTube via audiolemon
"Delia Derbyshire is well known for her work with the BBC Radiophonic Workshop and her help in creating the Dr.Who theme. Of all the BBC Radiophonic musicians I've heard I always found Delia's music to be more aesthetically mature than that of the others. While many were content to create mathematically structured enharmonic noise she looked for the ghost in the machine, creating haunting, off kilter and often sexually charged music. This track is from the 1969 The White Noise - Electric Storm LP. To me it sounds 30 years ahead of it's time. I hope you like it.

If you want to read more: http://www.delia-derbyshire.org/"

bananalogue 3p demo

via Kwote on the forum where you'll find the audio.

"hey yo two new modules added to the setup. bananalogue 3p(pictured top row, 2nd to far right) and my 2nd dual linear vca that i built from a kit(pictured bottom row, furthest right)"

Update: more from Kwote via the forum: "deepinthemud.mp3

A heavy bass droan comprised of 5 oscillators, only one of which being a VCO.

PS: i'm on virb and twango now so please add me up if you dig my stuff.
http://virb.com/kwotemusic
http://www.twango.com/search/kwote"

Sequence on EMS AKS 1972 recorded to Tape

via derekrevell on electro-music.com:

"I just thought I'd post this recording I did a few years ago, without a multi track tape recorder, I could only afford the Synth, I had an old Vortexion Reel to Reel, and this is all I could manage to record."

You can find the sample there.

Rack #1


flickr by rhodeschroma
(click for more)

"The list of stuff in the pictures is (with a few exceptions I couldn't fit in the frames:)

Rhodes [ARP] Chroma, Chroma Expander, 2 Chroma Polaris' and 1 Chroma Polaris II Sequential Circuits Prophet VS, Dave Smith Prophet-8 Special Edition and Poly Evolver Keyboard, Hartmann Neuron, Oberheim Xpander and OB-8, Anxiously Awaiting John Bowen Synth Design Hardware Solaris

I have a few enjoyable monophonics:
Moog Minimoog and Voyager Signature, and Crumar Spirit.

Other fun goodies
Yamaha Motif ES8, DX100, FS1r, TG33, S80, Alesis Andromeda, Elektron Sidstation, Korg Triton, Triton Extreme 76, 01WFD, 707, 01R/W, Wavestation SR and A/D, Ensoniq ESQm, Technics WSA1r, Roland JV5080, D550, S550, MKS 7; 10; 20; 30; 50; 70; 80 (all with programmers), D20, JD800, Juno 106 Kawai K5000s, SX210, SX240, K3m, K5m, Emu Carnival, Xtreme Lead, Audity 2000, Virtuoso 2000, Waldorf Q, two original Microwaves, Microwave 2, Pulse Plus, and Microwave XT, ARP Omni and Omni II Moog CDX, Akai VX-600 Clavia Nord Lead 3 and Nord Electro 73, Rhodes 54, Casio CZ-101 and various PT series yumyums...
TONS of MOTU MTP-AV's and regulated power supplies. Everything is housed in multiple Omnirax stations with Yamaha 01V's and 01v96V2 using lightpipe."

Synth1 sounds demonstration


YouTube via bWWd0. Synth1 is one of the more respected soft synths.
"sounds demo for free VSTi synth1,was little bit longer but it got cuts because of 10 minutes limit. http://www.geocities.jp/daichi1969/so...

And here is link for the bank presented in video: http://bwwd2.diinoweb.com/files/Go ldbank.zip"

simple six trak loop


YouTube via hyprmrt
"makin' some horror movie style music on my sequential circuits sixtrak"

keybdwizrd - Arturia ARP 2600 V Demo #3


YouTube via keybdwizrd. "More presets on the Arturia ARP 2600 V softsynth."

keybdwizrd - Arturia ARP 2600 V Demo #2

Follow-up to this post.

Minimoog: using the filter as an oscillator


YouTube via zioguido
"Short video for demonstrating how the Minimoog's self-resonant filter can be used as a 4th oscillator."

MOOG Source

images via this auction

Vince Clarke UMI Sequencer

images via this auction
"original system owned by Vince Clarke (probably used as a backup in his studio 37B). He has used UMI sequencers for decades to compose dozens of pop hits. You have the chance to own the latest UMI version created exclusively for Vince Clarke. You get the backup system located on the left side in pic 1. For further pics of the running system in Vince Clarke´s studio 37B see homepage of Gareth Jones. Pics 2 and 3 were made in 37B. You see Vine Clarke working on a pattern using the Microeditor.
This is what you get:
1. One UMI software (release 1.10, located in 6 eproms), modified in 2 versions excusively designed for Vince Clarke --> RND and MTC mods
2. One UMI MIDI-Interface
3. One BBC Master computer with one 3,5" floppy drive (80 tracks) and one Microvitec "Cub" color monitor
4. One copy of user manual (last official release 1.08)
5. Two ROM cartridge holder (each can hold 2 eproms)
6. One formatted disc containg a single pattern for testing the system
7. One short introduction for handling the BBC (e.g. formatting dics)
The system runs on 220 V. All needed cables included."
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