MATRIXSYNTH: Friday, April 4, 2008


Friday, April 04, 2008

A Syntar Family Shot


The Syntar, SWAN and Mattson Mini Modular Pheonix Series. All three were designed by George Mattson.

The Syntar was the first keytar ever produced. It had a unique extended controller on the neck that essentially consisted of nine small wood blocks you could increasingly press for varying degrees of modulation. It's like having nine assignable pitch bends not limited to pitch.

The SWAN is the Syntar Without A Neck (the only one in existence).

The Pheonix is the new Mattson Mini Modular risen from the ashes of the Syntar.

If you've been following the site, you will know that the SWAN and a Syntar are up for auction on VEMIA. Click on the links for each to get to the posts.

If you have seen the posts already, check out the updates. Someone actually listed the SWAN on Ebay! It was of course a scam as the only one in existence is available on VEMIA. There was some heated discussion on AH.

Also, if you haven't already, be sure to check out the history of the Syntar on Carbon111. There are some fascinating bits concerning MOOG and NAMM. You can also find an interview and some history here. Finally you can click here for all posts featuring the Syntar. If you appreciate synths you will appreciate this unique, rare bit of synth history. It really is a fascinating story. A bit of MATRIXSYNTH trivia: I remember the first time I saw the SWAN. It was at George Mattson's place and Carbon111 was going to borrow it for bit. We drove it back to his place and when doing so, I thought how crazy it was that the only SWAN in existence was floating up the I-5 in the back of my CRX. It was a surreal moment for me. And yes, we took extremely good care of it. We all love synths.

MOOG Minimoog

images via this auction


Minimoog Ebay Auction
YouTube via asiaudiosales

Update: one more video
minmoog tune

Some Stuff from around 1984

flickr by Neil Vance

full size

MOOG CEMS unique original custom modular - VEMIA

"ONE OF THE TWO OR THREE MOST IMPORTANT MOOG CUSTOM MODULAR SYSTEMS IN THE WORLD. This is the system Joel Chadabe dreamt up, in collaboration with Robert Moog, and had him build in the late 60s. It is at VEMIA, undergoing restoration - more details later - but is a unique and hugely powerful system, full of Moog custom modules, some very rare, some very early, and some almost certainly unique. Joel Chadabe's book 'Electric Sound' pp286-287: 'In 1966, I got an idea. I drew up a plan for a completely automated synthesizer system, discussed its feasibility with Robert Moog, described it in an article in 'New Perspectives in Music', and got the funding to have it built. That system, which I called the CEMS (Coordinated Electronic Music Studio) System, was ordered from Moog in 1967.... and installed in December 1969. In addition to an extended array of sound-generating and processing modules, an automated matrix mixer, and a digital clock, the system contained a bank of eight analog sequencers with customised logic hardware for running them synchronously, asynchronously, in succession, or in any combination.' '... the world's largest concentration of Moog sequencers.......' 'In 'Drift'.. (1970), icy electronic sounds swooped automatically through a virtual space without my intervention or control. It was the realtime equivalent of algorithmic composition..' '... a few months later, I was using joysticks to control oscillators, filters, modulators and amplifiers. The sequencers, configured to generate pseudo-random patterns, were also controlling the oscillators, filters, modulators and amplifiers. And I was also controlling the sequencers...... .. I was in effect conversing with a musical instrument that seemed to have its own interesting personality.' The CEMS is housed in four tall vertical cabinets, on casters. 1. 4x 960 (s/n 1094-S, 1096-S, 1103-S etc) 4 x 962 (s/n 1062, 1063 etc) 4 x custom delay mixers, 20 trunk lines. All R.A.Moog, mostly 9/69. 2. 4x 901 VCOs, trunks, Portamento, 2x multiples, CP-3 mixer, 984 mixer, 901, Portamento, 911, 2x 902, multiples, Portamento, 901, 904B, 904C, 904A, 904B, pitch/trigger interface, 912, S-trig>V-trig with portamento, 902, 911, multiples, 911, Attenuators, 911, 903, multiples, 3-pin sockets for joysticks etc, Delays, trunk lines. 3. 'Moogus Operandi' 10 digital numeric switches, 104ms- 4 sec delays, with x1 and x100 switches, digital clock with nixie tubes, trunk section with type B sockets (one line empty), 3x 4U Voltage Controlled Mixers, Portamento (R A Moog, no logo), 905, Triggered Controller, R A Moog banana & 3-pin interfaces, 904B, 902, 902, 911, R A Moog Signal Router, Amplifier, 3x Triggered Controller, PSU, delays and trunk lines. 4. similar to cabinet 1. **It also includes five R A Moog joysticks, serial numbers 1002, 1003, 1004, 1005, and... 1008. - and a pre-production model Ribbon Controller, which Mike Bucki at Modusonics can provide a new ribbon for.** Like many other things in this auction, this is from the collection amassed by Felix Visser, former head of Synton. All items were destined for a national technology museum project, many years in the making, but finally cancelled by politicians and planners. They have mostly been stored unused for a number of years. This system has not (as of March 20) been powered up, and is SOLD AS IS unless we have more information in the meantime. (The power supplies are currently at Lucid Sound for testing and servicing where necessary.) Cosmetic state at present: all sequencer lamps present and guaranteed working 100%; all screws, nuts and washers checked, cleaned and replaced where necessary; veneer repaired on the facing edges of cabinets where necessary; casters replaced; module panels cleaned and looking good; many of the silver knob inserts are missing - many are saved ready to stick back on, but some are lost. (We are searching for replacements, or failing that, new knobs are still generally available.) The quality of early Moog modules is remarkable, and we would expect it to be not at all difficult or expensive to restore this to excellent working order - and beautiful cosmetic condition as well. If required, we can source and supervise this work, and would expect it to be very reasonably priced. All photos were taken before cosmetic restoration, and the system now looks a great deal better - superb apart from the missing silver knob inserts. For more of the old pics see: link"
You can find this one on VEMIA - Click on Auctions, Search, and search for 5560.

Update via peterwendt in the comments: "I knew I'd seen this before: link... great post with lots of details from Richard Lainhart."

PPG 1020 - VEMIA

"Fascinating vintage synth, very rare, and certainly at the time considered an improvement on the earlier all-analogue 1002. But not perfect:- Here are Lucid's notes (they decided that with Moog modulars and Minimoogs to deal with they couldn't guarantee to get this mended in anywhere near quick enough time). 1. The keyboard decoding is not working correctly 2. The keyboard output voltage is FM modulated by some digital noise. However, raising the glide control stops this. In its defence: 3. The bottom key mechanism is broken but the key can still be played. 4. The filter, oscillators, LFO, envelopes and noise all work. 5. It makes an effective weird sound FX generator just as it is. 6. All CMOS decode stuff so probably fixable. So if you have access to technical knowhow, you could turn this into more than just a creator of unusual sounds."
Note the Roland Jupiter-6 with custom fire paint job in the background. Click the image for a larger shot.
You can find this one on VEMIA - Click on Auctions, Search, and search for 5855 or PPG for more.

Cavagnolo EXAGONE XM 64 - VEMIA

"VERY RARE Vintage Analog Synth : CAVAGNOLO EXAGONE XM64. Less than 100 have been produced for the entire world ! Like RSF famous synths, the Cavagnolo EXAGONE XM64 is a monophonic progammable analog synth made in FRANCE in 1982. Some features: 2 VCO , VCF , LFO 1 , LFO 2 , LFO DELAY , EG , ADSR , NOISE , PORTAMENTO ... 64 memory locations to save and recall your synth patches! CV/GATE IN OUT, filter input, and many more for external controls (see on the photo below). The Cavagnolo Exagone XM64 sounds like a mix of minimoog and a Roland System 100 (deep and very warm sound, it can make very big and fat Bass like Minimoog, but it can also sounded nice high leads with its own personality. The synth is integrated in its original flight-case .CAVAGNOLO EXAGONE XM64 is perfect for a musician who is bored with moog roland and sequential circuits synths , and is looking for a strong analog vintage synth with a unique sound ! This CAVAGNOLO EXAGONE XM64 has been fully serviced (ampli OP and memory battery have been changed 2 month ago. It is in Perfect working order and in very good cosmetic ;I can say 'near mint' because i'm the first owner and it has never leave my studio) It's a 220Volt model. It's a unique chance to get a very rare analog synth in Museum Condition and in perfect working order"
You can find this one on VEMIA - Click on Auctions, Search, and search for 5724. via Pete

Two More Serge Creature Demos

On SYNTHWIRE

Be sure to check out Carbon111's excellent STS Serge Creature page.

SPACE ODDITY (New Stylophone Version) Remix


YouTube via MalquiLans
"Bowie's classic done on Stylophone with guitar backing based on early demo"

P1000327

flickr by frederic_intl
(click for more)

full size

KORG MS20

JimmyShoot-3473

flickr by antontrax

full size

www.jimmysuzan.com
www.tricombdynasty.com

KORG MS10

DJmag Review The Korg Mini-KP DJ Effects Kaoss Pad


YouTube via djmagtv. Note: you can see more dj oriented vids from them here.
"Check out the full capabilities of the wicked new Korg Mini-KP effects processor. There's 100 effects on there and if you're in the UK, it costs £100... so £1 per effect - ridiculous. It sounds absolutely lush and the likes of James Zabiela takes it on tour with him. Enjoy."

JazzMutant Dexter Review Touch Sensitive Midi Controller


YouTube via djmagtv. www.jazzmutant.com

DJmag - James Zabiela DJ Tricks - 01


YouTube via djmagtv.
"Here's James Zabiela showing exactly how to do the tricks he uses on his DJ mixes."
Anyone know what that loop device is? I still haven't gotten me a proper looper. If anyone has any suggestions/opinions on the best loopers and why, please feel free to comment.

DJmag Vermona Action Filter Review


YouTube via djmagtv

"Here's a classic DJ filter remade. Vermona used to make the Stanton filter from a few years back, but this one has extended range and a few more mods. Check out this overview to see what it's capable of."

DJmag's Marc '01' on the Yamaha Tenori-On


YouTube via djmagtv. via Nusonica
"DJmag reviewer Marc '01' has just completed this awesome demo of the Yamaha Tenori-On. Marc tok advantage of al the features available to make this awesome clip in one take. The editing you see is just of the visuals, not of the sound. It sound unlike any other Tenori-On performance because he's loaded in his own samples alongside the built-in synthesizer. Enjoy!"

space echo 301


YouTube via mopipi2. "w0OW0Ow0OW0ow0W00!!"
Be sure to check out this video by mopipi2 as well.

roland phase five..


video upload by mopipi2

"vintage phaser by roland."

Korg polysix


YouTube via mopipi2. via Nusonica.

Doepfer MS 404

images via this auction

Roland TB-303 emulation
MS-404 specifications
MS-404 review

via Pawn Sphinx on the forum

click the image for the full size shot.

Anyware Instruments InSEQt Sequencer 3


YouTube via tomabeman
"The new Anyware Instruments Sequencer controls the Anyware Instuments Semtex XL Modular and the TMSS/Theis Modular. The upper Sequencer controls the Percussionsound from the Semtex and the Cutoff-Groove at the TMSS/Theis. The Lower Sequencer controls the pitch from the TMSS/Theis. Rythmical groove with the Fm-modulation of the Sequencer-Clock. Transposition via Keyboard in Quantizer. Have fun"

SCI Prophet VS + Pro-One + Roland Juno-60 by RetroSound


YouTube via retrosound72

"digital pads and sounds: SCI Prophet VS
analog pads: Roland Juno-60
bassline: SCI Pro-One triggered by the TR-606
drums: Roland TR-606

live played, no overdubbing, no sequencer software, mono recorded, no external effects used"

Futuristic vintage sign - MOOG * A NEW DIMENSION IN SOUND!


YouTube via bigcitymusic
"http://www.bigcitymusic.com
Here is a really cool vintage (1970's) sign that Big City Music owner, Roger Cordell, purchased in the 90's. Bob Moog saw it in January, 2000 and commented, "Wow, there are not many of THOSE out there." He should know.

Can you guess what synth you are hearing on this? The audio is not exactly great. It was recorded using the built-in video mic. Sounds cheesy. Mmmmm cheeeeese!"

Blue Synth Heaven

Image of an E-mu Emulator I and PPG Wave 2.3

via Kevin of Audio Playground, home of a vast amount of synth info and some online virtual versions of classic gear you can actually play.

The knob section on top of the Emulator is "a JLCooper filter box. It adds ADSR for both filter and amp. about 1/2 way up it will self osc. It makes some really crazy synth sounds on it own."

Andromeda Modular Jam









via JZ - "they´re 100% dry, only one voice"

Rare Chromaton 14 Analog Video Synthesizer


images via this auction

"extremely rare analog video synthesizer from the 1970's. Here is an opportunity to purchase a piece of history. The Chromaton 14 was designed and manufactured by Ralph Wenger in 1977, and released by BJA Systems. It originally sold for $ 9,500 USD, and there were approximately 120 units sold. As of today, less than 8 working units are known to exist. This may be your only opportunity to own such a rare video synthesizer. The Chromaton 14 is a fairly small video synthesizer, approx 18 by 18 inches square. It includes 2 camera inputs with color quantizers, but can also generate fairly complex color images without any external inputs. There are six pattern generators that can be sent to each of the chroma keyers (there are 10 preset patterns in each). The beauty of the Chromaton is that it can be played like an instrument. There are two motion generators in the upper right which can control the movement of the patterns. When the patterns are combined with the camera inputs, truly psychedelic imagery results. The pattern generators and motion generators can be set to respond to an audio input. All of the switches and knobs on the front panel are 0-5v, so this would be ideal to modify for voltage control (and for use with a modular synthesizer). Since there are two camera inputs, the system is ideal for video feedback applications.

My unit was recently serviced and cleaned. I have tested all the pattern generators as well as the camera inputs and controls. The camera inputs were designed to be used with broadcast cameras. They must be synced to the Chromaton with a genlock/sync signal. If you want to connect consumer cameras, you will need to use a timebase corrector or video mixer to syncronize the cameras/video sources with the Chromaton's sync signal. I am not including this equipment; you must provide this on your own.

I am including the schematics for the Chromaton 14, in case it needs future service. As with all vintage equipment, I am selling it as is. I guarantee that it is working and will arrive functional; however, there is no warranty on this item as it is vintage analog synthesizer equipment.

Here is a sample video showing a few basic patterns, the response to audio, and that the camera inputs are working. The video shows only a fragment of what this synthesizer is capable of. Be aware that the camera used is a consumer video camera which is not syncronized to the Chromaton, so the picture fluctuates. If a timebase corrector or video mixer was utilized, the image would be stable:

Chromaton-14 Demo

YouTube via sydilaxe. via Bryan

"Demonstration of Chromaton 14 video synthesizer. Camera inputs are not synced, so they are not stable."
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