MATRIXSYNTH: Wednesday, June 3, 2009


Wednesday, June 03, 2009

New SEM from Tom Oberheim

via bleepology who has some notes on it.
Update: new pics via stretta below.
Update (5:40 PST): some additional notes via the AH list: via alt-mode:
"Tom is showing a new SEM with the same circuits plus an integrated MIDI/CV. Price < $1k. Available in a few months." via James Husted: "Looks like he has dropped the expensive mechanical knob movement that turned the pots into multi-turn and is using a smaller knob next to the main knob. That used to be where the scale trimmer was on the original. Saves money by not having those concentric knobs that you always lost the caps from. Also the BP filter switch is a separate switch and not one built into the LP-HP knob. a little saved there too. Hopefully all the internal connections will be available too (maybe on cheaper connections). And hopefully it will run on a more standard power supply like a +/-15v and not +/-18.5 like the old ones did. New manufacturing techniques like SMD etc may lower the cost by lowering the board count and interconnects too - lots of board to board molex connectors in the old ones." Update 5:45: image is from: Web: http://www.alt-mode.com
Twitter: twitter.com/alt_mode
I saw it on bleepology in my RSS feed before checking Twitter.

via: twitter.com/alt_mode:
http://tomoberheim.com/ [note the tomoberheim.com URL just below the controls]
and "Stretta is here with a large lens for better pix later." Come on Stretta! :)
Web: http://stretta.com
Twitter: twitter.com/stretta

Update 8:24 via Dan on the AH list:
"Apart from the new SEM, what I found completely fascinating about Tom Oberheim's talk here in Boston was how oblivious he seemed to have been to the use of analog synths (including his own creations) in modern day music; he talked about how the Red Bull Music Academy series that he is participating in, in particular the one in Barcelona that occurred at the end of last year, was eye-opening and inspirational for him (and strengthened his plans to recreate the SEM BTW).

During the talk he played snippets of audio tracks that had featured Oberheim gear over the years, and so he played tracks by Pat Metheny, Weather Report, Stanley Clarke, Mahavishnu Orchestra, Van Halen, etc... But then he played a track that he was turned on to for the first time in Barcelona, by Underground Resistance ("Sonic Destroyer"), and he said he was bowled over by it, having never heard such a thing.

It was very refreshing to see how energized he was by this revelation, but at the same time it was a bit sad to see how in the dark he had been to the last 20 years or so of music. Likewise when asked about whether he knew how important the DMX was in the early days of rap music, how some artists even used 'DMX' in their stage names, he also said that at the time, he didn't ever really know it -- it was only later, after Gibson had taken over the company, that he started to hear about the importance of his creation..."

"He said that Gibson owns the rights to the old logo..."

Update 9:37PM: flickr shots via stretta are in. Click for more.

top shot is the old and new SEM



Update 9:04 6/4 via alt-mode on the AH list:
"First, I think we owe a big "Thank You" to the Red Bull Music Academy for hosting this event and also for their continuing series that gets musicians together with current leaders as well as earlier technical visionaries like Tom.

As far as the new SEM goes:

- You will notice that the faceplate is the same size as the original SEM. He intended to make it compatible with the old SEM.
- He hated the original concentric tuning knobs and couldn't get them anyway so he went to the coarse/fine knobs.
- He said it took 10 months just to find pots that would work and figure out replacements where he couldn't get them.
- There is a switch for the BP response because he couldn't get the same kind of switching pot he used in the past and also didn't like the reliability of the old ones.
- He tried doing the original design as thru-hole but it was just too expensive so he made it mostly surface mount but there were a few parts that made more sense as thru-hole.
- The connectors on the modules are not the same Molex as used in the past. He had to change the connectors but all of the signals are still there.
- The MIDI/CV tries to have many of the common routings that he thought would be useable. There will no doubt be debates as to whether they are correct.
- It did sound a feel like a real SEM. I tried to get some classic patches going on it but didn't really have much time.
- Patch points are certainly possible and he left the same top lip on the box that could be used for them. I don't know if he will offer that as an option or not.
- This is a labor of love. He isn't doing it for the money or to sell lots of them. It is likely that they will only be sold by one distributor that he is friends with. He doesn't want to have any employees so all of these will be assembled by Tom.
- Roger Linn can be credited as one of the people who bugged him enough to recreate the SEM. I think Tom has been toying this for awhile and the Barcelona event pushed him further.

I was amused by his stories and hearing that he gets together with Roger Linn, Don Buchla, and Dave Smith at some Berkeley coffee house regularly made me want to be a fly on the wall of those gatherings. ;)

Tom said he has ideas for more things and mentioned a design of an analog sequencer that he wants to put out. He would like to recreate the Oberhiem Two Voice since that was his absolute favorite synth from the Oberheim line.

He didn't sound like he was interested in getting his company name back. He felt that it had been tarnished by things like the OB-12 and the OBMX. He did miss the logo though...

Remember Tom is 72 and he is doing this because it is fun and occupies his time. I think it is fantastic that he tried to keep to the original design and bring back such a classic synth. He did give his email address out to some folks but I don't think it would be appropriate to broadcast it to the list."

Update 9:38AM 6/4 Tom Oberheim Day flickr set by danger.fellini
originally posted 8:21 EST. (click for more)

Tom Oberheim and the new SEM from stretta on Vimeo.


"This is an edited version of Tom's Red Bull Music Academy presentation in Boston of the new SEM on June 3, 2009.

Don't worry, after about a minute the focus settles down. I wanted to capture the two units next to each other. The light was horrible (backlit, with no direct light on Tom) so sorry about the overall quality.

Tom discusses the changes made to the new SEM and the reasons behind them, pricing, and demos a few sounds.

SOUNDS GREAT!"

See the write-up on The Stretta Procedure

VINTAGE SOVIET DRUM MACHINE PULSAR

via this auction

You can find more info including samples on ruskeys.net.

Me playing Depeche Mode "A Question of Time"


YouTube via DX5
"Backtrack recorded and sequenced in half an hour with Pro Tools.
Played on two E-mu Emax I recently serviced by myself, with new display backlight.
All Emax sounds belong to my own libraries, or were directly sampled from my other keyboards.

Composed by ML Gore."

circuit bent yamaha tg33 vector synth and akai ewi 4000s


YouTube via spunkytoofers
"circuit bent tg33 vector synth with akai ewi. the dave smith evolver is used to filter and amplify the tg33 synthesizer only.

the vector synth features a db25 breakout box that connects to the tg33 unit. approximately half of the 300 or so waveforms are circuit bendable so it is possible to stack traditional synthesizer waveforms with voices that are circuit bendable allowing you to morph from the known to the aleatoric landscapes , weird tones, sounds, and patterns as well as the bizzare responses from a circuit bent synth.

i just got done bending it and this is my first run through after setting up a patch.. but once i get that vector remapped to pedal controllers, now we're talking."

How to play Retarded Drums


YouTube via feelda303. Access Virus TI Polar
"retardely playing drums in da hans zimmer style around cool ni kore2 preset called 'lost in trees'"

Curtis granular synthesizer

Curtis granular synthesizer from Lucas Kuzma on Vimeo.


"first prototype of granular synth for iPhone"

Curtis granular synth demo two from Lucas Kuzma on Vimeo.



Also see this post on Curtis Roads and Granular Synthesis.

Update: now available on iTunes here: Curtis - Granular Synthesizer

EMU

flickr by Zom Zoms
(click for more)

Note this one is from Oct 2005. My bloglines reader is acting up and showing old synth shots. I figure it's a sign that these must go up! :)

pnws05tp192

flickr by tpaddock
(click for more)

Note this images is from the Pacific Northwest Synthesizer Gathering in 2005.

Ohm64 with Ableton Closeup


YouTube via lividTV. see this post for more info on the Ohm64 open source controller.
"Here is a closeup of the Ableton Live session with the Ohm64. I am using MIDI from Ableton to light up the Ohm64 and MIDI from the Ohm64 to trigger the clips in Live."

Ohm64 with Ableton Wideshot

"Here is a wideshot of the Ableton Live session with the Ohm64. I am using MIDI from Ableton to light up the Ohm64 and MIDI from the Ohm64 to trigger the clips in Live."

Alesis Andromeda


YouTube via analoguecrazy4
"Here is my Alesis Andromeda Analogue Synth in action."

Roland GR Series Analog Bass and Guitar Synthesizers on Help Wanted Production

You can find general info and samples on the Roland line of guitar synthesizers on this Help Wanted Productions page.

Pictured: Roland G-707 control mapping.

iSyn 1.1.1 Now Available

New features include:
- WAV and MIDI file recording; export to computer using WI-FI network.
- full-featured arpeggiator
- integrated "quick help" guide
- reduced interface glow for better readability

Available on iTunes here:
iSyn

"There's also a "quick start" guide to help new users to get started on the www.isynapp.com website: http://isynapp.squarespace.com/quickstart/"

iSyn Arp

YouTube via xgee1
"Messing around with iSyn's new arpeggio feature. Had a few mess ups here and there"

nnoizPapp testing iSyn on iPod touch

"I bought iSyn this morning and tested it out on my iPod. a nice little tool!"

Delfy Creations SB-1


YouTube via robodelfy. Delfy on Ebay
"Go to www.delfycreations.com for more info or to buy stuff!"

Moog Taurus Analog Synthesizer Pedals

via this auction



Roland Juno-60

via this auction




Folktek "The Micro Garden"

via this auction
"The Garden is a conceptual sound art work and a phenomenal instrument for extending micro sounds into waves or generating odd sounds based on an accoustic source. The Garden is a part of the electrocoustic section of the works of Arius Blaze. Please go here to see more: http://ariusblaze.com/electrocoustic.html

The sound very much reflects the asthetic - an electric garden with waves growing from the sound field they're created from. The sound board and spouts of wire extending from it are picked up with high sensitivity and run through a digital delay with a very warm sound. This delay can be as tight as possible or extend to about one and a half seconds. Every sprig of string has a unique sound and the Garden can be played as a percussion piece or soundscape generator. The feedback can be adjusted to generate long perfect extentions of micro sounds to become waves then captured in long format if desired. There is as much musical potential as there is a potential for strange sounds - bits of waves can be strecthed in real time.

the buyer of a previous garden on ebay had this to say: 'Garden of Eden. You have quite outdone yourself w/ the Garden ! Simple and beautiful-a great idea ! I might say it's the best of yours I have. Wonderful work!'

This piece runs on a single 9v battery, 1/4" output to amp or mixer, custom folktek hardwood box with jointery, and the lamp glows white." Be sure to see these posts for video and more info.


Snyderphonics Instruments SM-1

via Snyderphonics Instruments

Not much info aside from the following: "I have built several custom controllers for myself, and for other artists, including Miya Masaoka.

If you'd like to discuss a custom project with me, email me at "jeff" at snyderphonics dot com."

Snyderphonics Instruments Manta

"The Manta is a touch-sensitive controller for audio and video with a hexagonal layout and programmable LED feedback. The Manta has been released, as of May 4th, 2009. The first production run is a limited edition of 50, at $675 each."

demoin out the vacuum tube synth dude


YouTube via horchacha
"i call it dio because its like a rainbow in the dark

6.3v at 6amps, 220v, 150v, -150v, 15v, -15v and a big ground


two tube vcos - pitch/depth pots an octave switches - sync switch
tube noise/random generator - intensity/pitch knob - on/off jack
tube vcf w/ cut off and q modulation depth
tube vca w/ cv depth and master volume knobs
solid state adsr for vca - solid state lfo for vcf

of course many thanks to eric barbour

cv in, gate in - audio out
synced to mpc1000 via kenton pro2000

dave wright
www.notbreathing.com"

Roland TR-808 & System 100 Jam


YouTube via AnalogSweden
"Before rebuilding half of the studio we just had to do some jamming :) System 100 routed through the Dynacord Super 76 tape echo.

Read more on: http:www.analogsweden.com/blog"

Reactable live in Ibiza #1


YouTube via marcosalonso
"Reactable performance by Carles López at El Grial in Ibiza.
As part of the Ibiza International Music Summit http://www.internationalmusicsummit.com/
May 29, 2009.

http://www.reactable.com"

Reactable live in Ibiza #2

MPC 5000 SID-station hardcore scene teen


YouTube via pss50
"Teens working the shit out of a mpc and and a sid-station... It is for real! Hard Core shite MF i swear! Peace ot to all you playerz out there!

Cool equipment in the background doepfler a-100 modular system, tb-303, monomachine, super cool radio, samson lamp equipment coolio mixer and patch-bay for real but we do not use it at all! plz tell us how this other equpment works...

btw we love you all and other tekno frekz.


Peace and love /the Northenz parts of Zweden"

korg pss50 drummachine and his friend doepfer a-100


YouTube via pss50
"Doepfer A-100 making the korg pss50 start and stop whit LFO waves."

Doepfer A-100 modular synt


YouTube via pss50
"Beat making on a-100 doepfer modular, bad sound and a crappy camera."

Doepfer A-100 making sounds and some help from a wasp filter.

"Doepfer A-100 modules are working and i control the wasp filter whit a joystick."

Doepfer A-100 modules are working and i control the wasp filter whit a joystick.

"testing a-155 and it works really good. Sorry the sound is shit."

Doepfer a-100 eel sythesizer jam and alco-hole

"Nice looking modular synthesizer with controling eel, super cool and muscular arm."

5-Experience (iPhone/iPodtouch APP)


YouTube via perfumepod
Free on iTunes as of this post here:
5-Experience

FabFilter Twin 2 Demo, Part Two: Preset Walkthrough


YouTube via gearwire. part 1 here
"As much as we all love messing around with software synth settings for hours on end, FabFilter still thought it wise to include presets in its Twin 2 subtractive synth. Let Bill Holland be your preset guide in this video as he previews included leads, basses and more."

Korg NanoKONTROL Overview: Get Out Your Magnifying Glass


YouTube via gearwire
"In this video, Bill Holland takes a look at the Korg nanoKONTROL, one of the most compact controllers on the market today. This is not to be confused with the nunoKONTROL, which subsequently controls Extreme guitarist Nuno Bettencourt."

The 500 Synthesizer (version 2) by Peter Smith


YouTube via SmithComposition
"A new demonstration of the free VSTi software synthesizer designed by Peter Smith. Simple sequence using the resonant filter controls. The last fwe seconds are in "destroy" mode, which crushes the signal and adds (user defined) dual wave based distortion.

Download it for free from http://www.smithcomposition.com

This synthesizer features an LFO, filter, plus pseudo granular synthesis and a special 'destroy' mode which chews up the signal. Intended for experimentation, great for generating new rhythms.

This is the first piece of software completed by Peter Smith, so it will certainly be subject to fixes and modification in the future.

***THIS IS VERSION 2! A couple of minor but useful updates: added a master volume control and changed the mode control to an LED style switch.***"

Im back on korg electribe


YouTube via nevolucion
"dnb patterns on Em1 Korg electribe
Enjoy
nevo"

DIY by cloudscapes

via 2009 Build Pictures on electro-music.com.
(click for more)

pictured: "waveshaper LFO/envilope with storable shapes/presets (up to 800 samples per shape), plus random/noise LFO"

click the image for a larger shot.

Hand-made cardboard model by Dan McPharlin

flickr by Dan McPharlin

click here for more

also see the miniature label below for others

Stillas Plaything Wallet

flickr set by tshfkym

"Stillas
A PLAYTHING LEATHER WALLET / Electro"

franck vigroux from "me madame (good news from wonderland"


YouTube via fretless. also on MATRIXSYNTH-C
"D'Autres Cordes records 5002, Franck Vigroux & Matthew Bourne , voice Annabelle Playe"
gear Jomox filter, tr 808, mfb synth lite 2

MidiDuino MIDI Stack

via Manuel on the SDIY list:

"Hello everybody,

I'm quite happy to announce that I finally got round to make a release of my MIDI environment for the Arduino. It's originally the MIDI environment I wrote for my MiniCommand MIDI controllers over at http://ruinwesen.com/ , ported to the Arduino environment. It features sending all kinds of messages (with running status if you want to), parsing and receiving most kind of messages, and synchronizing to an internal or an external clock.

check it out here: http://ruinwesen.com/mididuino
and the manual: http://ruinwesen.com/support-files/mididuino/mididuino-documentation.pdf

Regards, Manuel"
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