Custom floor model MMM commissioned by bass player Jason Stiles

via George Mattson:

"I just completed this unit. The customer has been coming over twice a week since last November to learn about synthesizers and build his own system.

The case is his design.

The system incorporates two voice chains and a variety of CV modules. We built a prototype HandyCon CV controller and developed an interface for seven M-Audio expression pedals. The pedals are in one half of the case and fold up onto the system to make a nice carrying case.

He uses a Roland Bass pickup on his 5-string Warwick bass to drive a Roland GR-20 guitar synthesizer. The MIDI output of the GR-20 drives the MIDI/CV controller on the MMM. While playing he can output the straight bass audio, bass audio processed through his effects pedal board, the GR-20 synth sounds and the MMM patches. The M-Audio pedals can pretty much be patched up to control any of his synth CV or audio parameters. The system also contains an Amplitude Follower module that can be used to further control patch parameters.

I’m really excited to see (hear) what he creates."

http://mattsonminimodular.com/

The Jen SX1000 Part 1

YouTube via AutomaticGainsay — April 13, 2010 —

"Here is part one of a two-part series demonstrating the sound and functionality of the Jen SX1000 analog monophonic single-oscillator synthesizer."

Update:

The Jen SX1000 Part 2

YouTube via AutomaticGainsay — April 24, 2010 —

"Here is part two of a two-part series demonstrating the sound and functionality of the Jen SX1000 analog monophonic single-oscillator synthesizer."

Dave Smith Poly Evolver

YouTube via Gtechture — April 13, 2010 —

Marsona 1200A Noise Generator

via this auction

"Vintage Marsona 1200A.
This unit was made as a sleep-inducer. It is actually an analog white noise generator.
Selector Knob - Off/4 Noise Modes: Surf I, Surf II, Rain, Waterfall.
Surf Rate Knob - Slow>Fast
Surf Range Knob - Low>High
Tone Knob - Bass>Treble
Volume Knob - Min>Max
Surf I and Surf II are modulated white/pink noise.
Pulsating from a trebley white noise to a moremuted pink noise.
Rain is more like plain White Noise.
Waterfall is more like plain Pink Noise.
I'm not sure if it induces sleep, but it makes a good and highly usable noise signal.
It's also circuit-bendable or makes a good enclosure for synth projects."

Vintage ARP Axxe analog synthesizer

via this auction

"Vintage ARP Axxe Model Mark II analog synthesizer in truly EXCELLENT condition. It looks almost new and sounds absolutely incredible...

* Polyphony - Monophonic
* Oscillators - 1 VCO
* LFO - One LFO w/ sine mod to VCF or PW, sine or square mod to OSC pitch
* Filter - Model 4075 4-pole, Low Pass Filter w/ resonance, cutoff, key tracking
* VCA - One ADSR envelope mod to PW, VCF cutoff or VCA (+ sample & hold of pitch or VCF)
* Keyboard - 37 keys
* Control - CV/Gate
* Date Produced - 1975 - 1981"

Roland Juno-106 Analog Synthesizer

via this auction

Russian Analog Synthesizer Alisa 1377 VG

via this auction

"This synthesizer consists of the following main blocks: control unit, tone generator, vibrato generator, filter, contour and output.

TONE OSCILLATOR - waveform, frequency modulation, modulation amount, impulse width modulation, harmonics, portamento, tuning, octave +1/+2. VIBRATO OSCILLATOR - waveform ("N"), frequency, 1Hz/10Hz, ON (modulation). FILTER - adjustment (cutoff), resonance, vibrato, contour on (contourosc) - attack, release, sustain, decay OUTPUT - level, on.

Specs:
Octaves - 3.5 switchable
Keys - 43
Weight - 10kg
Dimensions, mm - 700х360х150"

CLICK FOR MORE »

Noisemakers.info review: Stanton - System 3

Noisemakers.info review: Stanton - System 3 from Michael Chenetz on Vimeo.

"This is a review on the Stanton System-3 Control Surface. Noicemakers.info reviews the DJ controller and outlines some of the nice functionality."

Moog Taurus 3 Box Logo

via the Big City Music blog

iPad MPC Style Drum Pads - TouchOSC with Propellerhead Record

YouTube via PeffTV — April 11, 2010 — "TouchOSC drum pad interface on the apple iPad, configured to trigger a Redrum Drum Machine in Propellerhead Record+Reason. Transport and effect mapping make programming and live tweaking a breeze. Interfaced via wifi and translated to MIDI with Osculator: http://www.osculator.net
TouchOSC: http://www.hexler.net
Propellerhead Record+Reason: http://propellerhead.se
MPC Samples: http://kikbakonline.com
OSC: http://opensoundcontrol.org/

I'm no Jeremy Ellis on the MPC, but i wouldn't want to kick, beat, and elbow the iPad: http://www.youtube.com/user/jeremyell..."

Midi-Fighter mini teaser 2

YouTube via MrMakingsound — April 13, 2010 — Workin on something...

keybdwizrd - Korg M3 Programs Demo #1

YouTube via keybdwizrd — April 13, 2010 — "A demonstration of some of the programs (individual sounds) in the Korg M3 workstation synthesizer. These are all factory presets from the latest "xpanded" model of the M3. NOTE: The lights on this keyboard do NOT blink - they only appear to do so in the video."

Update:

keybdwizrd - Korg M3 Programs Demo #2

Korg MS-20 Organ Generator (Eldar's)

flickr by Eldar b

Famous Fairlight Sounds Part 2

YouTube via bitleyTM — April 13, 2010 — "This one's gonna be a lot tougher for you I think. Take a guess to see if you know which songs I impersonated here with the refill. I tried not being too obvious this time. Game's up! :)"

259 evolution

flickr by buchlajoe

"All 3 types of the 259 complex waveform generator offered by Buchla and Associates over the years. All though they share the same number , they are very different from each other."

Cromina String Machine

Cromina String Machine
"No samples inside! After more than one year of development we are glad to present you this physical modeling recreation of the electronic strings sound of the 60s and 70s. Solina, Crumar and Logan where the names, which made it first possible for bands to bring a string orchestra on stage or into the studio. The lush sound of these electronic keyboards stamped many songs of this era. And then an electronic musician from France connected one of those keyboards to a phaser and created the most famous electronic string sound ever.

Two things are fundamental for this famous sound, which also made it impossible to construct a faithful copy with samples:

- the frequency divider circuit, that gave these keyboards polyphony
with the disadvantage of a very static sound
- the chorus unit to overcome this with a heavy modulation

The soundwise peculiarities of these can not be successful recreated by sampling. So we developed a plugin with the main emphasis on the reproduction of this typical influence on the sound. Though the drawback is a higher CPU load, it absolutely gives a much better reproduction of the original sound.

Although this plugin has it’s focus on the typical Solina sound (including a phaser and delay effect), it can produce a wide range of typical sounds by using the integrated equalizer, vibrato, envelope variations (including a piano envelope) and other tuning controls."

Samples on site. via UniQue Werkx

Live E340 & E350 demos

via Paul Schreiber on the SDIY and AH lists:

"Here are 4 snippets of the E340 & E350 recorded by Robert Rich in rehearsal.
This upcoming tour info is here:

http://robertrich.com/2010-tour-dates/

There are 4 synth tracks that are sequenced via Ableton Live. There is a
Korg Wavestation "pad", the other 3 are all MOTM voices as follows:

#1: E340 Cloud >> MOTM-440 VCF (P5 rev 2 type)
#2: E350 MT >> MOTM-480 VCF (CS-80 type)
#3: custom CS-80 VCO >> MOTM-490 Moog ladder VCF

I'll be at the Tucson show, hope to see some folks there.

http://synthtech.com/demo/e350/e340_e350_improv.mp3
http://synthtech.com/demo/e350/e340_e350_intro.mp3
http://synthtech.com/demo/e350/e340_e350_mythos.mp3
http://synthtech.com/demo/e350/e350_e350_twilight.mp3

Module information is here"

Radiopho(r)n beats (by Franck Smith)

YouTube via znshn — April 13, 2010 — "Radiopho(r)n beats by Zn'shñ member & soloist Franck Smith. Contents: glitchy pulses, beat making, analog electronics, signal trajectory, clicks, analog filtering, noise manufacturing... (N.B. "radiopho(r)n" = radiophonic + horn)

IF POSSIBLE USE HEADPHONES OR CONNECT YOUR COMPUTER TO A QUITE DECENT SOUND-SYSTEM.

Material in this video:
- Kaoss Pad KP3 (by Korg)
- Kaossilator (by Korg)
- 2x Sherman Filterbank 2 (tabletop versions)
- Biscuit (by Oto Machines) *used in mono

‪http://www.odiolorgnette.com‬
‪http://francksmith.blogspot.com‬
‪http://znshn.blogspot.com‬
‪http://twitter.com/franck_smith‬

Complete video selection on ‪http://www.youtube.com/znshn‬

Last discographic works:
* Franck Smith, "Théorème de point fixe" http://francksmith.blogspot.com/2009/...
* Zn'shñ, "II" ‪http://znshn.blogspot.com/2009/09/second-album-of-dual-electronic-unit.html‬

........................................
"Franck Smith", Live Electronics, Odiolorgnette, Kaoss Pad, Kaossilator, Korg, Sherman Filterbank 2, Biscuit, Oto Machines, 8-bit, Analog Filters, noise manufacturing, Zn'shñ"

boolean groove

YouTube via angelometz — April 13, 2010 — "Another patch with the the new synthesizers.com quantizer and a kl logic module.
Pretty meesy jungle of cords! The drum sounds are from the pearl drx-1, the cymbals from a roland td-10. Everything is triggered by the logic module, except the kick and snare."

Electro-Harmonix Stereo Electric Mistress Demo - by Bill Ruppert

YouTube via EHX — April 13, 2010 — "Guitarist Bill Ruppert revisits the magic of the Stereo Electric Mistress. Exotic sweeps redefine the unique sonic elegance that flanging represents. Combine it with an onboard chorus for unrivaled richness."

4MS Rotating Clock Divider

via navs.modular.lab where you'll find some audio and first impressions.

Euro Noise Swash with the Shuffling Clock Multiplier

YouTube via 4mspedals — April 13, 2010 —

"The 4ms Eurorack Noise Swash is processing some drum sounds generated by a modified Mega Percussive Synthesizer. The MPS is being triggered by a Shuffling Clock Multiplier (SCM) at x2, x4, and x8 (kick, triangle, and hi-hat). The audio output of the Swash is going to a Model 13 Dual Timbral Gate, which is awesome and is being controlled by another SCM (synced to the drum SCM) at x4 running into an A-171 Slew Limiter (to take the hard edge off the clock signal)."

elektronika251

YouTube via Funkonami1 — April 13, 2010 —

Five New Vako Orchestron Discs - Now taking pre-orders!

via Pea Hicks:

"Howdy folks!!

You know what they say, when it rains, it pours!

We're proud to announce not one, not two, but FIVE new Orchestron discs!

VIOLIN and PIPE ORGAN are Orchestron originals, newly remastered.

STRING ENSEMBLE is a previously unheard scale taken from the original Optigan / Orchestron master tapes.

TREMOLO ELECTRIC GUITAR and PIANO are newly recorded scales made specifically for these discs.

You can read more details, hear demos, and place your pre-orders now at:

http://www.optigan.com/shoptigan/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=2

Cheers!!
Pea"


NEW 2010 Vako Orchestron Discs - YouTube via peahix — April 12, 2010 —

"Now available for pre-order at http://www.optigan.com/shoptigan"

Playlist:
NEW 2010 Vako Orchestron Disc - TREMOLO ELECTRIC GUITAR
NEW 2010 Vako Orchestron Disc - PIANO
NEW 2010 Remastered Vako Orchestron Disc - VIOLIN
NEW 2010 Remastered Vako Orchestron Disc - PIPE ORGAN
NEW 2010 Vako Orchestron Disc - STRING ENSEMBLE

Billy Corgan's Ichabod Featured in Keyboard Magazine

If you have this month's issue of Keyboard Magazine featuring Deadmau5, take a look at the last page. You will find a full page feature on Ichabod. You can see the associated online feature here.

http://mattsonminimodular.com/

See the Ichabod and MMM labels below for more. You can find the full sized shot of Ichabod paying tribute to Devil's Tower here and a video here. Think, Close Encounters of the Third Kind, Philip Dodds, and the ARP 2500. This image was taken on route to delivery of Ichabod.

Moon Modular 569 Quad Sequential Voltage Source

via this Noisebug auction

"The module format follows industry standard (synthesizers.com/Moog/Curetronic/Mos-Lab etc.)

Module Size: 6 unit space

Modules work with supply voltages of -12...-15 Volts/+12...+15 Volts

Two power connectors are on-board (synthesizers.com/Club of the Knobs),
Threshold voltage of the trigger inputs is +1 Volt.

The modules are ready to be used: insert the module, connect the power plug,
attach with a couple of screws and the fun starts...

The last analog sequencer you'll ever need...

The M569 is an analog step-sequencer with up to 32 positions, arranged in four rows.
Each row can be controlled absolutely independent from each other, so that the user has practically up to four separate sequencers at his disposal, each with its own clock - and reset-input jacks, and - at the same time - different running directions (up, down, random, and "ping-pong").
In addition the control voltage outputs can be switched between three ranges (2V, 5V, 10V, with the 2V and 5V ranges supplying a (to 1/12 V) quantized output voltage.
Each step position has its own "step-mode" - switch to toggle the gate signal of the respective step position on or off.
In the "Function" position it (again separately for the four rows) can defined as skip, reset or stop-command.

The sequencer modes in detail:
1x32
All four rows run in series to achieve sequences of up to 32 steps; only "Reset Input "1 and "Shift Input 1" are active then; as well as the switches "Direction 1", "Range 1" and "Function 1".
With the "Direction" switch 2 in the "Down" or "Random" position the "ping-pong" mode (up-down) is activated. All four gate and voltage outputs supply an identical output signal.

2x16
Rows 1 and 2 run in series, as well as rows 3 and 4 (1 & 2 and 3 & 4 in parallel), so up to 16 steps divided in two sequences are possible here.
"Reset Input" 1 & 3 and "Shift Input" 1 & 3 are active, just as the switches "Direction" 1 & 3, "Range" 1 & 3 and "Function" 1 & 3.
With "Direction" switches 2 resp. 4 in position
"Down" or "Random", the "ping-pong" mode (up-down) is activated.
The gate outputs 1 & 2, 3 & 4 and the control voltage outputs 1 & 2, 3 & 4 supply each identical signals.

4x8
All four rows 1, 2, 3 & 4 run in parallel and independently from each other, all inputs, switches and jacks act separately, the four outputs deliver their own signal each. This is the "four sequencers in one" mode.

2x8-8
Sort of "preset-subset" of the 4x8 mode.
All four sequencer-rows run always in parallel and in step, controlled by one common pair of shift and reset commands, just like a "four-channel-sequencer".

1x16-16
Another "preset-subset", this time derived from the 2x16 mode.
The sequencer-rows 1/2 und 3/4 run always in parallel and in step, controlled by two common pairs of shift and reset commands, just like a 16 step "two-channel sequencer" - think 'stereo'."

Moog Source .Brand new membrane.New wood.

via this auction

"This source has a brand new membrane panel which works perfectly and should continue to do so for the lifetime of the synth. All the other blue bits are new too. In addition to this the wood below and by the sides of the keyboard is new it is of a far higer quality fit and finish than the original item. Inevitably the end cheeks are of a very slightly different hue, it doesn't bother me or anyone else who has seen it."

Moog Source for sale

YouTube via spaceboyjosh — April 13, 2010 — "Currently for sale on eBay. First I show that all the keys work, then a play around with a few programs and the arpeggiator function."
Moog Source on Ebay - not sure which is the one in this vid.

iHolophone (new app) hands-on

YouTube via AmidioInc — April 13, 2010 — http://amidio.com/iHolophone
iHolophone on iTunes:

Akai EWI 1000 + EWI 2000 breath control synthesizer SN 30175-00303

via this auction

"This is a great breath controlled synthesizer from the 80's, made famous by saxophonists such as Michael Brecker."

CLICK FOR MORE »

Prophet 5 Rev 3

via this auction

AKAI X7000 Vintage Synth

via this auction

"Akai X7000 sampling keyboard in great condition... It comes with original manual, a carrying case, and the floppy discs shown. The floppy drive still has the travel insert, which you stick in the drive when transporting."

CLICK FOR MORE »

Roland System 100 Model 101 SN 693696

via this auction

"The System 100 is a great and classic analog synth! It's a beautiful semi-modular monophonic synth consisting of 5 module components (pictures 1 & 2): the Synthesizer 101, Expander 102, Mixer 103, Sequencer 104, and Monitor Speakers 109. What is for sale here is the Synthesizer 101 section (pictures 3,4,& 5) It is the heart of the system from which you could add-on any of the other modules of your choice."

CLICK FOR MORE »

Yamaha Centennial DX7

via Vemia

"Fantastic condition, extraordinarily rare 76-note version of the best-sounding DX7 (the II FD), with gold-coloured buttons and fluorescent keys. One of a tiny limited edition (100 examples only worldwide??) produced to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Yamaha. Loads of extras, too. One owner, Ben van der Linden, who used this synth to back Audrey Hepburn at a charity Gala, and will give written provenance. Including:- Grey Matter Response E!-2 memory-expansion (256 Voices, 128 Performances), new back-up battery, flightcase, Yamaha music-stand, Yamaha FC sustain pedal, Yamaha Breath Controller BC2, Yamaha cartridge-adaptor ADP1, Yamaha RAM cartridge; Red Planet double-sided data cartridge, containing original Yamaha bank 2A and a special bank from Dave Bristow; Yamaha RAM4 cartridge; Symphony 128 RAM cartridge (4 x 32); floppies, including Demo E! ; all manuals; Book: “E! Update for the Yamaha DX7II” (Steve Preskitt); Opcode DX/TX Editor/Librarian v.4.02 and v.4.03. In the Netherlands, but collection and delivery in north-western Europe and most of the UK is possible by VEMIA at a reasonable rate."

Digital Keyboards (DK) Synergy

via Vemia
"Rare and interesting early multi-timbral digital machine with a sound of its own, and some revolutionary features for when it was released (1982), including a simple and effective four-track sequencer. With a cartridge giving 24 additional sounds, and what looks like the original user manual - Xeroxed but we think original. Cosmetically it is not brilliant - the case has some minor damage, and the lacquer has been dulled in places, for instance above the keyboard underneath the voice selector switches. The fans in these machines tend to get noisy (and even create some static in the audio on powering up), so this one now has a new fan. 220V, but can be changed to 110V operation simply by a tech. With its long, good quality keyboard, this is a pleasure to play."

Magnificent R.A. Moog modular (60s)

via Vemia

"One of the five or so most important items we have ever had in VEMIA: a large R.A. Moog modular hand-made for one client in stages from 1968-1970, in excellent condition and complete working order. This wonderful instrument is being serviced and renovated by Stephen Masucci, one of the very top Moog restorers, as recommended by Dr Thomas Rhea of Moog fame. The current photos were taken before that renovation, and it will be even more beautiful once Stephen has finished with it. It will also sound superb, with its early 901 oscillators etc., etc.. It consists of four beautiful original cabinets, a superb pair of original keyboards, and what could well be unique: a fixed-filter-bank switching device which has all the hallmarks of a Bob Moog one-off. The modules are:- (3) 901 Voltage Controlled Oscillators (1) 901 A Oscillator Controller (4) 901 B Oscillators (3) 902 Voltage Controlled Amplifiers (1) 903 White Sound Source (2) 904 A Voltage Controlled Low Pass Filters (1) 904 B Voltage Controlled High Pass Filter (1) 904 C Filter Coupler (2) 905 Reverberation Units (1) 905 B Scale Programmer (1) 907 Fixed Filter Bank with in/out switch for each filter (1) 910 Power supply circa 1974 (3) 911 Envelope Generators (1) 911 A Dual Trigger Delay (1) 912 Envelope Follower (2) 950 Stacked Keyboards (1) 960 Sequential Controller (1) 961 Sequencer Interface (1) 962 Sequential Switch (1) 4 Input active line level mixer with click filter (1) 4 Input passive line level mixer with low & high pass filters (1) Various patch points including trunk lines and 4 sets of multiples The last two digits of module serial numbers have been removed in the photos because the owner values his privacy. Remember the photos were taken before the roughly $5000 Stephen Masucci restoration. We have asked Mr Masucci for a written appraisal of this instrument, including its condition and the reason why it is important in Moog history - to follow, I hope. The instrument will be packed and shipped from his workshop, so this will be done by someone with much experience of shipping instruments of this size, weight, and quality (including Dr Rhea's own modular). **The restoration is going well as of 13/4/10, but because of Stephen's other commitments for the rest of the month the likely completion date is not till May 7. That will give the winning bidder a few more days to complete the payment.** **If it is bought by someone outside the USA there may be tax / duty to pay by the importer. In the UK, for instance, there would currently be duty at around 3.2% and VAT at 17.5%.**"

M3 (emthree) Mini Synthy (T.Danko)

via Vemia

"Another incredibly rare device. I know of two or three of these in the world, but presumably there are more like 100 - it looks quite professionally done, and not at all a bodged hand-made thing. By T. Danko - either the Ukrainian freestyle wrestler or perhaps more likely Tomas Danko, a musician / sound designer from Sweden. Basically a double octave splitter / waveshaper... with a hard/soft switch which might be better labelled very hard / hard. Not for the faint-hearted."

Roland System 100 (Model 101 + Expander 102 + Sequencer 104)

YouTube via vincentfries — April 13, 2010 — Awesome Synthesizer & Sequencer

4WAY TENORI TEA PARTY Quartet!

YouTube via VJFranzK — April 13, 2010 — "FOUR Tenori style instruments all share a jam (and toast?) at this Mad Tea Party of ambient bleeps and toots.

It could have been "a battle", but it turned out more like a friendly party. ;-)"

euphonix_nab.mov

YouTube via RockoNCompany — April 13, 2010 — NAB2010 Las Vegas

EMS Synthi AKS Videos

EMS Synthi AKS inverter mod and ring modulator.wmv

YouTue via ofiroman123 — April 13, 2010 — "the ring modulator inverted and then feed again into ring mod with osc.2 to the filter.
the joystick controls osc.2 frequency.
this synthi will be on auction on "vemia" http://www.spheremusic.com/
from 24/4 till 1/5 2010
more info here:
http://noisedesign.blogspot.com/2010/..."

EMS Synthi AKS inverter mod 1.wmv

"the ring modulator inverted and then feed again into ring mod with osc.2 and osc.1 to the filter. the joystick controls osc.2 frequency."

EMS Synthi AKS inverter mod 2.wmv

"the ring modulator inverted and then feed again into ring mod with osc.2 and osc.1 to the filter. the joystick controls osc.2 frequency."

EMS Synthi AKS inverter mod 3.wmv

"the ring modulator inverted and then feed again into ring mod with osc.2 and osc.1 and envelope signal to the filter. the joystick controls osc.2 frequency."

MxNM LE in Action

YouTube via jtproctor — April 12, 2010 — "MxNM LE (for Mix N Match MIDI Live Edition) was designed to bring wireless touchscreen control to Ableton Live. It does so by sending industry standard MIDI control change messages over a local WiFI network, therefore it can be used with many other popular audio and MIDI applications as well with minimal configuration. MxNM LE offers a total of 135 buttons, pads, and sliders, making it a perfect companion for your laptop to perform and produce computer music."

Folktek Bug and Lamp

via the Folktek Arts blog

"Lamp I created from odd bulbs I found in some old photographic equipment in a dumpster and mounted to an old oak display. Bulbs glow very pleasing violet color."


"The latest bug here, housed in antique wooden volt-meter. Features 12 point magnetic patchbay and a patchable knobs. Endless sound possibilities here, really! Nice portable design."

Folktek on Ebay

Korg Poly-800

Mutant Montybykhoral

More pics and the full review on Khoral's Cafe 80.