MATRIXSYNTH: Monday, May 10, 2010


Monday, May 10, 2010

RS95 VCO Reaktor Emulation


YouTube via t0nmontana — May 10, 2010 — "Just having a bit of fun modulating the symmetry and duty cycle of this here triangle wave."
some additional info via Gregtronic:
"I made a fun little patch in Reaktor that emulates the RS95 or EMS style VCO. Here's a video of me having a little fun modulating the Symmetry and Duty Cycle. It doesn't sound all that great, but it's fun to watch the waves dance!"

5.25.10 Space Gallery Show


flickr by James & Evander

Darth Vader sports a Moog Liberation.

Rare 1984 Casio KX-101 boombox keyboard


YouTube via Fingermush — May 05, 2010 —

"This is a very short demo, of a rare Casio boombox. My camera doesn't do this thing justice. The drums & some of the tones are really cool."


via this auction

"main features:
* 37 mini keys
* 12 key buttons + 11 select buttons for direct selectable single finger chords
* 2 detachable 2-way loudspeaker boxes (with some bass, tweeter is slightly hissy)
* main voice polyphony 4 notes (only 1 in unison mode)
* 9 preset sounds {piano 1..3, harpsichord, organ, clarinet, flute, horn, mellow}
* 12 preset rhythms {waltz, ballad, swing, enka, 16beat, rock-1..3, disco-1..2, bossa nova, samba}
* preset sounds, rhythms & sequencer note lengths selected through keyboard keys
* cipher buttons {'0'..'9', 'set', 'c'} (only used by tape deck?)
* main volume slider
* treble & stereo balance sliders
* separate volume sliders for poly (keyboard main voice), mono, chord, arpeggio, rhythm, mixing microphone
* stereo/ mono switch
* tempo +/- buttons (57 steps, most are slow)
* transpose +/- buttons (13 semitone steps)
* arpeggio
* detuned chorus mode (called "unison", monophonic)
* 3 rhythm fill-in buttons
* complex sequencer (473 steps, polyphonic with edit features, saves music files on audio cassette)
* 2 "one key play" buttons (to play or edit sequencer contents note by note)
* semi- analogue sound generator similar like Casio VL-1; the digital envelopes (with audible zipper noise) are linear and thus sounds unrealistic because they fade silent too soon. Unlike the latter it is 4 note polyphonic and alternatingly assigns notes to both stereo channels. Chord voice is 4 note polyphonic with fixed timbre like Casio PT-30 but has an optional arpeggio voice. Analogue percussion corresponds to PT-30.
* very complex multi- chip hardware:
o CPU1= "NEC D1868G 006, 8348XK, Japan" (80 pin SMD)
o CPU2= "NEC D1879G 002, 8343XK, Japan" (80 pin SMD)
o 2x SRAM= "HD C, 61914, 4F, 23" (44 pin SMD)
o tape drive CPU?= "Toshiba TC4514BP, 8418H, Japan" (24 pin DIL)
o IC "LB1405, 4A3" (16 pin DIL)
o tuner IC "441, A04" (16(?) pin DIL)
o big hybrid "K4F25S, 46311"
* radio tuner:
o FM stereo, MW, LW
o analogue scale with tuning knob
o telescope & ferrite antenna
o nice sound
* digital controlled cassette deck:
o "computer play" drive control buttons {space search, rec return, repeat, single, program, shuffle, intro, JP}
o direct title select through cipher buttons
o tape sorts switch {normal, CrO2, metal}
o tape counter (mechanical)
o record mute button (records a pause)
o datasette function to save & load sequencer data
o 2 integrated microphones
o has no dolby, sounds bassless
o fails by hardening rubber parts
* level meter (7 LED row with only 5 steps, mono)
* timer switch (to be used with an external mains timer to play or record)
* RAM-Pack slot (for optional Casio RA-10 module that expands sequencer memory to 985 steps)
* tuning trimmer (+/- 30cent)
* auto- power off (in keyboard mode)
* jacks for mains cable, speakers, line out, phones, line in, microphones, mixing microphone"

Catgirl Synth Burst Generator - MOTM Format


via this auction

"Designed by Ken Stone of Cat Girl Synth.
This module is a rhythm and timing accessory. It generates a burst of gate or trigger pulses at various speeds as set from a front panel control.

At higher speeds it can be used for washboard, maracas or similar rapid-burst percussive effects when connected to the appropriate sound generating device such as a ringing oscillator. At lower speeds it can be used to step a sequencer a certain number of steps or retrigger an envelope shaper. The output pulses are quite narrow when the specified component values are used, and would best be described as trigger pulses in synths that distinguish gates from triggers. Increasing some component values will give longer gate like pulses.

Just a few of the ways in which it could be used; It can be used alone or cascaded with other burst generators. When cascaded, it could form the basis of a weird rhythm/timing generator. It could be used to step your sequencer through so many notes each down-beat. Fed to the modulation input of a VCO either directly or via an envelope shaper, it will cause a trill at the beginning of each note. It can use either its internal synchronized clock, or an external clock. It can be configured to be retriggerable or not, in which case the event in progress is concluded before it will respond to another.
(taken from www.cgs.synth.net)"

ROLAND MPU-101 MIDI-CV INTERFACE

via this auction

"This unit lets you use an older synth without midi within a midi environment. It converts midi signals into CV input signal for analog synths so that you can use vintage and/or analog synths in your midi setup. This unit can handle up to 4 analog synths. 16 midi channels, Midi In/Out/Thru, Mono/2Voice/3Voice/4Voice/Special. Each of the 4 outputs send CV, Dynamics, and Gate, from midi to 4 synths and then there's also Bender, Modulation, After Touch, and Volume available.

If you care about the tech details, visit this page to learn more."

This one sold for: US $211.59


circuit bent e-mu mp7 command station by spunkytoofers

It looks like the circuit bent command station in this video is now up for auction here.

"-circuit bent with freely routeable 24 point rotary patchbay for the maximum in flexibility.

-points were carefully researched and arranged in order of harmonics whenever possible. very intuitive interface.

-chrome chickenhead knobs

-heavy duty toggles activates rotary patchbay connections

-db25 connector added- adds the option of expanding the e-mu commandstation units with the spunkytoofers mm1 midi module.

connector supplies power to the mm1 as well as allows circuit bending over midi via added midi circuitry.

all spunkytoofers instruments are now all compatible with mm1.

mm1 is sold seperately.

-unit is expandable with up to 3 more e-mu rom cards

-2 blue jewel lenses with bright blue lighting

-solid build and and quality components used throughout

-unit in superb shape. all functions work perfectly.

very light cosmetic scuffs but not very noticeable. unit was cleaned throughly after assembly.

don't have a way to check the optical output but should be fine.

-comes with power cord, bend diagram, and original owners manual

-support and warranty work covered for modifications

the e-mu command stations are perfect companions for the mm1 for a centerpiece for modular circuit bending over midi. there is no better way to sequence all your circuit bent devices than starting with one of the most powerful hardware sequencers ever made. modular sequencing and circuit bending is all possible through the e-mu command stations. the internal synthesizer in the command station is truly a powerful synthesizer and practically all waveforms within respond to the pressures of circuit bending. there are complex filters onboard and can virtually create any kind of circuit bent sound so long as you can picture it in your head. want a circuit bent speak and spell looping sound in one of the 32 sequencer tracks available? no problem. bend vocal roms applied with formant filters and will sound like a bent speak and spell. it does a whole lot more and covers alot of sonic territory within the onboad circuit bent synthesizer. the synthesizer sports a huge modulation matrix both in synthesis and circuit bending.

simple drum patterns are reconfigured rhythmically, tonally, and you can shape the circuit bent sounds any way you like with the powerful proteus 2000 synth engine onboard. 128 voices of sequenced mayhem is possible on this device. you can also add your controllers on top of the sequencer to any of the 16 voice parts. in addition to onboard sequencing you can sequence outboard midi gear. this makes it perfect companions with any spunkytoofers instruments with midi since they can integrate seamlessly.

the video below is a circuit bent e-mu mp7 and xl7 demonstration. both units are identically the same except they have different sound sets with the option to expand sound sets with rom simms. they both feature breakouts for spunkytoofers mm1 midi module expansion for modular circuit bending over midi.

1st demo [previously posted] is one pattern being mangled manual with a rotary patchbay

2nd demo [previously posted] is a midi multi-setup on the command station with setups for akai ewi wind controller, akai mpk25 keyboard and sequenced drones being interjected sporadically. all sounds are arbitrarily circuit bent throughout the demo via midi. the command station itself is used over midi to trigger it's own bends."

acid like its 1989 - Muzik 4 machines on rebirth


YouTube via muzik4machines — May 10, 2010 — "dl - Captured Live on Ustream at http://www.ustream.tv/chann..."

Rebirth on iTunes:
ReBirth

iPad prices on Ebay
iPhones on Ebay

AtariJazzConsole-Version2-Video3.AVI


YouTube via dolphinicus — May 10, 2010 — "This is the 1st video of the AJC V2, mounted into it's new panel. Now, all 3 voices are working properly. The unit has only the 3 Voices and 3 Modulators connected still, but the sonic variety available already - could scare your parents away, lickety-split! LOL. I hope you enjoy this one. The next video will have another module on the panel functioning as well."

AtariJazzConsole-Version2-video2.AVI

video 1 here

The New Tiptop Audio Z3000 MK2

via Gur of Tiptop Audio. Note this was also posted on the Muff forum:
"The new Z3000 uses the same electronic circuit the Mk1 uses, its basically the same VCO. The main difference in sound is the added VC waveshaper, that one obviously adds a lot to the sound character of the Z3000 Mk2. The waveshaper modulates the symmetry of both the Sine and Triangular waves simultaneously, but with a CVs at about +/-5V it goes way beyond symmetry and into just a kind of strange saw type of shapes.

The back of the module is very different, the pcb aligns flat with the panel, the entire circuit was squeezed in between the pots and jacks using all tiny SMT parts, it's small, compact, and feels real good in hand. One of the benefits of using modern parts is that I could get even better performance of the octave tracking.

The top frequency of the Mk2 can reach higher, 30kHz in compare to 22kHz on the Mk1 one. You can still get to 30kHz on the Mk1 one if you set the knobs to max and also patch a positive CV signal into on of the Log FM inputs. 30kHz is way above the human hearing but it makes great sense for using with the Z-DSP clock input, that's why we do it.

The fine tune knob is set to sweep a smaller range and as a result makes it easier to dial in a specific frequency. The frequency counter is exactly the same as in the Mk1, no changes in software or hardware.

With the Mk2 we switched from Cliff jacks. That was actually the main reason for the redesign of the module.

The new display is a soft blue. It wont burn your eyes, and it will make your girl go This is fun!

The Mk1 still has a slightly better temperature stability, but the difference is so small that its hardly worth mentioning it.

It's impossible to upgrade a Mk1 into a Mk2, the hardware is made totally different and I don't think I would have recommend any one to do that even if it was possible, the Z3000 Mk1 is a VCO that stands for its own.

The good news is that the Z3000 Mk2 will maintain the same price and not go higher. If production goes well then the first run will be available from our distributors in about 4 weeks."

Promo Video for the 4th V-Accordion Festival


YouTube via RolandChannel — May 10, 2010 — http://www.roland.com/produ..."

Synth Pop Art

via these auctions

Roland Jupiter-8 here
Yamaha DX7 here

1979 BCD Technologies Guitar Synth Ad


via Retro Synth Ads where you'll find the full write-up.

"A new company has entered the guitar synthesizer/processor market, BCD Technology, Inc. (285 K Sobrante Way, SunnyVale, CA, 94608 - tel (408) 739 2880). Their product, the NEBULA, makes extensive use of the SSM chips designed by Dave Rossum and Ron Dow. The guitar signal is processed directly (no hex pickup, no PVC) and is modified by way of: an input processor (consists of compressor, fuzz, and octave divider/multiplier), a VCF, a VCA, envelop generators, and a parametric equalizer. List price is $795 + options"

Color a Sound - Projector Based Sequencer

Color a Sound from blair neal on Vimeo.


"A demo/walkthrough of my installation entitled 'Color a Sound' which was set up at RPI's West Hall Gallery 111 for the month of April 2010.

There are two previous videos of when I first developed this from a couple years ago as well, but they only show the point of view of the analysis camera and not the device itself.

If you're curious, videos are available here: vimeo.com/953967
vimeo.com/866382

Would love to install this again...and if anyone wants the ugly max patch, send me a message"

Partner instruments for Ableton Live


YouTube via AbletonInc — April 19, 2010 — "A new range of exquisite instruments, custom-made for Live by our favorite sound partners. The instruments are perfectly integrated into Live and the range of sounds available is highly diverse. All partner instruments work with Suite 8, Live 8 or Live Intro, and many of them are exclusive to Ableton Live."

circuit bent e-mu command station


YouTube via spunkytoofers — May 10, 2010 — "spunkytoofers sequenthesizer: circuit bent e-mu mp7 and xl7 demonstration. both units are identically the same except they have different sound sets with the option to expand sound sets with rom simms. they both feature breakouts for spunkytoofers mm1 midi module expansion for modular circuit bending over midi.

1st demo is one pattern being mangled manual with a rotary patchbay

2nd demo is a midi multi-setup on the command station with setups for akai ewi, akai mpk25 and sequenced drones. all sounds are randomly circuit bent throughout via midi. the command station itself is used over midi to trigger it's own bends.

for more information: http://www.spunkytoofers.com"

Drumaxx Tutorials - Chapter Six - Eight Pattern Sequencer Parts

See the update in this post.

Harpsitron programming


YouTube via zioaxiom — May 10, 2010 — "Note: this is a work in progress.

The Harpsitron is an acoustic emulation of an harpsichord by subtractive synthesis. This instrument has been synthesized and, then, sampled in order to get better polyphony and other enhancements. This video shows new improvements of the sound.

www.progsounds.com
www.lucacapozzi.com"

A Critique on Eurorack Format Modulars

The following is from David Kronemyer (Sentience Studio). Note this pertains to Doepfer rack enclosures and not cases like those provided by Monorocket which support both Doepfer and ASys style power connectors. Feel free to comment.

"There’s a semi-not-obvious issue with the now-popular Eurorack format, which is that while the modules may be economically-priced, the racks are expensive. And while they are amazing, many of the newer modules no longer are so economically priced. Doepfer’s dealer in the U.S. is Analogue Haven/Shawn Cleary. Shawn sells Doepfer Euroracks for $530 + shipping (approximately $35) + California’s confiscatory 9.75% sales tax (if you live in California, at least). This pushes to $620 per rack. If one has 10 modules in a rack (which seems to be about the average width), this adds an extra $62 to the cost of each module. Compare: a set of MOTM rails, which will accommodate 10 single-width modules, is $54 + shipping; a set of synthesizers.com rails, which will accommodate eight single-width modules, is $65 + shipping; and a set of Blacet (frac rack) rails, which will accommodate five double-width modules, is $79 + shipping. Even if you double these to reach the same average module density as a Eurorack, you’re still at about 25% of the cost.

Please understand I’m not bagging on Shawn or saying the Eurorack isn’t worth it. In fact we have about a dozen of them! It’s a highly specialized business and I’m sure Shawn’s margins are really thin. I’m just making an observation about relative cost. Also, there are less expensive alternatives. For example, Monorocket (also available through Analogue Haven) makes a portable case for $350 (though it’s not a rack mount).

There’s another problem with Euroracks, which is the power supply. While the buss board offers +5 VDC, all Doepfer power supplies now are +12/–12 VDC. If you want +5 VDC – a necessity for many modules from Analogue Solutions, for example – you’re out of luck. Doepfer makes a little thingy that converts +12VDC to +5VDC. While we’ve never tried it, the picture on Doepfer’s site makes it look not all that sturdy, capable of handling one or two modules at most. On top of that the Doepfer power supply is 1200 mA, which leaves little head-room. Doepfer used to make a power supply with only half that much! As a general principle, the more head-room, the better the sound.

We are very careful with module count, correct polarity, etc. However, mysteriously, the –12 VDC on one of our Doepfer power supplies recently disappeared. The +12 VDC was just fine, as were the buss boards. We realized we were exhausted by this tomfoolery and decided to install our own power supply, which also would provide +5 VDC. Power One makes a high-quality linear power supply, sold by DigiKey (Part No. 179-2317-ND). It gives +12 VDC, –12 VDC and +5 VDC, all in one convenient unit. So we removed the now-deceased Doepfer power supply and installed this one instead.

This power supply is way overkill for the rack. As you can see the Alcatel connectors also are ludicrously huge for this application. The only reason why we used them, and the heavy-gauge wire, is because we had them lying around from a previous project. It was a happy moment to see all of the LEDs on the Doepfer buss rail light up. We are eyeing our other Doepfer racks guardedly.

WARNING – do not try this at home unless you know what you’re doing!"

Update: two shots of David Kronemyer's Sentience Studio.

Be sure to see the comments of this post for further discussion.

Analogue Modular Synthesizer Dual VCF BY SMS

via this auction

"Dual Voltage Controlled Filter by Synthetic Music Systems.

Perfect cosmetic and performance condition.

Two independent Voltage Controlled Filters in a single 1u 19" rack space.

The unit has its own built in PSU and is switchable 230/115 AC.

Directly compatible with all classic and modern synthesizers using the industry standard 1V/OCT 3.5 mm patching system.

VCF 1 is the classic 24 db/Octave Low Pass Transistor Ladder Filter based on the awesome design by the great Bob Moog.
Silky smooth and very natural but very electronic at high Res settings.

VCF 2 is another classic 12db/Octave Multi Mode Filter designed around Dual Transconductors with simultaneous Low High Band and Notch outputs.

Each VCF has a dedicated 1V/OCT input, bi-polar input for frequency modulation and two audio inputs.

[the seller] will be listing further SMS equipment Dual VCO Dual Envelope Multi Module Complete 5 Module System MARS PLANET 7 System."

CASIO FZ-20M digital sampling synthesizer module


via this auction

Not the best shots, but this appears to be the first post on an FZ-20M.

"The FZ-20m is an eight voice, monotimbral digital synthesizer/sampler rack (3U) with flexible I/O (2 inputs, mix output, 8 individual outputs, MIDI, RS232, SCSI). Waveforms can be sampled (16b, 9/18/36kHz, 64 sample points, 2MB memory), additive (48 harmonics), hand drawn (similar to Korg DSS-1) or preset (6 waves available). Sample editing includes 2 loops, reverse, mix, cross mix. Resonant, low pass digital filter and digital amplifier are controlled by 8 stage envelope generators, LFO and velocity/aftertouch. Patch memory contains 8 user locations (also has 3.5" DSHD disk drive).

key features
1. Aftertouch: Modifies LFO and EGs
2. Architecture Class: additive subtractive sampler
3. Audio IO: Headphones, 2 audio inputs 8 individual, TRS and XLR mix
4. Audio Source: The waveform can be a sample, an additive wave (48 harmonics), hand drawn (similar to Korg DSS-1), or a preset wave (i.e. random, pulse, saw, square, double sine, saw/pulse). Samples are 16 bit (9, 18, 36kHz) with up to 64 sample points. Sample editing includes 2 loops, reverse, mix, cross mix.
5. Communication Interface: MIDI In, Out, Thru, 25 pin RS232 communication port SCSI
6. Effects: None
7. EG: Dedicated, 8 stage EG's modify DCF and DCA
8. Expansion: 3.5" 2HD Disk drive
9. Filter: Resonant, low pass
10. Form Factor: 3U rack
11. Key Scaling: Switch samples and modify EGs rate/level
12. LFO: Modifies pitch, amplitude, or filter level. Waveforms include up saw, down saw, random, sine, square and triangle. LFO also features delay and key sync"

Bumssss DrumSynth


Bumssss DrumSynth from Leaf Audio on Vimeo.


"This is the Bumsss DrumSynth you can build in our workshops. It is triggered by hitting the box or using external signals. Bumssss is analogue and monophonic.
Check out leaf-audio.com for dates and info."

DIY NOISE DIVIDER SYNTH

via this auction

"The Noise Divider is a handmade Synth. It includes 4 squarewave oscillators and a tremolo-lfo. It makes nice, noisy sounds."

via DIY Synth where you'll find more projects.



Noise Divider - Sample A (standalone)byfeedtheoctopus666

Casio Casiotone MT-400v Synthesizer


via this auction

"CASIO MT-400v Analog Synthesizer. Crazy little synth this one. And not that easy to come by. Essentially Casio took one of their MT keyboards and added an analog filter section to it. It sounds great. You can patch the tones, the rhythms or the accompaniment section through it or use it to generate a blast of filtered white noise (triggered on every kick drum beat). And you can find lots of information about the synth (along with its larger brother) here"

Korg MS2000 demo 1


YouTube via RanKirlian — May 10, 2010 — "Recently sold this great synth, but I've recorded some preset tweaking and sequence demos before sending. Part 1 of 2."

Korg MS2000 demo 2

Rytmik DSiWare Teaser


YouTube via CINEMAXGAMES — April 02, 2010 — "http://rytmik.cinemax.cz/

Rytmik for Nintendo DSi Pocket music station

Rytmik is an application for creating rhythmical and melodic themes and for composing whole songs. Its user interface blends the fast and well-arranged interface of classic drum machines with flexible pattern interface of popular trackers and with modern sound library. It contains more than 170 carefully selected sound samples of drums, cymbals, percussions and bass and melodic instruments."

Pauk Monome Videos


Mouth from Pauk on Vimeo.

Mouth from Pauk on Vimeo.
"Mouth
my song for the MCRP v5
in monome: pages with molar
all loops made in ableton
in molar:
row 1: raja sample
row 2: antiphon sample
row 3: jazzgasm sample
row 4: raja sample
row 5: pirxthepilotsample
row 6: thesuperorganism sample
row 7: thesuperorganism sample
row 8: henders sample
row 9: pirxthepilot sample
row 10: pirxthepilot sample
row 11: raja sample
row 12: joels sample
row 13: raja sample
row 14: brian w sample
row 15: raja sample"

KORG monotron / first impression


YouTube via yasushik1977 — April 09, 2010 — "KORG monotronを一瞬お借りできたので、30分で撮って3分にまとめた動画を作ってみました。これで定価¥6,300 (電池付) MS-20と同じVCF回路を搭載。VCOのピッチやLFO周波数の可変範囲が非常に広く、かつ滑らかで極太なのが素晴らしい。http://www.korg.co.jp/

最初の素の音を紹介しているあたりが、圧縮の関係でザラザラしておりますが、実際にはもっと滑らかな音です。"

Googlish:
"yasushik1977 - April 09, 2010 - KORG monotron moment, so we borrowed a video I made at summarized in three minutes took 30 minutes. This price ¥ 6,300 (with battery) MS-20 VCF same circuit. LFO VCO pitch and variable frequency range is very wide, a great thick and smooth. http://www.korg.co.jp/

The sound of each element is first introduced, we have a rough relationship with the compressed sound is actually more smooth."

Bernie with EMS SYNTHIs at EK Lounge #25

Two images via two sets on Aliens Project here and here. Note one of the SYNTHIs is the REHBERG LOGIK Synthesizer.

Blue Alesis Microns at EK-Lounge #35


via Aliens Project where you will find more images of the event.

CASIO CZ-3000 SYNTHESIZER with Backlit Display

via this auction

"PRISTINE CASIO CZ 3000 WITH SOME PIMPAGE. I UPGRADED THE LCD TO A BACKLIT BLUE LANTERN ONE. THERE IS NOTHING WRONG WITH THIS. EACH KEY WORKS AND THERE ARE NO CRACKED KEYS. I LITERALLY TOOK IT APART AND WASHED THE BUTTONS AND FULLY RESTORED THE BEAST ABOUT A YEAR AGO."




Nord Modular Synthesizer

via this auction

Grey ROLAND SH-101

via this auction

"MONO ANALOGUE SYNTHESIZER WITH GRIP"



ARP 2600 Modular Analog Synthesizer w/ 3620 Keyboard

via this auction
"ARP 2601 v.2 1979 Modular Analog Synthesizer with 3620 Biphonic Keyboard This Vintage ARP 2601 v.2 is the latest available model of the ARP synthesizer and benefits from most of the factory’s improvements on the mechanical and functional issues. The 3620 keyboard is the most functional and lively ARP keyboard. In 1985, this actual machine has been optimized and adapted to meet high studio specifications, at Montreal, by a McIntosh Laboratories Certified Technician." inside an ARP 2600

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