Wednesday, February 28, 2007
Apple Patents New Synthesizer Method
Title link takes you to the patent. Via Chip Collection.Some details:
"Music synthesizer generate audio tones. Many synthesizers generate their tones by using one or more oscillators. It is very common to use several oscillators in a single synthesizer voice but with at least one oscillator detuned. That is to say, that oscillator is oscillating at a slightly different frequency to at least one other oscillator. As a consequence of interference, this results in a periodically changing resulting signal due to the varying phase difference between them.
When there are two slightly detuned sine waves, the resulting signal is perceived as a single sine wave with a sinusoidal amplitude modulation varying with frequency. The frequency of this amplitude modulation is called the "beat frequency".
More often than not, there are two detuned oscillators producing more complex waveforms. Complex waveforms include waveforms in shapes which differ more or less from a perfect sine wave, e.g. a sawtooth or rectangular wave and can be decomposed into a sum of harmonic sine waves (the overtones or partial frequencies). The resulting interference from such complex waveforms is not a simple amplitude modulation but a complex timbre variation. This is because each pair of harmonic overtones has to be treated separately. However, the timbre variation when mixing two slightly detuned oscillators is still periodic with a beat frequency. Moreover, that beat frequency is equal to the difference between the two frequencies of the mixed detuned oscillators.
Synthesizer oscillators are usually tuned in a chromatic scale that consists of equal semitone intervals. An interval is defined by a certain frequency ratio between two tones. Twelve semitone interval steps result in an octave interval which is defined as a frequency ratio of 2:1. Hence, each semitone is the twelfth root of 2 or approximately 1.06. A semitone can be further divided into cents. A cent is one hundredth of a semitone. Thus, one cent is a 1200th root of 2 or approximately 1.0006.
In the prior art, synthesizer oscillators have been detuned by setting a certain detune interval which was usually measured in cents. Due to the fact that the detune interval defines the ratio between the detuned frequency and the nominal frequency, the frequency deviation itself is proportional to the nominal frequency. For example, if the nominal oscillator frequency was 1000 Hz, then applying a detune interval of 10 cent (approx. 1.006) would result in a detuned oscillator frequency of 1006 Hz and a beat frequency of 6 Hz. However, with the same detune interval of 10 cent at the next octave, the nominal frequency would be 2000 Hz with the detuned oscillator frequency of 2012 Hz and a beat frequency of 12 Hz. Accordingly, at a given detune interval the detuned oscillator has a frequency deviation which is proportional to its nominal frequency. Hence, when mixing detuned oscillators, the resulting signal has a beat frequency which varies with the pitch and doubles with each octave.
In order to accommodate for this beat frequency, a compromise is reached but often such audio tones have a beat frequency which is relatively too slow at lower tones and too high at higher tones.
An aim of the present invention is to provide a music synthesizer whereby sounds are generated with an optimum beat across a large range of tones. "
Inside The Future Retro
Title link takes you to more shots of the Future Retro via shaft9000 in this VSE post. Shaft9000 gave me the go ahead to back them up as he will be taking the shots down in time. BTW do check out Shaft9000's AWT for music and more synth shots and info. There are some nice synths there.
How to Stream Audio over the Web
Title link takes you to a pdf on how Doktor Future set up Doktor Future's Radio Modular. Via this Matrixsynth forum thread.
ipMIDI
Now this could be interesting. Think community based interactive mega synths - we all interact with it via MIDI over the net."MIDI over Ethernet ports - send MIDI over your LAN.
You can route MIDI over your Ethernet network, using ipMIDI ports to send and receive MIDI data between PC's connected to your LAN. For example, if you have a music studio with several computers connected via MIDI interfaces and MIDI cables, ipMIDI will replace them all.
Any MIDI application on the LAN can communicate with any other without any new physical connections, eliminating separate MIDI cables and additional hardware interfaces and if you are running a wireless IP network (i.e. 802.11 a/b/g) you don’t need any cables at all! This is becoming more in demand, the ability to just establish a temporary local wireless network and hook in the PCs."
via sequencer.de
A Helitron and His Spectralis
Title link takes you to the MySpace page with tracks featuring nothing but the Radikal Technologies Spectralis. Audio quality on this one is superb.via this Matrixsynth Forum thread, where you will will discussion on the Spectralis along with a link by Moogulator to his Spectralis page with more info and samples.
Nova Aurora
YouTube via http://www.youtube.com/profile?user=gstraatman. Sent my way via Joe:
"It is the hit Aurora from the synth band Nova. It was a number 1 hit in the Netherlands in 1982. Rob Papen was a member of Nova: link. Same Rob Papen who helped developing Albino and Blue VST synths: link.
According to the dutch 'synthforum' this song was recorded with :
Korg Sigma (Lead en Bass)
Korg MS-10 en SQ-10 (sequences)
Korg MS-20 (Lead Panflutisch sound), effect sounds en other sounds
Diamond Strings (the strings at the beginning of the song)
Roland CR-78 for the drums"
Anyone know which one Rob is?
JanVanVolt's Synthesizer
Image of JanVanVolt's Digisound VCDO via the comments of this post. Title link takes you JanVanVolt's Synthesizer page with more.
KORG Polysix MIDI
Two options for KORG Polysix owners out there.Korg PolysixM (extensive and expensive) - $380 installed, $200 kit.
""Korg USA proudly announces the PS6-MRK MIDI Retrofit Kit for the Korg Poly-6 Synthesizer. Thanks to modern software/hardware technology, a great classic analog synthesizer, the Korg Poly-6, has now been upgraded with one of the most advanced and comprehensive MIDI Retrofits ever devised for a pre-MIDI synthesizer. With MIDI, your Poly-6 can now join the MIDI revolution, easily connecting with other MIDI synthesizers, expander modules, sequencers, drum machines, personal computers and more ... "
KORG Polysix MIDI (cheap and simple) - $70 installed
MIDI In only
KORG PolysixM pictured
Digisound 80-21
Click here for shots pulled via this auction.
Details:
"The Digisound 80-21 is a rare Voltage Controlled Digital Oscillator, and provides a very unusual sonic palette.
The Digisound 80 Modular Synthesizer was a (largely) kit-built synthesizer designed, primarily, by Charles Blakey who ran a small family-owned company called Digisound Ltd near Blackpool in northern England. Many of the early modules appeared as construction articles in two British electronics magazines - Electronics Today International (ETI) and Electronics & Music Maker (E&MM) in the early to mid 1980s.
The Project 80 series - a number of whose modules were based on the CEM (Curtis Electro Music Specialities) range of ICs - was not, however, his first collection of synthesizer modules. He had, previously, produced an early series (the Digisound 20000 series) based around the SSM (Solid State Microtechnology) range of ICs.
Here's a recent article from January 2000 about the Digisound modular written by Paul Nagle (a British composer of synth music and user of the Digisound synth) available in the internet archives of Sound-on-Sound magazine. To quote from Paul’s own web site "Great, smashing, super - this is an amazingly versatile, superb-sounding modular - full of character" - ‘nuff said!
All Digisound Synthesizer modules had a common package design, with modules interchangeable within the cabinet, common voltages, Input / Output impedances, etc. This made it quite simple to design a system, or change that system around if you desired a different configuration. The modules are compatible with the majority of the modular and performance synthesizers of the time, i.e. 1V/Octave exponential control voltage scaling, 0-10 Volt peak-to-peak control voltage ranges, and a regular gate trigger system.
I've been a big fan of Digisound Synthesizer modules since the late 70's, when I used to bug them and Aries Modular Systems for new catalogs! Over the years, I put together a large number of modules (along with Aries Modular, the USA equivalent).
This unit combines the flexibility of analogue voltage control with the clarity and realism of digitally generated waveforms. The design is fully compatible with existing synthesizer systems (1V/octave frequency control, 10V p-p output, linear and exponential modulation inputs) and offers the versatility of 32 different waveforms encoded as wavetables in the 2716 EPROM. A particular waveform can be selected with push button switches using a simple incremental system or a combination of a push button switch and suitable electronic pulses to the input. The useful audio range is 30Hz to 10kHz.
Much more great information can be found at Dave's Digisound Page."
E-Mu Ring Mod
No title link. Just the two shots and details pulled via this auction.Details:
"Up for bid, a 2430 Ring Modulator vintage analog synthesizer module by E-mu. PCBs are date coded 1974. Info on the E-mu modular can be found at emulatorarchive.com - also the following info is copied from the official E-mu literature from the 1970's:
The Eµ 2430 Ring Modulator is a balanced modulator for electronic music. It contains an Eµ 1430 ring modulator submodule. The module has two inputs, modulation and carrier, which are identical for high signal levels. The output is the algebraic product of the input voltages:
Vout = Vmod x Vcar ÷ 5
when the input attenuators are fully clockwise and the coupling switches are in the DC position. AC coupling will level-shift the corresponding input so it effectively centers around zero volts. This can have a striking effect on the output signal, due to the inherent non-linearity of balanced modulation. The Eµ 2430 was designed for high carrier rejection in the absence of a modulation signal, typically in excess of 80dB. The reverse rejection, that of modulation feedthrough with no carrier, is only 40dB.
Power Requirements: ±15 V @ 10 mA typical
Firm-wire Patch Connections:
Inputs - Modulation, Carrier
Outputs One (3 pins)
Power Bus Connected Inputs: None
Adjustments: Gain
Modulation Rej'n - Mod positive
Modulation Rej'n - Mod negative"
Update: Not directly synth related, but you might want to check out the seller's "KORG Univox EC-100 Stage Tape Echo Delay by Unicord" as well. That was a mouth full. linky
Alesis ION Filters and Oscillators
Alesis Ion - filters
Alesis Ion - oscillators shaping
YouTube via trevor001. Title link takes you to the rest of trevor001's videos.
Alesis Ion - oscillators shaping
YouTube via trevor001. Title link takes you to the rest of trevor001's videos.
Tuesday, February 27, 2007
DC-13 Dual Bus Converter
Title link takes you to shots pulled via this auction.Some Details:
"Combines Roland BC-13 and US-20 Technology in One Compact Enclosure
Works with Roland G-202, 303, 505, 707, 808, Ibanez IMG2010 and Roland GI-10, GI-20, GR-1, GR-9, GR-30, GR-33, VG-88 and More!
For about ten years, Roland Corporation and other manufacturers produced a range of unique, very high quality 24-pin guitar synthesizer controllers. With the advent of the contemporary Roland 13-pin standard, vintage guitar synth owners could only access the latest in guitar synthesizer technologies with the incredibly rare, hard-to-find Roland BC-13 Bus Converter.
The DC-13 V2 expands on the features of the BC-13 by adding Roland US-20 style switching features so that not only one, but two synthesizers can be played at the same time. The DC-13 V2 also has features not found on the US-20, like the ability to independently control the volume levels of each guitar synthesizer.
In addition to the footswitch controls on the DC-13 V2, there is completely independent control over both synthesizers’ volume. The DC-13 V2 does this by using the Filter knob (or CV#1) on a vintage GR-Controller to control the volume of guitar synthesizer A, and by using the Resonance knob (or CV#2) on a vintage GR-Controller to control the volume of guitar synthesizer B. The Master Volume knob is still used to control the volume of the normal guitar output from the 1/4” jack on the guitar .
The DC-13 V2 expands on the original Roland BC-13 by adding a standard Roland EV-5 input jack to control the volume of the direct guitar sound. This gives the player three ways to control the volume of the direct guitar sound: by using a Roland EV-5 pedal to control the volume, or by running a 1/4” cable directly from the guitar to the DC-13 V2 guitar input and using the master volume control on the guitar, or by using the guitar output feature on the attached guitar synthesizer module.
Inputs and Outputs
Like a Roland BC-13, the DC-13 V2 has a 24-pin Guitar Synth and 1/4” Guitar input jack, and a 13-pin Guitar Synth output connector. With only the 24-pin cable plugged in, the level of the direct (humbucker) guitar sound can be controlled by an optional pedal. If you want to vary the level of the direct (humbucker) sound using the volume knob on the guitar, then a second cable is connected from the 1/4” Guitar output jack on the Guitar Controller to the 1/4” Guitar input jack on the DC-13 V2. This is the same design used by the Roland BC-13.
Features of the DC-13 V2:
* Use One Vintage Roland 24-Pin Guitar Controller to play Two 13-Pin Modern Guitar Synthesizers
* Independent Volume Control Over Each Synthesizer
* Powered by 13-Pin Guitar Cable! No External Power Supply or Batteries Required
* Rugged Stomp-Box Enclosure Design
* Backed by One-Year Parts and Labor Warranty
* Elegant Design
On The Bench - Rhodes Chroma
via http://redshift-consulting.com
Previous On The Bench posts:
Oberheim OB-Sx On The Bench
On The Bench (Jupiter-8)
Update: check out the comments of the post for the story behind this one.
The Leper - get CD on umop.com
YouTube via hamsterdunce, aka Dave of umop (The Packrat, Retarded Animal Babies, and more).
Thanks for the T plug Dave!
Oberheim Jacket
Remember the Oberheim Jacket? Looks like another one is up for auction. If you're name is Jim, this is your jacket. No title link, just the two shots and details.
Details:"This silk, zip up Jacket is in AMAZING condition, and has the large GREAT Oberheim Logo embroidered on the back. It was given to me by my Mom's ex boyfriend in the 80's, knowing what a fan of "Jump" by Van Halen I was. I think I might have worn it once when I got big enough to wear it. It was (is) too valuable to wear out to clubs. The person that owned this tested and played EVERY Oberheim Synth between 78 and 80. He also come up with some of the great OBX patches, namely the Fender Rhodes, Farfisa, Clav, Square Wave Strings and Portimento Sweep. "Tim" is embroidered on the front left breast area of the black side.The jacket can be worn comfortably by a man or woman and I would say the size is a man's large, based on the size and how it fits me.
There is a small snag in the slik lining, otherwise it is in perfect condition."
via me... No, not me, matrix, but me...
Building a Robot
Via Roger Pellegrini on the Cyndustries list:"Seeing as my enthusiasm over Zeroscillators is quoted prominently on the Cyndustries website, I thought it might be amusing to hear what good/evil they're being used for. I hope you'll enjoy the tune found here.
From about 1:08 to 1:18 into the tune you'll hear a pair of ZO's driven by a dotcom Q960 sequencer prominently featured. During the rest of the tune, there is mayhem of a hopefully entertaining variety.
For a better pic of the lair of the robotmakers see: link
Moog, homebuilt, dotcom, MOTM and Cyndustries modules peacefully coexisting . . ."
Number of the Beast Gear P*rn
Title link takes you there. Currently featured: Groove Electronics,EDP, Doepfer, Roland, x0xb0x, Doepfer. Some are listed as for sale. Pictured: EDP WASP and Spider.
Monomachine Vocal Synth demo 2
YouTube via darenager aka fierce fish. Note the LEDs on the Andromeda A6.
Monday, February 26, 2007
Roland G-707
Title link takes you to shots pulled via this auction.Details:
"Has 2 humbucker pickups. Master volume, Guitar tone, balance, cut off , edit, LFO Mod, and mode 1,2,3 switch."
Note the auction is for the guitar unit only, not the synth.
Roland JX-8P
And the little brother of the JX-10. I heard the JX-10 is basically two JX-8Ps in one. I've also heard that the sound slightly different. If you know, feel free to comment.Title link takes you to shots pulled via this auction.
Roland JX-10
Title link takes you to shots pulled via this auction.The buy it now is high without the PG-800, but according to the auction, the MSRP was $2500 when it came out. And that was with the value of the dollar in the 80s. Think about that. We really do live in good times when you think about it. When I was 16 I had to save for about a year and beg my dad to get my first synth, a Matrix-6 for $1100 or so. It was a stretch but I never regretted it and I still have it to this day, hence, matrix and matrixsynth. I never would have dreamed that one day we'd be able to get these expensive synths for so cheap. Now if we could only turn the clock back just a few more years : )
Roland TB-303 with Kenton Mod
Title link takes you to shots pulled via this auction.Details:
"Awesome TB-303 with custom $600 rackmount case 2 of a kind. This 303 also comes outfitted with the kenton 5-socket kit controlling CV, GATE, FILTER, ACCENT and GLIDE, a must for true controll of this monster. This kit installed will cost you over $200 alone from Kenton UK. This thing is truly awesome and uses a convienient 3 prong power adapter (same as on any PC). The power is turned on and of via a lighted toggle switch located on the front of the case, there is also a toggle switch to choose between saw and square waves."
For the Guys
via HarriL in response to this post.
Previously on Matrixsynth...
Title link takes you to the rest of the shots sent in by HarriL.
Novation K-Station
Korg EMX
Korg microKONTROL - Keys
flickr by bandbajaobrothers.Title link takes you to more.
Update via prithvi in the comments:
"All mK shots here.
All pK shots here."
Future Music Shop Tour via Sonic State
Looks like the Sonic State guys made another visit for Winter NAMM 2007. Title link takes you to the video. Remember the visit in NAMM 2006?Tagging this with LA and Los Angeles for my next visit.
Elektrogemeinschaft
Title link takes you to Elektrogemeinschaft, a German blog on avant-garde electronic music and instruments, Google translated here.
Synthesizerstudio Bonn
"It began on 3 September 1971. On this day that opened world-wide first specialist shop for Synthesizer, the Synthesizerstudio Bonn. In this illustration you see the shop in the Franzstrasse 29. The photo was made about 1977. For smoking one had to always rausgehen."Title link takes you to the site in German. You can find a Google translated version here.
Synthanorma Sequenzer
This one via Dirk Matten:
"I am missing some pictures and details of the Synthanorma Sequenzer, which my partner and me have built for KRAFTWERK.
Please use this link and have fun - details in german language.
Best regards
Dirk Matten
http://www.elektropolis.de
http://elektrogemeinschaft.com
http://blogigo.de/elektrogemeinschaft
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MATRIXSYNTH - EVERYTHING SYNTH
© Matrixsynth - All posts are presented here for informative, historical and educative purposes as applicable within fair use.
MATRIXSYNTH is supported by affiliate links that use cookies to track clickthroughs and sales. See the privacy policy for details.
MATRIXSYNTH - EVERYTHING SYNTH
