Solvent’s Modular Encounters – A Sneak Preview Of The Modular Documentary, I Dream Of Wires

Here’s another sneak preview of the upcoming modular synthesizer documentary, I Dream Of Wires.

Canadian electronic artist Solvent (Jason Amm) created an all-modular synthesizer based soundtrack for the documentary. The challenge allowed him the opportunity to work with a vast array of modular synthesizers, both new and vintage.

In the video, you can see the array of modular synthesizers that he worked with in creating the soundtrack and to hear his thoughts on what he learned from the process.

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Moog’s Chief Engineer Explains The MiniGoog Moog Doodle Synth

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In celebration of Bob Moog‘s birthday, Google created an awesome web based synthesizer – the Moog Doodle Synthesizer, aka the ‘MiniGoog’.

In this video, Moog’s Chief engineer, Cyril Lance, explains the doodle’ s capabilities and how they relate to the classic MiniMoog design.

via MoogMusicInc

Open Mic: What Should Korg Build Next?

Korg is looking for input from its Facebook fans:

Skys the limit: If you could add any feature to any Korg product, what would it be and why?

Great question….and they’ve already received some interesting feedback, ranging from MIDI on the Monotribe to re-releasing the MS-20.

It’s great to see that Korg is looking for input from its customers & potential customers. With that in mind – what would you like to see Korg build next? Would you rather see them tweak one of their existing products, bring back a classic or come up with something new?

The Roland Juno-60 Keyboard Synthesizer (1982)

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This Roland Juno-60 is a great sounding keyboard synthesizer from 1982. In the video above, via MusicMarketingTV, Marko Ettlich demonstrates the range and power of the Juno-60.

The Juno-60 features:

  • 1 Osc per Voice + Sub osc
  • 6 Voice Polyphonic
  • LFO – 1 LFO
  • Filter – analog lowpass with ADSR envelope
  • Arpeggiator
  • Chorus
  • 61-note keyboard

If you’ve used the Juno-60, let us know what you think of it!

Current – A Space Music Synth Jam

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Sunday Synth Jam: This video captures a live performance, Current, by synthesist Martin Peters.

Technical details below.

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Jeri Ellsworth & Her Commodore 64 Bass Guitar Thing

Hacker & Commodore 64 expert Jeri Ellsworth wowed visitors to the Bay Area Maker Faire with her Commodore 64 Bass Guitar.

Ellsworth noted via Twitter that it uses the SID chip and is based on an FPGA - a re-implementation of the Commodore-64 computer using reconfigurable logic chips. See the video below for an overview of the instrument from Ellsworth.

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The Korg Megatron (Monotron Mod)

Korg Megatron Monotron

Saturday Synth Porn: Jacob Watters wanted more from his Korg Monotron, so he created the Megatron, a MIDI and voltage controlled bass synth, based on the Montron.

Mods include:

  • MIDI Control - using the MIDI-IF kit.
  • Re-Enable the Ribbon
  • CV Control - This is a simple mod due to the solder points on the Monotron’s PCB.
  • Pulse Wave - using a comparator, he created a pulse wave from the Monotron’s saw wave. The comparator has a control for the width of the pulse.
  • Sub-Oscillator 1 - A second comparator is used to generate a square wave that clocks a 4040 divider. The first output of the divider is an octave below the sound source, and is used as a sub-oscillator.
  • Sub-Oscillator 2 - The second output of the 4040 divider is two octaves below the sound source, and is used as a second sub-oscillator.
  • Overdrive
  • Envelope - a simple AD envelope control to the filter that can be toggled on or off.
  • Power - a 7805 power regulator that uses a 9V DC adapter. This eliminates the need for batteries.
  • Tuning - volt/octave tuning trimpot was moved for accessibility.

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