Sunday Synth Jams: Edison’s latest jam:

• all one shot sounds…
• no loops running….
• 64 buttons
• 64 noises….
• shot on 2 HD cameras, 720p, 1 live take…..
• with audio captured right to camera…..

Check out Edison on Myspace.

Developer Eric Archer is now shipping his Andromeda MK-1 and MK-2 drum machines, DIY minimal drum machines “designed as an experiment of making the most minimal drum machine possible using analog circuitry”.

In the video above, Archer demonstrates the two new drum machines, how they can interact and how you can control them in real time.

The Andromeda MK-1 and MK-2 drum machines are available for $55 each as DIY kits.

Here’s another demo. This one features 12 of Archer’s tiny drum machines:

Click here to view the embedded video.

The Andromeda MK-1 analog drum machine has a minimal sequencer with sixteen preset patterns, selectable by the red switch block.  The pushbutton restarts the patterns.  This feature allows you to shift the timing of the rhythm when synchronized with other Andromeda Space Rockers instruments.

The sound of the MK-1 is from a pair of damped sine wave oscillators, which are triggered simultaneously.  The oscillators are reffered to as “X” and “Y”.  Their pitch is controlled by the photocells AND the capacitors labeled X1,X2 and Y1,Y2.  The capacitors control the overall range of pitches that it can play.  Larger value capacitors here make lower pitches.

The square grid of holes is called the Personality Center.  You can use it to add additonal circuitry to your MK-1 to change its character.  I will publish the Personality Center mods as soon as I get a chance.

The Andromeda MK2 analog drum machine has a minimal sequencer with sixteen preset patterns, selectable by the red switch block.  The pushbutton restarts the patterns.  This feature allows you to shift the timing of the rhythm when synchronized with other Andromeda Space Rockers instruments.

The sound of the MK2 is from an analog white noise generator.  This noise is filtered by a resonant filter, and the cutoff of the filter is controlled by the photocell on the left side of the unit.

The sequencer triggers an envelope generator (EG).  This creates a signal that controls the duration and volume contour of the sound.  The EG is controlled by the photocell on the right side of the unit.

The EG’s signal is sent to a voltage controlled amplifier (VCA).  The VCA chops up the steady output from the filtered white noise generator into little bursts of sound, controlled by the EG.  This is what you hear at the output.

The sound of the Andromeda MK2 is like a primitive electronic snare drum / cymbal / handclap.

This set of videos offers a visual introduction to Native Instruments’ Maschine 1.1.

This is a demo of the Korg Minipops 20 S, the stereo Minipops, a rhythm box/drum machine from about 1970.

The Minipops was probably most famously used by Jean Michel Jarre.

via AnalogAudio1:

Jamming around with the Korg / Keio Minipops 20s.The Korg Minipops 20s is an early rhythmbox from Korg. It’s the only one Mini Pops model which has stereo outputs. Different sounds come from the two outputs – that’s great!

I used them like single outputs with different effects in the video. I used a Yamaha ProR3 reverb and a delay from Roland DEP-5.

On the second half of the video I sent one of the outputs through an old ELECTRO HARMONIX HOT TUBES.

I love the Minipops boxes – I recently bought the 20S. Now I have them all

Sunday Synth Jam: The Korg Electribe ER-1 is a nice, cheap, easy to use virtual analog + sample playback drum machine.

This minimal dubstep drum machine jam gives the ER-1 a workout.

via mymy83:

korg er-1. minimal drums , bass.with a bit of DUBSTEP flavor.

Native Instruments has released Maschine 1.1, a free software update for its groove production studio.

The new version optimizes the workflow and increases the creative potential of Maschine through new MIDI I/O capabilities, support for the REX loop format, enhanced controller interaction, and more.

To allow producers to easily incorporate external gear into their Maschine projects, the new version adds MIDI I/O functionality. Hardware synthesizers and similar devices can now be controlled from the Maschine sequencer both through polyphonic tracks and from individual monophonic sounds within a Group, while a special “Batch Setup” function makes it easy to set up MIDI input configurations in existing projects. Maschine 1.1 also adds support for REX files, enabling users to include pre-sliced loops in their projects that sync to tempo automatically. Any pattern in Maschine can also be directly exported as an audio file into a host sequencer or other audio software through a convenient drag-and-drop feature.

Further enhancements in Maschine version 1.1 include additional slicing options, advanced scene triggering, new metronome and record count-in options, extended controller integration for parameter adjustment and file saving, and a wide range of minor optimizations.

The 1.1 update is now available as free download for all owners of Maschine.

Yamaha has introduced the DTX-Multi 12 electronic percussion pad, which 12 on-board pads and a built-in sound module.

Description:

The DTX-Multi 12 boasts over 1200 voices, covering drums, percussion and keyboard sounds, many drawn from Yamaha’s Motif synthesizer range and many completely new. Up to 200 custom set ups can be created and stored using all internal sounds and 42 types of effects.

Alternatively additional sounds can be loaded and stored into the onboard 64MB of memory and allocated to any pad for total customization

The unit is designed to easily integrate into an existing acoustic set up or act as a stand alone unit. DTX- Multi 12 comes with Cubase AI 5″ software .

Up to four voices can be assigned to a single pad for simultaneous or sequential playback and a wide range of dynamic options are made available.

Versatility is enhanced with 128 on-board phrase patterns covering a wide variety of styles and users can also record their own patterns and assign them to pads. A click track function also allows players to control the unit instantly, ideal for live shows.

The DTX- Multi 12 can as an excellent input device for computers. Connectivity is via a single USB cable. The included Cubase AI5 DAW software facilitates the recording and extensive editing of MIDI data, it can also function as a high quality sample playback device with 64MB of flash ROM on board.

Hi-Hat controllers and kick pedal pads can be added if you wish to use the DTX-Multi 12 as a compact stand alone electronic drum kit.

Available: Dec 2009; RRP: £685 Inc VAT

This is a sneak preview of Eric Archer’s DIY Andromeda MK-1 and MK-2 minimal drum machines, with hand cut cardstock enclosures:

The enclosure is actually an afterthought. I added it to address any concerns about the bare board, to make it easier to put the device in your pocket, and to offer six surfaces for your artwork. Although as a friend pointed out, the enclosure covers up the surface bend /body contact points inside. So its just an option.

This video demonstrates different ways to use/abuse the infrared wireless signals that keep the instruments synchronized. The unit on the far left is the master clock.

Archer says kits will be available soon.

Dell’s Motherboard.tv visits Moby’s Manhattan apartment studio, where he talks about his “Noah’s arc” of rarified gadgets, bizarre synthesizers, and vintage drum machines.

If you didn’t hate Moby for having a better birthday than you, the multiple duplicate rare drum machines that line his studio walls may just push you over that edge.

Best line: “A rock band cannot rehearse in the suburbs at 3 o’clock in the morning. You can make electronic music at 3 o’clock in the morning, and your mom doesn’t complain. “

The Bent Festival

• PERFORMERS – Bent Festival seeks bands and/or solo artists who incorporate home built or circuit bent instruments or ideas in their performance. Please email a short description of your act, along with a link to mp3s and photos if you have them. Please do not send attachments larger than 1MB.
• INSTALLATION ARTISTS – Bent Festival is looking for installation artists who can commit at least 15 hours to creating site-specific pieces of art at each of the venues during the duration of the festival. Installation artists will be provided with space, materials, electronic equipment and tools. Please submit via email a brief description of your installation idea along with examples of your past work. Please be prepared to commit to spending time in the installation space during the festival and be prepared for a shared and at times hectic work environment. No white walls here!
• ARTWORK SUBMISSIONS – In addition to installation artists, we would like to have featured art work that fits with the spirit of the festival from people who might not be able to join us in person or who cannot commit to working in the space during the duration of the festival. Please submit via email digital images or links of your work and a brief description.
• WORKSHOP INSTRUCTORS – Bent Festival is seeking workshop instructors to present on various topics. Topics in previous years have included: General circuit bending workshops for beginners and extremely technical, hands on workshops on a particular aspect or niche of the genre. Please describe the subject you would like to lead a workshop on and provide a one-page description of that workshop, in addition include links or examples of your current and past work in the field.

Details below:

Compensation

Stipends for all festival performers, artists, and workshop leaders will be provided. We have a limited number of travel grants available as well. Please contact us for more information.

Tentative Festival Dates:

New York, NY Bent Festival – April 22, 23, and 24

Proposals:

Proposal Deadline: December 1, 2009
Participant Notification: December 11, 2009
In keeping with the expanding interests of the community, this year we are continuing to open the Bent Festival to performers and artists that create their own electronics as well as to those who hack, bend, modify and destroy them. We are currently seeking performers and artists to participate specifically in these categories: Performers, Installation Artists, Artwork Submissions and Workshop Instructors.

Please send all proposals and questions to:
New York Bent Festival – bentnyc at thetanknyc.org

via getlofi

Blue Couch Dog: Realtime Percussion Jam

via dr2050productions:

Live on-the-spot improvisation using timpani, Java drum, and an FM8. Everything is controlled in realtime. I’m using a Zendrum LT, a Novation Zero SL with various pedals, and a plastic white 13″ Macbook (with 4GB of RAM). On the software side, it’s all Ableton LIve and various Native Instruments plugins, including two Battery 3 instances and two FM8 instances.

I’m trying to show some of the subtlety and breadth of both the Zendrum and the virtual super-instrument that I’ve created. The ideas fall apart too fast and I think I get into distorted noise a bit too much, but who knows. Anyway, download the adjusted MP3 at http://www.thesixtyone.com/dr2050 (it’s Blue Couch Dog).

Only I hear the click.

Here are some official demo videos for the new Korg Wavedrum.

The Korg Wavedrum can be used as a stand-alone percussion instrument, or integrated into an existing drum kit or percussion rig. The Wavedrum uses a real drum head as the playing surface, providing an authentic and familiar feel. This allows the performer to employ sticks, brushes, mallets and/or traditional hand-drum techniques (mute, slap, bend, etc.) to play.

Korg Wavedrum Chopsticks

Click here to view the embedded video.

Korg Wavedrum Demo Performance

Click here to view the embedded video.

Click here to view the embedded video.

This is a video demo of the Simmons Digital ClapTrap, a digital sample playback percussion instrument.

via zibbybone:

Quick run though of a rare percussion synthezier.

This is a demo of the Acidlab Miami, a new analog drum machine based on the Roland TR-808.

Information on the Miami drum machine is available at Acidlab.de.

via redmartian:

Just got the Acidlab Miami (An enhanced clone of the Roland TR-808) and made a short demo.

The arpeggio is played on a Roland Jupiter-4 triggered by the Miami,

The bass is played on a rev 1 Prophet-5.

The chords are played on a rev 1 Prophet-5.

An insane keyboard drum solo, via DavidMeShow.

Who needs custom controllers?

This modular synthesizer synth jam features Doepfer System A-100 modular synthesizer bass, sequenced with a Korg Electribe MX and Electribe MX Drums, filtered by Schippmann Ebbe und Flut.

via inbetweenmovements

Native Instruments has announced that Maschine version 1.1 is on the way, and it’s now in public beta test stage.

The upcoming 1.1 version of Maschine adds several features including MIDI control of external gear, Rex support, extended scene triggering and more. Details below.

New and improved features:

• MIDI Out Mode for sounds
• MIDI In for sounds and groups
• Drag-and-Drop audio export for scenes and patterns in host
• Record and trigger scenes switches via MIDI notes in host
• Scene retrigger option in plugin mode
• Loading groups without patterns
• Additional slicing sizes (1/8th etc.)
• REX file import
• Scene naming
• Adjustable metronome volume
• Record Count-In option
• Quick adjustment of group and sound volumes on controller

Fixes:

• Several fixes and stability improvements

This list is subject to change, and does not necessarily list all features and fixes that will be in the final update.

Korg has announced official specs on the new Korg Wavedrum percussion synthesizer.

The original Korg Wavedrum was introduced to the music world back in 1994. Now Korg has announced its next-generation Wavedrum Digital Percussion Synthesizer.

Wavedrum can be used as a stand-alone percussion instrument, or integrated into an existing drum kit or percussion rig. Unlike digital trigger-based systems, WAVEDRUM uses a real drum head as the playing surface, providing an authentic and familiar feel. This allows the performer to employ sticks, brushes, mallets and/or traditional hand-drum techniques (mute, slap, bend, etc.) to play with comfort and confidence.

The Korg Wavedrum Digital Percussion Synthesizer will be available in January 2010. Pricing is TBA.

Details below.

Synthesis:

DSP + PCM Combination

DSP Algorithms:

36 Total

PCM Instruments:

200 Total; 100 Head, 100 Rim

Programs:

200 Total; 100 Preset, 100 User

Loop Phrases:

100 Total; Various genres and tempos

Effects:

Reverb, Delay

Panel Controls:

Volume, Bank/Mode/Page select,
Program/Parameter select, Value control, Write

Input/Output jacks:

Output: L, R ¼” unbalanced
Phones: Stereo mini phone jack
AUX IN: Stereo mini phone jack

Display:

3-character 7-segment LED

Sampling frequency:

48 kHz

A/D, D/A conversion:

24 bit

Power supply:

DC9V 1.7A

Dimensions:

W x D x H: 13.74″ x 13.54″ x 2.95″

Weight:

4.41 lbs.

Included items:

AC Adapter, Tuning key, Allen wrench

Options:

Replacement Head HD-WD
Percussion Stand ST-WD

* Specifications and appearance are subject to change without notice for improvement.

Description:

There are actually two playing surfaces on WAVEDRUM: the head and the rim. Under the head is an audio transducer, similar to a microphone. This transducer drives WAVEDRUM’s DSP and PCM sound engines, providing a far more expressive and natural playing experience than trigger-based systems that rely on PCM playback alone. The rim is outfitted with different-sized raised patterns on the left and right sides. In addition to using the rim as a traditional playing surface, rubbing a stick or mallet over these raised patterns can create interesting percussion effects, similar to an afro-cuban güiro, for example.

By combining 36 advanced DSP (Digital Signal Processing) synthesis algorithms with 200 PCM samples (100 for the head; 100 for the rim), WAVEDRUM provides a wide palette of sounds, ranging from traditional drum and percussion instruments to complex synthetic tones and sound effects. In addition to the ability to create new and unusual sounds, WAVEDRUM also re-creates a vast array of percussion instruments from around the planet, from familiar cajons, congas, and tablas to the rare and exotic. These include the udo, a clay pod percussion instrument; the jegog, a bamboo gamelan marimba from the island of Bali; a talking drum from Africa; gongs, and many others. WAVEDRUM can even reproduce stringed instruments such as the sitar, koto, and berimbau. This allows a single WAVEDRUM to replace what would have been a room full of instruments, sure to be a welcome addition to crowded stages, theatre/show pits, project studios and classrooms.

100 preset programs and 100 user programs are stored in memory, with 12 favorites available for instant access. Reverb and Delay effects add depth and character to the sound.

Nice! Oliver Chesler, of the WireToTheEar blog, has published an interview with Klaus Suessmuth of Acidlab.

Acidlab is a boutique electronic music gear maker that’s created nice clones of the Roland TB303 & Roland TR808, along with an original synth design, the Bombass.

Sneak Preview: This is a demo of the Korg Wavedrum Percussion Synthesizer.

I haven’t seen an official announcement or specs on this from Korg, yet.

The original Korg Wavedrum is a rarity, but is sought after by many. Sound on Sound said this of the original:

The Wavedrum is a unique instrument which will probably sell mainly to percussionists, with some going to other musicians rich enough to indulge in non-essential gear. While it’s not without its faults, these appear to be outweighed by its undoubted appeal and playability, and by the prospect of exciting future spin-offs.

Leave a comment if you can translate and summarize the video!

via RockoNCompany, via Stretta