This is a sneak preview of the upcoming Klee software sequencer, by Defective Records Software.

The software is generating MIDI signals that are routed to Ableton Live, which has two software synths loaded up on two different MIDI channels.

via dnigrin:

More information about this upcoming software is available on electro-music.com. More information, including free demo, will be available soon at http://defectiverecords.com.

Sunday Synth Jam: This is a demo/Berlin School synth jam of the Moon Modular M569 Quad Sequential Voltage Source [Sequence Mode].

See the Moon Modular site for details on the M569.

via moonmodular

Changing sequence mode with RESET/SKIP/STOP and gates ON/OFF in row #4 (row #1-#3 are doing the basic job), finaly the SEQ. MODE switch set from 4-8 to 2-16 and 1-32. Master Midi clock – M553 – M563 – M569 drives an Oberheim Xpander (6 voices).

Moon Modular has released a new teaser video – this time for their new MIDI2Clock M553 module, running with the Moon Modular M569 step sequencer.

Paired with the M569, it looks like Berlin School style step-sequencing nirvana.

Update: Here’s additional info, via Moon Modular:

The M553 is a module, which converts a MIDI clock into analog clock and gate-signals, to synchronize, for example, analog step-sequencers to MIDI-hardware- or software-sequencers.

The MIDI clock (MIDI real time message) has a native resolution of 1/96 notes (24 ticks per quarter note) of which the M553 derives the following signals:

Variable Clock

The divider value of the left clock-output can selected among the MIDI original clock (1/96) and these fractions:

• 1/48
• 1/32
• dotted 1/32
• 1/16
• dotted 1/16
• 1/8
• dotted 1/8
• 1/4

Fixed Clock

The right clock-output supplies a fixed clock signal, divided down to 1/16 notes.

Start/Stop

Whenever the MIDI device puts out start- and/or stop/reset-commands, these jacks supply relevant trigger-signals to e. g. – control an analog sequencer via suitable inputs – or reset an analog sequencer – skip notes, trigger switches etc.

Note-on

Both „Note-on >C3“ and „Note-on <_C3“ jacks supply gate signals, derived from MIDI note-on commands. This way the user can utilize one ordinary MIDI-track in a MIDI (software-)sequencer to create two streams of defined trigger signals, to be used – via the M553 – to synchronize/control analog equipment.

The left output generates a gate signal, whenever a MIDI note- on command below C3 (= MIDI note number 1-59) reaches the module. The right output reacts accordingly, if a note-on command of C3 or above (= MIDI note number 60-127) arrives in the M553‘s input.

These „note-on to gate“ activities work in parallel to the „normal“ MIDI to clock conversion.

Midi-Channel

To select the MIDI channel (for the „note-on to gate“ function): Dial the rotary switch to the„channel select“ position and initiate a MIDI-channel message (e. g. strike a note on a keyboard); the module sets itself to the most recently received MIDI channel (this setting is saved even if the unit is switched off).

via moonmodular:

The new MIDI2CLOCK M553 module soon on sale.

This is a demo of the new Moon Modular Quad Sequential Voltage Source M569, a Moog style step sequencer, except that it has a maximum of 32 steps, in 4 independent banks.

See our previous Moon Modular M569 Step Sequencer post for details.

You can download a high-res pdf info sheet on the Quad Sequential Voltage Source M569 at the Moon Modular site.

via moonmodular

The Moon Modular M569 Step Sequencer is Moog-style step sequencer, but offering up to 32 positions, arranged in four rows.

Each row can be controlled 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 (2 V, 5 V und 10 V, with the 2 V und 5 V 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.

Details below. You can download a high-res PDF for the Moon Modular M569 Step Sequencer for more details.

The Moon Modular M569 Step Sequencer retails for 1498,- Euros inside the EU, 1259,- Euros, outside of the EU. Pricing and order details here.

The sequencer modes in detail:

1 x 32

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.

2 x 16

Rows 1 and 2 run in series, as well as rows 3 and 4 (1&2and3&4inparallel),soupto16stepsdivided 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.

4x 8

All four rows 1, 2, 3 & 4 run in parallel and independantly 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.

2 x 8-8

Sort of “preset-subset“ of the 4 x 8 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“.

1 x 16-16

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

Health Club Music’s new ultra-mega sequencer is a full-on, knob-filled modular analog music sequencer.

The 32-STEP SEQUENCER is described as “a monster from another world.”

Features:

• 1 Voltage Controlled Oscillator/Clock (VCO) scaled 1v/Octave
• Main Speed Knob
• Fine Speed Knob
• 32 Course Tune Knobs
• 32 Fine Tune Knobs
• 32 Step Length Knobs (can be switched off and used as another CV out with CV 3 OUT jack)
• 32 Switches with 3-positions (Pulse/Off/Gate)
• Blue-Violet LEDs
• 1 Quantizer
• Random Mode
• 32×1 or 16×2 Modes
• Count Up and Count Down Modes
• Stop, Reset, or Reverse at any step
• Speed input jack can be used with a CV signal or expression pedal
• Transpose input jack can be used with a CV signal or expression pedal
• Hold Switches for CV 1 and 2 outputs (Holds the CV out until there is another Step switched on)
• Portamento glide for the CV 1 and 2 outputs
• Durable Metal Construction
• Fancy Hardwood Sides

It retails for $1,600.

Here’s an image that gives you an idea of the 32-Step Sequencer’s size:

via GearJunkies

Sunday Synth Jam: Every Sunday, we like to features some videos that aren’t news – but are just interesting examples of musicians using synths to make music.

This video, via synthesist Richard Lainhart, features Jordan Rudess performing Pink Floyd’s On The Run from Dream Theater’s live version of Dark Side Of The Moon at the Hammersmith Apollo, London, October 25, 2005.

Modular synth programming by Lainhart.

Image: altemark

Saturday Synth Porn: An evocative shot of the Future Retro Revolution analog synthesizer.

via the Synthtopia Flickr Group

Paul Wiffen demonstrates a 1984 Elka Synthex – most famously used on Jean Michel Jarre’s Rendezvous as the Laserharp sound.

Paul also originally programmed the original presets.

Released in 1982, the Elka Synthex was an attempt to get a slice of the professional synth market, which was at that time dominated by Sequential Circuits’ Prophet 5 and Oberheim’s OBn polysynths.

The Synthex offers two multi-waveform oscillators, a white / pink noise generator, a multi-mode filter, an LFO and two ADSR envelopes. The Synthex owes much of its lush sound to a built-in chorus unit. The Synthex also offers a simple sequencer, keyboard layering and key-splits,  cross modulation, ring modulation and a comprehensive modulation matrix.

I would like to say that the Elka Synthex is probably the most wonderful sounding polysynth I’ve ever laid my hands on. I’m not so interested in the technological aspects of a synthesizer, and there’s so much more to be said about the Synthex. I’ve barely touched the surface here, but recommend it highly!

- Norwegian Henrik Huste

The Eka Synthex was most famously used by Jean Michel Jarre – but was also used by Tangerine Dream and Stevie Wonder.

If you’ve used the Elka Synthex, leave a comment with your thoughs!

Resources:

• Elka Synthex, an introduction
• Hollow Sun Nostalgia intro
• Video via Sharpblue:

This video demostrates randomizing Synthesizers.com Q960 Sequencer sequences.

Patch details below.

via davidryle:

Randomizing the timing to the Synthesizers.com Q960 step sequencer by using a Noise Generator into a Sample & Hold then the output voltage to an Instrument Interface module. Tweak it just right and you get a random gate pulse for the shift input on the Q960 sequencer.

This track also uses the Pan module to give a stereo ping pong effect from two separate oscillator, filter, envelope and amplifier voices. Two hard synchronized LFO’s sculpted the filter even more for a tighter pulse sound. A Ring modulator and tuning the oscillator voices in octaves gave a variety to the voices. The Trigger bus module gave accent selection on one filter voice. All modules are Arrick Robotics synthesizers.com. The reverb is a Lexicon MX200.

Variation on Satie’s Gymnopédie No 1, for Modular Synthesizer.

via justwaving:

This is another tune done just using the Q119 and Q960 sequencers. The synthesizer is playing on it’s own.

Switched-On Satie, anyone?

This video captures the Bratigel Rotary Analog Step Sequencer in action. 

via heidibeerbel:

Bratigel – Germany ,Rotary Modular Step Sequencer with 2 x 12 Steps , forward/backward Counter, CV Clock Many Controls, Precis.

CV Scaling and switchable Glide, very nice Trigger Divider with many LEDs…

There’s not much more information on the web on this beyond what’s on YouTube. If you know anything more, please leave a comment!

Future Retro has introduced a sextacular new MIDI/analog sequencer, the Future Retro Orb Sequencer.

It’s an evolution of the Roland TB-303 inspired sequencer that’s the heart of the company’s Mobius Sequencer, Future Retro 777 bassline synth and Revolution synth, but redesigned as part of FR’s XS analog synth line.

While the Orb offers a fraction of the connectivity options of Future Retro’s earlier Mobius sequencer, it has a much more elegant design and some unique sequencing options.

The Future Retro Orb Sequencer retails for $550.

Details below.

If you’ve used the Orb, leave a comment with your thoughts!

Description:

The Orb is a single track, step-based digital sequencer, designed to be ideal for controlling Future Retro’s XS semi-modular synthesizer, as well as other analog CV/Gate or MIDI synthesizers. The Orb is also a perfect solution for controlling 303 clones which often lack the essential sequencer.

According to Future Retro’s Jared Flickinger:

The Orb provides an intuitive interface that we feel most accurately represents the principles of time and music. From ancient sundials to modern day analog clocks, time has been represented as the circle, a cycle which never ends. For time itself is nothing more than our perception of the revolution of planets as they journey through their celestial orbit. It is this motion that we call time that can be measured, divided, and arranged to provide the foundation of music. This circular cyclic theme can furthermore be found throughout music in everything from song structure and repeating rhythms to the fundamentals of sound itself, being the sine wave. With this understanding we must conclude that music is cyclic and should so be represented in its natural form.

The Orb sequencer is housed in a rugged aluminum chassis with a high contrast white on gun metal grey finish for easy viewing of controls in dark environments, and bright blue LEDs all around. New spherical switches allow quick selection of multiple steps by sweeping through the surface of step keys.

The Sequencer

The sequencer’s interface is circular, which provides several benefits over the traditional linear-style step sequencers. Visually, it is easier to divide a measure of music into equal parts. The circular interface also provides a more intuitive way of displaying patterns playing as cyclic loops, either forwards or reverse, and will help you better understand the underlying geometric symmetries used throughout the remixing process. This design also allows the user to carry out all sequencing functions with a single hand.

There are 256 recordable patterns available, each recording note duration, pitch, accent , glide, loop point, time signature, and swing amount. Pattern editing features include copy/paste, pattern shifting, pattern transposing, multiple pattern cueing for chaining patterns together live, and LED chase. In addition, all pattern editing and recording can be done while the sequencer is running, and it will automatically save all your edits so you don’t have to stop creating.

The Orb also provides the ability to play patterns forwards or backwards, as well as remotely select patterns to play using MIDI program change messages.

There are 16 songs to arrange the patterns in, each recording its tempo, the bank/pattern for each step, the transposition of each step, and the song’s loop point. Each of the 16 songs can contain up to 3,580 measures, and multiple songs may be chained together so they play sequentially.

In addition, the Orb provides a Remix feature, which gives 256 variations for every pattern and song, for more than 65,000 possible patterns right out of the box.

Patterns and songs can be backed up via SysEx dumps to other Orb units, Revolution units, or your computer. In addition, all patterns and songs created in the Orb can be played in the Revolution units, just as all Revolution patterns and songs can be played in the Orb.

Interfacing

The Orb provides separate 1/4″ jacks for the CV out (1V/oct standard) with adjustable Glide Time control, Gate out (positive polarity type, 0 to +12V), and Accent out (positive polarity type gate, 0 to +10v) for playing most analog synthesizers. Or if you prefer, the Orb can act as a MIDI to CV converter allowing any MIDI keyboard/controller, or sequencer to contol an analog synthesizer. It’s also possible to sync most pre-MIDI analog sequencers and arpeggiators to MIDI clock by using the Gate out signal as a programmable clock source.

MIDI In/Thru/Out are all provided for syncing playback with external sequencers, playing MIDI sound modules, or using the Orb as a MIDI to CV converter.

Specifications:

• Number of Patterns: 256 patterns (16 banks x 16 patterns each)
• Recorded Pattern Content: note duration, pitch, accent, glide, loop point, time signature, swing amount
• Number of Steps Per Pattern: 3/4 time = 12 steps, 4/4 time = 16 steps max
• Note Pitch Range: C1 – D#6 (internal), C2 – D#7 (MIDI)
• Loop Point: 1 to 16 notes per pattern to loop
• Pattern Transpose: from -36 to +36 semitones
• Other Pattern Features: pattern remixing, play patterns forwards or backwards, copy and paste patterns, pattern shifting, permanent pattern transposing, multiple pattern cueing (for chaining patterns together live), LED chase, real-time editing of pattern information while the sequencer is playing or stopped, sequencer automatically saves all editing
• Remix: 256 instant variations for playing each pattern and song
• Number of Songs: 16
• Number of Steps Per Song: up to 3,580 measures each
• Recorded Song Content: tempo, bank/pattern for each step, transpose value for each step, song loop point
• Song Pattern Transpose: from -36 to +36 semitones for each song step
• Tempo Range: from 20 to 250 beats per minute
• MIDI Functions: on/off, channel selectable from 1-16, Program Change messages for selecting patterns remotely
• MIDI Sync: internal or external
• MIDI Sysex: for backing up patterns and songs (sysex dumps compatible with the Revolution synthesizer)
• MIDI Data: note on/off, pitch, velocity (transmitted and received)
• MIDI to CV Converter: Converts internal patterns or external MIDI note data into control voltage, gate, and accent signals for controlling other analog synthesizers
• MIDI: in, thru, out
• 1/4″ Jacks: v/oct CV out, +12v gate out (positive polarity), +10v accent out (positive polarity)12 volt AC input, current rating of 1 amp or 1,000 mA7″ length, 6″ width, 2.75″ height
• 1.75 lbs.

Warranty

• The Orb comes with a 1 year limited warranty covering any failure of components being electric or mechanical.
• For your warranty to be effective, you must register your unit within 30 days of purchase.
• Any modifications done to the Orb automatically void the warranty!

This is a first Look at DSPAudio’s Nortron 2, sequencing the Nord Modular G2.

via DSPaudioTV:

DSPaudio’s Nortron sequencer laying down some chimera of Drum & Bass or Tech Step backed up by the Clavia Nord Modular G2 sound engine.

Composed after seeing Klute at the Crown Room PDX.

This is an overview of the synthgasm that is the Big City Music booth at NAMM. 

You can see shots of the new Metasonix eurorack modules and the new KV-100 Assblaster. You can also see the new Signal Arts Tetra Maps sequencer, the new Sherman Rodec Restyler, all of the Jomox Products, a giant Analogue Systems modular, pieces from Diabolical Devices and Folktek, as well as Cwejman, King Capitol Punishment, Bleep Labs L.L. Electronics Rozzbox, Schippman, Malekko, Vermona and more.

This video, by Thalassa77, demonstrates the Music From Outer Space 16 Step Analog Sequencer, a DIY analog sequencer, designed by Ray Wilson.

Features:

• 16 steps
• Every Step has Gate On/off
• Coarse and Fine tune pots for programming
• Internal clock with variable rate
• Clock Out
• Synced start with external signal
• Clock in ( work slaved to external clock )
• Voltage out with or without portamento and simultaneous available

Tupapupa mapped the functions of the Dave Smith Instruments Evolver onto a Behringer BCF 2000 in order to use the Evolver like a TB-303 – but with more options.

via Big City Music: 

Here’s a little test patch we made while trying to figure out our NAMM setup. The Cwejman modules sound great! 

We’re using the VCO-2RM, VM-1, PH-4. MMF-1, NS-4, AP-1, and the MX-4S modules, all temporarily racked in an Analogue Systems rs15 case.

The Bourne-o-vision POV cam is a but much on this – but it’s another cool demo via Scott Stites of the Klee Sequencer, combined with the DIY Appendage ribbon controller. 

Here’s his explanation of the patch:

The Klee is controlling my modular – the Appendage Touch Ribbon makes an appearance as well, controlling a couple of VCOs through my Triple Wilson SVVCF.