Synth Porn Saturday: This video captures an Analogue Systems workshop at 4Sound Stordahl Musikk – or as Audiobersjerk calls it, a giant wall of manly Analogue systems modules.

Ahhhh. You can almost smell the patch cords……

Synth music pioneer Klaus Schulze discusses and demonstrates his first synth, an EMS Synthi A analog synthesizer.

via Synthasy2000:

Klaus talks about, and demonstrates, his first synth.

Here is an interview from 5aaasp with John Michael (Dr. Bleep) of Bleep Labs, showing his current line of custom anthropomorphic synthesizers (Thingamagoops) and discussing his future lineup.

via iloveanalogue

This is a demonstration of the new Macbeth Studio Systems X-Series Dual Oscillator – a high-end modular VCO.

via Bruce73X:

Demonstrating the Macbeth Dual Oscillator:

Pure oscillator sound going through a Analogue Systems VCA (RS-180), a Mackie Mixer and directly into the audio card (M-Audio) of the computer. No FX, no EQing.

First pure waveform listening and watching (sin and saw), than a little bit modulation (used the Sherman FB LFO for that) and at the end switching through the octaves with displaying the tune.

Image: kenji1127

Saturday Synth Porn: A great shot of a vintage Buchla 100 modular synthesizer.

via the Synthtopia Flickr Group

Jesse Styles created this “autofaciomodulated synthesizer”, built from the Thingamakit by Bleeplabs.

The Thingamakit is a DIY light-controlled noise making synth thing.

DIY Synthesizer Demo

via MusicMiK:

This is a little demonstration of my DIY synthesizer. Due to video length limits, just a very very small subset of the features is shown.

The synthesizer provides 2 VCOs, 2 12dB state variable filters, ring modulator, noise and an extremely flexible routing system with 26 VCAs to get everything together. It consists of about 1300 parts and is completely built onto veroboards.

Update: not yet completed, but at least an insight into this synth: http://www.mik-music.org/MiK-one_Service_Manual_PREVIEW.pdf

This is an overview of the luscious vintage synth, the Roland Juno-60:

The Roland Juno-60 is a classic six voice polyphonic analog synthesizer with RAM memories for 56 sounds. The sound architecture is rather basic, but it has an excellent sound and was used by many professionals like Eurythmics, Howard Jones, the Madonna producers, Paul Van Dyk and many more… it has the DCB interface – the predecessor of MIDI. With a DCB to MIDI interface it is very easy to integrate the instrument in a midi setup.

To my ears the JUNO-60 sounds far better than the very similar JUNO-106 (I had both). It has snappier envelopes and a fater chorus. However, sound is a matter of taste…

Description:

The Roland Juno-60 is an analog synthesizer produced by Roland Corporation in the early 1980s and a successor to the slightly earlier Juno-6.

Like its predecessor, the Juno-60 has some digital enhancements, used for clocking the oscillators and for saving/loading patches. This instrument was succeeded by the Roland Juno-106 in 1984.

Details on the Roland Juno-60 below.

If you’ve used the Juno-60, leave a comment!

Specifications:

• 6 voice polyphony
• DCO: pulse, saw, and square
• LFO – rate and delay
• Non-resonant high pass and resonant low pass filter
• VCA – level, ADSR and gate
• 61 note keyboard (no velocity or aftertouch)
• DCB Roland to Roland sync/interface (Roland MD-8 converts DCB to MIDI for MIDI control)

Resources:

• Roland Juno-60 on WikiPedia
• Retrosound’s Juno-60 goodies
• VintageSynth’s coverage of the Juno-60
• Juno-60 pages at WebFrontier

via AnalogAudio1

The LZX Industries Monolith is a performance monosynth based on the MFOS (Music From Outer Space) Soundlab Plus, featuring a 37 key 1V/Oct keyboard, as well as extensive modulation controls. 

This video demonstrates control via an external sequencer. A Midibox SEQ3 controls both oscillators and gates the envelope generator.

It’s unclear if this is simply a nice DIY synth or if LZX plans to release this commercially.

The Metasonix R-53 Vacuum-Tube Waveshaper Ringmod is a unique tube-based synth module for Eurorack modular synthesizers.

Description:

The r-53 is directly derived from Metasonix’ tm-1 device. It uses a 12af6/bd6 remote-cutoff pentode and a 12av7 dual triode.

Waveshaping is provided by a vacuum-tube “pulser” circuit that spits irregular pulses onto the input waveform. They synchronize erratically with the input pitch (if a waveform with sharp transitions is used). combined with true vacuum-tube circuit distortion, this can provide a vast range of complex, aggressive distortion effects, utterly unique in the world.

A basic ring-modulation function is also available in the unit–applying a carrier pitch from an external oscillator to the screen grid of the pentode, This allows making inharmonic sum-and-difference pitch sound effects, with a unique vacuum tube pentode sound.

If you’ve used the Metasonix R-53, please leave a comment and let us know what you think!

Details:

Power requirement: +-12v dc, 200 ma

The metasonix r-series of vacuum-tube modules is intended for use in any “eurorack” standard modular synthesizer system.

All r-series modules are 22hp (112mm) wide and fit in any doepfer(tm), analogue systems(tm), or other compatible cabinet. They are powered entirely from the cabinet’s internal +-12v dc power supplies, using doepfer compatible 16-pin power connectors. their circuits protrude behind the panel less than 25mm (1 inch).

All vacuum tubes are nos (new old stock) types from classic american and european manufacturers that are run very conservatively for long life, and are readily available from distributors. The tubes protrude from the panel for visibility and cooling, less than 38mm (1.5 inches), and should fit inside a doepfer a-100 suitcase cabinet lid or into a doepfer mini case.

All audio inputs and outputs and cv inputs/outputs are 100% compatible with other synthesizer modules.

Plate voltage is provided by a tiny switching supply producing clean 48v regulated at low current, which is very safe and will not injure the user. Potentiometers are top-quality alpha rk12l types, and 3.5mm phone jacks are special kobiconn vertical-mount types,.

Each r-module is fully protected against reverse supply voltage, overvoltage, undervoltage, or incorrect hookup to external equipment. The r series is handcrafted in Northern California, USA.

Audio demos are available at Analogue Haven

The Metasonix R-52 Vacuum-Tube Multimode Filter is a unique synth module for Eurorack modular synthesizers.

Description:

The r-52 uses two pentodes, type 12au6. The circuit is derived directly from the Metasonix tm-2 filter, but with all the features of their tm-6 filter.

A pair of bandpass filters is swept with a vactrol(tm) control element, a resonant treble filter and a less-resonant bass filter, giving a 4-pole lowpass response. Filter sweep range (approx): bass-only 80-200 hz, bandpass/lowpass low setting 300-1000 hz, high setting 800-1900 hz. filter resonance/q adjustable from less than 1 to oscillation.

Voltage gain approx. 2 with resonance set to 10 o’clock position and input level set to maximum. both filters, or one at a time, may be selected and mixed in desired amounts using the front-panel response control. this allows for a wide range of equalization and special sound effects.

CV inputs are available for sweeping the cutoff frequency and for affecting the treble filter’s resonance. circuit distortion is less than 0.5% typical.

If you’ve used the Metasonix R-52, please leave a comment and let us know what you think!

Details:

Power requirement: +-12v dc, 150 ma.

The metasonix r-series of vacuum-tube modules is intended for use in any “eurorack” standard modular synthesizer system.

All r-series modules are 22hp (112mm) wide and fit in any doepfer(tm), analogue systems(tm), or other compatible cabinet. They are powered entirely from the cabinet’s internal +-12v dc power supplies, using doepfer compatible 16-pin power connectors. their circuits protrude behind the panel less than 25mm (1 inch).

All vacuum tubes are nos (new old stock) types from classic american and european manufacturers that are run very conservatively for long life, and are readily available from distributors. The tubes protrude from the panel for visibility and cooling, less than 38mm (1.5 inches), and should fit inside a doepfer a-100 suitcase cabinet lid or into a doepfer mini case.

All audio inputs and outputs and cv inputs/outputs are 100% compatible with other synthesizer modules.

Plate voltage is provided by a tiny switching supply producing clean 48v regulated at low current, which is very safe and will not injure the user. Potentiometers are top-quality alpha rk12l types, and 3.5mm phone jacks are special kobiconn vertical-mount types,.

Each r-module is fully protected against reverse supply voltage, overvoltage, undervoltage, or incorrect hookup to external equipment. The r series is handcrafted in Northern California, USA.

Audio demos are available at Analogue Haven

Leon and Brian Dewan playing their Dewanatron Dual Primate Console at Carousel Recording Studios, Brooklyn, NY. 

Dewanatron makes folk synthesizers:

These prototype synthesizers are made in the tradition of historical folk instruments, created solely for the use of its maker and need not be housed in a refined console suitable for the school, church or parlor. Folk synthesizers are as at home in the hovel or moldy basement as they are in a museum of valued folk artifacts that used to belong in barns or sheds. 

For decades electronic music has been associated with conservatories, universities, radio stations and other well-funded institutions. And yet what better place to create electronic music than in an unheated outbuilding with a reel to reel tape recorder and some hand-crafted folk synthesizers with no one around to tell you what to do.

Before and after this launch our products will continue to be available at a number of dealerships both domestically and abroad and a list of those dealers will be updated on our site in the coming days.

I need to stress that this decision had everything to do with business and nothing to do with our successful and strong relationship with Noisebug, a partnership which bore immeasurable growth during it’s tenure and one which I hope will continue in the future. It isn’t about that. It’s about Plan B this month entering it’s fifth year. We’re all grow’d up now…and it’s time to stand on our own.

Look for a PLAN B DIRECT update early next week on the purchase tab at http://www.ear.group.net. Only products currently in our finished goods will be included. For those not listed, links will be provided giving immediate access to dealerships currently stocking products which may not be available at PLAN B DIRECT at any given time.

As always, I look forward to the future, to sharing your experiences with our products and the art created with them. On behalf of Sam Hernandez, Kateri Lirio, Dylan Sang and Brian McKinnon, I thank you for your continued support.

via the awesome Stretta blog of electronic musician Matthew Davidson

2009 NAMM Show: MOTU introduced Volta, a virtual instrument plug-in that lets you play and automate modular synthesizers—or any hardware equipped with control voltage (CV) inputs—from your favorite host audio workstation software.

Volta receives conventional virtual instrument input such as MIDI notes, MIDI controller data or even high-resolution audio track ramp automation and responds by outputting a corresponding control voltage signal, which the host software then routes to the outputs of any DC-coupled audio interface connected to the computer. The resulting DC voltage can then drive a standard CV input, such as those found on classic modular synthesizers, modern analog mono synths and even popular effects processors such as Moogerfoogers.

“If you have CV-controlled analog gear that you’ve been dying to incorporate into your computer-based studio, it’s time plug it in and let it rip because now you can use it with same level of convenience and control as a virtual instrument,” said Jim Cooper, Director of Marketing at MOTU. “Volta represents a major breakthrough in operating CV gear from Digital Performer, Logic, Live, Reason or any other Audio Unit host software.”

Check out this video demo of Volta to see it in action.

This looks like it could be a great tool for vintage and analog synth gear fans. If you’ve had a chance to try out Volta, leave a comment!

MIDI sequencing

Volta allows users to play CV-controlled oscillators with MIDI notes by simply “playing” Volta as they would any other virtual instrument via either MIDI track data or live input from their MIDI controller. Volta converts the MIDI note data to control voltage signals, which then trigger the external hardware. Because host software can pre-buffer MIDI data during playback, the timing between the external hardware audio output and the host software timeline can be sample-accurate (with hosts that support sample-level precision).

Analog oscillators are notorious for being difficult to get in tune and keep in tune. In addition, not all oscillators adhere to the tuning standard of 1 volt per octave. But if the oscillator has a CV output, Volta can take care of these issues with one click of its Calibration button. By sending voltages and measuring the pitch response, Volta automatically creates a complete profile that addresses any non-linearities in both the audio interface voltage output and the oscillator. Volta can even tune self-oscillating filters using this closed-loop system. Users can click the calibration button at any time to instantly bring all external gear back in tune.

Virtual instrument operation

As an instrument plug-in, Volta produces mono or stereo audio output to the host software, just like any other virtual instrument plug-in. Volta’s output consists of the audio signal returned from the external hardware synth. This means that external hardware, which is already sample-accurate with (and tempo-synced to) the host software timeline, can then be mixed and processed with all of the powerful features of the host software’s mixing and effects environment. For example, the host software could be used to arpeggiate the MIDI notes going to Volta (and the external oscillator), and then Volta’s resulting audio output could be processed with the host’s tempo-synced delay, phaser and reverb effects.

Track freezing

Because Volta operates as a standard virtual instrument plug-in, all external hardware oscillator output playing through Volta can be bounced to disk using the host software’s track freezing features. This means you can conveniently “print” external synth audio output at any time for archiving, mastering or future reference.

Complete automation

Volta allows users to automate continuously variable, CV-controlled parameters on their analog hardware (such as filter cutoff frequency, filter resonance or envelope depth) using MIDI CC data (sequenced in a MIDI track or played live from their MIDI controller). If users wish to achieve much higher resolution to avoid possible “zipper noise” and other pitfalls of MIDI resolution, they can instead control Volta using the audio track automation features in their host software. Audio track ramp automation can generate smooth, precise voltage changes at the resolution of digital audio.

In addition to these external automation sources, the Volta plug-in itself provides LFOs, a pattern sequencer, a trigger sequencer and even MIDI beat clocks. These automation sources can be freely applied to any Volta CV outputs, and they can of course be synced to the host tempo and timeline.

A simple user interface

The Volta plug-in window displays 24 sockets at the top of the window that represent audio outputs on the audio interface(s). Control sources (MIDI notes, MIDI CC’s, ramp automation, LFOs, etc.) are displayed as icons across the bottom of the window. Users then drag any desired control source icon onto any output socket they wish to control with it. Users can access settings for each control source simply by clicking it.

Each instance of Volta supports up to 24 output slots, and users can invoke as many instances of Volta as their hardware allows. For example, a MOTU PCI-424 system with four 24io interfaces provides 96 channels of output.

Summary of advantages

• Volta now makes it easy to use CV-controlled analog gear in today’s computer-based studio.
• Familiar virtual instrument operation—Volta operates within the host software as a standard Audio Unit (AU) plug-in.
• Total recall—all Volta-controlled parameters are saved with the host session.
• Automated tuning and pitch calibration—Volta tunes and calibrates the pitch of external hardware oscillators at any time with the click of a button.
• Sample-accurate precision—the timing between the external hardware and the host timeline can be sample-accurate (with a supporting host).
• Tempo sync—all parameters such as LFOs, etc. can be tempo-synced to the host software.
• Track freezing—through Volta, external hardware oscillator output can be captured as digital audio using the host software’s standard track freezing features.
• MIDI CC control and automation—play or sequence MIDI CC data to control your exteral hardware.
• Very high resolution automation—use host ramp automation for smooth changes without “zipper noise”.
• Built-in control sources—the Volta plug-in itself provides tempo-synced LFOs, pattern sequencers, trigger sequencers and even MIDI clock as control sources.

Volta will ship as an Audio Unit plug-in instrument compatible with any AU host on Mac OS X.

Volta can be used with any MOTU audio interface with quarter-inch outputs, as all MOTU quarter-inch outputs are DC-coupled. This includes MOTU’s PCI-424, Firewire and USB audio interfaces. Compatibility with third-party DC-coupled audio interfaces is also planned.

Volta is expected to ship Q1 of 2009. Pricing TBA.

2009 NAMM Show preview

Both Plan B and Buchla will be at the Noisebug booth 6108 which is on the main hall this year in the vicinity of Moog and Motu.

Sometime this week I will be posting further details on what we’ll be showing on the Plan B Analog Blog (go to www.ear-group.net to sign up.

On the module end will be the models 21C Mini Milton VC Sequencer, the Model 32 Vector Plotter and the M30 and 30A – two components of the mighty Triple Digital VCO Subsystem.

There are four other products being introduced which are part of the big move into cases and systems.: The Ringer, a single row rack frame offering a low-cost solution to a previously expensive expansion requirement, and the Model Zero, which is the same three row Zero Halibuton case used by NIN with some significant improvements, including power saving modes, top/bottom strip modules and the option of expanding to six rows. A photo has been posted in the PB Analog Blog.

The Performance System, which has it’s own case not unlike the Doepfer portable although two rows of 102 HP and eight inches deep is our fist venture into the systems arena and will also be on display and operational.

To support the Ringer, the Zero and the PS we’re introducing an external power system which utilizes two high-grade second party switching supplies as it’s engine. The supplies are audio grade and protected to the point that key’d power connectors on the bus will not be required…the PSU will shut itself off instantly if a module is installed incorrectly.

Along with Noisebug’s, Plan B goods will be on display at a couple of other booths as well – keep a sharp eye out!

Again, when my schedule allows I will be posting more details on all this, including photos to the PBAB. Please grant me patience with this and in getting back with anyone who may need to contact me as I’m deep into Namm hell at present and time away to post is minimal.

Thanks again and I look forward to seeing you all at the show!

via the Plan B Yahoo group, via bleepology

The Dave Smith Instruments Mopho is a $399 compact monophonic analog synthesizer, with a voice architecture identical to a single voice of the Prophet ‘08, but with a couple of unique twists.

Overview:

The Mopho offers two sub-octave generators—one per oscillator—for additional girth and crushing basses. It also has an audio input that lets you process external audio and mix Mopho’s own audio output back in pre-filter for feedback effects that can range from subtle distortion to extreme skronk.

The Push It button is a manual trigger that lets you play a specific note or latch notes and sequences on. It can also step through a sequence to play short melodic lines without a keyboard. Mopho can also be used with a MIDI controller or external sequencer.

Mopho is fully programmable and all the parameters can be tweaked from the front panel. The four Assignable Parameters controls are assignable per program for optimum performance control.

A free editor is available for Mac OS and Windows to facilitate programming. (And, if you already have a Prophet ‘08, most of Mopho’s parameters can be controlled from the Prophet’s front panel via MIDI!)

Mopho is perfect for people who want to learn the ins and outs of real analog synthesis without spending a bundle, DJs looking to add some old school sonic spice to their setups, and musicians who will appreciate a great-sounding, very portable mono synth.

• Affordable, fully programmable mono synth with a 100% analog signal path.
• Classic, real analog sound—including legendary Curtis analog low-pass filter.
• Process external audio through the filter and envelopes.
• Just 7.5″ x 5″ (19.05 cm x 12.7 cm).
• Free editor for Mac OS and Windows.

Specifications:

• 100% analog signal path
• Two oscillators
• One classic Curtis low-pass filter (switchable 2- or 4-pole)
• Analog VCAs
• Three envelope generators (ADSR plus delay)
• Two sub-octave generators (one octave down and two octaves down)
• External audio input with feedback
• Four assignable performance controls per program
• Gated 16 x 4 step sequencer (one sequence per program)
• Arpeggiator
• Fully programmable (includes free downloadable software editor for Mac OS and Windows)
• 384 programs
• I/O: MIDI In, MIDI Out/Thru, Audio In, Left and Right Audio Out, Headphone Out
• 7.5” L x 5” W x 1.4” H (19.05 cm x 12.7 cm x 3.56 cm)
• 1.5 lb. (0.7 kg)

A short demo video of the MFB-Synth Lite II. Sounds are 100% MFB, no effects added.

Moog Music has announced that it’s bringing back a limited edition run of the Moog Taurus Bass Pedal.

These have been used on thousands of classic recordings, especially prog-rock of the 70’s. 

According to Moog, the most important aspect of the design is to reproduce the original Taurus I sound-engine as faithfully as possible. I’ve included Retrosound’s video of the original Moog Taurus bass pedals above. 

Features:

• 100% Analog Sound Engine based entirely on original TAURUS I circuits
• “Taurus I” style (one and half octaves on the floor)
• 2 VCO Oscillators, ADS Contour Generator, 1 VCF Filter, Output VCA
• PRESETS: 16 Banks x 4 presets = 48 Total Programmable Bass Sounds
• BANK 0 will contains the Original Taurus I Presets: VAR, TAURUS, TUBA, BASS
• MIDI: DIN and USB, Merging and Routing
• ARPEGGIATOR: MIDI Sync, TAP TEMPO, Internal
• CV Inputs: VOLUME, FILTER, PITCH, GATE

This is another trip down memory lane for Moog – but it’s still a very cool announcement. 

The price is $1999, $1695 for the first 250 buyers. 

This is sure to be a new analog classic. Let me know if you think you might drop the cash on the new Taurus bass pedals!

 Here’s the text of Moog’s announcement:

Perhaps you have heard of the legendary Moog Taurus Bass Pedals? Perhaps this is your first introduction? Regardless, listen to the sound samples associated with the synth many have called the “Fattest Synth Ever” and you will know why we are bringing them back. 

Long requested by many of our very best customers and used by the likes of Rush, The Police, Genesis, Led Zeppelin, Phil Collins, Asia, Weezer, and many more. This is a one time opportunity to own a new set with a new warranty but one absolutely faithful to the original Taurus I sound.

We are only producing 1000 of these pedals. And the first 250 customers will receive a discounted purchase price of $1695 with an initial deposit of $500. 

Regardless of quantity ordered, this offer ends February 15, 2009. All Taurus pedals ordered after the first 250 will sell for $1995. 

We anticipate shipping towards the end of 2009. If you are interested in being one of the first owners of this legendary bass pedal, click to purchase and Moog will take $500 out of your account now with final payment plus shipping due at time of shipment.

If we should decide not to pursue the development, we will return the $500 deposit to you. 

The Bass is Back! Step up today and you will own the most incredible bottom end ever.

This Tiptop Audio video features the Z3000’s doing the Bass drum and Snare drum and the two Z5000 are saturated making the HH’s.

MFB Drum sequencer clocked by LFO triggers the sounds. All the outputs are then mixed with the Plan B mixer, playing the switches to open and close the sounds.

Video of the Swiss Synthesizer Meeting in 2007. The image quality isn’t great – but gives you a taste of the Synthesizer Treffen Schweiz.