This video, via synthjunk, is a celebration of all that is good – with an emphasis on the pure analog electronica power, using classic synths, sequencers and drum machines.

via synthjunk:

Influenced by electronic music of the 70’s 80’s & 90’s.

Recorded using Ableton live with minimal overdubbing.

Robot featured is home made.

Synthtopia regular MirlitronOne created what could be the low-budget music hack of the year – turning a $6 LED kit into a 8-stage step sequencer.

He started with a Vellemen MK107 LED kit – which are available all over the place for less than a fast food lunch, making the kit a great risk-free starting point for music hacking.

In this video, MirlitronOne shows you how he did it and how this DIY music sequencer works.

via MirlitronOne:

How to turn a cheap Velleman LED kit into a simple eight-note analogue voltage sequencer for a synthesizer, WSG etc. The whole thing could be built for under £10 and has a novel function for playing subsets of the selected notes for ‘related’ arpeggios. This electronic music project comes to you from the bench of Mirlitronics, Inc., suppliers of low-tech gadgetry to “The Mirlitrons” – check us out on iTunes.

via Make

Yamaha today announced a new, budget version of it’s innovative Tenori On music synthesizer – the Tenori On Orange, TRN-O.

The TRN-O is an entry-level version of the Tenori On, offering the same basic musical functionality, but using orange LEDs, stripping away the backlighting LEDs and using a basic white plastic case.

Surprisingly for a budget item, Yamaha did not announce the pricing for the new Tenori On Orange. The TRN-O is expected to be available in December.

Yamaha also confirmed a free forthcoming firmware update for Tenori-On customers, expected to be available in January. The update will address the syncing of Tenori-On to external DAW applications and offer an improved MIDI sync implementation.

According to Yamaha, the new Tenori-On ‘Orange’ offers the same levels of creative power as the original but has been made significantly more affordable. Yamaha has replaced the magnesium casing of the original with a heavy duty and durable plastic casing.

“We know everyone loves the concept and fresh approach of Tenori-On, however, as you’d expect we have received thousands of requests for a more affordable version,” Yamaha’s Peter Peck explains. “We therefore looked at many ways of reducing the price without compromising the all-important product concept or creative operating system. By removing the battery option and the back panel LED’s and changing the chassis construction from the magnesium found on the original to a more affordable material we have achieved our goal of creating the more affordable Tenori-On ‘Orange’, bringing the full creative capability of Tenori-On to a much wider audience.”

Details at the Yamaha site.

Saturday Synth Porn: This video is a quick demo of the very sexy Moon Modular M569 Step Sequencer.

The M569 is a 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“).

via JohnLRice:

I just couldn’t resist playing around a bit with my new Moon M569 sequencer! It has so much great potential for doing interesting sequencing it’s really exciting!

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.

Pepe Mogt’s Tenori-on + Oberheim Four Voice Sequencing Exercise features some great analog sounds and amazing HD visuals.

Wacka chicka wacka chicka!

Patch details below.

via pepemogt:

this is a Sequencing Excercise using the Tenori-on and Oberheim Four Voice only, conected trough the Roland MPU-101 and couple of Analogue Systems Joysticks for Filter and LFO control.

extracted from www.vintagesynth.com :
Oberheim Four Voice
A big step forward after the initial Oberheim SEM and Two Voice synthesizers came from the bigger and better Four Voice. Four dual-oscillator SEM modules each with its own filters and envelopes are joined together along with a simple analog mixer and 49-note keyboard to give you a polyphonic/polytonal Obie-beast!

This combination gives you eight oscillators and four voices of polyphony because there are basically four discrete mono-synths all connected together. This has its pros and cons. What is cool is that this was a lot of simultaneous voices for the mid-seventies. And the ability to craft a different sound on each voice led to some diverse and complex sounds. However, it also meant you have to program each voice independently. Each voice also has its own independent audio output.

The Polyphonic Synthesizer Programmer, released in 1976 and added to the Four Voice stores 16 patches per voice (all of which can be different). The Four Voice could accommodate an additional four SEMs, making it just like the Eight Voice model which officially appeared in 1977.

Unfortunately the Four Voice was blown out of the competition by the release of the polyphonic Sequential Prophet-5, which offered true polyphony with a single set of sound shaping controls and comprehensive patch memory. The Four Voice has been used by 808 State, Depeche Mode, Styx, Latinsizer, The Shamen, Fussible, Gary Wright, Joe Zawinul and John Carpenter.

This video demos 12Step – a neural sequencer developed by Ted Hayes at the Interactive Telecommunications Program (ITP) for New Instruments for Musical Expression (NIME).

Software used: Puredata 0.41.4-extended, Ableton Live 8, Native Instruments Akoustik Piano.

via Tedb0t:

first iteration of software model with manual (software) input, demonstrating high-weight selection, multiple concurrent sequences, weight randomization and mode changes.

Philip Glass & Steve Reich, eat yr heart out X-)

Part 2 below.

Click here to view the embedded video.

First step: You have to admit you are powerless over hypnotic minimal musical sequences….

The Haunted Spaceship – or – How an Arp Axxe sounds with my modular synth for Halloween sounds.

via nathanielscott:

Any analogue synth with a noise generator and a semi-decent filter is great for making spaceship noises. The AXXE is no exception.

My friend Stephen has had an idea about doing a short sci-fi film about ghosts in space (no not Space Ghost). If he an I ever get the film made I hope it has campy sounds like this.

Sunday Synth Jams: Astral Flyover, a live modular synth improvisation.

Details on the patching below.

via davidryle:

Arrick modular synth live performance. Used Cubase 4 and Addictive Drums vst plug-in to clock into the Q960 Sequential Controller.

Holistic Additives – Modular synth + Monopoly + Volta

I’m not sure about Dr Vague’s math – but I’m pretty sure it adds up to a computer-controlled modular synth jam.

via doctorvague:

Volta, 4 trigger streams to a switcher to a Moon Modular trigger sequencer and on out to a Monopoly arpeggiator etc.

It’s as fun as it looks. I jammed to a different loop than you’re hearing

The Berlin School lives on, with Martin Peters’ hypnotic interlocking sequencers + symphonic electronica synth jam, Another Symphonic Theme.

Details on gear + patches below!

via attorks:

This theme is somewhat like the symphonic theme I uploaded in February of this year, yet it is also quite different

The 3 rows of the Doepfer MAQ16/3 sequencer drive 4 voices. The first voice you hear is one Q106 VCO through the CGS Steiner Synthacon VCF and the Oakley Equinoxe phaser. The second voice one Q106 VCO through the Q150 transistor ladder filter. These first 2 voices have the same 4 step sequence running on row 3. Then you hear the self build Modular running on row 2 and after that the Creamware Minimax ASB running on row 1. These 2 voices start each with a 4 step sequence which after a while is varied between 5 and 8 steps manually. Then the bass and the theme are played on the Waldorf Q keyboard with a PPG-like sound. The Mellotron-like strings are played on the Roland XP-80. The solo is performed on the Clavia Nord Lead 1.

I noticed the video is gradually getting out of sync with the sound; I don’t know what caused that and I also didn’t know how to fix that when editing the clip. So, sorry for that.

Click here to view the embedded video.

uses four IR transmitter/receiver pairs to detect reflective objects (such as coins) passing under one of four tracks. When such an object is detected, an audio sample is triggered on the computer.

This is a Bourne-o-vision demo video of the new Monotonic Labs Type-N38 Synthesizer.

No details are available yet at the Monotonic Labs site.

via monotoniclabs

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.

Sunday Synth Jam: Here’s a little something for the fans of Berlin School electronic music – a nice sequenced synth jam, via attorks:

This theme is inspired by an arpeggiator from the Waldorf Q keyboard which I programmed as sequence to be performed by the Q. At first you hear a bass-like sound from the Creamware MiniMax ASB. After that the Synthesizers.com Modular and the self built Modular are added. At last the sequence from the Waldorf Q Keyboard is added. By varying the decay on the Q the sound becomes more lively.

The accompaniment is played on the Clavia Nord Lead 1 and the Roland XP-80.

This video demos the Signal Arts Tetra MAPS Sequencer,which is now available in Eurorack Format.

via bigcitymusic:

The MAPS sequencer, short for MIDI Analog Performance Sequencer, is now in Eurorack modular synth format! The Tetra MAPS is an incredibly versatile sequencer, capable of producing beautifully complex multi-channel sequences or your simple everyday sequences. The MAPS has four(!) MIDI-CV converters as well as up to 32 midi channel outputs. This short demo shows multiple sequences “chasing” each other. You can set the gate time per step, which can give you some wonderful rhythmic variation as well as some nice random melodies. By pushing the corresponding encoder, you start a particular sequence. You can start and retrigger all of the sequences multiple times too. Awesome!

We’re sending our control voltages to three Analogue Systems voices, each patched a bit differently. All are using the rs95 oscillator with fine tuner. One has an rs100 Low Pass filter, one a Comb Filter, and all three mixed are running into the amazing Reverb/Chorus module.

David Vorhaus Analogue Electronic Music 1979

In this historical video from 1979, American-born UK synth pioneer David Vorhaus talks about two of his analogue inventions – the MANIAC analogue sequencer, and the Kaleidophon.

via JeffreyPlaide:

The MANIAC (Multiphasic Analog Inter-Active Chromataphonic (sequencer)) was an analogue sequencer having variable step lengths, and the ability to split sequences into several smaller groupings giving considerable sonic potentiality. Addition and subtraction of events was possible, as well as the possibility to chromatically correct the output during performance. David could program his MANIAC sequencer to play a background rhythm or combination of musical events, to then improvise over the top with another instrument or synthesizer.

The Kaleidophon was a double-bass-like instrument using four velocity-sensitive ribbon controllers instead of strings. The instrument is played entirely using the left hand, leaving the right hand free to manipulate the sound via a number of controllers and a joystick.

David speaks about the processes of making electronic music, and the developments that such possibilities can provide for the imaginative electronic musician. This excerpt is taken from the BBC 1979 documentary entitled “The New Sound of Music” hosted by Michael Rodd.

iPhone music software: This is a sneak preview of Drum Sequencer, a drum machine/groovebox for the Apple iPhone.

It’s expected to be released Sept 24th, 2009.

Description:

Drum Sequencer is a drum beat composing application. It’s designed for example DJ’s, live performances, practicing, interactive composing or just for fun.

Amaze yourself with this app. Discover the basics of drum beats, doodle around and use your imagination to find new exotic rhythms. You don’t have to be a DJ or live artist to sound like them.

App features:

• easy & fast use user interface for situations where you just want to evolve the beat quickly
• multiple drum sets (with high quality 44kHz sounds)
• realtime effects for each instrument (for example really nasty sounding distortion)
• bank & pattern for storing your best bits
• easy switching between patterns for example live performance
• tap tempo
• easy syncing to existing beat, song or any kind of fixed rythm

via zapallalla

This is a sneak preview of the Digitana Micro Punk Robot and Micro Step analog sequencer.

Digitana is a boutique UK synth maker.

via DigitanaUK:

Testing out the Micro Step sequencer with the MPR, the Micro Step is a small 8 step analogue sequencer. The Micro Step is being triggered by a Machinedrum, aside from the bass drum all the sounds are coming from the Micro Punk Robot. The MPR is being fed a CV from the Micro Step and a sine wave.The first batch of Micro Punk Robots are sold out, to order one from the next batch sign up to the mailing list at the website on the video, the Micro Step will be available from October.All Digitana products are completely hand made, and limited edition, see website for further info.

Pricing is £65GBP for Micro Punk Robot plus shipping at cost, Micro Step price is not confirmed as yet but should be under £175. We ship worldwide.Lots more new products coming soon!Thanks for watching!

Patch details below.

via davidryle:

Arrick Modular live recording of a patch.

Heart of the patch is of two sets of Q117 S&H and Q118 Instrument Interfaces fed off of one Q110 Noise Generator. Instrument Interface’s were output to two Q961 Interface modules for long gates, then routed to two Q128 Switches to select a control voltage for the oscillators from the Q960 Sequential Controller stages.

This created a random combination of two pitches for each step from the sequencer even though the control voltages were still tuned. Some of the voltages were sent to more than one oscillator which in turn fed either soft sync or low frequency oscillators. Some oscillators were sent through a Q116 Ring Modulator. A Q105 Slew Limiter modified one oscillator for down glide pitch modulation.

Yves Usson Gate Delay (STG Soundlabs) module was used for late timings and slew into a couple of oscillators for some of the background effects.

Three filters were used. A STG Soundlabs Sea Devils Filter, a Q107 State Variable Filter and a Q150 Transistor Ladder Filter. Four envelope generators, two mixers, four amplifiers, a distributor, a multiple and a Pan/Fade module rounded out the patch modules.

Two Behringer DD400 digital delay units were used in line with some of the oscillators, and a Lexicon MX200 was used for final delay.

The last few seconds were a fade in of the drone oscillator used in the background without the sequencer running. Audio mixed in Cubase 4 by Steinberg and the video edited in iMovie by Apple.