Darren's posts with tag: analogue
The first of many podcasts to come features the Bob Moog legacy and talks about how Amin Bhatia came to dedicate the album to him. Interviewed guests include Steve Porcaro, Patrick Moraz, Michelle Moog-Koussa as well as producers, engineers and musicians from "Virtuality" The podcast series was written and directed by Saul Pincus with contributions from cinematographers and journalists all over the world. Special thanks to the crew at Full Sail University, as well as the Bob Moog Foundation and the offices of Steve Porcaro, Patrick Moraz, Bhatia Music and Splice Heist. Please visit aminbhatia.com for more on the album and artist. Via Matrixsynth
 Two-third of TBFKAS dropped by my place (Misse you never turn up!). We doodled and played with gears and decided to mess around and recorded the outcome. So here's a recording of the half hour noise/synthesis/electronic improvisation session (we were just wacking). And so we went crazy on this one, some nice moments featuring the Tenori-on vs Nintendo DS lite mid way through about 17:05 onwards till about 25:30 (Pathein rawks again); and WY had some flair with my Roland SH101 as he concocted some "bleepy-droney-sireny" noises with modulations and for the cat growls at 23:25 onwards :D ... the sherman filterbank 2 seriously bled our ears, with some bird-like talks and glitches of course... Highly disturbing sounds and noises. We dare you to listen through headphones... Gears featured in this recording:
1) Doepfer A-100 Modular System 2) Sherman Filterbank 2 3) Roland SH101 4) Tenori-on 5) Nintendo DS lite (Elektroplankton)
Recorded with KORG MR-1000; no editing done, what you hear is a live recording of this super doodle-noodle session. Just mastered the levels with a little reverb added to juice it up slightly. Yea, secretly spanking the monkey indeed... if you fancy it, are into gears, interested in Doepfer synthesis + Sherman Filterbank 2 sounds, crazy over filtering sounds, into space odyssey or sci-fi noises, sucker for Nintendo DS lite and Tenori-on bubbly-cute'sy stuffs, or you just want to soak in some chanced noises and pseudo sound art improvisations, you can download it for free by clicking the icon below...
There after we went down to S11 for some drinks and food (and ciggies). Talked about indie music, sound art, underground scenes and DIY/Circuit Bending stuffs. All in all, some good time spent!
Via Matrixsynth. Awwww.... so clever! She figured it out! And the look on the other cat at the end is priceless! :)
 Ok, I am darn broke now but this new thing from MFB screams "KICK ASS"... *slurps*. Via Matrixsynth:
* semi-modular, fully-analog * 3 VCOs, 24-dB-lowpass-filter * 37 patch connectors * integrated MIDI/CV-interface * MSRP: 580,- Euro
"MFB-SYNTH3 is the semi-modular version of MFB’s Synth-II. It trades memory locations and MIDI-control off for 37 patch connectors that allow breaking and modifying the internal routing. Put single MFB-SYNTH3 components under analog sequencer control or let the whole unit interact with your existing modular-synthesizer-system.
MFB-SYNTH3 works as a stand-alone synthesizer without the need to patch any cable. The classic formation of VCO-VCF-VCA is pre-wired internally, complete with essential modulations. Therefore, you can play the SYNTH3 just like any other synthesizer using its MIDI-input. In addition, it may integrate into a full analog environment using control voltages – and benefit, unlike MIDI, from infinite continuous parameter resolution.
MFB-SYNTH3 offers a complete set for powerful and versatile synthesis: three VCOs with hard-sync, 24-dB-lowpass-filter with resonance, noise generator, ring-modulator, two envelope-generators, two LFOs and VCA. Technically and soundwise SYNTH3 is identical to MFB’s euro-rack-modules. However, the MFB-SYNTH3 comes in a compact format that is easy to take with you and faster in use. Your ideal analog partner on stage!
MFB products are sold at your musical instruments dealer. If you can´t find any reseller closeby we will also sell the MFB-SYNTH3 directly within Germany. The price is 580 Euro (incl. VAT plus 10 Euro shipping, cash on delivery)."
Now, without MIDI? That kinda sux. But the whole concept is to integrate this into a modular system or on it's on... via CV I guess. But no MIDI? Come on! Yet again, I'm not really a MIDI person. "Semi-modular" but no patch points is slightly dodgy for me as well... Ok, about SGD$1200, that's definitely too much for me to spend on. But I'll hang on the thought. Perhaps one day, together with the gazillion gears I'm eyeing on.
 This is a synthesis based live improvisation recording I did at home. This 16+ minute set features the Doepfer A100 Modular System; Sherman Filterbank 2; and MOOG Little Phatty. All synthesis were created and done on the spot except for the LP which I've just used a preset to start with and did modulations and filtering along the way. Recorded on KORG MR1000 and delay was applied post. It's a noise and synthesis based improvisation so it's not the usual music you'll hear on my myspace :) Have a listen: iFORESTNoise, blips and analogue goodness... Click HERE to download the session for free... Hope you guys will enjoy it... 
| | Bought a mobile rack from City Music and racked my modular stuffs up... so now the set up is mobile! Woots~ |
| | The KORG M3 pix will be up after Christmas once I've set up the studios... I am paying the Phatty by installment agreement ;) Really, it was unprecedented and unexpected that the LP now lies in my room... what a surprise.
UPDATES:
Well, finally the KORG M3-88 is here! And along came my MAGNUS vintage electric fan organ! Trust me, this thing sounds magical and very charming! And of course the KORG MR-1000 1bit portable recorder! :) Happy me... the mobile mixer rack is here too but no point taking pictures of an empty rack... |
 Well, when was the last time I post about my synths? Seems like a long time. Anyway, here's what's been going on and I felt it calls for some synths porn again. Mypapers interviewed me for having a fetish for collecting synthesizers... audiophile they call it. Well, not in the strict sense. It was, erm... a bit weird always to be in front of the cameras so again, I felt most uneasy. Anyway it went well though I was told that I mentioned too many technical stuffs and they might have to edit it away to make the programme more accessible. Well, we'll see. Not sure when this programme will be out but heard it will be in September... which episode I am not sure either but I will inform close friends of it when the time comes. Features about 80% of my synths collection (can't display all due to space constraints - about 6 synths not in), demonstrations, synths porn, modular synths and theremin (not in photo YET); getting shy, acting stupid, talking funny... and my fat face. Oh well.... Since it's all set up, I thought I might as well do some shots of them, anyway, what are the chances of putting them all together in a small house like mine? So here you go:        More photos will be updated soon (I hope!) Out!
 Well, been really (or at least trying to be) productive these days. Been rushing work and also prep'ing for teaching materials for NAFA lessons. I've hardly anytime for myself and to work on my own music. The only real rest I've got was spending time with my baby, which I totally enjoyed myself. I am blessed. Me.. me... me, me me me. :) Her birthday is coming soon and I am overwhelmed with anxiety. Can't wait for it to arrive!!! Funny, it's her birthday and I feel more anxious I think. Too bad she's having classes on the eve and on the actual day itself. But we'll make the best out of it. :) There's alot of ideas running in my head but I was too boggled down by work to materialize them. But I'll keep them in mind and work on them when I have the time. Anyway, I've managed to doodle abit on my Doepfer A100 Modular System, hooking up to my "modularly modded Roland SH101" via CV... it was fun. When I have the time I'll record it down. Mean time, just pictures for tease and it's work work work! NDP coming soon... and it will be over!! Woohoooooo!!!! Out   
 Well, it'd been awhile since I updated photos so finally got down to it. Getting my synths mojo back. There's a few updates: RaNdoM SyNtHs ShOtsDecided to start a new album that archives interesting synth shots that are slightly "more than just a normal shot"... I am not good at photography so such shots are hard to come by for me LOL. My HuMbLe sTuDiOAdded some updated studio shots and of course my Doepfer A100 Modular System racked. :) SoNiCbRaTUpdated Piana gig pictures and also HI.A.TUS album. I had a great day yesterday with my girlfriend. Though the time was short and we went to PS Spotlight, but we had so much fun. There were moments where we laughed till our tummy ache and I teared. She is so wonderful to be with. Love you baby. :) Attached picture shows my new rack arrangements. I've dedicated one flight case for the analogue stuffs: Akai MFC42 Filter, Doepfer A100 Modular System, Vermona RM-1, DeltaLab Effectron, Sherman Filterbank 2.
Via Matrixsynth. Nice demo on the French Connection. Note that it's a controller and does not have a build in sound module. From the author: After watching the Jean Laurendeau Ondes Martenot video on youtube, I was inspired to seek out an Analogue Systems French Connection controller. It so happens that I came across a used unit, so I jumped on it. I received it two days ago and I was eager (perhaps too eager) to contribute a demo of my new toy to youtube. Yes, my intonation is questionable. My apologies. All the music was generated exclusively with a (primarily Doepfer) modular synthesizer, one monophonic line at a time. This exercise is somewhat of a test balloon for a long form modular project I'm currently sketching out. Correction: the original piece is Recuerdos de la Alhambra by Francisco Tárrega
| | OK, my guitar is in rehearsals so I can't use it to test the PODxt Live. So I used the Roland SH101 instead.
DEMO: [SH101]PODxtLive
Not a song but just a demo of what the PODxt Live can do to a sound. What you hear is a product of 4 tracks recorded using Roland SH101 with a square + saw wave sorta synth going on in C major. 3 tracks hold either C or G notes in different ranges while 1 track holds a C7 chord arpegiated. The effect used on the PODxt is a harmonic flange with effects. There's some filtering going on on the SH101 but minimal... What you hear is unprocessed after recording. Just SH101 through PODxt into my lap-top and mixed.
Just got this second hand off from a nice dude. I must say this is a heavy stomp, build like a tank. Controls are straight forward and interface is great. It allows you to design your own "effects chain" and the silver knobs allow you to have control over the tone of the output... It's my first impression from using it straight out without reading a manual. I can't wait to use it with my guitar and see what it can do... I don't suppose it will be revolutionary, but I am sure it will come in handy. |
| | Ok, so what happen when someone who doesn't know how to play the guitar and picked up an electric guitar for the first time and wanted to cut a track for an upcoming production? THIS:
W.K.W Dream[reject] (song number 7)
Supposed to have piano playing live on top, so this is like a backing track during performance. Yep, wanted to compose a track for Wong Kah Wai's Dream, TFP's production during arts festival. But after this track was done, I am having second thoughts so tentatively I've rejected this track myself. I am still a dummy when comes to guitar at the end of the day. Well, and I felt the song was inappropriate in a way. We'll see after tomorrow's meeting and hear what TC have to say to this.
Anyway, what's done is done, take it as an experience. It is afterall my first attempt on a guitar with no prior knowledge or training. Basically, I played by ear and loop it through EH2880 and RC20... effected through VF1 and ZebraVCF for different takes... kinda composed on the fly. For the synth parts, it was added in subtley and builds over time (JUNO106, AX60 and Radias). My favourite will have to be the SH101 (in about 03:43 and went on)... basically wanted to keep it as "acoustic" as it can be despite everything being electronic (well, analogue mostly)... have fun listening. Don't kill me if I've played the guitar really badly... It's my first time :P
Instrumentation:
Frigging brandless humbucker
Roland SH101
Roland JUNO106
KORG Radias
AKAI AX60
Looper: EH2880; BOSS RC20
Effects: BOSS VF-1; ZebraVCF
Omitted: Thingamagoop; Effector13 Synth Mangler |
| | Some 808 and 909 clone goodness added into my racks... sweet. |
| | Just got these from Mr Misse, the nicest, fairest and friendliest gear retailer in Singapore. Well, actually I've ordered it like since last year... erm... maybe august? Can't remember... time really flies. Anyway, finally it's here. So again, some gear whoring pictures before testing it out. It takes some time to doodle around this and finding the right sound for it.
In anycase, I got a Moog Pedal Bag along with a Moog t-shirt and Moog CD together with it. :) Mr Misse rawks!
UPDATES: Aight, visited Matirxsynth site (best synth site ever!!!) and I thought I should put up Effector 13 website up too... Thanks Matrix! Check out THIS POST!!! Matrixsynth had uploaded some synth mangler related stuffs! |
| | Via Vintage Synth Explorer:
"The AX-60 is among some of the last true analog polysynths of the mid-eighties. It was Akai's answer to the hugely successful Roland Juno series and Yamaha's new digital DX-series. The AX-60 is a programmable six-voice synth with a nice LFO, lowpass VCF filter, envelope sections, and more. An eight-voice version, the AX-80, was already available.
Programming this synth is easy using dedicated sliders, knobs and/or buttons for its parameters. It also has a useful noise generator and some other cool functions that include auto-tuning, chorus, a multi-mode arpeggiator and a keyboard that can be split into two key-zones, making it somewhat bi-timbral. All six voices can be stacked in unison mode for a powerful and thick lead sound. Its features and sound make the AX-60 a worthy alternative to Roland's Juno 106. The AX-60 may have been used by Bjork."
This baby sounded old school... basic presets that sounded unexciting (not really phat) but a few gems within. Once you start screwing with the preset sounds with the VCO, LFO and VCF... the synth comes alive... the filters are not too bad at all... ranging from "woody" to "bubbly"... I can see this coming to use in some of my shows... and that's great! :)
Ignore the flowers if you must... my mom bought it for me for Chinese New Year... LOL! |
| | A new acquisition for my new direction; a midi to cv convertor :) a 1985 gear in mint "out of the box" condition.
For more info visit: HERE |
| | These are pictures taken whilst I compose and design for the play "Everything But The Brain" for Action Theatre. Now showing at the Esplanade Theatre. Here's the demo of three songs which I've picked out to upload (click on the title of the songs to listen):
EVER AFTER
This track, by approach was really simple. I mic'ed up a Hungarian Zither (CITERA) using a contact microphone and it's being fed into the KORG Radias audio in. Using a vocoder preset, I have made it to trigger a synth note (D flat) with a moderate attack and a long release. So everytime I plug a note, it will trigger the synth note. The signal is also routed through it's internal effects with delay and reverb. Another contact microphone was employed to sample the Citera with a BOSS RC-20 and the playback is reversed... This track was recorded live with me improvising on the Citera. (I have no idea how to play it so I just did what I think sound right) You can find a picture of the Citera below...
BEDTIME STORIES
A Plogue Bidule composition using a patch I've designed. The group has a couple of sequencers that triggers the risset bells and sine tones, which was passed through a rebuilder and some effects. Crytal Synths were employed for the generation of the glassy ambient. KORG Radias was used for a base drone...
EINSTEIN'S BRAIN
An abstract of the 10 minute long piece. The piano was from KORG Triton ST88. An improvisation based on the scenic mood was recorded and then reversed and picthed down to underlay the original recording. Another Plogue Bidule patch was designed to sound scape subtley underneath this track...
DISCLAIMER: There are pictures of other synths which was employed for the composition and design of other songs and sounds but I did not include the demo here... It's sad to see the way they treated my music in production... director's call, so what to do :/ |
| | Yummy... From unboxing to setting and hooking up. This synth looks swanky, with wooden side panels (narrow though). The KORG RADIAS... I shot it up and started noodling through its presets (NEAT! But did not like the self plugging vocoder presets of reading "RADIAS"). I am impressed by the versatility. The oscillators are quite flexible, which pretty much says for first impressions: It's a versatile VA synths. The dual filters look the part, but it's not as cut-through as I hope it to be. Rather conservative I must say. This synth, on first impression, sounded warm but hardly phat enough. Well, naturally. In anycase, I shall spend more time with this baby and in time write a short user review.
Due to job commitment, I don't think I will be cutting a demo song on it so soon. But will do so once I have time to noodle on it. Actually, I even thought the adapter looks cool. With an on/off button to it. The sliding frame for the module is simply too cool as well. Man, I can be real shallow. :P |
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