A short video of Paul playing a 223e.
Always amazes me as to how responsive this is.
Some pics of the patch:
The unedited version of the video is here:
http://youtu.be/R02sXnVprvA
Saturday, 7 March 2015
Wednesday, 4 March 2015
EMS Synthi - Tweaking the filter
I'm just playing around with the EMS Synthi filter today.
When I saw it for the first time, it looked unfamiliar until I realized that RESPONSE is the EMS version of RESONANCE. Sadly there is no voltage control for resonance.
As you can see, it resonates in the higher ranges so can be used as an extra oscillator. The Synthi & VSC3 are not as famous for their filters as say the Korg MS-20 LP or the Moog ladder, though I still like the sound.
The unedited video is here:
http://youtu.be/Xhvb8RD2KW8
Before 1974, the EMS Synthi filter was officially described as a 3-pole diode ladder with a frequency response of 18dB/octave. In '74, EMS changed their design to a 4 pole 24dB/Oct response. (There is still much debate as to whether the pre-74 design is actually a 4-pole and the post 74 a 5 pole design). Anyway, I'm not sure why, though many say the pre 74 version sounded better. My filter is I believe a post 1974 design.
Schematically, the Synthi ladder filter is very similar to the Moog ladder, except that Moog used transistors, and EMS used diodes. Another famous diode latter filter was made by Roland for their TB-303.
The audio enters via the matched pair of 2N5172 transistors at the base and exits via the two lines
above the group of 8 diodes.
I wonder whether this abundance of diode ladder filters is a direct response to Moog's dispute with ARP over their use of a transistor based ladder filter in their early 2600s.???
Beware ...the response knob is very sensitive -- before you know it you are into self oscillation mode.
The response/resonance also effects the audio level a lot. ... it (loudness) can fall quite dramatically
as you approach the Resonance/Response's upper limits
When I saw it for the first time, it looked unfamiliar until I realized that RESPONSE is the EMS version of RESONANCE. Sadly there is no voltage control for resonance.
As you can see, it resonates in the higher ranges so can be used as an extra oscillator. The Synthi & VSC3 are not as famous for their filters as say the Korg MS-20 LP or the Moog ladder, though I still like the sound.
The unedited video is here:
http://youtu.be/Xhvb8RD2KW8
Before 1974, the EMS Synthi filter was officially described as a 3-pole diode ladder with a frequency response of 18dB/octave. In '74, EMS changed their design to a 4 pole 24dB/Oct response. (There is still much debate as to whether the pre-74 design is actually a 4-pole and the post 74 a 5 pole design). Anyway, I'm not sure why, though many say the pre 74 version sounded better. My filter is I believe a post 1974 design.
This schemo is of the pre-'74 four-pole diode filter
Schematically, the Synthi ladder filter is very similar to the Moog ladder, except that Moog used transistors, and EMS used diodes. Another famous diode latter filter was made by Roland for their TB-303.
The audio enters via the matched pair of 2N5172 transistors at the base and exits via the two lines
above the group of 8 diodes.
I wonder whether this abundance of diode ladder filters is a direct response to Moog's dispute with ARP over their use of a transistor based ladder filter in their early 2600s.???
Beware ...the response knob is very sensitive -- before you know it you are into self oscillation mode.
The response/resonance also effects the audio level a lot. ... it (loudness) can fall quite dramatically
as you approach the Resonance/Response's upper limits
Patch variation 1
Basic Patch:
Osc 1 + Osc 2 --->Filter + Osc2 ----> channel 2
Osc 1 + Osc 2 --->Filter ----->reverb ----> channel 1
The touching the keyboard triggers the Envelope which opens Channel 1's output.
Patch - Variation 2
Links
1. Slew/Unslew filter mod
2. Muffs
3. VintageSynth
4. Sea Devils (Shirt Tie Guy) filter.
5. Analogue Solutions RS500e
6. YuSynth Diode Ladder filter
7. Keith Murray
8. Tim Stinchcombe
1. Slew/Unslew filter mod
2. Muffs
3. VintageSynth
4. Sea Devils (Shirt Tie Guy) filter.
5. Analogue Solutions RS500e
6. YuSynth Diode Ladder filter
7. Keith Murray
8. Tim Stinchcombe
EMS Synthi meets a Arturia BeatStep
A few experiments using the Arturia Beatstep as a sequencer instead of the Synthi's KS.
The unedited videos are here:
http://youtu.be/IxRrzSAgvTA
and
http://youtu.be/IHtSnNXMl6w
The basic patch:
All osc outputs ---> Filter -----> Reverb -----> Channel 1(Out)
Osc 2 & Osc 3 ------> Ring Mod -----------> Ring Mod Out + Osc 2 ------> Channel 2 (Out)
The standard un-modified Synthi uses a 0.32V/oct scale. My Synthi has been modified to 1V/oct.
The unedited videos are here:
http://youtu.be/IxRrzSAgvTA
and
http://youtu.be/IHtSnNXMl6w
The basic patch:
All osc outputs ---> Filter -----> Reverb -----> Channel 1(Out)
Osc 2 & Osc 3 ------> Ring Mod -----------> Ring Mod Out + Osc 2 ------> Channel 2 (Out)
Patch - variation 1
Tuesday, 3 March 2015
The Baby Taj - Agra - India
This site is the Tomb of I'timād-ud-Daula " the Treasurer of the Empire".
It's a Mughal mausoleum in the city of Agra (the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh).
Nur Jehan, the wife and queen of the Mughal Emperor Jahangir built this tomb for her father, Mirza Shiyath Beg. Soon after her marriage, Mirza was appointed Prime Minister & Treasurer.
Mirza must have done his job well as treasurer to have earn't this tribute.
It's a jewel that most tourists miss in their rush to see the Taj Mahal which is only 6km away.
The tomb was built between 1622 and 1628. In the history of Indian architecture this site is very important. It marks the transition from the old monumental style of red sandstone with marble decoration (seen in the Humayun's Tomb in Delhi and Akbar's tomb in Sikandra) to structures built completely from white marble and pietra dura inlay (the pinnacle being the Taj Mahal).
Pietra Dura or pietre dure is the art of stone inlay. The aim is to cut the stone so precisely that contacts between the edges are invisible. This art was made famous in Renaissance Italy, esp in Florence & Rome.
The walls of this site are completely constructed with white marble from Rajasthan.
Marble encrusted with semi-precious stones – agate, carnelian, garnet, jasper, lapis lazuli, onyx, and topaz.
This ornamentation is so beautiful. Floral, arabesque, geometrical - very stylised.- inspired by the plant studies of Ustad Mansur.
These screens (called jālī screens) are also carved from white marble. So delicate & beautiful.
It's a Mughal mausoleum in the city of Agra (the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh).
Nur Jehan, the wife and queen of the Mughal Emperor Jahangir built this tomb for her father, Mirza Shiyath Beg. Soon after her marriage, Mirza was appointed Prime Minister & Treasurer.
Mirza must have done his job well as treasurer to have earn't this tribute.
It's a jewel that most tourists miss in their rush to see the Taj Mahal which is only 6km away.
The tomb was built between 1622 and 1628. In the history of Indian architecture this site is very important. It marks the transition from the old monumental style of red sandstone with marble decoration (seen in the Humayun's Tomb in Delhi and Akbar's tomb in Sikandra) to structures built completely from white marble and pietra dura inlay (the pinnacle being the Taj Mahal).
Pietra Dura or pietre dure is the art of stone inlay. The aim is to cut the stone so precisely that contacts between the edges are invisible. This art was made famous in Renaissance Italy, esp in Florence & Rome.
The walls of this site are completely constructed with white marble from Rajasthan.
Marble encrusted with semi-precious stones – agate, carnelian, garnet, jasper, lapis lazuli, onyx, and topaz.
This ornamentation is so beautiful. Floral, arabesque, geometrical - very stylised.- inspired by the plant studies of Ustad Mansur.
These screens (called jālī screens) are also carved from white marble. So delicate & beautiful.
Many of its design elements can be found in the later Taj Mahal. These Islamic mausoleums are of great architectural interest. Notice firstly that the main tomb stands on a plinth on red sandstone.
The Tomb is square with octagonal towers.
They are both situated in the centre of a park which is then divided into 4 gardens (Char-Bagh). The gardens are formed of 4 raised avenues which have waterways running through them. We also see the usual enclosing walls & side buildings
There is also a multi-storied open pleasure pavilion on the western side which overlooks the river.
This is made of red sandstone, inlayed with white marble. The tomb is situated on the left bank of the river Yamuna.
Above is a view of the Western Pavilion which overlooks the river. Notice that it's built in the older "Monumental Style" of red sandstone/marble inlay.
This layout evokes the "Persian Paradise".... the fountain of life plays in the centre from which 4 holy rivers gush.... the deceased is in the centre of paradise for eternity.
The central room of the mausoleum (qubba) is a cube. In this case it is not covered with the usual domed ceiling. Here, the building is roofed with a square "Barahdari".
Above, we have the Northern Pavilion. It's identical to the Southern Pavilion. They have a single storeyed "Iwan" in the middle, and double storeyed wings on their sides. There are rooms and halls on the first floor of these pavilions. There are also stairways on the sides. The very top "crown" is called a "Chhatris".
This is the main entrance to the tomb (The Eastern Gate). Notice the use of red sandstone with white marble inlay.
Monday, 2 March 2015
Korg Mini Pops 7
The Mini Pops 7 was Korg's (Keio's) flagship Mini Pops.
It was also manufactured under the names Univox SR-95 & The Contessa Mini Pops.
The year was 1966.
The Univox SR-95 is virtually identical to the MP7, except that the Rimshot is not present and the Beguine rhythm also sounds different.
This is the Jean-Michel Jarre OXYGENE machine.
If you are looking for the original OXYGENE grooves, you can not get them without the Minipops 7
There are a total of 20 rhythms. The 10 rhythm white keys are assigned twice via the two pole selector switch on the right.
The top rhythms are: Waltz, Samba,Mambo,Rumba,Tango, Bossanova, Rock 1, Rock 2, March 2/4 & swing.
The lower rhythms are :JAZZ WALTZ, MERINGUE, CHA-CHA, BEGUINE, HABANERA, SLOW ROCK, ROCK2, ROCK4, MARCH6/8, LATIN SWING
The rhythms can be combined with each other to create new patterns. This is how Jean-Michel Jarre created the rhythm for Oxygene, Part II.
The MP7 is the only model that offers all the 15 different drum sounds.
These are produced using inductors.... making this little drum very difficult to clone.
I think the tonal variety in this machine is very impressive.
The sounds are: Bass, Snare 1, Snare 2, Rimshot, High-Hat, Cymbal 1, Cymbal 2, Cowbell, Conga, Large Bongo, Small Bongo, Claves, Quijada, Guiro, Tambourine.
I especially like the three distinct sounds Quijada ,Tambourine and Guiro.
These give it loads of character.
You can also mix these sounds with their own faders. This is rare a feature.
Roland's CR-78 has a similar mixer.
For stage use , the device can also be set up vertically - The bottom has a carrying handle which can be flipped open .
It was also manufactured under the names Univox SR-95 & The Contessa Mini Pops.
The year was 1966.
The Univox SR-95 is virtually identical to the MP7, except that the Rimshot is not present and the Beguine rhythm also sounds different.
This is the Jean-Michel Jarre OXYGENE machine.
If you are looking for the original OXYGENE grooves, you can not get them without the Minipops 7
There are a total of 20 rhythms. The 10 rhythm white keys are assigned twice via the two pole selector switch on the right.
The top rhythms are: Waltz, Samba,Mambo,Rumba,Tango, Bossanova, Rock 1, Rock 2, March 2/4 & swing.
The lower rhythms are :JAZZ WALTZ, MERINGUE, CHA-CHA, BEGUINE, HABANERA, SLOW ROCK, ROCK2, ROCK4, MARCH6/8, LATIN SWING
The rhythms can be combined with each other to create new patterns. This is how Jean-Michel Jarre created the rhythm for Oxygene, Part II.
The MP7 is the only model that offers all the 15 different drum sounds.
These are produced using inductors.... making this little drum very difficult to clone.
I think the tonal variety in this machine is very impressive.
The sounds are: Bass, Snare 1, Snare 2, Rimshot, High-Hat, Cymbal 1, Cymbal 2, Cowbell, Conga, Large Bongo, Small Bongo, Claves, Quijada, Guiro, Tambourine.
I especially like the three distinct sounds Quijada ,Tambourine and Guiro.
These give it loads of character.
You can also mix these sounds with their own faders. This is rare a feature.
Roland's CR-78 has a similar mixer.
For stage use , the device can also be set up vertically - The bottom has a carrying handle which can be flipped open .
The underside of the MP 7
Sadly the outputs are limited to just high & low impedence. But there are plenty of mods on the internet that describe how to obtain outs for each voice.
Inside the machine there are also lots of trimmer resistors which allow tweaking of the individual drum sounds.
Rhythmus - this is a free VST plug in that was inspired by the MP7
Rhythmus - this is a free VST plug in that was inspired by the MP7
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
For more info on the history of Korg Drum Machines Click Here
Sunday, 1 March 2015
32 Hundred Volts - a Homage to the Korg PS 3200
We love our Korgs, especially the PS series.
The drum used in this recording was a Korg Volca Beats.
Here is a video taken during the initial recording:
The drum used in this recording was a Korg Volca Beats.
Here is a video taken during the initial recording:
EMS Synthi 100 in Melbourne Australia
'Doctor Who' synthesiser restored in Melbourne http://t.co/rE4tKR2Blj via @ABCNews
— Jono (@dj_jondent) March 1, 2015
There is a useful Muffs post on this synth here:
https://www.muffwiggler.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=132637&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=25
There have been rumours of the Synthi 100 floating around for years in Melbourne.
Finally, its official. The Melbourne Conservatorium of Music (part of Melbourne University) has announced that it's almost restored.
I'm sadly in Sydney, but hopefully will be able to view this beast in the flesh.
It's great to know that there are still technicians living in this country who can restore such instruments. Well done Leslie Craythorn.
Links:
1. ABC News
2. Muffs
3. Wikipedia
4. G-force
5. SynthMuseum
6. Myself & the EMS Synthi 100 (video)
7. Synthi 100 - EMS-Rehberg
8. Analogue Solutions Synthi 100 restoration
9. Musicainformatica.org
10. Sequencer.de
11. The Age Newspaper ( March, 5. 2015)
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