Tuesday, 14 March 2023

Elk Elektronik live hardware sequencing with Elektron Digitakt Korg Mini...

Expresso coffee machines 101 - the components

Espresso machines consist of several key components, each playing a vital role in the brewing process. Here's an overview of the main parts commonly found in espresso machines:

1. Portafilter: 
    The portafilter is a handle-like device with a perforated basket at one end to 
     hold the coffee grounds. It is locked into the espresso machine during brewing.

2. Group Head: 
     The group head is the part of the espresso machine where the portafilter attaches. 
     It contains the mechanism for delivering pressurized water to the coffee grounds.

3. Boiler: 
     The boiler heats water to the appropriate temperature for brewing espresso and 
     generating steam for frothing milk. 
     Espresso machines can have different types of boilers, such as single boilers, 
     dual boilers, heat exchanger boilers, or thermocoil boilers.

4. Pump: 
    The pump creates the necessary pressure to force hot water through 
    the coffee grounds in the portafilter. It is responsible for generating the typical 
    pressure of around 9 bars required for espresso extraction. In older machines, a lever is used
    to create the pressure.

5. Steam Wand: 
    The steam wand is used to steam and froth milk for drinks like lattes and cappuccinos. 
    It dispenses steam generated by the boiler, allowing users to texture milk to their desired consistency.

6. Water Reservoir: The water reservoir holds the water used for brewing espresso. 
     In some espresso machines, there is an option for a direct water line connection 
     instead of a reservoir.

7. Control Panel or Interface: 
     Modern espresso machines often feature a control panel or interface for 
     programming settings, adjusting temperature, selecting brewing options, 
     and monitoring the brewing process.

8. Drip Tray: The drip tray is located under the group head and portafilter. 
    It collects any drips or spills during the brewing process, keeping the countertop clean.

9. Pressure Gauge: Some espresso machines include a pressure gauge to display 
    the pressure during extraction, allowing users to monitor the brewing process 
    and ensure consistency.

10. Cup Warmer: 
       Many espresso machines have a surface on the top where cups can be 
       placed to preheat them, ensuring that the espresso maintains its temperature when poured.

11. Grinder (optional): 
      Some espresso machines have a built-in grinder for grinding coffee beans directly 
      before brewing, while others require pre-ground coffee or use coffee pods.

These are the main components found in most espresso machines, although the specific features and design may vary depending on the model and manufacturer.

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Coffee index. Click here :

Saturday, 11 March 2023

National Reel to Reel tape recorder RQ-501s

 I picked this up from a pawn shop today.
Thanks Chris for helping me out.



It's not a Nagra, but it was only $20 AUD, so couldn't resist.

The National RQ-501S is a vintage reel-to-reel tape recorder that was manufactured by the Japanese company Panasonic under the National brand. It was produced in the 1960s  (I think 1967) and was one of the first portable reel-to-reel tape recorders that featured a built-in amplifier and speaker.



The RQ-501S has a sleek and compact design, and looks durable... considering it's age.
It measures approximately 12 inches wide, 9 inches tall, and 6 inches deep, and weighs about 10 pounds.


This tape recorder features a two-speed motor, which allows for recording and playback at both 3.75 and 7.5 inches per second. It also has a built-in dynamic microphone, and an external microphone jack for recording from an external source. 

The speaker out accepts a 3.5mm jack.

This is a playback using external speakers.

mono playback only



In addition, the RQ-501S has a built-in amplifier and a small speaker, making it possible to play back recordings without needing an external speaker.


Other features of the RQ-501S include a built-in VU meter, a tone control for adjusting the treble and bass frequencies, and a recording level control. 




It runs on AC power or batteries, making it easy to use on the go.
Sadly, this one has lost its battery cover.


The National RQ-501S was well-regarded for its reliability and durability, and was popular among amateur musicians, journalists, and other people who needed a portable and easy-to-use tape recorder for recording interviews, speeches, and music.

A bit about the history of Japanese tape recorders.
Japanese portable reel-to-reel tape recorders of the 1960s were popular among audio enthusiasts and musicians who needed a portable recording device. Some of the well-known brands were Sony, Akai, and TEAC.


These portable tape recorders were typically compact and lightweight, making them easy to transport and use in a variety of settings. They were powered by batteries or AC power, and could record and playback audio on small reels of magnetic tape.



Many of these tape recorders featured high-quality components, such as precision tape heads and powerful amplifiers, that allowed for excellent sound quality. Some models also included built-in microphones, mixing capabilities, and other advanced features.

This is playback using the built-in speaker.


One of the most popular and influential tape recorders of the era was the Sony TC-50, which was introduced in 1962. This portable recorder was a game-changer for musicians and audio professionals, as it was the first tape recorder to use a three-head system that allowed for immediate playback of recorded audio.



Overall, Japanese portable reel-to-reel tape recorders of the 1960s were important in the development of audio recording technology, and helped to popularize portable recording among musicians and audio enthusiasts.

Links:



Wednesday, 8 March 2023

Everything You Need To Know To Steam Great Milk

...

Coffee Latte art


heat milk to Max 60-65 degrees C
55 degrees is great

latte art

microfoam - breville Bambino



Thursday, 2 March 2023

Patmos - Greece

 Some pics of Greece .. The island of Patmos.
Patmos can be reached by ferry from a number of nearby islands and from the mainland port of Piraeus in Athens. The island also has its own airport, with flights to and from Athens and other destinations.

Monastery 

Patmos is a small Greek island located in the Aegean Sea, specifically in the Dodecanese group of islands. It has a population of around 3,000 people and covers an area of approximately 34 square kilometers. The island is known for its rich history, natural beauty, and religious significance.




Hot cat


One of the most important landmarks on Patmos is the Monastery of Saint John the Theologian, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site. The monastery was built in the 11th century and is dedicated to Saint John the Apostle, who is said to have written the Book of Revelation on the island. Visitors can also explore the nearby Cave of the Apocalypse, which is believed to be the site where Saint John received his revelations.


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Skala is the main port town of Patmos and is located on the eastern coast of the island. It is the largest settlement on the island and serves as a hub for tourism and commerce. Skala has a population of around 1,500 people, which increases significantly during the summer months.

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Chora is the capital town of Patmos and is located on the hillside above Skala, the island's main port. The town is known for its picturesque white-washed houses and narrow alleys, which give it a distinctly traditional Greek island feel. Chora has a population of around 300 people, making it a much smaller town than Skala.

The town of Chora is dominated by the Monastery of Saint John the Theologian, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the most important landmarks on the island.

In addition to the monastery, Chora has a number of other interesting historical and cultural sites, including the Church of the Annunciation and the Patmian House Cultural Center, which showcases the island's traditional way of life. 

One of the main attractions of Chora is its stunning views over the surrounding countryside and the Aegean Sea. The town is perched on a hilltop, which means that visitors can enjoy panoramic views from many points around the town. 

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The town of Skala is home to a variety of shops, restaurants, and cafes, as well as a number of hotels and guesthouses. The port area is the main hub of activity, with ferries arriving and departing throughout the day. The town also has a bus station, which offers connections to other parts of the island.

Skala is known for its charming atmosphere and traditional Greek architecture. The town has a number of interesting historical and cultural sites, including the Church of the Annunciation, which houses a collection of Byzantine icons, and the Patmos Folklore Museum, which showcases the island's cultural heritage.

The beach at Skala is a popular destination for visitors, with its clear blue waters and soft sand. The town also has a number of other beaches within easy reach, including the nearby beach of Meloi, which is a popular spot for windsurfing and kiteboarding.

Overall, Skala is a vibrant and welcoming town that offers visitors a taste of traditional Greek island life, as well as access to the many attractions and natural wonders of Patmos.

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Friday, 24 February 2023

Roland SH series of synths

I'm looking forward to the release of the new Roland SH-4d.
This is Roland's latest in the line of synths belonging to the SH family.
It brings memories of such legendary machines like the SH-101, SH5 & SH-7

So I thought it would be fun to make a SH list 
Let me know if I've forgotten any synths belonging to this family.

SH-1000
This was Roland's 1st synth
1973. Monophonic, 
Designed to complement an organ
Single oscillator feeding a lowpass filter, an ADSR envelope, and two LFOs. 
It features 10 Preset sounds.










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SH-2000
Rolands 2nd synth
It's a single VCO machine. Preset only.
Thus its not as flexible as the SH1000
1973 - 74
Uses a transistor ladder filter.
Although most Roland analog keyboard synthesizers have 1V/1oct VCOs, this one uses Hz/V.

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SH-3
the year was 1974
I love this synth.
It was Roland's first synth that wasn't preset based.
Its uses a diode filter like on the EMS VCS-3

========================================================
SH-3a
1974
The later SH-3a  uses a transistor ladder-filter and as a result can generate Moog-like sounds."

Both the 3 & 3a synths can do additive synthesis by mixing in up to five different waveforms.
There are no CV/gate  control inputs
The synths are both monophonic, having just one VCO & a noise module..

Interestingly there are two LFOs
LFO1 has a sawtooth waveform
LFO2 has a  sine & square wave with a delay slider.
The LFO's can be assigned to the VCF, VCA, or the VCO.

============================================================
SH-5
1976 -81
This was pre-midi
CV/gate controls.
The styling is very close to the modular  Roland system-100















==================================================

SH-7
1978-81
When I see this synth I think of INXS
Duphonic.
two Syncable VCOs. Two ADSRs, 
VCO1 has 5 Sliders which control levels of 32',16',8',4' and 2' .
This is the flagship of the early SH series
CA3080  filter

======================================================
SH-1 
It's a 32 key synthesizer
1978
One Oscillator & sub oscillator., LFO, HP & LP Filter.
White & pink noise.
It's the great grand-daddy of the SH101
Feels like a bulky sh-09. 
I like the patch-bay being on the top. Easier to patch into a modular.
It's often over looked. 
The filter is a 4 pole , 24db low pass.
It's OTA  in design, based on the CA3080 (also used in the SH-7 and system 700)

The VCO has PWM and the subOSC that can work 2 octaves below the main OSC
CV/Gate  input and output.
Trigger input.
There are 2 envelopes to control the VCA. (ADSR & AR)























===================================================

SH-2
1979
Two oscillators & a suboscillator
There is a total of 5 waveforms available across both VCOs
SINE, SAWTOOTH, SQUARE, PULSE-WIDTH and NOISE.
The MODULATOR section features a RANDOM (S/H) waveform that can be 
used to modulate tone and pitch
Input & output Control : CV/gate
24dB filter (BA662 design... also used in the SH-09)
Wonderful creamy lead sounds.
I think this synth is hugely underrated















=========================================================
SH-09
1980
Just one VCO, LFO, Filter.
2 &1/2  (32 note) octave keyboard
The envelope generator is a full ADSR design and doubles 
up for both amplitude and filter modulation duties.
The envelope can also be pressed into service for PWM.
CV/gate
A stripped down version of the sh-1 ??
OTA filter : (BA662A design , also found in the jupiter 4, Promars, SH-2 & 100m)


















==============================================================
SH 101
1982 -86
Legendary synth. 
CV/gate.
One VCO + sub osc, LFO
The SH-101 was based on a single CEM3340 oscillator.
Squenchy filter (four OTA-stages integrated in Roland IR3109)
The  integrated circuit, Roland IR3109, is also found in the Jupiter 4, 6 & 8, Juno 6, 60, JX3P, the SH101, the MKS-10 and the early MKS-80 (1984)
Built in sequencer/arp. Love how you can make a sequence out of random notes
and then loop. Your fingers can now tweak parameters on the fly.



















==========================================================
SH-32
2001
Wave acceleration synthesis ???
The raw waveforms are sampled. (67 waveforms)
Does it belong with the famous SH synths of the 70s & 80s ?
I don't know !!! So different to what came before.
It's very groove box, but without a sequencer.
I guess Roland wanted to revive the famous SH line so this is what they came up with.
It uses the engines of the modern (at the time) JP-8000 so I think
it has more in common with the JP-8000 & JP-8080 than the earlier
SH-synths of the 70's.
It had been almost 20 years since the SH-101
This synth reminds me very much of the new SH-4d
Also a 4 part muti-timbral desktop module.
Lots of knobs and sliders.... no menu diving
32 voices
No sequencer  but does have an Arp (64 arpeggiator types).
Each arp can contain up to 32 steps with 16 notes.
It has a chord memory feature making it useful for techno and trance.
There are 35 insert effects and 10 types of reverb and delay. 


























================================================================
SH-201
10 voices
2006
Its a analog modelling synth that has less to do with the SH-101
and more in common with the jp-8000 
Features Roland's famous Supersaw waveform (introduced in the JP-8000)
Really easy to use.
No menu diving.

Features Roland's D-Beam technology
like the SH-101it has an arpeggiator function with 32 patterns.
Also a overdrive control & delay and reverb.

It's got a USB connection to allow communication with a software editor.
There are 32 presets and 32 user patches.
Bi-tonal not bi-timbral. ... can make two tones at once but receives midi on only 1 channel.
















=================================================================
SH-01 Gaia
64 voices
Analog modelling
Three oscillators with seven different waveforms (saw, square, pulse, triangle, sine, noise and super saw).
"D-Beam" sensor for live performance
MIDI In/Out and USB connectivity to store patches to a thumb drive.
There is a software patch editor 
c.2010
Can be run on batteries.


















sh-01a
analog modelling
2018
A mini-me sh101 in boutique format
note that the vintage SH101 was limited to a 4 oct range (16' to 2')
The sh-01a adds 32' and  64' to the osc's range