Beast of a synth – Leipzig-s Synthesizer
(headphones required due to lower frequencies)
Here’s a brief first look at the Analogue Solutions Leipzig-s analogue synthesizer.
This beast of a synth represents the latest in Analogue Solutions’ Leipzig line and incorporates a vast number of new features, most notably the 8-step on-board sequencer which can be synced and controlled in a vast number of innovative ways (midi, LFO, VCO, etc.)
This video serves as a first glimpse of the synth – yes, it’s a teaser. The evolving sound uses the Leipzig’s on-board step sequencer, however the pitch of the notes is controlled via MIDI. The sequencer can also be stepped manually via a MIDI keyboard.
Sequencer reset is handled via accent (or using heavy velocity on a MIDI note).
A beat was added to provide some context for the evolving bass line.
Classic tune “Nature Boy” performed on a theremin
Written as a pop ballad, “Nature Boy” follows an “A,B” format, with both sections being melodically and harmonically similar until the final 4-bar phrase of each. The primary melodic theme is a pickup note on the 5 of the minor i chord, then three notes descending on a minor triad above the pickup note. An ascending line over the diminished ii chord returns to the initial minor triad.
The harmonic structure makes frequent use of the standard ii-V-i progression in the key of D minor. The second 4-bar section featured a chromatic descending line based on the lowering of the tonic (Dm, Dmmaj7, Dm7, Dm6). The same descending line then continues through Gm6, Dm, then finally ending with a whole-step down to the G in the chord Em
New version release: Ultra Swamp (2011) – Sound demo
Ultra Swamp (2011) – A completely reworked version of Swamp so there are a quite a few differences to the prior versions and a hugely increased sonic potential! Just listen.
Patches featured in this video:
Albedo KJ
Endless Dune KJ
Berliner Schule KJ
End of Toys DS
Danger Zone KJ
Chinese Diaspora KJ
Microcosmos KJ
Bhodans Kingdom KJ
Storm at Night KJ
One of these Days DS
Castaway Dream KJ
Circle KJ
Phaedra Choir KJ
There is only one TimbreModulator but with selectable input source: Osc 1, Osc2 or even both! Instead of the 2nd Timbremodulator there is a ‘real’ Ringmodulator, yes, the real deal as far as software can do it! The mod Oscillator for RingMod ranges from approx. 7Hz to 100Hz, so the typical 50Hz AC is possible. As RingMod generates the sum and difference of the input signals it can give quite a low punch. This one is with selectable input source: Osc 1, Osc2, plus the output of TimbreMod too! As both of these soundshapers have great capabilities to transform the signal of the oscillators they have both independant outputs and are treated as secondary soundsources.
Thus the new Swamp has quite increased sonic capabilities at this stage already. Anyway the SF2 oscilators come with 256 carefully selected waves though some maybe suited better for RingMod while others are better suited for TimbreMod.
Of course there is the wellknown resonant 24dB LowPass filter with a 4 channel adaptive mod mixer so 4 source can be mixed to modulate Cutoff. This is great to create new mixes of LFO modulations.
The output sections has increased a lot. Besides the delay there is a stereo Flanger and Stereo Reverb with PreDelay and LowCutoff to remove lower frequencies for an optimized Reverb response (use this if the rev ‘shatters’ in low range.
As Modsources there are 3 LFO, 1 S&H, 1 Double LFO with Phase shifting for one which is best useful for the flanger. Also there is a new Gator which effect can be mixed (w. optionaö modulation) on the output level so you can adjust the amount of gating on the output, with enhanced routings including modulating pan of the delayed signal. Also Aftertouch and Modwheel are used extensively as optional modsources.
Self-modulating modular analog patch
A self-modulating modular analog patch, “Howler Patch” is designed to drone and change with random patterns over a long stretch of time. In this example, I’ve fed a recording of Allen Ginsberg’s “Howl” into it, using the EH V256 vocoder to modulate the voice with the drone-synthesis from my modular patch.
This example contains no overdubs or live-tweaking of any kind. I just turned it on, started playing the “Howl” track, and walked away.
Welle Erdball – Der Telefonanruf
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qI-X0gpevV0
Alfa Matrix launches 2nd volume in Depeche Mode tribute series
The first volume of this Depeche Mode cover album received a more than successful echo from both indie and mainstream worlds; nevertheless it was the label’s intention to keep it a one-off project. But some of the label bands insistently pressed the label to launch a second volume and after hearing some of the first versions, the label decided to give the green light. Included on this compilation are contributions from Leaether Strip, Ayria, Kant Kino, Komor Kommando, I:Scintilla, Technoir, Helalyn Flowers, Plastic Noise Experience, Implant, Krystal System, Acylum, etc. as well as the work from the newly arrived label artists and others who did not make it on time for the previous edition: Armageddon Dildos, Malakwa, amGod, Razorfade, Alien Vampires, Studio-X, Unter Null, Diskonnekted, Gaytron etc.
Online orders of the 2CD set at www.alfa-matrix.com will get an extra 3 disc, namely an EP featuring club only remixes. This EP was also part of the first volume (of which the label has exactly 20 copies left – get yours here or download from, iTunes, Amazon MP3 USA, Amazon MP3 UK or Amazon MP3 GER).
2 tracks will soon hit the clubs near you as a special DJ only download will be released in the next days featuring the covers by both Kant Kino feat Ayria and Diffuzion.
New alternative musical “SGA” throws in the towel
The festival has decided to throw in the towel, with only a bit more than a month left before it was to take place. The reasons for the cancellations are said to be poor sales, and some key personnel that dropped out. Not surprisingly since they did have troubles from start when Elegant Machinery dropped out and later also Mr Jones Machine
Note also that Arvika has a very strong electro programming this year with bands such as Front 242, Hocico, Covenant playing amongst such mainstream acts as Aphex Twin, Röyksopp and Digitalism.
Bands that were scheduled to play included Assemblage 23, Autodafeh, Clan Of Xymox, De/Vision, Funker Vogt, Solitary Experiments, Virgins O.R Pigeons and many more, around 30 in total.
Easy Synthing: Novation K-Station
Background information: Some random synthesis on the K-Station. No vocoders or elaborate patches. Just some LFO routing, sync, filter env, delay, reverb, distortion… It’s capable of much much more… but as you know these video’s are all about simple synthesis on various synthesizers…
Cool little synth, allmost every paramter has it’s own knob (a lot of similarities with the Nova and Supernova) … you shouldn’t pay any more then €250-300 for it. I bought mine for €150 (without adapter). This synth is small enough to actual take it with you… I’m gigging with this too… no batteries – so no synthing on the train or bus…
The vocoder is – I think – better than the one on the Microkorg. Less clipping. There are less parameters to adjust though… I’ll have a go at a video showing this later…
I also make actual tracks with these synths I’m demoing… Go have a look at http://www.soundcloud.com/alienrobotdance – look for me on facebook – or have a look at my weblog at http://alienrobotdance.wordpress.com
Old timer David Sylvian is back with new material
We have not been overly impressed with what David Sylvian (Japan) has been up to for the past 5 (or even 10) years, but perhaps this is about to change with this new release:
Died in the Wool – variations on David Sylvian’s 2009 release Manafon including collaborations with acclaimed composer Dai Fujikura, producers Jan Bang and Erik Honoré and a stellar roster of contemporary musicians and improvisers. See the full track listing of both discs below and you can listen to the tracks on the Died in the wool microsite at http://www.davidsylvian.com/…
KXStudio (Ubuntu based) – SynthsNSamplers demo
Promotional propaganda video showing KXStudio 10.04-3 in action. In this part we examine some of the synths and samplers that come with KXStudio. Note that only a selected few of the plugins and standalone apps are shown here…
KXStudio is a multimedia oriented linux distribution based on ubuntu. It comes with a heap of multimedia, audio and midi applications, tons of audio plugins, 2D – 3D graphics applications, fonts and more…
DATAMASKIN
