Time machine: Oberheim OB-X “1979”
All sounds self-programmed: Oberheim OB-X Analog Synthesizer from the year 1979
recording: multi-track without midi, sequenced by the SCI Pro-One step-sequencer over CV/Gate and synced with the TR-808.
drums: Roland TR-808
fx: a little bit delay and reverb
more info: http://www.retrosound.de
About the synth:
The Oberheim OB-X is an analog polyphonic synthesizer first commercially available in June of 1979 . It was the first Oberheim synthesizer that was created with internally pre-wired modules (albeit still mostly discrete circuits) and not with the earlier, unwieldy S.E.M.s (Synthesizer Expander Module). Because of this, it was more functional for live performance, and more portable. It was hurriedly introduced to compete with competitor Sequential Circuits’ Prophet-5, which took the industry by storm during the prior year. While the OB-X had moderate success in the limited numbers produced (aprx. 800 units), the design was quickly updated and streamlined with the OB-Xa; the OB-X being discontinued in 1981.
Originally, the “X” in OB-X, stood as a variable for the number of voice-cards – thus, polyphony – installed. Whereas earlier Oberheim modular systems would require multiple S.E.M.s to achieve polyphony, the OB-X condensed the S.E.M. down onto a single printed circuit board called a “Voice Card”. Using this method, along with the Z-80 microprocessor to program the cards, the OB-X was far less laborious to program than it’s ancestors. It came in four, six, and eight-voice models. The starting price for the base model of only 4 voices of polyphony was a steep US$4,595. Besides the generous polyphony, each OB-X came with a memory capable of holding 32 user-programmable presets, along with polyphonic portamento, and polyphonic sample and hold. Also, a first for Oberheim’s polyphonic range were the “paddle” levers for pitch and modulation. This was Oberheim’s answer to the then standard “wheel” style controls seen on the Sequential Circuits Prophet-5. The OB-X would be used by artists such as Nena, Rush, who used it extensively on “Moving Pictures” and “Signals” Queen, being the bands first Synthesizer to appear on an album Prince, who swore by the Oberheim OB line, and Jean Michel Jarre who used it for it’s massive brass-type sounds. The OB line of Synthesizers developed and evolved even after the OB-Xa with the OB-8, and finally the Matrix series of synthesizers.
SonicProjects have created a VSTi emulation of the OB-X, for Windows and Mac platforms called the OP-X, with near-identical sounds to the hardware version. Widely praised as the most accurate emulation of an Analog Polysynth, SonicProjects include multiple versions of the OP-X including two “Pro” versions.
Four Analog Promenades
Four Analog Promenades
Korg MS-20 + Analogue Solutions Telemark + Plogue Bidule + Audacity
1 and 4 are played by hands, 2 and 3 are played by the machines.
Every videos have been made on the august 25th 2012 in Nantes, France.
1-Dreamlike prayer
2-Drifting logic
3-Dredging the time
4-Driven by the sun
“Hello ! My name is Frederic Gerchambeau. I have made this movie and this music. The music has been made in one take using a Korg MS-20, an AS Telemark, Plogue Bidule and Audacity. Enjoy !
http://www.myspace.com/fredericgerchambeau
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I am a (proud !) member of the french association PWM (Patch Work Music) :
http://patch-work-music.blogspot.com/“
Chromeo Studio Tour – analog gear guide
In May 2011 FM traveled to Montreal to spend some time in the amazing analogue laden studio of Chromeo. They gave FM a full and detailed tour of almost everything they had.
Listen to the Phonec analog flux VST synth
Here’s a new audio demo of new VST software synth from Psychic Modulation.
“7 instances of the synthesiser in track with no added effects on bass, chords, pads or stabs. Drums from Cubase Groove Agent and Reel People v 3 drum samples. Real guitar by me. All synths played with Roland Midi Guitar GI-20 interface. www.ramjetproductions.co.uk“
Phonec is best described as an ‘analog flux synthesizer’. Inspired by the mystique of video logo synth scores from worn out VHS tapes, Phonec was primarily designed with character in mind. However Phonec is capable of producing a wide range of sounds such as vintage analogue tones, lo-fi synthscapes, ethereal pads, minimal techno sequences, and synthwave leads and basses. Phonec has an intuitive GUI that attempts to strike a balance between form and function, making it a very usable tool that can be a real inspiration to work with. Apart from it’s unique character and smooth workflow, Phonec has several interesting features that set it apart from the crowd. Here is a brief overview that highlights the most important aspects:
Dual oscillators that can be combined in various ways
Analog style oscillator drifting
A unique Melt feature that adds instant character to any patch
Arpeggiator
Accent Sequencer
3 LFOs (2 monophonic, 1 polyphonic)
HFO (High Frequency Oscillator)
2 Modulation Envelopes
Echoshifter Delay Unit
Universal Value Display
Double Click Parameter Reset
128 presets”
Exploring the Alesis Andromeda A6
A quick look at the Alesis Andromeda A6.
Filter CV modulation (by a Moog Multi-Pedal) and subtle timbral explorations over a rhythm track made from Moog synths (Voyager, Little Phatty and Slim Phatty).
The Andromeda A6 is a true analog synthesizer using two analog oscillators per voice, sub-oscillators, hard and soft sync and more! It features 16-voice polyphony. With the Andromeda, you’ll find a huge range of tonal possibilities: searing leads, warm pads, fat bass lines, extreme sound effects and more. And of course there are plenty of knobs (72) and buttons (144), even an assignable ribbon controller for addictive hands-on real-time control! The large high-resolution LCD display is excellent and shows you actual rather than relative values of parameters. Andromeda will integrate seamlessly into any studio with its total MIDI control and sync, individual voice outputs, stereo outputs and several audio inputs.
Andromeda is completely analog – no emulation! It features two analog filters per voice that sound great! They are a multimode 2-pole and a 4-pole lowpass. External audio can be routed through these filters too (three 1/4″ jacks)! As for modulation, Andromeda has three LFOs, each with six waveforms and they can be synced to MIDI clock. And there are three 7-stage envelopes with very creative and flexible functions. Also onboard is an extensive mod matrix for enormous freedom in configuring Andromeda’s sounds!
No analog synth would be complete without a set of classic effects and features. Andromeda also offers Portamento with nine slopes and legato functions. A built-in arpeggiator and analog-style sequencer are available, with MIDI sync! There are also some high quality digital effects such as reverbs, chorus, echo, distortion and more! Andromeda comes with 256 breathtaking preset patches plus 128 user. A PCMCIA-format memory card slot allows for additional programs and mixes. Andromeda is pure analog bliss, with all the features, stability and widgets of modern digital synths.
Korg MS-20 sequenced by Plogue Bidule
Details below:
Korg MS-20 Series :
Ten ways to have fun with a Korg MS-20
1-Basic Plogue Bidule polysynth passing through the filters of my Korg MS-20
2-Korg MS-20 acting very strange
3-Duophonic Korg MS-20
4-Duophonic Korg MS-20 (2)
5-Korg MS-20 complexely arpeggiated by Plogue Bidule
6-Korg MS-20 arpeggiated – Filters’s resonance only !
7-FM-like sounds with a Korg MS-20
8-Crazy feedback loop with a Korg MS-20
9-Let’s jam ! Korg MS-20 sequenced by Plogue Bidule
10-Let’s jam again ! Korg MS-20 sequenced by Plogue Bidule
Hello ! My name is Frederic Gerchambeau. I have made this movie and this music. The music has been made in one take using a Korg MS-20, Plogue Bidule and Audacity. Enjoy !
http://www.myspace.com/fredericgerchambeau
/////////////////////////////////////////////
I am a (proud !) member of the french association PWM (Patch Work Music) :
http://patch-work-music.blogspot.com/
Mantle Sound Core featuring Anastasia Gera – About Me
This work started with the simple idea of using a type written poem and then composing music to it. Over a couple of days more images and sounds were added, each inspiring the other until the piece felt complete. Surrealistic visions, poetic interludes, analog synthesizers and video, boomboxes and scrambled mind effects are all at the heart of this piece. The song is 100% analog, with all the synths and drums recorded using TR808, TR606, live sequencing the four SH101s. Visual colors and processed effects were done with an LZX visionary.
Don’t follow. Not afraid. Future experiment.
To wake you. To remember. You are alive.
Experience.
Moog Analog Groove performance
Three Moog analog synths sequenced by Koushion. Koushion is a MIDI Step Sequencer iPad app that allows you to easily program drum patterns, melodies and more using your existing hardware synthesizers, softsynths, samples and other electronic music gear. Works great with Ableton Live and other DAWs.
7-FM-like sounds with a Korg MS-20
Frederic Gerchambeau explores the Korg MS-20 Series, details can be found below:
Ten ways to have fun with a Korg MS-20
1-Basic Plogue Bidule polysynth passing through the filters of my Korg MS-20
2-Korg MS-20 acting very strange
3-Duophonic Korg MS-20
4-Duophonic Korg MS-20 (2)
5-Korg MS-20 complexely arpeggiated by Plogue Bidule
6-Korg MS-20 arpeggiated – Filters’s resonance only !
7-FM-like sounds with a Korg MS-20
8-Crazy feedback loop with a Korg MS-20
9-Let’s jam ! Korg MS-20 sequenced by Plogue Bidule
10-Let’s jam again ! Korg MS-20 sequenced by Plogue Bidule
Hello ! My name is Frederic Gerchambeau. I have made this movie and this music. The music has been made in one take using a Korg MS-20, Plogue Bidule and Audacity. Enjoy !
http://www.myspace.com/fredericgerchambeau
/////////////////////////////////////////////
I am a (proud !) member of the french association PWM (Patch Work Music) :
http://patch-work-music.blogspot.com/
Akira Kurosawa’s Seven Samurai 七人の侍 x0xb0x Gorobei Katayama 片山五郎兵衛
Despite the slight cryptic header this is a nice machine 
Akira Kurosawa’s Seven Samurai 七人の侍 x0xb0x special tribute edition. Here are seven x0xb0x made with full audio analog modifications. They have an outstanding sound capabilities, not only clonning the original Roland TB303 sound, even adding more powerful sound mods. Totally hand made and with the name of each samurai engraved on it. Very limited edition of very powerful analog synth.
DATAMASKIN
