Click here to view the embedded video. This is the trailer for Speaking in Code, a documentary about a select group of people who have made electronic music their lives. Speaking in Code is expected to be available on DVD starting March 12, 2010, and will sell for $14.95 + shipping. Starring: Modeselektor, Wighnomy Brothers, Monolake, Philip Sherburne, David Day Also featuring: Ellen Allien, Tobias Thomas, Marc LeClair AKA Akufen, Wolfgang Voigt, Michael Mayer, Reinhard Voigt, Sascha Ring AKA Apparat, Sascha Funke, Mario Willms AKA Douglas Greed, Miss Kittin, Dan Paluska AKA Six Million Dollar Dan, Mike Uzzi AKA Smartypants

Click here to view the embedded video. This video captures Tenzo – a Tenori On performance video/light show by Marc Adamo. via mpymf01

Click here to view the embedded video. This improvisation for soprano, viola, Roland MC-505 and Haken Continuum, features Danny Hahn, David Way and Angela Caesar at the NeoKitsch studio. via NeoKitschMusic

Click here to view the embedded video. Here’s a sneak preview of Intello – a new glitch effect for Ableton Live. via Zettt1981 This is the plugin I am currently working on. It’s called “Intello”. Basically it’s a glitch producing plugin and in this first short demo I’m showing you one of the 5 planned glitching modes. The plugin will be controllable by an iPhone application from a listening audience. So the listeners can interact with a performer.

Click here to view the embedded video. This video demonstrates how to make vocoded snares in Ableton Live. via DubSpot: Michael Hatsis shows off one of the many uses of Ableton’s Vocoder. In this Video, he demonstrates how to thicken up a snare – Dubstep style.

Click here to view the embedded video. This is the official video for Mochipet’s Godzillaporn Remix for Android Porn by Kraddy.

Click here to view the embedded video. This is a demo of the Casio VL-10, a smaller version of the famous Casio Tone VL-1 synthesizer. via happyprometheus

Concert producer Paxahau has announced a partial list of the artists scheduled to perform during the festival May 29-31 at Hart Plaza in downtown Detroit. Inner City, Model 500, and Richie Hawtin?s live Plastikman performance are on the partial list of artists Paxahau has announced for the 10th anniversary of the electronic music festival in Detroit. See the lit of 70+ performers that have been announced below. Discounted weekend passes for the Movement Electronic Music Festival in Detroit are on sale now until 12:01 a.m. Saturday, April 3 for $40. The price for weekend passes increases to $50 after the discounted super early bird promotion ends. So, who’s going? An alphabetical listing of the more than 70 performers announced today is as follows: Acid Didj Agoria Anthony “Shake” Shakir A-Trak Cassy Chris Liebing Claude VonStroke Dan Bain Derrick Carter DJ Dick DJ Godfather DJ Hype DJ Koze DJ Pierre DJ Sneak Francesco Tristano – Live Hudson Mohawke Ida Engberg ItaloBoyz Jamie Jones Jennifer Xerri Joel Mull John Acquaviva John Johr Josh Wink Kenny Larkin – Live K-HAND Kid Sister – Live Kraak & Smaak Kyle Hall Larry Heard Luke Hess – Live Magda Mark Ernestus (Rhythm & Sound) Martin Buttrich – Live Martinez Bros Martyn Matthew Hawtin Michael Mayer Minx Mr. Scruff Onur Ozer Paco Osuna Phat Kat & Guilty Simpson w/ Will Sessions – Live Pretty Lights – Live Punisher Radio Slave Recloose Rex Sepulveda Rick Wilhite Rob Hood – Live Rolando Ryan Crosson Scion – Live Secrets – Live Simian Mobile Disco Stacey Pullen Starski&Clutch Theo Parish Woody Mcbride

Click here to view the embedded video. This profoundly weird, but family friendly, music video features dancing teddy bears cavorting at Worthing sea-front, disrupting traffic and eating passers-by. via cyriak

Voxengo SPAN 2.0 – a freeware real-time ?fast Fourier transform? audio spectrum analyzer plug-in for professional music and audio production applications – is now available for download. The following features were added in SPAN version 2 since version 1: Multi-channel analysis Mid/side analysis Correlation meter Multi-platform support Undo/redo Preset manager User interface coloration User interface re-scaling Plug-in instance naming Voxengo SPAN and other professional audio plug-ins can be downloaded at http://www.voxengo.com See our Free Music Software category for more cool freebies!

Click here to view the embedded video. Pioneer has announced a new DJ mixer, the DJM-2000, that’s the iPad of DJ mixers. The DJM-2000 is Pioneer’s most powerful performance mixer and is designed to be the perfect match for CDJ-2000 digital decks. It features a 5.8-inch LCD multi-touch panel display, a first on a DJ mixer. Other features include Beat Effects, Instrument FX, serious connectivity, a live sampler, USB audio interface, 3-band EQ, digital audio in and three different mixing modes. All that sexy comes at a price, though. The DJM-2000 is expected to be available in June 2010 with a suggested retail price of $2,999. Features: Mixer Layout – The DJM-2000 inherits a larger foot print than its predecessors to accommodate a sectioned layout of features as well as cosmetically match the latest Pioneer CDJ series of digital media players. On the top center section of the mixer resides its EFX capabilities to give DJs a bounty of digital effects. Located on each side of the middle section is its audio mixing controls for connection of up to four digital or USB sources. Across the middle section, Pioneer added new INST FX (Instant Instrument FX) functions which allow DJs to further alter and create more sound effects. And, at the bottom center of the mixer is a large LCD touch display that provides DJs a window for remixing beats and adding effects with the ease of a simple touch of the screen. Industry First Multi-Touch Panel – A first in the industry for audio mixers, the DJM-2000 incorporates a full-color 5.8-inch LCD multi-touch panel for adding audio effects. Users can simultaneously manipulate the displayed controls on the panel by touching different areas of the screen. Three different performance modes are available including; Frequency mix ? Enables more precise mixing within seven frequency ranges. For example, users can enhance the bass region within the music they?re mixing. Sidechain remix ? DJs can create seven different dynamic audio effects with touches and movements on the screen. MIDI mode ? Allows the user to assign various controls displayed on the LCD screen to control DJ software via MIDI. Four types of MIDI modes are available for more performance flexibility. Evolved Beat Effects – A section of the mixer resides an Evolved Beat Effects adopted from earlier versions of the DJM series of mixers to generate a multitude of sound effects. Numerous buttons were added for selecting multiple effects and beat parameters for additional performance capabilities. Further manipulation of the sound effects can be made using the Effect Frequency knobs that changes the low, mid and high frequency bands of the music. Turns of the knobs enhances the effects to each frequency band, i.e., an echo added specifically to the vocals of the music or a doubling of the hi-hat rhythm, providing incredible performance options. Instant Instrument FX ? The INST FX (Instant Instrument FX) provides six additional audio effects that include Noise, HPF, LPF, Jet, Zip and Crush. Each of the effects can be induced into the channel with a turn of the Filter knob. Additionally, the Parameter knob allows the effects to be fine tuned. Pro DJ Link – When used specifically with Pioneer?s CDJ-2000 or CDJ-900 turntables via Pro DJ Link, the DJM-2000 becomes an even more powerful musical tool. The mixer incorporates four Ethernet ports in the back of the unit allowing up to four of the most recent CDJ turntables to be connected (via LAN cables) while sharing only one music-filled SD card2 or USB storage device. In addition, up to two laptop computers pre-installed with Pioneer?s music management software rekordbox? can be interfaced with the DJM-2000 via LAN cables, in cases that two DJs are transitioning for their individual performances. Live Sampler – A cool feature of the mixer is its Live Sampler capability which allows the sound from a microphone or from the MASTER output to be recorded directly into the mixer. The ?sampled? sound can instantly be transferred via LAN cable to a CDJ-2000/900 for scratching. Link Monitor – When linked with the CDJ-2000 player, the mixer informs the DJ of its connected status. The JOG rings of the turntable changes in color based on the current on-air status or channel number connection, providing quick visual indications to the DJ. USB interface – The DJM-2000 features a USB audio interface3 that allows direct computer connection without the need for an external sound card. Up to four audio sources can be assigned to each channel providing even more flexibility. For additional convenience, the MASTER output can be connected directly to a computer for recording4 of performances Sound Quality – Continuing the prestigious reputation of Pioneer mixers, the DJM-2000 provides excellent sound quality. By utilizing balanced hybrid op-amp and a perfectly balanced output circuit in the analog processing stage, Pioneer managed to significantly decrease induced noise resulting in a dynamic range of 107dB with 0.004% THD for an extremely clean and powerful sound. Additional features of the DJM-2000 include: Switching 3-Band EQ/Isolator – Equipped with a switching 3-band EQ (+6dB to -26dB) and 3-band Isolator (+6dB to -?dB) on each channel Digital In – Permits audio signal of each channel with no deterioration in sound quality Fader Start Play – Connection with CDJ player(s) with PRO DJ LINK or control cable allows the mixer to start the turntable by switching faders Talk Over – Lowers the volume of the music when a connected microphone is used Peak Level Meter ? Displays input levels at a glance Cross fader Assign function – Allows the flexible assignment of the input on each channel to the cross fader Fader Curve Adjust function – Allows changes to cross fader and channel fader curves via iandavidtaylor

Click here to view the embedded video. This official Korg video takes a look at the Korg Kaossilator Pro and the Korg Kaoss Pad - they may look exactly alike, but they are very different beasts.

Click here to view the embedded video. This is a demo of Axis – a Guitar Hero to MIDI app for the Mac & PC. Details are available about the Zealousy site. Click here to view the embedded video. Guitar Hero to MIDI app AXIS – playing chords via zealtv: http://zealousy.com How to play chords with a MIDI enabled Guitar Hero axe using Guitar Hero to MIDI app AXIS. Get axis for free from http://zealousy.com

Click here to view the embedded video. Don Muro plays a synthesizer arrangement of J.S. Bach’s “Gigue Fugue” in tribute to Wendy Carlos’ groundbreaking album Switched On Bach, released as an LP in 1968. This video is from the DVD An Overview of Electronic Instruments. via jdwallpub

Click here to view the embedded video. The SynPad is a position-sensitive MIDI drum pad that you can build yourself, using simple materials and tools for around 50 UK pounds (depending on what materials you already have, and how many pads you want to make.) The pad can detect where you have hit it as well as how hard, so that the synth it is driving can change the sound continuously as you strike the pad in different places. via gang1ion

Click here to view the embedded video. This video capture a cover version of Ron Grainer + Delia Derbyshire’s iconic Dr. Who theme, arranged for computer-controlled player piano. via Keeper1st: I made this arrangement 20 years ago for computer-controlled piano, but this is the first time I’ve been able to hear it on an actual computer-controlled piano instead of a MIDI synthesizer. Back around 1989, a friend sent me a four-hand piano arrangement of the 1980 version of the Doctor Who theme. It was by a couple of guys whose surnames were Balga and Hosek, as I recall. However, it was lacking in some areas, and they had misheard the chords as being dissonant (probably mistaking the grating sawtooth waveform of the original as being dissonance). So I essentially re-transcribed the entire piece from the recording, fixing rhythmic differences, the chords, adding notes that they had missed, and adding the “twinklies” as I call them. They’re not exactly the same as in the original recording (back then I had no means to slow down the original recording to aid in transcription), but at least they’re there now. Some of their original arrangement is still present (e.g. the “echo” of the melody and some grace notes), so I can’t take full credit, though it’s mostly mine. Anyway, with all the changes I made, it really was no longer a four-hand piano arrangement, though I suppose two people technically could play it if they really worked at it. The dynamics of the “twinklies” coming in and out while passing through other notes also makes it probably incapable of being done on a reproducing piano roll (admittedly I don’t know exactly how their dynamics systems work), thus I don’t call this a piano-roll arrangement; I’ve always thought of it as an arrangement for computer-controlled piano (though I think on my web site I do list it as four-hand).

Hexfix93 (Velvet Acid Christ) has been doing some tests, trying to figure out which computer/sequencer combination is the tightest for doing electronic music. He tested sequencers by sequencing a series of 16th notes, recording the output, viewing it in an audio editor and checking how much the 16th notes deviated from where they should be. . He found three computer/sequencer combinations that he thinks are tighter than anything produced today – and they’re all ancient. The winner? The Atari STe: The Atari STe is monochrome in 640×480 max res, 8mhz, yes, 8mhz motorola 68000 processor, with 720k floppy drive and no hard drive, external mouse and monitor, a space hog. Doesn?t make noise though. The timing is super tight with drums, if you put the drums on midi channel 1 and bass on midi 2, and put the hardware for the drums and bass 1 and 2 on the midi out chain, the drums and bass will be super tight. You can throw 170 bpm 32nd and 64th notes at it and doesn?t choke. It?s amazing. If you are doing aggressive electronic, high temp, or glitchy stuff with hardware, these are the best sequencers. No PC or modern MAC can match it. How tight is the Atari STe? Tight to 1ms. Anyone else try tests like this? It seems a bit pathetic that the tightest computer for sequencing would be 20 years old.

JazzMutant has announced that it’s multi-touch controller app for Ableton Live 8, Mu, is now available: Mu for Lemur is coming… The first truly integrated Ableton Live touch controller. Taking advantage of the doors opened by Max for Live, and with zero configuration necessary (yes, entirely plug and play!) , you will finally be able to: Touch Ableton Live! Download (.zip) JazzMutant Mu requires the Lemur controller and Max For Live. See this previous JazzMutant Mu post for a demo video. If you’ve given JazzMutant Mu a try – leave a comment with your thoughts! via Richard Devine

Click here to view the embedded video. This video captures a gorgeous Sequential Circuits Pro-One synthesizer. Mods, wood, and electronic restoration by Synthwood.com. Custom paint and printing by Customsynth. Sextacular demo video by Logan Mannstrane.

Click here to view the embedded video. Sweetwater’s Daniel Fisher does a nice job of demonstrating the features of the Korg nanoKontrol and the Korg nanoPad, alongside synths from Moog and Korg, plus the B4II organ plug-in from Native Instruments. Don’t miss the trick with the nanoPAD’s trackpad at the end.

Click here to view the embedded video. This video, via drbleep, demos the new Bleep Labs Thingamagoop 2 analog synth robot. Features: Analog VCO controlled by analog or digital signal from Arduino. (A separate Arduino board is not required) Sample and hold, Arpeggios, noise, and bit crush effects with open source code so you can program your own sounds! All the analog sounds of the original Thingamagoop. Controllable LEDacle ? Ramp and random waveforms with rate control. New modulators ? Square wave amplitude modulator and triangle wave pulse width modulator. Tough, stomp box type body with silk screened graphics in 3 different styles. Easy to access battery ? No more screws! Much fuller and louder speaker. CV in and out. Arduino Programmer jack. Easily hook an Ardunio board up to the Thingamagoop 2. Kit now comes with a pre-drilled enclosure. Still assembled in Austin, Texas by Dr. Bleep and friends. Thingamagoop 2 kits retail for $100; fully assembled for $160.

Click here to view the embedded video. Brian of Trifonic is back with another look at FM Synthesis. His demos use Native Instruments FM8, but the concepts should work with other FM synths. See his previous FM synthesis demo, FM Synthesis 101, below: Click here to view the embedded video.

Click here to view the embedded video. Here’s the first official Tron: Legacy trailer – it looks and sounds fantastic. Daft Punk was reported to being doing the soundtrack – but nothing on the trailer sounds especially Daft Punk. If you know anything more about the soundtrack, leave a comment! via WaltDisneyStudiosUK: TRON: LEGACY is a 3D high-tech adventure set in a digital world that’s unlike anything ever captured on the big screen. Sam Flynn (GARRETT HEDLUND), the tech-savvy 27-year-old son of Kevin Flynn (JEFF BRIDGES), looks into his fathers disappearance and finds himself pulled into the digital world of Tron where his father has been living for 25 years. Along with Kevin’s loyal confidant Qora (OLIVIA WILDE), father and son embark on a life-and-death journey of escape across a visually-stunning cyber universe that has become far more advanced and exceedingly dangerous. Directed by Joseph Kosinski. Cast includes Jeff Bridges, Garrett Hedlund, Olivia Wilde, Bruce Boxleitner, James Frain, Beau Garrett and Michael Sheen. TRON: LEGACY comes to UK cinemas in December.

Vicmod Records – a new experimental electronic music label and digital distribution service – has released its first three albums: Richard Lainhart – The Wave Sounding Sea. An amazing early Moog recording from the seventies. First time release. Cray – Water Computing. Cray’s second computer music album. Think nanobots talking after humans have left the planet. Don Hassler – No Subsequent Interference. Self playing EMS Synthi AKS madness. The releases are available as limited edition professionally printed CDRs or downloads. Physical purchase includes bonus sampler mixed by Cray.

Livid has introduced the Block Diablo MIDI controller, a limited-edition version of the Block that features a mahogany body, black faceplate, and red LED’s. It may be devilishly sexy – but you don’t have to sell your soul to buy one. They sell for $399, the same price as the standard Livid Block. Features: 9.75″ x 9.75″ x 1.5″ (WLH) / weight 3 lbs. USB Powered Bi-Directional MIDI communication (talkback) Class-compliant: no drivers needed for Mac, Windows, or Linux. 64 Programmable backlight buttons for talk-back and interactive performance Programmable MIDI mapping allows you to change the MIDI settings on the hardware Black Anodized Aluminum Faceplate Mahogany Body Open Source software tools to create your own LED talkback interaction Editor included for MIDI editing, and LED talkback programming Made in the USA Compatible with any software that supports MIDI learn ROHS compliant USB cable included

In May of 2009, on the 500-year anniversary of Henry VIII’s ascension to the throne of England, Rick Wakeman was invited to play his classic prog album The Six Wives of Henry VIII at Hampton Court, King Henry’s favorite palace. Blu-Ray.com has a fun review of the concert DVD, saying: Prog-o-philiacs and Rick Wakeman fans will want to snap this release up?it’s a lifelong dream concert for some, I’m sure, and it looks and sounds excellent on Blu-ray?but I don’t see this release winning any new converts to the faith. If you pine for the days of Yes, Genesis, and King Crimson, this is totally for you, but if you’re the sort who scoffs at a grown man wearing a cape on stage?actually, Wakeman changes capes at least three times during the set?you’ll most likely want to stay away. WWF is pretty silly, too, but it still has believers, right? Here’s a preview of the CD – Catherine Parr: Click here to view the embedded video. Tracklist: 1. Henry’s Fanfare 2. Tudorture “1485″ 3. Catherine of Aragon 4. Kathryn Howard 5. Jane’s Prelude 6. Jane Seymour 7. Defender of the Faith 8. Katherine Parr 9. Anne of Cleves 10. Anne Boleyn 11. Tudorock 12. Tudorture “1485″ Reprise

The Apple iPad is coming, at least in the US, April 3rd. And it’s going to be hugely for music making – even if it strikes some people as “just a big iPod touch”. One reason why the iPad is going to be important for musicians is that it will make a relatively inexpensive multi-touch control surface for music apps. This is possible now, with apps like TouchOSC on the iPhone, but will really take off with the much larger iPad. iPhone apps are limited by the device’s 3.5″ screen. The iPad’s 9.7″ screen not only offers a much higher screen resolution, but offers a lower pixel density (132 pixels/inch vs 163 pixels/inch), which should make adjusting controls less fiddly. Here are five video demos that demonstrate some of the things you can do with an iPhone + TouchOSC right now. Give ‘em a look and let me know if you’re ready to try these things out on an iPad! Click here to view the embedded video. This first video, via max Min, demonstrates using TouchOSC with Ableton Live. The next video demonstrates how autoflavour uses an iPod touch with his Novation 25SL Compact MIDI controller to add multi-touch control of Ableton Live and an Access Virus Snow: Click here to view the embedded video. Want to go further out? How about tactile sound design with your iPhone and Native Instruments Reaktor? Click here to view the embedded video. You can use an iPhone + TouchOSC to control video as well as audio apps, as this VDMX video demonstrates: Click here to view the embedded video. While you’re at it, why not try touchscreen DJing? Click here to view the embedded video. Did we mention that TouchOSC is a $4.99 app?

Native Instruments today introduced Evolve Mutations 2, a new Kontakt Player-based instrument for movie, TV and game composers. Evolve Mutations 2 is available for download purchase in the NI Online Shop for $119 / 99 EUR. A DVD bundle that combines both Evolve Mutations products is also available for $169 / 149 EUR. If you’ve used Evolve Mutations 2, leave a comment with your thoughts! Description: Evolve Mutations 2 contains over 300 new sounds based on 2 GByte of samples. The material is organized into four categories: “Rhythmic Suites” include stirring percussive and tonal loops complete with individual slices and keymapping; “Percussive Kits” allow the creation of original percussive beds; “Stings & Transitions” support a composition with striking and suspenseful transitional elements; “Tonality & FX” provide a range of highly expressive, evocative instruments and pads. Evolve Mutations 2 also introduces the new “Trigger FX” feature, a sound processing section that takes advantage of Kontakt’s effects capabilities. With “Trigger FX”, the keys within a certain octave on the keyboard activate different specific sound treatments including saturation, panning, delay effects and more, which can be intuitively layered and combined to create special effects and transformations on the fly. Evolve Mutations 2 offers playback and sound shaping functionality within the free Kontakt Player software, and can also be loaded into the full version of the Kontakt 4 sampler for advanced sound editing.

Click here to view the embedded video. Moog Music released this video today, which features Brian Kehew giving a tour of the VX-351 CV Output Expander for the Minimoog Voyager. The video and sound quality of this video aren’t great, but Kehew, who’s done everything from play keyboards for The Who to co-authoring Recording The Beatles, knows his stuff and does a great job of highlighting how the VX-351 CV Output Expander turns the Moog Minimoog Voyager into a modular synth.

The Bob Moog Foundation has announced that it’s raffling off Lou Reed’s Moog Guitar as a fund riser for the Foundation. The Foundation will be selling $50 raffle tickets for a chance to win one of Lou Reed?s Moog Guitars. Only 200 tickets will be made available. Participants can purchase raffle tickets online at the Foundation?s online store. The raffle will close when the 200 tickets have been sold and a winner will be chosen by an automated random selector. All proceeds go to benefit the projects of the Bob Moog Foundation. Employees and volunteers of Moog Music, the Bob Moog Foundation and Lou Reed are not eligible to participate in the auction. Moog Music is donating the Paul Vo Collector Edition (1 of only 300) Moog Guitar, serial #005, signed and played by Lou Reed, to the Foundation. The instrument is a maple top Tiger Eye Flame with an ash body, maple neck and ebony fret board. Reed has signed the front of the guitar; his labels for the guitar?s controls remain on the instrument as well as the brackets for his guitar strap. Lou Reed, best known as the former guitarist, vocalist and principle songwriter for the experimental rock band Velvet Underground, has enjoyed a prolific career as a solo guitarist known for the pioneering of many sound effects including distortion, high volume feedback and nonstandard tunings. His love affair with the innovative Moog Guitar began early, as he played the instrument in its prototype phase. Reed experiences the Moog Guitar for the first time in this YouTube video. Upon hearing the guitar for the first time, Reed exclaimed ?This is amazing?.this opens the door?. Reed performed on the Moog Guitar on the David Lettermen Show in the fall of 2008. ?The funds raised from this raffle will be of great assistance in expanding our Student Outreach Program, the program in which we bring Moog instruments in to the schools and teach children the science behind the sounds of electronic music,” Michelle Moog-Koussa, Executive Director of the Bob Moog Foundation acknowledges. “This program, even in its infant stages, has opened children?s minds and engaged their spirits to explore the extensive sonic possibilities that Moog instruments offer.? The Bob Moog Foundation is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization whose mission is to carry on the legacy of Bob Moog through educating and inspiring children and adults through the power and possibilities of electronic music and through the intersection of science, music and innovation. The foundation has three main projects: preserving and protecting Bob Moog?s archives, creating a Student Outreach Program that brings electronic music into the schools, and its hallmark project, the creation of a Moogseum in Asheville, NC, for which it was recently awarded a $600,000 lead grant by the Buncombe County Tourism Development Authority.

Click here to view the embedded video. Leafcutter John demonstrates how to make a CMOS oscillator in under 2 mins. via leafcutter: A simple square wave oscillator made with a cheap and cheerful CMOS chip. It’s the first chip project from Handmade Electronic Music by Nicolas Collins. I have reviewed it here: http://leafcutterjohn.com/?p=1053

Click here to view the embedded video. This is a sneak preview of the FeelTune Rhizome – “the Groove machine for funky people”. Description: Easy to use like a groove machine, powerful like the latest computer technology, and empowered by the versatility of plugins. Today the Rhizome is the only box combining samplers, mixing desk, sequencers and synthesizers, totally open and compatible with VSTs. Features: Unique large display areas Optimal user experience Advanced real-time capabilities Innovative interface Wide range of instruments and effects available This is just a teaser – they are looking at a Q3 2010 release. No pricing has been announced.

Click here to view the embedded video. Night Shift by Beat Frequency – experimental theremin music with effects. via GordonCharlton: moog etherwave theremin + marshall echohead + alesis airFX. Recorded in a single take, no overdubbing, loopers or post-production effects apart from some low pass, a little reverb and faux stereo. Public domain video footage from archive.org

Click here to view the embedded video. This is a switched on arrangement of Bach’s Alle Menschen müssen Sterben (BWV643) for the Access Virus TI Snow and Clavia Nord Lead 2X synthesizers. via syntesen: This is a simplistic rendition of the beautiful “All men must die” chorale prelude for 4 voices, arranged for the Access Virus TI Snow and Clavia Nord Lead 2X synthesizers. The constant octave leaps in the bass were used by Bach to signify the relation between heaven and earth. This truly was a man, who was absolutely certain he’d meet his maker after death.

Click here to view the embedded video. This video, Beta Killer, captures a microtonal synth jam on a Synthesizers.com modular synthesizer. Patch details below. via davidryle: Jammin in 63.833cET. Using a synthesizers.com Q960 and Q962 module for sequencing into the Q172 quantizer aid. Using Li’l Miss Scale Oven (LMSO) to load in the notes into the programmable quantizer and sending note to the Virus TI while playing the Novation ReMOTE 37SL. Recorded in Cubase 4. Three programmable scales which were portions of the carlos beta 63.833cET tuning set are sending control voltages to the oscillators for pitch data and the selection of voltage is made from the Q960 sequential controller. This is run at a high rate with three echo devices to merge the sequences into a background river of arpeggiated chords. Three rows of sequences (8 steps) each are tapped into with the Q962 sequential switch. The switch is controlled by a pulse out from step 1 of the sequencer into a sample & hold/noise source which delivers a random voltage out to an instrument interface. This interface threshold is set high to only shift the sequential switch every so often randomly. It even caused the sequential switch to step backwards from time to time. First time I’ve ever seen that. Li’l Miss Scale Oven can be purchased from X.J.Scott’s website at http://www.nonoctave.com

Click here to view the embedded video. Off topic, but interesting: All Creative Work Is Derivative explores how all creative work builds on what came before and challenges the concept of “illegal art”. Photographed and animated by Nina Paley. Music by Todd Michaelsen (”Sita’s String Theory,” a Bonus Track on the soon-to-be-released Sita Sings the Blues soundtrack CD!). Photographed at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York City. More information at QuestionCopyright.org.

Click here to view the embedded video. This is a quick demo of the JHS Pro Rhythm Analogue Drum Synth – a rare analog drum synthesizer. The JHS Pro Rhythm Analogue Drum Synth is a 2 oscillator design with a switchable LP, HP BP resonant VCF. VCO 1 has noise, square and ringmod, VCO 2 is switchable as an LFO which can affect VCO 1 or the VCF. It also has a sweep generator which can affect either or one of the VCO’s, and the VCF with independant variable polarity and depth, and variable decay. The VCA has control for decay and volume. via virtuaswindon: JHS Pro Rhythm Drum Synth Analogue Drum Pad, as used on countless 1970s disco tracks, DUB reggae beats etc.

Click here to view the embedded video. Apps we want to see on the iPad – Mancing Dolecules’s Everyday Looper (App Store link) – is a 4 track looper for the iPhone, with emphasis on waveform visualization, direct track interaction and simplified volume management. Here’s another demo: Click here to view the embedded video. Features: A “no button” user interface. Tap or swipe on displayed waveforms to play / pause / stop / record / change volume / erase. Auto-normalization of each track to reach their maximum non clipped volume by the swipe of a finger. Master Limiter to not worry about clipping after tracks mixing. â?¢ Metronome track generator to create a X clicks at Y BPMs base track. Quantized to loop recording, as an option. Load/Save your loops. Auto-save between sessions. Export them to your computer over WiFi in 44100Hz/16Bits Wav format. Up to 45 seconds of recording for each track. Everyday Looper retails for $4.99. No word on iPad plans….. via WireToTheEar, eulgadjo: Test of Everyday looper A looper 4 tracks, touch, especially ergonomic Sound is taken with the Iphone, it saturates at times a little but it’s not his fault (wonderful toy), I just misjudged the level of acquisition. This gadget is really cheap, especially considering its simplicity, functionality, Brief jammer at any time of day (on a desk at the canteen on the couch guitar) Really, I recommend See ya Ed Test de Everyday looper Un looper 4 pistes, tactile, particulièrement ergonomique Le son est pris avec l’Iphone, par moment ça sature un peu mais c’est pas sa faute (merveilleux jouet), j’ai simplement mal évalué le niveau d’acquisition. Ce gadget est vraiment peu cher, surtout compte tenu de sa simplicité, de sa fonctionnalité, bref pour jammer à tout moment de la journée (sur un bureau, à la cantine, sur le canapé guitare) Vraiment, je recommande A bientôt ! Ed

Xhun Audio has introduced LittleOne – a virtual emulation of the Moog Little Phatty analog synthesizer. Description: LittleOne emulates every component of the Little Phatty (oscillators, filter, envelopes, LFO …), preserving the original frequency responses and frequency ranges. The result is an analog-sounding instrument – all in the digital domain. In addition to the Little Phatty synthesizer emulation, LittleOne encloses a full rack with a 16-step MIDI sequencer, a 16-step trancegate effect and two master effects slots. Specs The Moog Little Phatty Physical Modeling emulation Two aliasing-free analog modeled oscillators with continuous selection mode ( like the original ) between Triangle, Saw, Square, Pulse A 4-Pole Low Pass filter modeled on the classic Moog Ladder, featuring the original frequency responses and overload control Two 4-Stage ( ADSR ) envelope generators Modulation LFO with the original waveforms and frequency ranges ( 0.2~500 Hz ) Monophonic/polyphonic mode, pitch bend ranges and more – all accessible from LittleOne LED display 128 ready-to-use presets from classic analog to contemporary cutting-edge dance to psychoacoustic sounds and SFX XSQ16M, a build-in 16-step MIDI sequencer GATED!, a build-in 16-step trancegate effect Two master effects slots with the possibility to choose between delay, reverb, tube distortion, flanger, chorus Full MIDI CC#s mapping (according to the original Little Phatty CC#s specs) LittleOne is a Windows VST instrument. It retails for 75 Euro.

Click here to view the embedded video. GeLoFi has published an interesting interview with Eric Archer, an Austin, Texas creator of unique electronic instruments. In the interview, Archer talk extensively about what inspires him and the thoughts behind his electronic instruments: Pattern generators are amazing. You just have to build an LFSR (linear feedback shift register) and play with it to realize these things just spew out aesthetic information, of however much complexity you desire, up to the point that you catch a glimpse of the beautiful horizon between repetition and randomness. Of course it?s impossible to generate random information with logic, but with digital feedback the patterns can become so complex that they appear random to humans. The digital algorithms I use are simplified versions of cryptographic key generators. An encryption key ideally looks like noise. But, take this same information and design a filter to reduce it?s complexity, and you gain access to its insanely detailed sub-structure. I?ve made a number of experimental circuits that make aesthetic output from digital feedback. The MuseWave (2005) synthesizes complex waveforms directly. The Bird Box sequencer (2008) plays linear drum patterns. The Fibonacci Generator (2009) is my favorite so far. It creates note sequences and glide information to control a monophonic analog synth. I also used the Fibonacci Generator to synthesize vector graphics for video, above. It creates unreal, twisting animated pseudo-3D knots. We’ve featured Eric Archer and his creations previously, including the Mini Space Rockers drum machines. See the Devices page on his site for more examples of his work.

Click here to view the embedded video. Sunday Synth Jam: Vanderson plays some Tangerine Dream sequences on the Roland MC-909: This video shows two patterns like Tangerine Dream style, plays on the Roland MC-909 groovebox. All sounds coming from MC-909 (except An1x solo lead) via grooveproject

Click here to view the embedded video. This video, via zackdagoba, reveals The Secrets of Analog and Digital Synthesis! OK – this video, from 1985, doesn’t really reveal many secrets of synthesis. What it does do, though, is highlight some of the cool features of some vintage gear and offer an aural tour to the state of synthesis 25 years ago. Featured Synths: Roland Juno 106 Roland JX 3P Sequential Circuits Six Track Sequential Circuits T8 Oberheim OB-8 Moog Memory Moog Fender Chroma Polaris Oberheim Xpander Korg EX 800 Casio CZ-101

Click here to view the embedded video. This is a short demo,via bigcitymusic, of the Metasonix D-1000 Vacuum Tube Drum Machine. It is the first all tube drum machine since the Wurlitzer Sideman was introduced 51 years ago in 1959. See our earlier Metasonix D-1000 posts for specs and more details and the Metasonix site.

Click here to view the embedded video. Sunday Synth Jam: Sell your Soul, via schokokontrol, is an “almost all-analogue recording” that features the King Of Synths, the Yamaha CS-80, along with a bunch of other choice vintage and modern analog synth gear. It’s a great combination of massive synths sounds and interesting vocals. You might have to sell your soul to be able to afford a collection of gear like this. But, as the track demonstrates, at least it would sound awesome.

Click here to view the embedded video. This is a demo of the Fingerist – a guitar-like gadget thing that turns your iPhone into a guitar-like gadget thing instrument. The Fingerist is an adapter for the iPhone and iPod touch that adds a speaker, line-out and guitar strap. via koyamatsuo: Played solo using guitar-alike gadget Fingerist. The iPhone app is PocketGuitar.

Click here to view the embedded video. Sampletoy (App Store link) is a new musical instrument/plaything that’s part sampler, part granular synthesiser. You can use it to capture sounds through the iPhone microphone and then play, loop, pitch and distort them live on the screen. Features: Create your own instruments out of any sound. Email your performances as audio files straight from the app. Built-in resonant filters, delay and envelope. Auto-saves current recording and state and recalls it again on next launch. Stepped mode allows chromatic, major, minor, pentatonic and whole-tone scales to be played. Totally multitouch – play up to 5 notes at once. 44kHz/16bit – professional quality sound. Built-in comprehensive manual. Best of all, SampleToy lets you “Record any old crap and make it sound awesome!”, according to its creators. SampleToy sells for $1.99. If you’ve tried out SampleToy, leave a comment with your thoughts! Description: There are plenty of features under the hood, such as resonant filters, delays and envelope. You can enable “stepped” mode to play your sounds like a traditional keyboard, or keep it in “free” mode for some microtonal madness. Once you’ve recorded a sound, use the main area of the screen to play it back at different pitches (up to 5 fingers at a time). You can crop the sound by dragging a selection over the waveform. The crop area is also multitouch and you can adjust the crop while playing the sound too. The y-axis is pitch of the sound, and the x axis is configurable to control filters or envelope. You can record your performances on Sampletoy and send them via email within the app as a CD-quality wav file (mono or stereo) Sampletoy requires audio input, so works only with the iPhone (built-in mic or headset mic) and iPod Touch 2G (headset mic)

We love to see the number of visitors to Synthtopia continue to climb – but we also know that a lot of readers are spending more and more time on social networks and other sites. You can follow Synthtopia at many of these sites, too, so you can keep on top of the latest electronic music and electronic music gear news: FaceBook – Follow Synthtopia on FaceBook. Flickr -  Join the Synthtopia group on Flickr. Check out the photos, add your photos! They also show up in the right sidebar of this site. SoundCloud – check out the Synthtopia SoundCloud group, share your music and listen to the latest music from Synthtopia readers. You can listen to the latest music from the group by clicking the “Listen” button that’s found at the top of this site. Twitter – you can follow me on Twitter and get Synthtopia new and other thoughts. Feed Reader – Don’t forget that you can add Synthtopia to your feed reader! http://www.synthtopia.com/content/feed/ iTunes – Tip – if you add our feed into iTunes (Advanced – Subscribe to Podcast, paste in http://www.synthtopia.com/content/feed/ ), you’ll get the latest free audio tracks that we feature delivered directly into iTunes. If you’ve got other ideas for things we should try out – let us know! Image: cinocino

Click here to view the embedded video. This video, from the 2010 NAMM Show, features Saul Zonana demonstrating the features of the Moog Guitar Model E1-M, which supports MIDI.

Click here to view the embedded video. Rupert Brown takes a look at the Novation Launchpad and compares it to the Akai APC40: Does the Novation Launchpad offer anything my APC40 doesn’t? Find out in this video! The review is based upon my initial impressions of playing with the Launchpad at the official release event. Got your own thoughts on using the Novation Launchpad vs the Akai APC40? Leave a comment with your thoughts!

Click here to view the embedded video. This video, via MrYamadub, is an introduction to the Drift Box Reon synthesizer. Specifications: VCO×2 (cross modulation loading) VCO1???Ripple mark? Saw???(10Hz – 20kHz) VCO2???Ripple mark? Square and triangle???(10Hz – 20kHz) + White noize VCF×1 (SSM2044 tip/chip loading) – 24dB/oct Input terminals GATE IN VCO MODULATION IN×2 (VCO1 and VCO2) EXT AUDIO IN SENS IN (it is the terminal which connects the sensor of future sale schedule) Output terminal AUDIO OUT Other equipment GATE button The stick for DRIFT (joystick) Details (in Japanese) are available at implant4. The price is ¥ 37,800, but they appear to be currently unavaialble. If you have any more info about the Drift Box Reon synthesizer, leave a comment!