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Tuesday, September 22, 2009

MOTM-120 Sub-Octave Multiplier

via this auction
"The MOTM-120 is a Synthesis Technology exclusive design. Based on an article in Electronotes, we have updated, improved, and added features to create a truly unique module.

The MOTM-120 contains two 4-stage sub-octave dividers, a digital MUX, and 4 digital ring modulators. It operates in one of two modes, selected by the cleverly named MODE switch.

In the simplest operation (MODE is set to SUB), a single input is fed into the A IN jack. The signal passes through a level comparator, whose lower threshold is 80mv pk-pk. When the input exceeds this, a 4-bit binary counter is clocked with the input signal. This generates the lower 4 sub-octaves. These are then mixed by 4 individual pots along with the input signal. A switch selects either the original source mixed in, OR the "squared" version of the input.

The additional 4 sub-octaves (similar to pulling out lower octave drawbars on a Hammond) greatly fatten up the bottom end of any signal. Even a simple sine or triangle will punch through in the mix.

Lots of synths have a single sub-octave, but we give you FOUR!

But the real fun starts when you flip the MODE switch to CROSS. In this mode, 2 input signals are required. Each is divided into their respective 4 sub-octaves, then each sub-octave is ring modulated with each other! Since we are in the digital domain, it's easy to ring modulate (you'll have to buy one to see how we did it!). These results are simply awesome and bizarre. If A IN is audio, but B IN is from a LFO, what you hear is a 16-cycle pattern of the sub-octaves getting multiplexed in. As the B IN signal is raised into audio frequencies, the results are HUGE chordal timbres with lively beat frequencies. Electronotes used to describe this as Waveform Animation, and that's a pretty accurate description.

The MOTM-120 is a powerful addition to your studio. The wimpiest digital synth can be turned into a growling monster!"

- write-up from synthtech.com"


KORG ELECTRIBE EM-1

via this auction
"Korg EM-1 - Electribe M, is one the coolest member of Korg's Electribe Series packs powerful sounds and new effects into one compact production tool. With 2 synth and 8 drum parts, the versatile (and surprisingly affordable) Electribe M lets you create complete dance tracks quickly and easily.

1. Sounds and Phrases Covering the Latest Music Styles - The Electribe M is packed with 144 drum waves including vintage kicks, snares, classic electronic tones, cymbals, hi-hats, percussion, and more. Its 50 synth waveforms cover everything from deep bass tones and vintage analog synth waves, to moving modulation timbres like sync and PWM, plus chord tones, various hits and sound effects. All sounds are fully programmable with control over pitch, amp EG, resonant filter, glide, and other parameters. There's also 192 patterns covering the latest House, Hip Hop, R&B, Techno, and Drum 'n' Bass styles for creating cutting edge dance tracks.

2. Intuitive & Easy to Use - The Electribe M features the classic 16-keypad, illuminated interface found on all Electribe dance tools. Parts can be recorded in step-time using the keypad to turn on and off rhythmic steps, or in realtime, by tapping on the part keys and using the keypad as a live keyboard. Its intuitive operation places creativity at your fingertips and makes tweaking sounds and beats easy. And, because you can see the rhythm or phrase at a glance, producing finished tracks takes less time.

3. Motion Sequencing Makes Static Grooves Come Alive - The Electribe M features "Motion Sequencing," a Korg exclusive. Motion Sequencing makes it possible to record the actual knob movements you make while altering volume, panning, filter cutoff, filter sweep, etc. You can record 2 Motion Sequences per Drum Part, and up to 3 per Synth Part to create tracks that are really dynamic and alive.

4. Great Effects for Great Tracks - The Electribe M is equipped with 11 types of Insert effects ranging from standards like Reverb and Flanger/Chorus to more exotic effects such as Decimator, Resonator, and Ring Modulator. A Master Delay effect, which can sync to a Pattern's tempo, is also available. Each effect can be edited with dedicated knobs, and can, of course, be controlled by separate Motion Sequences. Two different effects can be used at one time in a Pattern.

5. New Drive Effect Goes from Mild to Wild - The Electribe M new Drive effect lets you create sounds and tracks with attitude and "bite." When subtly applied to overdrive synth sounds, the Drive effects gives the sound much more presence. When applied liberally and used in conjunction with filter resonance, the Drive effect can create generate extreme and intense new timbres.

6. Pattern Performance with an Emphasis on Realtime Operation - You can tweak the Electribe M's knobs and use realtime functions like Part solo/mute to produce a wide range of variations from a single pattern. You can even use the Pattern Set function to arrange up to 64 Patterns across the step keys and then switch patterns in realtime by simply touching the keys. Once you've locked into a groove, the Tempo Lock function can keep the Electribe M's current Tempo running through every pattern. Need to pick up the beat? Use the Tap Tempo button to lock in a new tempo on the fly.

7. Synchronization with Other Electribe Models - You can sync' the ELECTRIBE M with other members of the 'Tribe: the Electribe A, Electribe R, and Electribe S. It's as simple as connecting a MIDI cable. Plus you can use the Electribe M as a step sequencer for external tone generator modules, or connect it to a computer to run alongside another sequencing program or as a tone generator.

Specifications:
* Number of Parts: 12 total; 8 drum parts, 2 synthesizer parts, 1 synthesizer accent part, 1 drum accent part
* Number of Waveforms: 144 drum waveforms, 50 synthesizer waveforms
* Memory: 256 patterns, 16 songs
* Motion Sequences: Synthesizer part: 3 parameters, Drum Part: 2 parameters, Accent part: 1 parameter, 64 events
* Master Effects: Tempo Delay, Normal/Motion Sequence
* Insert Effects: 11 types (Reverb, Flanger/Chorus, Phaser, Ring modulator, Pitch shifter, Compressor, Distortion, Decimator, Resonator, Filter, Modulation delay)
* Sequencer:
Pattern: 64 steps maximum per part, motion sequence (drum parts = 2 systems, synthesizer parts = 3 systems), accent part = 1 system, 64 events
Song: 256 patterns maximum per song, event recording 35,700 events maximum
* Output: L/MONO, R (phone jack-mono*2), Headphones (1/4" stereo phone jack)
* Nominal output level: -10dBu, Output Impedance: 1k-ohms
* MIDI: IN, OUT, THRU
* Dimensions (W x D x H): 300 x 222.5 x 55.4 mm (11.81 x 8.76 x 2.18 in.)
* Weight: 1.25 kg (3.35 lbs.)"


Roland JUNO-60 Vintage Analog Synthesizer

via this auction



Roland GR-100 Guitar synth chorus

via this auction
"used by Andy Summers, Jeff Beck, Larry Carlton, Robert Fripp, and Steve Lukather among others. Beautiful lush analog chorus and filter effect. The GR-100 can produce, by means of a unique electronic circuit, an entirely new sound effect previously not possible. Rich tone quality made by the Hexa VCF which uses a VCF for each string A wide range of electronic sounds are possible from the filter modulation, touch vibrato and Chorus effect."




Korg Prophecy Synthesizer

via this auction
"Specifications
* Polyphony - Monophonic
* Oscillators - Physical Modeling
* LFO - 4 LFOs, 30 Waveforms, Real-Time Modulation, 0-60Hz
* Filter - Voice Filter: Resonant Low/Hi/Band/Notch
* VCA - 4 envelopes
* Keyboard - 37 keys (with velocity & aftertouch)
* Arpeg/Seq - Arpeggiator: Programmable, Sends/Receives MIDI Clock
* Control - MIDI "