30 Aug, 2023
Vegard Hella has launched a Kickstarter project to fund production of the SP MIDI, a reissue of the device, which corrects MIDI issues with the E-mu SP-12 and SP-1200 samplers.
“Back in 2014 I created this tool for a few friends and sold a few online,” explains Hella. “Over the years people have asked for more units, but I’ve not had the means to make them. This is an attempt to correct that.”
The SP MIDI converts non-standard MIDI messages from the SP-1200 to regular MIDI. One such message is note off, which is required to set the length or duration of sequenced notes. The SP MIDI also translates the pitches of bank D to a continuous range of notes to store and sequence external devices. When recording it is necessary to set rec mode.
Internal mode is used to select up to three samples which then have their 16 pitch levels mapped out over the keyboard. Now supporting note off you can play like you would normally expect, where the sample mutes when the key is released. Excellent for looped samples, i.e. bass lines.
External mode is used to sequence other instruments. It uses bank D1-D6 to record notes on one MIDI channel and D7-D8 on another channel. D1-D6 is mapped to a full note range by pad number and pitch, making it possible to play a melody using the pads. Also note off is sent as you hit the pads a second time, unless F1 oneshot is selected. D7-D8 is combined together to give a full range of note numbers and is best used with a keyboard.
The SP MIDI is available to project backers for €449.
*Note: Crowdfunded projects can involve risk. Details available on the project website.
30 Aug, 2023
The Erica Synths Bullfrog, a new educational electronic music instrument, created in collaboration with Richie Hawtin, is now available to pre-order.
Features:
- Fully analog design
- Accurate voltage controlled oscillator (VCO) that tracks great over 8 octaves
- Manually adjustable and voltage controlled waveshapes – sine-shark fin and pulse wave with pulse width modulation (PWM)
- Zener diode-based noise generator
- Resonant lowpass voltage controlled filter (VCF)
- Voltage controlled amplifier (VCA) with adjustable offset
- Delay effect with adjustable delay time and feedback amount
- Two looping attack-sustain-release envelope generators (EG)
- Manual gate button
- Voicecard slot
- Built in speaker
- DIN5 MIDI input
- USB connector
- Dimensions: 40 x 385 x 210 mm
- Weight: 1.8 kg
Bullfrog is a classical subtractive synthesizer – it consists of several “modules” for sound generation – VCO, NOISE GENERATOR – and treatment – VCF, VCA/DELAY, as well as “modules” that generate control and modulation signals to control them – ENVELOPE GENERATORS and SAMPLE & HOLD.
The Bullfrog will not make the sound on its own unless it is patched – using Eurorack patch cables to interconnect the “modules” or by inserting voice cards that create internal connections between the “modules” in a specific way and add extra functionality, like sampler/looper, sequencer, groovebox, etc.
What’s included:
- BULLFROG synthesizer
- Universal 12VDC wall wart adapter
- User manual
- 10 patch cables
- 3 pre-patched voice cards: Sequencer, Acid Bassline, Sampler Looper
- 3 DIY voice cards
The Bullfrog is expected to ship Sept 10, 2023 and is priced at € 500. Find out details on the Erica Synths website.
30 Aug, 2023
Organizers have announced the workshops and presentations being held at Knobcon 2023, happening Sept 8-10, 2023 in the Chicagoland area.
The presentations include:
- The Basics of Synthesis – Marc Doty, “the undisputed king of YouTube synthesizer videos ” provides as comprehensive a primer about synthesis which could be reasonably expected to fit in ninety minutes.
- Tiny but Mighty Setups with Circuit Rhythm & Eurorack – Novation Product Specialist, Shanda Nunez aka Trovarsi, will demonstrate a creative approach to integrating Novation’s groovebox Circuit Rhythm with Eurorack. By demonstrating how to sample loops and one shots from a small Eurorack system to create a sonic library, she will show how the Circuit Rhythm can be a powerful tool integrated in any small hybrid system for both studio and live performance.
- Reverb – Jon Sonnenberg explains the concept of reverb in a different light, showing many examples of alternate ways to create reverb-type effects.
- 35 Seconds at Altamont – The first person to play a custom Moog modular synthesizer at a rock festival was not Keith Emerson, it was Knobcon 11 Guest of Honour Doug McKechnie, who will be featured in a live interview and AMA moderated by Suit & Tie Guy.
- Why and How to play Buchla 200e Live – TamiX will show her live set approach in Buchla 200e, compare with eurorack, and discuss her modular live set techniques.
- The Other Analog: The Rise and Fall of Photonic Synthesis – Perhaps the most fascinating forgotten era in the history of synthesis is the period of time where the photon was the shining hope for the authorship of sound. This technology presaged polysynths, samplers, and complex synthesis. Marc Doty takes you on a tour of the history, the technology, and the groundbreaking instruments that used light to make sound.
- VAST: What’s it All About? – Professional K2000 programmer Shane Etter answers the eternal question: What the hell was Kurzweil VAST and what could you actually do with it?
DIY Workshops
In addition to the presentations, there are 4 workshops scheduled between Saturday and Sunday, each around 2 hours.
Workshops have varying levels of difficulty and you are guaranteed to leave with a working module, with the helping guidance of the workshop hosts.
Find out more on the Knobon website for schedule details.
