Category Archives: instrument

Modular Synthesis 101 – Part 1

This is my first post in a planned series on modular synthesis. Over the course of the series I hope to provide an introduction to the basics of modular synthesizers and take a look at some of the specific modules … Continue reading

Posted in Eurorack, instrument, MIDI, modular, sound, Synth | Tagged , , , , , | 7 Comments

Ableton Live 9 And Push Controller

The wait will be over soon, or soonish. A week after a leaked video showing features of Live 9 we have an official announcement of Live 9 from Ableton. New features include: Record automation into session view clips (finally!) Curved … Continue reading

Posted in ableton, controller, hardware, instrument, MIDI, mixing, sound, Synth | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

A Cat, A Synthesizer & Outer Space (and a couple modular patches)

I’m not sure of the origin of the meme but anyone that delves into the world of synthesis online will eventually come face to face with the slightly bizarre phenomena of photos of cats and synthesizers. I am most aware … Continue reading

Posted in instrument, modular, patching, Synth | Tagged , , , , , , | 4 Comments

How To Invert A Modular Synth Signal Using Boolean Logic With An Intellijel Plog

Sometimes with a modular system made up of modules from different manufacturers, or when integrating with other external analogue gear, it is necessary to invert a signal to get your modules speaking to each other in the desired way. Other … Continue reading

Posted in Eurorack, instrument, modular, patching, sound, Synth | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Converter – Live Ambient Minimal Techno Synth Jam

This is a live (mostly) analog ambient minimal techno jam I did in my studio using my Yamaha CS-10 for the first time. It also features a Roland HS-60, which is just a Juno 106 with speakers (though I never … Continue reading

Posted in ableton, Eurorack, hardware, instrument, live recording, modular, sound, Synth | Tagged , , , , , , | 1 Comment

CNTRL:R From Livid Instruments, Richie Hawtin & m_nus

This new controller collaboration between Livid Instruments, Richie Hawtin and artists at m_nus records should be shipping in a few days. From the Livid Instruments site, “CNTRL:R is a contemporary MIDI performance instrument for creative music production. Housed in a … Continue reading

Posted in ableton, controller, hardware, instrument, MIDI, OSC | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Insulated – Live Ambient Minimal Techno Synth Jam

Though I still don’t have walls up, I do have the studio insulated and have been coding and making music in it for the last two weeks. The other night I recorded my first jam in the space, appropriately titled … Continue reading

Posted in ableton, hardware, instrument, live recording, modular, sound, Synth, track | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Genome MIDI Sequencer For iPad

This announcement made my day. Today White Noise Audio released their Genome MIDI Sequencer application for iPad. They claim, “It’s simply the best app on the iPad for controlling all your MIDI gear.” From the looks of things I would … Continue reading

Posted in app, hardware, instrument, iOS, iPad, MIDI, sound, Synth | Tagged , , , , , | 1 Comment

iPad Mobile Music Making In The Wild

I recently took a few days off for the Canada day long weekend and took my family camping on the West coast of Vancouver Island. Though we mostly had good weather, as is to be expected on that part of the … Continue reading

Posted in app, instrument, iOS, iPad, iPhone, mixing, nature, sound, Synth | Tagged , | Leave a comment

How To Patch A Simple Modular Synth

I recently started building my first Eurorack modular synth by purchasing some bread and butter modules. Today I will show you how to wire up a basic monophonic, single voice synth with a separate envelope for the amplitude and filter … Continue reading

Posted in hardware, instrument, MIDI, modular, patching, sound, Synth | Tagged , | 5 Comments