News
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Even that my MOTM modular synthesizer gives so much pleasure to me - nevertheless it has limited noticeably my spontaneity by it's size.
Thus there was an urgent requirement according to a travel-friendlier instrument. Since there were already some Eurorack (-format) - modules in my setup and particularly lately some interesting modules appeared on the market, I've built myself a very practical wooden case and purchased some more eurorack modules that a complete synthesizer was the result. For this year my DIY desiderata are balanced.
With this step also the development my hybrid (analog and digital) instrument took a big step forward- it also concerns simple transportation. The basic specs of the instrument: small, 10 kg, construction and deconstruction time 1 minute, because all patch-cables can remain on the instrument. A customized wooden case gives besides a much better feeling than a industrially rack. Now nothing more stands in the way to an increased travel frequency!
In the following player is a sound example of the instrument that hopefully gives an impression.
Alternative content
More about Eurorack Modular Synthesizer - with more sound examples
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The FSM from MIDITEMP (Footswitch to MIDI) was a part of my setup, that is really helpful and could need a software to make life easier.
The FSM is a little Box for connecting 2 pedals and 2 switches. The configuration has to be done with SysEx-Data which flashes the memory inside the box. From my view that is too complicated and unusual for "normal" users. To realize different setups easily i programmed a little software (for myself).
Since i use the FSM always with two pedals and two switches and since i believe it might be the same for the most users of the FSM, i offer to download of this software for free.
Mac and Windows: MIDITEMP FSM FLASHER (770 KB) - needs the free software Max Runtime. -
For me it was a very special event: a recording-session in the Sendesaal-Bremen on the 10th of february - not as a musician but as an audio-engineer with my own recording-equipment. The Sendesaal is among the best recording venues i've ever seen/heard and it's also a place with a large history as well. A very spontaneous action waged into the recording of Hayden Chisholm's "Konzert im Dunkeln" (concert in the dark). Phantastic, what this acoustic allows for recording - finally an opportunity to use my microphones once under best conditions. The original recording is in 192 kHz. More about my work as an audio-engineer ...updated.
Apposite to the recording session I revised and updated my Studiohardware-page. There i try to give descriptions regarding the devices used by me, their adaptation and also some OS-X specific stuff (Mac Aggregate Devices).
Also my racked Telefunken V 672 microphone preamplifier has got some web-space now. For me it was for me a piece of “homeland work” bring the 1958 in Bremen at the NWDR developed Amp back to life - the Sendesaal at that time was part of the NWDR. My V 672 Cassettes have been built in 1970. The high quality of this amps make them very attractive even today - they can compare with much pricier amps easily.
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goes nicely with marzipan depletion
Because I am asked in regular intervals, how the software for my controllers (motorfaders and push dials) is programmed, i've enhanced my Max page with a first study example now.
There I demonstrate how one controller is connected with several parameters, in order to create different instances, e.g. for the push dials. Also is described how the storage of the variables can be done easily.
Enjoy! My Max Universe ...updated.
The MIDI Implementation chart of the Euphonix MC Mix is there as well. Direct download of the patch for Mac and Windows: Download Maxpatch (6kb). -
Right in time before my first MOTM anniversary i received two wonderful new Power Supply Units which deserve an extra plug. From the beginning the somewhat fragile situation with the OEM-MOTM-PSUs, offered by Synthtech and Oakley, had irritated me, since they are not very effective, although quite large and not even cheap.
The PSUs are fully specified with large toroidal transformers, are outstandingly built and customised for my needs. The imaged PSU is envisaged for the matrix and my 10U case and supplies additionally +5V besides the +/-15V.
The Power-Supply is a central aspect in audio electronics and in particular for me as a non-soldering biped here was the most difficult point. With Graham Hinton/Hinton Instruments I had the good luck to find a high-competent and foresighted collocutor.
FullPower Ahead!
my modular synthesizer... updated
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MIDI-CV converters do not belong to the best-selling devices. The Kenton Pro-2000 MkII however has aquired a top position in this device class. To my surprise i haven't found any software editor, even today - about 14 years after the first Pro 2000! Thus i programmed one now.
The simplification in the handling of this great device and the achieved overview is so pleasant that i decided to offer the editor as a free download.
There are two versions: a Mac only standalone-version (9,1MB) and a cross-platform version (Windows and Mac, 544KB), which requires Max-Runtime.
More about the Kenton Pro-2000 MkII Editor
I also programmed a Pro 2000 realtime-controller as a PlugIn for Ableton Live (Mac only).
It offers those parameters, which are not intended for realtime control but are nevertheless very helpful to have.
I did some tests without problems (except my lack of knowledge in Ableton Live).
More ...
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In expectation of some crucial parts (alternate PSU + Matrix) for the modular-synthesizer, the completion of my racked Telefunken-amps and the acquisition of a studio-desk i did a complete technical re-organization of the studio work station.
Perhaps some details regarding the studio-desk will help the one or another during the studio planing as well as some hints for the correct handling of the electric current , which means the cabling, phase-detection, cable cross-section etc.. It also helps to prevent or combat hum or other noise problems.
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After I neglected MIDI for many years, now the first MIDI Apps for my hybrid Synthesizer develops in full swing! This is a Clock Divider, which is on the way to become somewhat more complex. For this garage-video there are MIDI sounds to the descriptiveness - when finished it will produce CV data for the analogue modules. -
Something that I missed in the connection between modular synthesizer and the computer was a switchable matrix - but except Synapse, an 8-year-old, allegedly built only 7x Patch Matrix, there is no such thing. That I get into the position of planing such a module along with an icon of synthesizer history just two months after the starting a modular synth, is a huge stroke of luck! From my view this matrix closes a last gap in the connection of digital and analog electronics! Since I firmly believe that others might be interested in such a module, I offer to send me an email to be informed after the completion of the developments, which are coming to an end. I can not say anything about expected prices at the moment, my tip is to save ever! Please bear with me not to send any requests for details! When the time comes, I will be happy to send a message - certainly other modifications will be possible then. The format is arbitrary (MOTM, Eurorack or whatever). A sketch of the design for the MOTM format can be seen. The module will look maybe a little different, but the width will be 3U or 42HP in Eurorack. I have selected additional mini-jacks to be open to other formats. Read more about the Matrix... -
The first small movie from a newly-launched series on my electronic setup - very short, more in-depth insights into the functioning of the modules, starting with the controllers. In german language.. On my website this series is called My Max/MSP Universe. -
After just over three years now, my big "small classic synthesizers" experiment completed. One result is 7 wonderful, restored Synthesizers - 6x ARP and 1x Moog -
some in the original condition and some modified, thus better than new. Now comes a very difficult step for me, because I have to sell some instruments in order to refinance the whole thing, at least partially.
My experience in dealing with the old, discreet built synthesizers can be found here.
For sale are two ARP Odyssey, one ARP Axxe and other treasures, such as a complete historical Neumann Gefell Tube Microphone Set!
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Zum zehnten Todestag meines Vaters Wilhelm G. Bohnes habe ich endlich die Digitalisierung der hinterlassenen Filmbeiträge, die er als Kultur-Redakteur für das ZDF gemacht hatte, abgeschlossen. Da es die heutige Zeit erlaubt (Speicherplatz und Ladegeschwindigkeiten), gibt es auf einem "eigenen Sender" 100 seiner Berichte, die zwischen 1965 und 1993 entstanden sind. Mein Vater kämpfte für Kultur im Fernsehen. Der erste Kulturbeitrag in der Tagesschau lässt sich anscheinemd auf sein Drängen zurückführen. Das war 1961 - "Eine Revue von Menschen in Zeit und Raum". Ab 1963 wurde das ZDF seine Fernseh-Heimat. vimeo.com/channels/wgb Es sind einige Perlen unter den Berichten, wahre Zeit-Dokumente. Diese Berichte wurden in verschiedenen Sendungen ausgestrahlt, hauptsächlich in Aspekte, der Drehscheibe bzw. Tele-Illustrierte und dem Heute-Journal.
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