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Polyphonic Analogue
Synthesizers:
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Alesis
Andromeda A6 -
Extremely powerful analogue synth, with 16 voices, each with 2 VCOs with
sub-oscillators, ring and frequency modulation, 16 part muti-timbral,
with masses of modulation routings, looping envelopes, Moog and Oberheim
filters, step sequencers and a ribbon for added expression. Used for
sequences, effects, pads and leads |
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Oberheim
Matrix 12 -
Extremely powerful analogue synthesiser. Has 12 voices, each with 2 VCOs,
oscillator sync, oscillator and filter FM, 5 LFOs, 5 freely assignable
envelopes, tracking generators, 2 ramp generators and up to 22 freely
assignable modulation routings. Almost a programmable polyphonic modular
synthesizer. Studio bound for the time being, at leat until I can get a
lighter case. |
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Sequential
Circuits Prophet 5 - Classic analogue polyphonic synth, 2 VCO with oscillator sync and lots of interesting modulation options courtesy of Poly
Mod. The first fully programmble polysynth with memories. Has a lovely organic sound with plenty of real-time control.
Used for sweeps, fat analog leads and spacey F/X. Big brother of the P600.
Only gets to come out of the studio for major gigs as it is quite fragile. |
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Monophonic
Synthesizers:
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Dave
Smith Instruments Evolver
- Analog/digital hyprid monosynth/sequencer/effects unit from the man
who founded Sequential Circuits. The Evolver has two analog oscillators
and two digital oscillators, 4 16 step sequencers, twin digital delay
and lots of modulation routings. It's digital oscillators use the waves
from the Prophet VS and can do simple wave sequencing. With all the
modulation routings and versatile sequencer, it's a bit like having a
modular in a box the size of a video tape. So useful I now have 2 of
these, used for drones and sequencing live. |
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Moog Voyager
Anniversary
- Modern version of the calassic
monosynth. Big 3 oscillator sound with lots of balls. Annivarsary has
backlit display and performance wheels. X-Y touchpad adds an extra
dimension in performance control. Used for leads, effects and bass
sequences |
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Roland
SH-101 -
A true analogue monosynth, no memories just lots of real-time control.
Built in step sequencer can be synced to gate patterns from the
Regelwerk allowing this non-MIDI piece of equipment to be synchronised
with my other gear. Excellent sound especially in the bass end, though
also good for noise effects and drones. Is an excellent source of riffs
and sequences. Used to create all the sequences in Tsunami,
a track written for the EM Forum Analog Sampler Project.
Used as the sole instrument for Mercury Rising. |
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Digital Synthesizers:
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Doepfer
A-100 Analog Modular System -
comprising primarily Doepfer modules, with one Tip Top module (the fx
processor). The modules are: 2 x A110 standard osc, 1 x A112 sampler/
wavetable osc, 1 x A105 ssm vcf, 1 x A106 xtreme vcf, 1 x A114 ring mod,
1 x A131 vca, 1 x A132 vca, 2 x A138 mixer (a & b), 2 x A140 env, 1
x A145 lfo, 1 x A147 vclfo, 1 x A148 dual s&h, 1 x A174 joystick, 2
x A180 multiple, 1 x Z5000 vcfx processor. Modules are freely patchable
to produce a huge variety of different sounds. I don't have a midi-cv
module as this was bought more to do standalone drones, fx and
processing, but I also have a Doepfer R2M ribbon controller if I want to
play pitched sounds. I have set up a page for modular
experiments which links to stuff made using this. |
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Clavia
Nord Modular
- Made by the Swedish company Clavia this is a Virtual Analog Modular
Synthesizer, as versatile as your imagination. Using the pc based
software you can build new synths from a wide selection of modules, patch anything to anything else, then trigger using analog
sequencers... synthesis heaven! Can produce ever-shifting sequences,
ambient drones, cosmic sound effects and unearthly pads. Used live mainly
for sequencer parts and cyclic synth effects and as controller for the rack
synths |
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Clavia
Nord Modular G2 - Second
generation Virtual Analog Modular
Synthesizer, as versatile as your imagination. Works in a similar
fashion to the original Nord Modular, but with a better keyboard,
aftertouch, performance controls, endless rotary knob controllers,
ability to send MIDI internally and externally and built in effects.
Great for all sorts of sounds, especially digital pads, weird FM effects
and also good for controlling external stuff. |
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Korg
Wavestation -
Digital Synthesizer descended from the Prophet VS this synthesizer uses techniques such as 'vector synthesis' and 'wave sequencing' to produce
a huge range of evolving, atmospheric sounds. Capable of swirling
rhythmic sounds and ambient textures. |
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Sequential
Prophet VS
- Digital Vector synthesis
with Analog Filters, producing a rare and gorgeous sound. Capable
of extremes, from lush evolving texture to spaced out drones and
metallic clangs. One of the
last instruments produced by US company Sequential Circuits before they closed. |
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Rackmount Synthesizers:
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Cheetah
MS6 - 6 voice, 6
part multi-timbral analog synth. Used primarily for sequences from
the P3. Upgraded with Kristofer
Maad's updated firmware to allow midi cc control. I have 2 of these. |
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EMU Proteus 2000
- Powerful sample based synthesiser, with lots of interesting modulation
routings, interesting filters and expandable waveform memory. Used for
Mellotron stuff, spacey pads and drums |
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Kawai K5m - Additive Digital
synth. Great for huge glassy pads with
sweeping harmonics.
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Kawai
K5000R -
Advanced Additive Digital synth. Great for huge glassy pads with
sweeping harmonics.
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Korg
EX-8000 - Analog/digital hybrid synth with digital waveforms and analog filter. - Analog/digital hybrid synth with digital waveforms and analog filter. |
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Korg Wavestation SR
- For
additional digital sounds, mainly breathy and evolving pads and fx/drones
- see WS description below for more details. |
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Waldorf
Microwave II - Spectral
Wavetable synthesizer. Digital synth with really wide tonal palette
from harsh and industrial to lush and spacial. Sounds are built up from
wavetables which can be manipulated to create ever shifting timbres. Descended from the
legendary PPG Wave synthesizer designed by Wolfgang Palm as used
extensively by German synth and electronic music pioneers Tangerine
Dream. |
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Sequencers/ Grooveboxes/
Drum machines:
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Alesis
MMT-8 -
MIDI multi-track recorder. Originally used onstage to trigger sounds from the
Microwave. Mainly used for drums, arpeggios and simple chordal backing
parts. Each part has it's own mute/ un-mute button. Was used as master clock
for the Regelwerk and Nord Modular and can be stopped/ started using
footpedal. Can also be used in conjunction with a Doepfer Pocket control
so that sequences can also be faded in and out. Currently in
storage. |
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Korg
Electribe ER-1 - Analog Modelling Drum Machine - Drum synthesizer. Great for electronic
drum sounds and weird percussion f/x. Control knobs let you
program changes to sound over time leading to some wild sounds.
Also capable of all sorts of electronic percussion sounds and noise
effects. Mute function allows rhythms to built up and de-constructed in
real time. |
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Sequentix
P3 - Analogue
Sequencer, extremely versatile 8 track MIDI sequencer with plenty of
real time interaction, has Force to Scale so that it can be played in key
and and Auxiliary events for all sorts of pre-programmed or randomised
modulation madness. Used primarily with the Cheetah MS6 and Microwave
XT. Skip function and repeat note events allow sequence notes and
rhythms to be edited on the fly. |
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Yamaha RY30 -
Digital drum machine/rhythm programmer with real time control of pitch,
filter, decay, pan and balance for extra expression. |
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Samplers:
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Roland
SP-404 - Loop
Sampler - Can hold up to 1Gb of samples, arranged across up to 120 pads.
Samples can be looped and reversed and can be processed using the
onboard f/x, which include filters, distortion, pitch shifting, delay
and various modulation effect. Used for background drones and effects. |
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Other Studio Equipment:
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Boss DD-20
Giga Delay
- Delay pedal with up to 23s of
delay time, used for lopping and additional delay effects |
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Boss RC-20
Space Echo
- Delay/Reverb pedal modelled on the sound of the classic RE-201 tape
delay. Used to add some vintage sounding tape delay and spring reverb |
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Boss VF1 -
Half rack multi-fx processor |
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Boss SX-700
- Rack studio effects processor |
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Doepfer
Drehbank - 64 knob
programmable midi controller, used to edit the MS6. |
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Electrix
Repeater -
4 track looper, with real time control of pitch and tempo and up to 8
minutes of recording time, used for looping, layering and sonic
manipulation |
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Line
6 Echo Pro -
Modelled Vintage Echo and Delay effects. Used primarily on sequences to add a bit of 'bounce'. Can also be used as a loop sampler. |
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Roland
SRV-330
- Rack dimensional space reverb |
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Samson
PL 2404 -
Rackmount mixer featuring 12 stereo channels, 3 band EQ per channel, 4
auxiliaries and 4 busses. Not a very exciting part of the live rig but
completely essential nonetheless. |
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Yamaha
AW16G -
Professional Audio Workstation - 16 track hard disk recorder with 8
mic/line inputs, 8 track simultaneous record, onboard effects, dynamics
processing, mastering, phrase sampler, 20 Gb hard drive and CDR/W for
backup and master audio CD creation. Exceptionally versatile with
relatively simple operation. Prior to purchasing this all compositions
were done on MIDI sequencing software such as Pro 24 and Cubase, or
recorded live in stereo, either to minidisc or direct to hard drive. The
AW16G allows me to combine both methods as Cubase can be synched to the
AW16G to give me the best of both worlds. |
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www.modulator-esp.co.uk
- all content copyright 2004 Modulator ESP and Jez Creek
All photos and artwork by Jez Creek unless otherwise stated.
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