Module-records blog about electronic music

Music Thing Shop is open !

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 10 Nov 2006 20:48:00 +0100

Music Thing Shop is now open : How does it work? As Tom said "This isn't a real shop" but for sure it's a real great idea !
It's a selection of a few great, sexy, desireable, even collectable pieces of kit.
All the items are supplied by different online retailers in the US, UK and Europe.

First selection :

Cool things for under £100
Epiphone Junior Valve Amps
Korg MicroKorg
Akai MPC-1000
Zvex Effects Pedals
MFB Synth II
Moogerfooger MURF
DSI Desktop Evolver

Soundgin : Serially controlled Sound Synthesizer

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 25 Oct 2006 10:48:00 +0200

Soundgin is a single chip 6-voice electronic music synthesizer sound effects / voice synthesizer chip. It produces complex sound effects, synthesizer style music and English speech with an unlimited vocabulary. Soundgin provides wide-range, high resolution control of pitch (frequency), tone color (harmonic content) and dynamics (volume).

The SSG01 (Soundgin) consists of six synthesizer "voices" which can be used independently or in conjunction with each other to create complex sounds. Each voice consists of a Tone Oscillator / Wave Generator, an Envelope Generator, an Amplitude Modulator and Ramping / Target controls. The Tone Oscillator controls the pitch of the voice over a wide range. The Oscillator produces one of eight waveforms at the selected frequency, with the unique harmonic content of each waveform providing simple control of tone color. The volume dynamics of the oscillator are controlled by an Amplitude Modulator which can control by the Envelope Generator, the Ramping / Target control or by another oscillator. When triggered , the Envelope Generator creates an amplitude envelope with programmable rates of increasing and decreasing volume. In addition to the six voices, two mixers are provided to combine the waveforms outputs of the oscillators.

16Khz Sample Output Rate
2400 or 9600 Baud Serial Connection
6 Independently Controlled Voices
Amp, Freq, Ring Modulation
Hard Sync.
ADSR Envelopes
Musical Notes
English Phonemes
Sound Morphing
In-Chip Presets
Object Class for ooPIC

Kenton needs some help

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 15 Oct 2006 19:37:00 +0200

Kenton have made a couple of prototype controllers intended for use with Ableton Live or similar software. Neither unit has a final name at the moment and are temporarily being called AB Mini and AB DJ. If you have suggestions for better names or for improvements to the designs, please let them know.

"The AB Mini communicates via USB, has 9 endless rotary encoders, 9 push buttons and a joystick. It is USB powered for convenience. The 9 encoder knobs can also be pushed to select MIDI channels to operate on - allowing up to 9 channels of operation. When a channel has been selected, one of the buttons lights up to indicate that channel is active. The encoders also remember where they were when they were last on that channel and display their position on the ring of leds around each knob.
The joystick can send X and Y co-ordinates on the currently selected channel, and could be used for pitchbend and/or modulation control.
With the 9 channels, you effectively have 81 endless controllers and 81buttons at your fingertips in a very compact unit.
The whole unit is finished in brushed aluminium with matching knobs and is the same width as a 12" powerbook."

"The AB DJ, as its temporary name suggests, is aimed at the DJ market. Again this controller is mainly aimed at Ableton Live and Tractor users.
The unit has three channel strips and a master section.
Each channel strip has a Master Volume with six rotary knobs below that. Beneath that again are 6 buttons which illuminate when active, intended for mutes, AB selection and headphone monitor. Beneath that are two pads which can be used for firing off samples. It is intended that on production versions, these pads would be velocity sensitive, allowing them to be used as drum pads.
The master section is similar but benathe the master volume has four rotary knobs and a joystick. Again it has the six buttons, and below that a cross-fader.
The whole unit is finished in brushed aluminium, and has USB and MIDI ports for connection to your computer. Production models would be mains powered, although the prototype shown uses a power adaptor. Production models would probably have aluminium knobs too, rather than the Moog type knobs on this prototype."

My one and only suggestion : Don't remove the Moog type knobs !!!

SoundBITE micro : new automatic loop sampler/MIDI synchroniser

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 11 Oct 2006 19:00:00 +0200

RED Sound is pleased to announce the release of a new portable automatic DJ loop sampler/MIDI synchroniser module, SoundBITE micro.

The SoundBITE micro packs many features into its compact, slim line alloy case.

Loop sampler mode; offers the acclaimed looping system made famous by previous models in the Red Sound range such as SoundBITE XL. This unique looping technology allows DJ’s to instantly record and playback any combination of the 4 loop samples on offer and re-mix tracks on-the-fly. Default loop durations include 4, 8, 16 & 32 beats however, users will be able to create their own loop formats on the Red Sound website and download these custom profiles into the unit via the MIDI IN port. Featuring 96kHz sample rate / 24bit resolution, a high standard of audio quality is assured. For studio use, selectable MIDI IN synchronisation of loop playback is also offered.

MIDI synchroniser mode; features the ground-breaking Red Sound audio/MIDI synchronisation system, which first came to light in 1997 in the Voyager 1 and Micro Sync models. This BPM technology has been established as the only workable “missing link between audio and MIDI” available on the market. When hooked up to popular MIDI sequencer programs such as ableton live/reason etc the results are truly amazing, allowing DJ’s/musicians to explore totally new dimensions of creativity. Featuring MIDI start, stop, continue and reset commands for the clock output, the MIDI IN facility also allows users to merge incoming MIDI data with the SoundBITE micro’s clock output (SoundBITE micro comes complete with 2 x custom MIDI cables for interfacing the on-board USB mini sockets with standard MIDI ports). Loop mode and MIDI mode can be operated simultaneously.

External Filter mode; this mode converts SoundBITE micro into a filter effect module. The built-in analog style filter effects allow users to modify any audio source in real- time. The powerful Low-Pass filter can be used to apply progressive high/mid frequency roll-off for a classic heavy filtered sound. The Band-Pass filter can be used to isolate a particular element in the audio whilst the High-Pass filter can be used to trim the bass frequencies of the audio signal (Note: loop recording/playback is de- activated in this mode)

For total user flexibility, SoundBITE micro comes complete with a built in, state-of-the- art Poliflex rechargeable battery giving up to 10 hours continuous use (or loop storage). Alternatively, the power supply/charger unit can be used to power SoundBITE micro in more permanent studio applications etc.

Specs :

Sample rate / Conversion resolution: 96kHz / 24 bit
Loop Polyphony: 4 loops (4, 8, 16, 32 beats)
MIDI OUT: System real time clock transmitted (start, stop, continue, reset commands
MIDI IN: MIDI-merge. Selectable MIDI tempo control over loop playback
Pull/Push: manual synchronisation adjustment for loops/MIDI clock
Effects: Low-Pass, High-Pass & Band-Pass analog style filter effects in 'straight-thru' mode.
BPM range: 60 - 230BPM (3 ranges)
Tri-colour LED: red/green/blue led multi-function indicator
Connections: Audio input, Loops output, Headphone output, MIDI In, MIDI Out, AC charger/adapter input
Power Supply:(included) 6vDC 800mA Output plug = 1mm centre pin +
Battery:(included) Poliflex 3.7V ultra slim-line rechargeable battery
Battery Life: up to 8 hours
Dimensions: 135(H)x51(W)x14(D)mm
Accessories (included): Connecting Cables (input:- 1 x 6.3mm Jack > 3.5mm Jack ) (output:- 1 x twin RCA >3.5mm Jack ) (MIDI 2 x 5 pin DIN > USB mini plug) Mounting kit
Price : under £150

Breathe, drink, eat and.....Mix !!!

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 10 Oct 2006 13:15:00 +0200

Via Gizmodo via Mobilewhack : "This Fujitsu laptop prototype has a giant touchwheel on top that lets the notebook function as a digital turntable."

It seems that lazy designers have discovered the circle and want everybody to make music in every situation...

Module records releases available on Beatport

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 10 Oct 2006 11:35:00 +0200

All Module's releases are now available in digital format on Beatport.

Check it out !!!

M-audio Connectiv : 4 x 4 USB audio interface for DJs

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 9 Oct 2006 12:37:00 +0200

Conectiv, developed by M-Audio’s SynchroScience division, is the world’s first bus-powered 4 x 4 USB audio interface designed for DJs who perform and produce tracks with a laptop. Together, Conectiv and the included Torq software form the ultimate DJ tool—high-fidelity audio, all the right kinds of I/O (including dual phono preamps), and the ability to mix, beat-match and cue digital files with ease. Use them as a completely digital solution and leave the heavy stacks of vinyl or bulky wallets of CDs at home—or process your vinyl and CDs on the fly. You can even create a hybrid digital/vinyl DJ rig by using Conectiv and Torq with specially encoded control vinyl discs or CDs. Torq supports popular formats such as MP3, WAV, WMA and AAC files and is configured to automatically work with Conectiv—no messy set-ups. And unlike most digital DJ systems, Conectiv works with other third-party software as well.

use as a self-contained digital system, multi-effects processor or slave from control CDs/vinyl
designed by M-Audio's SynchroScience group
4 x 4 USB 1.1 audio interface with 16-bit/48kHz fidelity
4 RCA inputs configurable for line-level or phono signals
4 RCA outputs with high +10dBV peak output level
2 mix knobs for blending audio inputs and USB output
Torq DJ software included

Drive and mix in your new Twingo

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 8 Oct 2006 13:06:00 +0200

The "new" Twingo (actually only a concept car) is filled with tons of multimedia gear :
sensitive touch screen, earphone integrated in seats, bluetooth connectivity, dock for I-pod and a dashboard mixer...
Refering to the Music Thing post about the VW free electric guitar given with every car sold betweeen October and December , the new hype seems to make music in his car !

New Module's release on the go !

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 13 Jun 2006 21:35:00 +0200

New Module's release M120 is on the go.
I can reveal that it will be a four tracks release with three tracks from Sübaka and a mix from a great guest from USA...
For your pleasure tracks have been pre-mastered by Charles Siegling from Technasia (check their new album Popsoda!!!) and mastered in the mythic Translab studio (Paris-France).
The release will be available as well in vinyl (trought Technorient) and digital format.

You can buy always the M110 here :

Techno Import
Afterhourz
Cisco records
Juno records
Technique
News distribution
Music head
Decks
Clubmusic
Midtown shop

Module-records studio removal : part IV

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 30 May 2006 12:56:00 +0200

The things become serious...

From left to right :

Korg SQ-10
Doepfer Maq 16/3 X2

Studio Electronics SE-1
Yamaha CS-5
Korg MS-20

Roland SH-101
Novation Bass-station
MFB Synth lite
Roland TB-303
Roland TR-707
MAM Adx-1

MAESTRO Russian synth
Elektron Sid-station
JoMoX MBase01
DSI Evolver
MFB 502
Firstman SQ-1
Mattel synsonic drums

Module-records studio removal : part III

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 27 May 2006 20:05:00 +0200

it's a little empty, isn't it ?

Technasia Popsoda live in Paris pictures and videos

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 22 May 2006 22:44:00 +0200

As you know the outfit Technasia is collaboration between Amil Khan from Hong Kong and Charles Siegling from France. Having met in Hong Kong some years back, they felt it was time to put South East Asia on the world map for the production of electronic dance music.

The release of Technasia's long awaited latest album entitled "Popsoda" give them the opportunity to start a live tour around the world, including a date at the Rex-club (Paris).

See all pictures here
Video 1
Video 2
Video 3

Module-records studio removal : part II

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 18 May 2006 12:30:00 +0200

Why do I have all this heavy gear ?

Module-records studio removal : part I

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 30 Apr 2006 20:29:00 +0200

The old Module studio's place.
And the new one, ready to be filled with electronic gear...

Shameless self promotion part III

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 7 Feb 2006 20:05:00 +0100

Some pictures of the Sübaka's live-act at Rex club.

As you can see, it was a great party with two excellent Djs sets from John Thomas & Steve Bicknell.

Thanks to Tanya, Fabrice, Etienne and Jeff...

New MIDI controller : Codanova VMX

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 7 Feb 2006 13:26:00 +0100

Codanova releases the VMX : a new MIDI controller with heavy built housing and high quality pots, faders and switches.

VMX features :
Works as a stand alone and self powered USB MIDI device.
59 fully assignable controllers.
5 general shortcuts + 4 presets and snapshot.
2 jogs and easy access switches for infinite control.
6 channels with 60 mm soft touch faders.
Crossfader for easy mixing

VMX is fully compatible with any MIDI or MP3 mixing software (Windows XP and MAC OS X) : Cubase, Reason, FL Studio, Storm, Live, Cakewalk, Sonar, MixVibes, Atomix, virtual DJ...

Shameless self promotion part II

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 31 Jan 2006 19:54:00 +0100

This friday I'll make a live-act with my friend David Smyle (under the name of Sübaka).

We are very excited about that, as the gig will be in the great Rex club in Paris.
This club became famous thank to Laurent Garnier in the 90's, and since all the best international Deejays have played there.
Useless to mention that its sound system is the best i've ever heard...

John Thomas will make the warm-up and Steve Bicknell will burn the floor !!!

More infos here : www.module-records.com

Korg padKontrol : Perfect Live companion ?

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 26 Jan 2006 22:46:00 +0100

The Korg padKONTROL is actually the perfect Live companion with :

16 velocity-sensitive trigger pads (wich illuminate as they are played !!!).
An X-Y touch pad based on Korg's KAOSS Pad technology.
Two knobs freely assignable to Midi CC.
An assignable pedal jack.

the Korg padKONTROL can be powered using USB bus power or an optional 9-Volt adapter.

So you can resell now your Akai MPD16 or M-audio Trigger finger for sure...

The Korg padKONTROL is available February 2006 with a U.S. MSRP of $299.

Big marketing mistake !!!

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 26 Jan 2006 22:36:00 +0100

You know the M-audio Trigger finger : A controller with 16 sensitive pads devoted to live and rithmic play.

But in medicine a trigger finger is "a common problem that causes pain and catching. Tendons that help bend the fingers and thumb slide through a snug tunnel. Irritation as the tendons slip into the tunnel can cause the opening of the tunnel to become smaller, or the tendon to thicken so that it can't easily pass through the tunnel. As you try to straighten the finger, the tendon becomes momentarily stuck at the mouth of the tunnel then pops as the tendon slips past the tight area. This can cause pain and catching as you try to move the finger."

Very annoying for a drummer....and for a marketing director.

Presonus FaderPort : DAW interface for E.T.

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 25 Jan 2006 20:49:00 +0100

If you have only one finger this one is for you...

the Presonus is a desktop USB/MIDI controller for DAW.
It gets a unique motorized fader to control the DAW and classic transport buttons.
A footswitch jack is also included for hands-free punch in/out during recording.

The FaderPort works with any Mac or Windows based recording software including Pro Tools, Cubase, Nuendo, SONAR, Digital Performer and more.

PreSonus FaderPort Features:

Mouse-free music production
Complete recording transport control
Smooth, long throw motorized fader
Write single channel or group channel automation
Pan control, mute, solo, record enable
Quick window selection (edit, mix, transport)
Footswitch jack for hands free punch in/out
Compatible with Mac and Windows DAW

Line6 ToneCore Modules : Recasing dream

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 24 Jan 2006 19:38:00 +0100

Line 6 announced today the availability of ToneCore® effect modules and ToneDock mono and stereo stompboxes. Users now have the ability to swap out the module inside a ToneCore pedal with any module from the entire line including Uber Metal™, Echo Park™, Crunchtone™, Space Chorus™, Tap Tremolo™, Constrictor™, Dr. Distorto™, Verbzilla™, Liqua Flange™, Roto-Machine™, and Otto Filter™.

But you can also built a custom case (with wooden end panels of course) and put the modules inside...WOW

Minod Vorga : Little analogue synth

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 24 Jan 2006 11:56:00 +0100

Minod is a Sweden based company who is proposing the Vorga, a small analogue synth with :

one DCO with analog waveshaper,
one VCF Band Pass 12dB or Low Pass 24dB,
one LFO,
one ADSR,
a small 8 steps sequencer, Accent, Glide,
an assignable X-Y joystick for live inspiration,
and Midi in&out

The MINOD® VORGA filter is supposed to be the backbone of its original sound. It has two modes set by a switch: 24dB Low pass (4-pole) or 12dB Band pass (2x2-pole) with variable width, where both ends are 2-pole or 12dB/oct. The cutoff frequency and bandwidth can be varied independently. What makes the filter unique is the two resonance peaks, one on each side of the band pass filter. This creates timbres not available on traditional analog synths. The drive control helps too.
The filter has six parameters: cutoff, offset, resonance (dubbed Q in the schematic), drive, velocity, and envelope. The first controls the center frequency of the filter. The second controls the bandwidth. resonance sets the resonant response on both peaks. The drive controls the power driven into the filter and can give distortion effects. Velocity controls the MIDI velocity influence on the cutoff. Finally, envelope controls the amount of envelope influence on the cutoff frequencies.

The built in sequencer works like an analog sequencer.
The sequence can be transposed by an external MIDI keyboard, the internal keys or using the joystick.

The VORGA can store sixteen sound patches and sixteen sequence patterns. It also supports SYSEX messages to upload or download patches and sequences. The VORGA has nine knobs and four switches.All controls sends MIDI messages, so the MINOD® VORGA can be used as a MIDI controller as well.
The firmware can also be upgraded via MIDI as bug fixes and new features comes along.

Dimensions are 26x14x8 cm (w/d/h).

Pricing : 640€ plus shipping. DC adaptor not included.

Shameless self promotion part I

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 24 Jan 2006 11:10:00 +0100

Some news about our label :

Module-records is now proudly distributed throught Technorient music :)

Technorient is the home of the great Technasia project (Amil Khan & Charles Siegling) and distibutor of Sino, Static Drum, Green (Joris Voorn), Ethique (John Thomas), Star Tracks, The Steppin' Show, Bassball, and Minimaxima labels.

More news to come...

New firmware for AKAI MPC1000

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 24 Jan 2006 10:26:00 +0100

A largely updated firmware version of the MPC1000 is NOW AVAILABLE with major improvement :

Added Chop Shop (slice samples and create patched phrases )
Added the ability to Timestretch, Pitch Shift
Added the ability to Reverse samples
Added a new Delay effect
Adding Tempo Sync to the 'Flying Pan' and 'Tremolo' effect
Real-time modulation with Q-Link
Added Input thru
Added support for an optional Hard Drive
Added LFOs
Added Mixer automation
Added ability to audition samples directly from CF and HD
Added .SND file support

Download the AKAI MPC1000 firmware v2

Edirol R-09 : New portable Wav & Mp3 recorder

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 22 Jan 2006 16:10:00 +0100

The new Edirol R-09 is building on the success of the R-1.
It takes many of the most desired features — 24-bit uncompressed recording and a built-in stereo mic — and shrinks it all down into a more streamlined, stylish, and affordable package.

Capture source material at a crystal-clean 24-bit resolution with your choice of 44.1 or 48kHz sample rates. You can record and play back in MP3 format as well (up to 320kbps). Once recorded, your files can be monitored through the R-09’s headphone jack and/or exported to a computer via USB.

-24-bit/48kHz (or 44.1kHz) uncompressed recording
-Up to 320kbps MP3 playback and recording
-Records to SD card (64MB card included)
-High-grade stereo condenser microphone built in
-Mic and Line audio inputs; USB I/O
-Easy operation, user-friendly graphic display
-Ultra portable, half the size of the R-1
-Long battery life