Messages

91

SYNTHESIZERS + SOUND-MAKING HARDWARE / Re: Nord Modular/Modular G2

« on: February 09, 2012, 10:49:09 am »

Really appreciate you listening to them, and pleased you are enjoying them.
I am often surprised myself at the textures that comes out of the Nord, amazing synth.

I did use iSpectrum, when working with the FM stuff, as it really helped being able to see what the sounds where doing while building a patch.

http://dogparksoftware.com/iSpectrum.html

As for a DX7 in the G2, i'm not familiar with the G2, but found there is something called the GX7, by Axiom, that is a transfer tool from DX7 patches to G2, not sure if any good or if they do a Mac version as it looks PC based.

[/url]http://m.matrixsynth.com/2006/02/axioms-gx7-dx7-to-g2-conversion-tool.html[/url]

Although I imagine it is probably easier to build a DX7 in the G2 , than build a patch in the DX7.

92

SYNTHESIZERS + SOUND-MAKING HARDWARE / Re: Modular synthesis

« on: February 09, 2012, 09:04:57 am »

thanks Puggo

wow! yes that would probably have been my patches, I had almost forgot I posted them on here, that's great to think there are someone else machine

I certainly want to get my hands on some old FM synths myself, as of yet I am yet to buy one but very tempted by the Yamaha stuff.

I hope you enjoy the uploads.

I tend to write some thoughts of that day, and although they are often related to the sound, they tend to be abstract and more a way for me to think/remember thoughts, so don't feel you need to read them.

Thanks again

M

93

SYNTHESIZERS + SOUND-MAKING HARDWARE / Re: Modular synthesis

« on: February 08, 2012, 03:27:28 pm »

Glad you found it, sorry it probably isn't as clear as it could be. I will get around to putting a little black play button triangle or some more obvious graphic instead of the cryptic Snd text.

Pleased to hear you like the sounds, yeah you definitely need to switch on that G2. I enjoyed what I heard in your post a day of the G2, and have only played with the rather limited online demo version. I couldn't justify buying the G2 until I explored what I have, but it is a much wanted item and on the shopping list.

I used to get frustrated with too much gear for that exact reason, so it is so nice now to wake up each morning, and as routine as putting the kettle on, the Nord gets turned on too

I re-posted the topic too, and am more than happy to share my patches/sounds.

94

SYNTHESIZERS + SOUND-MAKING HARDWARE / Nord Modular/Modular G2

« on: February 08, 2012, 03:18:16 pm »

Hi everyone

I am reposting my original post, (pasted below) as a new topic, so we can hopefully all gain more out of the Nord Modular/Modular G2.

It seems the Nord Modulars are something of an overlooked synth sometimes for those who have them. We would think their red-ness would be enough for us to turn them on and use them more, well hopefully this thread will allow us to do just that

Here is my original post:

Hey all

It has been a looong time since I have posted on here, but O have come back wanting to share some Nord Modular bits that were first inspired by this forum and Taylor's and Marcus's daily creative uploads. I see the Nord page has gone? Or did I just miss it? Sorry if this is in the wrong section.

Basically I have used and owned Nord's since the Rack 2 came out, and upgraded to the Nord Modular Micro years ago, until I found how the manual would constantly refer to the upgraded Modular, which was frustrating, so I upgraded again to the Nord Modular probably about 7 years ago. During that time I have used it, but never felt that I really ringed its neck and just never finding the time to really use it frequently enough to explore it. Every time I have used it I am totally amazed, it is such a great piece of kit, if not 'the' best synth I have ever owned. I am certainly a Nord fan.

Anyway, I decided to use the new year to ensure I dive into the Nord Modular further, and so am now creating a sound, experiment using just the Nord Modular every single day, with the occasional touch of EQ on a small mixer.

To do this everyday is really not easy!

Anyway, I just wanted to post it here, as it would be great for some Nord fans alike to enjoy, and also as it was also here, that gave me the idea (well my partner the idea).

I intend on coming back here more to chat.

Thanks everyone.

Martin

Oh you can find it here: http://www.mono-log.org/

95

SYNTHESIZERS + SOUND-MAKING HARDWARE / Re: Modular synthesis

« on: February 08, 2012, 01:29:52 pm »

Hi Taylor

I had someone else ask this question actually, and so maybe there is an issue with the site, or more likely my design not clear enough. I designed it in haste to get it ready for the new year, as so it is not ideal.

The link should be on the left hand side of the page and by each entry. It says Mp3, and then to the right of that in bold it has the sound number for that day, ie Snd 39 being todays.

When clicking that it should just open a new page using the default player with the browser. It works the same on the iphone too, although the website layout is obviously thinner, so the Mp3 is under the title.

Let me know if you have any trouble.

96

SYNTHESIZERS + SOUND-MAKING HARDWARE / Re: Modular synthesis

« on: February 08, 2012, 06:33:01 am »

Thanks Marcus

I really don't know how you manage to make so much incredible creative stuff everyday, so I am really pleased that I might have inspired you to buy a Nord Modular, as you have certainly inspired me.

As for if you should buy one? most definitely, they are really great machines. I am pretty sure Nord have said somewhere that they are concentrated on their more stage keyboard, piano styled stuff and not doing anymore Modular gear. This is a real shame as they are most certainly the best thing I have ever used. So no G3 i'm afraid, but we can hope.

Me and my partner tried out the Roland System 100m at her university, which was great fun, but I still think the Nord sounds more interesting, and far smaller.

I really like the option on the Modular to assign things to dials, it is good to move away from the computer screen when turning 'any' dial in my mind, but the G2 has less dials or none on the Engine so…still they look nice in red.


thanks again for listening.

97

SYNTHESIZERS + SOUND-MAKING HARDWARE / Re: Modular synthesis

« on: February 07, 2012, 12:46:34 pm »

Hey Taylor

Yes please do move it to a new thread, it would be great to see more Nord stuff on here.
I would love to hear you use your Nords some more, it might tempt be to get the G2 one day.

Indeed, although I miss much of my old Roland gear having sold it all over the years, when I really think about it, with the Nord Modular it is truly a hugely flexible synth and appart from my old Akai S2800, and some assorted bits and bobs, it is pretty much the only hardware gear I have left and use.
I just can't get over what it delivers each time I turn it on, amazing synth.

Can I ask, while I am thinking of these things, I always assumed your Polr album was created using a Nord, am I right?

Thanks again

98

SYNTHESIZERS + SOUND-MAKING HARDWARE / Re: Modular synthesis

« on: February 07, 2012, 08:17:13 am »

Hey all

It has been a looong time since I have posted on here, but O have come back wanting to share some Nord Modular bits that were first inspired by this forum and Taylor's and Marcus's daily creative uploads. I see the Nord page has gone? Or did I just miss it? Sorry if this is in the wrong section.

Basically I have used and owned Nord's since the Rack 2 came out, and upgraded to the Nord Modular Micro years ago, until I found how the manual would constantly refer to the upgraded Modular, which was frustrating, so I upgraded again to the Nord Modular probably about 7 years ago. During that time I have used it, but never felt that I really ringed its neck and just never finding the time to really use it frequently enough to explore it. Every time I have used it I am totally amazed, it is such a great piece of kit, if not 'the' best synth I have ever owned. I am certainly a Nord fan.

Anyway, I decided to use the new year to ensure I dive into the Nord Modular further, and so am now creating a sound, experiment using just the Nord Modular every single day, with the occasional touch of EQ on a small mixer.

To do this everyday is really not easy!

Anyway, I just wanted to post it here, as it would be great for some Nord fans alike to enjoy, and also as it was also here, that gave me the idea (well my partner the idea).

I intend on coming back here more to chat.

Thanks everyone.

Martin

Oh you can find it here: http://www.mono-log.org/

99

THE FUTURE OF THE MUSIC BUSINESS / Re: CDs are dead (almost)

« on: January 11, 2011, 06:40:14 pm »

Just a quick one, Lucia (my partner) spotted this today, short article.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-12151157

100

THE FUTURE OF THE MUSIC BUSINESS / Re: CDs are dead (almost)

« on: January 06, 2011, 07:13:26 am »

We must return music in peoples minds as a work of art.

Selling digital files does not equate to a  living for small labels.Its a trap and the trend is killing music and the idea musicians can make a living.

Sorry but many are heading in the wrong direction as artists , devalueing their work , piling high , selling cheap and really being sucked into and endless spiral of worthlessness.

I could quote everything you said.

I agree 100%. Possibly the most inspiring and positive thing i have read on this issue. Perfect timing for 2011.

Interestingly i was speaking to Baz Nicols recently, and he is tackling the problem with sales, piracy and community in a subscription way. Basically a limited number of people would subscribe for a years worth of releases, in most cases they would already be aware of what releases they would be receiving, and also the possibility of further surprises as the years passes. Again this way Baz would have everyones email address, be selling direct, bringing back to some degree that community that has been altered via the internet. Also a good part of this is for promoting new artists, releasing their work within a package along side other more established names. This ensures that the subscriber gets to hear and own works that they may have not otherwise took the gamble on.
With this way Baz knows that it is those who really want to hear and support the White.Line label that are buying the releases. Obviously also this upfront payment helps budget the years releases and of how many should be made.
I only spoke briefly via email two days ago so not sure of all the exact details, but it does sound an interesting and positive step.

I must say after reading your post i feel very positive for 2011.

101

THE FUTURE OF THE MUSIC BUSINESS / Re: round table discussion

« on: December 09, 2010, 03:46:15 pm »

Hang in there, it will pull itself straight in time. Time for a Stil sequel to get those buyers back?

102

THE FUTURE OF THE MUSIC BUSINESS / Re: CDs are dead (almost)

« on: December 09, 2010, 03:42:36 pm »

103

THE FUTURE OF THE MUSIC BUSINESS / Re: if 12k weren't to exist as a label...

« on: December 09, 2010, 03:18:32 pm »

if 12k were to cease existing as a traditional label

Don't even go there

104

THE FUTURE OF THE MUSIC BUSINESS / Re: are record labels relevant anymore?

« on: December 09, 2010, 03:16:49 pm »

Again i feel this is where quality control comes in, and much like taste is highly subjective. To explain;
Now records shops, and i'm talking about that place where you had to physically go into, and talk to the owners, or in the good ones (like Smallfish) they talked to you, there was a sense of community, all sharing a love of great sound. This real interaction, really helped know the good from the mediocre, you listen to it, try another, debate it. With this community moving to the internet and even then almost moving away from there too, the only place left for this assurance is with the labels. I have been a follower of 12k for many years, and it is this following where i can judge in my own mind, a sort of dialogue with the styles 12k and other labels put out. I get a sense of how the sound is changing, developing or not by following a kind of taste, that of Taylors, to some degree, but also something that fits a model, that of 12k or Line. With this i can compare to previous releases, other releases by that artist on other labels and all manor of ways that go to create in my mind something to judge what i perceive as a quality release or not. To say it is only the music that does this, i just simply don't believe it does, it is more than that, and a label does a great deal towards knowing what is good or not.
Having said that, there are many labels, that i can't really consider a proper label. They pop up everywhere and disappear just as quick, and it all seems a bit reactionary or following that trend, or a case of, "nobody will release our stuff so we will do it ourselves", and perhaps that is where the mediocre comes in.
A label is an identity, a belonging to like minded people, a family or less or more experienced people. Without the label everyone would be fumbling around in the dark.
It is labels like 12k and Line, no actually it was the label 12k and Line that kept me going, that still keeps me going today.

I must say i am a little worried that such a question was even asked, if 12k or Line stopped, which i suppose they will do one day, well, i dread to think about it.

105

THE FUTURE OF THE MUSIC BUSINESS / Re: CDs are dead (almost)

« on: November 30, 2010, 03:32:46 pm »

go into work tomorrow and tell your boss you'll work for free. do it. if you won't do that, then you're a hypocrite for stealing other people's work. period. artists and labels work very hard to make good music, just as people work very hard at their jobs doing whatever it is that they do. professional artists dont want to work for free just as professional lawyers, accountants, builders, doctors, salesmen, etc want to work for free.

Perfectly put i think.

I also wonder how the quality of music has generally been effected due to legit free mp3 download formats. Generally speaking i feel working for a price and working for free there comes a point where the work is going to suffer. I am not suggesting that a good artist would specifically write a lower quality track purely because it is free, although this is possible, but more that the newer generation of artists in their battle to be heard and to be heard quickly, might not commit the time, thought, money etc than might have been, had there been a actually purchasable object at the end.
A pay download perhaps might help, slightly improving this possible problem, but still the time commitment isn't the same as an actual cd release needs, the financial input isn't the same, the release schedule isn't the same. In theory a track could be wrote on Friday night, and uploaded as a net-release Saturday morning, with little time for much else, and somehow i don't feel this is a responsible or professional way to do things, generally speaking.

I must be honest, when i saw 12k announced Term i was surprised. It did give me the chance to hear some new music, but i have found over the years that this new music i did hear, i didn't remember. This could just be me, but i have found unless i pick up the object, cd in my case, and put it in the cd player, and i can see the artwork every time i walk past the shelf, it is all to easily forgotten. It becomes just another file on my computer along with all the other files, no memory of buying it, no memory of receiving it in the post, let alone hearing something away from the computer. So i was glad to see Term stop to be honest, and although i love 12k and Line, rarely do i listen to the Term releases. Were they released on CD now, i would almost certainly buy them, mainly for the purpose of being able to actual listen to them properly. Having said that i totally understand and respect the choices made and the testing of the water, seeing what the public want, but could providing to much choice do more damage than good? I don't know.

One last point, is that i always assumed these great labels such like 12k and Line, would always be around and couldn't possibly go under or be in trouble. I was shocked and woken up when i heard that Smallfish ended. This one disaster alone i feel is a reason to support the labels and the decent, supportive shops like Smallfish, of whom there is no replacement. So we should do what we can to keep them around.