Author: Timm

Eventide @SUPERBOOTH17

Eventide presented a prototype of a eurorack delay at SUPERBOOTH17. Scince then it hasn’t been seen in the wild but we are looking forward to what promises to be superb eurorack effects modules. The Eventide Gesprächskonzert can be watched below. The video features some words about the C-Base in Berlin, the Karusell-Synthesizer by Schneidersbuero and SUPERBOOTH18. The introductory part gives you an insight of the C-Base, what has already been another a stage for artists like Robert Aiki Lowe and Dieter Doepfer this year, and will be again with SUPERBOOTH18 – as our official aftershow venue. The modular furniture (Karussel) seen here will be available in Munich now for the DigitalAnalog Festival, please search the web for further updates and come back next week.

 

SynthFest UK, Sheffield

[et_pb_section bb_built=”1″][et_pb_row][et_pb_column type=”1_2″][et_pb_text _builder_version=”3.0.60″ background_layout=”light” text_orientation=”left” border_style=”solid” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” background_size=”initial”]

SynthFest UK took place in Sheffield on the 7th of October 2017. It is located on the campus of Sheffield University, in the Octagon Centre. The exhibition took place in a large function room and a smaller conference room in the basement. Another room was used for concerts, another one for lectures. Despite the fact that this event was at a University, there were not many young people. The audience consisted mainly of people who have been dealing with the subject synthesizer for quite a while.

At first the atmosphere at SynthFest UK reminded us of Knobcon, where we have been just a few weeks ago, but with a classic British feel to it. The interest turned more towards old vintage things than to the latest developments of the manufacturers who had took the journey to Sheffield. There were instruments to be seen from times long past, like Synthi, an old Moog system, dusty Buchla systems and some for us indefinable ones. The strong British reference was also featured in the program, for example with a seminar about “Deconstructing the Dr Who Theme” and a lot of EMS, a lot of BBC Radiophonic, Mini-Oramics, 80s synthpop. Especially the Mini-Oramics were interesting, student Tom Richards built a device that its inventor Daphne Oram never finished. The Mini-Oramics is a machine that interprets drawings to sound, find out more here.

Personally, relatively few modular manufacturers were on site. AJH, Kenton, Radikal Technologies, Rebel Tech, Abstract Data, Soulsby. Then there were some sound library producers, controller and music software booths like Bitwig, iConnectivit, Softube, Nectar, Keith McMillen, Novation and a few enthusiasts who have exhibited their collection of Serge, Buchla, EMS and Bugbrand synthesizers. So there was quite some gear to check out, but exhibitors were mainly shops that took the opportunity to use the SynthFest as a sales event. All in all it was an intersiting day with some good talks and lots of synths.

[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″][et_pb_gallery _builder_version=”3.0.60″ posts_number=”8″ show_title_and_caption=”off” show_pagination=”off” fullwidth=”off” orientation=”landscape” zoom_icon_color=”#ff9c00″ hover_overlay_color=”rgba(255,255,255,0.9)” background_layout=”light” border_style=”solid” auto=”off” gallery_ids=”8259,8260,8261,8262,8263,8265,8266,8267,8269″ /][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]

DON´T PANIC! Beginners Workshop. October 12th/ 6PM

Hello modular newbies!

October 12th, 6pm, we’re holding a workshop for modular beginners in our beloved and once again rearranged SchneidersLaden showroom.

Our goal is that you can confidently make your own first patch afterwards and have a good time. And also meet likeminded people! Although we are nerds we won’t get too technical.  Along the way we will show you basic patch techniques, the workings of our showroom, as well as tell you some stories about the history of (modular) synths and the ever evolving Eurocrack scene.

Starts at 6pm / Kotti above REWE (use the door at REWE and knock LOUD at or metal door)

Workshop is limited to 12 participants, so…
>>>     Please write Thomas for confirmation:    

tc@schneidersladen.de

See you there!!!

The SchneidersLaden showroom team

SchneidersLaden Showroom: For Sale Rack // 20% or 50%

[et_pb_section bb_built=”1″ admin_label=”section” _builder_version=”3.0.47″][et_pb_row admin_label=”row” _builder_version=”3.0.47″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″][et_pb_text _builder_version=”3.0.60″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” background_layout=”light” text_orientation=”left” border_style=”solid”]

 

The attentive visitor to our showroom will not have missed it: There is a rack with reduced modules, with 20% and  50 % discount! Single items, demo devices, returns etc.

For you this is a nice way to save a few Euros! BUT: The modules are only available in the SchneidersLaden Showroom! No exceptions. So, come by and pick out a module, test it extensively and take it home with you.

 

It’s that simple.

 

>>> Here is a non-binding overview of what is currently on sale: >>>Sale Rack May<<<

 

 

[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]

MIXERS: Arrel, Doepfer, Endorphin.es, Frap Tools …

In eurorack it is often overlooked that you can go way beyond simply mixing audio signals, but with the right mixer you can do so much more. Nowadays there is a huge variety of mixing solutions available. The range of mixer products for eurorack goes from simple some-input-one-output solutions, to mixers with stereo channels and Aux-send/return, to mixers with built in effects, CV-control of amplitude pannnig … and so on. It is therefore important to think about what you really want from a mixer. Even if you only need to mix two or three different waveforms there are plenty decisions to make:

Do you just need different and variable levels? Then the classic Doepfer A-138b seems suitable. If you know you simply want to mix three waveforms and save some of your valuable rack-space, you might choose the Doepfer Micro Mixer. But what if you want more? Mixing three waveforms in a small space with the extra bit of saturation when you push it? Then the Manhattan Analog DTM might be the right choice.

Need more advice?

There are even more things to consider. Do you have stereo signals to process? Do you need a separate headphone out? Do you want your mixer to be another tool for sound design? Is the mixer the last device before the audio signal hits your audio interface or tape machine? So below you will find a short list of some interesting mixer modules that could not be more different.

Mixer Banner

And we are starting big! Not only in regard to hp, but also in regard to sound. The first module on this short list is the Arrel ER-100:

Arrel Audio ER-100: High-end stereo mixer – really this is high-end! If one of your main concerns when looking at a mixer is sound quality, look no further – eight channels, panning, two aux inputs, two insert, sends and returns, two main and two monitor outputs and a stereo headphone connector. Due to outstanding sound and built quality the module plays in the same league as professional summing units, well … it is a professional summing unit. And you can connect the ER-100 directly to your studio equipment, there’s no need for an output module. It won’t get any better, this thing completely convinced us!

Doepfer A-138 Series: The Doepfer mixer family offers solutions for pretty much any situation, they are simple, reliable and affordable. From a simple 2×3 Micro Mixer, to an expandable Performance Mixer system, to the Matrix Mixer and many more – Doepfer has all grounds covered.

Endorphin.es Cockpit: More than just a mixer – The Cockpit can not only be used to sum up mono and stereo signals with modular or line level, but also as an effects insert for smartphones and tablets. Additionally, the module offers a ducking compressor plus sidechain input. The Cockpit packs a lot into its 6 hp, but you must keep in mind that you need to use special cables to take advantage of all its possibilities.

Hexinverter – Hot Glue: The modular hot-melt glue gun is a four-channel bus mixer with a number of different outputs, FX-Send as well as a soft-knee compressor in studio quality and a voltage controlled analog distortion. Both distortion and compressor are normalized to the mixer but can be used individually. For what it costs the Hot Glue is a very interesting versatile solution for pretty much any system.

TouellSkouarn – Sonveskan: This is a three-channel mixer, which was built using discrete components like germanium transistors. All in all – lots of gain, voltage controlled feedback, a mute switch and a direct output. By combining several channel strips, it is possible to create very(!) wild effects. The mixer’s main channel features an equalizer with two bands and another gain stage delivering more distortion. – A great module for people who like it rough!

Verbos Electronics – Scan + Pan: Four channels with voltage control of level and panorama position may be usual features, but an extraordinary one is the voltage controlled scanning between the channels. Verbos always surprises with solutions you won’t find in many other modules and keep convincing us with the creative opportunities you get from their modules.

Not found a suitable solution yet?

Then go through all mixers here, or configure your own mixer with Frap Tools CGM:

FrapCGM Banner

Frap Tools – CGM: The Frap Tools CGM System lets you combine input channels with summing modules for groups and output modules. The modules offer direct-outs, several aux sends and solo, mute and PFL buttons. Pretty much everything you know from your stand-alone mixer, but due to the flexibility of its modular-modular design you can built the perfectly suitable mixer for your rack – in your rack. And the CGM offers very good build and audio quality across the entire mixer range.

 

This is by no means a complete overview of available modules nor a full review of the discussed modules. The what about… text are here to give you new ideas and maybe another perspective on things. All these modules offer more features than we have talked about in this post. For further information please click the provided links or – even better – visit the shop and ask the SchneidersLaden experts in the showroom.

Knobcon number six

[et_pb_section bb_built=”1″][et_pb_row][et_pb_column type=”4_4″][et_pb_text _builder_version=”3.0.60″ background_layout=”light” text_orientation=”left” border_style=”solid”]

Knobcon is a special synthesizer convention now in its sixth year with performances, workshops and vendors. It is a really interesting place for experimental sounds and the tools to create it. Not being in the middle of Chicago, Ill., but a bit outside the city gives you a distraction free focus on the event. This is true heaven for synth nerds and sound designers, a place to talk about technical details and your latest sonic explorations for hours with likeminded people.

As in the past years the guests could get their hands on a fair amount of equipment that you would not be able to find at any random music shop and they could talk directly to the creators of this rare equipment. A quite big selection of synthesizer manufacturers were on site as exhibitors, spread across three exhibition rooms. We have been there to represent Doepfer Musikelektronik, other brands on site were Zvex, Black Market ModularFuture Retro, Jomox and many more.

Additionally there has been a room for talks and presentations, a workshop-room, a concert room and a pavilion – where a banquette was held for and with the guest of honor Tom Oberheim who also held a keynote.

The topics of the workshops at Knobcon were wide-ranging. From a “The Basics of Synthesis”-workshop to “Ask me anything”-afternoon with Tom Oberheim. And there have been some DIY workshops available for all those who like to do handicrafts. Here you could built the almighty Ornament & Crime eurorack module, a standalone version of the legendary Benjolin or the Jarmageddon noise synth. The concert room was providing ever-changing audio and visual experiences throughout the weekend, provided by volunteers and guests of Knobcon number six.

All in all, Knobcon was a successful event for all those who are already deeply involved in the matter. Here you can find some visual impressions:

 

[/et_pb_text][et_pb_gallery _builder_version=”3.0.60″ posts_number=”10″ show_title_and_caption=”off” show_pagination=”off” gallery_ids=”8170,8172,8173,8180,8171,8174,8176,8177,8178,8181″ fullwidth=”off” orientation=”landscape” zoom_icon_color=”#000000″ hover_overlay_color=”rgba(255,255,255,0.9)” background_layout=”light” border_style=”solid” auto=”off” /][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]

Modular workshop and performace by zv_k @ No Bounds festival /Sheffield

The No Bounds Festival takes place in Sheffield from Friday to Sunday. The festival does not spare on artistic diversity and locations. It takes place all across the city and gives a stage to artists from all over the world, covering music several musical genres ranging from dark techno and electro to cutting-edge experimental music.

From our point of view, Saturday is particularly interesting. At 4pm Jessica Kert from SchneidersLaden and Konstantin Gervis from TipTop Audio will give a workshop on modular synthesizers. The workshop will focus on performing live with modular synthesizers. The two have a lot of experience in playing live music as they are performing together since two years as zv_k, playing exclusively improvised techno live sets with the modular. The topics of the workshop will cover grounds such as – which sound sources to use and how to work with them, sequencing, mixing, real time arrangements and effects. And Jessica and Konstantin will tell you about who they are and why the modular synthesizer is such a great instrument.

After the workshop you can hear them live on stage from 8pm to 10pm at 99 Mary Street. Do not miss this!

Here is a link to the full lineup.

 

 

 

 

 

about NEW products… Livestock Electronics, XOR Electronics, Noise Engineering

We have some new modules in our assortment that we want to introduce to you: Modules by Livestock Electronics, XOR Electronics and a very special module by Noise Engineering.

Livestock Electronics has three new modules to offer. A wavetable oscillator, a mixer and signal distributor. We will now take a closer look at what makes these modules special and sets them apart from others.

Bang: What sets Bang apart from other digital VCO’s is its capability to produce sound that is based on wavetables drawn by the user. Users can load self-made waveforms into the module via a microSD card slot. For generating waves, Livestock Electronics developed a Windows and a OSX application. Bang comes equipped with tuning and wave shaping options as well as a FM input plus bipolar attenuator.

Felix: Felix is a buffered signal distributor and/or multiple, which can be used in 1:6 or 2:3 configurations. It is either a flexible multiple and/or emitting CV signals in the range of either 0V to +5V or -5V to +5V.

MIR: MIR is a mixer, but at the same time a lot more than that. It can also be used as an inverter, VCA and distortion. It comes equipped with four channels, each featuring two signal inputs, a summing stage plus a VCA with switchable characteristics. With high signal levels you can achieve some serious distortion.

XOR Electronics has got a new sequencer to offer – the NerdSeq. It follows a concept that has already been used in very early digital music sequencer software. This software ran on hardware like the Fairlight CMI, Amiga and C64, newer adaptions would be the Renoise or Jeskola Buzz. Now XOR has adapted the Tracker concept for eurorack, with 8 tracks, a nice display and all necessary buttons to navigate through the software. And the best thing – with the expander it is not only possible to add MIDI in- and outputs to the NerdSeq, but also to connect a Sega Gamepad!

Noise Engineering brings the Loquelic Iteritas to a different evolutionary level: Loquelic Iteritas Percido. This new module is a futuristic synthesizer voice for creating massive, mechanically sounding basses, special effects and ultra-modern drums. Basically it is a digital oscillator, a flexible shapeable AD envelope with trigger and loop modes, which can influence pitch and any number of synthesis parameters simultaneously. The LIP is one of these sound generators that can be used by only using a trigger, but it benefits from its modulation inputs and can sound like a whole futuristic orchestra when patched right.

 

livestockXORpercido

Break free! -> Micro tonality and “other” tunings

Musicians tend to not always comply with the norm and that’s a good thing, where else should innovation come from? Who else but the artists in our society should move borders? Nevertheless, most musicians still go through this one door that ties them to a norm they may not even notice.

“A440 or A4 (also known as the Stuttgart pitch), which has a frequency of 440 Hz, is the musical note of A above middle C and serves as a general tuning standard for musical pitch. The International Organization for Standardization classify it as ISO 16.” (Wikipedia)  …..sounds boring, right?

The world offers more than one door to walk through. When it comes to musical scales, there is almost as much diversity as there are languages. Different cultures developed their own aesthetic understanding of music, and the western tone scale is just one of many. So why limit it to one musical language?

This is why we have decided to show you some ways to break away from this standard. For this reason we organized a workshop about micro tonality and „other” tunings at SchneidersLaden. If you have not been able to participate in the workshop, this article may answer some of your questions about this topic. First of all, you could achieve micro tonality by using an analogue sequencer like the Doepfer A-155 with its continuous voltages per step. So with precise settings of the knobs for each step you could dial in almost any tuning, but it would take quite some time setting up each step separately and you would need a good and suitable tuner for this task. Another convenient way would be a quantizer. But almost all quantizers on the market are restricted to scales within the “Standard tuning for musical pitch”.

Haken Continuum

So what else can you do? Another option would be to use something like a Sequentix Cirklon. But even this remarkable sequencer was not made with micro tonality in mind. It can do it, but it is not easy to set up and not everyone is willing to pay the price to experiment with micro tonality. Then there is the Haken Continuum Fingerboard, a powerful instrument to play microtonal tunings in a very expressive way. There are some interesting videos of artists using the Continuum on the official Haken website. But the Haken has got an even bigger price tag than the Cirklon – and it is totally worth the price as it unique and constantly being developed further. If you want to keep everything within your modular synth there is the Orthogonal Devices ER-101 Sequencer, but it is only available directly from the manufacturer in the U S right now and their website states: “Now taking orders. Lead time for orders submitted now: 10 weeks”.

So what are your options for eurorack if you don’t want to wait for months?

There is the long known Mutable Instruments Yarns. As a MIDI to CV interface and 101-style sequencer it has a lot of fans. And there are some good reasons for this, eg. the deeper functions as clock divider, digital VCO, MIDI Clock, MIDI Start  –  and micro tunings! The Yarns can convert MIDI note signals into different “other” tunings and output them as CV’s ready to be sent to your favorite VCO. It is a very versatile module and worth a look if you consider turning MIDI note information into microtonal CV’s.

utune YarnsAnother option would be the new µTune by Tubbutech. As the name already suggests it is a module to handle exactly the task we are talking about. It first looks like a standard MIDI Interface but it is capable to convert not only MIDI to CV but also CV to MIDI and USB-MIDI to CV and so on. Another interesting thing is its quantizer functionality. So you can use any CV from your modular and let the µTune quantize it to any of the dozens of preinstalled scales, scales imported by SD-Card or scales you set up your own. The quantized microtonal note information can then be sent to your favourite MIDI-Synth, both hardware and software. Or you stay within your modular system and sent it to your favourite VCO’s.

Back to our first example: Setting up a good old Doepfer A-155. With a µTune you can now convert both CV sequences of the Doepfer into microtonal pitch information – always staying in tune. Of cause this is also possible with any other CV sequencer or CV source. A third option within the eurorack standard is the Ornaments&Crimes DIY project that is also capable to output quantized CV to microtanal scales.

If this has aroused your curiosity, come by and visit our showroom to discuss this topic, try out the different options and find your way off the beaten track.

This is by no means a complete overview of available modules nor a full review of the discussed modules. The what about… text are here to give you new ideas and maybe another perspective on things. All these modules offer more features than we have talked about in this post. For further information please click the provided links or – even better – visit the shop and ask the SchneidersLaden experts in the showroom.

RICHARD DEVINE (update: & SURACHAI) @ SchneidersLaden showroom > this! FRIDAY Oct. 6th/6pm

Hello Patch-People, Synthesizer-Enthusiasts, Newbies and Hardcore Modular-Addicts!

We are very! honored to welcome Richard Devine >>>& SURACHAI<<< as our guestS on October 6th/6pm. Please join us that day in our beloved and newly arranged showroom!

Richard is one of THE modular experts and a key figure to our eurorack-scene. Within our scene we all have different approaches to patching and our own uniquely assembled systems…together with Richard we will discuss his own approach, have an impression of his current live rig, share patch-ideas and argue about favorite modules!

UPDATE: He will be joined by fellow expert and good friend SURACHAI!

Beer, Pretzels and Gummy Bears provided! Entry is free but limited to 25 Participants.

UPDATE:

(We have almost 100 requests. We updated to 35 places. That is absolutely max. capacity. Sorry!!! Registration is closed now)

We start around 6pm this Friday in our showroom (Kotti above REWE)

Looking forward to see you!!!

the schneidersladen showroom team

Have a look at Synthposium Moscow 2017

[et_pb_section bb_built=”1″ admin_label=”section” _builder_version=”3.0.47″][et_pb_row admin_label=”row” _builder_version=”3.0.47″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″][et_pb_text _builder_version=”3.0.60″ background_layout=”light” text_orientation=”left” border_style=”solid”]

Synthposium is not your average synth-nerd-meet, it is a more a cultural event with a focus on new interdisciplinary culture formed at the junction of electronic music and technology. In 2017 the extended four-day format for Synthposium included a lot of program from 1pm until late in the morning. The organizers created an event that included an exhibition of achievements in music technology, an educational program dedicated to lectures, public talks, and workshops led by international and local experts and engineers. The audience was very mixed when it comes to appearance, gender and age. Many families, some children, many females, many personalities who are not necessarily musicians but have a deeper interest in creative processes and ideas.

However, it was possible to explore new instruments either at the “Expo” or a special room for jamming, the “Pluton”. When it comes to modular synthesizers, many different manufacturers could be discovered. Besides Bastl Instruments, SSSR-Labs, Motovilo, Erica Synths, Dreadbox two modular case manufacturers MDR-Case and DNGR-Tech. Of course, we were also on site, with a Doepfer Monstercase and -base representing Doepfer, Endorphin.es, Flame and other brands to the Russian audience.

The event is spread across some buildings in an old industrial complex where today there are galleries, workshops, catering and a nightclub. And there is a concert room for live concerts and performances. All stages in the Synthposium were very well equipped with nice sound systems and professional equipment for good sound. Most of the event happened on the grounds of an old winery, with the instruments exhibition, three stages, catering, food stands and a very interesting art exhibition in the wine cellars. The art exhibition consisted mainly of visualized light and projection installations.

Three of them were interactive: one with an environment microphone where you could hear yourself and the environment in your headphones – which first seems to be what you hear in everyday life, but with the microphone system you could hear yourself from another place than where you were standing. Another installation consisted of a an audio reproduction that could be controlled by means of approximation and had its own visualization. And the third one was an illuminated square, which allowed you to walk through and produce sounds due to your location.

In regard to music, the program was quite varied. It went from ambient, experimental, electronic music, to what could be described as postpunk. A lot of different artist played at Synthposium, for example Richard Devine, Robert Lowe and Max Cooper.

[/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”3.0.60″ background_layout=”light” text_orientation=”left” border_style=”solid”]

The audience was very mixed when it comes to appearance, gender and age which gave the event a very pleasant and welcoming atmosphere. Many families, some children, many females, many personalities who are not necessarily musicians but have a deeper interest in creative processes and ideas.

[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″][et_pb_image src=”https://www.stromkult.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/Synthposium_14.jpg” _builder_version=”3.0.60″ align=”center” /][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row][et_pb_column type=”4_4″][et_pb_gallery gallery_ids=”8072,8073,8086,8083,8082,8081,8080,8078,8077,8076,8075,8074″ posts_number=”14″ show_title_and_caption=”off” _builder_version=”3.0.60″ show_pagination=”on” fullwidth=”off” orientation=”landscape” zoom_icon_color=”#000000″ hover_overlay_color=”rgba(255,255,255,0.9)” background_layout=”light” border_style=”solid” auto=”off” /][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]

New 100 series available and Steve H with his Buchla at SUPERBOOTH17

catalyst_audio_-_model_158There are some synthesizers in the history of electronic music that are surrounded by a special mystic aura. One of them is the 100 series – The original San Francisco Tape Music Centers modular synthesizer, originally commissioned by Morton Subotnick and Ramon Sender.

Many artists within the modular community have always been fascinated by the 100 series modules. The hidden secret of the west coast, but no less revolutionary than their east coast contemporaries, the 100 series modules have always been appealing due to their pedigree, scarcity, aesthetic, and avant-garde beginnings. Now they have been recreated from the ground up – by Catalyst Audio. They worked on the circuits for nearly a year and built countless prototypes and revisions to create eurorack versions of modules that promising to be true members of the 100 series. All circuits are (from a technical perspective) identical to the original modules an they have been directly A/B tested/compared, both electronically and by ear, with the original San Francisco Tape Music Center system (currently located at Mills college, Oakland CA).

These recreation of one of the most iconic modular synthesizers make it possible to experience patching and working with what are some of the rarest and previously unobtainable synthesizers. While no recreation, no matter how accurate, will ever capture all the mystique of the originals it honors and celebrates the memory of their creator.

Soon there will be six modules available:

Model 158 Dual Sine-Sawtooth Generator

Model 180 Dual Attack Generator

Model 106 6-Channel Mixer

Model 110 Quad Gate

Model 156V CV Processor

Model 156M CV Processor

After the 100 series there have been a lot more advanced and function wise more dense developments by Don Buchla. One of these is a legendary synthesizer with a touch plate interface – the Music Easel. First released in 1973 the Music Easel followed a concept that is more and more seen today again – it focused on portability and was therefore built into a suitcase. Steve H performed on a Music Easel at SUPERBOOTH17. He is a experimental musician, composer and musical adventurer and known for his soundtracks, songs and scores for TV, film and games. Watch his quadrophonic performance here:

 

 

Fideuà and synths – Modular Day Barcelona 2017

[et_pb_section bb_built=”1″][et_pb_row][et_pb_column type=”4_4″][et_pb_text _builder_version=”3.0.60″ background_layout=”light” text_orientation=”left” border_style=”solid”]

Modular Day Barcelona was a complete success again. The halls were full of interested and interesting people and the many workshops were well attended. There were probably more guests on site than last year. A rain shower had its premiere this year, but as it drove the visitors straight into the exhibitor’s hall, it was not really unwelcome at all, except perhaps by the chefs that were cooking a Catalan paella (Fideuà). For them it was quite a fight to keep the pan dish from degenerating into a fish soup… which luckily didn’t happen!

On the exhibitor side there have been the usual suspects: Befaco, Erica Synths, Endorphin.es, FrapTools, TouellSkouarn and many more. For the first time Mr. and Mrs. Verbos personally honored the Modular Day Barcelona.

Like in the past years speakers were strictly forbidden at the booths and only headphones could be used. Our systems were well prepared with Doepfer A-139-2, ACL Audio Interface and Vermona Twin Out. And as a result of that regulation the overall atmosphere was very relaxed. Most interest could be raised by new modules. For Doepfer, the A-111-4 Quad Precision VCO was quite well received. A lot of VCO in a small space. Approximately 100 Euro per VCO are a really good deal. Thanks to the MS-Matrix and a funny stereo patch, ACL caught a lot of attention underneath the headphones. The new Discrete Core Ladder VCF in particular has created a positive impact. The striking appearance of the Quad Envelope prototype from Vermona caused lots of curious glances and so the news like randomRHYTHM or quadroPol didn’t get lost in the unified and beautiful Vermona look.

In addition to pure modular synthesizers, the Taula4 Rotary Mixer and Podium Mikrokosmus (active summing mixer) have expanded the shown product ranges with the presentation of audiophile gear made in Spain. Hopefully we will see more of these products at SUPERBOOTH18. In contrast to the last years the evening concerts took place only partly at the actual venue, the hangar. The program was about as strenuous as it can get. Party till 05:30am (at least officially) and then start again at 10.30am. So you had lots of opportunities to have a good time, but not for sleeping.

We want to say thank you to the Befaco Team who have handled everything in a very professional and friendly way. See you at SUPERBOOTH18!

 

[/et_pb_text][et_pb_gallery _builder_version=”3.0.60″ show_title_and_caption=”off” show_pagination=”on” gallery_ids=”8048,8049,8047,8050,8051,8052,8053″ fullwidth=”off” orientation=”landscape” zoom_icon_color=”#000000″ hover_overlay_color=”rgba(255,255,255,0.9)” background_layout=”light” border_style=”solid” auto=”off” posts_number=”12″ /][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]

“Let’s go beyond the maximum!” Ken MacBeth and T.Raumschmiere

It’s video time! Don’t miss this indescribable and beautiful contemporary document!

 

Here is what Herr Schneider has to say:

“Ken Macbeth was visiting us to review the very first gig with his outstanding band FucketYbUcKetY on SUPERBOOTH17. In the audience there was also Marco Haas alias shitkatapult alias T.Raumschmiere who stated out sponaneously that he will only play again on Superbooth if-then together with this guy. So I asked them both to visit me in my office to talk and we (..they) did. We had a good laugh and compared a lot of thoughts, looking forward to SUPERBOOTH18 already.”

 

Do you really know what you are doing? Oscilloscope comparison!

Using an oscilloscope is an excellent way to understand what happens to the signals in your modular system. The paths of the electrical current are as different as the modules used to process it. In complex patches, it can be confusing how and where your audio and control voltages take this special turnaround, or what happens to your sine wave in the wavefolder or waveshaper.
An oscilloscope can answer all these questions and will improve the understanding of your system and increase your familiarity with it.

There are of course the great big vintage oscilloscopes you might know from physics lessons. sometimes you find them cheap in second-hand shops and they look good. But they are much bigger and heavier than one might think. In general, they can often do much more than necessary to map the electrical signals in your system. You also want to measure these signals where they originate – in your case. There is now a nice range of options available for your Eurorack system to suit every task and budget.

The VPME ZeroScope is a low-cost variant on the market that can already master all basic tasks with ease. The ZeroScope is a compact oscilloscope with two channels. The module features single, dual and X/Y modes. Additionally, it can be used as a frequency meter and tuner. Even though the built-in OLED display is rather small, it is easy to read. Thanks to direct outputs, the ZeroScope can be incorporated into patches very comfortably.

Dave Jones Design’s O’ Tool is a modern classic among the Eurorack oscilloscopes. It is a two-channel oscilloscope module with an LCD screen that also offers a variety of other applications. For example, it offers a wide range of signal level measurement, spectrum analysis, tuning, BPM counters and much more.

The Mercedes among the eurorack oscilloscope is the Mordax Data, it offers the largest display and four channels. The Data module is not only a good looking oscilloscope with four channels, integrated tuner and spectral options, but a generator for audio material, control voltages and even clock signals as well. Seven modes of operation are included. More will follow.

More information, pricing and availability here.

SNAZZY FX at SCHNEIDERSBUERO and SUPERBOOTH

Here and now, as promised the video with Dan “Danny” Snazelle aka SNAZZY FX. Dan Snazzelle was on tour throughout Europe introducing five new modules in Barcelona, Berlin, Netherlands and Czech Republic stopping over at SchneidersBuero to talk about the presentations on Superbooth. In this talk the themes are: the new modules, Dan’s possible move (You are very welcome to move to Berlin Dan!) and the beauty of classic synthesizer schematics.

Also included is the beautiful looking and sounding – and often overlooked Analogue Systems modular system. There is a little teaser featured in this video by Clifton Cameron at SUPERBOOTH17 introducing the Analogue Systems Cabinet.

Five new modules by SNAZZY FX

Snazzy FX is back with some of its unusual analog designs. Anyone who has ever seen a Snazzy FX module will recognize every other module made by Dan Sanzelle instantly. Not only the circuits are special, but also the panel designs. From the legendary simplicity of the Dronebank to extremely complex random circuits, Snazzy FX has built almost everything. Now there are five new modules and they all have the special Snazzy FX twist. The bass drum module Kick_Me has already impressed many visitors of the SUPERBOOTH17 and will soon be available together with the other modules.

And Dan Snazelle is currently in Berlin, he and Mr. Schneider will record a short interview for the video series on SUPERBOOTH17. The video will be published soon, so keep your Kitty_Eyes on Stromkult!

 

Here’s a brief overview of the new modules:

Kitty Eyes

Small module, big turmoil – Kitty Eyes is a compact chaos oscillator, which can be used as a sound generator or modulation source. Its X and Y outputs emit audio respectively CV signals of different phase and characteristics. – Ideal raw material for experimental drum and effect sounds or wild parameter modulations.

Kick_Me

Kick_Me is able to generate a wide array of classic to modern bass drum sounds. Its basic character is deliberately different from classic TR-X0X instruments. The module’s repertoire ranges from tight rock kicks to brachial hard techno bass drums.

Hi Gain

The Hi_Gain features three differently designed, transistor-based VCAs plus a sum output. Together, the circuits form a complex feedback and mixing system with dirty, angry sound. – A great tool for giving drums, basses or leads a more brutal touch.

Eternal Spring

Eternal Spring is a low-pass filter with personality. Depending on its drive and resonance settings, the circuit can add a little bit of saturation, a good amount of dirt or heavy distortion to incoming audio material. Occasionally, users will feel reminiscent of a wavefolder.

Dual Multiplier

The Dual Multiplier combines two four-quadrant multipliers in one module. With simple waveforms, the circuits provide results similar to a classic ring modulator. If musicians utilize a VCO and a noise generator as signal sources, the results are pitched-noise effects. Combinations of complex audio material and an LFO lead to spectral shifts.

 

Mark Verbos and Matt Didemus live at SUPERBOOTH17

Here is what Herr Schneider has to say:

“Mark Verbos and Matt Didemus played a performance on SUPERBOOTH17 that is published today. Both living in Berlin now could visit me in my office for a chat yesterday where we recorded this interview. At the end of it you will see the performance Mark and Matt played live, before this we show you the brilliant Gesprächskonzert by Mark Verbos introducing his modular products to our great audience on Superbooth. Please forgive us some cuts that we had to make towards dropouts and technical issues while recording, I think were getting better week by week.

Verbos-WEBPlease be aware of Mark playing live this weekend in Barcelona on the Modular Day BCN. Also for September, 9th and 10th american friends of synths could visit the Knobcon #6 happening in Chicago with Tom Oberheim stepping in. October 14th/15th, we will meet up in New York for the Machines in Music again.”

 

 

Watch the video:

Additional space for SUPERBOOTH18 – 03 – 05. May 2018 at FEZ Berlin

SUPERBOOTH has developed into one of the most interesting musical instrument trade fairs in Europe in a very short period of time, with more than 5000 visitors and 170 exhibitors, SUPERBOOTH17 has been a great success and was very well received by the media. However, these figures are expected to be significantly exceeded in 2018. The demand for exhibition space has always outstripped supply, so that SUPERBOOTH has been able to expand steadily and will again offer more exhibition space in 2018. The additional space is already occupied in large parts with those applications that could not be considered this year. Manufacturers who want to be part of SUPERBOOTH18 should therefore apply for exhibition space as soon as possible.

Foto ∏ Angela Krîll_4219953With this extra room it is possible to expand the range of product categories shown at SUPERBOOTH18 for an even more complete experience. Because of the great success in 2017 the organizers have decided to return to FEZ Berlin in 2018 and develop the event in the same venue. The unique design of the FEZ building, the outside-area, the exhibitor areas, studios, workshop rooms and food court provide an excellent basis for SUPERBOOTH18 and they are spread barrier-free over three floors. The visitors get the chance to meet a large number of exhibitors from all over the world right here in Berlin. In addition to the exhibition stands, there will be around 30 daily concerts and live performances, workshops and talks taking place again.

The very well received show program of this years SUPERBOOTH17 has been recorded and edited in the past weeks. Selected concerts and performances will be released online within the next months. This is a nice opportunity for everyone who hasn’t been able to see the show program of SUPERBOOTH17.

Foto ∏ Angela Krîll_42A0207

The fair is characterised by its incomparable atmosphere, an energetic mixture of fair and cultural event, which inspires both visitors and exhibitors alike. Even during the special opening hours for trade visitors, this atmosphere has a positive impact and sets SUPERBOOTH apart from other trade fairs. Tickets and hotel recommendations are on sale in advance in November, which means SUPERBOOTH18 is approaching and planning is already in full swing.

 

 

 

SUPERBOOTH has been a quite big event in 2017 and it will be expanding in 2018, so we are working on a better posting system to avoid:

…sorry again Nick!

Ken Macbeth and FuckeTybUcKetY live at SUPERBOOTH17

FuckeTybUcKetY MKIIII was giving a remarkable performance in the concerthall on this years Superbooth. The Band around Ken Macbeth playing two of his outstanding Elements Synthesizers was known as a rumour from the internet so far, having released some very few noisy recordings.

 

Make sure to watch the whole thing!

 

Berlin Atonal 2017 – a look at the Modular Schaltzentrale

A week ago the Atonal festival closed its doors for this years edition of the festival. The Kraftwerk has proven again that it is the ideal venue for this type of event. The former control room of the heating and power station that this venue has been before was transformed into modular synthesizer playground again. The Modular Schaltzentrale was hosted by SchneidersLaden and Alex4 and equipped with a large number of modular synthesizers.

This is the third year in a row that we are part of this outstanding festival and we are very much looking forward to it. In fact we are bringing every demo system we have at  SchneidersLaden.

There was a whole bunch of stuff in the control room:

Demo systems from: ACL, AJH, Doepfer, E-RM, Endorphin.es, Verbos Electronics, Vermona and Frap Tools with modules by Audio Damage, TouellSkouarn, Birdkids. In order not to fall out of the Atonal Drone concept, we would like to thank Vermona, who have made their Dual Spring Reverb available for us. SchneidersLaden also had a colourful mix of modules in the Verleihsystem Doepfer P9 and a Make Noise Shared System in noble black with most of their unique modules. And there was the “Doepfer wall”, patched for all the blinkenlights fetishists. The eye is listening too!
Atonal2017-001

The modulation never stopped from Wednesday to Sunday. The Schaltzentrale opened its doors from 8pm to between 0.30am and 2am. The room has been super atmospheric again, this time there were mainly cushions to sit down, listen and relax. These cushions were always full and people spend a lot of time in the room, many stayed for hours.

Wednesday was true to the motto: SchneidersLaden. ZV_K ( Konstantin & Jessica )and Miquel from SchneidersLaden, brought their own modular systems and performed throughout the night. They played well prepared sets and enjoyed to play at this special venue for a very interested and open audience. On Thursday, Robert Lowe improvised freely and earned our respect again by playing without a safety net or a double floor for about four hours, although he only planned to play for one hour. He worked without any modules of his own and created some wonderful ambient music. All those who comfortably fell asleep on the cushions, listening to the beautiful live ambient music, were then shaken up by Mark Verbos. Like last year, he played some rough industrial techno, this time even slower and more intense than last year. And as in 2016, Mark invited some guests to play along with him: Thomas Kircher, Ashley Puente and Patrick Detampel accompanied  him after some time of playing solo. So there were 2 Verbos systems, a Vermona system and a Doepfer system, which were nice in sync to the E-RM Multiclock. The music developed to drone techno, keeping all guests awake and moving their feet.

Atonal2017-006

On Friday a nice gentleman actually patched alone for four hours: David Morley. The music could be described as rather classic electronic music. What was remarkable, however, was the fact that David didn’t have his own synth with him and never played with a Eurorack system before. He has a lot of experience with Moog, ARP and Buchla though, so he soon felt comfortable with the other high quality synthesizers at the Schaltzentrale. David Morley used almost all the systems we brought and the atmosphere was really nice. On Saturday there was Driftmachine. The plan was to play a one hour Dirftmachine show, two hours bridging with Camilo Ocampo and then another hour of Driftmachine. The truth was, almost two hours of Driftmachine, followed by a good hour of Camilo Ocampo, followed by another two hours of Driftmachine. The two of them had too much fun to be bothered with any timetable and everyone in the room was happy to listen. Driftmachine had a lot of gear with them, including analog modular visuals and video feedback. Also the VJ did a really good job! On Sunday Sigha made his third appearance at the Schaltzentrale and played for four hours. One highlight of the whole festival was Laurens von Oswald joining Sigha after about three hours, they played together for almost an hour. From 1am Thomas Kircher from SchneiderLaden joined Sigha – they created a very nice „Outro“ for the night.

All in all, the Modular Schaltzentrale was a huge success again. This year you had to wait in line at the entrance to Schaltzentrale due to the high number of people who wanted to join this otherworldly experience.

 

 

 

Ströme live at SUPERBOOTH17 for Doepfer Klangforschung

STRÖME playing live on two Doepfer A-100 systems recorded on Superbooth 2017. This is a live concert to show the sonic possibilities of Doepfer based modular systems. The well received concert was one of many highlights from this years SUPERBOOTH.

Ströme_SB17_small

Ströme5_SB17_small

 

This is the first release of a full concert from the Berlin based trade show for electronic music and instruments called SUPERBOOTH. More than 50 performances and product presentations will be introduced and explained on this channel introducing the 2018 show with a release once a week from now on.

Modular Day BCL #4 at Hangar Barcelona

Mod_day_4-LOGO_headerOn September 9th and 10th Modular Day BCN #4 will take place in beautiful Barcelona. Two days full of synths, concerts, paella and workshops at Hangar.

We highly recommend not to miss this well established event and its sooper relaxed atmosphere.

 

 

There will be a HUGE! DIY area for all friends of solder and burn blisters with workshops by Snazzy FX, TouellSkouarn, Erica Synths, Soulsby, Ginko, Transient Modules, Error Instruments, Rebel Technologies and Music Thing Modular.

As every year there is a good number of exhibitors presenting their latest products. Have a chat and a good time checking out modules and other products by:

ACL

Doepfer

E-RM

Vermona

Endorphin.es

Verbos Electronics

TouellSkouarn

Frap Tools

and many more!

And don’t forget to check out the concert program! There will be performances by Cristian Vogel, Marc Verbos, Moira, Diego de León and and and

Here are some impression from last year:

bcn03

Paella

 

Haken Continuum – new firmware and new features

The incomparable Haken Continuum Fingerboard is a musical instrument that allows unprecedented realtime performance control. There has been a new firmware released recently:

The Version 8.50 release is now available, with many new System Presets and new EaganMatrix capabilities.

This firmware is compatible with all modern Continuums produced since 2008 (Continuums with DSP), which is remarkable in the typical electronic world environment of orphaned hardware. However, certain new aspects of the firmware is only available on Continuums with the new 2X processor, or with Expanded systems (noted per item in this document). As always, there are already plans for a future release which will expand on the concepts and designs established in this and previous firmware releases for all Continuums with any DSP.

There are around 350 presets available right now, one of the new ones is Jupiter Mission -inspired by the Jupiter Mission section of 2001 A Space Odyssey. Check out these otherworldly sounds in the video below:

 

The second video featured the new External Note Mode. This mode lets you combine external sequences with your live playing of Continuum. This opens up totally new possibilities:

 

Instant Lo-Fi Junky by ZVEX

There are many many modules available these days but there is nothing quite like the Instant Lo-Fi Junky by ZVEX. The circuit has been on the market for some years as a guitar pedal and was adapted as a eurorack module later. The functionality remains the same and even the iconic paint job that you know from their pedals has been brought to the eurorack world. And if you are willing to pay more and wait a while for your module, you could even order a custom painted module directly from their homepage. This way you can be the owner of a unique hand painted module from Minneapolis, Minnesota.

InstanLOFIjunky3

But lets focus on the functions the Instant Lo-Fi Junky has to offer. The Instant Lo-Fi Junky has a mono input and output, what happens to your audio signal between these sockets is a lot and can create a very distinguishable effect. There are four different knobs to control the sound, one sets a relation between compression and a LoFi bandpass filter effect. Then there is one knob for the modulation speed of the vibrato and one for the modulation depth. With a switch you are able to select three different waveforms for the modulation. The fourth knob is a classic dry/wet mix which can add to the character of the sound by chorusing between the uncompressed signal and the highly compressed vibrato of the processed sound.

For all parameters there is a cv input. The input labeled ext enhances the functionality by letting you send in your own signals to modulate the Instant Lo-Fi Junky. This way you can mix your own modulation waveform or envelope with the internal one, by turning the depth control you set the amount of the two signals. By turning this knob all CCW you can eliminate the internal waveform from the mix.

How does it sound? The name says it all, it is an instant LoFi effect with a strong feeling of worn-out magnetic tape. It is generating warm, chorus and vibrato effects that are dampened in their frequency range and convey a vintage feeling. It is often heard in ambient patches and absolutely shines in that area, but use it only on a single element in your mix and it can lively up the whole feel of it without leaving you with a proto-ambient track. We had lots of fun testing the Instant Lo-Fi Junky! Check out the demo video below by Mr Zachery Vex himself, or visit SchneiderLaden if you are in Berlin. Our experts in the showroom will be happy helping you to find out how much Instant Lo-Fi you need in your life.

 

 

TouellSkouarn Sonveskan Feedback Mixer – Model of 2017

We received another batch of the incomparable TouellSkouarn Sonveskan! This is the new 2017 version which is equipped with bigger coupling capacitors than the predecessor – The result: More bass!

Sonveskan is a three-channel mixer, all three channel strips feature identical circuit designs.

TouellSkouarn Feedback Mixer3

Lets follow the signal flow: There is an input level control which starts colorizing the sound pretty early at about 20% gain. This can be altered by a second gain stage adjustable only by a trim potentiometer on the circuit board. These two gain stages are wired in serial. After that the audio signal goes through a feedback circuit. The amount of feedback by controlled by the second potentiometer accessible from the front panel. The feedback intensity is variable via a CV input, individually for each channel of cause. The gain and feedback stages are followed by a mute switch and a direct output. Because of this direct out, each channel can be used as a separate preamp. If you decide not to take the signal from the direct out the three signals are combined in a mixing stage that features an equalizer with two bands – treble and bass, each with its own potentiometer. But that is not all, the final output can add even more gain and more distortion. Again, a trim potentiometer on the circuit board is used for editing the level of the final gain stage. By combining several channel strips it is possible to create very wild effects.

TouellSkouarn Feedback Mixer

After all, this is a highly adjust-to-taste signal modifier, especially if your taste is guided by distortion and feedback. The sound is rough and fascinating, it really takes your signal and makes it his own, but without making it unrecognizable were it came from. Even though the circuit compresses the audio signal it won’t be without recognizable transients, keeping the sound alive … unless you turn gain and feedback way up – then it destroys. It does add something special and can be seen as a worthy addition to most racks.

As it is always hard to describe a sound with words, even more with a highly adjustable module like the Sonevkan, we recommend to come to SchneidersLaden or a modular event like SUPERBOOTH18 to get your own impression of this specialist for feedback and distortion.

 

 

 

 

Sonveskan is a three-channel mixer built using discrete components like germanium transistors.

Each audio path:

  • equipped with a dual gain stage
  • voltage controlled feedback
  • mute switch
  • direct output

Mixing stage:

  • equalizer with two bands
  • another gain stage delivering more distortion
  • mix output

 

 

DON´T PANIC! Beginners Workshop. August 10th / 6PM

WP_20170721_11_02_05_ProHello modular newbies!    August 10th, 6pm, we’re holding a workshop for modular beginners in our beloved showroom.

Our goal is that you can confidently make your own first patch afterwards and have a good time. And also meet likeminded people!

Although we are nerds we won’t get too technical.  Along the way we will show you basic patch techniques as well as tell you some stories about the history of (modular) synths and the Eurocrack scene.

Starts at 6pm / Kotti above REWE (ring bell: schneidersladen)

Workshop is limited to 12 participants, so..
>>>     Please write Thomas for confirmation:

tc@schneidersladen.de

directly now !!! << See you there!!!   the schneidersladen showroom team

Modular Schaltzentrale @ Berlin Atonal 2017

In August the Atonal festival will take place in Berlin. The venue will be the outstanding Kraftwerk again, with its impressive size and post apocalyptic appearance. One of the most remarkable rooms of the building is the Schaltzentrale. Which is the former control room of the heating and power station that this venue has been before. Now the only heat produced in the Kraftwerk comes from the body heat, most of it from the Club Tresor that is located in the basement.

This is the third year in a row that we are part of this outstanding festival and we are very much looking forward to it. In fact we are bringing every demo system we have at Alex4 and SchneidersLaden.

Berlin-Atonal-2016-©-Camille-Blake-14

Three years ago Laurens von Oswald and Harry Glass, the organizers of Berlin Atonal, were so kind to invite us for the first time, they helped to create a modular playground that not only attracted the guests of Atonal but also lots of artists before or after their own performances. Unforgettable: The four hour long patch marathon with Max Loderbauer during our first participation at Berlin Atonal. This time again each night will feature one unannounced artist from the festival, who is invited to join us and play an improvisation in the Schaltzentrale.

Screen Shot 2017-08-01 at 12.48.58

 

SchneidersLaden and Alex4 will be present with lots of modular synthesizers – a perfect addition to the complexity that has been controlled from this room during the past. The atmosphere has always been great in the Schaltzentrale with its walls full of control elements, buttons and meters are protected from the visitors fingers by plants (we named them power-plants) which gives this room an even more otherworldly sci-fi appearance.

Come by and join us! Talk about synthesizers or just listen to the the sound of the machines, dance and have a good time. We hope to see you there!

berlin-atonal-2016-©-helge-mundt-1

By the way … here is a video we found online: featuring our product specialist Patrick Detampel, Mark Verbos and Konstantin Gervis playing the Schaltzentrale and at some point realizing they made the whole room dance to 112 bpm.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Njbkf2CLAE

 

 

Freqs of Nature 2017 review – a modular playground

Full (modular) House at Freqs of Nature!

 

The Freqs of Nature Festival has been around for quite some time now but only recently expanded the musical spectrum. The festival concentrated on mostly Psy Trance music until last year. Now there is almost any genre of electronic music present leaving you spoilt for choice, wich is a very good thing. As a guest of Freqs of Nature you will always be able to find the perfect musical match for your current mood. From smooth and relaxed Ambient or Dub music to tripping and driving DnB, Breakcore, Techno and – of cause – Psy Trance. You are even able to find all kinds of experimental electronic music, numerous workshops and multiple art galleries with a huge variety of art through out the festival. From a gallery featuring mind-tickling artworks of artists from all around the globe, to street-art and live painting performances there is a lot to discover at Freqs of Nature. The audience is openminded and interested in discovering new way of expression and sounds and is willing to walk the adventurous routes.

This is the point where it gets interesting – last year there was already some modular action visible at the festival. This year this part of the festival was generously expanded by the organizers, by dedicating a special area to modular synths.

Freqs_festival_impressions_patrick_2The Modular House was a … well a house, dedicated to the experimental playground – the modular synthesizer. We were very excited when we discovered this. We (=Patrick Detampel) set up different modular systems and held workshop after workshop. The flow of interested people never really stoped, there were always people around, playing an instrument they might not know existed before entering the Modular House. The interest was so big that Patrick Detampel, our product specialist and well known modular expert, decided to set up 1-hour beginner workshops, Q&A times and open jam sessions. Additionally the Bastl Instruments Crew offered a beginners soldering workshop with their DIY kits.

Freqs_festival_impressions_patrick_3

The synths!

We brought a lot of gear, some of it can be found in the pictures, but here is a more detailed list:

Freqs_festival_impressions

The sound was good!

Surprisingly there was a little Function One sound system setup in the modular house so you really were able to hear what the machines are capable of. But the sound of modular synthesizers was not only present in the modular house. More and more live acts play their shows with modulars and the artists at Freqs of Nature where no exception. The organizers took good care of the sound quality and a constant flow of music – with shows 24 hours a day the party never stopped … until Tuesday morning!

 

The trip to Freqs of Nature was great and we want to thank the organizers for their support of modular music and making our stay as comfortable as possible … In the end it is a music festival, it is loud, dirty and the best thing you can do in German summer!

We will be back! Make sure you will be there too. Next years edition will happen from 04-09 July 2018.

To get some more visual impressions of the festival make sure to check out the impressive picture gallery HERE.

Gammons modular workshop for children at SUPERBOOTH17

More of our regularly unregular video releases of Workshops and Performances from SUPERBOOTH, SchneidersLaden and SchneidersBuero. HerrSchneider invited Gammon to his new video studio in Berlin Kreuzberg, where the two talked about the ideas behind the Workshops Gammon held during SUPERBOOTH17.

These workshops were specifically designed for children. The participants were students from schools in Berlin Mitte and Neukölln. With 10 individually configured modular synthesizers the group was able to create different musical voices to interact and complement each other in a unique composition that can be heard in one of the following videos. Besides some technical aspects of the machines the children were working with, there was a strong focus on the parallels to natural sounding objects. These are a part of the wide range of sonic opportunities that can be found on modular synthesizers.

Gammon is planing to do a similar workshop in November, this time a 3-day workshop at DEFINE Festival in Sønderborg, Denmark. The concept for this workshop is to develop a Modular Synthesizer Ensemble with the participants and to be able to play a concert on the last day of the festival.

 

SchneidersLaden @ Label Boutique Market / Krake Festival

Nice weather, exciting records, wonderful people and a special modular synth performance – the perfect day in Berlin!

SchneidersLaden joined the numerous independent record labels at Krake festivals Label Boutique Market at Urban Spree. Next to the food and drink stands SchneidersLaden seemed to be the only non-label stand, at least that was the impression you could get. At the stand SchneidersLaden presented their two Verleihsysteme, the Shared System by Make Noise and the Studio System. Head over to SchneidersLaden to check out the rental terms!

IMG_4034

IMG_4033

The Krake Festival in Berlin organized the Label Boutique Market at Urban Spree. Finally we got some good weather in Berlin again which was important because the Label Boutique Market was an open air event. The really nice atmosphere was created by the relaxed and interested people and the location with its unique flair.

Jessi_Miquel5

From 6 pm on Jessica and Miguel from SchneidersLaden played a very nice performance on their personal modular systems. Miquel used an Elektron Device next to his one row of modular. Here are some pictures of their performance, with a bit of luck there might be an audio recording of this online.

Jessi_Miquel1Jessi_Miquel

Jessi_Miquel2Jessi_Miquel3

Video of Surgeon Workshop at SchneidersLaden

Herr Schneider is back with something new. During the next weeks there will be different releases of videos about workshops and performances from SUPERBOOTH17 and SchneidersLaden. Especially the workshop videos represent recent developments in the culture of Berlin’s electronic music scene.

 

This scene and especially the eurorack community have proved to have a very supportive and vital culture. This can be seen in the success of events like SUPERBOOTH Berlin, Maker Fair Berlin or Krake Festival. People tend to share ideas, discoveries and knowledge with each other to push the boundaries of what is possible. As a big part of this culture, workshops are the perfect opportunity for meeting each other and learning from each other. SchneidersLaden offers these Workshops for some time now and was able to present some big names as hosts. One of the recent Special Workshops was hosted by techno artist Surgeon and the video will be online tonight at 9 pm CET, it will be followed by the first video from SUPERBOOTH17 next week! Keep your eyes on Stromkult.com or follow the link at the bottom of this page.

 

Surgeon will be talking about his work with the Eurorack Modular System, with which he has been known to perform in clubs around the world. Respected as one of the most exciting live acts around, Surgeon is sure to have a wealth of knowledge about using the modular. He explains how his personal modular synthesizer story began in SchneidersLaden and how it developed since then.

 

 

Additional to the Special Workshops at SchneidersLaden, there are Beginner and Advanced Workshops, both are held on a regular basis. Please go to the Event Calender for the latest dates.

Liivatera – Estonian analog Trough Zero VCO

A new kid is in town! Liivatera is known for developing high grade, yet reasonably priced Eurorack modules. The Estonian company consistently manages to expand classic concepts with new ideas. The new Trough Zero VCO is one of just a few analog Trough Zero VCOs available in Eurorack today and it is one of the more affordable ones – next to the Doepfer A-110-4170137_1

After a first test we can attest this is a serious VCO design with classic, analog sound, which can be twisted in a multitude of directions. Especially the thick, very musical results of linear frequency modulations are quite impressive. It comes equipped with seven audio outputs. Besides standards, there are connectors emitting a half-frequency square wave and a double-frequency sawtooth. For playing the circuit, conducting transpositions and so forth, a total of three CV inputs is available. One of them features an attenuator. Furthermore, the oscillator offers a linear FM input, which can be edited in its sensitivity.

For more info please contact or visit SchneidersLaden.

ABOUT STROMKULT


STROMKULT is our platform for updates and news on SCHNEIDERSLADEN and SUPERBOOTH, selected electronic musical instruments and events related to modular synthesizers, sequencers, competent drum machines, analog modular systems, midi tools, controllers, converters and related products of all kinds. You can find all kinds of events related to these topic in our EVENT CALENDAR. Also on this site you will find lots of videos from SUPERBOOTH – the world’s largest trade fair for electronic musical instruments, news about events and workshops at SCHNEIDERSLADEN.

Herr Schneider started in 1999 with SCHNEIDERSBUERO as a sales and marketing platform for the smallest manufacturers and inventors of electronic musical instruments. Products were shown online, in our showrooms and at the original SUPERBOOTH – workshops and countless reviews have been featured in magazines all over Europe.

These very special instruments and tools are now often available from specialist dealers all over Europe and can be purchased directly from our webshop SCHNEIDERSLADEN worldwide.