John Chowning explains how he invented FM synthesis, Elektron discontinues legendary machines, Student builds Oram’s ‘Dawn Sound’ machine, and the nearly forgotten Subharchord synthesiser.
Student Builds Oram’s ‘Dawn Sound’ Machine. Goldsmiths PhD student Tom Richards has finally built pioneering British electronic music experimentalist Daphne Oram’s previously unfinished music sequencer and synthesiser project ‘Mini-Oramics’, a unique form of ‘drawn sound’ machine designed in the 1960s. Watch above.
John Chowning Explains How he Invented FM Synthesis. One of the great achievements of musical invention and a key milestone of 20th century technology, FM is a synthesis method capable of producing futuristic and otherworldly sounds. At an event in Berlin, electronic artist Holly Herndon hosted an interview with its inventor John Chowning, who recounts FM’s evolution. Stream above.
The Nearly Forgotten Subharchord Synthesizer. Originally built by engineers working on acoustics and music interfaces in communist East Germany in the 1960s, the Subharchord remains one of the most unique yet forgotten synthesisers in electronic music. Das Filter has filmed a short documentary on the synth to shine a light on its legacy and display one the the few left in action. Watch it above.
Korg PlugKEY Connects MIDI Keyboards To iOS. Korg introduces their new mobile MIDI and audio interface for iOS, the plugKEY, a simple music production solution that connects your iPhone and iPad music apps to any MIDI keyboard. Stereo output is also provided for live and studio use. Watch the promo above.
Elektron Discontinues Legendary Machines. Swedish synth company Elektron has announced that two of its legendary hardware units are to be discontinued after 15 years of production: the Machinedrum digital drum machine and the Monomachine which have been superseded by the Analog Rytm drum machine and Analog Four synth respectively. Find out more here.