Show Notes
Oli Freke talks us through the history of samplers, from the introduction of the Mellotron in 1963, through to current day sampling software, while highlighting the golden era of sampling from the late 80s to early 90s. Chapters 00:00 - Introduction 01:08 - The Mellotron 02:28 - Pre-Digital Samplers 03:18 - Pierre Schaeffer And The Phonogène 04:03 - Peter Zinovieff And EMS 05:44 - The University Of Illinois' PLATO 06:08 - Harry Mendell's Melodian 07:21 - Wendel Sampling Computer 08:29 - The Fairlight and Fairlight II 15:20 - The Fundamentals Of Sampling 19:43 - The Synclavier 23:47 - Digital Delay Lines (DDLs) 26:04 - EMU Systems Emulator 31:01 - Ensoniq Mirage 32:39 - Other Notable 1980s Releases 34:46 - Akai S1000 and Roland S Series 38:14 - Sampling And Legal Issues 41:16 - Modern Day Sampling Oli Freke Biog Oli Freke is a London based musician, artist and author who has had a life-long passion for electronic instruments, synthesizers and electronic music. Currently working for the BBC, he has previously enjoyed success with electro band Cassette Electrik supporting the Human League on tour, written music for television and produced dance music since the 1990s. His Synth Evolution range of posters, celebrating the synthesizer and electronic music culture, launched in 2017 and led to the definitive, hand-illustrated book, ‘Synth Evolution: From Analogue to Digital (and Back)’, featuring every commercial synth of the 20th century. www.synthevolution.net www.linktr.ee/olifreke Catch more shows on our other podcast channels: https://www.soundonsound.com/sos-podcasts
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Alison Tavel talks to Rob Puricelli about Resynator, her documentary exploring the history of the synthesizer invented by her late father. They discuss reconstructing the instrument, its innovative design and early history, tracking down surviving examples, and placing the Resynator into the hands of contemporary musicians. Chapters 00:00 - Introduction 01:28 - Reasons For Making The Film 12:41 - What Is The Resynator? 20:05 - Reconstructing The Resynator 27:32 - Interviewing Peter Gabriel 31:28 - Filming in Colombia 40:00 - Where To View The Film Alison Tavel Biog Alison Tavel is a filmmaker and music archivist. Her work with archival material has included directing music videos, documentary projects, commercial spots and EPKs, as well as producing and overseeing archival content for major releases. Earlier in her career, Alison worked in music management and supervision before moving into touring and studio support for artists including Grace Potter, Beck and Jenny Lewis. RESYNATOR is her feature directorial debut, which won the Audience Award following its premiere at SXSW. The film explores the story of the pioneering synthesiser created by Alison's father Don Tavel and its rediscovery decades later. https://www.resynator.com http://instagram.com/resynator http://facebook.com/resynator http://x.com/resynator Rob Puricelli Biog Rob Puricelli is a Music Technologist and Instructional Designer who has a healthy obsession with classic synthesizers and their history. In conjunction with former Fairlight Studio Manager, Peter Wielk, he fixes and restores Fairlight CMI’s so that they can enjoy prolonged and productive lives with new owners. He also writes reviews and articles for Sound On Sound, his website Failed Muso, and other music-related publications, as well as hosting a weekly livestream on YouTube for the Pro Synth Network and guesting on numerous music technology podcasts and shows. He also works alongside a number of manufacturers, demonstrating their products and lecturing at various educational and vocational establishments about music technology. www.failedmuso.com Twitter: @failedmuso Instagram: @failedmuso Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/failedmuso
Bob Coover and Anthony Marinelli join Julian Rodgers to explore the history, evolution and creative potential of wavetable synthesis, from its early origins to modern instruments, discussing waveform morphing, iconic sounds and where the technology is heading next. Chapters 00:00 - Introduction 01:43 - What Is Wavetable Synthesis 11:08 - Morphing Between Waveforms 14:42 - History Of Wavetable Synthesis 19:05 - The Wavetable Sound 24:41 - Software Using Wavetables 26:46 - New Instruments With Wavetable Synthesis 30:05 - Morphing Sounds With Tactile Controls 34:01 - Examples In Popular Recordings 39:12 - The Future Of Wavetable Synthesis
KOGG's Selena Kay and Cerys Hogg talk to Caro C about combining their classical and jazz disciplines with creative sound design, custom instrument building, live performance and rhythmic experimentation. Chapters 00:00 - Introduction 01:40 - Meeting On A Tech Course 03:14 - Electronic Experimentation 04:50 - Developing As A Duo 06:52 - Releasing On Nonclassical 08:45 - Balancing Structure With Experimentation 10:43 - Sound Design Audio Examples 15:10 - Creating Custom Instruments 16:55 - Triggering And Processing Sounds 19:06 - Current Hardware Triggers 21:22 - Using Scores And Improv In Shows 24:40 - Combining Jazz And Classical 25:18 - Differences To Previous Projects 26:54 - Compositional Process 29:00 - Next Steps For KOGG 29:57 - Describing The Musical Style
Steve Hillage and Miquette Giraudy talk to Kevin Paul about their techno project System 7 and ambient project Mirror System, discussing their studio setup, live performances and creative approach to making music. Chapters 00:00 - Introduction 00:38 - Current Projects 01:20 - System 7 and Mirror System 02:20 - Songwriting Process 04:27 - Using Gong-Influenced Sounds 05:17 - Main Creative Tools 06:19 - Learning From DJ Experience 06:55 - Collaborative Workflow 08:49 - Structuring Albums 09:27 - Streamlined Studio Setup 11:20 - Limitations and Finishing Tracks 13:31 - Live Performances 16:58 - 10 Records and Collaborations 21:02 - The Future Of System 7 26:18 - Mirror System for Ambient Music #HelixLT #Logic #ProTools #Ableton #AnimoogZ http://www.a-wave.com https://www.facebook.com/System7page https://www.facebook.com/Mirrorsystem
James Richmond and Julian Rodgers dive into the world of modular synthesis, explaining what it is and how it fits into both studio production and live performance. They explore the process of creating unique sounds from scratch, the challenges of patch recall and share practical advice for anyone looking to get started with modular gear.