Category: Synthesizers

  • CatSynth Pic: White Cat and MU Modular with Hordijk Modules

    Another from Davor Gazde via our Facebook page. This image features his beautiful white cat with an MU-format system that includes modules from Rob Hordijk. It’s a bit like an expanded and more powerful version of what we have here with our benjolin module. 😺

  • CatSynth video: Over the Rainbow on Squeaky Toy Cats

    CatSynth video: Over the Rainbow on Squeaky Toy Cats

    The title pretty much says it all 😸.

    From the group Strange and Weird Instruments on Facebook. (Shared by our friend Neal Trembath.)

    Somewhere Over The Rainbow played on squeaking stuffed cats…what else can I say?
    More about Rare and Strange Instruments on the official blog : www.rareandstrangeinstruments.com

  • Church of the Superserge at Robotspeak: Djll, Day, Normalien

    The monthy Church of the Superserge event at Robotspeak in San Francisco has been going on five years. We at CatSynth were on hand to mark this milestone during the May show.

    Musically, the highlight was a solo set by Tom Djll on modular synth and mini trumpet. It was quite musical, blending rhythms and phrases with the timbral elements, even a “melody” of sorts from the processed trumpet.

    The afternoon opened with a set by Normalien, also on modular synthesizer. Some delightfully weird sounds with rhythmic elements.

    And Carson Day closed things out with a forceful set that included Novation and Dave Smith instruments.

    It’s always a fun afternoon at Robotspeak. Not only do I enjoy the music and technology in the performances, but also just browsing the display cases on the wall, seeing what instruments I should covet next. This little DIY synth stood out this time, especially juxtaposed between the giant vacuum tube and the WMD pedal.

    We look forward to next time, and perhaps playing again soon.

  • CatSynth Video: 3 Time & Timbre TimeStings controlling 3 TAL-Basslines

    CatSynth Video: 3 Time & Timbre TimeStings controlling 3 TAL-Basslines

    From DaanSynthesizers on YouTube, via matrixsynth.

    There are no midi tracks playing in this video. Everything is done live with the Time&Timbre pack. Every Timesting and Bassline-101 is controlled by three knobs and two sliders:

    First knob: Density of the Timesting sequencer
    Second knob: Offset of a LFO that controls the Filter Frequency
    Third knob: Amount of reverb from a Convolution Reverb
    First slider: Release
    Second slider: Wetness of the Time Delay

    A fun video to close out the week. And we love the little cat figurines 😺.

  • CatSynth pic: Caturday CatSynth

    Yes is it not Saturday, let alone Caturday. But we found this awesome pic featuring a beautiful cat and multiple synths. From StevieB on Twitter.

  • CatSynth Video: Force Ghost (Synth Cat Excerpt)

    CatSynth Video: Force Ghost (Synth Cat Excerpt)

    From lightbath on YouTube, via matrixsynth.

    “My synth cat asked if he could show everyone how he feels about this new patch.”

  • CatSynth Pic: Rupert and SH-101

    From Lee Tizzard via Facebook.

    My cat Rupert as his Roland SH-101 Analogue Synthesizer, zooms in to pick him up to take him into space, for another exciting, out of this world adventure.

  • Preparing for Tonight’s Show at The Lab

    I have been busily preparing for tonight’s solo set at The Lab here in San Francisco. As usually happens, I initially plan to simplify the setup, but then as I work on the set musically, more instruments and equipment end up part of the rig. And this one may be one of the largest to date.

    In addition to the Nord Stage (aka “The Big Red Keyboard”), there is the newly reconfigured modular synth, the Prophet 12, the Moog Mother 32, Casio SK-1, and iPad. The modular path features multiple voices, including some processing external audio from the Nord and the SK-1, respectively.

    Why so big? Well, it comes out the current musical direction, which mixes jazz and funk with experimental electronics. That means a full-size keyboard is always present. And the electronics has to provide rhythmic and harmonic support in addition to timbral support. This always adds significant complexity, but provides for a richer musical experience.


    Here are the details on the show, including the other acts. I am excited to have a group improv with my friends Joshua Marshall, Jaroba, and Christina Stanley. And the evening will begin with an orchestra of invented instruments from Pet The Tiger (David Samas, Tom Nunn et al.) with dance by Christina Braun. If you are in the Bay Area tonight, please consider joining us.

    Thursday, June 22, 8PM
    The Lab
    2948 16th St SF

    A special evening of funky and noisy sounds, invented instruments, whimsy, and more 😺 🎶

    8:00PM Pet The Tiger Inventors Collective performs Arc Weld
    8:40PM Amanda Chaudhary solo. Funky and experimental electronics
    9:20PM Amanda Chaudhary with collaborators Joshua Marshall, Jaroba, and Christina Stanley

    door: $5-10

    Additional info on BayImproviser.

  • CatSynth Pic: Black Cat and Korg MS-20

    Black cat and MS-20

    Another from our friends at Eevo Lute Music & Technology, via Instagram and Facebook. You can see their previous contributions here. This one features their black cat with a Korg MS-20 synthesizer and sundry household items.

    Synthesizers, vacuum cleaner, cat and washing machine. #neveradullmoment #housekeeping #musicstudio #blackcats

    While many readers are undoubtedly familiar with the MS-20, those who are not can learn more here.

  • CatSynth Video: Nugget

    CatSynth Video: Nugget

    Thanks nugget. #catsynth

    A post shared by Dustin DuPree (@dujoducom) on

    Nugget the cat performs a new composition for us. From dujoducom on Instagram.

    dujoducom Thanks nugget. #catsynth