Category: Synthesizers

  • More CatSynth pics today

    We have more cat-and-synth pictures for today. Originally from pzlonvent, via matrixsynth:

    There are more pics at pzlonvent from the same series, include this one:

    So many fun places for a cat to play among racks and shelves of synthesizers…

    The posting at matrixsynth spurred a discussion of why there are so many pictures of cats and synthesizers, and so few of dogs. Not the first time that subject has come up. Certainly, the fact that there are so many interesting spots for a cat to explore (or take a nap) allows for more photo opportunities. They are also gerally more nimble and less clumsy than their canine counterparts.

    I also tend to think that cats are in behavior and personality more compatible with the personalities and aesthetics of “synth geeks” (and electronic musicians in general). The aloofness and independence and air of sophistication are characteristics I certainly find more appealing than the stereotypical “loyalty and obedience” of dogs. Dogs are also high-maintanance, need a lot of attention and of course their “walks,” taking away from time in the studio, while a cat is content to sit on a ledge or on a lap. Certainlly, Luna sometimes sits on my lap in the studio, as can be seen in at least one earlier post. And her presence in the studio is always a delight. By contrast, a clumsy and messy dog demanding attention would be quite unwelcome.

    Consider the aesthetics of cats, too. Cats are common in still life paintings and photography and lend an elegant quality, while dogs are more common in, say, poker scenes or creepy Norman Rockwell illustrations with kids. That is not to say I haven't seen some really great or endearing photos of dogs – but it is a very different aesthetic from cats.

    Certainly, these are all opinions, and we at CatSynth freely admit our feline bias. But to the best of our knowledge, there is no DogSynth site…





  • CatSynth pics: cats with effector13 pedals

    Via sendling (who is now included on my “Synth Links” list):


    That's a lot of effector13 boxes, and they aren't cheap!



  • New Podcast: Improvisation with Octave The Cat

    Another Sunday, another podcast release. Tonight I present a short improvisation on the recently acquired Octave CAT synthesizer. I have been playing with this instrument now for several days and getting a better feel for both it's timbres, it can do some really smooth analog sounds and really glitchy complex elements as well. I try to cover both qualities in this performance. Enjoy!

    I am also rolling out the new logo, part of reintroducing the podcast as “The CatSynth Channel.”








  • Weekend "CatSynth" Blogging #97: Luna and TX802

    Weekend Cat Blogging crosses the CatSynth juggernaut:

    Here we see Luna posing next to a Yamaha TX802.

    The shine on her fur on this photo looks a lot like the cute black cat Puddy, who is hosting Weekend Cat Blogging #97 along Kate at A Byootaful Life.









  • Octave The Cat

    Well, after months of trying to track one of these down, I finally have in my posession an Octave CAT!

    Of course, I find myself wanting to write “Octave the Cat” because of the main “Octave / The Cat” fan site, and repetition of the phrase at matrixsynth and elsewhere.

    It turns out to be in fantastic shape, both cosmetically and functionally. I brought it in to work on the grounds that it might need a little work, and instead we've been having a great time playing with it. No repair work necessary. A wonderful addition to the collection (and quite appropriate for this site, don't you think?)





  • CatSynth pics and slide show: Convoy the Cat

    Submitted directly from Convoy the Cat himself:

    In addition to several photos viewable at his myspace, we also have a slide show!

    watch all the kittens dance






  • CatSynth pics: Moog and Virus

    Submitted by Jon Kull (no website given):


    Looks like someone found a comfy spot in front of the Moog…






  • Weekend Cat Blogging #96: White stripes and more

    I quite liked this closeup of Luna with the white stripes. It's actually a color photo, but the subjects and lighting make it appear grayscale.

    Zooming out, we can see that Luna is actually tracking a bird outside on the patio.

    While Luna continues to enjoy her hunting games through the window, Sundance takes his first trip outside, complete with harness. He is also hosting Weekend Cat Blogging #96 along with Upsie and Sher. Check out their photos and all the other WCB fun when they post the roundup.

    Actually, there is one more photo in this series. What is that big bubble-wrap thing behind Luna? It's actually quite appropriate for this forum:

    Synthesizer fans might recognize the faint logo of an Octave CAT. It just arrived yesterday, but will remain wrapped until I bring it into the office for a little repair work. I'm sure we'll be seeing a bit more of “Octave The CAT” on these pages in the near future…






  • Cat and Toy Piano photo

    This one was submitted by both elba (who enjoys one of my favorite activites: not shopping at WalMart) as well as brrer:

    A bengal with the “very analog” instrument: a classic Jaymar toy piano. My parents found one of these on someone's curbside several years ago – it's amazing what people throw out. When I tried it out, I immediately recognized it as the instrument used in recordings of John Cage's Suite for Toy Piano.

    Thanks to everyone who has been submitting photos in the past week or so. I'm a little backlogged at the moment, but I will get to posting them all, among all the other articles I want to write for this forum.