The video clips on this page require QuickTime 7.2 for viewing.
Videography by Bert Baldwin.
Oraison from Richard Lainhart on Vimeo.
NOTES:As my notes on the Early Works page indicate, my first real compositions were created on the Moog Modular synthesizer, and I've had a sympathy for analog systems and techniques ever since. But once personal computers, MIDI, and digital audio processing became viable tools for composing and performing electronic music, I moved away from modular analog synthesizers, which weren't affordable for the average musician and were never really intended for live performance anyway.
However, one consequence of my recent collaborations with Jordan Rudess, particularly in our live electronic performances in which Jordan plays his MiniMoogs, is that I've come to miss the immediacy and organic sound of analog modular synthesizers. As a result, I decided to order a Buchla 200e Electric Music Box, which I received in June of 2007. I chose the 200e not only because of its compact size and functional density, but also because it's the only patchable modular synthesizer with preset memory, making it ideal for live performance.
The video and audio clips on this page document my first work with the Buchla 200e, and I'll be adding more as I come to a greater understanding of this complex and fascinating new instrument.
VIDEO :
Introduction
This introductory video clip explains a bit about the 200e and the quad performance system I've designed to support it. It's about 7 minutes long.
July 27, 2007
This clip, "072707", is a 20-minute version of a structured improvisation I'm developing using most of the sounds I've created in my initial programming sessions with the 200e. Like all the recordings on this page, it's recorded in realtime without backing tracks or edits. It's a long download, so please be patient.
Chorale
This clip is a short chordal improvisation I've titled "Chorale", because that's what it reminds me of.
AUDIO :
Thonk
"Thonk" is a rhythmic improvisation for 200e sequencer and three voices controlled by the Continuum, the basic sounds of which also make an appearance in "072707".
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COMPONENTS :
My current 200e system components (I have reconfigured and rearranged a few system components since these first videos were shot):
Model 225e MIDI Decoder/Preset Manager
routes and processes MIDI input; stores knob settings as presets
Model 297 Infinite Phase Shifter
voltage-controlled barber-pole phaser and notch filters
Model 210e Control And Signal Router
CV and audio automated matrix patching
Model 227e System Interface
quad mixing, panning and monitoring
Model 266e Source Of Uncertainty
noise and random control voltage generator
Model 281e Quad Function Generator
4 independent or chainable envelope generators
(2) Model 292e Quad Dynamics Managers
4 VCAs with low-pass filters
(2) Model 291e Triple Morphing Filters
3 independent or chainable VC filters with snapshots
(4) Model 261e Complex Waveform Generators
dual voltage-controlled waveshaping oscillators
Model 259e Complex Waveform Generator
dual voltage-controlled wavetable oscillator
Model 250e Arbitrary Function Generator
advanced 16-step control voltage sequencer
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LINKS :
Buchla 200e:
www.buchla.com/200e/index.html
Haken Audio Continuum:
www.hakenaudio.com/Continuum/
CVC:
www.hakenaudio.com/Continuum/html/accessories/CVCintro.html
Replacement LED heads in alternate colors:
www.garrettwade.com/
The 200e's current LED lamps use the 26N08 series heads.
Markertek multi-color mini cables:
www.markertek.com/
Markertek also carries Neutrik NP2C quarter-inch mono plugs with cable clamping and strain relief, perfect for working with that thin banana wire when making custom CVC cables.
A good source for Pomona banana cables:
www.testpath.com/Categories/Banana-Plug-Patch-Cords-PVC-Stacking-1835.htm
A good source for weird custom audio cables of all kinds:
www.eventhorizon-srv.com/
A recording of "Oraison" set to film:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=PTYY1cF8LhQ
More about the Ondes Martenot:
www.obsolete.com/120_years/machines/martenot/index.html
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