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Abbildung vom Radikal Technologies Swarm Oscillator

RT-311 Swarm Oscillator description

DSP based multi oscillator module with parameter snapshot interpolation

The RT-311 offers two main oscillators with sweepable waveforms, oscillator synchronisation, TLM, linear FM and exponential FM. The RT-311 can store up to 8 memory setups with 8 snapshots each, holding all oscillator settings and memorizes them even after powering down your modular synth. One highlight of this module is the opportunity to interpolate between these parameter snaphots. Interpolation can be controlled with an external control voltage or with a built in LFO. The speed of the internal LFO can be controlled with an external control voltage as well. The interpolator has even an external output to interpolate one parameter of an attached module.
Both oscillators can built swarms of oscillator clones. Up to 16 Oscillators are running simultaneously at the highest setting. The detune knob changes the pitch of all oscillator clones between ultra slow oscillator frequency beating effects and multiple frequency drones and chords.
The swarm can be pitched in musical intervals, chords, clusters or fat detunes. The swarm tuning can be stored into the snapshots too. That allows for to built up to 8 different chords with different sound settings one can change while playing in a setup.
Both oscillator swarms have independent outputs. If one sets the exponential FM inputs depth to maximum, the inputs run with Volt per Octave scaling. The oscillator swarms can then be used like two independent Synth voices.
The scale inputs can also get quantized to musical scales. That makes it easy to control the swarm from a step sequencer. Just select the root key with the tune knob and a pentatonic scale and turn the knobs of your sequencer for always matching tonal sequences.

Listen to the audio demos here.
Check some pics here.

Abbildung vom Radikal Technologies Swarm Oscillator

RT-311 demos – an growing list of sound examples

1.) RT-311 Subwoofer test

Does your subwoofer handle the low frequencies of this little snapshot interpolator demo? If not you should shop for something else.

The file can be downloaded here:

2.) Interpolating swarm clouds

The parameters of the RT-311 can be automated by interpolating between different snapshots of sound settings. There is even an interpolator data output for the control of additional modules. In this example the RT-451 Dual Filter module is connected to this output.

You are listening to waveform, pitch and TLM modulation, FM etc. changing continuously over time and you probably have never heard before that all these parameters are changing simultaneously.

The player above plays the mp3 version of the demo. You can download a uncompressed wav-file version here.

3.) More swarm oscillator chords

The oscillator swarm offers some chord presets, that can be used as tuning sets for the swarm. I fed the oscillator into the RT-451 dual multimode filter. The cutoff frequency is under control of an ADSR envelope. Finally I put a little delay onto the demo.

The player above plays the mp3 version of the demo. You can download a uncompressed wav-file version here.

4.) Chord swarm 1

The oscillator swarm offers some chord presets, that can be used as tuning sets for the swarm. I fed the oscillator into the RT-451 dual multimode filter. The cutoff frequency is under control of an ADSR envelope.
Finally I put a little delay onto the demo.
You can listen to three different short clips.

The player above plays the mp3 version of the demo. You can download a uncompressed wav-file version here.

5.) Interpolating sequence.

In this example you are listening to the RT-311 Swarm Oscillator interpolating patch, triggered by a one bar beatstep sequence. The interpolator is controlled by the RT-311 internal LFO. The external cv output of the interpolator controls the RT-451 for additional filter effects. After some dry bars I added some reverb and delay for a more cosmic experience 😉

The player above plays the mp3 version of the demo. You can download a  uncompressed wav-file version here!

6.) Musical scales

In this example I am experimenting with the scale settings of the RT-311 swarm oscillator. The „swarm“ itself is not in use in this example – I am using the oscillators like two single oscillators. The LFO, that controls the pitch input, controls the cutoff frequency of the RT-451 multimode filter in the sawtooth section of this demo (starts at the half of the file). Setting the modulation depth of both filters in opposite direction creates this stereo animation.
At the end I am deactivating the scale quantizer so you can hear, what the oscillator would sound like without the quantizer.
I am using the tape delay setting of the soundcraft mtk mixer and feed the echo signal into the reverb fx of the second fx processor.

You can download the demo as a wav-file here!

7.) Oscillator sync experiments

In this demo you are listening to some live tweaking of an oscillator synchronisation patch. I fed the oscillator into the FXs of my mixing desk to create these sonic landscapes. The wav file can be downloaded here!

8.) RT-311 first demo


I created that demo with an early prototype of the swarm oscillator. I created a lot of different sounds together with our RT-451 filter, envelopes and VCAs from Doepfer etc.

The player above plays the mp3 version of the demo. You can download a uncompressed wav-file version here.

Radikal Technologies swarm oscillator.

RT-311 sound examples 2: Interpolating sequence

In this example you are listening to the RT-311 Swarm Oscillator interpolating patch, triggered by a one bar beatstep sequence. The interpolator is controlled by the RT-311 internal LFO. The external cv output of the interpolator controls the RT-451 for additional filter effects. After some dry bars I added some reverb and delay for a more cosmic experience 😉

The player above plays the mp3 version of the demo. You can download a  uncompressed wav-file version here!

 

Radikal Technologies swarm oscillator.

RT-311 sound examples: Scale experiments 1

In this example I am experimenting with the scale settings of the RT-311 swarm oscillator. The „swarm“ itself is not in use in this example – I am using the oscillators like two single oscillators. The LFO, that controls the pitch input, controls the cutoff frequency of the RT-451 multimode filter in the sawtooth section of this demo (starts at the half of the file). Setting the modulation depth of both filters in opposite direction creates this stereo animation.
At the end I am deactivating the scale quantizer so you can hear, what the oscillator would sound like without the quantizer.
I am using the tape delay setting of the soundcraft mtk mixer and feed the echo signal into the reverb fx of the second fx processor.

You can download the demo as a wav-file here!

 

 

 

sonar eXperience Reviews

Passend zur Bandcamp Veröffentlichung der „sonar eXperience“ habe ich ein paar Reviews zusammengestellt, die damals in verschiedenen Magazinen oder Online Publikationen erschienen sind:

Leser des Kleingedruckten in Booklets kennen den  Namen Jörg Schaaf aus den Credits der jüngsten Klaus-Schulze-CDs,  und Konzertgänger werden sich an den RAVE-O-LUTIONär an KS‘  Seite erinnern. Nicht verwunderlich wäre daher, wenn der Gießener  Elektroniker nach Jahren des Adlatentums auch mit seinem Soloalbum auf  den Pfaden des „Paten“ wandeln würde. Tut er aber nicht  – in der Zeit, die sich der Epiker Schulze für ein Intro nimmt, ist  Schaaf schon fertig. Und was er diesseits der Sieben-Minuten-Grenze inszeniert,  verdient nochmals Respekt; Titel wie – um nur zwei von 13 möglichen  Beispielen zu nennen – „Sonorous Supersonics“ (Track 2, 6:32)  oder „Wave Transmitter“ (Track 12, 5:30) sind vorbildlich ausbalancierte  Mixturen aus originellem Sound-Design und effektsicherem Sequencing, kühler  Intelligenz und brodelnder Emotion. Daß Schaaf meist düstere  Atmos bevorzugt, tut dem Hörspaß keinen Abbruch. Denn „Sonar  Experience“ ist wirklich, vor allem bei Einsatz hi-fideler Headphones,  eine extraordinäre sonare Erfahrung, auf die der vom Label Ninetysix  angebotene Stilbegriff „EMbient“ paßt wie Quasi zu Midi.
Albrecht Piltz/ Keyboards

You might recognize Joerg’s name as Klaus collaborator  on the Wahnfried album TRANCE APPEAL. This to my knowledge is his first  solo album and it is amazing. KS knows talent when he hears it and this  album will definitely appeal to all Teutonic electronic EM lovers. The  recording quality is superb, and the multi-layers of dense synthetic pulsations,  dark melodic themes and imaginative compositional shifts in arrangement  and atmosphere combine to create one of the most impressive albums to  come out of Berlin in some time. Great stuff!
Archie Patterson/Eurock

So far, Germany’s 96 Sounds has become known for  their Ambient Dub electronica excursions, with artists like Sanjiva, Genuine  and Bjorn Fogelberg. With their latest release, they open new doors without  closing any behind them. Jörg Schaaf is a contemporary of Klaus Schulze,  and apparently even had some influence on the master’s own musical endeavors.  Bringing a symphonic electronic space sense to the project, Schaaf covers  lots of ground in his musical meanderings, moving effortlessly back and  forth between different styles prevalent over the past 20 years of EM  development. Sequencers take off, sweeping phonics dwell and settle before  soaring off to nether realms, and all manner of effects cut through and  slice the time-space experience. His stack of synths seem capable of moving  in any direction at any time. The feeling of traveling through space dominates  certain passages, while big-time images and special effects hold down  the bottom. Easily one of ’99’s top imports, the „Sonar Experience“ is  a journey well worth taking. Fasten your seat belts & set the controls…
Lloyd Barde/backroad music

Beautiful in it’s darkness, perfect in it’s terror. The panic pouring from it attracts the listener from the very first instant; its bleak, confining ambiences, are born from the lowest of sounds and the most distorted effects. Sonar Experience is a quest through fear and the past; a past overcrowded with german sounds and perfect sequences in which textures are varied and twisted to the point that they reach the perfection of a Greek sculpture. Tangerine Dream, Schulze… their style is evoked yet reformulated; adapted to modernity, yet not perverted by it. A masterpiece reminding us that which is creativity: to know the past, mix it up, and from its sum, become innovative.
Laura S. García – Amazing Sounds

Trying to place the name? Well he was the other keyboard player on Klaus Schulze’s ‘Dosburg Online’. The first track ‘Awake’ sets a dramatic opening scene with what could be flight after flight of strange alien craft blasting past low overhead. ‘Sonorous supersonics’ takes over in gentle sequential yet melodic mode, reminding my very much of John Dyson on top form. This is a beautiful number which takes an ominous twist half way through. The sequences are always top notch as are the atmospherics at one moment joyous and the next sinister. ‘Fear I’ is a loud sonic blast of a bridging passage which takes us to ‘Turning point’ and what a cracking sequential, rhythmic chugger it is. Still highly expressive but with the sort of infectious quality that makes the body move to it on its own accord. The melodic pads really are wondrous to behold. A fantastic track which just gets better and better the further you get in. I just wish it could have gone on three times as long. ‘Fear II’ is another short, radical, haunting, bridging piece. 
‘Psychosis Beat’ uses more 90’s sounding drums though not too in yer face. It develops and gets more and more into every nerve, again causing the body to move. The pervading atmosphere dwells on the darker side. ‘Sequencia’ as its name suggests is something of a sequencer blast, with accompanying great melody, solar wind and laser effects mixed together in the most, oh yes! way. ‘Fear III’ is, you guessed it, another very short weird bridging section. ‘Eric’s Birth’, begins with a tinkling sequence and develops into a relatively happy track. ‘Nighttrip’ on the other hand starts like one of the weird bridging tracks but we are then back into 90s rhythmic territory, I didn’t too much like the melody and it was the first time a dance rhythm was used but never mind, skip. 
‘Laydown Sonics’ begins with some choice cosmic effects and gentle synth pads. It gets even more out in the ether as it progresses and is a superb drifter. ‘Wave Transmitter’ is another rhythmic chugger which steams us to ‘Last Point of Infinity’ which starts off with massed sirens then a firm, solid, menacing beat takes over but is softened by a piano melody, finishing a very enjoyable album off in a relaxed mood.
(DL – Synthmusic-Direct)

If you think it’s easy to record ambient, synthesizer-based music, go ahead and sit yourself down in front of the Korg. Now that you’ve fully embarrassed yourself, how about doing a bit of disaster control by showing everyone your smarts as you brandish Jorg Schaaf’s latest mechanized offering, Sonar Experience? Having previously worked with the talented Klaus Schulze, Schaaf has come of age, displaying a knack for creating unique compositions that sap your strength with a powerful, numbing sensory overload. While individually labeled as separate tracks, each composition on this CD interacts with its neighbors, producing a cohesive, motile object that reacts with your listening environment. Schaaf appreciates time and does a superb job letting his creations take form and quietly evolve into full-bodied beings. Reminiscent of Kraftwerk (sans vocals) at its finest, „Sonorous Supersonics“ glides along an imaginary Autobahn, gently maneuvering from lane to lane. While this ride is generally a comfortable one, an occasional foreign roadblock appears („Fear I“ and „Fear II“ for example), purposely disrupting your forward movement without entirely impeding your forward progress. Whether you’re just along for the ride, or interested in piloting your own mental adventures, Schaaf has the a propos soundtrack.
Splendid E-Zine

Moog lamps

Links

Kurz und schmerzlos…

Eine Link-Liste darf auch auf meiner Webseite nicht fehlen. Sie ist noch sehr klein, aber wächst sicherlich noch.

Radikal Technologies ist Hersteller für elektronische Klangerzeuger wie dem Spectralis, dem Accelerator und Eurorack Modulen. Dort kann ich meine Ideen und Soundvorstellungen einbringen und umsetzen.

http://www.radikaltechnologies.com

Jörg Schaaf im World Wide Web
Meine Musik veröffentliche ich auf Bandcamp, Youtube, Soundcloud, Myspace. Anbei die wichtigsten Anlaufstellen:

My bandcamp profile

My myspace

My youtube channel

My Vimeo channel

My soundcloud profile

My Instagram

Radikal Technologies Twitter account

Artist Seite auf Facebook

Ralph Baumgartl ist leidenschaftlicher Youtube Video Blogger. Er berichtet vor allem von der Fraktion der Musikproduzenten, die zu elektronischen Mitteln greifen, um ihrer Musik eine individuelle Färbung zu verleihen. Zusammen haben wir kürzlich ein gemeinsames Musikprojekt gegründet.
Ralph Baumgartl’s Youtube Kanal

Ein toller und mittlerweile sehr umfangreicher Blog rund um das Thema Dub hat der Heiko aufgebaut. Besucht ihn unter:
Heiko’s Dubecho Blog

Uwe spielt ein Super-Schlagzeug, gibt angehenden Trommlern Unterricht und war mein persistenter Weggefährte in der Gießener Unterwelt.
Uwe Walther

Jojo produziert Filmmusik und spielt einfach unglaublich gut Synthesizer, Klavier und Orgel.
Jojo’s Filmmusik Webseite

Tommy ist ein verdammt guter Produzent, Komponist und Musiker. Seine Live Gitarrenarbeit ist legendär.
Tom E. Morrison

Andreas Tofahrn ist ein toller Programmierer, Elektroniker, Veranstaltungstechniker, Live Sound Mixer und leidenschaftlicher Fotograf. Meist kämpft er gegen mindestens 5 Deadlines gleichzeitig.
Andreas Tofahrn

Ein Eldorado für die Suche nach deutschen Redensarten und ihre Herkunft ist die Webseite von Peter Udem.
Redensarten Index

Radikal Technologies swarm oscillator

Swarm Oscillator Demos

Der Schwarm Oszillator ist für alle Modular Synthesizer Fans, denen es nicht fett genug werden kann. 2×8 Oszillatoren mit neuartigen Klangmanipulationsmöglichkeiten wecken Begehrlichkeiten.

 

Jörg Schaaf Studio 2016

Synth Dreamscape – Ambient session zusammen mit Ralph Baumgartl

Ganz spontan entwickelte sich kürzlich zusammen mit Ralph Baumgartl diese  Session . Ich spielte einen Akkord mit einem Arpeggiator-Patch auf dem Accelerator und fügte den Groove mit dem Spectralis hinzu. Ralph spielte den JD-XI mit allerlei Effekten. Das wird wohl nicht unsere letzte session gewesen sein. Viel Spaß!


Da wir uns spontan entschlossen haben, unsere Aktivitäten auszudehnen, haben wir eine gemeinsame Bandcamp Seite erstellt, auf der wir künftig unsere Ergebnisse veröffentlichen werden. Die Seite findet sich hier!

Accelerator Synthesizer.

Sommer 2016 – ein Trauerspiel

Was soll man dazu sagen? Der Sommer 2016 ist zumindest hier in Mittelhessen im Eimer. Schwimmbad ist nicht. Biergarten macht ebenfalls keinen Spaß. Also ab in’s Musikzimmer seinen Frust mit Hilfe der Membranen der Speaker ein Gesicht geben.

Alle sounds stammen vom Accelerator – der polyphone Synthesizer von Radikal Technologies. Infos gibt es hier:
Radikal Technologies

Soundcraft Signature 22 MTK EQ und FX „Tweaking“

Kürzlich strukturierte ich mein Musikzimmer dahingehend um, dass ich meine Musik wieder „OTB“ – also außerhalb des Rechners abmischen und entzerren kann. Mir liegt die Bedienung eines analogen Pultes einfach mehr. Es kommt mehr Spontanität und Freude auf, wenn man direkt und ohne Umwege in des Klanggeschehen eingreifen kann. Ich habe mich sehr schwer getan, das richtige Mischpult für meine Zwecke zu finden. Meine Wahl fiel auf ein Soundcraft Signature 22 MTK Pult. Zum einen ist mir eine Lösung mit integriertem USB Multitrack Audio System sehr sympathisch und zum anderen ließ es sich mit seiner kompakten Größe perfekt in meinen Studio Aufbau integrieren. Bevor ich das Pult mit meinem Rechner verbunden hatte, war mir nicht bewusst, dass ich den Logic X Sample Buffer auf 32 Samples stellen könnte. Das hat mich endgültig überzeugt. Viele Kanäle mit 100mm Fadern, 2 semiparametrischen Mitten, 2 eingebaute Effekte, Hi Z Eingänge für Gitarre und Bass, Limiter in 8 Eingangsstufen und ein 22/24 Kanal Audio Interface für deutlich unter 1000 Ocken – da muss es doch einen Haken geben… Wahrscheinlich schon – aber ich habe ihn noch nicht gefunden. Klar, Bypass Schalter für EQs wären toll gewesen oder einzeln schaltbare 48 V Phantomspeisung oder ein Ein/Ausschalter – aber die Vorteile dieser Lösung wirken so massiv, dass ich jeden Tag ein Grinsen in mein Gesicht bekomme, wenn ich das Teil in meinem Musikzimmer sehe.

Das wichtigste an einem Pult ist natürlich der Sound. Da es verdammt viele Videos auf Youtube gibt, in denen man Leute über das Pult reden hört, aber wenige, die es auch tatsächlich vorführen, habe ich ein alternatives Video gemacht. In dem Video wird gar nichts erzählt. Stattdessen kann man die EQs und Effekte eine Viertelstunde lang auf verschiedenen Audio Signalen hören, die allesamt dem Spectralis, dem Schwarm Oszillator und dem Dual Multimode Filter entsprungen sind. Viel Spaß!

Den RT-311 Schwarm-Oszillator und das RT-451 Filter hört man übrigens ab ca. 6:12