Live Performance

This is the very first public performance under the name of "ALEQ".
Posted here to document it, even if the video and sound quality is not good enought (especially the sound coming from the camera).

This performance is a part of a concert in tribute to Iannis Xenakis.
Wednesday September 21, Annecy, France.
https://www.terresdempreintes.com/festival-aes-2022

The goal was not to create something similar (aesthetically or technically) to the Xenakis music. So no algorithmic calculations or stochastic synthesis here. It begins with a noisy sound, to gradually move on to percussive elements, which themselves bring out an evolving sequence of sounds at a recognizable pitch. Finally, the piece ends with a continuous harmonic sound.

Technically, the main instrument is a modular synthesizer, made up of modules from Erica Synth (a complete set of early DIY modules with 4 VCO and 2 Dtech VCF), a DE-3 Bristol Bloodhound VCO, a Doepfer synth voice A-111-6, a Turing Machine used as a digital noise source, a ADDAC VC T-Networks, various utility modules. There is also a prototype set of sequencer modules. And finally a home-made macro controler (long faders and a bank of attenuverters)

There is also a Eventide H9 and a Korg SDD-3000.

All sounds go into the sound card. Then are dispatched in a circle of 8 speakers for an immersive effect. It uses MAX with the help of the IRCAM SPAT (that adds the reverb too).

First step, and first thought

After a series of videos (and also taking advantage of the traditional end/beginning of the year review...), it is now time to take a step back and submit to some small reflections. Regarding creation, the use of modular synths is not free of traps. But let's say it right away, the modular is not alone in the face of these traps: let's transpose without waiting the reflections that will follow to all the audio production equipment... Among these traps, I will distinguish here 3, illustrated by the latest videos posted. Let's first clarify the context: Aleq is a project that aims to make music (sic).... and as much as possible, personal music. This seems silly to note, but the choice, then the use of a tool (whatever it is) will differ depending on the objective. (Conscious objective or not, by the way...) For example, if it is a question of setting up a sound design company, or music for films, it will be necessary to meet the very varied expectations of customers, and t...

Oldies

Aleq project should be dedicated to the use of modular synthesizers. So, no keyboards, no desktop ? Noway, "if it's sound good, it's good." (Duke Ellington) So in this particular project, why not accepting some "all in one" synth (Even with a keyboard ?!). I have several synth that are not eurorack modules. Not really interesting to speak about, there are a lot of good video on the web. But 2 machines can be more interesting, maybe. And both are "modular" (in fact, semi-modular...) : A RSF KOBOL, Expander I and II, with a small add: a joystick. I never see any info about this stuff on the web. I was buying the two expander, and this joystick was included, so... But it uses two 9V batteries, with no ON/Off switch, and you have to disassemble it to change the batteries: not effective ! In addition, it seems broken: needs some investigation. Or just leave it like that. Because there is another interesting machine, with 2 joysticks: An old and dirty E...

R*S SERGE VCM vs North Coast MSK013 VCO

A small test: both modules have a wave shaping section that sound identical :

Aleq Project

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