Tuesday, December 30, 2008

Fever Dreams


Ever had those? We start with the King Capitol Punishment Utopia Synth, then the Zvex Box of Metal, to the Moog MuRF, and on to the Analogue Systems rs290 Delay/Sampler module.

All of these pedals sound incredible on their own. The A.S. delay time is being modulated by the rs80 LFO module. No, you do not need the huge system. You can buy these modules separately and there are a variety of cases available including small ones. I don't wanna go back to sleep.

Friday, December 19, 2008

A.S. rs510e EMS Synthi Trapezoid Generator Short Demo


Here's the fully capable Analogue Systems rs510e. It's the only licensed version of the Trapezoid Generator from the legendary EMS synths. The rs510e basically has an envelope generator and a VCA built into one module. You can trigger the EG with a gate from a keyboard, sequencer, or the trigger button on the face plate.

The Trapezoid Generator works a lot like a traditional envelope generator but only has three stages. There is Attack, On, and Decay. On a graph, depending on the settings, this forms a trapezoid shape. The rs510e also has an Off knob. Setting this knob fully clockwise results in a more typical EG. Turn it to the left and you have something special. The off knob controls the auto repeat function. The more you turn counterclockwise, the faster it goes. You still have all the other knobs to manipulate as well. Depending on the settings, the rs510e can repeat rather quickly.

The audio in and outs sport level controls, you can distort the input a bit too. You can also use the rs510e as a modulation source, sending the trapezoid out two different outputs. There's also a level knob for the trapezoid which allows you to attenuate the output or invert it.

Saturday, December 13, 2008

Random Randomness Randomizer

Thanks to our friend Don for helping out with this patch. We're using the Analogue Systems rs380 Modulation Controller's random out function. We're sending it an external clock, in turn the rs380 is sending a sample and hold control voltage to our modulation destination. Other modules used include; the rs510e Synthi Trapezoid Generator, rs500e Synthi Filter, rs95 Oscillator, and the rs85 extended range LFO. The rs380 also offers an LFO with square and triangle waveforms, a white noise source, and a simple VCA.

Tuesday, December 9, 2008

Monomachine FM Jam

Here's a little ditty using the Elektron Monomachine as a polyphonic MIDI module. We've made a basic patch with one of the FM machines and set the Monomachine to poly mode. The Dave Smith MoPho is playing our bass line and the Machinedrum, also by Elektron, is providing the drum sounds. You can achieve interesting and bigger kick sounds (or any sound!) by layering. Essentially you can program one pattern sequence, let's say kick 1, and have it trigger another, kick 2, at the same time. Maybe you like one kick drum sound for it's attack and another for it's low end. With this trigger function you can try out different combinations without having to reprogram the rhythm line over and over. The Machinedrum is controlling the Mopho and the SFX-60 via MIDI.

Friday, December 5, 2008

Cwejman VM-1 Meets SH-101


We're using the sequencer from the classic Roland SH-101 to play the Cwejman VM-1 Voice Module / Multimode Filter. The VM-1 is an incredible module that contains a versatile Cwejman oscillator as well as Cwejman's renowned Mulitmode filter. Unlike the MMF-1 the VM-1 gives you the "Mode Morph" knob which allows you to sweep through the different filter modes. These include low, band, and highpass. You also have the ability to fade between filtering the oscillator and an external audio source. The VM-1 has 7 different oscillator waveforms to choose from and includes a control knob for pulse width. It has audio outputs for the filter and the voice. The VM-1 also has a versatile envelope section, allowing you to control both amplitude and filter envelopes in conjunction or separately. The best thing is, it sounds great.

Wednesday, December 3, 2008

Elektron Monomachine as a Guitar Processor Part I

This is the Elektron Monomachine synthesizer. We're running our Strat into the external input, using the "Thru" machine. There are a lot of effects you can use to process external sources in the Monomachine. In this example we start by using the internal delay. The Monomachine has a built in sequencer and we've set it to play 8th notes. You can adjust the decay time, giving you choppy tremolo effects. You can also adjust the attack time which can give you some backwards guitar sounds. There are lots of possibilities in this synth for processing. In the next video we'll play with rhythmic variations, sample rate reduction and some cool LFO tricks.

Tuesday, December 2, 2008

Thingamagoop Party


You can check out some of the different color combinations available in the Bleep Labs Thingamagoop in this picture. Lots of different colors are being featured in our Ebay listings. Click the Ebay link to the right or just call us for availability!

Friday, November 28, 2008

Jomox XBase999 and M-Resonator

Here's a simple beat from the monsterous analog Jomox Xbase999. We're processing it with the Jomox M-Resonator Analog Filter Machine. The M-Resonator has two analog resonant low pass filters interwoven into a feedback matrix that has an envelope section as well. This box is capable of a wide variety of tones. From subtle filter sweeps to extreme feedback, the M-Resonator is a unique piece.

Wednesday, November 26, 2008

Four Minutes of King Capitol Punishment

We're just having some fun using the K.C.P. Sleepdrone 5's separate outputs for each oscillator. One's running to the WMD Geiger Counter, one to the Catalinbread Teaser Stallion, one to the Catalinbread Valcoder, and one to the Zvex Vexter Fuzz Factory.

King Capitol Punishment SleepDrone basic

Here is the SleepDrone 5 from King Capitol Punishment. Built like a tank (heavy enough to kill an intruder), the Sleep Drone 5 feels like it was made for a military operation.

There are four oscillators, four LED's, four individual outputs and a main output. There are also eleven knobs and thirteen switches.
Instructions: Plug it in, twist knobs, have fun.

Saturday, November 22, 2008

Analogue Systems rs35 External Processor -Guitar Synth

Here is the incredible Analogue Systems rs35 External Processor eurorack synthesizer module. The rs35 is a frequency (or pitch) to voltage converter. It can turn virtually any sound source into a one volt per octave voltage allowing you to control an analog synthesizer. We are running our Strat into the Barber Electronics TonePress compressor pedal for added sustain. The guitar signal is then run into the low pass filter in the A.S. rs110 Multimode filter to roll off some of the high frequencies. Now we run into the rs35 frequency in. The rs35's voltage out goes to our rs95 voltage controlled oscillator. We're using various modules to alter the oscillator sound including the rs100 Low Pass filter, the rs120 Comb Filter,and the rs290 Voltage Controlled Digital Delay/Sampler. A real analog guitar synthesizer. Rad!

Friday, November 21, 2008

ProSolo RingMod Dubstep

Here's a fun use of the Kenton ProSolo MkII MIDI to CV converter. We're running our Elektron Machinedrum beat into the Moog MF-102 Ring Modulator. We set up a midi sequencer track to send note messages into the ProSolo which in turn is sending voltages to the Moogerfooger's frequency control voltage in. You hear the beat dry then we turn the mix knob up on the ring mod, then we enable the midi track, sending random notes through the ProSolo.

Thursday, November 20, 2008

Bob Moog signing Stephi's rubber duck

Here is a pic of Stephi getting her rubber duck signed by Bob Moog at NAMM with Mike Adams (Moog Music president) on the right.  Mike was kind enough to send this image to us.  Thanks Mike!

Friday, November 14, 2008

CV input on WMD Geiger Counter

Here's the WMD Geiger Counter again. This bit-crushing maniac of a pedal has CV control! The "Key" input can be set to affect the Bit Depth, Sample Rate, or both simultaneously.

In this video we're sending an LFO (low frequency oscillator) from the Analogue Systems eurorack modular synth to modulate the Geiger Counter. Woah.

Wednesday, November 12, 2008

WMD Geiger Counter

This is the incredible sound smashing WMD Geiger Counter. We're just running a boring pitched kick drum into it. There are a massive amount of tones in this box. The hexa-decimal display on the top right tells you which wavetable you are using to digitally destroy your source. You can really obliterate whatever you put into this beast. We'll show you how you can control the sample rate redution via CV next video!

Tuesday, November 11, 2008

Utopia Synth

Make noise. Use this box made by King Capitol Punishment.

DSI MoPho Kicks


Here are some kick drum sounds using just the resonance of the MoPho's four pole low pass filter. There are no oscillators turned on. In a few of them you can hear some frequency modulation. You can use a ramp up LFO wave, turn on key sync and have a ramped kick. High frequency LFO modulation can yield some interesting kicks too.

Saturday, November 8, 2008

Quantized LFO's

Not only can the Analogue Systems rs260 quantize your analog sequencer's pitch outputs with superb accuracy, it also does crazy random arp stuff too! We took a slow triangle wave LFO and ran it into the Voltage Quantizer then ran the quantizer output into the rs95 oscillator 1v/oct input. The rs260 is nice too because it has two voltage inputs. The second input can be used to input a transposing voltage or in this case you can run a ramp up LFO into it and get more crazy modulations going. Start sampling!

Thursday, November 6, 2008

Akai VX-90

You have triangle, saw, square and saw plus triangle waveforms. You also can control pulsewidth, the filter with its own envelope and an LFO for modulation. There are triangle, square, ramp-up, ramp-down and random LFO wave forms. It has a good sounding analog resonant low pass filter as well as a high pass filter. You can get some great analog poly sounds out of this piece. While testing we ran a slow triangle waveform modulating the oscillators' pitch ever-so-slightly and got some lush sounds happening. The built in chorus has two settings and sounds good too.
On Ebay here.

Saturday, November 1, 2008

Cwejman MMF-1 Does Chiptune

The Cwejman MMF-1 multimode filter is really a great sounding filter, both for filtering and oscillation! This is the MMF-1 self-oscillating. The first bit is the low pass mode being controlled by the Analogue Systems rs200 sequencer. It is then ran through the quantizer module, the rs260, and then into the Cwejman cutoff frequency. The next bit you hear is the unique dual band pass mode of the MMF-1. By adjusting the "Spacing" knob, which controls the bandwidth, you can achieve some very cool sounds.

Cwejman D-LFO Complex LFO's

Here is a demo of the incredible Cwejman D-LFO, dual low frequency oscillator. The D-LFO can act as two independent LFOs or can combine the two sides to create complex modulation sources or audio sources. You can let each waveform run free or sync them. There's also a very very cool "Sync Trip Point" knob which allows you to decide where in the waveform the cycle of the second LFO is restarted. We're modulating the Cwejman MMF-1, which is set to self-resonate. Wow. Great module!

Friday, October 31, 2008

Vermona Perfourmer and Retubeverb


Here's a response to Radambe's comment on youtube. This is the incredible analog Vermona Perfourmer run through the Vermona Re-Tube-Verb.

Wednesday, October 29, 2008

Analogue Solutions Trans Bass Express TB-303 Clone


We finally got around to making a better demo of this great piece, the TBX. Analogue Solutions has done a great job of emulating a TB-303 using components that closely match the original. This does not have a sequencer built in you have to use a MIDI sequencer but obviously this adds to the possibilities for more interesting patterns and greater performance capabilities. Near the end we kick in the Fulltone OCD which is a fantastic overdrive for guitars and synths. We'll highlight the features that go beyond the standard 303 tones on the next video.

Thursday, October 23, 2008

Rozzbox Retube

Here's the L.L. Electronics Rozzbox into the great sounding Vermona Retubeverb. First you hear the dry, then the wet. Although the Retubeverb doesn't have as many features as the Retroverb, it does have an amazing tube-tone spring reverb character and a three-band equalizer.

Saturday, October 18, 2008

Analogue Systems Bode Frequency Shifter Demo from Stordahl Musikk

Here is an amazing stereo video from our sister Analogue Systems dealer in Norway, Stordahl Musikk.  This is the rs240 from Analogue Systems. Thanks guys.  Great demo!

Wednesday, October 15, 2008

Moog Taurus Pedals MF-101 MP-201

 Never mind our terrible foot skills, the Taurus is amazing. Duh. We ran it into the Moogerfooger MF-101 Low Pass filter, the MP-201 is controlling the filter cutoff.


Tuesday, October 14, 2008

ASys Modular Arpeggiator

Here's a fun little patch. We're sequencing the Analogue Systems rs95 oscillator with the rs200. The rs95 is fed into the rs110 Multimode filter, using the low pass out. On the rs95 there's a "CV-Vary" input, which we have set to 1v/oct. Plug in your keyboard controller here. You can use a sequencer to arpeggiate whatever note you're playing on the keyboard. Sweet.


Saturday, October 11, 2008

Rhythmic Variation w/ Analogue Systems rs340 Gate Delay

Recently someone asked about the rs340 Gate Delay. They wondered what some practical uses for it would be. How about some rhythmic variation? It sounds like an egg timer but with two of the rs340's you can swing your sequencer, create triplets, dotted 16ths, make short or longer delays for attack times on most patches. Mult your gate source, run both into a CV mixer(like the ASys rs160), run one trigger out of an rs340 into another's gate in, run that to the CV mixer too. Voila. Lots of crazy gates to send to whatever you want.

Thursday, October 9, 2008

BCM Welcomes Barber Electronics


We're excited to now sell Barber Electronics guitar pedals. These are amazing sounding pedals and are a great value too. Check out the reviews.

DSI Prophet 08 B-Stock Units Available


Save some money on these incredible synths! We have some B-stock, blemished versions, factory boxed, of both the Prophet 08 and the P08 Special Edition.

Wednesday, October 8, 2008

The Wretch F*cker NSFH


Machinedrum-Wretch Machine-F*cking F*cker


Inside the Elektron Monomachine SFX-60 MkII

Tuesday, October 7, 2008


Tweak that MoPho!

Monday, October 6, 2008

Phase Phun with the ASys rs160 CV Mixer

Using the Analogue Systems rs160 CV Mixer as a phase inverter you can get some really great sounds. You can turn a plain ol' low pass filter into a pseudo high pass and get some cool phaser stuff going. Here's how you do it...Mult your source. In this case we're using a sawtooth oscillator sequenced by the rs200 that is split into two identical signals with a multiple. One in, two out. Send one of your split signals directly to your mixer. We're using the two audio input VCA, the Analogue Systems rs180. Send the other audio to a low pass filter and then into a phase inverter of some type. We're using the rs160 CV Mixer's neqatve output, the master out fully counter-clockwise. As soon as the filtered version becomes inverted you can hear the bottom drop out. Cool! If you had an LFO to modulate the filter cutoff, voila, phasing sweetness. Phase cancellation can be cool sometimes huh? It's actually the basic principle upon which multimode filters are based.

Saturday, October 4, 2008

DSI MoPho Presets Bank 3 in Stereo

Part 1
Part 2
Here are all the presets from the third bank of the fantastic new Dave Smith Instruments MoPho. The MoPho is synced up an Elektron Machinedrum via MIDI and a drumbeat is being fed into the MoPho's external audio in. Depending on the patch, the external input level is turned up or down. There are some really great patches and starting points in there. It's got great chiptune stuff, fatty basses and leads and some really fun percussion potential.

Friday, October 3, 2008

DSI MoPho Feedback Loop


Run one audio out into the external audio in. Make a weird patch. Push the button. The MoPho

Wednesday, October 1, 2008

DSI MoPho Presets

Here is a very simple sequence running into the new Dave Smith Instruments MoPho so we could scroll through some presets. This is a bad little synth. The sub-oscillators make for a super beefy low end and the internal sequences are inspiring right out of the box. Deeper soon!

Monday, September 29, 2008

Nightmare at the Roxbury

Nod your head to this, tool. Here's the Metasonix S-1000 all-tube Wretch Machine in action. There are different clips, some are using the Wretch as a drum processor, some as a synth. There's a short little bit with the pulser section too. It's not very nice sounding, but aren't most synths trying to sound nice? Different is good.

Saturday, September 27, 2008

Update: The MoPho's Have Arrived



At just $399 the new Dave Smith Instruments MoPho is a fantastic deal. With it's analog oscillators and filter it sounds HUGE!

Friday, September 26, 2008

Analogue Systems rs390 Echo Module - Deeper

The rs390 is a 24 Bit Digital Delay module with stereo output and CV control of delay time and wet/dry amount.

At the start of this video we're modulating the delay time with a square wave LFO that is synced to the sequence. There are lots of possibilities with this configuration. You can achieve unique multi-tap delays, sweeping mild or extreme modulated delays, or random delays using a sample and hold waveform.

The next part of the video we move through the different ranges. There's a switch with modes 1, 2 & 3. Each mode progressively adds a larger range to the delay time.

In the final bit of the video we hear a slow triangle wave LFO modulating the wet/dry amount. This can add subtle changes to the delay amount or drastic dry to wet mixes depending on your modulation source. This unit will continue to feedback on itself if the "Repeat Depth" knob is turned all the way up.

Click here for the stereo version!

Thursday, September 25, 2008

The MoPho's Are Coming!


Aww yes. The bad little MoPho analog synthesizers are on their way to BCM. We should have our shipment by Friday afternoon. The MoPho is a compact analog synth designed by one of the original masters of synth-dom, Dave Smith (The Prophet 5, ever heard of it?) The MoPho, short for MOnoPHOnic, is a single-voiced version of the incredible Dave Smith Instruments Prophet 08. If you would like to order one you can contact us at sales @bigcitymusic.com or just call 818-985-0855, 10-7PST.

Tuesday, September 23, 2008

Analogue Systems rs390 Echo Module and rs200 Sequencer Fun


The rs390 is a very clean (24-bit converters) digital delay in Eurorack format with up to three seconds of delay time. There is a fun little range switch which allows you to cut your delay times on the fly You have CV control over the the delay time and the wet/dry mix. It is a stereo delay, capable of great sounding ping-pong delays but this is a mono video. Stereo soon! We're also using two rs200 Sequential Controllers to great effect as well as two rs150 Sequential Switches, the rs280 Signal Trigger/Clock Divider and a bit of the rs260 Voltage Quantizer (Quantiser!) for the chord modulation. The rs200 can send end pulse outs to trigger the next row and there are a centerline of switches to turn on or off trigger pulses for each row. Trigger 3 is on all the time.

Saturday, September 20, 2008

Cwejman MMF-1 Reso Beats

This has to be one of the greatest eurorack modular filters available. There is such a beautiful clarity to it, rich and versatile. This is just resonance, it's sort of annoying but you get a since of the massive tone the MMF-1 is capable of. Multimode indeed! Dual bandpass kicks......well you get it. Did you know the Machinedrum can send gate pulses? Yep. That's what's controlling the envelope generator. Cool. Flashing lights courtesy of Dr.Bleep's Thingamagoop.

Friday, September 19, 2008

Buzzy Boy and the Moog LP


The new Dirty Boy Pedals Buzzy Boy not only sounds amazing with guitar but it kicks butt with synths too! The three position voicing switch, bottom right, allows you to accentuate the perfect frequency range for your needs. The knobs are totally interactive, giving you a wide variety of fizzy and fuzzy sounds. Buzzy. Mmmm. The Moog Little Phatty is sequenced by the Elektron Machinedrum SPS-1 MkII which also supplies the beats.

Naomi with her Analogue Systems - System 8500


Here's a nice shot of Naomi Jarman with the band Crisium working her Analogue Systems - System 8500 modular.

Thursday, September 18, 2008

MIDI LFO's -Moog MP-201 Controlling the DSI Prophet 08


The MP-201 has finally arrived and you can control whatever you freaking feel like with it! The MP-201 has four control voltage outputs which can individually be assigned to send and expression pedal smooth voltage, LFO with your choice of any classic waveform, or a gate signal. This patch, you can save presets, has Channel 1 on the MP-201 contolling oscillator 1 pitch and channel 2 controlling oscillator 2 pitch. Whammy style. The third channel is an actual control voltage triangle wave LFO running into the DSI's filter CV input. The fourth channel is a triangle wave LFO sent via MIDI (Yes!) to the wave shape of oscillator 1. Holy cow, the possibilities are ridiculous. Wait, what do all four sound like at the same time?

Wednesday, September 3, 2008

Sept 2008 RozzBox shipment to Big City Music!


Kilian emailed this pic that he shot with his mobile phone just before he packed and sent these to us. The wait is over for those customers who pre-ordered their RozzBox earlier this year.

Kilian said the next shipment should be ready sometime next month. If you have not not pre-ordered your RozzBox, what are you waiting for?

In honor of the first batch of L.L. Electronics RozzBoxes being shipped we made a video. This video gives just an inkling of the capabilities of the sequencers (count em' 4!).

Saturday, August 30, 2008

Schippmann Ebbe und Flut - Deeper


Your laptop speakers aren't gonna' work for this one. The bass frequencies coming out of the left side filter, set to notch mode, are rich and can add a certain depth to any signal. In this case, its the Machinedrum. The right side filter is set to 6dB high pass mode. We use the triangle LFO to modulate the cutoff frequency and then some of the resonance. We're also modulating the filter in parts with the envelope. You have both positive and negative envelopes at your disposal as well as two EG's that can control the VCA or filter(s) or both. Hopefully this video will come through in a high enough quality to notice the very fluid tone of the filter. This video shows a more subtle side of the Schippmann. There's more to come as we delve deeper, start to use some of the back panel features and stir up a raucous!

BCM Welcomes Catalinbread!


We are excited to announce that we now are carrying the incredible lineup of guitar effects pedals from Catalinbread. Like all our other products, Catalinbread pedals are of the highest quality and have superb sound quality. Pedals like the Teaser Stallion, an awesome overdrive pedal with switchable feedback loop, or the pint-sized Valcoder square wave tremolo are welcome additions to the Big City Music product range. Check em' out!

Wednesday, August 27, 2008

Tie Fighter Drums - the Analogue Systems rs120 Comb Filter


This has to be one of the most affordable, incredibly fun modules ever made. You can get phaser, flanger, slapback, echo, and other crazy sounds out of the rs120. The module is based on an analog BBD delay. There is CV input for the delay time and if you turn up the resonance it will most definitely grow a self-oscillating feedback monster. Or, it could play nice. Here you hear the Jomox 888 drum machine running into the rs120 and later on in the video we use an rs85 LFO ramp-down wave to modulate the delay time. You can attenuate the amount of CV in directly on the module. Dude.

Thursday, August 21, 2008

Analogue Systems rs290 Part 2


The rs290's digital delay has a send and return function that allows you to affect just the repeats. You can do this either before or after the delay. in this case we're filtering the delays with the rs110 Multimode Filter. The rs290 Delay is also MIDI syncable and will give you a read out of the current tempo divide rate and allows to adjust how delay in relation to the MIDI time code. The delay is also syncable to an external trigger signal like a seguencer. Part three is coming soon!
See part 1.

Cwejman Modules In Stock Now!


We are very excited to have nearly every Cwejman Eurorack module in stock now. With their amazing sound quality and superb build quality, they integrate perfectly with the Analogue Systems modules!

Wednesday, August 20, 2008

Schippmann Ebbe and Flut Basics


The Ebbe and Flut is an amazing dual analog multimode filter. Virtually every type of low, high and band pass filters are available at the turn of a knob as well as notch and and allpass modes. You can fade between the two sides, mixing the two filters or using just one or the other. There's a built in noisegate and two envelopes that can control the VCA. There is also high quality distortion and compression. There's a built-in LFO as well for modulating the filters. And that's just part of the front panel!

Tuesday, August 19, 2008

Fun with the Analogue Systems rs290 Sampler/Delay


Here we put a beat from the Machinedrum into the rs290 in sampler mode. Using CV outs from an envelope generator you can start and stop playback and recording. We use a third EG to modulate the sample pitch/speed and then try out different waveforms from an LFO. You also have direct knob access to the sample start and end times which can be great for repeater-type effects. This module has a great digital delay with delay times up to 26.8 seconds and also has a great sounding tape delay mode. You can save presets too! There's also an expander module which gives you MIDI control over sampler functions, the rs295.

Saturday, August 16, 2008

Dirty Boy Announces a New Pedal- The Buzzy Boy is Here!

Blues and Alex from Dirty Boy Pedals have released yet another amazing pedal, the Buzzy Boy. The Buzzy Boy is a fantastic sounding, extremely versatile work of genius. With more fizz than fuzz the Buzzy Boy gives you a certain clarity that a fuzz pedal can't and it has the frequency selector switch you'd expect from Alex. Just check out the sound samples played by the man himself, Blues Saraceno.
"The Buzzy Boy Song"
Hi Position
Mid Position
Low Position

Monday, August 11, 2008

The Vermona Action Filter II Plus...

is a great sounding filter! It has Low, High, Band, and Notch filter capabilities and a very handy trigger switch for engaging or disengaging the filter momentarily. The sequence ran into the Action Filter is a combination of Elektron Machinedrum and the Cwejman S1 MkII.

Sunday, August 10, 2008

Theremin MIDI Control w/ Analogue Systems modular


The Analogue Systems rs300 CV/MIDI eurorack module allows you to take a control voltage and convert it into virtually any kind of MIDI message.

In this case we're using the Analogue Systems rs35 External Processor module to convert the Moog Cherry Etherwave theremin audio into a pitch control voltage. That control voltage in turn is controlling the pitch bend of the Dave Smith Prophet '08 keyboard. By setting the pitch bend range on the DSI you can decide the range of the theremin's control. The rs300 module can actually control multiple MIDI parameters at one time. For recording synthesists the rs300 can be an invaluable tool for recreating complicated modular patches and sequences.

Saturday, August 9, 2008

Zvex Vexter Box of Metal - Quick demo


What you hear in this video is a fairly lifeless sounding Strat running into a Fender Princeton amp at low volume. When the Box of Metal is engaged - Instant MONSTER!

This new Vexter version costs far less than the original, yet still has the same features and tone. The 3-band EQ makes this pedal really versatile and the built-in noise gate keeps all that massive gain under control. Fun pedal!

Friday, August 8, 2008

My Butt Hurts 2 (Metasonix Grind)


We're using the Metasonix TM-3 Dual Oscillator as a source with the audio outs of a DSI Evolver keyboard controlling the CV inputs of the TM-3. The TM- 6 Multimode filter is next, then the TM-7 Scrotum Smasher Distortion. Not shown are the Vermona Retroverb and a Moog MF-104z Analog Delay.

Friday, August 1, 2008

OSCar-Kaoss-Machine

No mixer. Just the Elektron MachineDrum inputs. The Korg Kaossilator is fun for sweepy transition stuff. You could make a whole song or album with it, or give it out as party favors. The Elektron is sequencing the Oxford OSCar. No imposters here;)

Wednesday, July 30, 2008

Fun with the Little Phatty as a Processor


The Jomox 888 is playing a drum sequence and sequencing the Moog Little Phatty Tribute via MIDI. The audio output of the 888 is being fed into the LP audio input. The resulting gating effect can be pretty cool. The Little Phatty Stage Edition can do this too!

Stephi w/ Jomox XBase888 & Pigtronix PolySaturator


Here's a short little sequence from the JoMoX XBase 888 drum machine into the Pigtronix PolySaturator distortion pedal. The PolySaturator has a three-band EQ, which is nice for running drums into it.

Saturday, July 26, 2008

Don Buchla with BCM at NAMM 2000



Here's a nice pic of Don Buchla shot at the Big City Music display at NAMM 2000 in Los Angeles.

Thursday, July 24, 2008

Jomox XBase 888 as a Sequencer with Cwejman S1

Yes, the Jomox 888 (and 999) analog drum machine has a built-in MIDI sequencer. In this video we're sequencing the uber-powerful Cwejman S1 Mk2 semi-modular synthesizer. Love that filter! It is possible to change your sequences on the fly (with a little practice;), making the XBase a great performance piece.

Wednesday, July 23, 2008

Eric B for President -Metasonix Drums


I wanted to call this "March of the A-holes" but Stephi thought some of you might take it for a NIN reference, good or bad. The snare is running into the TM-6 Multimode filter and the kick drum is having its scrotum smashed by the TM-7. The Analogue Solutions SEMblance is just being a tool in the corner. The Jomox 888 provides the analog kick and snare as well as the dry hihat, all via seperate outputs. We tried to get really artsy but it ended up looking like an Easter nightmare.

Monday, July 21, 2008

Machinedrum and A.S. 8500 Short Sequence

Here's a tough little sequence from the Analogue Systems rs200 Sequencer module synced up with the Elektron Machinedrum via the rs140 MIDI/CV module. The rs140 is one of the most feature-laden MIDI to CV converters available, and it's in eurorack format!

Analogue Systems Eurorack Modular Sequence 1

Here is a demonstration of just a few possibilities using the Analogue Systems rs310 Reverb/Chorus, rs290 Delay/Sampler, rs200 Sequencer, rs100 Low Pass Filter and other modules.

First you hear the bass into the Reverb/Chorus module, then the reverb time is tweaked. Then a sequence is sent from the CV out of the rs200 to the CV in of the rs310 Reverb/Chorus giving us some great sequenced overtones.

Next a random sequence is brought in with the Signal Mixer module. This sequence is going into the Delay/Sampler module. The delay time is then modulated by the LFO module and you can see the digital readout of the delay time rapidly changing.

The final bass drone sequence is brought in which is running the Low Pass Filter module. Then we tweak the frequency cutoff.

Analogue Systems RS15 Eurorack Modular Case

Here is a video showing features of the Analogue Systems eurorack power supply in the RS15 case, which is also found in all current Analogue Systems cases.

Eurorack modules from a variety of manufacturers can be used in Analogue Systems cases as they come standard with both Analogue Systems sockets and Doepfer-style sockets. Analogue Systems power supplies are set up for both 115 volts and 230 volts (international power supply.

Sunday, July 20, 2008



BCM's lovely Janet in her totally tweaked Moog top.

Thursday, July 17, 2008

BCM Welcomes Bleep Labs!



Like something from a 1960's Twilight Zone episode, our first shipment of Bleep Labs Thingamagoops has landed.

Wednesday, July 16, 2008

Stephi Tweaks the Vostok


Here's the Analogue Solutions Vostok Matrixsynth sequenced by the Elektron Machinedrum SPS-1, which also provides the drums. The audio output of the Vostok is run into the Machinedrum audio in and we put the built-in reverb, delay and modultion to good use. The Vostok definitely has a sound of its own and can be patched with cords and/or the matrix pin panel. The joystick is lots of fun too. Duh.

Sunday, July 13, 2008

Analogue Systems Synth Spotting


Check it out. It's an Analogue Systems French Connection Controller keyboard and an Apprentice modular synth case in the background. The picture is from Radiohead's From the Basement, available on iTunes.

Metasonix F'ing F'er w/synth at NAMM


Here is a video we shot last January at NAMM. We forgot we had this video until we stumbled upon it just a few hours ago.

This is the insane prototype Metasonix F'ing F'er amp being played with a synth. Pretty F'ing COOL!!!

Wednesday, July 9, 2008

Vermona DRM1 MkIII Sequenced


Here's the Vermona DRM1 MkIII sequenced with the Elektron Machinedrum. The DRM1 is an amazing analog drum synth which puts it in a class all of it's own. Dedicated knobs for each parameter make programming simple. The new kick channel sounds great!

Tuesday, July 8, 2008

Android Pterodactyls...

Moog Moogerfooger MF-107 FreqBox, MF-104z Analog Delay, Pigtronix AttackSustain, Kenton Pro 2000 MIDI to CV
Connections:
MF-107 oscillator out to Pigtronix audio in
Pigtronix audio out to MF-104z audio in
MF-104z delay out (wet only) to MF-107 audio in
MF-107 audio out to Pigtronix trigger input
Kenton Pro2000 CV out to MF-107 frequency in
Gross.

Monday, July 7, 2008

Vermona DRM1 MkIII Analog Drum Synth Sounds

Here is the huge sounding DRM1 MkIII analog drum module from Vermona. The DRM1 has amazing hands-on control for every single parameter, giving a knob for immediate manipulation. Trigger the sounds either with the trigger button or via MIDI. No menus here! There are 8 channels at your discretion: kick, 2 drum (from kick to high tom sounds), multi (think 808 cowbell to sound effects), snare, 2 cymbals (for closed and open hats or crashes) and a clap channel. This thing is punch-you-in-the-face GREAT! We'll make a sequenced video soon!

Saturday, July 5, 2008

Machinedrum Internal Delay


Click here for the stereo version.
There's a great delay built in to both Elektron Machinedrums. It's capable of robotic, dubby, modulated and super-long delay sounds. There's also a filter with adjustable width so you can shape the tone of the delay. Each instrument has it's own send to the delay (and reverb for that matter) so you can decide just how much you want.

Tuesday, July 1, 2008

Parameter Locks on the Machinedrum

Here's an example of the "Extended" mode of the Elektron Machinedrums. You can lock parameters to every step. In this example we locked the pitch of the bass drum to different values to create a bassline. You can also lock other parameters like reverb on one snare hit, change the filter cutoff on two claps but none of the others etc... To do this hit record, choose the instrument (make sure you're in extended mode) Hold the desired step and then change the value of the parameter ou want to "lock" to that step. In this case we changed the pitch of the bass drum for virtually every step. You can also see just how to use the mute function to mute specific tracks, an extremely useful feature for live jamming.

Monday, June 30, 2008

Programming Patterns on the Machinedrum

This is how you program patterns on both the Elektron Machinedrum SPS-1 and SPS-1UW. It so easy! This is an example of the realtime step-sequencing. Hit play, hit record, choose the drum, enter the desired sequence, change drum sound, enter desired sequence. Voila! Drum beats. Near the end you can see how you can "play" the patterns. Hold the desired bank button, hit the pattern, the beat automatically switches over to the next pattern when the measure is done. More tutorials on the way!

Saturday, June 28, 2008

Delay Harmony- Machinedrum + Echolution Delay

Here's the Elektron Machinedrum SPS-1UW running into the Pigtronix Echolution delay pedal then into the FMR Audio Really Nice Compressor. The Echolution is a powerful dual delay pedal with modulated delay on one side and tap-tempo on the other. This demo is of just the modulation side. The multitap switches divide your delay time to the value marked (1/2, 1/3, PHI). There is a great loop function that would be great for sampling or general freakouts. It has reverse delay too! Near the end of the video we capture a loop, change it's speed then change the multitap switches. You can hear some pretty cool delay harmonies ring out. Wooh!

Thursday, June 26, 2008

BCM Welcomes FMR Audio!



We're really excited to say we now carry the awesome products from FMR Audio!  FMR makes some incredible sounding pieces at ridiculously low prices.  Originally we we're looking for a compressor/limiter option for the Jomox T-Resonator.  To our surprise the RNC(Really Nice Compressor) sounds fantastic.  And it costs $175!  And it's stereo.  You may think it probably stinks because it's so cheap.  You are wrong.  Get one!  FMR also makes the RNLA (Really NIce Levelling Amp) which is essentially a optical compressor, great for getting mega-squishy drum tones or coloring tones via compression.  Wait, they have a mic preamp too?  Yep.  It's pretty sweet too.  Sound samples coming soon!

Tuesday, June 24, 2008

Vermona Products in Stock Now


While they last we've got Retroverbs, Retubeverbs, DRM1 MkIIIs, and Perfourmers ready to ship.
Retroverb= Great sounding spring reverb with envelope follower, analog filter and more.
Retubeverb= Beautiful sounding spring reverb with tube signal path.
DRM1 MkIII=Uber-punchy analog drum synth now with dedicated kick drum channel.
Perfourmer=Brilliant sounding 4-voice polyphonic analog synth capable of blowing your mind!
Check them out here.

Korg Kaossilators In Stock!


After months of waiting we finally got in our Korg Kaossilator order. This thing has to be one of the most fun little boxes to come out...well, ever. There's no musical skill required. None. Basically you have 100 sounds to choose from like drumbeats, synths, bells, sound effects, all kinds of stuff. There's a built in loop recorder that's easy to use which allows you to compose a tune in seconds. Have a big party. Give these out as party favors. Check it out here. Here's my first try from a few months back...

Monday, June 23, 2008

Analogue Solutions Filtered Coffee and DSI Evolver from Don

Here's a fun video from our friend Don with the Filtered Coffee. It's a rackmount MS-20 type filter with an enormous amount of control and CV jacks and fun fun stuff. Thanks Don! You're the best.

Saturday, June 21, 2008

Check Out the Metasonix Wretch Machine Review in S.O.S.



Check it out part of here!  We'll post the full article soon!

Journey Into the Mars Atmosphere



Here's the Prophet 08 arpeggiator synced to an Elektron Machinedrum beat with some video footage from outside Mar's atmosphere. Yeah, we snuck a toy camera onto the Phoenix Lander.

Monday, June 16, 2008

Dave Smith Prophet 08 Arp# 2

Here's is another little arp from the tabletop Prophet 08. It's running into the Eventide ModFactor (Vibrato Preset) and then into the Eventide 2016 Reverb unit. Sorry, it's a little hot.

Thursday, June 12, 2008

Dave Smith Prophet 08 Arp #1

Here's a short little arp from the Dave Smith Prophet 08 run into the Malekko 600ms Bright Delay then there's reverb from the Eventide 2016.

Here's a little arp from the Dave Smith Prophet 08 run into a Malekko 600ms Bright Delay pedal and the Eventide 2016 Reverb.

Wednesday, June 11, 2008

Stereo Jomox T-Resonator Video #463



Click here for the sterereo version.(It works sometimes.  If anybody knows a good fix, let us know)
Uh... Well... Here's the T-Resonator in stereo.  We're obsessed.  The Machinedrum is great too!  It's so easy to program.  If there's something specific you would like to see a demo of or a fun idea for a video you can email me and we'll see what we can do.  josh(at)bigcitymusic.com  Be sure to keep a look out for some fun Metasonix videos coming up soon.  They are sure to be full of all the rancid goodness you'd expect from a Metasonix piece as well as some childish social commentary type-stuff, or something.  Have a good day!

Tuesday, June 10, 2008

Evil Zvex Moog Malekko LovePedal

In this video we are running a Moog Source into a Zvex Vexter Fuzz Factory. The output of the Fuzz Factory goes to the input of a Moog MF-105b Bass MuRF.

The left output of the MuRF goes to the input of a Malekko 600ms dark delay. The output of the Malekko is heard in the right side audio.

The right output of the MuRF goes to the input of a LovePedal Vibe, then out into a Fender tweed Champ amp. The Champ is miked by an SM-57 which is heard in the left side audio. Fun!



Monday, June 9, 2008

Analogue Systems Synth Spotting!

Here are some screen shots of the new Maroon 5 with Rihanna video for the song If I Never See Your Face Again. You can see the big Analogue Systems modular in the background as well as the A.S. Demon controller keyboard being played by Jesse Carmichael. Cool.
Here's the video.



Saturday, June 7, 2008

Moog Ash Wood Etherwave Theremin


We now have the beautiful new Moog Ash Wood Etherwave Theremin in stock. Everything is the same as the previous Etherwave but it is now available in Ash!

Friday, June 6, 2008

Better Than a Kick in the Nuts


Here is a little spaz out with the Dave Smith Prophet 08, Korg KP3 and the Metasonix Scrotum Smasher. The Prophet was sampled with he Kaoss Pad then run into the TM-7. We suck.
Cool stereo version= http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eOX-vdqJD48&fmt=18

Friday, May 30, 2008

Afro Fuzz Quickie

We were feeling a bit dirty and decided just to go with it.  The Afro Fuzz is definitely one of our favorites.


Thursday, May 29, 2008

Jomox T-Resonator Versus Moog Bass MuRF


Yes, we made a another T-Resonator Video. There is a specific point to this one though! You can actually add your own extra loop to the feedback matrix. The right output goes to a limiter then to an amp. The left output is fed into the Bass MuRF, the out of the MuRF is fed back into the Jomox right in. In this video we are not feeding anything into the T-Resonator's mono input, we're just using it's own sound, generating feedback. You could use just about anything in the loop. Another fun combination was the guitar into the Jomox input and a phaser in the loop.

Moog Etherwave Pro Ebay Auction


Starts Today!

Wednesday, May 21, 2008

Creation Audio Labs



We just received our first shipment from Creation Audio Labs. This is a picture of the MK.4.23 boost pedal. Housed in a beautiful mirror-finished chrome case the Mk.4.23 gives you the cleanest boost around while adding no noticeable coloration. It sounds amazing! We also carry other innovative products from Creation Audio Labs like the MW1 Studio and the Redeemer. The MW1 is a versatile and extremely handy impedance matching tool that allows you to properly use line level effects in a guitar rig or guitar pedals in a line level situation. The Redeemer is a small guitar mod kit that can unleash your guitar's true tone. Cool stuff.

Tuesday, May 20, 2008

Monday, May 19, 2008

Modular Synth Drumbeats


Here's a little noodle we made real quick this weekend on the dual 8500 Analogue Systems Modular in our showroom. The snare sounds a bit like a Roland CR78.

Thursday, May 15, 2008

Distortion Pedal Shootout Complete

Ok.  Here are all six parts.  Make sure to check out the last two, the Euthymia ICBM Fuzz and the Zvex Octane.  Let us know which one you like the best!


Zvex Vexter Fuzz Factory
Fulltone GT-500
Malekko Heavy Industry Assmaster
Zvex Box of Metal
Euthymia ICBM Fuzz
Zvex Octane

Wednesday, May 14, 2008

ZVEX Box of Metal Processing Minimoog Voyager


Distortion Pedal Shootout- Part 4
This is the Minimoog Voyager running throught the Zvex Box of Metal. It's intense!

Tuesday, May 13, 2008

Malekko Assmaster Processing Moog Voyager

Distortion Pedal Shootout Part 3
Here is the Voyager running into the Malekko Heavy Industry Ass master. This is an awesome octave-up fuzz that can be brutal!

Now Shipping LovePedal!


Big City Music has Love for you! We are proud to announce that we are now carrying Love Pedal effects. These are tremendous sounding pedals which the likes of Andy Summers and Scott Henderson use to great effect(bad pun?). Check them out!

Monday, May 12, 2008

Distortion Shootout Part 2- Fulltone GT-500


Distortion Shootout Part 2
Here's is the Minimoog Voyager into the Fulltone GT-500 Distortion / Boost pedal. The background beat is an Elektron Machinedrum sequenced by a Yamaha Motif.


We found this picture on the Moog Music website. This is Big City Music's employee Stephi's rubber duck. To our knowledge this is the only Bob Moog signed rubber duck in existence. We miss you Bob.

Friday, May 9, 2008

Distortion Pedal Shootout Part 1

This is part one of a series we wanted to do on using guitar distortion and overdrive pedals with synths. We're using a Moog Voyager as the source and a Motif to sequence drum sounds from an Elektron Machinedrum. The distortion pedal is the Zvex Vexter Fuzz Factory. This pedal can be brutal, sweet and self-oscillate. Matthew Bellamy of Muse uses this pedal on his guitar extensively but we think it sounds pretting interesting on a synth.

Monday, May 5, 2008

The Pigtronix PolySaturator Distortion


We are now shipping the Pigtronix PolySaturator distortion pedal. This is the same great sounding distortion found in the OFO Disnortion pedal but in an MXR size box with a great EQ.

Saturday, May 3, 2008

Using Your Head...To Play a Theremin


Spooky fun with the Moog Etherwave Theremin run through a Moog (Moogerfooger) MF-102 Ring Modulator and MF-104z Analog Delay.

Jomox T-Resonator with Elektron Machinedrum Dual Mono


Stereo is on the next vid (Mac vs PC, ugh) coming soon but here is a fun one for now with the Elektron Machinedrum.