Universal Synthesizer Interface Vol II

by kristen roos

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Includes unlimited streaming via the free Bandcamp app, plus high-quality downloads of Universal Synthesizer Interface Vol II, Radio Tsonami Live (excerpt), anti-wave, electrosmog variations (2015), Transduction (2001), rabota (1995-1998), sound experiments 4 (1997), and sound experiments 3 (1997). , and , .

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Universal Synthesizer Interface Vol II
Cassette + Digital Album
Professionally duplicated in real time on high bias tape with two sided paper printing and a 5-panel interior j-card.

Includes unlimited streaming of Universal Synthesizer Interface Vol II via the free Bandcamp app, plus high-quality download in MP3, FLAC and more.

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1.	Diablo I 07:21	buy track
2.	Music Mouse I 04:42	buy track
3.	Diablo II 14:29	buy track
4.	Diablo III 09:51	buy track
5.	Music Mouse II 08:38	buy track
6.	Diablo IV 10:26	buy track

about

The second volume of the 'Universal Synthesizer Interface' series; an ongoing audio exploration of early algorithmic MIDI sequencing programs for personal computers. Where Vol I showcased a wide variety of vintage programs, Vol II sees Roos narrowing his focus down to two of his personal favorites: Laurie Spiegel’s 'Music Mouse' and Frank Balde’s 'Diablo.'
One of the first ‘intelligent instruments’ ever created for the personal computer, Speigel’s 'Music Mouse' was, for many people in the 1980s, a remarkably intuitive introduction to the world of MIDI sequencing. Mouse position controls the placement and parameters of MIDI data, allowing the user to quickly select and alter the scale, chord voicing and volume of their work on the fly. The keyboard is used as a control panel, with various shortcuts outlined on a digital ‘cheat sheet’ provided with the software. While the program is limited to outputting four separate MIDI notes (which can then be ordered into short musical phrases or loops) within these constraints lies an enormous capacity for musical variation and complexity. Roos plays the software with a light touch, maintaining a delicate balance between playfulness and precision.
Frank Balde’s 'Diablo' allows for MIDI data to be literally ‘drawn’ into a window very similar to early digital paint programs like MacPaint. The user can then record the data into loops, alter the note parameters (tonality, duration, velocity, tempo, etc), and capture ‘snapshots’ of their settings that can then be clicked between in real time. The program is limited to three separate loops at a time, but like Music Mouse, its limitations conceal a surprisingly powerful tool for musical expression. In Roos’s hands, the repeating loops overlap and intertwine with one another like patterns on a digital loom, slowly forming themselves into enormous tapestries of sound.

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released April 1, 2022

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kristen roos Vancouver, British Columbia

kristenroos.ca

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