Unlocking Analog Synths With Your DAW

About the workshop

Did you know you can use MIDI notes and data in your software to control hardware synths without MIDI? Have you ever wondered how to get an old-school drum machine to play together with beats on your computer? This workshop will show you how to harness the power of your computer to control analog synths and beatboxes.

If you have a basic understanding of synth sound design and digital audio production software, this workshop will introduce the tools and knowledge you need to make the most out of any non-MIDI gear, including gems from the MESS collection. Unlock the hands-on, creative enjoyment of shaping and performing new sounds directly into the tracks you’ve been working on. Be introduced to a wide range of devices that unlock the overlooked power of your software and audio interface in this friendly, fun, and informative MESS workshop.

Each session runs from 6pm – 10pm with approximately two hours of talk and demonstration followed by some solo time with the machines in the collection under the guidance of the workshop leader. You are encouraged to bring your own recording gear (laptop + soundcard, handheld recorder or other devices) to capture sounds made on the night.

Aim

This workshop aims to get you up and running with the knowledge and basic skills you will need to develop a workflow that integrates hardware in the MESS collection with contemporary sound/music software platforms.

Prerequisites

To make the most of this workshop it is recommended that you have a working knowledge of the basic method of subtractive synthesis used in both software and hardware synthesisers, and basic skills in a software-based music/sound production platform (ie. Ableton Live, Pro-Tools, Cubase/Nuendo, Logic, Bitwig, etc). Beginners to Hardware Integration are welcome! If you are unsure that your skill level is appropriate, please contact us via email.

Equipment

Bringing your own laptop is recommended for the practical component of this workshop. MESS has all other equipment required such as audio interfaces, MIDI to CV interfaces, headphones, cables, etc.

Outcome

After this course, you will have been given an overview of analog control voltage, analog gate/trigger, DIN-sync, MIDI, and how these formats cross over via the use of specialty hardware that allows you to control voltage and DIN-sync devices from a contemporary software platform.