Zyklus
Zyklus :: MUSIC PERFORMANCE SYSTEM:
Zyklus is about spontaneity. Room for error. Feedback loops and chaos. Unlike most forms of electronic music, Zyklus create freeform sound, where environmental and chance factors are captured within a narrow time frame. Focussed, yet free to follow any path offered.
The soundscapes are accomplished by using intuitive, tactile - and temperamental - equipment. Analogue synthesisers and effects allow the creation of individual sounds to become liquid - even during performance - and always having a microphone or short wave radio attached to the system allows outside forces to influence the proceedings. All the equipment has been heavily modified to gain access to every aspect of their sound.
As feedback is an essential ingredient in the mix, the creation of each piece is a fine balance between keeping enough level in the system to yield an output but not so much that the sound become saturated. Careful enveloping and filtering of the feedback level is kept in motion by a chain of gates that step sequences, samples and oscillators, which themselves may be triggering other sequences and oscillations, which may in turn be contributing to another sequence... you get the picture.
The audible and voltage outputs of each unit are capable of being applied to the inputs of any other and with their output influencing the amount of level being applied elsewhere, a huge complexity evolves, one which only requires the smallest change to modify the mood or pace.
NB. No computers are used or harmed during the making of this Music.
Zyklus :: SYSTEM EQUIPMENT:
For the technologically obsessed, here is a brief run through of the key technology which makes the music performance system so flexible.
SEQUENCERS:
Zyklus MPS (Retro 80's MIDI sequencer with real-time triggering/stepping of tracks)
Simmons SDS6 (Even more retro 80's analogue clock/step sequencer)
Roland TR606 (Modified sonically and used as sound source and clock)
AUDIO SOURCES:
Sequential Pro-One (modified with extra in/outputs*)
Korg Monopoly (with extra in/outputs*)
Oberheim SEM (with extra in/outputs*)
Roland SH101 (with extra in/outputs*)
Yamaha A3000 Digital Sampler (also used for processing and real-time sampling)
Simmons SDS5 (Awesome - modified analogue drum synth and bassline)
AUDIO PROCESSING:
Electro-Harmonix Memory Man(with voltage control inputs)
Electro-Harmonix Small Stone(with voltage control inputs)
ART Multiverb Alpha 2 & Alesis Quadraverb+
ANALOGUE MODIFICATIONS:
* All the above have been partly or wholy modified with kits supplied by Analogue Solutions.
