Tools
Sounds
When I perform live, and particularly when I improvise, the majority
of my sound material comes from these synths:
Clavia's Micro Modular and Dave Smith Instruments' Evolver.
They both work with digital simulation of analog synthesis but the Evolver
contains real analog synthesis as well. Both synths have analog inputs
making it possible to use them as effects as well as creating interesting
feedback chains.
Control
I play synths using knobs only. Since all synths are more or less developed
for MIDI keyboard control (the idea of keyboard control is inherent
in the MIDI standard), I need to be able to (re)program the synths to
suit my playing style.
This is not a problem with the Micro Modular, which can be programmed
to respond to MIDI messages in a number of ways. For the Evolver however, I
have built a control patch using Max, which works as a bridge
between the knobs and the synth, making MIDI control even more flexible than in
the Micro Modular.
Sequenser
This program, that I made in the Max/MSP programming environment, is the second
incarnation of an idea I had to make a sample based sequenser that can be played
live using knobs. I wanted to be able to change important parameters, such as
sequenser length, layer density, etc. in such a way that it would feel like playing
an instrument. This is, needless to say, a work in progress.
Effects
Signal flow and the use of effects are of course major aspects of the sound. I work with a few digital effects such as the Kaoss Pad III, a Digitech delay, and my favourite, the Alesis Microverb II that I use on all performances and recording sessions.
e b - live at Fylkingen