“Filed Recording” is the term used for an audio recording produced outside a recording studio, and the term applies to recordings of both natural and human-produced sounds. Field recording of natural sounds, also called phonography, was originally developed as a documentary adjunct to research work in the filed, and foley work for the film. “Field recordings” may also refer to simple monaural or stereo recordings taken of musicians in familiar and casual surroundings.
2018/09/17
Yasuharu Nagura has performed a new live recording entitled『Bugs in A Silent』that is recorded on September 17, 2018. First, he recorded field sounds of insects at riverside under the moonlight. Next, by the sound, the sound of water was expressed with a step/sequencer. Finally, he improvised with a synthesizer using the blue note scale.
equipment
Elektron Analog Four MK II + iPhone (dictaphone) + iPad (s/s)
The analog modular synthesizer is a type of synthesizer which exists in both physical and virtual forms, consisting of separate specialized modules. The specialization is usually in the module being designed to allow the modification or processing of one parameter of a signal, such as the frequency (oscillator), spectrum (filter), or amplitude (amplifier). The modules are not hardwired together but are connected with patch cords, a matrix patching system, or switches to create a patch. The voltages from the modules may function as (audio) signals, control voltages, or logic conditions.
In general, when introducing modular synth, the selection of modules for assembling the system is an important event before purchase, and it is the real pleasure of modular synth. But for beginners of analog modular synthesizer, it will be the first major hurdle. Choosing a module yourself is a very difficult problem unless you understand what you need and what you want, clear vision and knowledge. Therefore, I will explain the basic knowledge of the sound source circuit, the circuit in charge of the control signal, and the control standard.
Configuration of the sound source circuit
The analog modular synthesizer is composed of the following circuits.
A circuit in charge of an audio signal
The three functions in charge of the audio signal are as follows.
VCO
Abbreviation for the voltage controlled oscillator. An oscillator that creates a basic waveform.
VCF
Abbreviation for the voltage-controlled filter. A circuit for processing waveforms.
VCA
Abbreviation for voltage controlled amplifiers. A circuit for controlling volume.
A circuit in charge of a control signal
The main circuits for controlling the above three functions are as follows.
Envelope Generator
A circuit that generates a voltage that varies with time by four parameters: Attack / Decay / Sustain / Release (Reverberation).
LFO
Abbreviation for low-frequency oscillator. Send a low frequency as a control signal to the control circuit of the audio signal, giving a periodic change (For example, if you send it to the VCO, you can create a vibrato).
Keyboard or Sequencer
Function to input performance information.
Control Standard
An analog modular synthesizer roughly controls each function by sending and receiving two types of information as to voltage.
GATE
Signal on/off information. Control the length of the sound.
CV
Abbreviation of controlled voltage. Control the value of each function, beginning with the interval.
In the case of a modular synthesizer, it is possible to more flexibly modulate the audio signal with a patch cable.
I stayed in Otsu city, Shiga prefecture. After crossing the Biwako Bridge, I looked at the Biwako Bridge from the Biwako Ohashi Kome Plaza. The view of Lake Biwa from the balcony on the second floor was outstanding. At the restaurant, I ate Omi beef. It is one of the best beef in Japan. Omi beef is raised in the rich nature represented Lake Biwa. It is the roots of Tajima cattle that were originally used for agriculture. We call the mix of meat and fat “Sashi.” Omi beef has fine “Sashi” overall. In the Edo period, there was a history that was eaten by Daimyo, and it is still popular now.
2018/08/13
I climbed to the mountaintop station of Mt. Uchimi (1,105m) by a ropeway. From there, I moved to the top of Mt. Horai by the lift. The highest peak of Mt. Horai is 1,174m. I could see a sea of clouds and Lake Biwa. On sunny days, you can see Lake Biwa, Mt. Ibuki, and Mt. Hira. It was a luxurious space in the sky that can be reached by ropeway.
2018/08/14
I stayed in Omi Hachiman city. I took a walk through Hachiman moat, Himure Hachiman Shrine, and Shinmachi Street (the street of Omi merchant). I felt the life of Omi merchant with frugality, simplicity, and fortitude. Next, I went to Hikone castle in Hikone city. I watched Hikone Castle from Genkyuen. Genkyuen is a stroll garden with a central pond. You can watch the scenery around Hikone Castle as a large garden in the early Edo period. Finally, I went to Samegai, Maibara city. Along the Jizo river at Samegai, the cityscape is continuing. Jizo river is famous as a group of “Bai-ka-mo”(plum, flower, and algae) in a river made of freshwater spring from the area. Samegai is selected as a Japan heritage as a culture of water and prayer.
Yasuharu Nagura 