
imbalance computer music | ML 032 | October 7 2016
CD / download / EPROMIn the late 1970s, a series of significant enhancements in technology further accelerated the evolution of the digital age. Graphical interfaces, networked computers and new software tools allowed to design and manufacture integrated circuits with tens of thousands of functions on one chip; a process called Very Large Scale Integration - VLSI. The structures became so complex, that for the first time computers were needed to build the next generation of even faster computers.
Most of the signature sounds on the VLSI album were programmed using early digital synthesisers; machines built by individuals or small teams of adventurous engineers and music enthusiasts during the 1980s, stretching the imagination of what could be done with a handful of chips and a good idea.

The concept for VLSI emerged during an artist residency at the Center for Research in Music and Acoustics (CCRMA) at Stanford University in 2013, which helped me understand not only some deeper technical aspects of my trade, but also the social and cultural peculiarities of Silicon Valley.

Alesis Quadraverb
Celemony Melodyne
Dave Smith Instruments Prophet 12
Dynacord DRP-20
Emu Systems SP-12 Turbo
Ensoniq ASR-10R
Eventide Eclipse, H3000
Henke GranulatorII, MicroDrum, ConVoyage, Density, FDN4

Korg MS 20, DDD-1
Lexicon PCM-80 480L
Linn Linn Drum
New England Digital Synclavier II
Oberheim Xpander
Palm Products Germany Wave 2.3
Quantec Yardstick
Sequential Circuits Prophet VS
Yamaha SY77, DX27, DX7
Various Eurorack Modules

01 Arit [listen to excerpt]
02 Inwards* [listen to excerpt]
03 Crash* [listen to excerpt]
04 LogC [listen to excerpt]
05 Geometry Engine* [listen to excerpt]
06 Pio [listen to excerpt]
07 Error* [listen to excerpt]
08 Dystopia* [listen to excerpt]
09 Unit [listen to excerpt]
10 Nmos [listen to excerpt]
11 Glypnir* [listen to excerpt]
Total running time: 01:10:10.000 | * = album versions
(c) 2016 imbalance computer music
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