Gear Music Music tech Tech
Reading Rainbow, the Buchla synth’s “MARF,” and a prototype’s live debut
Hold on for a wormhole between different nerd universes. Steve Horelick, the prolific composer behind the music for Reading Rainbow, meets the classic Buchla 200, meets a new prototype of an official recreation of the Multiple Arbitrary Function Generator (MARF). Also, Star Trek. Let’s explain what those things are for those who don’t know — and talk about how you can join a special event live online.
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The Blaster Beam, a massive instrument invented by Captain Kirk’s nephew
Its size is epic, as if a sci-fi prop itself. Its otherworldly sound is chilling in Star Trek: The Motion Picture. And The Blaster Beam is the unique handiwork of Captain Kirk’s own nephew — okay, Craig Huxley, who played that character on the original series. Meet The Blaster Beam. If any of us wins the lottery, there will be signs.
Peter Kirn - September 17, 2025
DIY + Unusual Music Tech
RIP, Mark Snow: listen to the composer talk about scoring X-Files and more
Mark Snow, the mind-bogglingly prolific composer behind scores for Blue Bloods, Smallville, and the X-Files has died at age 78. From TV to film to games, Snow’s take on electronic music scoring has left a mark on many of us. Here he is talking about his take on music, and some reflections on that unforgettable X-Files score.
That time Jem and The Holograms went synthesizer shopping
Peter Kirn - January 30, 2025
Gear Music Music tech Stories Tech
May the 4th be with you, in a new documentary on the sounds of Skywalker
Peter Kirn - May 4, 2022
Motion Music tech Tech
