The Portland Synth Improvisers Collective (P.S.I.C.) or “psych” for short, is a collective of synthesizer enthusiasts in Portland, Oregon. The group offers events for enthusiasts of hardware synthesizers, drum machines, and other electronic instruments to perform with others in a non-stage setting. Attending an event is a great way to meet new people, learn new techniques, try out new equipment, and play improvised music in a casual setting.
What we do
PSIC Synth Jam
Arrive any time after 6:30 pm to start jamming by 7. If you have the ability and desire, bringing one extra item allows us to set up a table with random stuff to try out. This is great for walk-ins, newbies, or others who want to check stuff out. I’ll set up some volcas or a Casio SK-1 here, for example.
FOR THE UN-INITIATED:
The setup is 4 or more tables. Each has 2-4 players plugged into a mixer that lets everyone at the table jam through headphones. Each table has their own mix and each person controls their individual headphone volume.
WHAT’S PROVIDED:
1. At least one power outlet per person. Good practice is to bring your own power strip in order to have enough.
2. At least two 1/4″ audio inputs. This may be stereo or mono, depending on the others at the table.
3. At least one 1/4″ headphone input. Some have 1/8″ available, but not all.
WHAT TO BRING:
1. A power strip that can handle all your plugs and/or 2 hours of battery power.
2. Appropriate cables to mix down to two stereo 1/4″ outputs (standard instrument cable size)
3. Headphones with a 1/4″ connection
4. Any synth, drum machine, or other electronic instrument; the weirder the better. If your instrument synthesizes sound electronically and you can use it to improvise collectively, then it is welcome at our events. 5. MIDI and/or sync cables. Each table will decide how to run their own clock.
Labeling your stuff is a great way to help me return it if something gets left behind.
Where and When
Some of our recent jams
https://soundcloud.com/user-207632080/sets/psicjams
https://soundcloud.com/user-207632080/sets/ps-1