Unsung hero: Harald Bode, pioneer and inventor of modular synthesizers

video upload by LektroiD

"Some rare footage of the inventor and pioneer of modular synthesis, Harald Bode, showing off his modular synth which pre-dates the Moog by over half a decade.

Enhanced and restored footage"

System 55 - 1630 Bode Frequency Shifter - Part1-- What is a Frequency Shifter?

video upload by O.Z. Hall

O.Z. Hall System 55 - 1630 Bode Frequency Shifter videos

"This in depth video covers the 1630 Bode Frequency Shifter. It is in two parts.
Part 1 includes background information like the Harmonic Series and Ring Modulators. This background is essential to understanding what a Frequency Shifter is.

1630 Bode Frequency Shifter 1974 Moog datasheet
https://moogfoundation.org/wp-content...

Doepfer A-126 Frequency Shifter manual
https://www.doepfer.de/a100_man/A126_...

PerfectCircuit.com article
https://www.perfectcircuit.com/signal...

Datasheet via The Bob Moog Foundation

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Moog 1630 test 5Hz scale

video upload by

"Moog 1630 test 5Hz scale, apparent hole?...

I think this is imposed by MC1494 a 4 quadrant multiplier i.c., so it is a normal operation in this project."

You can find addtional demos in previous posts here.

Analogue Systems RS240 Bode/Moog Frequency Shifter

Note: Auction links are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.

via this auction

"The module has been infrequently used. There is some rack rash as shown in photographs. This listing is only for the RS240 Module and the Doepfer to Analogue Systems power adapter in the power connector, see photo. It does not come with a power cable. The module functioned properly when I tested it last week. The module is not specifically in a Eurorack format (see the Analogue Systems website), but fits nicely in a Eurorack case.

With regard to the adapter to allow use of a "Doepfer" style power cable be sure to align the red stripe on the Doepfer power cable with the end noted "Red" on the PCB. There is also a red stripe on the adapter. It works fine with the +/-12 and +5 volt supply from a Doepfer power supply.

If you are not familiar with Analogue Systems or this particular module, I suggest going to the Analogue Systems web site for more information and the manual. Big City Music also has a listing for a new module with a link on their page for an installation guide.

Analogue Systems

This is an amazing and accurate reproduction of the original Bode/Moog 1630 Frequency shifter in a wonderfully compact form. It has all the features of the Bode/Moog 1630. One very nice and notable behavior is there is no "dead zone" when shifting through zero. Many (all?) the original/vintage Bode/Moog 1630 Frequency Shifters exhibit an annoying dead zone when shifting through zero (I know that at least one of the modern clones has a "dead zone" as well*). That is, the shifter stops shifting the frequency creating a region where no shift occurs as one approaches and moves through zero. The Analogue Systems RS240 doesn't do this. Rather, there is a smooth transition through zero which is far more useful and the correct behavior.

SynthAl on YouTube has a short video which seems to show this 'dead zone.' [see here] "

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Vintage PPG 1002 Synthesizer w/ Behringer Bode Frequency Shifter 1630

video upload by RinghausenMusic

Update:

Behringer Bode Frequency Shifter 1630

video upload by RinghausenMusic

"Video Update , wegen kleiner Probleme"

Behringer Introduce BODE FREQUENCY SHIFTER 1630 in Eurorack Format

video upload by Behringer

"Expand your setup with an authentic recreation of the famous module from the ‘70s made with state-of-the-art circuitry including a voltage-controlled beat frequency quadrature oscillator.

List Price: $149 (in stock and immediately shipping from our factory)"

BODE FREQUENCY SHIFTER 1630

"Shift into high gear and get ready for that drop because the BODE FREQUENCY SHIFTER 1630 from Behringer is here! Expand your setup with an authentic recreation of the famous module from the ‘70s made with state-of-the-art circuitry including a voltage-controlled beat frequency quadrature oscillator. The BODE FREQUENCY SHIFTER just might be the piece you need to fill out that empty slot in your setup.

Ready for Any Signal

The BODE FREQUENCY SHIFTER accurately shifts the entire frequency spectrum of any input signal from -5 to +5 kHz. Simply plug in any audio source and start turning the giant knob to lower or raise the frequency. The amount of shift can also be varied with the Scale knob which lets you switch between linear or exponential control.

Controls

Additional controls on the BODE FREQUENCY SHIFTER include a variable threshold squelch which minimizes carrier bleed-through and can be used to creatively alter the input signal’s characteristics. Up to three control voltages can also plugged in, as well as up to four output signals.

Bode Vocoder Model No V-7701

Note: Auction links are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.

via this auction

"It doesn't get much rarer than this groundbreaking and historic vintage vocoder.

The Bode design was licensed to Moog for their vocoder, the only real difference being the rebranding.

Harald Bode was a pioneer of electronic instrument design and responsible for many of the circuits and concepts we take for granted today. Most of his designs were incorporated into products for other companies (Estey, Wurlitzer, etc) but the most revolutionary bore his own name. The Bode Frequency Shifter and Bode Vocoder are arguably to most coveted of these. The model 7701 is a very rare of version of the already incredibly rare Bode Vocoder. I have never seen another and it may have been an early prototype build though the build quality is top notch. It is entirely likely this is the only one or one of only a handful of units made.

This unit is working and sounds incredible."

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SUPERBOOTH 2021 - Synth-Werk 5U Bode Freq Shifter

video upload by sonicstate

"5u Modular doesn't usually get much of a look in at Superbooth. And here at Sonicstate we're aiming to change that this year by visiting Synthwerks and checking out their new Bode Frequency Shifter. We also a demo from the Synthwerks system that was on show this year. Big sounding synthesizers from the big daddies of modulars."

Pre-Moog Bode Vocoder Model No. 7702 SN 1515

Note: Auction links are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.

via this auction

Pick of the inside below.

"Here is it, one of the rarest and most legendary vocoders on the planet. If you have been looking for the original Bode Model 7702 Sixteen Channel vocoder, this might be your once-in-a-lifetime chance! In the past 10 years of searching we have never seen another one of these for sale. How many of these are left in existence? It's in good shape and fully functional. Fully serviced by our tech. Sounds incredible. Fantastic for collector/curator or showpiece to have in your studio. Don't miss out!"

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Moog vs Buchla: The Control Voltage Race | Astonishing History of Synths Ep. 3

video by Reverb

"Bob Moog and Don Buchla were both pioneers. But who invented the concept of the voltage-controlled modular synthesizer? You may think you know… but you might be surprised!"

Astonishing History of Synthesizers Series

Also see: Electronic_musical_instrument#Early_examples, and http://120years.net.

See the Documentaries label below for similar posts featuring additional synth history.

New Bode Frequency Shifter from WaveFront_Audio

via WaveFront_Audio

"The Bode Frequency Shifter modulates the entire frequency spectrum of a signal input

through the amount set manually and the added control voltage inputs.

Five different shift bands are available.

In EXP. position, a one volt increase at the control sum

doubles the amount of the

frequency shift.

The side bands, created by the Bode Frequency Shifter

would shift to the incoming audio signal.

In linear modes 4 different scales are available:
1. +/- 5Hz;
2. +/- 50 Hz;
3. +/- 500 Hz;
4. +/- 5 KHz.

These scale positions go through zero shifting.

It's a REAL one!

Prices:

WaveFront_Audio BODE FREQUENCY SHIFTER: 1.700 euro (plus VAT and shipping)"

Moog System 15 with 1125 S&H, Bode & FFB

Published on Jun 26, 2018 noddyspuncture

"This time turning to the bass frequencies and using the fixed filter bank... probably best to use decent speakers - or at least headphones..!"

Club of the Knobs - COTK Bode Frequency Shifter - Moog 1630 Bode Shifter Clone SN 2538

Note: Auction links are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.

via this auction

"This is a used Club of the Knobs - COTK - C1630. A clone of the Moog 1630 Bode Frequency Shifter. A really stunning module that has all the behavior, quirks, and richness of the original. I just want the rack space for other modules, like a COTK envelope follower, and a couple of others I'm thinking about :)

This is used. Built in November 2013, delivered in January or February of 2014. Serial number C 2538. It consumes 3U in width and is a full height module compatible with any Moog style cabinet format.

I've been using it with a Synthesizers.com QPS5 power supply (inside is a Power One linear supply) connected to a COTK power distribution strip. I've had no problems with this setup, but you will need to provide proper power for the module. See the COTK web site for technical details.

There is no "manual", but moogarchives.com has the instruction page from the original Moog manual.

You will get what you see in the photos:

The module;
The power cable; and
Three spare lamps.

The lamps aren't hard to find. You can get them in bulk from Mouser, singles from Synthesizers.com. I just think it's handy to have a couple of spares...

The last I checked, 5/5/2018, the new price was 970 Euros, about $1100.00 - $1200.00 USD, see COTK web site for pricing."

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Moog Sonic6 - S&H - Bode...

Published on Feb 17, 2018 noddyspuncture

"Sonic-6 Sample & Hold through the Bode Frequency Shifter which in turn is controlled by the little (Studiomaster) modulation source unit that I repackaged onto a 1U Moog panel..."

Minimoog, Moog 1125, Bode, and MF104M delay #2... upside down..!

Published on Oct 17, 2017 noddyspuncture

"My very first upside down video... playing the Bode and the Sample & Hold..."

Lock screen, and rotate. :) Minimoog being processed by a Moog 1125 Sample & Hold the Bode Frequency Shifter, and an MF-104M delay.

Knobcon 2016 Marc Doty Lecture Synthesizer Myths

Published on Sep 11, 2016 TheWindyTown Videos

"Knobcon 2016 Marc Doty Lecture Synthesizer Myths"

This one in via swissdoc.

Introducing the SYNTH-WERK SW 6401M Bode Ring Modulator 5U Module

via SYNTH-WERK

"It was probably electronic music pioneer Karlheinz Stockhausen’s use of the ring modulator that inspired an entire generation of rock musicians. Stockhausen’s Mixture (1964) for example, was written for a ring modulated symphony orchestra.

Ring modulation is often used to simulate the sounds of tuned percussion instruments that produce inharmonic frequency spectra, such as bells and chimes. It can also produce timbres that are difficult to achieve by any other method of synthesis.

Among all signal processors the multiplier-type ring modulator takes a unique position, since it is capable of converting existing sounds into new sounds with entirely different overtone spectra.

The SW 6401M is based on the original design of Harald Bode from 1967. The design is a circuit involving a ring of diodes and transformers forming a four quadrant multiplier. To accomplish a one unit module, the transformers UTC-A20 have been replaced by smaller vintage UTC SO 15P transformers"

Harald Bode

Old R. A. Moog advert.

Bode 735 Frequency Shifter & Electronic Specifications

Note: Auction links are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.

via this auction

"For auction is an extremely rare Bode 735 Frequency Shifter. This is a device designed by Harold Bode in the 60’s which was produced until the early 80s by his company Bode Sound Co.
This instrument is most well known for being repackaged and included as the Moog 1630 Frequency Shifter of the 1970s Moog Modular systems.

The Bode up for sale has been dated to 1972 and appears to use the same PCBs as the Moog 1630. These were hand assembled by Bode and are extremely uncommon outside university electronics studios.
I acquired this one in 2002 and was told at the time it once belonged to Vladimir Ussachevsky who started the Columbia Princeton Electronic Music Studio in the 1960’s.

CONDITION:

I have been collecting and repairing vintage electronics since the 1990’s, I have over 18 years experience as a restoration technician of high end and rare instruments and this is from my personal collection.
There has been no work performed on this historic device besides replacing the frayed power cable for safety reasons, the old cable will be included in the sale if the winner wants it. I found the identical vintage
style cable at an electronics supplier to keep this as authentic as possible.

There are no unexpected surprises here."

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Robotica Mistica

Published on Jan 2, 2015 gaetano di giorgio

"Bode Frequency+VCFase Shifter"

Harold Bode's Birthday & the Bode Ring Modulator Schematics

via The Bob Moog Foundation

"It’s the birthday of Harald Bode (1909-1987), German-born pioneer in synthesizer design and inventor of the Warbo Formant Organ (one of the earliest polyphonic synths), the Melochord, and the Bode Frequency Shifter, among many other instruments and devices.

Bode and Bob Moog began to work together in 1966, and this ring modulator is an indication of their partnership. Bode’s Ring Modulator and Frequency Shifter designs were implemented in R.A. Moog Co. products, and his vocoder was the basis for the Moog Vocoder released in the 1970s.

The schematic below was hand-drawn by Bob Moog himself. (Note the the “B.S.” in the “drawn by” square. In order to keep from having his initials in all the boxes when he drew up a certain schematic, Bob would use joke initials B.S.) Image: Bob Moog Foundation schematic for the Bode Ring Modulator. Many more Bob Moog Foundation archival schematics here: http://moogfoundation.org/schematics/"

"Warbo Formant Organ (1937), an archetype of today's polyphonic synthesizer, was a four voice key-assignment keyboard with two formant filters and dynamic envelope controller. Eventually it went into commercial production by a factory in Dachau, and it became one of the earliest polyphonic synthesizer products, along with Novachord (1939) by Hammond.

Melochord (1947–1949) developed by Bode was extensively used by Werner Meyer-Eppler in early days of the electronic studio at Bonn University. Then in 1953 a Melochord, along with Monochord by Freidrich Trautwein, was specially commissioned by the Studio for Electronic Music of the Westdeutscher Rundfunk (WDR Studio in Cologne, West German Broadcasting Corporation), and used by the Elektronische Musik group throughout the 1950s. (See #Melochord at the WDR Studio in Cologne for details)

From 1950, Bode designed electronic organs for the Apparatewerk Bayern (AWB) in Germany and the Estey Organ Company in the United States. In 1954, Bode immigrated to the United States as a chief engineer (later vice-president) of Estey Organ, and resumed his research at several companies and as a contractor of German companies.

In 1959-1960, Bode developed modular synthesizer and sound processor, and in 1961, he wrote a paper exploring the advantages of newly emerging transistor technology over older vacuum tube devices; also he served as AES session chairman on music and electronic for the fall conventions in 1962 and 1964; after then, his ideas were adopted by Robert Moog, Donald Buchla and others.

After retiring from the chief engineer of Bell Aerospace in 1974, he composed TV-advertising spots and gave live concerts. Also in 1977, Harald was invited as a chief engineer of the Norlin/Moog Music after Robert Moog left.

He died in New York, New York, United States in 1987."