The Vanishing Night

video upload by davidryle

"Good things happen in pairs sometimes...

Two new Synthetic Sound Labs 1201 TZ-VC Oscillators are the main project center. I sent the lower tuned sine wave (modulator) to the higher tuned (carrier) phase modulation input. I routed the modifier through a vca with a random S&H amount to give it a little life.The modulator was pitch tracked from one of a pair of Matrix Algorithmic Composer modules from SSL. The carrier was pitch stable. The wave of the carrier is a triangle wave through the Grove Audio G294A LPF. It is the final tuned percussive sound trailing at the end with the drone.
The other paired oscillators were the drone duet played by the STG Soundlabs vco's through a Q107 SVF in low pass. The pair of STG VMS sequencers are the pitch source.
The bass part is a trio of Mos-Lab 901's and an SSL 1200 vco. They are low pass filtered with the LWSS M401 Multimode Filter/Resonator. The upper Q960 step sequencer is the pitch source.
The opening synthetic pan drum sound is a Q106 saw wave and the square wave output of the second Matrix module run through the Oakley Ring Modulator and a Q150 LPF. The Q106 is pitch controlled by taking the Matrix cv through a quantizer and then a S&H to limit the cv range.
The second percussive voice was the PWM output of the modulator 1201 through a Mega Ohm Audio MA20 vcf in high pass then a EHX Grand Canyon reverb and finally stereo phase shifters from the Lexicon MX200.
Snare sound is the SSL Woven Spirits (MI Plaits) and the Kick is the Delptronics LDB-2e. Percussive timings are handled by the Moon Modular 563 Trigger Sequencer.
The drone loop arpeggio is the Dove Audio D900 Mu-Seq into a Q106 saw wave to an EHX Canyon pedal in multi-tapped delay mode."

Quick test after rearranging folding 5U modular

video upload by John L Rice

"I’ve been battling home repairs lately and needed to do something simple and quick for my own sanity and to let all of you know I’m still alive! 🤓 Melody is played off camera on an Arturia Keystep but everything else is in view and from Synthesizers.com, Moon Modular, Synthetic Sound Labs, Grove Audio, Analog Craftsman, Laurentide Synth Works, and patched with the new Tendrils Cables 1/4” patch cords. 👍 #modularsynthesizer #electronicmusic"

JSI Progue analog synth module

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

via this auction

"Rare JSI Progue (modern cross between Moog Prodigy and Rogue, with some Minitaur features thrown in, and midi/cv) in near-mint condition, built and calibrated by Laurentide Synthworks. Comes with power supply."

Mutable Instruments Shruthi-1 SMR-4 MKII Blue Thunder - Highly Modded by Laurentide Synthworks

Note: Auction links are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.
video upload by Laurentide SynthWorks

via this auction

"Shruthi MKII Blue Thunder edition made by Laurentide Synthworks in 2014. Mods include an FM input variable filter switch, a volume knob, audio pass-through. All mods and original functions work as expected. Power supply will be included."

Note the video above is from Laurentide SynthWorks back in 2012 and for demo purposes only.

CLICK FOR MORE »

Party At Baal's Place

Published on Dec 8, 2019 John L Rice

"This is the little music video that came about as an afterthought as I was working on the demo for the Laurentide SynthWorks Baal 3080 VCF module, full video here: [posted here]

I thought that more people will get to watch it if it was it's own separate video so I made a quick edit with a few minor tweaks. The full story of how this all came about is in the full demo video but in short, here's the gear I used:

Laurentide SynthWorks - Baal 3080 VCF
Moon Modular - 569 sequencer, 526 mixer
Synthesis Technology - MOTM-300 VCOs, MOTM-800 EG, MOTM-1800 EG, MOTM-190 VCA, MOTM-380 LFO, MOTM-650 MIDI to CV
Strymon - Timeline delay and BigSky reverb pedals
Retro Mechanical Labs - Electron Fuzz pedal
JHS - Firefly fuzz pedal
Lexicon - MX-400 reverb
Roland - Integra7 synth, A-49 keyboard
Mellotron - M4000D rack
Musser - tubular bells
Marantz - PMD-661 flash recorder
Canon - C100 MkII cameras and CN-E lenses
Fotodiox and Dracast LED lighting
Sony - Vegas Pro 13

Thanks for watching, rating, commenting, telling your friends, etc. If you've found this and/or my other videos useful or entertaining, please consider buying me a fancy cup of coffee? :-)
https://www.buymeacoffee.com/JohnLRice"

Exploring The Baal 3080 VCF

Published on Dec 7, 2019 John L Rice

"The Baal 3080 VCF

Index:
0:00 - Beginning/Title Card
0:22 - Control Locations
1:10 - Waveform And Noise Testing (Dry, No Resonance)
3:10 - Noise With Resonance (volume warning!)
4:18 - Bandpass Tests
6:07 - Tracking Test
6:43 - Patch Test With Rhythmic Modulation
8:54 - Party At Baal's Place
11:22 - End

Most of the gear used is explained throughout the video but since the special music video Party At Baal's Place is more involved, here are some details:
The same patch that was at the soundtrack for the introduction of this demo is the same one that plays throughout the Party At Baal's Place music video. I used a Moon Modular 569 sequencer to control the MOTM-300 VCO pitch and to also control Baal's frequency cutoff, in addition to manually playing with the frequency cutoff and resonance knobs. Strymon Timeline and BigSky pedals were used as well as a Lexicon MX-400, all for reverb and delay.

Things were very simple, just what you hear on the introduction, until I thought, "hey, I could put a drum beat to this" . . . and from that point on it was days of "just one more quick little addition?"! (insert emoticons of a face-plant and burning banana! ;-) And there was no initial click track so . . . . .

All the drum-set parts come from a Roland Integra7 played from a A-49 keyboard, because it was the middle of the night and I wasn't setup to record acoustic drums anyways. The china/trash ride cymbal was recorded first, then the snare and bass drums in another pass, and crash/splash cymbals were added on a third pass. I dropped those into tracks and spent days cursing my sloppiness as I kept trying to tweak the timings. Some of the fills were actually created in the DAW by chopping up simpler parts and recombining them.

Next I started coming up with the lead/melody synth parts. The patch was almost all Synth Tech MOTM modules except for a Moon 526 mixer the Baal 3080 VCF of course. (2 x MOTM-300 VCOs, OTM-800 EG, MOTM-1800 EG, MOTM-190 VCA, MOTM-380 LFO, MOTM-650 MIDI to CV) I'm proud to say I played all of those parts by hand, even the fast parts, but it did take a lot of practice. The next day I started wishing I had used some distortion so I replayed it again through a Retro Mechanical Labs Electron Fuzz pedal and JHS Firefly fuzz pedal in series.

The rest of the parts were quick and easy. The choir voices are from a Mellotron M4000D rack (male chorus and boys choir combined). The chime is an actual acoustic Musser brand chime just recorded with a handheld flash recorder. And that's my voice at the very end. ;-)

Then came the video editing. I spent a while searching https://www.pond5.com/ for clips that might go well and I eventually developed a sort of "midnight party at Baal's place" sort of story for fun. ;-)

OK, thanks for watching, ratings, commenting and for reading this long description! If you've found this and/or my other videos useful or entertaining, please consider tipping me a few bucks?
https://www.buymeacoffee.com/JohnLRice"

"At its core, this is the CA3080 OTA based filter that was in the Original Rev-A version of the Octave Cat, before they switched to The SSM2040. It has been adjusted for modular level. The expo-Converter uses super-matched 3906’s and is temperature Compensated For upwards of 5-octave tracking.

Additionally, there is a 4-pole output, as well as a 1-pole output. These outputs are inverted from each other, so they can be mixed Together for Bandpass.

​18mA +15vdc
18ma -15vdc
Format: mu/dotcom
Size: 1 MU space. 2.25” depth from panel front
Panel: anodized aluminum
Inputs: 1 Audio (ac coupled), 1 CV (1v/oct), 1 CV with attenuation
Outputs: 1 4-pole, 1 1-pole (inverted)"

Moog Werkstatt-01 - Custom Laurentide CV rear TRS jack panel

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

"Pro-built by Laurentide SynthWorks.
Moogfest kit + custom TS/TRS CV panel on the back. This was done before Moog released the mini CV adapter and is totally awesome.

Includes power adapter.

CV patch functions:
Outs are 3.5mm TRS so you can use Y-cables to take both the A and the B out. Top row outs are Tip. Bottom row are Ring.
Inputs are regular 3.5mm TS.

CV OUTS (TRS)
VCO: Pulse + Saw
LFO: Square + Saw
Keys + Envelope Generator
Gate + Trig

CV INPUT (TS)
Audio
VCF
PWM
VCA
LFO
VCO Linear
VCO Exponential
Gate

Audio out is mono 1/4”"

CLICK FOR MORE »

Laurentide SynthWorks Closing Up Shop

This is unfortunate news. It appears Laurentide SynthWorks is closing shop. They provided a number of DIY services and finished products for those that might not have the time or skills to DIY themselves. Their most recent product list included eurorack DIY, the Mutable Instruments Shruthi and Ambika, and a highly modified Moog Werkstatt.

via Laurentide SynthWorks:

"​Hi all,

I have been thinking on this for quite some time and have finally come to the decision to hang up Laurentide SynthWorks.

The batch of Shruthi/Ambika that was just shipped to Modular Addict is the last batch that I will be doing. I will be putting together one more run of VG2 kits together that will also be available at Modular Addict, after that I will be discontinuing it as well as the PRM2.

I also have an unreleased module with full kits already assembled. Those will be for sale at Knobcon in September.

I did not come to decision easily and it took me about 6 months to finally say I'm done. It wasn't easy to come to terms with, but the reality of it is that it was getting way to difficult juggling family and a demanding day job. Plus, the passion was fading and it was feeling more like a regular job, which is not at all why I started it in the 1st place.

I want to thank everyone for being supportive and totally awesome. I have met a lot of great people over the years and made a ton of new friends. I'll still remain active in the scene, just no longer as a manufacturer.

Thanks again and I hope to see you at Knobcon one last time.

Adam Armstrong
Laurentide Syntworks
2013-2016"

String Theory | Modular Suitcase Patch

Published on Dec 10, 2015 r beny

"Eurorack modular patch based on different string sounds featuring Mutable Instruments Braids and Elements and Make Noise Mysteron.

Crude Patch Notes:

Mutable Instruments Braids (Pluk) - Alright Devices Chronoblob Delay - Make Noise ErbeVerb

Bastl Instruments Noise Square (digital out) - Laurentide Synthworks VG2 (Make Noise Maths envelope) - Mutable Instruments Elements (external input 2, Elements in non-linear string mode) - Mutable Instruments Clouds (looping delay mode)

Make Noise Mysteron - Pittsburgh In/Out - Digitech Polara Reverb

Sequences provided by the Korg Electribe 2 going through the Arturia BeatStep Pro, which is being used as a MIDI to CV converter."

Laurentide SynthWorks - PRM2 Demo (Dual Passive Ring Mod)

Published on Sep 9, 2015 Laurentide SynthWorks

http://www.laurentidesynthworks.net/

"The PRM2 is a dual passive ring modulator with a twist. There are two toggle switches that are connected to 2 of the 4 diodes (per ring mod). Each toggle controls one + and one - diode. They can be switched off and removed from the circuit. This creates an unbalanced modulation between the audio transformers, lending to some pretty gritty and interesting results. This demo has both diodes switched off. In this configuration, there are a lot more "dead spots" causing a more dramatic rise and fall resulting in more pronounced VCA type modulations.

The PRM 2 is using a Make Noise STO Saw Wave for the Carrier and a Mutable Instruments Braids set to CSAW for the input. The output is fed into Mutable Instruments Streams (Left Channel) which is set to compressor (and maxed out). The Streams output is fed into the Synthroteck Echo and the rate is controlled by a Synthrotek Sequence8. The output of the Echo then goes into a Music Thing Srping Reverb set to about 10 o'clock. Finally it is sent to the Sputnik 6 Channel Mixer.

The drums are a Mutable Instruments Peaks (Kick & Snare) which are mixed with the Manhattan Analog Discrete SVVCF and sent into the right channel of Streams which is also set to Compressor mode (and obviously maxed out). The output is then sent to the the Sputnik Mixer. The individual kick and snare hits are sent untouched to the Sputnik Mixer as well to maintain low-end and shape."

Mutable Instruments Shruthi XT Digital/Analog Hybrid Synth

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

via this auction

"It has the standard SMR4 filter board installed - a lovely, liquidy Roland-inspired 4 pole filter - and is capable of a huge range of sounds, with 2 flexible and endlessly entertaining digital oscillators which have a ton of character, the ability to play duophonically, and - unlike the regular shruthi - a well laid out and easy to navigate and highly tweakable interface with a ton of knobs.

This model was built by Mutable Instruments trusted builder Laurentide Synthworks - which have now taken over production of the Shruthi line since MI discontinued them - and has never left my studio, been covered from dust, and is in absolutely MINT, pristine condition.

Last note - the XT has been DISCONTINUED. If you want one of the finest digital analog hybrids ever created - and want to be able to create patches in a minute rather than in half an hour - here's your chance to get one. Feel free to email me with any questions you have. Thanks for looking!"

CLICK FOR MORE »

Laurentide Synthwerks - VG2

Published on Jul 7, 2015 DivKidMusic

http://www.laurentidesynthworks.net/

"Another one of those great cheap and small modules and it's passive! So there's no strain on your power supply if you're stretching it in your case as many do. The VG2 is a dual passive low pass gate with tone control.

Hit like and subscribe for more videos every week and check the Patreon link below to see how you can support my channel.

http://www.patreon.com/divkid"

Laurentide SynthWorks 208r Patch #2

"Experimenting with the voltage inverter. Lots of reverb and delay."

http://www.laurentidesynthworks.net/

Buchla 208r Clone Demo by Laurentide Synthwerks

"Demo of the Buchla 208 module clone. This is rev 2 by Roman Roman Filippov. He came into possession of an original Music Easel and painstakingly traced out every single circuit board to make an exact replica. All of the parts used are the exact same as in the original 208, even the crazy expensive UA726 matched transistors.

This demo is a self-playing patch with some minor tweaking. Effects used: Moogerfooger MF-104M."

http://laurentidesynthworks.net

Laurentide SynthWorks VG2 Demo

VG2 Demo from Laurentide SynthWorks on Vimeo.

"VG2 is a Dual Passive Vactrol Gate. No power needed! Each Vactrol Gate has 1 CV Input (gate, envelope, LFO, etc.), 1 Audio Input and 1 Audio Output. The CV Input hits the Vactrol LED, allowing audio to pass through. In addition, there is a simple Low Pass Filter applied to the Audio Input with an Amount (Cutoff) knob. As this is a passive circuit, it will not give you full cutoff control, but it does allow the taming of harsh waveshapes. The LPF is simply the same concept as a guitar's 'tone' control. Also, there is an LED at the CV Input for quick visual reference and LED light action!"

http://www.laurentidesynthworks.net/

Laurentide Synthworks VG2 Dual Passive Vactrol Gate DIY Eurorack DIY Kit Eurorack Module

via Laurentide Synthworks

“No power needed! Each Vactrol Gate has 1 CV Input (gate, envelope, LFO, etc.), 1 Audio Input and 1 Audio Output. the CV Input hits the Vactrol LED, allowing audio to pass through. In addition, there is a simple Low Pass Filter applied to the Audio Input with an Amount (Cutoff) knob. As this is a passive circuit, it will not give you full cutoff control, but it does allow the taming of harsh wave shapes. The LPF is simply the same concept as a guitar’s ‘tone’ control. Also, there is an LED at the CV Input for quick visual reference and LED light action!

As this is a passive circuit, it is advisable to use a Buffered Multiple before the Audio Input to maintain amplitude.”

Mutable Instruments Shruthi-1 Resurrected by Laurentide SynthWorks

via Laurentide SynthWorks

"This is a resurrection of the classic and highly loved Mutable Instruments Shruthi-1. Initially I will be offering the Control PCB, preprogrammed chips and the 4PM (4 Pole Mission) filter board. Eventually I will begin putting kits together for each of the boards as well as the other discontinued filter's.

When the Shruthi line was discontinued (with the exception of the SMR-4 kit & case, which is still available from Mutable Instruments) I began discussions with Olivier (mad code scientist behind Shruthi and all things Mutable) on continuing it's legacy. Along with TubeOhm in Europe, we will be supplying Shruthi PCB's back to the DIY community under our company names respectively.

On 3/11/2015 I will begin selling the Shruthi Control PCB, pre-programmed chips, 4PM filter and custom dark grey translucent plexi-case. The PCB's are manufactured by the same company Mutable Instruments used and the cases are manufactured by MI forum member fcd72, who also makes the official clear plexi-cases."

Update: date corrected from 3/15/2015 to 3/11/2015 above.

first test - moog werkstatt driving a mattson mini modular

Published on Jan 28, 2015 hewstigator

"testing my laurentide synthworks modded moog werkstatt running patches to and from the mattson modular to make sure there are no weird grounding or stability issues between the two. if you haven't seen what laurentide does to these werkstatt's you should definitely check it out - nearly all available space is taken to install a giant bevy of 1/8" jacks, a MIDI-CV converter, fine tuning, and more (even a sort of "grit" circuit is added...) basically turning this thing into a super compact, modular workhorse! (http://www.laurentidesynthworks.net/)

in this video, the werkstatt sends out a clock (via its square LFO), gate and keyboard pitch CV to the mattson, which in turn sends back an arpeggiated pitch CV to the werkstatt oscillator (you don't hear the arpeggiated oscillator until about 1:15). sorry about the wacky video angle - the area i have the modular set up is pretty tight!

all of the bwazillion patch jacks obviate the need to play the werkstatt's built-in keyboard, but it is super handy to have the tiny keyboard right there tucked in with everything else while setting up patches.

this werkstatt/mattson combo can also be heard on the track "a healer is born" starting at around two minutes in our band's latest EP (although the patch is a fairly basic since i had just gotten the werkstatt when finalizing the song!) https://thenewlines.bandcamp.com/albu..."

Werkstatt der Pfähler (Werkstatt the Impaler) by Laurentide SynthWorks

via Laurentide SynthWorks

"The Werkstatt der Pfähler (Werkstatt the Impaler) is a Moog Werkstatt-Ø1 that has been cut up and extensively modified. There is a huge beast inside these little synths that can only be accessed through modifying.

There are 2 versions available: Standard and Full. The Standard version is perfect for incorporating into an existing Eurorack modular system. Most of the header patch points have been brought to the rear of the unit to 3.5mm Jacks. Most importantly, the EG can be triggered by an external gate. This is not possible without modification.

The Full version takes the standard and brings it to a stand-alone powerhouse! In addition to the CV In’s and Out’s at the rear, buffers are added to all CV Out’s (these are circuits that keep critical voltages, like the raw VCO waveforms from sagging when used to drive external gear). The CV Out’s are wired to TRS jacks, giving a total of 8 individual outputs. A MIDI 2 CV (MINICV) converter is added to drive the VCO and EG. Additionally, the CV & Gate generated by the MIDI 2 CV is brought to 2 jacks, so when the Werkstatt is not in use, it can be used to drive other analog gear that does not have MIDI, but does have CV & Gate In’s. A mixer is added to give volume control over the Werkstatt VCO and External Audio. Additionally, the VCF is wired to the Audio In jack, so when nothing is plugged into the jack, the Audio In volume knob will send the VCF back into itself for some intense filter overdrive! A 2nd glide circuit is added in line with the VCO CV In. The Werkstatt Glide potentiometer is removed and replaced with a dual gang potentiometer. This way one knob can control both the Werkstatt glide and the external pitch glide. The VCO Wave selector switch is removed and a mixer circuit is added so the 2 waveforms can be continuously blended from one to the other. Lastly, there is a Fine Tune knob added.

Both mods come with high quality Lexan Overlays by SynthGraphics (similar to the ones used on production Moogs), and all mods are backed by a 1 year warranty.*"

Moog Werkstatts on eBay

Mutable Instruments Ambika Builds at Laurentide SynthWorks

via Laurentide SynthWorks

"Ambika has been discontinued and is no longer available at the Mutable Instruments store. Thankfully I have secured a small inventory of all PCB's. Once this stock is depleted I will begin having the PCB's manufactured. As of now, I will only offer them as part of a build request.

Please send all requests, comments or concerns to: info@laurentidesynthworks.net"