Panther series kit of Super Psycho LFO and Steiner

via Ross

Ken Stone (CGS)
Elby Designs

Carrion Sound Suitcase Modular

modules include a bunch of DIY, Catgirl Synth (CGS), rene schmitz's MS20 clone vcf (3080 based), buchla , ring mod and tight morph lag from harry bissel, BLACET,and more. Click here for each module listed with a shot and details. Be sure to check out the rest of the site for more.

via cakeface

Workspace and Environment: Captain Ahab

Click here for another workspace post on trash_audio.

"What is your current favorite piece of hardware?
My Synthesizers.com /MOTM / Blacet /Tellun /Wiard /CGS /Oakley /Bananalogue Analogue Modular Synthesizer is my favorite (almost my *only*) piece of hardware. People talk a lot about the versatility of an analogue modular environment, but coming from computers and (particularly) MAX/MSP, I find modulars *fairly* limiting ... it's kind of the lowest amount of customizability that I find acceptable in hardware. I can't really see myself buying any synthesizers with fixed-signal paths, except for ones that I think are fairly unique in their sound/approach (i.e. Yamaha FSLR, Oberheim OBXM, etc. ) What's really astounding about all this analogue gear is who phenomenal it sounds."

MOTM/Oakley/Blacet/CGS/etc modular Samples via Jason Proctor

CGS Cynare Analog Drum Synth Module

images via this auction

"It was professionally built in MOTM format by Scott at Bridechamber.com. Besides building it in MOTM format, he also adds some cool extras like optic cells.
Check out the manufacturer's page for this module."

Ken Stone (CGS) Seqencer

via this auction

4 channel 8 step Sequencer
MOTM format

Sept 07

Ems synthi aks
serge modular
waldorf pulse
alesis andromeda a6
roland tr 606
xoxbox
elektron machinedrum
eurorack ( Plan b, livewire,cgs,doepfer)

flickr via cray5656
aka ghostdog.

Navs' Modular Lab - Filter Fight Update! Update

In case you missed it there is an update via Nav on this post:

"Couldn't resist comparing the CGS with Plan B's Model 12. New files added."

Navs' Modular Lab - Filter Fight Update!

Ken Stone CGS735 Synthacon Filter samples added along with imagages. Title link takes you there.

Previous posts

Update via Navs in the comments: "Couldn't resist comparing the CGS with Plan B's Model 12. New files added."

Another Synthesizer Ditty

YouTube via synthesizerman.
"A pile of MOTM, Synthesizers.com, Club of the Knobs, Cat Girl Synth, Oakley, STG Sound Labs, Doepfer, doing what they do best."

Cotton Pickin Synthesizer Modular

YouTube via synthesizerman.

"The Modular synth doining its thing detail shots of all modules. This synth is made up of synthesizers.com, Cat Girl Synth, MOTM, Blacet, Suit and Tie Guy, Oakley, and Club of the Knobs."

Ken Stone's Programmer/Sequencer

Bookmarking this one for "one of these days." Title link takes you to more info. Be sure to check out the rest of Catgirl Synth.

"The Programmer/Sequencer is a Serge inpired multi-stage sequencer. Unlike most sequencers, this one makes no use of binary counters. Rather, it uses a set of individual stages, each one directly accessible. As such it could be considered to allow "random access". The first sequencer produced by Serge was a 4017 based counter that put out gate pulses. In order to get a control voltage sequencer, the gate outputs were fed to the input stages of a multi-state programmer. Usually built in groups of four, but sometimes coupled through a switch, these programmers would only allow a single stage to be active at any time, outputting the corresponding control voltages to their bussed output jacks. The stages could be selected either via a gate/trigger input or a panel mounted push button."

Analog Notes

Title link takes you to Analog Notes, a great resource site for modular synths. The following is just an excerpt from the site.

"Modular analog synthesizers are musical instruments that are typically made up of discreet analog electrical circuits. These circuits may be mounted on individual panels, or may be grouped together in various chassis configurations.

While some manufacturers produce modules in sizes that no others make, there are three physical and electrical formats that are used by more than one module manufacturer - "Euro-Rack", the format used by Analogue Systems, Analogue Solutions, Doepfer and Plan B (with minor differences), "Frac-Rack", the format pioneered by PAiA and used by Blacet, Wiard and others, and "MOTM", used by Synth Tech and many other makers. Euro-Rack and Frac-Rack formats use 3U (5.25") of vertical space. MOTM uses 5U (8.75") of vertical space. Typically, this means that the Euro- and Frac-Rack modules use smaller knobs and jacks, while the MOTM modules use larger ones.

In general, european modules use 12v power and modules from the United States use 15v. There are exceptions, as well as some newer modules that use 5v power.

* Modular Synthesizer Comparison Chart
* Synthesizers.com form factor list

One of the biggest decisions you can make is whether to purchase full kits, parts, or pre-built modules. The main analog module kit supplier is Blacet, with a couple available from PAiA. Various parts are available from CGS (Ken Stone), Music From Outer Space, Oakley and others. Most other manufacturers sell complete modules. NOTE: Sadly, as of December 2006, Synthesis Technology will no longer provide full kits, although boards and panels should be made available in February 2007."

nuclear football

flickr by nakedintruder.
"[harvestman] utility panel at bottom features 2x cascading multiples, 4x passive attenuators (audio and linear taper), 2x manual gate sources (1 momentary, one latching), 2x 1/4" jack adaptors, 120VAC mains input"

Anyone know more about harvestman and if they have a website? Also, I sear I've seen the far right, second row panel before. I might have even posted it before. Anyone recognize it?

Update via the harvestman in the comments: "More information about the project (yeah, it's an extended DIY project with much academic crossover) at: http://www.theharvestman.org/.

Cat Girl Synth Modules

CGS Synare (shots pulled via this auction

Details:
"The face plate is MOTM style and MOTM style knobs. The CGS Cynare Analog Drum Synth is perfect for making analog snares, hi-hats, claps and any metal sounds!! Comes with two optic cells to really make the sound shimmer!!! Has built in HP/LP/BP filter with VCF input and output, so can be used as a seperate VCF!!! Has input and output for the VCA also, so can be used as an extra VCA, too!! It was professionally built and comes with a MOTM power connector cable. I purchased it new from the Bridechamber online about 6 months ago. Info and specs: http://www.cgs.synth.net, http://www.bridechamber.com.

CGS Dual Chime Simulator

Details:
"The face plate is MOTM style. The CGS Dual Chime Simulator is perfect for making analog cymbals, hi-hats, and any metal sounds!! Comes with an optic cell to really make the sound shimmer!!! It was professionally built and comes with a MOTM power connector cable. Info and specs: http://www.cgs.synth.net"

Modular Synthesizer Fun

Modular Synthesizer Fun "All analog synth pumps it out MOTM, Cat Girl Synt, Oakley, Synthesizers.com, Club of the Knobs, Depfer, Analouge Solutions."


Synthesizer with wavefolder sync'd to 808

YouTube via synthesizerman. Title link takes you to more.

Update for search to take care of typos quoted above: Cat Girl, Doepfer, Analog Solutions.

LFOs

The following are some links sent into AH by André Majorel.
BTW, be sure to check out Andrés site for more synth goodness.

Well, if you're handy with a soldering iron, there's this :
http://cgs.synth.net/modules/cgs58_lfo.html
http://oakleysound.com/lfo.htm (not available ATM)
http://home1.gte.net/res0658s/fatman/4069_lfo.html

Or one of dozens of NE555-based triangle LFOs :
http://home1.gte.net/res0658s/fatman/vcolfo1.html
http://www.uoguelph.ca/~antoon/gadgets/555/555.html
http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=555+lfo+triangle

Otherwise :
http://www.doepfer.de/a145.htm
http://www.doepfer.de/a146.htm

CGS Sequential Switch

Via pete:
"What you are listening to are 5 VCO's modulating one Thomas Henry XR 2206 VCO through the switch. I have an LFO going into the Up/Down jack. Im using an SSM2044 filter. I have some of the gate outputs going to a multiple that is feeding the gates to two EG's. One of these EG's is modulating the filter. Another gate output is going to the Cynare which is set to more of a squelchy drum sound so its
kinda hard to hear since it blends in with everything else. I'm tweaking a bunch of things while its playing like the reset switch. Enjoy the wackiness!"

You can find the mp3 here. Title link takes you to the Sequential Switch page on Ken Stone's CGS.

Update: Looks like I had the wrong mp3 up. The share has been updated. The track is titled "sequential switch MP3.mp3."

Elby Designs

"Elby Designs are pleased to announce the upcoming release of the popular CGS range of designs in EuroRack format. The range will consist of completely re-designed PCB's adapted for the smaller format of the EuroRack system. We will be offering both fully-assembled modules as well as Component and Hardware kits. In addition to the CGS modules we will also be including a number of other designs.

The first 2 CGS modules to be released will be the
CGS735 - Synthacon Filter, and
CGS758 - Utility LFO
in addition
ED101 - 8038-based Linear VCO
ED102 - Octave/Hertz Converter
ED103 - MIDI Trigger
ED104 - Dual Lin/Log VCA - Panner"

Pictured is a mock up. Title link takes you to more. I definitely like the green. Via Ross.

Previous Elby Designs posts

Sneak-Thief Notron and DIY Modular

Michel Morin (seak-thief / polygamy boys), sent in a couple of shots of his Latronic Notron and DIY modular. The following are his thoughts on the Notron.

"I bought the Notron new back in 1998 and manually upgraded it to the Mk2 ROM a year later. Cutting the rubber rim around the base was extremely difficult, not to mention carefully separating the two halves which were hot-glued together. I haven't replaced the rubber trim yet even though Latronic sent me a replacement piece along with the Mk2 ROM.

Notron's have generally had issues with static electricity and will sometimes reboot as a result. I think this might be solved if a proper star-grounding topology is used on the inside board along with a decent 5V DC power supply. I don't perform with it live anymore so fixing this is no longer a pressing issue for me.

I don't ever plan to sell my Notron, despite it currently being worth almost 3 times as much as I paid for it. Besides, how many sequencers do you know that can run at 1500bpm? When I first got it, I remember simultaneously crashing an SC-55, Juno 106, AN1x and TX81z due to some kind of insane midi stream that the Notron was spitting out. Most impressive!

What really stands out about this sequencer are the compelling ergonomics - it feels so damn good to use."

"p.s. It's crazy to think that I bought the Notron in 1998 for the equivalent of $950 USD and it's recently sold for over $3000 USD!"

DIY Modular from top to bottom:

1. 22-channel diy-passive mixer with FETBoy preamps
2. CGS + Oakley
3. Blacet
4 & 5. ASM-2 + Tonepad FX
6. Midibox CV + CGS
7. Henry/Stites + CGS + Papareil

Previous Notron posts