BugBrand Binary Block Voltage (BBV) - rough overview

BugBrand

"The BBV is a logic controlled preset/sequencer.



Here I show a little how you might approach controlling it..
The DDSR would also be good - indeed you could also use lfos (sync'd or not) or any other voltage source..
A quick & rough video - hence why you can't see the LEDs of the module very well for most of it..!"

via Bugbrand

"The Binary Block Voltage (BBV) is a logic controlled 8 stage preset selector/sequencer.

One of the eight voltage stages is selected based on the settings of the 3 logic control inputs, each of which can be set Logic Lo/0 (Mid), Hi/1 (Up), or controlled by an external signal (Down). As each logic input can be separately controlled, a variety of stage sequence variations can be created and moved between. Traditionally you might use various clock divisions to step through stages in a repeating fashion, different from sequential approaches, but comparators on each input (threshold c.+1V) mean any modular signal can be used as a control.

The three digits under each stage correspond to the 3-bit logic input or can be thought of as controlling (see extra image above):
A – toggles each pair of stages, with logic Lo/0 selecting left and logic Hi/1 selecting right
B – selects the top (logic Lo/0) or bottom (logic Hi/1) block of 4 stages
C – selects the left (logic Lo/0) or right (logic Hi/1) block of 4 stages

The output voltage can be switched for low (0 to +2V) or high ranges (0 to +10V)."

BugBrand - Synth Voice

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"The SynthVoice brings together all the elements of the classic ‘subtractive synthesis’ methods though, with full patchability, it never limits you to such linear approaches. The setup can be played standalone or thrives from external control, whether from another Modular system or an external controller/sequencer. Many of the circuits are built around the powerful V2164 quad-VCA chip which leads to the natural ‘two of most things’ – because one is never enough. In this way, the system can easily be patched for one or two voice operation without compromise (indeed there are 7 oscillating sources, so you can go even further).

The configuration provides a great starting point for a BugBrand Modular setup!"

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Haible Living VCOs

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"OG Jurgen Haible Living VCOs in FRAC format and Wiard blue. Engraved face plate. Two additional holes were drilled in the face to mount in a 300 frame."

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BugBrand 2 Frame

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John Blacet's Blacet Research Modular

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"Blacet Research Analogue Synthesizer Rack:

14 analogue synthesizer modules mounted in a "Frac Rack" type cabinet:

2 VCOs, 4-tap control voltage delay and digital noise generator, MIDI to control voltage/gate/sequencer, wavetable VCO, voltage controlled LFO, Delay/Attack/Decay LFO Envelope module, Dual VCA, Multi attenuator, IEC-type removable 120VAC power cable, 2 dozen assorted patch cables, extra power supply harness. User manuals for all modules, full documentation (manual, parts list, assembly instructions, schematic) for eight modules.

John Blacet was an electronic engineer, designer and all around smart guy who invented and manufactured music synthesizer building block modules in kit form for 37 years. This one was his own."

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Modular vid #311

Published on Jun 1, 2020 Philippe Jelli

"Small BB jam with 2XDRM1+X and a DRM2 driven by Scrotum Lab's Grilles trough COFilter"

31 05 20 BugBrand and Scrotum Lab [01]

Published on Jun 1, 2020 batchas

[Fun watching the sequencer LEDs trigger the kick.]

Main sequence: Grilles.
Main audio source: DRM1 with Xpander.

Direct out from the 3 mixers to stereo track (via Yamaha AW4416 with efx). No overdub.

One more:

31 05 20 BugBrand and Scrotum Lab [02]

Metalbox Psycho LFO Frac Module

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"A modulation source as unique as it's name. Four square wave oscillators are mixed together to create a pseudo-random voltage sequence. A built in slew processor allows the Psycho LFO to produce both stepped and smooth voltages. Very useful when you need another hand or just want to add a little mayhem to a patch.

Controls:

Rate - determines rate of one of the onboard oscillators
Glide - controls smoothness of output voltage from stepped to smooth
Range - determined overall output level of Psycho LFO
I/O:

Output - outputs a random voltage from 0 to approx 10v
Frac spaces: 1

Current draw: 15ma

NOTE: this is a Frac Rack module (not a eurorack module)... It needs +-15V power supply"

Blacet Filthy Filtre VCF Frac Format

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"12 dB State Variable design
Voltage control of frequency and Q
Two position Q switch: "Filthy: X10, X100"
+/- CV mod attenuator with switchable destination: Freq or Q
VC mode select: switch or morph (LP, BP, HP, All Pass)!
Plus separate mode outs: LP, BP, HP, Notch

This is a 12dB/octave response voltage controlled filter. The design is based on the classic State Variable configuration that provides simultaneous low pass, band pass and high pass outputs. In addition, the Filthy Filtre has notch and all pass (phase shift) outputs.Voltage controlled Q is also provided with a special dual range feedback circuit that gives maximum total crunchy mind warping self oscillation. Beware your ear drums, amps and tweeters at high levels! An additional modulation input, routable to either frequency or Q through a bipolar attenuator, is a handy feature.The mode or filter type is also voltage controllable, allowing switching or morphing between low pass, band pass, high pass and all pass filter types. Separate audio outs for most filter types are also found at the module bottom.

Note : as this is a Frac module it is not power-compatible with eurorack systems (ie this needs +- 15V)

if you have a frac system however it is patch compatible with a eurorack system"

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2020-03-20 Machine Decisions

Published on Mar 20, 2020 Meng Qi

mengqimusic.com

New BugBrand Modules

Note the following is from the BugBrand email list so it's a bit less formal.

"The news front has been quiet this winter - it has felt like a time for contemplation, catching & tidying up - but now Spring is approaching, always so welcome, and ideas can start to stretch & emerge.

First, there are a few new modules coming out - slowly for now, with little push/promo - systems keep on growing around the world:
Quadrature Sine - an updated version of the old pre-2013, a pure oscillator/LFO producing Sine & Cosine
Matrix - 6 inputs to 4 outputs - for CV or audio
DC Mixer - a nice little utility for signal mixing (+ inversion & offset)

Something that has been bubbling in my mind for some time (and helped along through discussions with my ever wonderful assistant, Jasmine) - a mixture of letting go, opening up, setting up experiments, planting seeds. I've long enjoyed the mix of technical (system design, studio routing) balanced against the more creative (playing the audio clay of a system), but find I rarely get enough time to dive deep into play & recording, along with wonderings on how I can involve others.

Slowly, slowly I wish to get people in to the studio to play & experiment - to see how people use the machines, to feel around how best to explain the technical sides, to be open to the many sounds which arise. Now we observe the early steps - the first visitor came in yesterday and left somewhat hypnotised! I do not know what might arise and that is exciting. So I plant this seed of an idea with few preconceptions - I want to explore it gradually & look forward to the conversations & meetings that might occur through it. The logistics are TBC - the approach is open.

In other bits of news:
Next month, 21st March, Machina Bristronica (organised by Elevator Sound) is happening again in Bristol. A massive gathering of audio machines! I think I will be positioned next to old friend & fellow Bristol synthesist/designer George Hearn & his wonderful UDO polysynth - finally I will get to try it!
http://machinabristronica.uk/
Here's a little Youtube recording from last week: [Posted here]
On the stock & production front - the Corona virus is definitely having something of an impact & we just have to roll with it. Board production is very slow at the moment - no massive problem at present, but we'll have to see how it all goes.

Currently - visit the online shop:
The last DRM2 for now is online! I'll aim to do another board run soon, but could take some months..
StereoCompress - another batch is being made right now so should be out within 2 weeks
SynthVoices & other modular setups are somewhat limited due to waiting on Dual Envelope & Dual Filter production - but lots of other modules ready on the shelf & I can always do frames etc.
I think that covers most of the news for now!

Best wishes to all!
Tom"

BugStudio - Orgone & SynthVoice - 20/02/2020

Published on Feb 21, 2020 BugBrand

"Video recordings are always sporadic, only ever somewhat capturing the spirit of the moment! Here I was trying out the Orgone module from Batchas, played with pitch/gate/velocity from Keystep - the gate also then clocks a DDSR to generate stepped voltages into a Penrose quantizer to tune the SynthVoice (proto x 2). A few x-mod'ing VCOs provide some modulation through the patch.
[sure that description makes total sense!]."

25 09 19 Orgone Accumulator MK2 - Drum mode explained

Published on Jan 13, 2020 batchas

"In this video I am showing the Orgone Accumulator MK2 set to the special Drum Mode.

The Scrotum Lab's Orgone Accumulator MK2 is an adaptation for the BugBrand Modular System of an open source project called Orgone Accumulator originally made by Neutron Sound."

25 09 19 Orgone Accumulator MK2 - Drum mode Examples

Published on Jan 13, 2020 batchas

"Orgone Accumulator MK2 set to Drum Mode. Audio output from Orgone recorded directly without external effect added.


Using Le Seq to sequence it and Penrose Quantizer to change some notes on the fly."

You can find additional demos featuring the Orgone Accumulator MK2 in previous posts here.

3 01 20 EH Memory Man - Like meeting again an old friend

Published on Jan 4, 2020 batchas

"I only testing the pedal here, cause I finally got to repair it.
I'm taking the signal from Tresses and send it to the pedal.
I always liked the way the Memory Man is colouring the sound.

I usually do not modify old equipment, but I'm glad I decided to make an exception on this one, by simply adding a pot in the front to replace the trimmer present on the board of the Memory Man.

Funny is the way I felt by having it brought back to life. It was like meeting an old friend when I heard the first sound coming out of the pedal! It's one of the first piece of gear I ever got to make music nearly 4 decades ago!!!"

BugBrand PRC1 Mk2 PT Delay

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"This is the original system (pre-2013) PT Delay rather than the currently built one."

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Wiard Bugbrand Bug Blue

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Never seen one of these before.

"Wiard Bugbrand Noise Ring built & modded by Tom Bugs, maybe two exist, a possible third but unlikely, in perfect condition $1000 obo"

23 12 19 Nein sagen!

Published on Dec 23, 2019 batchas

"BugBrand: DRM1
Scrotum Lab: DRM1 Xpander + Grilles + Radio Music + Radio Music + Tresses + Mixer

I added a small mixer to the case and jammed with the BSP to test it."

23 11 19 BugBrand Modular System - Scrolab dub

Published on Nov 23, 2019 batchas

"Short session while it is raining outside (a storm actually!)."

New BugBrand PT Delay and Penrose

"Two new modules have been released - the PT Delay and Penrose.

the PT is a compact delay along the lines of the larger red design but without the extra trimmings of preamp & filtering

the Penrose is a great open-source quantizer by Sonic Potions with keyboard buttons for scale selection"

Updated BugBrand CrossOver Filter & Expander

"The CrossOver Filter has undergone a large upgrade and now re-enters regular production. While it looks the same from the outside (bar the line on the yellow Drive control changing from white to black) the insides have been completely updated - the main new features being that the input is now balanced and I added voltage control to the resonance/Q (accessible via a planned 2FW Expander), along with general improvements at a circuit level. My personal setups always feature a COFilter and PTDelay on mixer aux sends - the COFilter adding all manner of tonal playfulness - subtle or extreme frequency enhancements or eliminations."