Future Sound Systems: FIL3 and FIL4 dirty filters compared

video upload by John Schussler

"Future Sound Systems isn't known for making polite modules. Their original claim to fame was a Eurorack version of the Gristelizer, and surely the name alone is enough to tell you what it sounded like.

These two modules are both filters (though not part of the Gristleizer line). The FIL3 Spectral Devastator is two filters in series (unless you decide otherwise), whereas the FIL4 Timbral Sculptor is a single filter with a couple wave folders and a rectifier in the signal chain (again, unless you decide otherwise).

I suppose you can maybe make things sound 'nice' with these, but mostly I'm trying to decide which one creates a more visceral rip, tear, and shred for the hp it takes up.

Input audio was a basic sine wave from a Dixie II+. Sequenced by Stochastic IG. Envelope by Zadar.

00:00 Intro
00:20 FIL3 HP
01:56 FIL3 LP
03:19 FIL3 Both
05:26 FIL3 Sequence
11:56 FIL4
14:58 FIL4 Sequence"

Mass Harmonic Excitement & Tonal Sculpting // Future Sound Systems FIL4 Timbral Sculptor

video upload by DivKidVideo

"Here we have the new Timbral Sculptor Eurorack module from Future Sound Systems. It’s a harmonic power house with both filtering (with multiple unique twists) and wave folding in one module. It features clever routing and an additional VCA to patch in extra voltage control or add further dynamics to your patch. There’s also an in built Audio FM which comes from Future Sound Systems deep diving into some quirks (faults?) in some of the early Korg filter designs and then exploiting them for additional musical processing. There’s both rectifying and folding (a second wave folder!) in the resonance path of the filter which really pushes the wave shaping potential of this into some unique wave shapes that would otherwise be hard to synthesise. Clever stuff!"

"The Timbral Sculptor from Future Sound Systems together several synthesis elements designed for altering the harmonic content of audio signals at its input. The module is comprised of a multi-mode filter, VCAs, a deadband wavefolder, and a rectifier and Lockhart wavefolder in the resonance path of the filter. The Timbral Sculptor therefore can be coupled with one or several oscillators, as well as modulation sources, for a full synthesizer voice. The Filter component of the Timbral Sculptor has been designed to range from clean, low-distortion filtering to chaotic noise generation, particularly through the use of non-linear elements in its resonance path.

The Timbral Sculptor’s multi-mode filter is a -18dB/octave three-pole design based around the SSI2164 IC. When used without the rectifier or wavefolder in the resonance path, the filter behaves “cleanly” with low distortion. The filter will self-oscillate at maximum Resonance, and also has slightly accentuated Resonance at higher Cut-Off Frequency, imitating filters such as that found in the Roland TB-303. 1V/Oct control over the Cut-Off Frequency is available at the Frequency CV1 input, and the Resonance can also be voltage controlled via an attenuverter. Additional features to this filter include the Audio FM attenuverter and, in the resonance path of the filter, a rectifier network and Lockhart wavefolder. These can be employed to drastically change the behaviour of the filter. Each individual state output from the filter is fed through a VCA, courtesy of another SSI2164, and akin to the Cyclical Engine VCO module. The mixed output of this is then passed on to the next component in the Chain, whether that be the Chain Output or the deadband wavefolder named 'Timbre'.

The 'Timbre' section is named after a well-regarded deadband wavefolder design, prominent in “West-Coast” designs both new and old. Whilst the Filter section of the Timbral Sculptor belongs to classic subtractive synthesis, the Timbre section can be seen as relating to additive synthesis, as the harder the Timbre section is driven, the greater the number of harmonics that are added to the input. The Timbre section can be manipulated using the Drive control (when in Pre configuration) or from the VCAs at the filter’s outputs (when in Post configuration).

The Timbral Sculptor also features an exponential-law VCA, which can be used completely independently from the other elements of the module if desired. Otherwise, the VCA can be placed at the beginning or end of the signal chain. Note that this VCA can be employed when the Timbre section is in the Pre configuration to give voltage control over the Drive."

PWM Malevolent Sound Demo (no talking) with Empress Reverb

video upload by Limbic Bits

0:00 Pulse Arp
1:16 PWM Bass
1:33 Melodic Techno Arp
3:28 BP Lead
4:00 Cross Mod Lead Morph
4:27 Heavy Drone Pad
5:46 Cheap octave lead
6:46 ArafnaMerz
7:26 LFO BP / HP Lead
8:23 Sweet and noisy triangle waves
9:32 Stop It!! FM texture
10:04 Kicks
10:11 Runners Arp (PWM and envelope speed)
12:07 LFOed Lead
12:36 Eurodance Bass
14:12 Final Boss

See the PWMusic label below for more. Note the PWM Malevolent all analog signal path was designed by Future Sound Systems, hence the label below.

Superbooth 2021 - PWM Malevolent

video upload by MusicRadar

You can find additional Future Sound Systems PWM Malevolent details here.

SUPERBOOTH 2021 - PWM Malevolent - Modular Pure Analogue Keyboard Synthesiser

video upload by sonicstate"

"1pwm.com A brand new synth from the UK £499"

MALEVOLENT // Official Promo
video upload by PWMusic

"This is the official promo video for PWM's debut synthesiser - Malevolent.

All noises created for this promo were made with Malevolent.

Filmed and created by www.timmyshotme.com"

via www.1pwm.com/malevolent

- Modular Pure Analogue Synthesiser

* Pure Analogue signal path designed by Future Sound Systems
* Pure VCOs
* 19 Outputs and 19 Inputs for 3.5mm mono jack cable patching
* Normalised signal path for immediate sound Malevolence
* Additional rear panel line out
* Additional headphone out

* 2 Voltage Controlled Oscillators
* Saw / Triangle / Pulse outputs plus Mix for each oscillator
* 1V/Oct pitch control input
* Shape control / pulse width modulation input
* 2x Frequency Modulation inputs
* Coarse / Fine tune control
* Shape mod amount control
* FM1 and 2 mod amount controls
* Shape control
* Selectable waveforms for the mix output
* Individual osc level control

* LFO (Low Frequency Oscillator)
* Triangle / Square wave outputs
* Rate control

* 2x Envelopes
* Individual ADSR controls for each envelope
* Individual gate inputs
* Individual envelope outputs

* Multi-mode 2 pole VCF (Voltage Controlled Filter)
* Low pass / Band pass / High Pass individual inputs
* 2x Frequency Modulation inputs with amount controls
* Filter cutoff
* Filter resonance

* Mixer
* Noise w/level control
* Aux input w/level control

* VCA (Voltage Controlled Amplifier) with overdrive control

* Compatible with Eurorack standard 1V/Oct gear

* Monophonic and patchable allowing individual pitch control of each VCO and gate control of each envelope

* USB bus-powered

* MIDI In / Out

* Headphone out

* Line out

* Analogue clock in & out

* USB-MIDI to 1V/Oct CV & gate conversion
* All pitch and gate control is fully analogue
* Analogue clock In / Out

* Multi-function Joystick control
* Left / right for pitch bend
* Performable portamento
* Performable vibrato
* This is in addition to the analogue LFO
* Latching hold mode

* Arpeggiator
* 6 arpeggiator types
* Up, Down, Up/Down 1, Up/Down 2, Played & Random
* Auto clock sync
* Detects analogue / MIDI or USB-MIDI clock and synchronises the arpeggiator automatically
* Selectable sync rates when clock detected
* Rate / sync control
* Latch
* 6 Octave range
* Analogue / MIDI / USB-MIDI Clock output when arpeggiator is running

* Keyboard Control
* 32 Velocity-sensitive mini-keys
* Octave shift +/- 4 octaves
* Pitch output
* Velocity output
* Gate output
* Local Off mode for DAW use
​
Includes:
* 5 Patch cables
* Power Supply (9V 600mA)
* USB C lead
* Getting Started Guide
​
Pricing MSRP:
* UK: £499.99 inc. VAT
* Europe: €579.99 inc. VAT

Future Sound Systems - OSC2 Recombination Engine

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

via NOISEBUG Reverb

You can find demos in previous posts here.

"The Recombination Engine from Future Sound Systems is a triple analogue voltage-controlled oscillator Eurorack module with a focus on a novel wave-splicing technique. The Recombination method can produce new, harmonically-rich timbres. Each oscillator is built around a new- generation CEM 3340 VCO chip to ensure ultimate tracking and linearity across the frequency spectrum, as per necessary for several features of the Recombination technique. The OSC2 employs its three VCOs in a master / positive-slave / negative-slave arrangement – the output of which is found at the Glue section. The Scissor section can be used as a master oscillator, which, in the Recombination technique, is used to switch between the Positive and Negative DNA oscillators, dependent on the positive or negative state of the Scissor square-wave. Sinusoidal, triangle and ramp waveforms can be mixed at each DNA VCO through SSI2164-based VCA sections, the mixed outputs of which are switched between at the Glue section in accordance to the Scissor.

The VCOs of the OSC2 also allow for switchable linear or exponential FM and offer very wide frequency ranges between Coarse and Fine tune controls. Both DNA oscillators' VCA sections are accessible through the Mix Outputs, with the level controls operating in a similar fashion to those found on our Cyclical Engine VCO module. At 12 o'clock, each waveform is modulated at full-scale by the applicable positive or negative state of the Scissor VCO's square-wave. At 5 o'clock, each waveform ows through its VCA at full scale. Meanwhile, each waveform is available pre-VCA at the Raw Outputs.

As part of the Scissor section, three modulation busses can be switched on and off. PW Skew ties the pulsewidth modulation bus of the Scissor VCO to the frequency busses of the DNA VCOs. This means that, if the positive region of the Scissor VCO's square-wave is elongated as the pulsewidth is increased, the frequency of the Positive DNA VCO is decreased, so that the positive portion of the Glue waveform becomes "stretched out". The opposite happens to the negative portion of the Glue waveform in this instance, so becomes condensed. This effect is particularly useful for creating formant-type timbres at the Glue output.

CV Lock between the three VCOs ties the exponential frequency bus of the Scissor oscillator to the two DNA VCOs. This is especially useful when using the OSC2 as a standard triple oscillator stack, as found in classic subtractive synthesizers. Sync Lock resets the Positive DNA to the positive portion of the Scissor VCO, and resets the Negative DNA to the negative portion of the Scissor VCO. There is also a switch in the Scissor section to shift the entirety of the OSC2 between low and audible frequency ranges."

Patch Notes: Finlay Shakespeare

video upload by FACTmagazine

"Finlay Shakespeare is an artist that operates in two worlds of electronic music. As the founder of Future Sound Systems, Shakespeare engineers Eurorack modules (including a series based on Chris Carter’s device, The Gristleizer) and standalone synths such as the Brunswick. As an artist, he makes gritty, ’80s-leaning synth pop that sits somewhere between Factory Floor and Depeche Mode.

On this Patch Notes session, the Bristol-based artist performs live with an array of vintage and analog gear, including an ARP 2600. Shakespeare’s two recent albums for Editions Mego, 2019’s Domestic Economy and 2020’s Solemnities, are available now. Find more music by Shakespeare at Bandcamp.

Finlay Shakespeare: http://finlayshakespeare.com"

Superbooth 20HE: Future Sound Systems Recombination Engine

Published on Apr 26, 2020 sonicstate

"Just down the road in Bristol we managed to catch up with Mr Finlay Shakespeare at Future Sound Systems. Having just released his sophomore album Finlay has also found the time to release his second VCO the Recombination Engine.

The Recombination Engine is a triple oscillator design that has some very unique features for creating waveforms. Built around a new generation of CEM3340 VCO chips the Recombination Engine uses a novel novel wave-splicing technique to create waveforms.

In this video gives us a full rundown of the Recombination Engine. If you’d like to know more then head on over to Future Sound Systems"

Future Sound Systems interview // NEW Recombination Engine & Desktop Pin Matrix

Scheduled for Apr 10, 2020 DivKidVideo

"Here I'm joined by Finlay Shakespeare of Future Sound Systems to discuss his new (and very unique!) RECOMBINATION ENGINE triple analogue oscillator Eurorack module.

The video demo for the module is here - [posted here]

Module is with Signal Sounds available now here"

Future Sound Systems OSC2 Recombination Engine // a UNIQUE triple analogue Eurorack oscillator

Published on Apr 10, 2020 DivKidVideo

"Here we have a total unique triple analogue (or analog for our stateside friends) oscillator for the Eurorack format from Future Sound Systems. The OSC2 Recombination Engine has a master ‘Scissor’ oscillator that can audio rate switch, sync and glue waveforms together from separate positive and negative DNA oscillators. The Glue section is a VCA that merges the positive and negative waves at the rate of the Scissor with options for additional level modulation and mixing internal or external sounds with an added input.

It’s a massively varied unit with everything from soft and sweet sines and triangles working independently to a totally mad as a box of frogs noise oscillator and everything in between. Coaxing out digital DX style musical FM has been easy, it’s a total wizard with AM synthesis and the unique wave the waveform level VCAs work. So I look forward to further exploration.

CLICK FOR MORE »

Future Sound Systems Portland

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

via this auction

You can find some demos posted here.

"Portland is a semi modular analog drum voice module with several different sounds and an interface that encourages loads of self patching. This is simply a voice module with no sequencer built in but a bunch of trigger inputs. It sounds something like the old budget Roland machines like the 606, CR78 and DR-110. This is the Eurorack version - the standard is a desktop box. The rear of the module has an adapter board that converts Eurorack power to the two battery slots."

CLICK FOR MORE »

Future Sound Systems Eurorack Modules (Including Gristleizer)

Published on Dec 16, 2019 Perfect Circuit

"Future Sound Systems modules have all of your distortion and signal destruction needs covered. FSS worked with Chris Carter of Throbbing Gristle to turn the Gristleizer effect into multiple modules with more features and CV controls that the original Gristleizer. The OSC1 and FIL3 are an oscillator with interesting wave shaping controls and a wild dual filter reminiscent of an MS20.

FSS also has a collection of routing and utility modules including a 9X9 pin matrix module, 6 channel muting module with both momentary and switched muting. The MAKROW macro control outputs 6 CVs by turning one knob or from a single CV control.

Future Sound System modules available here: https://www.perfectcircuit.com/future..."

Future Sound Systems T-Shirt & Tote Bag Update

Just a heads up for those interested in ordering the limited edition Future Sound Systems T-Shirts & Tote Bag, previously posted here, they are now offering £5 off.


You can find details on how to order here.

Future Sound Systems Limited Edition T-Shirts & Tote Bag

You can find them here.

CLICK FOR MORE »

-burn: Experiment in Sound Design

Published on Sep 4, 2019 Precarious333 Music

Modor Formant Filter

"Sound design experiment separating and processing a sound divided into hi/mid/low bands. Will make a good base to build around with heavy drums. I have Noise Engineering - Basimilus Iteritas Alter sequenced and modulated by Malekko - Voltage Block and Xaoc - Batumi.

A copy of BIM is running into Future Sound Systems - Spectral Devastator FIL3 highpassed with resonance and overdrive to create the highs.

Another copy running into TouellSkouarn - Sonveskañ adding distortion, then into Modor Music - Formant Filter filling out the mids. This turned out to be a pretty interesting combination. Sonveskañ is removing most of the high frequency content. 2 minutes in I use feedback on Sonveskañto create some accents. Formant Filter is stereo with different modulation to the left and right channels creating a nice dynamic stereo effect.

Then a third copy of BIM EQed down to just the lows running through overdrive to fill out the bottom end.

Recorded as 4 tracks into Ableton. EQ, compression, reverb, pan added in post."

Future Sound Systems TG2 Gristleizer // LFO, VCO, weird rhythms + modulation in Eurorack

Published on Jun 25, 2019 DivKidVideo

"Here's the TG2 Generator from Future Sound Systems which is made with Roy Gwinn and Chris Carter (of Throbbing Gristle) as part of the new Eurorack Gristleizer range. It's an LFO that goes into audio range with points for external modulation, internal wave folding, different/unique pulse and PWM like audio options and it's also a totally weird rhythm generator. Skip around with the timings below and leave a comment

TIMING INDEX / SECTIONS

00:10 previews

00:42 Intro, features etc

02:05 LFO, modulator functions

04:24 Oscillator audio rate functions, LOVELY bass tones. Audio rate modulation, FM, sync etc.

07:27 ULTIMATE GRISTLE! TG2 with the TG3 + TG4

08:33 Sequenced oscillator, pitch range demo, warm “woody” folded tones.

10:27 Meet your new favourite weird rhythm generator

13:21 Modulated modulation

Thank you to Future Sound Systems for their sponsorship of this video. Their sponsorship made this demo video happen, however they had no control of what I said, patched or the sounds I made."

Future Sound Systems Brunswick

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

via this auction


See here for previous posts including demos.

CLICK FOR MORE »

HOW TO GENETIC SCISSOR WITH GLUE + DNA! Future Sound Systems // Superbooth 2019

Published on May 24, 2019 DivKidVideo

"Genetics influences oscillators? Analogue synth glue? DNA modulation? The new Recombination Engine from Future Sound Systems is a triple analogue oscillator that flips out the positive and negative portions of waves to impose other oscillators bringing into sync, rectification and tonnes of other 'sonic FX' to the sound. The 3 oscillators working together sounding like analogue vocal synthesis almost like a model of VOSM, super impressive.

There's also the Cyclical Engine we saw last year which has now had a four quadrant multiplier option so you can either AM or Ring Modulate each waveform individually, super sonic sculpting to come with that I'm sure.

FSS are also developing a new high end linear power solution and desk pin matrix devices for studio gear, guitar/pedals and more."

Daniel Miller Mute Records Modules 'Stumm' and 'Makrow' with FSS // Superbooth 2019

Published on May 18, 2019 DivKidVideo

"It was delighted to hear that Future Sound Systems ( FSS ) would be collaborating and working with Daniel Miller of Mute Records. Their two new Eurorack modules Stumm and Makrow presented at Superbooth provide performance friendly ways to mute, group, shift and morph pretty much anything in a modular system. That's always excited, fresh and welcome and I'm really looking forward to trying these out in my own system."

Superbooth 2019 -Future Sound System Daniel Miller Collab On Modules

Published on May 16, 2019 sonicstate

"As well as some interesting new products from Future Sound Systems the Cyclical Engine Oscillator, the Recombination Engine (a triple stack of 3340 oscillators) there were also two new modules made in collaboration with Daniel Miller (Mute Records). STUMM and Macro modules."