Unpacking a Hinton PinMix rack (Jun 13, 2012)

video upload by batchas

"Unpacking Hinton PinMix which belongs to a friend.
Musique = Batchas"

An interesting side note is that Hinton will build the PinMix according to your specifications. You can find different formats on their site here, including Buchla, and what appears to be a larger 6U version. The PinMix has been mentioned in a couple of posts here, including this one featuring a precursor to the PinMix.

New Hinton Instruments PitchMaster and SequenceMix

via Hinton Instruments

"Our 3U Professional Module range continues to expand with two new modules.

PitchMaster is, as the name states, a master pitch CV source for the calibration and control of 1V/oct devices. It features a precision voltage reference and six high precision adders to generate pitch control voltages for up to three devices. High quality rotary switches give instant octave and semitone steps over 10 octaves.
Now shipping.

SequenceMix is a shift register controlled group of switches with individual outputs and precision adder outputs. Comprehensive control by analogue CVs, clocks and MIDI make this a highly versatile and expandable module.
Available from May 2019."

Note these are "Eurocard" 3U format. I asked Hinton how that differed from eurorack and they replied with the following:

"Hinton 2000 series modules look similar to Eurorack because they are both based on the same industrial standard, but they are usually deeper and will not fit in shallow Eurorack cases. Both systems will fit in Eurocard frames or custom frames with 200mm or more depth."

NYZ DRNH Limited Cassette Release on Gamma Mine Featuring Hinton Instruments Modular

Dave Burraston aka NYZ/noyzelab has a new release out titled DRNH soon available on cassette and digital download. You'll find some info on the gear used exclusively for MATRIXSYNTH further below, but first, here is some info on the release via noyzelab:

"Launching Gamma Mine's explorations into electronic systems music is 'DRNH', a new release from award winning artist Dave Burraston. “DRNH” continues 2016's releases from the ever-prolific artist, who has released works on labels including .MEDS, Feral Tapes, Computer Club and ALKU, this year alone.

Under his NYZ alias, Burraston studies modulation-based synthesis techniques from his Noyzelab studio, NSW, Australia. As an extension to the activities captured on 'DRN4' (.MEDS, 2016), the systems utilised on “DRNH” have been broadened to include additive synthesis, ring modulation and non-linear waveshaping alongside Burraston's staple frequency modulation synthesis techniques. The following is a declassified listing of equipment used in this research:

Hinton Instruments Music Lab modular prototype
Yamaha SY99 & TG77 with cellular automata generated microtunings
MANIAC/Ulamizer-II cellular automata sequencing
Tiptop Z-DSP & Numberz with custom programs

The result is a collection of recordings which take the listener from sci-fi atmospheres (“NYZ-1_HI-SIN”) to whirring electronics (“NYZ_Z-DSP+NUMBERZ-DRN1”), playful FM studies (“FM80Pcellular”, “FM60Pcellular”) to meditative drones (“CSN2-excerpt1-mono”, “DRNH”). “DRNH” releases on 9th December 2016 on white C90 cassette and digital formats:

A1. NYZ-1_SHPR_mono (01:40)
A2. NYZ-1_HI-SIN (07:17)
A3. NYZ-1_FM20Pcellular (02:04)
A4. NYZ_Z-DSP+NUMBERZ-DRN1 (06:42)
A5. FM80Pcellular (05:08)
A6. CSN2 excerpt1-mono (14:29)
A7. FM60Pcellular (05:42)
B1. DRNH (44:44)"

MATRIXSYNTH - NYZ - DRNH synth info leak

--- NYZ:DRNH INFO LEAK MSG BEGINS ---

Matrixsynth asked NYZ for some extra info on this release, so this extra bonus snippet is provided exclusively!

=>

Thanks for asking for some more info on the NYZ - DRNH release, this tape has been great fun to put together. Finlay Shakespeare (Moog Sound Lab UK engineer/tech & also the guy who runs Future Sound Systems eurorack modular) has done a great mastering job on it for his new Gamma Mine label.

The equipment I listed up on Noyzelab is not everything that was used.. but covers a fair bit of ground. I can give you a few extra bits of info though :

NYZ_Z-DSP+NUMBERZ-DRN1 - Made using the Intellijel/Cylonix Cyclebox-II+Expander going into a Tiptop Z-DSP with some custom programs I've written. A big thanks to Richard D James for giving me my first blank Z-DSP cartridge.. "ere u go, get on with summat" or words to that effect :) In this case it was using various ring modulation schemes. For a great reference I highly recommend Graham Hinton's ModMix application pages which details a range of ringmod/wave shaping algorithms :

applications.htm

moreapplications.htm

CSN2 excerpt1-mono - This is from some Hinton Instruments Music Lab modular sessions in 2013, and the methodology is pretty much the same as discussed in 'NYZ DRN4 Declassified' on Matrixsynth. A type of FM/additive/RM switched synthesis controlled via a cellular automata network (MANIAC cellular automata sequencer). The CSN is referred to in my notes as "Complicated Switching Network" so using complex systems to re-route sounds, a bit like a telephone network, imagine a bunch of ants running around repatching a modular synth and thats probably something like what's happening.. I often set these up and run them for days, take a few recordings here and there, it was nice just to listen sometimes as well, not to take a recording. I end up doing that a lot with these realtime generative/algorithmic systems because (depending on the parameters) they can take a long time to unfold, and sometimes you might just want the bit that happens after a few days, just let the system run till then..

FM60Pcellular - This was all done on a TG77 sequenced by the MANIAC cellular automata sequencer, with the original programming done using the SY99. I like to program on the SY99, but these days the outputs are getting very scratchy, so I transfer stuff over MIDI to the TG77 and do the final setup/mix with that + its got 8 individual outputs so little bit extra mixing scope. The voicing on this is a simple mix of FM/AWM voices, the bassline sound is the AWM voice. There's a great resource on SY99/TG77 programming written by Herbert Janssen, which also includes a section on waveshaping :

CLICK FOR MORE »

Wrangler Sparked: Modular Remix Project

"Wrangler Sparked: Modular Remix Project

(Modular remixes by Daniel Miller, Chris Carter, Alessandro Cortini & more. Including David Burraston Mus IIC remix on the Hinton Muisc Lab!). Release date: 24/6/2016

Limted 750 copies double vinyl LP + CD"

"Wrangler’s new remix album features 11 modular synthesizer re-workings of tracks from their 2014 debut album, LA Spark.

Featuring remixes by the likes of Mute founder & The Normal’s Daniel Miller, Chris Carter from Chris & Cosey, Alessandro Cortini (Nine Inch Nails) and Scanner, all the artists were sent the same original proposal by Wrangler at the start of the project: ‘Wrangler would like to ask you to submit an experimental piece of music for inclusion on an album entitled Modular Remix. The idea is very simple. We provide some basic stems from a track selected by you from our debut album LA Spark and you add whatever sounds you like - the only rule being that you use just one analog modular synthesiser system of your choice. We've approached you because we admire your passion and commitment to electronic music, and we hope you will be interested in taking part.’

The result is an album which flows across four sides of vinyl, from the locked down electro-dancefloor rhythm of Daniel Miller’s ‘Theme From Wrangler’, through the darker, brutalist shapes of Chris Carter’s eight minute ‘Lava Land’ opus and into schizo-synth pop (Dean Honer – I Monster, Eccentronic Research Council), abstract ambient beauty (Alessandro Cortini), dark dub (Solvent) and finally the brooding 14 minute masterpiece of Wrangler’s own remix, ‘Theme Meme’.

01 - Abul Mogard - Mus IIC

02 - Daniel Miller - Theme From Wrangler
03 - Steve Moore - Harder

04 - Scanner - LA Spark

05 - Chris Carter - Lava Land

06 - Dean Honer - Space Ace

07 - Alessandro Cortini - Modern World
08 - Benge - Peace & Love

09 - Solvent - Harder

10 - David Burraston - Mus IIC

11 – Wrangler - Theme Meme"

One track from the release on Vimeo:


Wrangler / Theme From Wrangler [Daniel Miller mix] from disco_r.dance on Vimeo.

Theme From Wrangler [Daniel Miller mix]

taken from the "Sparked, Modular Remix Project"

CLICK FOR MORE »

NYZ DRN4 DECLASSIFIED

Exclusive mix on SoundCloud:


And a track from the release on Bandcamp:


Tracklist:

1. NYZ_FMMGKSQ_43t
2. ISR_16x16_WCM
3. CSN [excerpt 2 mono]
4. SWI_r170_16x32x32_B
5. SWI_FM1#16
6. NYZ-1_1#08_A [finite downsized]
7.CSN1 [excerpt 1 mono]

Be sure to see the MATRIXSYNTH exclusive further below!

FM EXPLORATIONS AND MICROTONAL DRONES FROM NYZ (AKA DAVE NOYZE, DAVID BURRASTON, NOYZELAB, BRYEN TELKO)

This is the first release by NYZ and is a superb musical collection of research areas classified to internal Noyzelab operations. Not even .MEDS label were informed of the secret processes underlying its creation, excepting that we know it involved Frequency Modulation (FM) synthesis! We have not been given any information regarding when this work was recorded, but we suspect the material spans at least a decade of David's FM algorithm research on numerous synthesizers, as well his own custom built ear deceiving gear...

According to one reviewer of David's previous musical output he "gleefully disrupts just about every standard convention of musical form you could think of, including those of so-called experimental musics."

Other reviewers have written that :
"His music is a bizarre, yet compelling journey investigating the outer realms of music generated on ancient & contemporary machines." "It's strikingly original audio that doesn't really sound like anything else I can think of." "Utterly sublime. So there you go, a life-affirming slab of mind-altering sound to reawaken you to the terrifying possibilities of creation."

"absolutely wreaks havoc" wrote Keith Fullerton Whitman on reviewing David's last release T. H. Cycle cassette on Important Records/Cassauna .

Cassette releases April 1, 2016

All Audio by David Burraston
Design Tom Knapp

----

MATRIXSYNTH recently asked NYZ why he put together this new album of FM synthesis based explorations, and whether he would discuss some of the process behind it. The declassified information below has been put together by NYZ especially for a MATRIXSYNTH exclusive.

***BEGIN NYZ DRN4 DECLASSIFICATION REPORT***

DC REPORT STATUS: PARTIAL DECLASSIFICATION ONLY
PARTIAL DC STATUS: INCOMPLETE CELLULAR BINARY SPACETIME
PARTIAL DC LEVEL: SEMI-PICTORIAL_TEXTUAL_HIGHLIGHTS
FUTURE DC STATUS: _PENDING

The main reasons for making this album were an interest in FM synthesis in both analogue modular and MIDI/digital mediums. I had worked with digital FM synthesis since getting a Yamaha TX81Z when they came out back in 1987 (which I still have, along with another backup machine with a very hummy mains transformer which bleeds onto the outs). How me and another synth friend used to cry with drunken laughter at preset D11 Hole in 1... :) But after initially wondering whether I had just wasted about 350 UK pounds on an utter piece of shit... I quickly warmed to its better presets, and its very different approach to synthesis yielded enough interesting results early on for it not to get outed.

CLICK FOR MORE »

noyzelab's David Burraston & Russell Haswell: Wired Lab CV Session #1 released on ALKU

noyzelab's latest release with Russell Haswell on tape features his custom maniac cellular automata & spacetime gravity modulator as well as the hinton music lab modular. The limited edition black chrome cassette comes with a 16 page booklet. You'll find full details including additional pics at noyzelab here.

You can find previous posts featuring some of noyzelab's creations including custom work for Aphex Twin, here on MATRIXSYNTH.

Hinton Switchmix + Octal Trimmer

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

via this auction

Hinton Instruments MIDIX - Innerclock Systems Historical Classic Hardware Series # 1 – 1984

via Innerclock Systems where you'll find more pics & a schematic. The MIDIX has only been featured here on MATRIXSYNTH once before.

"Hinton Instruments MIDIX

Possibly the most advanced precision MIDI Router ever made.

'An advanced, reliable hardware switched MIDI routing system with low data distortion and delay, unlike nearly all other routers which use software or time multiplexed techniques leading to degraded performance as the size or traffic increases. The total delay through any MIDIX matrix is less than 200 nanoseconds with a pulse distortion less than 0.7% regardless of matrix size. MIDIX will handle any MIDI Data passed through it with total integrity.'"

Hinton Instruments Gearbox

via Hinton Instruments

"A compact module that converts and locks analogue, MIDI and DINSync timing clocks together. Any one source may be master and the other two follow in synchronisation.
Available in two versions: a basic 8HP module with a single 5-pin DIN socket that may be used as one input or output or a full version with manual transport control switches and a separate 6HP panel containing four DIN I/O connectors.

Any analogue signals may be used as inputs enabling slow rising waveforms to be used as jitter free controls. MIDI and DINSync sequencers and drum machines and DAWs may be controlled by analogue signals and vice versa. Analogue sequencers may be driven by MIDI or DINSync clocks and commands. Because all timing is divided down rather than multiplied up there is no sloppy timing with tempo changes.

This module was developed in response to a request on the Muffwiggler forum. The full thread discussion may be read here"

You can find some Gearbox Applications here.

Hinton Music Lab Multimode Filter

via noyzelab where you'll find additional pics, details and audio.

"This is quite a unique VCF module, and my Music Lab contains three of them. The filter cutoff frequency can be adjusted with ultra-precision using a 10 turn lockable potentiometer, usually only found on VCO's. The filter Q (resonance) is also switchable between normal (fully resonating) and limited. The outputs are low pass, high pass and band pass with both level and +/- phase adjustable. The inputs are duplicated to nuclear physics spec Lemo connectors which connect to the virtual earth inputs on the module, allowing input signals to be summed directly on the Pin Matrix module. Also note that two of these modules are designated ML1501, although they are actually ML1502's underneath. The ML1501 panels have a slightly different layout which includes a voltage controlled Q input, although this is not connected internally and the PCB's are all designated as ML1502."

ULAMIZER - II - HINTON - 2007 - EXCERPT

"ULAMIZER II is a prototype of a CA (cellular automata) music module, designed to be part of the Noyzelab studio environment for both modular and MIDI synthesizers."

via noyzelab where you'll find more pics & details.

Hinton Music Lab Module Closeup - ML1812 Sequence Generator

via noyzelab where you'll find additional pics & details.

"Some close up pictures of the Hinton Music Lab modular ML1812 Sequence Generator. The ML1812 was built by Graham Hinton back in the mid 70's using wire wrapping! This module also has a logic buss at the rear for the 8 sequence bits, which I can interface directly to my MANIAC & Arthur prototype systems. This makes them particularly handy for being modulated by Cellular Automata logic patterns."

Hinton Music Lab ML1302 Trapezoid EG

via noyzelab where you'll find additional pics.

"Some close up pictures of the Hinton Music Lab modular's ML1302 Trapezoid EG. This module also has a series of logic outs for the different stages of the EG cycle. Module includes audio in/out which is level controlled internally by the EG. Controls : Attack Time, On Time, Decay Time, Delay Time, Trapezoid +/-, Signal +/-, Switch (Gated, Cycle, Single), Manual Gate Switch. The inputs are duplicated to nuclear physics spec Lemo connectors which connect to the virtual earth inputs on the module, allowing input signals to be summed directly on the Pin Matrix module. The ML1320 was built by Graham Hinton back in the mid 70's using wire wrapping!"

Update: missed the noyzelab link above when initially posting. It has been added.

Hinton Music Lab ML1890 Switch & ML1820 Counter

noyzelab has a couple of posts up on the Hinton ML 1890 & ML 1820. See each link for more pics, links & audio demos.

The ML 1890: "This module is pretty special having a logic buss at the rear for the 8 switches which I can interface directly to my MANIAC & Arthur prototype systems. This makes them particularly handy for being modulated by Cellular Automata logic patterns. The ML1890 can switch both audio and control voltages and was built by Graham Hinton back in the mid 70's ! The inputs are duplicated to nuclear physics spec Lemo connectors which connect to the virtual earth inputs on the module, allowing input signals to be summed directly on the Pin Matrix module."

The ML 1820: "This module is also has a logic buss at the rear for the 8 counter bits, which I can interface directly to my MANIAC & Arthur prototype systems. This makes them particularly handy for being modulated by Cellular Automata logic patterns. The ML1820 was built by Graham Hinton back in the mid 70's using wire wrapping!"

@noyzelab SYSTEM - HINTON - 4a [1997] - excerpt

"Here is another Hinton Music Lab track [System Hinton 4a excerpt] unearthed from the Noyzelab archives! This was recorded in 1997, and is among some of the first tracks I made with it. This track also used the Roland System 100m and System 100 modular synths. See its blogpage for more info :
noyzelab.blogspot.com.au/2014/08/syst…sounded.html"

Also check out:

Bhang : An Open Lassie - video

HINTON - MC4 - Cellular Automata - Excerpt[2007]

"Generative Music on the Roland MC4 MicroComposer - Cellular Automata Sequences"

via noyzelab where you'll find the full write-up.

"Lots of people are becoming familiar with the Roland MC4 MicroComposer and its become quite a legendary box over the years. With well known works from composers such as Vince Clarke & Aphex Twin the musical applications of the MC4 cover a lot of ground. Over the years I've been playing around with different ways of working with this box since I got my first one in 1997, and I started integrating it with my algorithmic / generative composition processes."

More Pics of Noyzelab's Hinton Instruments Music Lab Modular

via noyzelab where you'll find additional pics.

The system "was built by Graham Hinton back in the mid 70's ! Its the precursor to his current series of modules. The strange looking co-ax like connectors are nuclear physics spec Lemo connectors which connect to the virtual earth inputs on the Music Lab modules and the Pin Matrix module..."

CLICK FOR MORE »

1970s Hinton Instruments Music Lab Pin Matrix

via noyzelab where you'll find more pics.

"This was built by Graham Hinton back in the mid 70's ! Its the precursor to his current PinMix module and is a 59 input by 24 output... The pin matrix itself a completely individual module and can be patched up into the modular like any other module."

Hinton Instruments & Wiard Team up with Bantam Jack Patching

via Hinton Instruments

"Due to astute bulk purchasing we can now offer all our audio processing and synthesizer modules with bantam/TT jacks for the same price as the mini-jack or banana versions. All the modules have balanced/unbalanced compatibility and may be connected to other balanced audio systems using low cost moulded patch cables without the previous higher price tag.

Bantam or TT (tiny telephone) jacks are widely used in professional audio for high density and reliable patching. They have the feel and ruggedness of 1/4″ jacks, but only take up the panel space of inferior, fragile 3.5mm jacks without the compatibility issues between manufacturers.

Seamless patching between synthesizers and professional studio equipment is now possible without special interfaces. Studio outboard may become integrated into a synthesizer patch and synthesizer modules used to process audio from a studio jackfield."

via Wiard: "Why Bantam Jacks?

In brief, you get the reliability and solid feel of a professional audio connector in a compact footprint (only slightly larger than a 3.5mm jack)..."

New From Hinton Instruments - The ModMix & GH1

via Hinton Instruments

"ModMix is an 18HP Euro synthesizer compatible module comprising two 4:1 audio/CV mixers, two linear multipliers (balanced modulators) with AC/DC coupling and a white and pink noise source. Sum and difference outputs are also available. Consider it like a Minimoog centre mixer with a ring modulator, then doubled. ModMix may be used anywhere to expand the number of audio or modulation inputs on any module. You can never have enough ModMixes…"

Shipping now, direct sales only: £295 (+VAT in EU).

The GH1 Precision Amplifier is a microphone/line amplifier in Eurocard module format. Developed and refined for Graham Hinton’s own studio and live recordings the transformerless amplifier is of the highest specification with many features for the professional user where there is only one take and downtime is not an option. Up to fourteen 6HP standard modules will fit in a 3U Eurocard rack with rear mounted PSU and multiway connectors. Non-standard phantom voltages may be provided, including T-Power. Each module has two independent line drivers intended for recording and monitoring. Pairs of modules may be used for M/S decoding or encoding, fixed or switched, and in this mode one output preserves the input, enabling M/S recording and L/R stereo image monitoring.

Other features include soft phantom switching, dual input impedance and our CLEAR led bargraph display. The GH1 is built like professional audio used to be, not like “prosumer” audio is now. Maintenance has been carefully considered and all ICs are socketed and modules may be hot swapped live in the unlikely event of failing during a recording.

The extended 10HP module is a customised version for integrating into synthesizer systems with the meter voltage brought out as a control voltage.

Prices are from £300 per module plus enclosure, PSU, connectors and wiring. E.g. a 12 channel system would be about £4500 (+VAT in EU) depending on connectors or <£400 per channel. Configured to order, 4-6 weeks delivery."