New DigiLog DELTA Synthesizer Beta Test

Published on Jul 24, 2016 DigiLog

A new maker and a new mini synth. Details to come...

KORG KPR-77 Retrofit MIDI Interface (work in progress)

Published on Jul 24, 2016 Harry Axten

"This is a project I'm currently working on. It adds MIDI to the KORG KPR-77 analogue drum machine from 1983. It installs internally; requiring no case mods to fit it, as it fits in the battery compartment and re-uses the DINSYNC connector for the MIDI input.

There are still things to be done, such as redesign the printed circuit board and add the final feature set to the firmware, but I aim to have a kit for sale this year."

New Eurorack Manufacturer Tsyklon Labs

Published on Jul 21, 2016 Sean Pendleton

"Clocking many things Tsyklon Labs Chaos Dividers. I'm clocking my Klee, triggering various drums, triggering bleeps, bloops, and synthesized fart noises. This video is probably 5 minutes too long."

Details on each module via Tsyklon Labs for the archives:

CHAOS DIVIDER HV Eurorack Clock Modulator Module

"A clock signal. A serial chain of pulses. Some wide, some narrow. Some pulses are taller than others. Others, not so much. A clock may not the most exciting signal that gets passed around a modular synth, but it is certainly a useful signal. Take that clock pulse and pass it back out. But maybe instead of high fidelity, you drop every other pulse. Or maybe every third, or fifth, or eighth. By dividing your clock train, you can run an entire “drum set” of modules with one input and many outputs. But what happens when you add unpredictability, chaos if you will, to a normally pedestrian module? You get a CV controllable, multi-divisor, revolutionary clock modulator we call the CHAOS DIVIDER HV:

It is easy to be distracted by the glow of the Mode indicating Nixie tube (HV means HIGH VOLTAGE), this is a hard module to miss. But look past the neon beauty, and you will see a module with brains too. Front panel or CV selectable divisor mode, 9 outputs (inverted or normal outputs selectable with front panel toggle switch), division reset via push-button or trigger/gate input, and front panel and CV controls for Intensity and Interval chaos variables. Oh, and a clock signal.

The Mode control lets you select the divisor sequence from the list displayed to the left of the Nixie tube. In CHAOS mode, the divisors change at random according to the Intensity and Interval chaos variable selectors. The Intensity variable changes the range of the randomly selected divisor and the Interval variable changes how often divisors are recalculated. In non-CHAOS mode, the Interval variable introduces slip (or delay) to the outputs. This causes the outputs to be delayed from the incoming clock signal. Similarly, in non-CHAOS mode, the Intensity variable selects whether the slip applied to all outputs is the same (low Intensity) or varies across the outputs (high Intensity).

A few technical details: CV input allowable range is 0-10VDC. Anything over 10VDC is limited to 10VDC. The output pulses can be individually configured from 5-10VDC with a twist of a trimpot. Front panel controls behave as an attenuator for CV inputs.

Add our expander module, the CHAOS DIVIDER SPUTNIK (by the way, Sputnik means “Companion” in Russian), and unleash all the features that make the CHAOS DIVIDER a clock modulator for the people, Comrade!

Technical Specifications:
– 129.4mm (5.095″) Front Panel Height (3U Eurorack format)
– 12HP Module Width
– 51mm Module Depth
– Power Consumption: +12V = 165mA, -12V = 0mA, +5V = 0mA

Front panel graphics were designed by the inimitable Hannes Pasqualini @ Papernoise

Assembled modules retail for $400 USD, and Front Panel/(3)PCB/Rare Parts sets sell for $85 USD."

CHAOS DIVIDER SPUTNIK Eurorack Clock Modulator Expander Module

"In Russian, SPUTNIK means “Companion” – and that is exactly what the CHAOS DIVIDER SPUTNIK module is. A companion, or more accurately, an expander module for the CHAOS DIVIDER.

Want to change your CHAOS DIVIDER clock divider into a frequency divider? Flip the “Division” switch, Comrade! Would you rather have twice as many clock outputs and go half as deep with the divisions? The “Split” switch was added just for you. Do you need Gate outputs instead of Trigger outputs? There is a switch for that too. There is also a front panel control and a CV input for dialing in Gate Length.

Can you keep a secret, Compai? Each CHAOS DIVIDER comes with a 4HP blue acrylic place holder panel. Our shpiony report that this place holder is nearly identical to the CHAOS DIVIDER SPUTNIK panel. So you can use the place holder to save 4HP in your rack for the CHAOS DIVIDER SPUTNIK, or, if you are an enterprising Udarnik, you can use the place holder panel to make your own CHAOS DIVIDER SPUTNIK! #diyforthepeople

Technical Specifications:
– 129.4mm (5.095″) Front Panel Height (3U Eurorack format)
– 4HP Module Width
– 29mm Module Depth
– Power Consumption: +12V = 0mA, -12V = 0mA, +5V = 0mA

Front panel graphics were designed by the inimitable Hannes Pasqualini @ Papernoise

Assembled modules retail for $80 USD, and partial kits sell for $25 USD."

CORE Eurorack Passive DI Module

"Do you need to connect your Eurorack synth to a balanced audio Live or Recording rig? Find the solution with our Transformer-Based Passive DI module called CORE.

CORE is a passive transformer coupled direct injection unit for connecting a Eurorack synth to the microphone/line levels in mixers and recording equipment as well as passing the Input signal directly to the Thru connection. CORE features a Sowter 8044 12:1 DI Transformer with a Mumetal core and an XLR connector from Neutrik. Signal Attenuator and Ground Lift controls (both pre-transformer) help you trim the signal as needed. While the audio portion of this module is passive, it can be connected to a Eurorack power supply to provide LED indication of Ground Lift mode – BLUE halo around the transformer for ground connected and a RED halo for ground lift.

While the audio circuitry of CORE is passive, if you connect CORE to your rack’s power supply for the backlighting/ground lift indication, expect that it will draw 4mA or less.

Technical Specifications:
– 129.4mm (5.095″) Front Panel Height (3U Eurorack format)
– 8HP Module Width
– 35mm Module Depth
– Passive Audio Path
– Power Consumption: +12V = 0mA, -12V = 4mA, +5V = 0mA

Front panel graphics were designed by the inimitable Hannes Pasqualini @ Papernoise

Assembled modules retail for $220 USD, full kits are priced at $149 USD, and “Supply your own Transformer” kits sell for $70 USD."

BELKA and STRELKA Eurorack Germanium Fuzz Module

"Start with CV control over two stages of gain powered by Russian Germanium transistors. Dose the circuit with 4 different types of diode clipping. Top it off with a power starve pushbutton, a feedback circuit, and a squirrelly transistor derezzing circuit. Take all of these components, give them three orbits around a dying star, and you have our fuzz singularity, the BELKA and STRELKA.

Named after the first two Stardogs to fly into space and return safely to earth, BELKA and STRELKA is a Germanium Fuzz module with selectable clipping modes and CV control over Gain Stages 1 and 2. BELKA and STRELKA features NOS Russian Germanium transistors in the gain stages and NOS Russian Germanium and Silicon diodes for clipping. The clipping section also features hard and soft LED clipping as well as a purposefully mis-biased transistor that sounds so squirrelly that we had no choice but to name it after the Stardog Belka (squirrel in Russian). The BELKA and STRELKA fuzz module also has an adjustable feedback function that blends a portion of the output straight back to the input of the module. Lastly, the Starve pushbutton, when pressed, disconnects the first gain stage from the +12VDC supply and lets it fizzle out as the charge on the starve capacitor discharges.

Technical Specifications:
– 129.4mm (5.095″) Front Panel Height (3U Eurorack format)
– 8HP Module Width
– TBD Module Depth
– Power Consumption: +12V = TBD, -12V = TBD, +5V = 0mA

Front panel graphics were designed by the inimitable Hannes Pasqualini @ Papernoise

After building our first set of prototypes and reviewing them at our test facilities, we have made the difficult decision to delay the release of this module until later this year. It is so very close, yet we know we can make it much better."

GOLT! Acid House with 2 RLD Sequencers and TR-707

Published on Jul 20, 2016

"Two Red Light District eurorack sequencers and a TR-707. RLD is a eurorack modular sequencer I designed and built myself."

I created a new maker channel label for GOLT! moving forward.

Introducing the Onde Magnétique OM-1 Cassette Synthesizer

Published on Jul 5, 2016 Scott Campbell

http://www.ondemagnetique.com

"The OM-1 Cassette Synthesizer is an analog musical instrument built around the concept that when a continuous tone/note is recorded to tape, its pitch will change as the tape's playback speed is increased or decreased. Individual notes are playable via the 8 buttons (keys), each with a tuning knob directly above it. The volume of the notes can be articulated by using the pressure sensitive volume control - the harder its pressed, the louder the note. A three position switch controls attack/release response of the audio output - Short, Medium, and Long. CV/Gate inputs allow control over the cassette's pitch and volume from a linear (non-quantized) voltage sequencer."

Onde Magnétique Cassette Synthesizer - Basic Operation

CLICK FOR MORE »

JACK & JILL - Hardware 2 Channel Improvisor & MIDI Note Generator

Published on Jul 16, 2016 n3bsvid

"This is an overview and demo of a little project I completed recently called 'Jack & Jill'. It's a hardware 2 channel improvisor and MIDI note generator quantized to musical scales.

In the demo portion I just connected Jack & Jill to my computer via a MIDI interface.

In Ableton Live I've added TAL Bassline 101 on ch. 1 and NI's Massive on ch. 2. So Jack is sequencing the bassline and Jill is sequencing Massive."

New Handheld ZONT Synthesizer in the Works?

This one in via Soviet Space Child.

It looks a like a Teenage Engineering Pocket Operator and iPhone morphed together. Release is scheduled for Fall of next year.

The initial details:

Exceptional
sound design in your pocket
A ground-breaking pocket-sized digital synthesizer designed for infinite customization and versatility.

Beautifully engineered for the modern producer

— Interchangeable sound cartridges
— Unibody front-plate design
— Durable and soft-to-touch materials
— LED-backlit buttons
— Universal input interface for both rhythm/sequencer and melody composition

ZONT modules change the game!

ZONT digital sound engines come in cartridge form, just like your favorite game, with four engines in your hands right out the box ready to feed the appetites of the modern producer.

Collaborate
Our sound engineers team up with prestigious electronic music producers and DJs to design custom sound engines for limited edition cartridges.

Connect
With RCA, MIDI, USB-C and 3.5mm jack outputs, the Studio Dock turns ZONT into a full member of your studio setup. Integrated Wi-Fi for cloud-based collaboration and production.

CLICK FOR MORE »

New Metzger Tech Archimedes Eurorack Module Intro

Published on Jul 12, 2016 Metzger Tech

"The first Metzger Tech module, Archimedes is a Bipolar Dynamic Signal Manipulator, or BDSM for short. I just finished the layout tonight, and should be firing off the prototype by the end of the week. I am currently designing my launch modules with some engineering help from Mr. Tim Ressel at Circuit Abbey. I hope to have some audio and video to share here in the next month or so. Things will be quiet here for a bit, but hopefully not for long."

Dirty Freaky Nasty Synth

via Grant Plucka Langdon, aka PLUCKA,S SHED

"here's a sneak pic of a new mysterious eurorack rig by a australian mob of which i have had the pleasure of being a first to delve into its textures , i will post some vids on my youtube channel in the next week stay tuned"

Glasgow Make Some Noise! Introduces The Pure Modular Concept Desktop Eurorack System

This in via GMSN!: "I'm writing from Glasgow Make Some Noise! a small company based in Glasgow UK. We have just released the pure modular - a sleek modular system with a focus on understanding sound synthesis. We've stripped back the bells and whistles so this is a great product for those looking to understand modular systems. The Pure Modular is available as a boxed unit or as separate modules. We hand make everything from the panels to the box in our Glasgow studio. (except the pcbs!)"

"The idea behind the GMSN! Pure Modular is to provide beginners with the fundamental building blocks of modular synthesis. There are loads of modules on the market today with a whole host of functionality packed into a very small space, which are really cool, however it makes it difficult to understand what is actually happening underneath. It’s easy to purchase a modular rig and end up twiddling knobs, but without a solid foundation it’s impossible to progress to deeper patch strategies. Each module in the range performs a simple function, either sound source, filter, volume shaper, etc. This makes it very easy to learn the principles of subtractive synthesis and also provides extremely powerful tools to explore non-traditional forms of music and sound design."



GMSN Pure Modular Product Demo 20160623 from GMSN! on Vimeo.

"If you're looking to get into Eurorack or want a deeper understanding of modular synthesis, the GMSN! Pure Modular has been hand built in our workshop in Royston, Glasgow just for you! Check out gmsn.co.uk for more info."

Pure GMSN! Range from GMSN! on Vimeo.

"A very quick demo for the Pure GMSN! Range of Synth DIY Modules including the Pure VCO, Pure Sine VCF, Pure VCA and the Pure LFO."

Pure Modular vs Tempest Click Track from GMSN! on Vimeo.

"How to sync the Pure Modular with a drum machine or any other device without the need for MIDI or USB."

Introducing 2hp - A New Eurorack Modular Maker Focusing on Small Format Modules

http://www.twohp.com

What is 2hp?

2hp is the smallest width that a Eurorack module can be.

We make designs without compromise. Being mindful of both space and quality.

Whether you're looking to put together a live performance rig or fill gaps in your case, 2hp offers an unparalleled performance to size ratio.

Small Format. Big Sound.

You'll find the line-up of their first modules on their site, and captured below for the archives.

CLICK FOR MORE »

Limaflo's Chicago Boutique RIFF & BASS 5 Voice Analogue Synthesizer Seeks Funding on Kickstarter

The following is some info pulled via Ren on Kickstarter and their website. Note the website states "CONCEPT BOUTIQUE ANALOGUE SYNTHESIZERS DESIGNING CIRCUITS DIFFERENTLY TO SOUND GREAT", which implies multiple synthesizers. The Chicago appears to be their first.

"​Deep Lounge sinewaves, classic House bass, through to dirty Techno riffs.

A MIDI Saw/Square/Sub wave Analogue Synthesizer with four additional independent pulse waves that are adjustable in phase and width.

​The Chicago Boutique RIFF & BASS Analogue Synthesizer is designed with basic or limited features, yet a useful sound portfolio, made possible by the four variable phase and width pulse oscillators, in addition to the Sub, Square and Saw oscillators, all shaped by a wide bandwidth 4 pole Sallen & Key low-pass analogue filter.

The 'limited edition' product features:

Analogue signal path from the oscillator to the output
1 x Saw or Square wave (selectable)
1 x Synced Square Sub (-1 Octave) - it also divides the Saw frequency by 2
4 x independent Pulse waves with automatic or manual adjustment of the phase, and manual adjustment of the pulse width
Tune (0 to +60 cents), 3rd, 5th or 7th
MIDI In, MIDI Thru, channel selection 1 to 16
Classic Gate mode or Gate and 'Trigger on every note' mode
6 channel mixer
Amplifier ADSR
Sallen & Key 24dB/Octave Low pass filter with Attack, Peak, Decay, Sustain and Resonance control
Set to sine (low frequency filter) switch
Filter decay mode switch
482 mm (19") x 132 mm (3U) and ~40 mm from face to base
1 Watt power dissipation
Approx. 2 kg"

CLICK FOR MORE »

Vintage Synth Lab VCF-74 Voltage Controller Filter Eurorack Module

via @ControlVoltage_

"New module! Designed & built in PDX, the Vintage Synth Lab VCF-74 is racked up & shipping"

"Voltage Controller Filter

The VCF-74 is a 14HP analog voltage controlled filter in Eurorack format. VCF-74 features a dual analog highpass and lowpass filter, cascaded (series, from HP > LP). The discrete diode filter circuit is inspired by the 1970s Univox Mini-Korg synthesizer's "Traveler" filter section which provides warm, organic sound to your modular system. A stage boost switch allows you to drive the 2nd filter section (Low-Pass) with a +5.3dB signal boost from the High-Pass output signal creating a warm saturation. Independent manual resonance controls per filter section allows you to fine-tune a wide variety of focused sound. Input and Output level controls allow you to optimize dynamic range, including how hard you drive the filter--which drastically changes the dynamic interplay between signal and harmonic resonance. Both High-Pass and Low-Pass circuits have independent "offset" controls that will allow for fine tuning of each filter's cutoff. The VCF-74 can be set up as a Low-Pass, High-Pass, or Band-Pass filter. Width of the Band-Pass can be adjusted by simply dialing in the offset controls appropriately.

Inputs
• Audio In
• High-Pass Cut In (CV)
• High-Pass Res In (CV)
• Low-Pass Res In (CV)
• Low-Pass Cut In (CV)
Outputs
• Audio Out
Controls
• Boost (Switch)
• High-Pass Cut
• High-Pass Res (CV)
• Low-Pass Cut
• Low-Pass Res (CV)
Physical Specifications
• Format: Eurorack
• Width: 14hp
• Depth: 1.25”

Electrical Specifications
• Power: +12V @ 38mA, -12V @ 44mA

In the Box
• The module itself
• Eurorack Power Cable"

The 8raw8 Analog Drum Machine Expander Based on the Roland TR-808

Details via 8raw8:

"The 8raw8 is an Analog Drum Machine Expander, clone of the Legendary Roland TR808. It is designed to be an affordable reproduction of the original 808, without any compromise on the Sound. Each unit is unique, Handbuilt with passion in our little factory in southern France.

•11 Analog drum voices + Accent
•Separate Output for each voice
•Master Output
•Through Hole electronic components
•Ultra Fast MIDI processing
•BassDrum Tune Mod
•HandClap VCA Mod
•Rock solid Aluminium Chassis
•Quality Alpha™ potentiometers
•Moog Style rotary knobs
•Dimensions: 435x290x90mm (WxDxH)
•Weight: 3kg

What we wanted to achieve with the 8raw8, is a 1:1 reproduction of the old fashionned TR808 electronic circuitry. A simple, useful device focused on the authentic sound.

Every Active component on the signal path is the exact same reference as those used in the original 808. This includes: OPamps, transistors, diodes, signal ICs. At the exception of the HandClap VCA (orig:BA662), replaced by it's little brother (BA6110) sounding perfect with little tweaks.

When we recieve parts, we make sure they are true originals by testing them. It took ages to find the real deal.

We experienced a lot of Mods when prototyping, some were cool and ohters were just too crazy… In order to keep the 8raw8 authentic, we decided to include the most useful mods only."



•BassDrum Tune Mod: allows you to modify the BD pitch.
Adjust the BassDrum oscillator frequency in the key of your song, or create basslines using long decay settings (rather than DAW detuning).
Recall standard pitch by turning off the "Mod on/off" switch.



•HandClap VCA Mod: From soft clicky handclap to loud harsh CLAP.
Opening the VCA potentiometer in Maracas mode will create a cool white noise FX (the clap isn't triggered anymore)."

MIDI Interface



Each voice is triggered via MIDI note, including Accent.
The standard 1 octave midi mapping ranges from C3 to B3 (11 analog voices + Accent).

The 8raw8 is not velocity sensitive on purpose. It kills the oldschool drum machine vibe. Only Accent can accentuate the overall volume/tone on the desired steps of your drum pattern, just like the original 808.

MIDI Processing is very fast, allowing you to create those 808 'trap' drumrolls with ease."

The IS100 Modular System Developed by Ian Stokes

Published on Jun 21, 2016 IS100 Modular System

"Home to the IS100 music system developed by Ian Stokes. The IS100 is based on the Roland TB303 and Buchla 100 Modular systems. Influenced by concepts invented by Donald Buchla and Tadao Kikumoto. The IS100 compositions are a Collaboration of Machine and human, relying on the natural effects of 2n3904, 2n3906, 2n3819 transistors and of course the star of the show the 1uf Capacitor!"

Playlist:
jiveTurkey303, modular synthesizer riff
loose droid minimal
Silver Tomato, deep jungle and loon
doin sum crunch bass by 303 square & diodes
Walnut Factory Movement 1
Modular Live Track 1
whistler

ARREL AUDIO ER 100

Published on Jun 20, 2016 AudioCentralMagazine

"The crystal clear ER-100 8 Channel Audio Mixer from Arrel Audio is the first Euro Rack module entirely conceived by Livio Argentini (guru of professional analog consolles) and Marco Re (from University Tor Vergata in Rome). Eight channel of transparent audio connected to separate outs of TR-808, Dark Energy under Dark Time Control. Stereo Insert is connected to TC Electronic Flashback Delay. No musical value on this video, just channel level over channel level over channel level."

Product description in Googlish via ARREL.

"The ARREL Eurorack Audio Stereo Summing Mixer is an adder by the high quality of sound that responds to many of the needs of modern users of modules and synth Eurorack. The ER-100 circuits are designed deriving them from the professional audio Kingdom of ARREL Audio ensure the highest sonic performance.

L 'ER-100 uses the line transformer output enabling an output level of about 10 dB higher than that of traditional Eurorack modules. The innuscita Use of line transformers also means a more reliable connection in terms of the possibility of imbalance and elimination of ground loops problems. L 'ER-100 has 8 channels of input and a stereo output bus.

Each channel has a pan pot control, volume, and the button only in place, pressing more buttons for only those channels will be added simultaneously output. L 'unit has a stereo insert selectable on the output bus. Its monitor section, has volume control L / R, and is also an auxiliary input provided to monitor the output of a DAC or CD. The level of the stereo output and displayed on a VU meter LED."

The SOMA Laboratory LYRA-8 Organismic Synthesizer

Published on Jun 19, 2016 Vlad Kreymer

"Unique analog organismic synthesither for soundscapes, FXs, pads, complex textures. The term "Organismic” means that all its modules are intertwined by many nonlinear connections and work in an entangled state, modifying each other, much like organs and systems in live beings. That allows for getting complex, diverse, fluid textures from a relatively simple construction.

Created by SOMA laboratory
omhohom@gmail.com"

Update via Vlad Kreimer in the comments: "There will be CV IN for voices with choosing of destination and amount and CV IN for delay time modulation . Also will apear EXTERNAL AUDIO IN that turns LYRA to cool FX processor. Any digital ins not planed yet, cause it kill LYRA specific sound that has absolutely analog circuit. For using digital control i need rearrange main parts of circuit. May be it will becomes later at the next models."

OSCtoCV Converter for Modular Synthesizer

Published on Jun 4, 2016 Casiotone401

"OSCtoCV Converter for Modular Synthesizer
http://gtbts.tumblr.com/post/12566381..."

"The main purpose of this is to convert OSC (Open Sound Control) message to CV/Gate (method of controlling Analog Synthesizer) by using ** mbed (LPC1768)** and D/A converter.

The OSCtoCV has 8ch CV out, 4ch Gate out, Sync out and MIDI out and send&receive OSC via an Ethernet.

With this, you can control modular synth from computer, DAW (plug-in), tablet device, ..etc and this can generate CV with an accurate musical pitch tracking by using calibration data.

OSCtoCV has MIDI out. For instance you can control MIDI drum machine (volca sample ..etc) with it.

When combine this with TouchOSC, you can control OSCtoCV sequencer parameters, scale, ..etc graphically, and likewise you can make your own custom interface."

MF_Reloop Bassline Synth

Published on May 25, 2016 Scorp ii star / scorpiistar

via this auction

"8 step pitch sequencer, bassline loop synth

Limited edition of 10 units are available.......

Features, knobs & switches to produce patterns. 3.5mm headphone skt. 5V supply via mini USB skt. No midi No storage No nothing, just knobs in real-time......

Controls include start stop, vol, tempo, tune, gate decay, filter contour & grit plus 8 pitch controls........ 2 slide switches mix up the pattern timing

Phone Video :/ plug into yr amp rattle yr neighbours windows

item is located in bali indonesia, because of the hassle with postage on this site, shipping is included in the price. shipping time is approx 4-5 days via EMS and includes tracking"

Note this is the first MF_Reloop post.

SYNH FEST 2: MDLR Case Interview #TTNM

Published on May 28, 2016 The Tuesday Night Machines

"MDLRCASE produces sturdy wooden Eurorack cases with full power systems in yellow, black and natural wood color."