Dark Arcade – a Low Cost Paraphonic Synthesizer Module

Published on Oct 15, 2018 the.room.dis.connect

Currently seeking funding on Kickstarter.

"Dark Arcade is a $120 paraphonic synthesizer with digital oscillators and an analog filter, amplifier, envelope generator, and LFO.

What is Dark Arcade?

Dark Arcade is intended to be an entry level hardware synthesizer for musicians looking to branch out from software synthesizer based workflows, as well as a distinctive addition to any hardware synthesizer collection. Its hardware features microcontroller-produced digital oscillators, an analog OTA band-pass and low-pass filter, an analog OTA amplifier, an analog ADSR envelope generator, an analog LFO, and MIDI input and output. External audio can be processed by the filter and amplifier section and external CV signals can be used to control the filter cutoff and amplifier gain. In addition to the hardware features, the software extends the feature list to include 4 voices of paraphony, 8-bit Karplus Strong synthesis, waveform blending, and many more. Below is a song produced with Dark Arcade in which all sounds (minus drums) are generated by Dark Arcade and then mixed with some basic effects (delay, reverb, and compression).

What features does Dark Arcade have?

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nakedboards MIDI Controllers & Audio Effects

Someone asked what the slider box in junklight's recent video was. I checked with junklight and he said it was a naked boards mc-8. I realized I've never featured them on the site before, so here it goes! The currently have the following four products.

MC-8 is an easy to use MIDI controller. It is pretty much the quickest and the easiest way to produce and perform electronic music.
You just plug it in via USB and the faders immediately spring into life, giving you hands-on control of your grid, instruments, effects and mixer. You can assign these controls to whatever you like in music software.

Corresponding Software: Ableton Live, Apple Logic, Apple GarageBand, Steinberg Cubase, Max/MSP, NI Reaktor, Cakewalk SONAR, Avid Pro Tools, MOTU Digital Performer and other software that can be controlled by control change messages.

Supported OS: Mac OS X 10.4 or later, Windows XP/ Vista/ 7/ 8/ 10, Linux 2.5 kernel or later

Dimensions 237x111x32 mm
Weight 620 g

99$ (+15$ worldwide shipping)

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Kit Review # 30 - Dual Selective Sample and Hold - Build video

Published on Oct 9, 2018 Synth Diy Guy

"Building this cool module by Pete Hartman of Frogleg Synthesis!
I love sample and hold modules and this one is one of my favorites :)

Build guide here:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/14...

Buy yours here:
https://www.thonk.co.uk/shop/frogleg-..."

Ultimate Eurorack Controller? 16 CV outputs with the 16n Faderbank

Published on Oct 2, 2018 DivKidVideo

"The 16n Faderbank is a 16 high quality fader controller that offers 16 direct 0 to 5 volt outputs (one per slider) as well as I2C and a minijack MIDI connectivity with both Korg and Arturia MIDI standards on a switch. Super handy, super playable, good fun, tonnes of potential for control and patching. This is an open source DIY project so you can make your own, or have a friendly DIY builder (I can recommend some) make one for you if you're not in a position to do so. But the designers are looking to get built units made too. Check the link below for information.

This unit is a final prototype rushed through for me for Deershed Festival back in July. I used it with this same basic patch in the video to allow anyone to come and jam with modular and make music quickly. As you can see here - [posted here]

https://16n-faderbank.github.io"

Zurich Modular 2018: Elektro Kosmos KOSMONAUT Analog Synthesizer - Exclusive First Look!

Published on Oct 1, 2018 SYNTH ANATOMY

"At Zurich Modular, I met Marko from Elektro Kosmos and he showed me the KOSMONAUT, a new high-end handmade full analog Synthesizer from Switzerland! It can be described as Rolls-Royce /Bentley of the mono Synthesizers!"

►Become a Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/synthanatomy

Mroztronium Pipsqueak Touch-Controlled Noise Synthesizer

Published on Sep 28, 2018 hajimmie

Playlist:

1. Mroztronium Pipsqueak and Bugbrand COFilter

Pipsqueak out to COFilter, the output is also used to modulate COFilter. since the mixer is passive voltage is dropped and maybe a bit weak for the modulation.

2. Mroztronium Pipsqueak (take #2)

Pipsqueak with zoom MS70CDR

3. Noise meditation - Plumbutter with Pipsquak　[plumbutter jam #20]

Ciat-lonbarde Plumbutter gets external modulation by Mroztronium Pipsqueak

via Mroztronium

"A new portable touch-controlled noisy synthesizer from Mroztronium. Spiritually inspired by the Cracklebox, Bugbrand Weevil and other touch-controlled instruments, but using a unique circuit developed by Mroztronium that is designed for unpredictable results, wide frequency range (from sub-audio to above human hearing), sensitive touch control and stereo operation.

It is a touch-sensitive electronic instrument that directly interfaces with your fingers and takes advantage of the many quirks of the CD4046 Phase Locked Loop. Pipsqueak uses a pair of these chips cross-connected and set up in such a way that they are generally silent unless provoked via the touch pads. The touch pads enable a very convoluted cross-modulation scheme that make the two outputs related in a stereo way. You can also think of it as a standalone "noise machine" if you wish.

It features a pair of 1/4" outputs that emit rectangle waves, complex pulse trains, triggers or complex noisy waveforms in the region of 0-9V depending on how it is touched. In addition to listening to the raw stereo output, you can also use it as a complex controller to gate/trigger and frequency modulate external CV/Gate equipment. It is an interesting way to spice up a modular synth patch or to turn an otherwise predictable synthesizer into a freakish improvisational instrument.

Pipsqueak is available for $100 including shipping in the US. By default, these ship with 1/4" output jacks, but 3.5mm "minijack" versions are available upon request.

It is also intended as an instrument that we can build together in a workshop and is suitable for both beginners and more advanced builders. If you are interested in hosting a small group workshop in your town, please get in touch."

Shelly's Granular Convolver

Published on Sep 28, 2018 Red Bull Music Academy

"RBMA participants share their thoughts and ideas about the Granular Convolver, an instrument specially designed for the 20th anniversary edition of the Red Bull Music Academy."

Playlist:

Shelly's Granular Convolver Unboxing | Red Bull Music Academy
Shelly Granular Convolver Jam | Red Bull Music Academy
OG Lullabies demonstrates the Granular Convolver | Red Bull Music Academy
similarobjects demonstrates the Granular Convolver | Red Bull Music Academy
Akkor demonstrates the Granular Convolver | Red Bull Music Academy

Rebach VCO GR11 & VCF-A Catch filter unboxing demo & first sound

Published on Sep 21, 2018 Dziam Bass

Note this is the first post to feature Rebach. We have a new maker in time.

"It's time for unboxing video and first sound.

We like to make these films and create new sequences and sounds, and this time the Dutch ReBach is at the workshop.
We only have an oscillator with a filter in a simple sequence and later add some delay for more space but check it yourself !!!

VCO GR11 and the second newest VCF-A Catch series product!"

via https://rebach.eu

VCO GR11 to Voltage Controlled Oscillator is a simple but powerfull SAW core oscillator tuned for bass applications, also applicable as semi-LFO. The GR11 VCO generates four waveforms (SAW / SQUARE with PWM / TRI / SUB SQUARE). The GR11 has a unique Sub section which generates a square waveform that can be adjusted in four parts. Extremely well applicable for bass! Use it as LFO or even as simple voltage / frequency controlled. 4-step sequencer or modulate a second GR11 for a wide range of deep sounds or FX. The new VCF-A from the CATCH series is the basic Eurorack series with minimal functions, but with maximum sound! This VCF-A is characterized by extreme resonance (self-oscillation) for violent sounds. a real speaker killer so we were careful with this resonance."

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you might need this for your synthesizer setup

Published on Sep 19, 2018

"I just got a new cool gadget to use with your synthesizer and midi controllers/keyboards. Check it out here: http://bit.ly/mumidi

BE AWESOME and become a Patron: https://www.patreon.com/bobeats

There are obviously alternatives to this product: HobbyTronics MIDI HOST, iConnect Mio 10, Bomebox, and many many DIY solutions in the description of this video I have many more suggestions" [below]

"MuMidi HubLink provides a means for Musicians to connect USB-MIDI devices together. Typically, this might be a sound generator device (such as a synth) and a controller, such as a keyboard or similar. Its rugged yet stylish design makes it suitable for desktop, studio and stage use.
​
By also providing power over USB to bus-powered USB-MIDI Devices, MuMidi HubLink can remove the need for copious power connections in a MIDI setup."



USB MIDI INTERFACE vs MIDI USB HOST – What is the difference? A Beginner Friendly Overview

Published on Sep 21, 2017

"My video where I recommended a midi usb host for your dawless setup got a few confused comments so I thought I would try and explain the difference between a usb midi interface and a midi usb host. While it is a very basic topic I felt that some of you might enjoy hearing about it. USEFUL LINKS DOWN BELOW!

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New Vector Hardware Desktop Synthesizer In the Works

Published on Sep 18, 2018 Vector

Update:

I took a closer look at the video and the image to the left. It looks like the Orbit and Suborbit controls are for the vector portions of the synth engine. If you are not familiar with vector synthesis, it was introduced with the Sequential Circuits Prophet-VS. That tech made it to the Yamaha SY22 and TG-33, and finally the KORG Wavestation. In short, you have four oscillators that you can morph between with either a joystick or a modulation source. The Orbit and Suborbit controls appear to be the modulators as you can see on the screen. It's similar to being able to record and playing joystick movement on the SY22 and TG33. It's also similar to the paths in Moog's Animoog app.

Below is a list of controls I spotted in the video and the image. If I missed any, feel free to leave a comment. Note Vector synths typically have four oscillators. The screen in the video only shows two, so we will have to wait and see. You can see the synth features overdrive, reverb, delay, and chorus effects. There is also an arpeggiator and audio iput.

Update2: grabbed a screen of the quick front panel flash in the video. Click on it to zoom in a little. You should be able to read most of the controls.

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New Triadex Muse Converter Proto

Published on Sep 15, 2018 otherunicorn

"Second generation of the Triadex Muse converter during development. A collaboration between Nathan Thompson and Ken Stone. [Ken Stone of Cat Girl Synth/CGS]

Basic test only: 3 VCOS, one following the octave slider, one following the standard output of the Muse and one controlled by the slide pots, each being selected by the 3 bit address generated by the note sliders on the muse. Slider tuning is slightly off - a hazard of all analog sequencers.

If only the original Muse had sounded like this...."

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Also check out this other homemade Triadex Muse here.

Logan Soloman Brings Back Classic ARP 2600 As A Modular Synthesizer

Published on Sep 13, 2018 Synthtopia

"At Knobcon 2018, Logan Soloman introduced a new line of module designs, based on the classic ARP 2600 semi-modular analog synthesizer."

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Note this is the same new Logan Soloman (Jim Soloman and Jammie Logan) bringing back Polyfusion. I created a new label for them with this post. Do a search for Logan Soloman below to find two previous posts.

Knobcon 2018: The Missing Link - Clock Generator With Ableton Link

Published on Sep 12, 2018 sonicstate

Not to be confused with the original The Missing Link from Hans Lindaur's wifimidi.

"The Circuit Happy Missing Link is a clock generator with Ableton Link integration. Devices can be used to synth multiple devices over Wifi, and outputs a number of different clock type and resolution."

Top 3 Things at Knobcon 2018 + Thoughts on the Behringer 808

Published on Sep 11, 2018 Enrique Martinez

Update: video is back.

"My thoughts on a bunch of products from Knobcon 7! Such a fun event i love this one."

The list:

CLICK FOR MORE »

New Tin Can Modular Format from Modular For the Masses at Knobcon

Knobcon18: Modular for the Masses tin can modular

Published on Sep 10, 2018 sonicstate

Yes, modules literally in tin cans! :) DIY modular on the cheap - $4 for the oscillator module. That 303 filter does sound good.

"An alternative to the Eurorack format from module maker Modular For The Masses. Its kind of crazy looking but has a certain appeal no?
Find him on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/juanitohm/"

SYNTHPOSIUM 2018 Moscow

Published on Sep 4, 2018 cuckoomusic

Some new makers in the set.

Playlist:

1. Kasseta Bastl Kastle @Synthposium 2018 Moscow

Developer Nondestructive Design is starting out with their first product. A VHS synth based on Bastl Kastle. Showing it for the first time at Synthposium 2018.

2. Motovilo New Modules zADSR zLFO @Synthposium 2018 Moscow

Motovilo Audio Lab is showing their new envelope and LFO modules @Synthposium 2018 Moscow.

3. Playtronica @Synthposium 2018 Moscow

Playtronica showing their Touch Me and Playtron instruments @Synthposium 2018 Moscow.

4. Polivoks-M @Synthposium 2018 Moscow

Elta Music showing their Polivoks-M synth @Synthposium 2018 Moscow.

5. Uoki-Toki Intense Modular Performance @Synthposium 2018 Moscow

I met Uoki-Toki and heard him perform one of his absolutely stunning tracks at Synthposium 2018. I just had to share this with the world! This was intense!

Random Source Serge La Bestia II 4u Boat. Serge Modular Synth by PatchPoints

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

via this auction

"Virtually brand new. Professionally hand build in Berlin by PatchPoints only 2 months ago, full Serge Panel / Boats in original 4u format. Has only had very light use.

This are beautifully constructed and sound rich and precise. All the individual modules serve multiple purpose, DSG for example ( this has 4) makes for a wonderfully precise VCO with perfect pitch tracking."

CLICK FOR MORE »

DIY SYNTHESIZER based on blackfin / IFX49

Published on Sep 2, 2018 鷲山技研 - WASHIYAMA GIKEN -

Looks like the controls are mapped to the Korg Monologue.

- based on IFX49 (BF592)
- 24bit / 48kHz
- max 16 poly
- osc x 2 (saw / tri / sqr)
- filter(12dB / oct)
- filter EG (ADSR)

Motion FM Synthesizer

Published on Sep 2, 2018 Yuki Kuramochi

Note the following is translated via Google Translate. You can find the original Japanese further below.

"Now, popular microcontroller board 'micro: bit'.

By combining this with YAMAHA 's sound board "YMF 825", I found that it is possible to build very creative sounds using the Python language.

The sound is controlled in real time only with the acceleration sensor of the microcomputer board. The point to be aware of is that the YMF 825 is driven by the SPI signal, not the MIDI sound chip. It is control to write parameters (frequency, algorithm, degree of modulation ...) of the FM synthesizer to the registers to the last. In order to control with MIDI signals, you need a driver to convert from MIDI to SPI, but fortunately the sample program has been published, in which the program corresponding to the driver was included.

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Seymour Duncan FOOZ Analog Fuzz Synthesizer Pedal

Published on Aug 26, 2018 Seymour Duncan

"To learn more and enter for a chance to win a FREE FOOZ click here!
http://www.seymourduncan.net/fooz

Many guitar pedals can make your guitar sound like a synth, but few capture the tactile feeling and interactivity of using one. Real analog synths use different blocks (oscillator, filter, LFO, envelope) that work together to create unique new sounds and textures. Combining these tools in one box and allowing them to interact with each other is the spirit of the FOOZ."

"We have amazing engineers here in the Seymour Duncan Research Lab. And, like all great engineers, they love to tweak, tinker, and push the boundaries beyond the realm of what’s possible. Wayne brings his deep knowledge of analog circuits from the days of working on the Mars Rover (for real!) and Kevin has been designing circuits since before he could walk. And, now they’ve designed FOOZ...

Designed to synthesize the ultimate fuzz tone."