MATRIXSYNTH: lunetta


Showing posts with label lunetta. Show all posts
Showing posts with label lunetta. Show all posts

Friday, May 05, 2017

AE Modular - Overview Videos by Mark Harris


Published on May 5, 2017 Mark Harris

"A first look into the AE modular (by Tangible Waves, tangiblewaves.com) , a budget modular system.

apologies, its a bit 'soft focus', I must have moved the camera just before recording ... also I think lose sound sync a bit later in the video :("

Note these are not eurorack compatible. You can find details on Tangible Waves AE Modular here.

AE Modular - part 2

Published on May 5, 2017

"Connecting the AE Modular (by Tangible Waves, tangiblewaves.com) to other things, including CV, bastl kastl and directly to breadboards

apologies, its a bit 'soft focus', I must have moved the camera just before recording :("

Wednesday, November 16, 2016

tangible waves AE modular - a modular synthesizer for everyone




Full details via the Kickstarter campaign:

"A true analog modular synthesizer - small in size, small in price, big in sound

For sure, you want to know first "how does this thing sound?", so here are some Demo-Videos that give you a first impression (the first one together with a Groovebox):

AE modular Demo MIDI Sync with Novation CIRCUIT

Published on Nov 9, 2016 tangible waves



How did it all started?

It started with the idea to build a Lunetta style synth (a synth based on digital logic chips (mis)using them for creating sound, a creation of Stanley Lunetta, therefore the name). For me it is also appealing to have the devices very compact (the KORG Volca series gave me lots of inspiration here), so I defined a small module format (about 10 x 2.5 cm). I liked the concept of abusing electronic parts, which gave the project it's name (AE: abused electronics).

Over the time I felt the wish to add this or that 'conventional' module, like Filter, Envelope, VCA, and one by one I ended up building a "standard" modular synthesizer!

What's special?

Compared to the usual Eurorack Modular Synths, we have some differences here, mainly to get a small form factor and cutting the price:

Modules are not Eurorack compatible

The Oscillators module is not working in 1V/octave standard (due to the roots in the Lunetta approach); but a 1V/octave VCO will be added soon to the modules palette

Patching is done via simple patch-wires and small pin-sockets (not minijack-cables as in the eurorack-world); this cuts the cost drastically and also saves a lot of space on the module. Another advantage: Module outputs are mostly dual or triple, which makes "Multiples" modules obsolete

Generally, AE modular follows the "not-so-perfect" approach; circuits are sometimes simplified and show their own character in some points - it's intentionally a contrast to the high-polished stuff we get from digital synths / DAWs / plugins. But always the usage as an artistic tool is considered!

The design style is also a little special: The frontpanels are not (expensively) printed, but rubber-stamped; I like this somehow "unperfect" look - I hope you too! (Don't worry: a special, durable color is used.)

What's not different is, that you get a real modular synthesizer: The selection and arrangement of the modules is absolutely free! You can add new modules later (simply remove 2 screws, plug in the module, fix the screws again) or rearrange them according to your needs.

What do you get?

In this Kickstarter project, two different preinstalled module racks are offered:

with one row of modules
double size with two rows and some more modules (for contained modules see the pledge description)

In the package is also

A power supply
please note which kind of plug you need (EU, UK, US)
A bunch of patch wires
MIDI breakout cable
A user guide / short introduction
The modules in detail:

MASTER, I/O: The master module with power supply, Input/output jacks (1/8" mono minijack) for audio and control voltages and MIDI-Input (via a breakout cable). MIDI works either omni or on channel 1. MIDI Clock/Start/Stop are provided via the bus to the modules; same with CV/Gate for Notes and one Controller.

2OSC: 2 Oscillators with Squarewave, Triangle and Sync outputs, Sync and CV input

NOISE: A noise generator (white noise, digitally based with variable frequency)

FILTER: A filter with lowpass/bandpass/highpass output, adjustable frequency and resonance (Wasp type)

ENV: An AD type envelope (Attack/Decay) with switchable Sustain and two time ranges

2VCA: A dual voltage-controlled amplifier for controlling signal levels or modulating control voltages

LFO: modulation oscillator with squarewave (adjustable pulsewidth), triangle or falling sawtooth output, two time ranges

2S&H: A dual Sample&Hold module, for creating random or stepped control voltages

2ATT/CV: For attenuating control voltages or as voltage source

MIXER4-4: A mixer for signals or control voltages with four adjustable inputs and additional four "full-level" inputs.

DELAY: A delay with a lo-fi, analog character

LOGIC: Combines two inputs by different logic rules (AND, NAND, XOR); for rhythmic patterns and also interesting for audio signals (gives ringmodulator-like sounds)

STEP10: A trigger sequencer with up to 10 steps, for creating gate patterns

The future of AE modular:

If you know a little bit about modular synthesizers, you will see that we have the basic modules in the box; but the fun get's much bigger with additional other modules. If this project succeeds, there will be a lot of other modules available that are planned or already under development like:

VCO with 1V/octave characteristic

Oscillator banks (for sound clusters, drones...)

Sampler (play samples from a microSD-card, eventually with granulation)

Algorithmic Drone soundsource

16-Step Note Sequencer

Beat Divider (for processing MIDI Clock into usable trigger clocks (1/4, 1/8, 1/16... dotted, triplet...)

other filter types

Phaser

Waveshaper

more complex modulation sources

Credits

Thanks a lot to:

MakerLab Murnau / J.-U. Bittlinger (the availabilty of the Lab pushed the development a lot!)

Luna Sonnemann for the wonderful photos

Roman Feldmeier and Marco Asam for their support in the video session and giving me ideas.

Furthermore thanks to Marco for getting the word out and helping me to find distribution, as well giving me the ability to present an Alpha version at the Bavaria Ableton Usergroup. The Feedback helped and gave me a lot of motivation.

my wife Sabine for her strong support of my ideas

...and finally YOU for your interest and (hopefully) your support!"

Sunday, July 24, 2016

RIP Stanley Lunetta


Stanley Lunetta passed away on March 3 this year.  The first I heard of it was via Chuck Stephens in the comments on Ray Wilson passing away, posted yesterday. Lunetta was known for his Lunetta CMOS synth used in a number of synth DIY projects. You can find a collection of his work featured here on MATRIXSYNTH.

On his passing via The Sacramento Bee:

"Percussionist, composer, sculptor and much-loved icon of the local music community Stanley Lunetta relentlessly explored avant garde music while maintaining a legendary career. He died March 3 from brain cancer in Sacramento.

Lunetta played drums for Music Circus, missing only two weeks of performances until his retirement in 2008 after 54 years. He also served as the music contractor who assembled orchestras for Music Circus from 1973 until his retirement. He also was the principal timpanist for the Sacramento Symphony Orchestra, Sacramento Philharmonic Orchestra, Sacramento Opera and Sacramento Choral Society and was an instructor of timpani and percussion at UC Davis and Chico State."

On Lunettas via MsModular:

"The Lunetta is an electronic instrument that uses primarily CMOS chips for gates, Boolean logic, and mathematical functions for sequenced sounds. A Lunetta is basically a simple rhythmic modular musical computer that makes abstract sounds in sometimes unpredictable ways. It is a beautiful experimental synthesizer.

Lunettas are most typically DIY instruments, although there are a few small boutique manufacturers that sell them. ElectroLobotomy for example sells a few simple Lunetta synthesizers on Etsy.

The most beautiful part of a Lunetta is that one can make one for themselves and experiment with its functionality and layout. The guide for making a Lunetta can be found here: Intro to Lunetta CMOS Synths. The introduction goes into Stanley Lunetta’s concept, and provides an introductory guide for making them. Every Lunetta though is made a bit differently, as they often reflect the makers preferences."

The image above is via electro-music.com. Stanley Lunetta's work was frequently discussed on the electro-music.com forums. I highly recommend doing a search on Lunetta there.

Updates via Chuck Stephens in the comments:

"Thanks for posting this. Stanley and Ray were huge! Their work showed me the direction to take when I started learning to build circuits. My lunetta synth has influences from both men, as well as Eric Archer, Forrest Mimms, Reed Ghazala, etc.- we stand on the shoulders of giants!

BTW- My lunetta cost less than $100 and has 36 modules (so far!). It's built into an old rifle case I found in a dumpster and the panels are cut from 4" square PVC fence posts from Home Depot. Steel nuts and bolts and alligator clip test leads handle patching duties. Save more- work less!"

Here's a noise piece from my lunetta synth:


Buster-Jangle by nepchune from chuck stephens on Vimeo.

"This is my Lunetta noise synth run through a Ross Time Machine digital delay. I love the sounds this thing makes. The video features Honey Boy the Cat doing what he does."

And here's a song from the same rig:


Confidence is High by nepchune from chuck stephens on Vimeo.

"This is 90-95% Lunetta with a tiny dab of Kaossilator and Korg R3 (the explosion sounds and the 'pip' on the fast part) and an Arduino based 'auduino' granular synth for the lead (say what you want about Arduino- this little granular synth sounds great and provides a nice 'live' element). The Lunetta part forms the basis of the song and it is completely unedited- this is how it came out of my machine. I used two of Eric Archer's Mini Space Rockers for the percussion sounds and they are completely Lunetta controlled. The drum sounds are routed through a Ross Time Machine digital delay and the spacey bass sound is created by routing my lunetta-integrated Atari Punk Console through a Korg Pandora guitar processor. The other 7 Lunetta voices are unprocessed. This track is the closest I've come to integrating my interest in generative music and my skills for arrangement and song writing. I set out to create a traditional song structure and sound and I'm really pleased with it. It shoes that a Lunetta isn't just a noise machine- although I love noise, too. I love what my Lunetta makes possible. Lightning in a bottle!"

Sunday, June 21, 2015

June Solstice 2015 Live Streaming Improv & the Bit Beast Synthesizer


Published on Jun 21, 2015 Jacob Watters

"This is a live improv that I did for the June Solstice 2015 event on radio.electro-music.com. I didn't have anything set up at my new place, so I put some synths on top of boxes and sat on a cushion on the floor. I was supposed to end after 30 minutes, but the next performer wasn't ready to go. So there is an extra bit of droning at the end."

Roland Airas, Novation BassStation II & DIY kit.

Update: via Jacob Watters on the DIY kit: "That is something I made myself and was playing on have manufactured, but I never ended up getting it done. It is basically a large MIDI controlled Lunetta CMOS synth (like an Atari Punk Console). I used it for the drone sound in this video. You can watch a better demo here:"

Bit Beast Synthesizer

Published on Feb 2, 2013

"The Bit Beast is not currently in production. The Bit Beast uses the same chip as an Arduino to generate notes that are then chopped up and filtered by CMOS circuitry. The sound then passes through two analog voltage controlled filters. Both filters are unique designs that offer very different sounds. Filter 1 is a 12db state variable filter with low-pass and band-pass modes and overdrive control. Filter 2 is a 6db filter with low-pass and high-pass modes and a squelchy distorted resonance. The filters can be configured in parallel or two different serial configurations. Both filters have their own LFO and envelope generator."

Thursday, March 27, 2014

The Hamlet 2000 Skulldrone

via Ivory Bunker where you'll find additional details, videos and schematics. via Tomoroh Hidari on The MATRIXSYNTH Lounge

"Basically the Hamlet 2000 is a little Lunetta box, similar in spirit to the nand synth I built a while ago or my little blue lunchetta box which is based on the Heterodyne Space Explorer.

Housed in a novelty plastic skull (the size of a shrunken head), the Hamlet 2000 has two Audio- and two Control-Oscillators (LFOs, if you wish). The control oscillators each drive an LED which is coupled to an LDR to form a simple vactrol. These vactrols, in combination with a 100k Pot, each, set the frequencies of the audio oscillators and, unless the control oscs run at “full speed”, rhythmically switch the audio oscillators on and off.

For some additional visual effects the LEDs are “mirrored” by a pair of additional LEDs placed in the eye sockets of the Skull. The signal is summed via fixed transistors (an “on board” trimmer can be used to set the level)."

Thursday, February 13, 2014

Lunetta Guitar Gen-Ottonix 01


Published on Feb 13, 2014 NakagawaGakki·52 videos

"Very First test for the Gen-Ottonix 12string Robo-guitar.
Just like the large 8string version this is made with all analogue CMOS discrete circuitry. A portable Modular Synth controlled string instrument in a vintage briefcase. No programming, coding, micro controllers nor computers of any kind.
This patch was testing the delay circuits on the muting solenoids and the nice buzzing sounds of aluminium foil on the strings.
More videos to follow."

Tuesday, November 26, 2013

Simplesizer - Lunetta Synth & Sound Machine

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

via this auction

"GREEN DUNGEON ALCHEMIST LABORATORIES SIMPLESIZER 1

This is a highly versatile, lunetta circuit based, miniature, semi-modular synthesizer and sound machine with the potential to create everything from cosmic sound-scapes to rhythmic beeps.

The control interface is a miniature keyboard with 4 wooden keys and full "polyphony", in quotations because it's non-standard polyphony, combinations of different keys do add up to create new timbres.

The multiple controls and modes allow for millions of variations on the sound, switching in and out different oscillators and patching in the LFO for vast variance in both timbre and behaviour.

There are 3 oscillators and one LFO combined with lunetta circuits and signal heterodyning methods from eras long gone, a block diagram (acting as a basic operation instruction manual) will be provided to the purchaser of this device!

The body of the synth is constructed from recycled metal and wood with genuine patina, designed to look as ramshackle and chaotic as it sounds! The oscillator knobs are deliberately wonky to add to the character of the device."  Sound demo here.

The Simplesizer was originally designed by Thomas of Anyware Instruments. This is the first GREEN DUNGEON ALCHEMIST LABORATORIES post.

Wednesday, May 29, 2013

Lunetta Noise


Published on May 29, 2013 electro lobotomy·146 videos

"Dual Beast Master Jam + a randomly cut tape loop."

Sunday, January 27, 2013

Frankensnail - Ready To Rumble


Published on Jan 25, 2013 elohess2·74 videos

"Next Circuit Bending toy is ready. It's again one of th Vtech snail. I've collected a lot of them and plan to join all in "band". Each snail should be different and will have an own name.

This is 'Franksnail'.

Powered by an Arduino sequencer and modulated with signals from some simple CMOS oszillators (Lunettas). This is only a feature demonstration. I've done this video for myself, cause I often have the problem to remember after a while how the toys work, when I use them again after month. :-) The sequencer is based on a source I've written as a plattform for a simple, timing stable sequencer for the Arduinos"

Friday, December 21, 2012

Lunetta Guitar Motor Gate Interruptor


Published on Dec 21, 2012 NakagawaGakki

Tuesday, October 23, 2012

first lunetta sputnik synth


Published on Oct 23, 2012 by SuperRoss007

Dementia Labs on eBay (RSS)

first lunetta

Published on Oct 23, 2012 by SuperRoss007

Monday, August 27, 2012

Breadboarded FM Lunetta Style Synth


YouTube Published on Aug 27, 2012 by centerofmind

"This monster is completely patchable. You don't know what kind of sound you will get until you try out a patch. You can modulate to your hearts content to get white noise, radio freq, vowel like, square wave sounds. There is a sine/saw/square wave LFO, 4-channel mixer, and the ability to plug your guitar or mic directly in to modulate with the synth sound. It's possible to create complex melodies with the right wiring."

Thursday, July 19, 2012

Bitch Cracker Cries For Help


YouTube Published on Jul 19, 2012 by dolphinicus

"Lunetta 11 - panel #5 is complete. 8 Personality Panhandler; 8 passive attenuators and 4 x triple input AC mixers.
This is a simple 'drone' type track with the Bitch Cracker (Nick Collins / Draal modified / myself modified, Pitch Tracker) kicking in later, modulating 2 of the Voltage Controlled Pulse Width Oscillators (that I mis-ID'd in the video, as 4093s. They're 4023's.) About 3 1/2 minutes long, due to low battery. I hope you enjoy.
Panel #6 if successful will be an MFOS 8+ channel stereo mixer that I'm beginning today."

Tuesday, July 17, 2012

Lunetta 11 Spock July 1712


YouTube Published on Jul 17, 2012 by dolphinicus

"This is the latest panel in my new Lunetta 11 noise machine. Spock includes:
- 3 x slower CD40106 oscillators used for driving Clock inputs on other things
- 2 x 4 BIT Shift Registers (CD4015)
- 1 x 18 Stage Shift Reigster (CD4006)
- 3 x SPDT electronics switches with external control input (CD4053)
- 1 x Nick Collins / Draal modified / Me modified, with 2 inputs Pitch Tracker (CD4046)

Finally, as you'll hear in this video - pitch changes from the Lunetta 11 start warbling all over the place! :D That is thanks especially to, Nick/Draal's Pitch Tracker. I'll definitatively be building at least 1 more of these!
Note: due to problems with some of the different manufacturers of the CD4046, this one - the Texas Instruments one that Draal and I both use, DOES WORK PROPERLY. :)

I hope you enjoy."

Monday, July 09, 2012

Lunetta11 Panel3 July0912


YouTube Published on Jul 9, 2012 by dolphinicus

"And here we be, diddling a few ears with Panel #3 in my new Lunetta 11 noise machine. This panel includes:
2 x Voltage Controlled Low Frequency Oscillators
2 x Voltage Controlled Pulse Width Oscillator
1 x triple input AC mixer
Set right back and enjoy the aural twistings that could frighten ANYone's grandmother! :D"

Thursday, July 05, 2012

Luneta11 StanAndJack


YouTube Published on Jul 5, 2012 by dolphinicus

"In this short vid. I'm giving a small demonstration of a patch that I had made using my new noise machine Lunetta 11's 2 panels:
STAN (dedicated to Stanley Lunetta. The originator of Lunetta synths.) contains:
- 4 x CD4093 Schmitt Trigger NAND Gate oscillators
- 4 x CD4070 XOR Gates

JACK (dedicated to my dad. R.I.P. :( ) contains
- 2 x CD4024 7 BIT Clock Dividers, chained together as a 14 BIT Clock Divider
- 1 x CD4094 8 BIT Shift Register with XORable Clock and XORable Data inputs

Using various combinations of oscillators, XOR Gates, the Clock Dividers and the Shift Regster - quite a number of sounds are obtainabled. ;)

The next panel LESLIE (dedicated to Canadian actor Leslie Nielson (R.I.P.) and bassist / vocalist extrodinaire from Primus - Les Claypool) will more than likely contain:
- 2 x 3 input AC coupled audio mixers
- 4 x active AC attenuators (for changing volume levels)
- 3 x CD4023 Pulse Width Oscillators
- 3 x CD4053 SPDT switches, each with Voltage Control"

Wednesday, July 04, 2012

Lunetta 11 - Stan - Quad 4093 / XOR


YouTube Published on Jul 4, 2012 by dolphinicus

"This is the 1st module for my 11th noise machine that I've started building. a simple introduction, but it'll help give you a bit of an idea as to it's functionality."

Lunetta Guitar VCO Test


YouTube Published on Jul 4, 2012 by NakagawaGakki

Here is a short test displaying the potential of the dual CD 4046 VCOs Ive just made. Still on the breadboard ATM but soon to be fitted to the Modular Lunetta Synth Guitar!!!
Modules are all sticking to a 50mm x 50mm format. Horizontal Frame rails carry ground.

A run down on whats happening in this vid.

Tuesday, June 12, 2012

Lunetta Guitar Cypher Motor Driver Module CV Test


YouTube Published on Jun 12, 2012 by NakagawaGakki

with EMS Synthi

"Here I am testing a R/2R Ladder DAC to convert the 8 Digital Gates from the Cypher Sequencer in to 2x 4bit controlled voltages to be used for my other outboard gear.
I had a bunch of 1/4W 100k resistors hanging around so following this schematic:
http://www.ikalogic.com/8-bit-digital-to-analog-converter-dac/
I put 2resistors in series where its written (2R) and just one resistor where its written (R)... It works!
Power supply voltage is 5.7VDC ATM so the summed voltage out of the DAC is just under 5V. Am running the Lunetta Guitar on 9VDC so the summed DAC output will be almost 7V so may need some attenuation when using with outboard gear."

Friday, June 01, 2012

Lunetta Guitar Module LFO bank with LDR.


YouTube Published on Jun 1, 2012 by NakagawaGakki

"Here is a new module for the Lunetta Guitar. The previous LFO bank used small trim pots that needed a screw driver to tune each of the 6 oscillators, a good idea at the time but in a performance situation it was a real PITA.
Considering the Cipher Gate Sequencer only requires 2 LFO inputs (Clock and Data) this new module has just 3 LFOs. 2 of which will be for the sequencer inputs. All 3 of them have their blindingly bright LEDs bent over and shone through a tiny encapsulated lens. The central LFO has 2 LEDs, one for each lens. The lens' focus the light down on to 2 LDRs on the other side which alter the pitch of 2 audiorate Oscillators. Not used for the Cipher but very useful for other future modules.
The signal goes straight to some small speakers without filters or shaping of any kind (incase you didn't notice). The signal was too hot to go into the camera so the tinny onboard mic captured what is currently making your ears bleed..."
NEXT PAGE HOME


Patch n Tweak
Switched On Make Synthesizer Evolution Vintage Synthesizers Creating Sound Fundlementals of Synthesizer Programming Kraftwerk

© Matrixsynth - All posts are presented here for informative, historical and educative purposes as applicable within fair use.
MATRIXSYNTH is supported by affiliate links that use cookies to track clickthroughs and sales. See the privacy policy for details.
MATRIXSYNTH - EVERYTHING SYNTH