Befaco diy modular synth & eml polybox

Befaco diy modular synth

Published on Jun 8, 2014 xamstradx·4 videos

"Having fun with my Befaco DIY modular synth (2010-2014, and growing)

Everything recorded in live, all sounds coming from the main output.

Patch 1 - Using MidiCV module ( Multi4 mode ), different sequences and filter functions.

Patch 2 - Using MidiCv module ( Poly mode ) trying some chords and pads. Don´t expect it to excel at this, it´s not what it is intended for. But with some tweaking you can still get some polyphonic goodness.

Path 3 - Random+rythmical pattern using internal functions (no midi here).

All sound recorded with the camera microphone, sorry for the poor quality

Kits are available at befaco.org."


eml polybox Uploaded on Aug 4, 2011 xamstradx·4 videos

"Got this eml poly-box for some years now, i decided to put up some quick demo due the lack of info, and sometimes curiosity, about it.
It´s is a cute, tiny, and exotic synth companion who basically turns a mono synth into a pseudo poly-synth (well not exactly, but more or less).
I bealive it was designed to work with EML electrocomp series. So to take the best of it you need a modular or semimodular device i´d say. Here it is with my diy modular synth.


'From the Peter Forrest guide to all things synth: 'A curious and rare product - only 130 ever were made. Designed to turn monosynths into pseudo-polyphonics. Twenty-six "note memories." Connect a monosynth audio out to the PolyBox input, play a note on the monosynth, hold down a chord on the PolyBox, and the PolyBox will fill out the chord from the original root note. Then you could route the PolyBox back into your synth (if it had an audio input) to use the synth's filter and envelope. The PolyBox's own sound was limited to pulse wave

Here is how EML describes it:
'Poly-Box is a pitch following variable chord generator controlled by your synthesizer and Poly-Box's own keyboard with built-in memory. Poly-Box takes a single pitch from your synthesizer and creates two banks of pitch sources. Each pitch bank contains 13 simultaneously available pitch sources at precise semitone intervals - covering an entire chromatic octave. The pitch banks may be in the same or different octaves, and can cover the range from one above to three octaves below the synthesizer oscillator.'"

Befaco Modular Synth Workshop Coming to Berlin

"Befaco is organizing a new edition of the Berliner version of his DIY modular synth workshop.

Date: 16_17th Nov 2013 from 12h.
Duration: 2 Independent days (~8 hours/day)

Max participants: 11
Target of participants: People interested in analog synthesis, modulars, experimentation, DIY, performance, sound.
Language: English / Spanish
Material Costs: NO Fee, just the kits you build. Kit Includes all you need to make the module.
Location: Ø: Cotheniusstrasse 5, D-10407 Berlin
Required skills: No previous experience in electronics, interest and patience.
Required materials: Fine tip soldering iron less than 25w (if possible)

Registration: PIN

Befaco is a Synth DIY/open hardware platform based on Barcelona, focussed on designing modules and organizing modular synth workshops each month in Madrid, Barcelona and Berlin.
Participants can decide between any of the modules that are available.

Modules are in eurorack format and you can choose between Banana or minijack connector

Available modules this time are:

-BF22 Sallen key Filter. MS20 inspired filter with VC resonance.(110e)
-Voltage controlled ADSR. Full V.C. envelope generator with LIN/RC response (100e)
-Joystick controller arcade style X/Y controller with two buttons for trigger.(80e)
-Dual atenuverter. Dual inverter atenuator + DC offset (50e)
-VCA/distortion. Tube based VC amplifier (95e)
-Sample and hold+ Lag processor. (95e)
-Power supply + power bus (75e)
-Crush delay. Full Voltage controlled PT2399 delay with + lofi "crush" mode (95e)
-Output Interface. Banana/minijack to jack converter with volume attenuator and headphone amplifier (55e)

Befaco organize regular workshop also in Barcelona, Madrid and London"

Synth East 2024 - Synth and Modular festival in Norwich

video upload by Molten Music Technology

"Synth East is a festival of synths and modular in Norwich from Friday the 23rd of February to Sunday the 25th. Brought to you by the Norwich Arts Centre, Electronic Sound Magazine and Molten Modular.

Tickets are available for each event separately. There's a discount if you order the Saturday Expo and evening gig at the same time.

Friday: Subotnick documentary [trailer here], Adam Buxton interviews Steve Davis and music from Luke Sanger.

Saturday daytime: Synth Expo with performances

Saturday evening: Blancmange, Ultramarine and Molten Modular

Sunday: DIY Workshops from Thonk and Befaco.

http://www.syntheast.com"

Update: press release follows:


"Pouring from the heart of Norfolk, hosted by the Norwich Arts Centre, curated by Electronic Sound Magazine and run by Molten Modular, Synth East is back. After a devastatingly successful 2023 show the sold-out Norfolk-based festival of synthesizers returns in 2024 but this time it's been widened into a full weekend experience.

The all new Friday evening Synth East event is curated by Electronic Sound Magazine and kicks off with (possibly) the UK premiere of a documentary on electronic musician Morton Subotnick, who at 90 years old, is known affectionately as the Father of Techno. It’s called Subotnick, Portrait of an Electronic Music Pioneer by Waveshaper Media who brought us the intoxicating 2014 documentary, I Dream of Wires.

Following the film we have writer, broadcaster, comedian and musician Adam Buxton chatting with Synth East alumni Steve Davis about music, life and modular synths. Finishing off the evening we have an ambient set from modular musician Luke Sanger as we relax into some beers in preparation for what’s to come for the rest of the weekend.

Saturday’s Synth East Expo is a carnival of control voltage, a festival of synth sounds and a party of epic performances. Dozens of manufacturers will be filling the Arts Centre with synths and modulars to give you an opportunity check out their marvellous machines and bask in the glow of synthesiser technology. You’ll be able to chat with the makers about the gear and even have a personal demonstration. Simply walking through the auditorium in the company of such exciting gear is completely thrilling.

Throughout the day we’ll be having some performances from local artists Hardwired and Tristan Burfield before we once again embark on the awesome modular experiment of the all-star patch off. This year, joining Robin "Molten Modular" Vincent, Steve Davis and Gaz Williams will be Mylar Melodies, Nina Richards, and Jason Jervis. These are unique, improvised performances that you’ll never see anywhere else.

Saturday night’s synthesiser explosion features the 80s synth legends Blancmange who have kindly agree to fit us in before their extensive Everything is Connected: The Best Of Blancmange tour of the UK. Supporting Blancmange we have eclectic electronic music duo Ultramarine featuring Ian Cooper and Paul Hammond. And in the warm up slot is our own Robin “Molten Modular” Vincent and a special guest.

On Sunday we are hosting some Eurorack DIY workshops presented by Befaco and Thonk. They will be held at Electronic Sound HQ at Capital House over a few hours. The idea is that you buy a ticket for the workshop and then order the kit that you hope to build directly with Befaco or Thonk.

Synth East 2024 runs from the 23rd to the 25th of February. Each event is available as a separate ticket and there's a bundle deal on buying the Saturday Expo and evening performance together.

Our intention is to revel in the world of synthesizers, modular and electronic musical boxes. We want to explore sound through performance, discussion and hands-on interaction. It's a lot of fun and open to anyone with an interest in bleeps, tones and noises."

Befaco - Barcellona SDIY Collective

via Diego:

"We are a new Synth Diy collective based on Barcelona. As main activity we are making Modular synth workshops. In this workshop each one builds his own machine. Each month we prepare two workshops one with a new module an other you can choose between any of the previous. The modules we have until now are: VCO,VCF, Envelope generator (based on buchla 281), quad VCA, ring modulator, noise generator and power supply. but the list is in progress."
More details at http://www.befaco.org/




Befaco: "Haz tu propio sinte modular" from Común y Corriente on Vimeo.

"Visita a uno de los talleres de Befaco en Barcelona. Más en befaco.org y comunycorriente.com"

Googlish: "Visit one of the workshops Befaco in Barcelona. More befaco.org and comunycorriente.com"

Update: via diego in the comments:

Modular Synth.mov

YouTube via Befacosynth | December 03, 2010 |

"By Befaco.org Shooted at Hangar Media Lab by Borja Alexandre. 21/11/2010"

Solarizator v3.mov

Befacosynth | December 03, 2010 |

"By Befaco.org Shooted at Hangar Media Lab by Borja Alexandre. 21/11/2010"

Happy New Year From MATRIXSYNTH! - A Look Back at 2014

Happy New Year everyone!

I want to start by thanking everyone that comes to MATRIXSYNTH and helps make it what it is - the readers, the supporters, and of course all the sponsors on the right.

THANK YOU and have a GREAT 2015!!!

This site is a labor of love and a ton of work. This site is ultimately meant to be an testament to everything synth in the making. We have over nine years of daily synth history captured here, 119,983 published posts. I can't wait to see what the future brings us in 2015!

That said, here are a few interesting bits from 2014 in the longest post of the year. ;)

CLICK FOR MORE »

New Motion MTR Eurorack Module From Befaco & Molten Modular

Molten Motion Meter Overview video upload by Molten Music Technology

"A quick overview of the Molten Motion Meter designed by myself and Befaco Modular. It's a visualiser of voltage and a seer of signals. It's a VU meter and CV attenuator, it can mix and offset and looks lovely in a rack.

https://www.befaco.org/motion_mtr/"

Molten Modular - My first Eurorack module launch show!

video upload by Molten Music Technology

"Join me to explore my first Eurorack module - it's a beautiful and exciting thing! Designed in collaboration with Befaco, and Manu will be joining me to talk about the process and how it all works. It's not complicated; it's a simple and useful module that I hope will bring joy to every modular user.

The module will become available to buy during the live stream in assembled and kit form. An overview video and DIY build video will appear after the live stream.

Divkid also has a video:"

Audio & CV VISUALISED I love a Eurorack utility! // Motion Meter (MTR) from Molten Modular & Befaco
video upload by DivKid

"Here we have the new Motion MTR Eurorack module from Molten Modular (Molten Music Technology, Robin Vincent) and Befaco. The Motion MTR is your classic modular synth utility provided attenuation, inversion, offset voltages and mixing with the addition of lots of blinking lights!

More than a pretty light show the LED rings work as a VU meter (audio mode) or CV monitor and show your input voltages so you can better trace a patch, track down that feedback getting out of hand, or simply stared at blinky lights because secretly we all want out modulars to look like Christmas tree. They look great and perform well as you’ll see in the video.

Motion MTR MMT site // https://bit.ly/MotionMTR-molten
Motion MTR Befaco site // https://bit.ly/MotionMTR-Befaco

To gain access to the exclusive full patch breakdown for the audio visualiser patch as well as accessing more exclusive videos, PDF patchbooks, joining the DivKid community adn more. Consider supporting on Patreon // https://bit.ly/DK-patreon"

MOTION MTR

CV AND AUDIO UTILITY / REALTIME VISUALIZER

Motion MTR allow you to mix, attenuate and invert signals while having clear visual feedback of their levels. Each channel can function as:
Audio level control with VU meter
CV attenuator with voltage meter
CV inverter with voltage meter
Each input is normalled to 10v, so you can
use each of them to generate fixed voltages.
Also, the outputs of channels 1 and 2 are summed into Out 3 to be used as a mixer.
Patch it wildly to make it work as an attenuverter with offset, as a mixer, a VU meter or a combination of them all!

This module is our first collaboration with Robin Vincent from Molten modular.

Befaco DIY Modular Synth Patch

Uploaded on Feb 7, 2012

"2xVCO + VCA + Ring Mod + BF-20 + LP VCF + Noise Lag + Envelope Generator EG-281 + Mini Slicer Seq"

Note these videos are from three years go. I hadn't seen these before now. Two more below.

http://www.befaco.org

CLICK FOR MORE »

Modular Synth Workshop ://BEFACO.org @ Ø Berlin 21/22th NOVEMBER

Date: 21-22th Nov 2012 from 16h.
Duration: 2 Independent days (~5 hours/day)

Max participants: 11
Target of participants: People interested in analog synthesis, modulars, experimentation, DIY, performance, sound.
Language: English / Spanish
Material Costs: NO Fee, just the kits you build. Kit Includes PCB, all electronic parts, acrylic frontal laser engraved.
Slicer 90€ I Quad-t 65€ I 6D 60€
Location: Ø Studio- Cotheniusstrasse 5, D-10407 Berlin
Required skills: No previous experience in electronics, interest and patience.
Required materials: Fine tip soldering iron less than 25w (if possible)

Registration/+info: pin@r-aw.cc

/////////////////////////////////////////////////
+info: http://r-aw.cc/modular
http://www.befaco.org
/////////////////////////////////////////////////

DIY Analog Synth Workshops
The presentation of the Befaco collective in the Berlin scene and the first modular synth praxis workshop will be next November 21st/22nd.
We will be building some of our standalone devices like:

•Slicer V3: An hybrid between an analog Cv/gate sequencer, a scanning slider VCO and an audio slicer.



Quad-T: A small drum synth based on the famous twin-t oscillator used in a lot of drum machines in the analog golden era.



Cacophonator 6DE
This kit is a Cacophonator II, originally designed by Arthur Harrison, the circuit is based in IC 40106, which has six trigger schmidt that, properly connected, generate 6 square wave oscillators. In the links section you can find technical information from original design.

Four of these oscillators are directly connected to the output, creating a weird sonic hodgepodge. The other two have a different polarization and are LFOs, but they have no sound output. They're there just to bothe the other oscillators. (Yes, to bother them!) !But how? Here's the fun of this circuitr: Power starvation. When the IC has it's power lowered the trigger Schmidt gates from 40106 start behaving funny in a struggle for power. The two extra oscillators do not have audio output, but affect the sound of the other as they also demand a share of the power. The circuit has a high value capacitor, which allows this circuit to be used turned off. With a press of the button that capacitor is charged and will act as power source. As charge on the capacitor falls, Oscillators will slowly die, producing tasty weird sounds.

Audio input is directly connected to Osc 4, where will affect this oscillator and will also be added to the output. This option works great when starvation is high, when plugging a rythmic signal in, you will hear the 6DE generating synchronized noises.

Machina Bristronica 2024

video uploads by sonicstate

Playlist:

1. Bristronica 24: MyVolts The Silent Alchemist Nears Shipping

We caught up with Caroline who gave us the latest update to the *Silent Alchemist*, a versatile power hub designed for musicians. Featuring five isolated USB-C outputs and a high-wattage sixth output capable of delivering 100 watts, the device can power a Mac with the remaining outputs providing 20 watts each. Its independent circuits ensure noise-free operation, catering to a variety of devices including the Dreadbox module and Sysmo slope generator.

The Silent Alchemist uses innovative step-up power tips to convert USB-C input to the correct voltage for various devices. There's also new feature: an uninterruptible power supply allowing seamless transition between wall and power bank sources. Also introduced were updated cables, such as silver candy cords and floating ring TRS to TS cables, expanding connection flexibility. The Silent Alchemist is expected to be available in December with a competitive pricing strategy.

More Info:
https://myvolts.com/

2. Bristronica 24: Circuit Happy ML2M Clock Sync module updates

At Bristronica 2024, we caught up with the creator of the *ML2M*, who introduced us to the latest version. The ML2M is a compact Eurorack module with Wi-Fi capabilities, allowing seamless synchronization with Ableton Live, Bitwig Studio, and iOS music apps using Ableton Link without the need for cables. It either connects to an existing network or creates its own, ensuring robust sync even in environments with unreliable Wi-Fi. The module, which retains its 2HP size, now features MIDI integration through TRS jacks. Users can access a web interface to configure each output for different clock divisions and reset triggers, making setup straightforward and flexible.

Alongside the ML2M, there's also the Missing Link Junior. This desktop version offers the same functionality but in a box format, complete with MIDI and CV clock outputs. Both products are now accessible, with a starting price of $250.

3. Bristronica 24: Archaea Exchange Patching Module

At Machina Bristronica 2024, we caught up with Arran from ‪@archaea_modular_synthesis‬ who presented the *Exchange Module*. This programmable patcher, a year in the making, evolved from its early prototype stage to a fully functional module. Arran explained how the Exchange can route synth voices via a beam controller and three exchange modules installed within the skiff, allowing for versatile patching. Operating like a matrix patchbay, it enables users to select inputs and outputs with the push of a button, create presets, and chain multiple modules for synchronized patching.

Communication between the modules occurs over the Eurorack power bus as well as over MIDI via the USB-C connection. The Exchange maintains analog integrity, ensuring there’s no conversion latency. The forthcoming release expected in late November 2024, includes a USB-driven editor for enhanced control capabilities.

CLICK FOR MORE »

Befaco FXBoy - Analog FX for Eurorack on a Gameboy Cartridge

video upload by Making Sound Machines

"Happy and excited to be part of @modulardaybarcelona tomorrow - it's a super nice #modular #meet in Barcelona, Spain, with DIY #workshops, lots of great #synth makers and performances. We will be showing our #Stolperbeats drum trigger sequencer as well as the #Befaco FXboy, a #collab module between @Befacosynth @tesseractmodular3149 @MakingSoundMachines @touellskouarn6916 @xorelectronics @instruo and @feedbackmodules9902.

The module has a slot that takes cartridges in the same form factor as the @NintendoJP #gameboy, but with an #audio #effect circuit on it. This allows you to hot-swap #fx #circuits on you eurorack #modular #synth on the go, taking one cartridge out and replacing it with another as you jam. Our cart has an #analog #waveshaper on it, and provides you with #visual #feedback on the incoming CV with #colorful #LEDs shining through the translucent case.

Today's video is a little jam that happened when packing for Modular Day! Stolperbeats is seen here sequencing the #CycloneAnalogic TT-78, a drum machine inspired by the #classic #Roland CR-78 analog drum synth. The individual outputs are processed with the #FXboy, as well as our Farbhighpass transistor ladder highpass filter.

If you've been eyeing one of our #eurorack #DIY #kits and you want to build it together with us, Modular Day will be the the #perfect #opportunity! Hang out with us and build a Farbfolder, Farbshaper, Farbhighpass or TausenddB and Multiplikand with us.

Modular Day Barcelona
September 23rd 2023
Hangar, Carrer Emilia Coranty, 8-16
08018 Barcelona
Spain

DIY workshops, exhibition, show-and-tell 10:30 - 18:00h
Concerts starting at 19:30

modulardaybarcelona.org"

Befaco Modular Synth

Published on Aug 1, 2015 Los Sabios Duendes

"Sintetizador Modular Befaco en proceso de construcción realizado en los talleres de Befaco en la ciudad de Barcelona.

Befaco.org es una plataforma de desarrollo de hardware musical DIY y Open Source creada para dar soporte a los músicos electrónicos que deseen fabricar sus propias herramientas. Es un colectivo centrado en la difusión de la cultura “hazlo tu mismo” aplicada a las tecnologías musicales y mas concretamente, a la construcción de sintetizadores analógicos.

http://www.befaco.org

http://lossabiosduendes.com/"

Reminder: Befaco Modular Synth DIY Workshop This Saturday and Sunday in London!

This is just a reminder that the Befaco workshop previously posted here (and featured on MATRIXSYNTH CLASSIFIEDS) is happening this weekend at Musichackspace in London.

The event is free for people that want to come and just check things out. This is a great opportunity for those new to DIY.

For those that would like to build a module to take home, contact befacosynth//at//gmail.com.  Prices for the different modules are listed at MATRIXSYNTH CLASSIFIEDS here.

If you'd like to organize a workshop in your city contact Befaco at their address above.

Befaco modular synth S&H with ribbon

Uploaded by suzenako on Jul 12, 2011

"Just testing the new sample & hold with ribbon controller.
VCO + VCF + VCA + Quad Envelope + Noise generator + Ring modulator + Sample & Hold + 8 step sequencer x 2
+ Ribbon controller
www.befaco.org"

LAVBFC.mp4

Published on Apr 29, 2012 by suzenako

"like a virgin bassline with befaco synth"

Befaco percussion patch (DIY Modular Synthesizer)

Uploaded by suzenako on Mar 14, 2011

"VCO + VCF + Envelope + Noise generator + VCA + 8 Step Sequencer"

Befaco Modular Synth DIY Workshop Coming to London April 26 & 27 & Other Locations

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

via MATRIXSYNTH CLASSIFIEDS

"SDIY worshop on London next 26/27 of april at Musichackspace (Also other cities also available check Befaco.org)

No previous knowledge needed

You can build any of the next modules on eurorack format:

BF22 VCF 120
VC ADSR 110
Slope Generator 2 120
Instrument Interface 110
Output module 65
Mixer 50
Crush Delay 110
Hexa VCA 135
Power Bus + Power supply 73
Dual Atenuverter 50
Joysitck controller 100
VC Slew limiter 60

The workshop is included on the price of the kit you want to build. Kits include all the neccesary parts to finish your module

You can come also for free if you dont wnat to build any module and just want to meet some "euro-freaks"(write me first)

Check this video for more info about Befaco and his workshops

For booking please contact befacosynth//at//gmail.com

If you are interested in organize this workshop on your city just led as know and we will try

Asembled modules available on demand"

Befaco DIY Modular Synth Workshop June 13/14 at NK Berlin

Befaco is having another workshop on June 13 & 14 at NK Berlin. The details follow:

"You will learn the basics for building your own modules from the most simple parts. At the end you will have a module to begin a system or to add to your existing rack. Participants can decide between any of the modules that are available.

In the workshop one can build at least one device, and the more experienced can build more than one module. Modules are in Eurorack format, and you can choose between Banana or mini-jack connector.

More info: http://www.nkprojekt.de/befaco-diy-modular-synth-workshop/

befacosynth@gmail.com"

Free Befaco Workshop Coming to Barcelona This Saturday and Sunday

via Befaco

The modular DIY synth workshop will be this weekend at The Hangar, Barcelona.

No previous skills needed.   The event itself is free.  If you'd like to build and take home a kit there is a fee to cover the cost of course.  Other synth projects are also welcome so this appears to be an event geared to those interested in synth DIY in general.

"On Sunday evening/night, we will finish the workshop with what we call a 'Patch Meeting', a special kind of modular event for interchanging patch and music ideas between 'Noodle nerds'.

The entrance is free for both workshop and meeting. For the workshop you just pay for the kits you want to build if you want to build some Befaco modules (other synth projects are also welcome)."

Manufacturers and More

The following is a repository of banners that have been featured on the site. Note the date of this post is 2009, so some of these banners are old and some sites may be gone. This page exists more for historical purposes.

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300px banners: