RIP Ray Wilson

Hi everyone. I have some incredibly sad news in today. Ray Wilson of Music From Outer Space passed away on Thursday, July 21. As many knew, he was battling stage 4 cancer. His family's GoFundMe page is still up and has not yet reached their goal. His family will likely have bills, so if you'd like to contribute something, please do. For those that would like to donate to Ray's family directly via Paypal, I am told his Paypal address is info@musicfromouterspace.com.

Regular readers of MATRIXSYNTH will surely know who Ray Wilson is. For anyone that doesn't, Ray was the man behind the synth DIY site Music From Outer Space. The domain name was registered back in Nov 2003; I'm not sure when the site went live, but there is an archive of the site from the WayBackMachine dated Jan 15, 2004.

Ray's contributions through his website and his YouTube channel have influenced synth DIY hobbyists and budding new makers and manufacturers alike over the years. Many owe him for their start in the world of synth DIY. You can see the exhaustive list of his DIY projects on his site here. His most popular project of course was the MFOS Soundlab Mini-Synth. His work has contributed to more than 590 posts here on MATRIXSYNTH. I'm sure there will be more to come. The first time MFOS was featured on MATRIXSYNTH was back on August 30, 2005, just over a month after I launched MATRIXSYNTH.

Ray Wilson was also the author of Make: Analog Synthesizers.

Something you may not have known is that he was also an amateur standup comedian, and he shared his performances on his main YouTube channel. As you know, I started MATRIXSYNTH back in 2005, Just over a year after MFOS launched. The first time I saw one of Ray Wilson's standup shows I thought I was on the wrong channel! :) When I realized it was him, it of course brought a smile to my face. The first thought that came to my mind was, wow, this is a truly genuine human being. The following is the last standup performance shared on his channel, from August, 2014:

The Ray Wilson Show August 26th 2014

Published on Aug 26, 2014 Ray Wilson

"AMATEUR DOING STANDUP - NOT SYNTH RELATED AT ALL. This is actually sit down comedy. I don't include profanity in my bits because I'm no good at it. If you want to be the Chopped Champ don't miss this episode. If you know someone else that might get a smile out of this I definitely appreciate shares."


Quincas Moreira, who also does synth DIY work, was a friend of Ray's. Together they composed the following piece. Update via Quincas:: "That's Ray singing. It's his song, lyrics, melody and harmony. He'd done a previous version but I thought the song was so awesome it deserved to be properly produced, so I got him to send me the original session and recorded real drums, bass, piano, percussion and backing vocals."



"Quincas Moreira and Ray Wilson collaboration - Are We Waves... Physicists are still working out our true physical nature - currently confusion reigns."

"He'll finally find out if we are waves or particles. Rest in peace my friend."

The following is the last video on Ray Wilson's YouTube channel. He will be missed.

Goofing with two MFOS SL Mark IIs, Ultimate and Sequencer.

Published on Apr 26, 2016 Ray Wilson

"Having some fun with the synth. It definitely is therapeutic."
___

Heartfelt thanks to Lorne Hammond & Skot Wieddman who sent the sad news my way.

SynthCube Acquires and Continues Music From Outer Space

As many of you know, Ray Wilson of Music From Outer Space passed away on July 21. There has been some speculation as to what would happen to MFOS. Ray Wilson's projects and website have been an incredible resource to the DIY community, and those looking to introduce themselves to the world of synth DIY. Well, I am happy to announce that SynthCube will be keeping the world of MFOS alive.

"SynthCube is delighted to announce the acquisition of Music From Outer Space. In cooperation with Ray Wilson's surviving spouse Debra, the 'Maiden of MFOS,' we are developing plans to extend Ray's work indefinitely. The MFOS website will remain in place, with all of its great content, humor and documentation. Plans are underway to continue to make the MFOS pcbs, panels etc available via our synthCube webstore, as well as other authorized MFOS stores and websites who choose to stock those items. Not only will the website and product line continue, plans are to extend it. Full kits, panel mount pcbs, reduced size euro-friendly boards, panels, pre-built products... all possibilities are on the table. More details to follow!

In honor of Ray Wilson, we will be establishing a memorial scholarship fund to support education in the areas of electrical engineering, audio, electronic music etc. We are also exploring avenues to use Ray's designs to supplement STEM teaching and training in a number of venues.

Existing MFOS inventory is available now via www.synthcube.com/cart. Plans are underway to restock any unavailable items.

Please refer any questions to us via the synthCube contact form or email."

Ray Wilson Make Webcast Nov 14 2013 TL07X Op Amp Presentation

Published on Jan 11, 2014 Ray Wilson·61 videos

"Ray Wilson, author of 'Make: Analog Synthesizers - A modern approach to old-school synthesis' presents a hands-on webcast where he will present and discuss several synthesizer related applications for the TL07X series of Texas Instruments op amp.

This webcast will cover: General TL07X Information Inverting gain Non-inverting gain Offset biasing Input coupling Output coupling Mixing Signals AC Input Mixer DC Input Mixer Affecting a wave-shape Active - Precision Full Wave Rectifier Fuzz Tone Pulse Width Modulation Comparators Non-inverting Inverting Adding Hysteresis Window Comparators Active Filters Low, Band, and High Pass Filters Online Tools You Should Know About

About Ray WIlson

Ray has been interested in analog synthesizers since the first time he heard "Switched On Bach" back in 1968. That magic box on the cover of the album with all of the knobs, switches and patch cords grabbed his attention and never let it go. After working at U.S. Steel, Intec Systems, Siemens Pacesetter, and Telectronics, and too many software companies to count he now runs his popular web site Music From Outer Space full-time. Most of his electronics learning has been hard won and experiential with hundreds of hours devoted to reading, bread-boarding, experimenting and appreciating analog synthesis."

Ray Wilson Etcetera Ghetto Modular

Via Suit and Tie Guy in the comment of this post.

Ray Wilson of Music From Outer Space

Update via Suit and Tie Guy in the comments:
"a few clarifications:

a) it was technically the "Ray Wilson Etcetera Ghetto System", as only 3/5ths of it were derivative of Ray Wilson boards. there's also the Yves Usson Gate Delay and the STG Soundlabs Moog CP Filter Clone Slash Passive Ring Modulator module. it is also in this video, which you made a post about a while back, processing something. not sure what really.

b) yes you are correct, A. Non Emouse. filters and ring modulator don't really have much to do with one another. however, these filters and ringmod are both passive ... so they have that in common. and yes i fooed the hole puncherement on the ringmod bit. it should have been upside down, so to speak."

Soundtronics to Partner with MFOS on Bringing Synth DIY to the Masses & Other Formats

Sountronics is currently seeking funding on Indiegogo to bring MFOS based completed modules in various formats including 5U, as well as introducing simple DIY kits for those not experienced with DIY. As many of you know, Ray Wilson has cancer. Ray is still behind this campaign. You'll find some notes on that below. Soundtronics does plan to ensure that the MFOS range of synth DIY remains available. Note this is the first Soundtronics post on MATRIXYSNTH.

The following is what they have to say:

"Off-the-shelf modular synthesisers can cost upwards of £2,000, an expensive investment for today’s musician or enthusiast. Soundtronics has partnered with MFOS (Music From Outer Space) to bring you an extensive range of affordable, customisable, and quality DIY synth modules, suitable for beginners and professionals alike. We’re sure you’ll love them as much as we do!

Soundtronics’ DIY Synth modules, Lo-Fi Noise Boxes, and Single Board Analogue Synths are available in varying levels of kit form. This allows enthusiasts like you, with a budget big or small, to collect units until you have the final setup you require. Plus there's the added satisfaction of knowing that they were hand built by yourself! If the idea of some soldering doesn't excite you too much, our team of technicians can expertly assemble the units and deliver them to your door in full working condition.

Soundtronics’ modules are designed to be combined in any desired panel setup and are currently compatible with 5U (MOTM format).

With your support, we will redesign these modules and make them available in formats such as Euro Rack, Moog, Dotcom, and Frackrack. For a more customised feel, the module front panels are also available in a number of colour combinations to suit the interior of any home office or recording studio!"

"Formed in late 2013, Soundtronics is a relatively new division of the Technobots Online Group, passionate about making quality analogue synths more widely available and affordable. Technobots Online is well established, having supplied mechanical and electronic components to hobbyists, education, and trade since 2001. This means that ideal component suppliers, manufacturing equipment, and delivery services are already in place for the modular synths.

Located in Warwickshire, the Technobots Online team consists of technology enthusiasts, each with their own particular passions. Soundtronics, and the DIY MFOS Synth module project, have the benefit of being personally (and enthusiastically) managed by our director Paul Cooper."

"Music From Outer Space is run by another synthesiser enthusiast, Ray Wilson, in the USA. Back in 2003, Ray began publishing synth designs that have continued to evolve and gain credibility over the years. If you are not familiar with Ray’s superb designs, we cannot stress enough how essential it is that you visit his website musicfromouterspace.com, where you will find a complete library of information on each and every module we are offering here.

We will also mention that you can purchase PCBs direct from Ray, along with some front panels and other hard to find parts.

Important Update

Last November, just around the time we were going to launch this campaign, we learnt of the sad news that Ray had been diagnosed with cancer. In order for Ray and his family to fully concentrate on beating this, he stopped taking retail orders through the MFOS website. We are deeply appreciative of Ray finding the energy during these difficult times to keep us stocked with PCBs, so that we in turn keep them available online to MFOS builders around the world.

Since postponing this campaign, we have had the opportunity to discuss the essential role of MFOS in this Soundtronics' campaign, and Ray has encouraged us to move forward. We shall therefore be working with Ray over the coming months to not only ensure the availability of the MFOS product range, but make it the most complete DIY synth range on the market.

Many of us have been directly or indirectly affected by cancer, so we would like to take this opportunity to ask that you consider visiting Ray's crowd funding site where you can directly contribute to Ray's medical expenses."

Music From Outer Space Eurorack Module Series—Coming Autumn 2017

We have some exciting news in via SynthCube. You should all be familiar with Ray Wilson's Music From Outer Space synth DIY. His contributions have helped launch a number of synth makers and synth DIY enthusiasts. Aside from running his site, Ray was also the author of Make: Electronic Synthesizers.

"Music From Outer Space is pleased to announce the forthcoming release of Ray Wilson’s Music From Outer Space modules adapted to the eurorack modular format.

Beginning with the core modules, each of Ray’s modular analog designs are being re-released in the eurorack format using redesigned and updated SMT PCBs. The initial release- scheduled for Autumn 2017—will include the VCO, VCLFO, Dual VCA, Phaser, Noise, Mixer, LP VCF, AR EG, and ADSR EG. Widths range from 6hp to 14hp in 2hp increments.

Consistent with the philosophy of Ray Wilson (founder of MFOS), the modules are designed in a way to introduce new users to analog modular synthesis, with each module designed to provide one of the ‘core elements’ of subtractive synthesis. In addition, this range of modules has been designed using DIY-friendly SMT components, to further encourage synth DIY enthusiasts to consider SMT as an alternative to through-hole designs. Experienced eurorack synth users will enjoy the opportunity to include one or more of these ‘pure’ analog designs in their existing setups.

All modules will be available as assembled units, full SMT kits, partial SMT kits (SMT PCB parts pre-populated,) panel+pcb bundles and standalone PCBs. Technical and functional details will be released with each module. Pricing is being finalized, but will be consistent with comparable eurorack assembled modules and kits.
For further information, please contact us at: info@musicfromouterspace.com

Dealers, please inquire for information on trade discounts, POS display, demo modules/systems, pre-order availability."

Quincas Moreira's Songs From Outer Space - Synth Album to Benefit Ray Wilson

"Synth DiY is a passion, and Ray Wilson's Music From Outer Space is more than a website, it is home sweet home to those of us who yearn for the music of the spheres. All the sounds in this album were made with the MFOS Soundlab MKii synthesizer, a truly inspiring instrument by Ray. All proceeds from sales of this album will be forwarded to Ray in order to help with his medical expenses for as long as his health requires it. [see this post for details]

released December 15, 2015

All sound design, composition, production, arranging, performance, recording, mixing and mastering by Quincas Moreira.

Album Art by Ted Stall

Soundlab MKii Synthesizer designed by Ray Wilson and built by Quincas Moreira."

Ray Wilson Goofing with two MFOS SL Mark IIs, Ultimate and Sequencer

Published on Apr 26, 2016 Ray Wilson

"Having some fun with the synth. It definitely is therapeutic."

It's great to see a new video from Ray. In case you missed it, Ray Wilson has cancer. There is a support site set up for him on gofundme here.

The Week-End Synth

via Davide: "The pictures tell the little story about a little synth and a little girl. The synth is the wonderful Ray Wilson's (Music From Outer Space) WSG. It's a perfect beginner's project if you are going to use his PCB. I chose the hard way (I'm not a beginner anymore, anyway) and opted for a perforated board and made all the connections by hand. To my surprise, at the flick of the switch everything worked as expected and I felt brave enough to scare the cat with the bleeps and dee-doo-dee-doo coming out the little synth. It's very 'knobby' and it's fun not to have labels! The knobs were a sale on Mouser, but they are much larger than I expected!
I asked Beatrice, my daughter, to fix the logo for the synth, and when I returned home tonight, I found a stunning MFOS logo!!! Thank to Beatrice for her art, thanks to my wife for her patience, and thank to Ray Wilson for his beautiful toys and sharing. Made In Italy, With Love.

Schedule:
Saturday Morning: Drilling Da Holz
Saturday Afternoon: Mounting the components
Sunday Morning: cabling panel wires, switch on and PLAY!!!!!!

Regards,
Davide

P.S.
I saw a lot of people here and there, and on the tube, presenting a WSG [Weird Sound Generator] WITHOUT saying that it's the work of Ray Wilson, and trying to impress people with their design skills... The Weird Sound Generator is a beautiful work of Music From Outer Space, give credits to Ray for this."

The Ray Wilson Show November 2009 WLT

YouTube via theraywilsonshow
"Another hilarious episode of the Ray Wilson show. The new smash comedy hit that has the entire world talking and falling out of their seats. Conan and Jay and Jimmy eat your hearts out. If anyone knows Conan or Jay or Jimmy personally and recommends the Ray Wilson show to them and they ask me to write for them and pay me lots of dough I will buy that person a Ferrari once I have enough surplus money to afford one which may regrettably take a while."

"A moderately funny observational humor show (smash hit hiliarious new wow... phhht). I got some good comments which led me to augment the video with audio of a focus group of people laughing while watching the video... OK I'm lying I added a laugh track at the request of millions of viewers. Ok one viewer. OK if you don't like the first ten seconds I recommend that you move on to the next piano playing cat video because it doesn't get a whole lot better but it keeps me out of the bars."

Ray Wilson Interview on Synthbeat.com

"On his site www.musicfromouterspace.com, Ray Wilson provides schematics and other "how to" info for the "do it yourself" creation of synthesizers. With designs for everything from basic VCO oscillator modules to a variety of synths, Wilson is eager to share his love of electronic music with others. In January, I had the privilege of asking him a few questions."

click here for the full interview.

Ray Wilson of Music From Outer Space (MFOS) Has Cancer

It's come to my attention that Ray Wilson of Music From Outer Space (MFOS) has cancer. You all know his work in the DIY synthesizer scene. This is horrible news. Our thoughts, prayers and well wishes go out to him and his family. You'll find more info including how to help Ray and his family online here.

Update: For those that would prefer to donate to Ray's family directly via Paypal I am told his Paypal address is info@musicfromouterspace.com. I just tried it and payment was successful. Remember, this goes towards helping his family, so be sure to send it as a personal payment vs. services and goods. Paypal fees should be less. If you are tight on cash you can always send a little now and more later if you get around to it. Every little bit helps and will add up if enough people contribute even just a small amount.

Samba for Ray

Published on Jul 25, 2016 Quincas Moreira

"Little tune I wrote for my departed friend Ray Wilson. Featuring his design, the Soundlab MKii synthesizer. Ray lives on in every Weird Sound Generator and Sound Lab out there, now and forever"

RIP Ray Wilson

DIY Voltage Controlled Oscillator

video upload by KellerDev

"This VCO has saw, triangular and square wave output. Simulation on falstad:
https://tinyurl.com/2kfswz4d It has puls width, linear and exponential frequency modulation.It is based on a Ray Wilson schematic, from MFOS: http://musicfromouterspace.com/analog...
RIP to Ray Wilson
Find the schematics, PCBs and layout on my patreon: https://www.patreon.com/kellerdev"

The DelphiChord Synthesizer complete demo

Published on Dec 10, 2016 Todd Murray

"This is the DelphiChord Analog Synthesizer. It is based on the Mini Synth Mk II from Ray Wilson and Music from outer space. It has also been modified to provide CV or Gate input and output of each section or 'module' in the design. Instead of building a single circuit board, this design used a handmade and wired vector board for each circuit. I have also incorporated a Thomas Henry (of Nuts & Volts fame) design for wave shaping, particularly triangle to sine wave conversion.

The concept was to build a synthesizer that was imagined in the mid 1800s. Not steam punk, but more like the physicists of the day would have built. I chose the Mini-Synth Mk II over his Mini-Synth Ultimate, because this design came after the Ultimate was released, and I think it is a better synth overall. Schematically, the two designs are very similar with some subtle differences with the EGs and VCF however, the ability to modularize the MkII meant I can incorporate this easier (and less expensively) with the upcoming drum synths and sequencers I am also planning.

For additional information see: http://sixbyseven.ca/the-delphichord-...

For Ray Wilson and MFOS: http://musicfromouterspace.com"

Make: Analog Synthesizers by Ray Wilson of Music From Outer Space

on Amazon

"Dive hands-on into the tools, techniques, and information for making your own analog synthesizer. If you’re a musician or a hobbyist with experience in building electronic projects from kits or schematics, this do-it-yourself guide will walk you through the parts and schematics you need, and how to tailor them for your needs. Author Ray Wilson shares his decades of experience in synth-DIY, including the popular Music From Outer Space (MFOS) website and analog synth community.

At the end of the book, you’ll apply everything you’ve learned by building an analog synthesizer, using the MFOS Noise Toaster kit. You’ll also learn what it takes to create synth-DIY electronic music studio. Get started in the fun and engaging hobby of synth-DIY without delay.

With this book, you’ll learn:
The differences between analog and digital synthesizers
Analog synthesizer building blocks, including VCOs, VCFs, VCAs, and LFOs
How to tool up for synth-DIY, including electronic instruments and suggestions for home-made equipment
Foundational circuits for amplification, biasing, and signal mixing
How to work with the MFOS Noise Toaster kit
Setting up a synth-DIY electronic music studio on a budget"

Really Nice Audio - RNA Replicator, dualHMVCO1a & CV Mixers Eurorack Modules

The RNA Replicator - x8 CV Buffer Eurorack Module

Published on Feb 10, 2015

"Replicating the Replicator"

It looks like we have a new modular DIY maker. Really Nice Audio or RNA for short currently has three modules listed on their site, the replicator x8 CV Buffer (video above), the dualHMVCO1a VCO, and CV Mixers based on an adaptation of Ray Wilson's MFOS design.  Details on each captured for the archives below. They also do DIY synth mods and repair including work on the Yamaha DX-7, Korg Poly-61, Korg Monotribe, Oberheim DMX, and OSCar.

the replicator

"This versatile CV Buffer features 8 buffered outputs as well as 2 buffered inverted outputs.

The toggle switch inverts the voltage to the bottom 4 outputs.
2 bi-polar LEDs show the voltage polarity for each bank of 4 outputs.

It can also be used as a 2 x 4 channel buffer as inserting a signal into the IN2 socket overrides the bottom 4 outputs.

Comes with eurorack ribbon power cable and 2x 3mm screws."

dualHMVCO1a

"With 2 boards I claim 4 oscillators!!"

CV Mixers

"This CV Mixer system is an adaptation of Ray Wilson’s design found in his Multi-Function module from the essential MFOS website. I wanted to make a modular design with minimal wiring. All pots are soldered to the PCB whilst the sockets connect to a 5 pin single row IDC. This way you can use ‘each side’ of a 10 pin IDC to connect 2 mixers at a time to your socket panel. I made a socket panel which has 2 x 10 pin IDC connectors so 4 mixers can be connected. Built into my socket panel is a Common Input which buffers this signal each of the 4 CV 1 inputs. Inserting a plug into a CV1 input socket breaks the buffered signal.

This system I built for my 4x HMVCO1a so I have wired each mixer output to its corresponding oscillator via the ‘normalled’ pin each CV input socket.

Each CV Mixer gives you :

A coarse voltage bias

A fine voltage bias

3x CV inputs with attenuators

A bi-polar LED indicator showing polarity of voltage"

MFOS Dual State Variable Filter

YouTube via djthomaswhite
"This is my customized design based on the Ray Wilson Music From Outer Space State Variable (Multimode) Filter. This combines two separate filters in one panel, normalized together with the addition of a reversing attenuator for some modular fun. I call this the "Multimode Frequency Modulator". The video showcases the sound with a highpass of filter section A into a lowpass on filter section B. The normalization can be broken so this can operate as two separate filters in one panel. Both sections together can have a response of 24db Like a Moog or Sequential Circuits filter. Interesting combinations can be found by combining various settings (freq/resonance/mode) on each of the two 12db filter sections. This fits into any format... but that is up to you. The pcb is what you order from MFOS and then you have to source the other parts. Luckily the parts are ALL easy to come by. Thanks goes out to Ray Wilson for making such a cool pcb project available to the DIY community!"

Edvard Grieg - In The Hall of the Mountain King

YouTube Uploaded by theraywilsonshow on Jan 7, 2012

"MFOS Studios - Ray Wilson"

Camille Saint-Saëns - Danse Macabre

Uploaded by theraywilsonshow on Jan 7, 2012

"Danse Macabre voiced with the Sound Lab ULTIMATE using MIDI to CV and SONAR Producer. Produced by Ray Wilson at MFOS Studios. I'm having so much fun with my Mark II that it's probably illegal. The MFOS delayed mod and the MFOS control voltage and gate distributor were used along with the Sound Lab Mark II. I like how this came out and I hope you do as well."

Sound Lab Mark II Rocks Scarlatti

Uploaded by theraywilsonshow on Jan 7, 2012

"Sonata in D Maj realized on the MFOS Sound Lab Mark II"

MFOS Music From Outer Space Dual Analog Multimode Filter State Variable

djthomaswhite·80 videos Uploaded on Feb 18, 2008


via this auction

"I call this module the "MFOS Dual Multimode Frequency Modulator" and it is a one-of-a-kind sound module. Amazing sound with very flexible design perfect for MOTM Synthtech, Synthesizers.com or other 5U systems.

Custom made professional analog modular synthesizer module. This is high quality construction intended to last a lifetime. Quality parts throughout:

- 3mm Custom Engraved Aircraft Aluminum Panel
- Stainless Steel PCB bracket
- Sealed Spectrol Cermet Pots
- Sealed Trim Pots on PCB
- Sealed Rotary Switches
- Official Alco Phenolic Knobs
- Switchcraft 112 Jacks
- Flatted Bat Handle Switches
- All IC's are socketed for easy replacement

This also has a variable mix circuit I added to allow incoming Control Voltage signals tone inverted and assigned to each filter with a couple of routing switches.

Two filters. These can be used as separate filters just like Ray Wilson at MOTM designed or as two filters in series as I built them into this module. Each filter is 12dB and using them both in series gives you a 24dB response where you can dial in the frequency of each filter. Other filters with dual sections you may recognize include the Roland Juno-106 and the Korg MS-20. This design by Ray Wilson is Operational Transconductance Amplifier (OTA) based for warm and character like old Moog designs such as the Moog Source. "

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