"Hey guys, show some support to Paul Maddox for the rebirth of his synth company Modulus Music. Paul's the man behind the Monowave wavetable synth and the awesome little VacoLoco boxes. Excited to see what he's working on!"
The Modulus name was in use by Paul Maddox with the Monowave as seen back in 2007 in this post.
Paul initially announced the new company on March 7th in The MATRIXSYNTH Lounge as well.
I was going to hold off for a post until products where announced, but decided to put something up now. I can't wait to see what Paul comes up with next. You can see the vacoloco channel below for his latest up to now.
The Monowave was a Paul Maddox design which featured PPG wavetables. It was essentially a monophonic PPG Wave. Paul Maddox is the man behind the current Modal Electronics.
via the seller: "It's bulit with the board from Elby Designs. I didn't like the vcf's response from the board so I replaced it with one more appropriate to the original ladder filter."
via wikipedia: "This synth was first shown in 2001 by its inventor Paul Maddox on a PPG user/fan meeting. Because its attraction to some synthesizer players at the event, the project was started with 5 beta-test units to test the software and hardware. By spring 2002. the serial production of a 25-piece limited run started. About a year later, all units were sold.
Late in 2005, after many attempts at designing new products, Paul decided to close Modulus Electronics and its website (modulus-music.com). In order that people could still enjoy the Monowave, he worked with Elby Designs to create a kit version of the monowave offering the same features. The software was released at the same time under the GPL license, in the hope that others would continue to develop its features.
It features two digital oscillators with 256 different waveshapes selectable individually. There is also a unique de-res, a function to lower the digital waveshapes' sample resolution, to give a sound very much like the famous German PPG wave synthesizers from the eighties. The signal of these oscillators and their suboctave signals are mixed together and then feed in the pure analog part of the synth:a 24 db lowpass filter a la Moog synthesizer. and a VCA. Both of them controlled by their own ADSR envelopes. Depending on the EEPROM software, it may either have an arpeggiator or a midi velocity to wavenumber function.
The MonoWave has no patch memory. It can be played by ingoing MIDI signals from software, sequencers or MIDI keyboards."
Streamed live on Mar 1, 2015 The Producers Hangout
"The Producers Hangout is a bi weekly show where we hangout and discuss all things music related. Join us on Facebook at Facebook.com/theproducershangout
Hosts Ken Flux Pierce of Fluxwithit.com and Mike of Padbangers.com
chat with guest Paul Maddox of Modal electronics about the Modal 002 synthesizer today!"
I believe The Monowave was the first synth by Paul Maddox. It was basically a monophonic PPG. Paul Maddox of course is the man behind Vaco Loco and Modal Electronics.
Teaser pic via modulusmusic.me where you'll find a couple of audio demos. Just look at it. Reminds me of a John Bowen Solaris, meets Synton Syrinx with a touch of Oberheim OB-12. Modulus is from Paul Maddox who brought us the Monowave. See the Modulus and Monowave channels for previous posts. We knew something was coming. This is the first glimpse. Some things you can clearly see from the pic: 5 octave keyboard, tons of knobs and sliders including two rows of knobs on the lower right that can be indicative of an onboard sequencer, and a display with what looks to be a larger data knob to the lower right. Unless the PWM demo has been multi-tracked, this will be polyphonic.
Update: I forgot to mention, Paul Maddox is also the man behind VacoLoco. It looks like vacoloco.net now redirects to the new modulus website, but you can get in the back door here, and of course a bit of VacoLoco synth history is archived here on MATRIXSYNTH. See the VacoLoco channel below.
"Company co-founder and principal designer Paul Maddox of Modal Electronics (née Modulus) walks through the features of his Modal Electronics 002 analog/digital hybrid polysynth at NAMM 2015. After the overview he surfs through some example patches (with direct-in stereo sound).
Using high quality components, the Modal Electronics 002 is a premium product designed to be the flagship in the Modal Electronics range. The keyboard layout includes a semi-weighted, five octave key mechanism and has been ergonomically designed by musicians so that the hands fall naturally and intuitively to the controls. It provides twelve discrete voices of polyphony with full multi-timbrility if required. Adding to the ease of use is a large integral display screen that is context sensitive, i.e. it displays the control parameters of any control knobs immediately when touched by the user. Quick recall banks enable preset sequences and settings to be stored for instant use such as during a live performance. NCOs (numerically controlled oscillators) are used for stability and accuracy while an analogue transistor ladder filter provides classic ‘warm’ sounds."
Title link takes you there. The forum was closed with the Waldorf insolvency. It was then hosted by private servers by Paul Maddox and Till Kopper up until Thursday August 31, 2006. Now it is back with Waldorf. via Dr. Georg Muller.
Update via the comments: "I was not hosting it. That was only done on Paul Maddox' server. I was only the admin. Thanks for all the Waldorf forum member who supported us by donating money to pay the bills. The money for a whole year was donated within a few hours. And the donations came from many different countries. Thanks to Waldorf. They gave us the nice synths.
keep on turning these Waldorf knobs
Till "Qwave" Kopper (now moderator of the new list)"
Another rarity in the synth world; only 25 made. The Monowave contains 256 waveforms including 127 from the classic PPG Wave range of synths. It's filter, envelopes and VCA are analog. Click through title link for more including tons of samples. The Monowave was created by Paul Maddox. Make sure to check out his Monowave II for the Sound Art Chameleon, his Modular work, and joint products.
"The Monowave was the brainchild of UK electronics designer, Paul Maddox. Paul has been designing and building synths for years as well as releasing his own unique music realised on his impressive modular creations. Paul wanted to build a synth the roots of which lay in the PPG. Originally intended as a monophonic bass synth, the Monowave has uses beyond that. The Monowave is a wavetable synthesiser with 256 waves available for each of the two oscillators. Each oscillator also has a sub-oscillator. The filter is a copy of the Moog filter, there are separate envelope generators for the filter and amplifier, and a simple LFO. The panel is very 'retro' and 'traditional' with knobs for every function and a simple display. Internally, the circuitry is all analogue (except for the digital circuitry used in the oscillators)... no wimpy DSP thank you very much - this is a 'real' synth!!
Paul has now released the MonoWave as GPL and has given me permission to release the PCB and a Component Kit for those that unfortunately missed the first, limited run. I have decided to upgrade the main microcontroller to the newer ATMEGA32 which will allow developers to further extend the capabilitites of the design should they wish."
As much as I like Eagle, I find the the 100mm by 80mm board size limit really annoying. And yes there's the "non profit" version which gives 160mm by 100mm and whilst that would be fine for GorF the other projects I'm working on require a board length of around 240mm by 100mm. and I certainly can't afford the 1200UKP for the full version of the software. It's a crying shame there's nothing in between the 160mm and 'anysize' limits, in terms of cost (The standard version only offers 160mm by 100mm board size limit).
So this board is a little on the 'cramped' side of life. Can anyone recommend any other PCB tools that aren't silly money or have silly board size limits?
via Zoybar "Congratulations also go to Paul Maddox (VacoLoco) introducing his project GorF 019, Paul's words: "GorF will be 100% open source (GPLv3), the schematics are already available on my site, and a prototype PCB (100mm by 80mm) has been ordered, once I've built it using this PCB and confirmed it works, the PCB files and code will be published so others can build one and tinker with the code to suit their own needs... I hope that by giving these projects to the community it will encourage people to develop their ideas and create new things I can't even imagine!"
So, what's Zoybar? "Zoybar is a unique platform for developing innovative music instruments and effects.
The Zoybar components provide research and development tools as a sustainable prototype platform.
The same modular parts can be assembled as different instruments, can be changed during the performance and also be mounted with numerous special effects, just by adding and changing their position across the profile groves.
"The AVRSYN is a monophonic "virtual analog" synth based, originally, on the Atmel AT90S8535 microcontroller and was designed by Jarek Ziembicki. His aim was to check to see if a simple micro could be used for sound synthesis purposes. And the result? The AT90S8535 managed to do all the tasks: front panel switches and pots services, receiving and processing MIDI messages, and sound generation!
The synthesis architecture is simple:- two DCO's, a DCF, and a DCA. There is also an LFO and an AR/ASR envelope generator.
Paul Maddox jumped in at this point and started to design a pcb for the unit but selected the ATMEGA16 as the AT90S8535 is no longer a production item. Paul has had to temporarily withdraw from this process and so I have taken over the reigns and am releasing the pcb, along with an optional kit of components, to assist those who wish to build and/or develop their own AVR-based synthesiser."
"Breakthrough modulus.002 takes British synth power polyphonically to world stage
BRISTOL, UK: breakthrough British electronic musical instruments manufacturer Modulus is proud to announce availability of modulus.002 — the first analogue/digital hybrid polysynth to have been designed, developed, and manufactured in the UK for four decades — as of July 10...
Even though the technology for mass-market synthesisers was patently pioneered in the UK in the leafy London suburb of Putney at the tail end of the Swinging Sixties, the last time that a polyphonic/multitimbral analogue synthesiser was designed, developed, and manufactured in the UK — actually within Wales — was way back in the late Eighties. It is with utmost pride, therefore, that Bristol-based Modulus has not only succeeded in bringing back that pioneering spirit to Blighty with the mighty modulus.002 but has admirably succeeded in doing so by creating an amazing modern-day musical instrument that truly represents one giant leap for ‘synthkind’ with a sizeable number of notable new features to its innovative name. No easy task in climatically cynical conditions during an era of increasingly shortened attention spans, synth-wise or otherwise. Been there, done that, bought the (Moog) T-shirt, some might cynically say!
Yet surely soothsaying is a better bet in this case? Why? Well, modulus.002 even sports some world firsts! So what makes modulus.002 tick, then, and what, exactly, is it that makes it so special in comparison to today’s commercial and ‘boutique’ offerings from other manufacturers, both bigger and smaller? Let’s look at some straightforward facts for starters...
As an analogue/digital hybrid keyboard synthesiser (using an aftertouch-enabled premium Fatar semi-weighted, five-octave key mechanism), modulus.002 provides 12 discrete voices of polyphony with full multitimbrality if so desired. As such, it features two NCOs (Numerically-Controlled Oscillators) per voice for exceedingly high resolution and stability with wide-reaching waveform selections, together with two sub-oscillators, individually (and uniquely) switchable from a traditional square wave to having the same waveform as the main NCO to effectively produce four oscillators per voice; a Modulus-designed 24dB/octave four- pole transistor ladder filter featuring some very unusual morphing or ‘polesweeping’ effects, enabling ear-opening transitions from 24dB/octave four-pole to 6dB/ octave one-pole filtering and anywhere in between; one LFO per voice as well as a global LFO; wide-ranging modulation options, all accessible directly via the front panel — no navigating convoluted and confusing menus; a pure analogue signal path from the oscillators right the way through to the combined XLR/TRS balanced/unbalanced outputs (with all 12 voices individually available for external processing via a dedicated D-Sub connector); two audio inputs enabling internal audio processing from the VCF onwards... and that’s only scratching the surface. Not literally, of course!
While all voice control parameters are accessible via a well-thought-through front panel that is both attractive and intuitive in use thanks to sticking to traditional synthesiser workflow, what lies beneath is really remarkable. Radically departing from the norm, modulus.002 is blessed with an unrivalled user interface based around a high-quality 4.3-inch screen with wide viewing angle. It is context sensitive, whereby the control parameter of any control knob touched by the user is immediately displayed onscreen. Synthesiser savants and audio aficionados will surely unite in their appreciation of the sonic depths that this well-specified speedy dream machine can deeply dive into!
Forget about an analogue renaissance here, however; let’s talk truly revolutionary design features for a moment. modulus.002 represents a unique approach to synthesiser design, taking traditional analogue circuitry combined with modern, reliable digital developments and marrying it all to a completely new control platform. Phenomenally, modulus.002 brings cloud functionality to a synthesiser for the first time! The Ethernet port means modulus.002 can be connected to a network to enable updates via the Internet — no more MIDI SysEx dumps to get you down in the dumps — and access to the modulus.cloud means user profile settings, sound patches, sequences, and other content can be easily replicated to a cloud-based server platform to enable rapid resynchronisation to another modulus.002, regardless of whether it is owned by the same user or a collaborator at a remote location. Let’s be honest here. We’re well into the 21st Century now, so why not provide modulus.002 users with data management features that are expected as the ‘norm’ in modern consumer technology devices, yet have hitherto eluded the electronic musician? Makes sound sense to the Modulus team, that’s for sure! And we’re sure it will make sound sense to modulus.002 users, too.
So what other notable modulus.002 features are worth making a song and dance about? An inbuilt MIDI-sync-able 16-track, 12-row, 32-step sequencer with 16 front panel-positioned step-time editing controls can give any hardware rivals already out there a serious run for their money. For sequences can not only be transposed dynamically while running but sophisticated so-called ‘mini arpeggiator sequences’ created using the arpeggiator’s Hold mode can be speedily saved as sequences for latter recall and editing using the sequencer. Moreover, modulus.002’s Animator allows any control to be sequenced, enabling complex filter transitions, waveform changes, and modulation matrix changes to be sequenced. Lest we forget, 12 ‘quick recall banks’ are accessible directly from dedicated front panel buttons. Build up set lists of presets, sequences, and animations, making modulus.002 a live performance partner par excellence.
Plain and simple? Far from it, it seems! So who better qualified, then, to explain the whys and wherefores of taking a truly thrilling synthesiser design from the drawing board to an equally enthralling production-ready product launch like this in under a year than company co-founder and principal designer Paul Maddox, a top-tier talent with proven production pedigree, best known within the synthesiser industry for his well-received MonoWave, a limited-run, 19-inch rack-mountable, MIDI- controllable monosynth inspired by Germany’s legendary PPG Wave series — arguably amongst the most coveted high-end synthesisers of the early Eighties — featuring two digital oscillators with 256 samples per waveshape and an analogue 24dB transistor ladder filter, as well as his more recently-released VacoLoco range of ‘pocket synth’ designs. Do tell. Why now? Why the big step up to the brave new world of modulus.002? Muses Maddox: “This came about because I’ve had a long-held dream to build a polysynth since I was knee high. I’ve nearly got there several times, but it was a golden opportunity in July last year when my business partner, Philip Taysom, and myself sat together and said, ‘Now is a good time to do it.’ Both Philip and myself are passionate about synthesisers, and we feel that the synthesiser market has been neglected for a long time in terms of high-end, pro — in quality and feel — instruments. I quite often equate this to a PRS guitar. There is nowhere in the synthesiser industry that I’m aware of where you can go and buy the equivalent of a PRS. That’s what we’re aiming at — top quality, top to bottom.”
So there you have it, folks. With top-quality components sourced and designed throughout its robust, road-ready construction coupled with upmarket design flourishes like leather-bound end cheeks — quite possibly another world first, modulus.002 is a fighting force to be musically reckoned with. British synth power is alive and kicking, and Modulus has just fired its impressive opening synth salvo that more than lives up to its Machines for Musicians tagline. It’s aim is true, so watch this space...
modulus.002 is available to purchase for £2,995.00 GBP (plus VAT). EU pricing — correct at time of writing — is €3,795.00 EUR (plus VAT). US pricing — correct at time of writing — is $5,200.00 USD (plus local sales tax). Contact California-based agent Geoff Farr (geoff@modulusmusic.co.uk) for all United States sales enquiries. All other enquiries relating to the rest of the world should contact info@modulusmusic.co.uk.
Feel free to visit www.modulus.me for more detailed modulus.002 information"
Update: Full specs & press pics:
modulus.002 provides twelve discrete voices of polyphony with full multi-timbrality if desired
Two oscillators per voice with two sub oscillators, which can be switched from being either traditional square wave to having the same waveform as the main oscillator – in effect making four oscillators per voice
Analogue / digital hybrid architecture uses NCOs for very high resolution, and very stable oscillators. Over 50 different waveforms, ranging from classic analogue sounds to more unique digital shapes
modulus designed 24db per octave four pole transistor ladder filter, with some very unusual morphing characteristics or ‘polesweeping’, enabling transition from four pole through bandpass to one pole 6db per octave, or anywhere in between
Two LFO’s, one per voice and one global
Extensive modulation options, all accessed directly from the front panel – no menu options!
modulus.002 features a range of sequencing options – a built in 16 Track, 12 row, 32 step sequencer with 16 dedicated step time editing knobs on the front panel and MIDI sync capabilities. Sequences can also be transposed dynamically while running
A very highly featured arpeggiator with a wide range of different modes, including modulus ‘hold’ mode, enabling arpeggiator-based sequences to be created
The modulus Animator, which enables any control parameter on the modulus.002 to be sequenced, enabling very complex filter transisitions, wave form changes and modulation matrix changes to be sequenced
Superb UI, a great departure from the norm of synthesisers, featuring a very high quality 4.3″ screen with wide viewing angle, display is context sensitive where the control parameters of any control knob that is touched by the user, is immediately displayed
Twelve ‘quick recall banks’ are accessible directly from the front panel, enabling performing musicians to get rid of their set sheets and build set lists of presets, sequences and animations, all quickly accessible from dedicated front panel buttons. Up to ten banks of quick recalls can be created, making live performance a doddle
VCF and VCA envelope generators
Four Key Modes – Poyphonic, Monophonic, Unison and Stack
Very high quality construction, uses a premium FATAR semi-weighted five octave key mechanism with aftertouch
All voice control parameters are accessible from a well designed and intuitive front panel, that follows a traditional synthesiser work flow
Pure analogue signal path with combined XLR/TRS sockets for balance / unbalanced outputs. Further, each of the twelve outputs can be brought out individually via a dedicated dsub socket
Two audio inputs enabling audio processing from the VCF onwards plus external MIDI in and out
XY joystick and Sustain and Expression pedal inputs for performance controls – any control parameter can be assigned to any joystick axis (X+, X-, Y+, Y-) by pressing the dedicated front panel selector button
Ethernet port to connect your modulus.002 to your network and enable updates via the internet (no more midi sysex dumps) and access to the Modulus cloud features
"TAMA TECHSTAR TS306 VINTAGE ANALOG DRUM ELECTRONIC VOICE MODULE
WORKS AND SOUNDS GREAT
4 TOMS + 1 SYNTH AND 1 CLAP (WHICH CAN BE USED AS A SNARE, OR TUNE ONE OF THE TOMS AS A SNARE)
DUAL INPUTS (SO YOU CAN HOOK UP 2 PADS), EACH WITH A SEPARATE OUT,
STEREO LINE IN, STEREO AND XLR MASTER OUT WITH MADE IN JAPAN PROBABLY SOME TIME IN THE LATE 80S
Module both with memory/manual switch
Trigger LED for each
Synth controls:
sensitivity, decay, Modulation , Tone Bend , Tune, noise bend trinagle/square, tone/noise, level
clap controls:
sensitivity, decay, reverb level, reverb time, level
each has on the back : pad trigger in, ext. trigger in, each out
master out
110 Vlt A/C
"I’ve tested and setup the next batch of Zira synths, I’ve got one that needs some TLC, but there are 19 ready to go.
I’ve listed the red ones separately, so you have a choice, but remember there are only 4 red ones!
The cost is the same as before, £250 plus Postage and Packaging to your country (£12 for UK, £17 for EU, £20 for the rest of the world). Postage includes insurance and tracking number.
"Cover of the Theme tune for 'Sledgehammer' by Danny Elfman.
Zira is doing all the synth parts (multi-tracked)
JuJu is doing the drums! www.VacoLoco.net"
"Don't forget Zira is available now, but only whilst stocks last (I only have a limited number of the VCF chips) from http://www.vacoloco.net/order.shtml"
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