Mixing it up w/ Zeptocore, AudCalc & Dirtywave M8

video upload by Arman Bohn

"Chill generative beats...

Using the M8 to randomly sound off drone-ish sine waves with some of the new 'shimmer' reverb in the latest firmware.

Zeptocore is synced to M8 via MIDI clock and providing some chopped samples I fed it.

AudCal is running three different sounds that I'm triggering by hand. I created a pattern of notes on each of the sound/channels to help me differentiate which one was selected."

AudCalc, Zeptocore, Phantasmal Force, GREAT CONJUNCTION Micro Synth Coordination

video upload by Arman Bohn

"Let's get these little NOT-calculator devices together and see what happens!

The Phantasmal Force is just providing MIDI clock - which I'm feeding into the Zeptocore, GREAT CONJUNCTION and AudCalc to keep them all in sync.

The Zeptocore provides the chopped up drum breaks/loops. It can be found here: https://zeptocore.com/

GREAT CONJUNCTION adds melodic and percussive chaos.
My synths and devices can be found here:
https://distropolisgoods.com/

AudCalc is providing the underlying sequence (simple kick/snare, bass, and some melodic percussion and plucked string sounds).

I'll be posting just the AudCalc track later - for those curious about what it can do.

You can find the AudCalc here:
https://ko-fi.com/s/e4b28fd09f"

Audcalc is a pocket synthesizer and sequencer. It has 8 voices which can switch between synthesis (using mutable instruments braids cores) and sampling. The sequencer supports parameter locks, conditional triggers, and various time signatures and loop lengths. There are also two built in effects sends for building a full track. Its fun to jam with by itself, and can link into your larger portable music setup via midi or cv clock. Features: - 8 simultaneous synth or sampler voices, 16 midi outs - 16 sequencer channels - 16 patterns, supports pattern chaining for songs - channels can send to synthesizer, sampler or midi out - each voice has 2 assignable envelopes, LFO & filter - reverb & delay sends - sequencer supports midi clock sync or CV sync, both in and out - assembled by me & open source (open firmware, hardware, and enclosure)


TDM Overview

video upload by Jonathan Brodsky

"Showing off some of the features of AudCalc (before I renamed it)"

Instruo Pocket Scion & GREAT CONJUNCTION - It is bio reactive(?) test jam

video upload by Arman Bohn

"My synths and device can be found here: https://distropolisgoods.com/

This is my first synth/succulent video ... b-b-b-but I have a good reason!

My Pocket Scion from ‪@instruo‬ arrived toady and it is a hit! I tested it out on many things around my house and couldn't resist making a video.

The Pocket Scion has MIDI out, so you can drive other MIDI capable synths with biofeedback. In this case, I plugged it into my GREAT CONJUNCTION and the two immediately starting talking! The Pocket Scion sends both MIDI note and CC data on up to five channels/CCs and was already configured to randomize the preset voices of GREAT CONJUNCTION. :)

I layered the the sounds from the Pocket Scion and GREAT CONJUNCTION together to create another level of textures.

The web app for Pocket Scion opens up another degree of customization. Can't wait to try that out. Hope they open up the synth engines. They sound really good!

Now I just need to bring some plants to work ..."

Ellitone groov-e & Hologram Microcosm dreamscape

video upload by Arman Bohn

"Fooling around with the Ellitone groov-e generative groove cloth(?!).

Happy accidents only please.

The groov-e does not allow for much in the way of traditional "controls".

Just imagine yourself to be a DJ from a world where music devices are created from scraps of burlap and preloaded with a jumble of random samples accompanied by the rhythm section of a 1980s Casio keyboard that has been circuit bent beyond recognition.

Nothing to sync, save, "dial in", or even plan for. An exercise in chaos!

The Microcosm is the glue that holds it together."

Shibasaki MOD - Tokyo set song #8 - K.K. Cruisin' Synthchill Cover Animal Crossing

video upload by Arman Bohn

"My synths and device can be found here:
https://distropolisgoods.com/

Song #8 from my set at Shibasaki MOD in Tokyo, April, 2025.

I ended my set with a cover of the K.K. Slider song "K.K. Cruisin'" which is a family favorite. My first experience with K.K. was in Animal Crossing - New Leaf back when it was released for the Nintendo 3DS.

I didn't have a vocoder with me in Japan, so I just sang out into the room with no mic.

---------

The M8 is doing most of the heavy lifting here: bass, drums and sending MIDI notes to the Prismatic Spray MKii.

I'm using the Phantasmal Force (tiny white MIDI controller) to send chords to GREAT CONJUNCTION (purple box). Channel 1 of GREAT CONJUNCTION is in 'keys' mode, while the other two channels playback a some randomized sequences which cause some CONJUNCTIONS and offset modulation to the FM key sound.

The Prismatic Spray MKii comes in to mimic the 'vocals'. M8 is handling the note playback via MIDI and I'm just playing the A and B runes/knobs.

For this recording - I sang through a BOSS VE-500 to get that K.K. robo-dog sound.

It was a great way to end the set with a upbeat feel!"

Shibasaki MOD - Tokyo set song #7

video upload by Arman Bohn

"Song #7 from my set at Shibasaki MOD in Tokyo, April, 2025.

The MT32-pi starts it off by playing some noise samples I collected with my SOMA Ether. Those samples are being sequenced and panned (via CC LFO) by the Phantasmal Force - which is sending clock to everything.

Next, I bring in a percussive pattern in 7/8 on GREAT CONJUNCTION. I randomize some of the instruments throught creating some nice robotic textures.

After I get going, I use the Phantasmal Force to unmute different instruments (drums/synths/bass) on the Dirtywave M8.

The Prismatic Spray MKii is is layered in with some hi-hat sounding bytebeat noise, retriggered in tempo by the Phantasmal Force."

Check with dealers on the right for availability.

Shibasaki MOD - Tokyo set song #6

video upload by Arman Bohn

"My synths and device can be found here:
https://distropolisgoods.com/

Song #6 from my set at Shibasaki MOD in Tokyo, April, 2025.

Droning ...

The Dirtywave M8 is playing randomized, droning chords.

The Prismatic Spray MKii is providing some heavily filtered, low end chaos via two bytebeat algorithms (one left/one right).

I'm using the Phantasmal Force Micro MIDI controller as a "keyboard" to play and hold single notes on the MT32-pi (which is running a soundfont set to a electric piano instrument).

All of this is routed through the NTS-3 for some reverb."

Shibasaki MOD - Tokyo set song #5

video upload by Arman Bohn

"My synths and device can be found here:
https://distropolisgoods.com/

Song #5 from my set at Shibasaki MOD in Tokyo, April, 2025.

A short interlude.

The Phantasmal Force is sending four generative sequences to the MT-32 pi, triggering some sound fonts. It is also sending multiple CC LFOs to the NTS-3 to modulate the delay settings - creating a warbly "underwater" feel.

The Prismatic Spray MKii is droning on a nice spiral visual.

I'm playing GREAT CONJUNCTION with the Phantasmal Force as well - using a button in NOTE MODE and turning the knob to play notes within Mixolydian/C."

Minichord strum

video upload by Arman Bohn

"Strumming on the new Minichord I just received!"

Shibasaki MOD - Tokyo set song #4

video upload by Arman Bohn

"My synths and device can be found here:
www.distropolisgoods.com

Song #4 from my set at Shibasaki MOD in Tokyo, April, 2025.

This one starts up with GREAT CONJUNCTION playing a repeating bass line. I bring in the Prismatic Spray MKii for some washed out textures. The GC also provides a slowly evolving melody and some percussive elements.

I dig into the PSMKii for a bit ... exploring some bytebeats.

The GC percussion ends up becoming some generative FM chords and then it is pared down to a simple randomized outro."

Shibasaki MOD - Tokyo set song #3

video upload by Arman Bohn

"My synths and device can be found here:
www.distropolisgoods.com

Song #3 from my set at Shibasaki MOD in Tokyo, April, 2025.

I start with the Prismatic Spray MKii searching around for something showing some fireworks on a new visualization I've been working on...

Then I use the Phantasmal Force to start a sequence on the M8 (which is also MIDI clocked by the PF). I use the PF to unmute various tracks on the M8.

The M8 is also send CC messages to the Prismatic Spray to slowly modulate parameters A, B & C.

It starts in A# - and then moves up a half step to B. The meter gets an extra beat som now we are in 5/4.

Again ...
My guiding principle was - start at A# in 4/4. For each following song, add a beat and move up a half-step chromatically."

Shibasaki MOD - Tokyo set song #2

video upload by Arman Bohn

"My synths and device can be found here:
www.distropolisgoods.com

A version of song #2 from my set at Shibasaki MOD in Tokyo, April, 2025.

The Phantasmal Force is sending MIDI clock to the RK-006, which syncs everything.

It starts with GREAT CONJUNCTION playing the motif from the end of song #1, and then I bring in two more sequences (all of which are playing the internal YM2413 FM synth).

The M8 provides some basic percussion, and a bass drone.

The PF is also sending CC LFO messages to GREAT CONJUNCTION to modulate some of the FM parameters for the first sequence.

The Prismatic Spray MKii protoype held together for the show. I use the second half of the song to explore a bytebeat algorithm in stereo.

This song continues the same meter, root and scale as song #1 ... it is basically song 1A.

My guiding principle was - start at A# in 4/4. For each following song, add a beat and move up a half-step chromatically."

Shibasaki MOD - Tokyo set song #1

video upload by Arman Bohn

"My synths and device can be found here:
www.distropolisgoods.com

A version of song #1 from my set at Shibasaki MOD in Tokyo, April, 2025.

The Phantasmal Force is sending MIDI clock to the RK-006, which syncs everything. The PF is also sending 6 different sequences to the MT32-PI which is running a soundfont playing back different instrument sounds on different MIDI channels. The PF is also sending CC LFO messages to the MT32 to slowly pan the voices around.

The M8 is holding down some generative percussion and bass.

The GC comes in at the end, bringing in the motif from song #2.

My guiding principle was - start at A# in 4/4 time for song #1. For each following song, add a beat and move up a half-step chromatically."

Prismatic Spray MKii updates!

video upload by Arman Bohn

"Sign up for the waiting list at www.distropolusgoods.com

Prismatic Spray MKii should be available this summer!"

#1: 4/4 A# Lydian GREAT CONJUNCTION, Phantasmal Force, M8, NTS-3

video upload by Arman Bohn

"If you happen to be west of Tokyo in Chofu, around 9ish on April 14th, 2025 … you might hear something similar to this bubbling up near Shibasaki Station.

I hope I can work out all the details in the next few weeks!"

Phantasmal Force - Momentary CC Button Mode Tutorial (firmware v2)

video upload by Arman Bohn

"Let's talk about the Momentary CC (mmt) button mode and all of the various settings contained it the menu for that button."

Spherical Sound Society Ono-Sendai, Phantasmal Force, Korg NTS-3 crispy beats

video upload by Arman Bohn

"Phantasmal Force can be purchased here:
https://distropolisgoods.com/ [Ono-Sendai here]

Exploring the Ono-Sendai from @spherical_sound_society.

Crazy futuristic voices and chirping bitscapes.

About halfway through, I engage the Phantasmal Force to automate the XY pad of the NTS-3 so I can go back to turning knobs on the Ono."

OPL Studio + Korg NTS-3 + Phantasmal Force generative improvisation inspiration

video upload by Arman Bohn

"Phantasmal Force micro midi controller is available here:

https://distropolisgoods.com/

I haven’t posted in a little while … i’ve been working on the beta firmware for the Phantasmal Force for several months. Here is an improvisational demonstration of the new ARP button mode.

I’m triggering the OPL Studio with three different sequences sent from the Phantasmal Force. The OPL studio is multi timbral so it is capable of playing back different FM tones on each midi channel. It is an amazing device for those looking to explore 80s FM sounds within the context of a hypothetical OS developed to control all of the OPL chip parameters. Truly incredible.

https://www.cheerful.nl/index.html

The NTS-3 takes a bit of learning, but is slowly becoming a fave of mine for adding reverb, delays and interactive effects.  Such a great deal for what it costs.

I’m hoping to release a version 2.0 of the Phantasmal Force firmware within the next couple weeks … maybe even sooner. With that, I intend to release a kit version for sale as well."

"OPL Studio is the ultimate OPL2 / OPL3 synthesizer! It gives you almost limitless control over what you can do with the OPL3 synthesizer chip.

Features of OPL Studio

OPL Studio has a long list of features. To name a bunch of them:

Integrated patch editor to edit predefined instruments and create your own

Load and save instrument banks from popular formats such as *.BNK, *.SB, *.O3, ect.

Patch linking to layer up to 4 instrument patches for even more complex sounds

Polyphonic sequence editor to create up to 32 drum and 32 melody sequences
Quad sequencer to live play up to four sequences

Composer module that lets you create complete songs from your sequences
Midi channel mixer

CLICK FOR MORE »

Phantasmal Force BETA firmware 2.0 + Kasser Arcade & NTS-3 Kaos Pad explorations

video upload by Arman Bohn

"Purchase the Phantasmal Force here:
www.distropolisgoods.com

Testing out the latest BETA firmware for the Phantasmal Force micro MIDI controller with some help from the Kasser Arcade FM synth and the Korg NTS-3.

The Arcade is making the sounds - but the Phantasmal Force is sequencing all the notes by running 8 generative, monophonic ARP sequences and modulating parameters on the Arcade via two CC LFOs.

I’ve been listening to variations of this setup for the last two weeks.

Firmware is in BETA. I’ll be sending a BETA invitation to people on my mailing list … if you’d like to try it - keep your eye out for the email."

Phantasmal Force beta firmware + MIDISID + KORG NTS-3

video upload by Arman Bohn

"Phantasmal Force available here:
https://www.distropolisgoods.com

MIDISID info can be found here:
https://peacockmedia.software/midisid/

Phantasmal Force v2.0 firmware coming soon!

Testing out the beta firmware for the Phantasmal Force micro MIDI controller with a new friend. The MIDISID (purple dual SID synth on the left) is being sent Program Change messages from the Phantasmal Force to change the instrument sounds on each of its six channels. The Phantasmal Force is also sending six different sequences (one to each voice of the MIDISID). The sequences are different lengths, and follow different subdivisions of the master tempo. Sequences can have their notes, velocity and probability randomized. Notes can be locked to 43 different scales.

The NTS-3 is just here to add some fun ear candy.

There are a ton of new features in coming up in v2.0 of the the PF firmware."

Guitar noodles with Phantasmal Force (beta firmware), MT32-pi, norns shield XL

video upload by Arman Bohn

"Phantasmal Force micro midi controller is available here:

www.distropolisgoods.com

New PF firmware soon!

Testing out the new ARP/sequencer functionality in the beta firmware for the Phantasm Force. There are a number of new features and a lot of functional improvements and changes in the new firmware which I hope to release in about a month or so.

Here, we have eight of the sequencers sending notes on four different midi channels going into the MT 32 and triggering a soundfont of jazz guitar. The top row of four buttons are sending midi LFO signals  that are slowly changing the vibrato on the guitar sound.

The second row of buttons on the PF have sent program change messages to the MT to instruct it to load the jazz guitar sound before I started recording this video. The PF is really useful for sending program change messages to some of the synths that I have that require them to load new sounds such as the Kasser Arcade."