Discopolis 2.0/Kris Menace & Lifelike (Novation Circuit Tracks Beach Mix)

video upload by Guinan

"I'm travelling so I hope you enjoy some of the slightly different videos I'm posting. This weeks video is a reworking of a track I put out last month following a suggestion by @DerrynGrierson
I wasn't happy with audio/video on the original (see below) so this is a reworking of the same.

Kris Menace & Lifelike have released multiple versions of the track so I feel pretty justified in putting out another mix of the track! I thought however I had to come up with something new so this was re-programmed and then played live on the beach! The line out went straight into a Zoom LiveTrak L6 so everything you hear is just as it was played on the Circuit Tracks 'on the beach'.

It's harder than it looks playing live on a beach (the tide was coming in....). I missed the filter sweep in the track completely! Stay tuned to the end, if you can, to see what a beautiful place this was played at.

Till next time, stay tuned."

Discopolis/Kris Menace & Lifelike (Novation Circuit Tracks Version)
video upload by Guinan

"This week’s track is the 2005 cult club-classic, ‘Discopolis’ by Kris Menace (an alias of DJ Christoph Hoeffel) and Lifelike. Recreating this was suggested by subscriber @DerrynGrierson. Thanks for the excellent suggestion Derryn!

It’s very likely I’ve heard this but it hadn’t been something I’d really noticed. I absolutely LOVE it and it has been a pleasure listening to the (very) numerous mixes and remixes to get an idea as to how to recreate this onto the Novation Circuit Tracks.

It features a very prominent sample from the start of the Italo-disco song 'Another Life' by Kano. Incidentally this sample is also used elsewhere (e.g. by Nero) so you might recognise it. I was able to find and use the same sample and build the song around it.

Everything you hear was programmed and played on the Novation Circuit Tracks. No extra synths/effects were used in the playback and the stereo track has not been remastered or otherwise altered.

I’m trying out a different way of filming/recording these direct to camera so apologies if the video is a bit dark. Almost knocked over the mirrorball too!

I hope you enjoy this track and come back again for other future recreations. Thanks for watching."

Rhythm Explorer Missing Link Clocking by Circuit Happy (and MATTHS)

video upload by MATTHS

"You know I love the Circuit Happy Missing Link - I use it all the time. Well... I landed some ideas with Ed at the company suggesting ways to make clock a little more interesting and creative. He listened, he did it and now we have Rhythm Explorer! A brand new firmware update that brings together some of those ideas to both the Missing Link Junior and ML:2m."

MATTHS
https://linktr.ee/MATTHS

New England Synth Fest at Northeastern University, Saturday, May 3

New England Synth Fest on Saturday, May 3 at Northeastern University in Ryder Hall (11 Leon St, Boston, MA 02115). Right next to the Ruggles T Station. DIY workshop starts at 11am. Performances, lectures, exhibits, and petting zoo are happening 12pm to 6pm.

Performances in QUADRAPHONIC SOUND from Switch Angel, David Dawson, Doug Bielmeier, A Campbell Payne, Bill T Miller, Bob Familiar, Andrew Neumann, Leftroman, Donald Martin, Snowbeasts, and Todd Reynolds. Schedule and artist bios here.

Bring your headphones to check out synths in the petting zoo in Room 354. Visit our vendors and exhibitors, Tall Dog, SynthCube, Stompbox Sonic, Source Audio, Circuit Happy, and the Alan R. Pearlman Foundation, also in Room 354. Join in the music making in the Jam Room in Room 458. Full day of lectures listed here in Room 429. Plus, a morning DIY workshop with Cram Audio: build a Eurorack Reverb or a Handheld Theremin!

FREE (except the DIY workshop). Follow on Instagram, Bluesky, and Linkedin for more info and updates.

Errorinstruments DATA SYNTH - Time machine algorithm synthesizer

video upload by errorinstruments paul tas

"New Time Machine experimental algorithmic synthesizer Complex noises full of happy accidents in a small run of only made 50 in Amsterdam, the Netherlands. Only. @errorinstruments #errorinstruments #eurorack #noisemusic #soundart #experimentalmusic #producer #eurorackmodular #euroracksynthesizer #korg #noiseartist"

"Time Machine: The Happy Accident Synthesis Introducing the Time Machine, a revolutionary data synthesis device designed to transport you through different times and dimensions. This isn’t just any ordinary machine; it's a 100% happy accident machine, crafted to produce an array of unique sounds inspired by data glitches. Experience the captivating sound of circuit bending, where hardware meets software in a delightful fusion. Check out our demonstration videos to immerse yourself in the extraordinary sounds the Time Machine has to offer. Please note that the output is mono, so it’s recommended to connect directly to a mixer rather than using headphones, as the sound can be quite loud! Designed for versatility, the Time Machine is fully compatible with the Eurorack system. Additionally, what sets it apart is the ability to use its output as a control voltage source for your Eurorack setup, expanding your creative possibilities even further. Dive into the world of sound with the Time Machine, where every glitch leads to a new auditory adventure!"

Emu 70s modular university/Pat Gleeson?

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

via this VEMIA listing

Click the auction link on top when you get there for additional listings.

VEMIA is Peter Forrest's auction house. He is the author of The A-Z of Analogue Synthesizer Books.

"This interesting E-mu modular started out life at an American university, at a time when E-mu were happy to sell circuit boards and sub-modules to individuals as well as manufacturing the systems themselves. Because this was built by two people, they were completely familiar with the layout (even though they decided in a few respects to make changes to the design to improve the layout of, for instance, the Universal Active Filter). That meant that they had no lettering on the panels (as well as none of the distinctive blue edging that E-mu themselves use on modules). Further research: according to a post for an auction in 2014, it was actually built by Pat Gleeson and a PhD student, and there were some pencil markings on the panel which have since worn off. Search the wonderful matrixsynth for Early Vintage E-mu Modular for Sale . Here's the link: https://www.matrixsynth.com/2014/05/early-vintage-e-mu-modular-for-sale.html. The most likely supposition is that this was built for Cal State East Bay (then known as Cal State Hayward), but we're trying to find out more.

In the interests of intelligibility by someone not intimately involved in its creation, we decided that it needed labelling. We did this with cheap tape, and a Brother printer. The results are more useful than beautiful. (If it was partly Pat Gleeson's work, the lettering and blue tape could easily be removed if you wanted.) Cosmetically it is generally good - the knobs have started to discolour a bit after nearly 50 years, but are still nice to use. One silver top is missing.

Working order: every module has been checked out as 100%. Three of them needed some expertise from Tony Wride, who used E-mu parts where possible and Pioneer Tribute parts where not. Altogether this modular is probably about 97% E-mu and 3% Pioneer. As this process has taken a year or two to complete, and the modular hasn't received the regular playing it deserves, some pots may be scratchy when first used.

Check the pics for what you will get. The UAF needed a replacement wooden piece in the cabinet to screw into, so hadn't been connected when we took the pics. Packing 30GBP."

CLICK FOR MORE »

errorinstruments Data synt mk2

video upload by errorinstruments paul tas

"Data synthesis MK2 is something between noise rhythms melodies experimental, happy accidents, glitches drowning chiptune Lofi game sounds Check out full demonstration @errorinstruments also check out @beatsville.store 🙏 thank you for the great video, my friend @errorinstruments #errorinstruments #noisemusic #eurorack #experimentalmusic #producer #korg "

"mk 2 b the bar code

70 algoritmes

That is inspired by game sounds and noises .

It has some Circuit bending Influence.

And there is a lot of different sounds in there. You can use this manipulation of chaos and Disorder .works on mini USB .5vis inc 🙂 see demo

Are you can use it standalone tabletop or like a game console"

BUCHLA & FRIENDS: THE SYNTH MAKER SHOWCASE Event Set for LA Next Weekend Jan 25 & 26

Tickets available at Eventbrite

"We’re gathering over 70 boutique synth makers in one awesome Silverlake spot so you can learn, listen, and live the latest in electronic music sound production. This hands-on, headphones-only gathering gives you a chance to hear the best sounds science has ever created. From additive to subtractive, analog to digital, keyboards to breath, audio to visual (yes- some video synths will be here too!), modular to full-size polyphonic, eurorack to Serge to Buchla, you’ll meet synth makers and synth enthusiasts alike. This will be January’s biggest two-day collection of hands-on synths on the West Coast! If you love creative sound, you need to be here."

Delicious food (including vegan) from Moby Rick’s fish tacos, incredible carbonated beverages from United Wild Brew. Exhibitors: 1010music • 4ms • After Later Audio • AIAIAI • AJH • ALM Busy Circuits • Animal Factory • Ashton Research • ASM • Bastl Instruments • Bitwig • Black Corporation • Bored Brain • Buchla • Catalyst • Circuit Happy • Crosspatch • Days of Yore • Rain City Modular • Doepfer • Dogbotic Labs • Dreadbox • Drift DJ • Elektron • Endorphines • eowave • Eternal Research • Five12 • Flame • Frap Tools • Future Retro • Genki Instruments • Groove Synthesis • Jomox • LA Synth Club • Mega Modular Corp • Melbourne instruments • MEMS project • Meris • Modbap • Moog Foundation • Mystic Circuits • Netherblade • New Systems Instruments • Noise Engineering • Noisebug • Novation • Null Modular • OXI Instruments • Polyend • Prism Circuits • Roger Linn • Schlappi Engineering • Sleepy Circuits • SoCal Synth Society • SOMA • Soundwork Shop • Studio Electronics • Supercritical • SynthRISE • TipTop • Tobinski • Touellskouarn • U.D.O. • Vermona • Wavea • Waveform Magazine • Wavesequencer • Weston Precision Audio • WMD ... & more!

Buchla organizes this event to make a stronger synthesizer community. We make it free to attend and affordable for exhibitors. This makes the vibes great - after all, we are all making our own waves!"

Hexaphonic Witchcraft Synth by Ekkoflok Electronik

video uploads by ekkoflok

The Hexaphonic:
Six fully tunable oscillators
Touch controlled
Stereo panning
Amplitude
100% weird starve control for chaotic sounds



via Ekkoflok Electronik

"Introducing the Hexaphonic

A synthesizer, a choir of six oscillators joyfully singing along or against each other, producing an output spanning from harmony to cacophony, all by the touch of your skin.

'Hex' is the greek word for "six" and close to the Danish word "heks", which means "witch". It is about time we throw some witchcraft in our electronics and honour the wise women of the past and the present.

Electronic engineering is in many ways rather conservative, but fortunately there are cracks in the surface - like sticking your fingers inside a circuit or "starving" a circuit to intentionally prevent it from operating predictably. HEX is such a circuit - you play it by extending the circuit with your fingertips (or other conductive matter), and force it into chaos by cranking the "starve-control". Let the circuits starve and spare the abundance for the Humans in need.

Like human beings HEX is a mood swinger of sorts; it's mood changes rapidly from harmony to chaos - blindly obeying the orders of the starve control. If the electrodes are the limbs of HEX, the starve-control is the brain - or maybe rather a parasite of sorts, taking control of an otherwise well-behaving instrument. Luckily it seems that HEX is perfectly happy with returning back to a normal state again after a trip into chaotic territory; thereby reducing the starve-control to a humble way of controlling the timbre - it's not a filter, nor a wave-folder, but it surely does alter the timbre in a non-linear and most importantly pleasing manner.

Starving circuits is not a new thing; it has been exploited in fields of circuit bending for ages, and interestingly it is also a well-known trick among guitarists to emulate the sound of a fuzz pedal with a dying battery - by limiting the current flowing from the battery. However it is not something you see on the front panel on the average Behringer synthesizer (yet?!).

Please note that 'PCB only' means that you are buying a bare circuit board and have to source the components for yourself."

CLICK FOR MORE »

Instruō - øchd Expander DIY tutorial && VCV Rack update

video upload by Instruō

"Hello!
Happy end of 2024 :)
I hope you've had a good year.

I would like to thank everyone that has supported Instruō this past year and previous years. The company has grown a lot since I was pottering about in my spare room.
I have the pleasure of working along side an incredible team.
A lot of the work these past few years has been very much behind the scenes.
2025 is going to be exciting! I'll leave it at that!

This is a video I've been meaning to do for a while. Since we launched the øchd expander.
The expander module itself was a really fun challenge. I wanted to utilise what the øchd generates in as efficient a way as possible to expand its utility.
Much of the theory behind it I prototyped in VCV rack. Especially the DAC section.
This is a full real time step by step of how to DIY the signal processes and outputs of the øchd expander.
There may be more efficient ways of achieving these and many modules out there provide the same utilities, but this is a collection of patches that I reach for then I need such things.

It's a bit technical, but I hope the video introduces some ideas for patches.
Thanks for watching!
~Jason

CLICK FOR MORE »

Beat Writer's Block with This Happy Accident!

video upload by Ricky Tinez

"This is a simple trick, or hack, or technique, whatever you want to call it, that helps me overcome beat block when I'm jamming or just beginning to Jam. It's also a great way to start working on a beat really quickly when you don't have much time and like a little challenge!"

00:00 Some backstory
00:40 How to do it on Circuit Tracks
02:21 Another way to do it on Circuit Tracks
03:37 Why I Like This technique
04:31 Digitakt Takes It Up A Notch
05:30 Tips on Fine Tuning the sound
07:14 You wouldn’t expect this to work.. but it does

Tech Talk 04: Ed Guild - Circuit Happy

video upload by MATTHS

"Join myself and guests as we open the doors to their studios and share ideas and processes about music production as part of this series of livestreams.

I'm joined in this episode by: Ed Guild

Ed is the owner and main man behind Circuit Happy - the producers of the Missing Link Junior and the ML:2m eurorack clock generator that features wireless sync, MIDI clock and CV/Gate clock all in a 2HP factor. Join us as we talk about the future of the company, the technology and wizardry behind the technology and indeed the new ML:2m which is central to both my studio and live sync needs.

WEBSITE - https://www.circuithappy.com"

/// Connect With MATTHS ///
🕸 WEBSITE w/ links - www.matthsmatthsmatths.com

Instruō - tràigh [Signature Edition]

video upload by Instruō

Update: DivKid video added below.

"Hello!
Jason here.
Thank you for watching this video :)

This Signature Edition limited re-release of the tràigh low-pass filter module is available for purchase direct from Etsy:
https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/18233...

I am producing a limited batch which will be available for purchase while stock lasts.

This revised module was developed as a creative side project over the past month or two as a means of dealing with the unfortunate situation of having a very large pet greyhound with a relatively large diagnosis of cancer.
Winston was confirmed to have a stage 2 soft cell sarcoma earlier this year. He underwent a surgery on September 24th during which the tumour was successfully removed. (He has recovered very well and quickly!)
Due to the location of the sarcoma there is a high likelihood of cancer cells remaining at a microscopic level. If left unchecked they will likely return as a tumour with a chance of metastasising.
Winston began a 4 week treatment of radiotherapy on November 4th.
As of writing this we are now past the half way point and he is responding very well with no significant side effects presenting.
Each treatment requires full general anaesthetic, so I have a very dopey boy every Monday, Wednesday and Friday for the entire month of November.
The vets do provide him with some roast chicken each session when he wakes up. So he seems quite happy with his current unusual routine.

CLICK FOR MORE »

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 »

Circuit Happy Introduces The ML:2m Eurorack Clock Generator Ableton Link, CV & MIDI Clock

video upload by Circuit Happy

"Sync everything.

Circuit Happy, are back with an updated version of their popular and powerful 2HP ML:2 eurorack module, with the ML:2m which see’s the addition of MIDI Clock Output and two configurable CV outputs for Clock and Reset in addition to the available Ableton Link over WIFI, making this a true synchronisation solution for all of your needs.

Available to buy now the ML:2m is a Eurorack Clock Generator at its heart but provides synchronisation possibilities across a wide range of studio equipment. Wireless Ableton Link connectivity provides simple, stress free sync to any of the 100’s of software/hardware running Link, MIDI Clock is perfect for those drum machines and the two 5V physical Clock outputs provide clocks at various PPQN settings, Trigger Reset and/or Run/Stop Gate for DIN-Sync style clock are your eurorack’s best friend.

The ML:2m offers the same small 2HP footprint as the original but provides more functionality through the upgraded TRS outputs that provide the ability to send multiple signals from a single output! So now, you have the option to generate both CV Clock and Trigger Reset from the same physical output (A) through the use of a dual mono TRS adapter jack (included in the box). MIDI Clock can then be accessed from the physical output (B) through the use of a TRS A MIDI adapter (also included in the box)!

All of these synchronisation options can be simultaneously used, providing a powerful solution for both studio and live setups. Connect The ML:2m’s analog clock outputs to your eurorack modular synth, connect the TRS MIDI Out port to your favourite drum machine and simultaneously synchronise wirelessly to your Ableton Link enabled device for a hassle free yet extremely tight synchronisation solution. All of the configuration is taken care of with a simple, yet powerful online configurator and once it’s setup just how you like, can be left alone forever!"

Check with dealers on the right for availability.

Workshop with Circuit Happy at SchneidersLaden

video upload by SchneidersLaden

"In this workshop, Ed from Circuit Happy introduces his powerful tools The Missing Link and ML:2. We dive into the world of wireless sync with Circuit Happy and their innovative products. Ed introduces his products that effortlessly sync Ableton with modular gear via WiFi. Watch as we explore their features where analog, MIDI, and wireless devices get in perfect sync. Seamless synchronization at its best!"

Knobcon 2024

video upload by Jeremy Parker

"Here's my rundown of what this year's Knobcon was like, with some highlights of new gear, performances and just the vibe of being there. Thanks to Cowboy Ben Alman a.k.a @TheEntireRobot for joining me, as well as the whole crew from The Golden Shrimp Guild for their efforts and just being there to make it that much more fun. Here are some handy links:

Ben Alman: / theentirerobot
The Golden Shrimp Guild: https://gsg.live/
https://pointandclicksystems.com/
https://swampflux.square.site/
/ @thebreathalyzer
https://www.circuithappy.com/
https://www.gsmusic.com/
https://hivemindsynthesis.com/

00:00 Intro
02:55 Welcome Reception
04:04 Point & Click Systems
06:00 Infrasonic Audio
08:27 Swamp Flux
10:29 Performance: The Breathalyzer
12:27 Circuit Happy
15:25 GS Music Bree6
16:14 Golden Shrimp Guild
16:42 Hive Mind Synthesis
18:49 Saturday Night Performances
23:59 Alan Intelligent Instruments
24:43 Prophet 10
25:56 Outro"

Knobcon 2024

video uploads by sonicstate

Playlist:
1. Knobcon 24: Circuit Happy - clock over Wi-Fi
2. Knobcon 24: Erogenous Tones Unveils HD Version of Structure
3. Knobcon 24: Wild custom Art Eurorack & Elektron cases from Hite Studios
4. Knobcon 2024: Hive Mind Synthesis: SODApressed, Protomato & Duck
5. Knobcon 24: Audio over Ethernet Cables with Ashton Research
6. Knobcon 2024: Chadra Phonic - 2 New Pedals
7. Knobcon 2024: Entropy & Sons Video Synthesizer
8. Knobcon 2024: GS Music Showcases E7 and bree6 Synthesizers
9. Knobcon 24: Melbourne Instruments Delia
10. Knobcon 24: Dreadbox Murmux [sounds only]
11. Knobcon 24: Melbourne Instruments Delia [sounds only]
12. Knobcon 24: GS Music e-7 [sounds only]
13. Knobcon 24: Analogue Solutions Maximus synth jam [sounds only]
14. Knobcon 24: Rain City Modular
15. Knobcon 24: Sleepy Circuits - Hypno and Mezzz
16. Knobcon 24: Swamp Flux's Biggest Foot Euro Rack Module
17. Knobcon 24: Wildwood Soundworks: Wildwood Express and Wildwood Lightning
18. Knobcon 24: Circuit Happy - clock over Wi-Fi
19. Knobcon 24: Erogenous Tones Unveils HD Version of Structure
20. Knobcon 24: Wild custom Art Eurorack & Elektron cases from Hite Studios
21. Knobcon 2024: Hive Mind Synthesis: SODApressed, Protomato & Duck
22. Knobcon 24: Audio over Ethernet Cables with Ashton Research
23. Knobcon 2024: Entropy & Sons Video Synthesizer
24. Knobcon 24: Audio over Ethernet Cables with Ashton Research
25. Knobcon 24: Erogenous Tones Unveils HD Version of Structure
26. Knobcon 2024: Chadra Phonic - 2 New Pedals
27. Knobcon 2024: GS Music Showcases E7 and bree6 Synthesizers
28. Knobcon 24: Melbourne Instruments Delia
29. Knobcon 24: Dreadbox Murmux [sounds only]
30. Knobcon 24: Rain City Modular
31. Knobcon 24: Sleepy Circuits - Hypno and Mezzz
32. Knobcon 24: Swamp Flux's Biggest Foot Euro Rack Module
33. Knobcon 24: Wildwood Soundworks: Wildwood Express and Wildwood Lightning

JLRs Modular Synthesizers - System Breakdown #9 -

video upload by John L Rice

JLRs Modular Synthesizers - System Breakdown posts

"This is my ninth video breakdown/rundown, this time for my compact Eurorack system in a small lighting controller case.

Index:
0:00 Beginning
0:20 Introduction
0:55 Module Rundown
3:38 Modifications
6:20 Final Words
7:01 "It's Leftovers" (unplanned audio demo)
8:34 End

List of the 21 modules in this system
Happy Nerding: HM VCO x3, FM AID, ADSR
2hp: LFO, Seq, Delay, Trim, Mult
Erica Synths: Trigg, Drums
Synthesis Technology: E440
Doepfer: A138n
Division 6: Multiplicity VI
Bubble Sound: 141
TipTop Audio: ONE
Intellijel: Springray
Circuit Abbey: Unify
Synthwerks: Lamp-3
4ms Company: Row Power 30
(plus a Keith McMillen QuNexus keyboard)

Note that additional reverb came from an external device for the audio sample. Otherwise all sounds were from the displayed system.

If you found the content of this video helpful, interesting, or entertaining, please consider showing your support so I can stay stocked up on coffee and cookies. 😋 https://buymeacoffee.com/johnlrice"

Waldorf Introduces Microwave 1 Plugin

video uploads by WaldorfMusicChannel. Last two videos in the playlist above by Martin Stürtzer and James Dyson.

"Waldorf just released the Microwave 1 - as software! I am happy to present the plugin and compare it to my original Microwave 1 Rev A.
https://waldorfmusic.com/microwave/"

"35 years ago Waldorf Music released its first instrument, the Microwave, which took the hearts of the leading musicians and producers of the nineties by storm. Its vibrate and distinctive sound transported the early wavetable sounds of the eighties into the rising electronic dance music of the following decade. Massive base lines, enigmatic wavetable modulations, brutal attacks and pads smooth like silk have been inspired generations of musicians. Microwave’s unique interpretation of wavetable synthesis combined with analogue filters defined what hybrid synthesis is at its best.

Now’s the time to bring back this magical instrument in a software form to the digital workstations of producers and musicians world-wide. The Waldorf Microwave 1 Plugin was painstakingly recreated from the original hardware with all its idiosyncrasies and wonderful singularities.

A multi-year effort and a labor of love which analyzed and modeled the original instruments down to the finest sonic details of every aspect of the hardware. Only the first generation of the Microwave and also the Waldorf Wave were based on a custom developed integrated circuit called the Waldorf ASIC. In combination with the legendary Curtis filter chips and a very unique 68k CPU based controller software the ASIC defined a very special flavor of wavetable sound unparalleled to none. No one else than the inventor of Wavetable Synthesis of the eighties, Wolfgang Palm, helped to design this unique chip. Waldorf took a huge effort to analyze and recreate this integrated circuit within the plug-in. As the original, the plug-in runs the internal synthesis with the ultra high sampling rate of 250 kHz regardless of the DAW sampling rate. The recreated digital waveforms have been bit-by-bit compared with the original to be 100% identical.

Even the old-school digital-to-analogue converters of the original hardware were modeled with their non-linearities and tone shaping color which were leading into the two Curtis filter chips variants used for the revisions A and B of the original hardware. The plug-in allows further for artificially detuning and recalibrating of the analogue components. Brutal attacks, snappy decays and a plethora of wonderful transients define the sound of the first generation Microwave. But the Microwave 1 Plug-In goes one step further: Its modern and inviting graphical user-interface reveals many aspects of the synthesis engine which were hidden before in the original hardware by its sparse hard to use interface.

Its livelihood never sounding mechanical but always different was based on a very unique architecture to create the envelopes, LFOs and modulations which was painstakingly recreated by the plug-in down to the finest grains.

A fully scalable modern interface with readable high-contrast fonts supports an intuitive sound editing process with many graphical representations of the wavetables, envelopes and filter response curves using animations for modulations and playing positions. The Microwave 1 was never as close as this under your finger tips. A joy to edit sounds with.

But we stopped not here, for the first time the inner makings of the Microwave have been put to the surface. Based on the internal control tables the user can now easily edit existing wavetables and create new ones in a very unique and intuitive process. All the original wavetables are available with their control structures and the full original waveform catalogue. In addition to user wavetables, also user waveforms can be created within the plug-in. Additional randomization modes make wavetable editing fun and sonically surprising as experienced never before. The multi-mode becomes now a weapon of its own for sound design. Originally hard to edit from the panel, the plug-in UI allows now for quickly layering of single sounds to create the most complex and exciting sonic structures.

An easy to use mixer page lets you fine tune their sonic relationships. Even the more exotic feature like tuning and velocity tables have been implemented and can be edited in the UI. All the original factory single and multi-mode sounds are contained in the plug-in in combination with new and modern sound presets. Original MIDI and Sys-Ex dump files can be imported such you can load your favorites from the past. Moreover, the plug-in can be used to control the original hardware are a graphical editor. If you a lucky owner of an Microwave first generation, the plug-in allows you to take your beloved hardware virtually with you where-ever you like and keeping its magical sound. The Microwave 1 plug-in comes as VST, VST3, AU and AAX for macOS and Windows supporting the major digital audio workstations."

Modulation 'Masterclass'

video upload by Cinematic Laboratory

"First of all, I put 'masterclass' between quotes because I am not a master. I can call myself an 'expert' after +10.000 hours of patching but that's no guarantee for good information. However, you wouldn't be interested in watching modulation basics either. So my 'masterclasses' are more like sitting around the campfire, telling ghost stories, and we're all equal.

I've been inspired by a subscriber, who pointed to his beloved Rossum Trident/Triton as his/her/their favorite VCO. I looked it up, decided there's too much overlap with my THREE-BODY VCO, but noticed something interesting called 'Zing modulation'. It's a recipe based on ring modulation, with the simple trick of syncing the carrier and modulator. Dave wrote he may have been the first person who ever used the term 'hard-sync', but credited the technology to Serge Tcherepnin. Suddenly I was lost and inspired in a new world of modulation I did not know about. Since it's a recipe instead of a circuit, we can all use it as long as your VCO has a Sync input, and you have a ringmod in your case. If you don't, get one. It's an essential piece and it costs nothing.

I can't explain Zing modulation (ZM) without Ring modulation (RM) without thru-zero amplitude modulation (AM) and when the bloody TZ comes along I am aways reminded that I am still clueless about thru-zero FM. I've seen good, bad and no explanations about TZFM. I know it preserves pitch, it's been restricted to digital - but now it's also possible with analog - and it needs to be supported by the VCO. You can't seem to patch it up, the VCO should do it. I have a problem with things that can't be done. It's not that I am stubborn, an important aspect of creativitiy is to never give up. And to be confident you'll figure it out eventually. Thanks to Dave Rossum's recipe, I wondered if I could ringmod my modulator VCO before it goes to my principal VCO's LIN-FM. It can't possibly be amplitude modulation anymore.
I experimented with ring-modulating the modulator with an inverted version of itself, so it would flip polarity and go thru-zero. I don't know if this qualifies as true thru-zero so I call it WTFM.

Anyway, this video can keep you busy for weeks. Happy Patching!
Robert.

00:00 Intro
00:52 Amplitude Modulation
01:44 Frequency Modulation
02:47 Ring Modulation
04:12 Zing modulation by Dave Rossum
04:52 Thru-Zero Linear Frequency Modulation
05:59 Thru-Zero Linear WTF Modulation by Cinematic Laboratory
08:17 A few Ring Mod alternatives
09:32 Zing along with Serge and Dave"