GND-1T Speech Chip Synthesizer Tutorials 0. Introduction and quick start

video upload by GND-1

"Available directly from https://richardvanhoesel.com/gnd1t

Here's an introductory and quickstart video for the GND-1T speech chip synthesizer released in 2024. You can find more short topical GND-1T tutorials on this channel. Over 5000 hours in the making, it's a beast of a synth with a highly unique architecture. Like its predecessor the GND-1, the 1T is based on an accurate emulation of the speech chip inside the popular Speak and Spell game, but goes way beyond anything that's possible in hardware.

The design of the new version is heavily geared towards hands-on performance without necessarily needing a computer, and includes a USB host port for minimal setups. But it's equally well suited to a DAW setup with its full parameter set available over MIDI. It now also includes built in effects and drum kits, assignable encoders, a touch screen, and full analog and USB audio I/O.

Everything you hear in these demos is a direct stereo stream recorded from the GND-1T, without any additional processing or effects.

For more information I recommend you download the user manual from the website. Any questions, feel free to leave them as comments here, or get in touch with me via the website."

GND-1T Speech Chip Synthesizer Tutorials 6. Randomize and Looper Functions

video upload by GND-1

"In this installation of my GND-1T speech chip synthesizer tutorials I describe various Randomization functions, and how to use the delay line as a mini looper using Echo Freeze. The latter allows you to create rhythmic and textural loops that you can use as a backing to play over the top using the Synth in its usual modes of operation. These functions can be used to very quickly create rich audio scenes, even in the total absence of any saved presets, and with minimal familiarity with the synth architecture.

As always, everything you hear is taken directly from the GND-1T stereo output, without any additional processing or effects. For more information (and to download the user manual), see https://richardvanhoesel.com/gnd1t"

See teh GND-1 label below for additional posts.

GND-1T Speech Chip Synthesizer 5. Keyboard Patch Examples

video upload by GND-1

"This is an accompaniment to tutorial #4 that describes how the GND-1T can be used to create more traditionally controlled keyboard patches by using short loops. These are a few example patches from the additional set of keyboard patches that can be downloaded from the website. Hopefully it illustrates the 1T can do mild just as well as wild.

Everything you hear here is a direct stereo stream recorded from the GND-1T, without any additional processing or effects.

For more information and to download the user manual, or to purchase a GND-1T go to: https://richardvanhoesel.com/gnd1t"

GND-1T Speech chip synthesizer Tutorials 4 Keyboard patches & basic editing and expression mapping

video upload by GND-1

"Available directly from https://richardvanhoesel.com/gnd1t

In this installation of my GND-1T tutorials I illustrate how the usual loop based mechanism in this synth can also be used to create patches intended for more conventional melodic expression, such as with a musical keyboard, simply by setting the loop length very short. It also serves as an introduction into parameter editing and expression mapping.

For owners of the 1T, a new bank of factory sounds is available for download on the website. It focuses specifically on 'keyboard patches', in contrast to the more loop & drum factory sounds that the 1T ships with.

As always, everything you hear in these demos is a direct stereo stream recorded from the GND-1T, without any additional processing or effects."

See the GND-1 label below for more.

GND-1T Speech Chip Synthesizer Tutorials 3. Speech Sounds and Circuit Bending Basics

video upload by GND-1

GND-1T instructional demos | All GND-1T posts

"This is #3 in my series of short instructional demos of the GND-1T speech chip synthesizer. This installment provides an introduction to creating speech sounds and applying classic (and new) circuit bends to them. There's a huge number of additional parameters that can be applied to modify the words / loops, including e.g. stereo circuit bends that essentially run twin circuit bending engines. But I wanted to start off more simply.

As always, everything you hear is taken directly from the GND-1T stereo output, without any additional processing or effects. For more information (and to download the user manual), see https://richardvanhoesel.com/gnd1t"

GND-1T Speech Chip Synthesizer 2. Auto morphing, Drift Buffers, Drum Mutes, and Scenes

video upload by GND-1

GND-1T instructional demos | All GND-1T posts

"This is #2 in my series of short instructional demos of the GND-1T speech chip synthesizer. In this installment I cover:

- Automated Morphing between patches (single, and block morphing)
- Using the permanent Drift Buffers
- Individual Drum-note mutes
- SCENES

If you haven't seen part 1, it's probably worth a quick look, as this one builds from there. In all these tutorials, everything you hear is taken directly from the GND-1T stereo output, without any additional processing or effects. For more information (and to download the user manual), see https://richardvanhoesel.com/gnd1t

p.s. Beyond its musical application, you can also use the drum-notes mute function to enable just a single MIDI drum note at a time for "MIDI learn applications", e.g. when setting up an external sampler to be triggered by the GND-1T."

GND 1T Patch Page Basics

video upload by GND-1

GND-1T instructional demos | All GND-1T posts

"Here's the first of what I hope will be a series of short instructional demos of the new GND-1T speech chip synthesizer released last month. Over 5000 hours in the making, it's a beast of a synth with a highly unique architecture. Like its predecessor the GND-1, the 1T is based on an accurate emulation of the speech chip inside the popular Speak and Spell game, but goes way beyond anything that's possible in hardware.

The design of the new version is heavily geared towards hands-on performance without necessarily needing a computer, and includes a USB host port for minimal setups. But it's equally well suited to a DAW setup with its full parameter set available over MIDI. It now also includes built in effects and drum kits, assignable encoders, a touch screen, and full analog and USB audio I/O.

Everything you hear in these demos is a direct stereo stream recorded from the GND-1T, without any additional processing or effects.

This first video focuses on the main Patch Page screen, where you control the way patches are manipulated in real time. For more information (and to download the user manual), see

https://richardvanhoesel.com/gnd1t

p.s. I recommend you click the youtube settings icon and adjust resolution to 720 rather than 'auto' in order to best see the screen details on the 1T"

The GND-1T (Speak & Glitch GND-1T) | Circuit Bent Speech Chip Synthesizer

video upload by Shirato_Noise

Follow-up to the Speak & Glitch GND-1

"I'm very happy to finally be able to introduce this instrument. The GND-1T is a synthesizer developed by Richard van Hoesel and is the successor to the GND-1. The major improvements are the touch screen and the addition of built-in drum sounds. This allows for the simultaneous generation of circuit bent speech chip sounds and chaotic rhythms.

This video introduces the preset sounds and twists them a bit. No additional effects.

Check out his web page for further details and manuals for this instrument.
https://richardvanhoesel.com/gnd1t/

As a backstory, I have provided a few sample sets for the drum sounds of this instrument. These are my acoustic drums, percussion sounds, and some unique synthesized electronic drum sounds. I hope you enjoy them!"

Soundscape #045 Spiral of Flow (Monome, Ciat-Lonbarde, Blippoo, GND-1, Daxophone, Drymba, Guitar)

video upload by Shirato_Noise

"Sketch of Sound Experiments."

Synclavier Digital's Regen Gets Wider Release

video upload by Synclavier Digital

Regen Tutorials


Regen Quickies


You can find additional posts featuring demos of the Regen here.

Press Release follows:

"Synclavier Digital releases regenerated Synclavier® II trailblazer as timeless Regen desktop synthesizer bolstered by present-day DSP developments

NOVA SCOTIA, CANADA: soft-launched late last year to widespread critical acclaim at the Synthplex® synthesizer expo and electronic music festival hosted at the Marriott Convention Center in Burbank, CA, USA with pre-orders opening for fulfilment in 2023, timeless synthesis product manufacturer Synclavier Digital is proud to announce wider availability of Regen — released as a desktop synthesizer that is, in short, a real regeneration of New England Digital’s seminal Synclavier® II digital synthesizer that took the pro audio industry by storm when introduced in its initial incarnation in 1980 (evolving beyond that to blaze more technological trails with polyphonic sampling and, ultimately, DAW — Digital Audio Workstation — capabilities well before that term was invented, even), extended and enhanced to take advantage of the increased computing power available today to make it as compelling in a modern setting as the prohibitively pricey original did during its time (finding favour with top-tier film composers, record producers, and recording artists), while the considerable cost and size reductions associated with Regen’s present-day design criteria conversely position it well within reach of (almost) anyone — as of June 29…

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GND-1 Speak and Glitch Speech Chip Synthesizer 2023

via this auction

You can find demos on one in previous posts here.

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Error Instruments Speak & Glitch

video upload by errorinstruments paul tas

Curious if this is based on the Speak & Glitch GND-1, but with added patch points.

You can find other speak n spell based glitch synths in previous posts here. See the Circuit Bent Speak & Spell available from Noisebug here.

Speak & Glitch GND-1 | Circuit Bent Speak Chip Synthesizer

video upload by Shirato_Noise

"This compact synthesizer seems to contain every imaginable Speak Chip-based bent sound we can imagine. I have great appreciation and respect for Richard for making this instrument a reality."

Speak and Glitch GND-1 circuit bent speech chip synthesizer

video upload by GND-1

"Here's a short promo for our new Speak& Glitch GND-1, a Circuit Bent Speech Chip Synthesizer unlike any other. Based on an accurate emulation of the speech chip inside the popular Speak and Spell game, the GND-1 pushes into previously impossible circuit bending realms letting you create loops, rhythms and synth sounds in totally new ways.

In addition to the stereo audio output from the synth chip, the MIDI-out rhythm generator on the GND-1 was driving a software 808 drum machine. But it can drive any midi compatible device, whether it's software, hardware, or even mechanical, both via USB midi and a dedicated 5-pin DIN connector.

See richardvanhoesel.com/gnd1 for more info.

p.s. the 'flickering' OLED display on the GND-1 in the video is just a video artifact."

Elektron Machinedrum SPS-1 UW+ MK II - X04 Dub

video by TheTrackdriver

"All sounds are from the Elektron Machinedrum SPS-1 UW+ MK II. I am only using the new features that came with the X.04 unofficial OS, mainly in the GND machines (melodic). I used a CT-scan of my Machinedrum for the visualisations. The clips are rendered with Inside Explorer Pro from Interspectral AB."

Reverselandfill Apple Tree Noise & Drone Synth

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

via this auction

"This is a fully build handmade drone / noise synthesizer.

The case is made of a solid block mahogany hardwood. The case is hollowed out with a router tool to fit the electronics.
The "appletree" picture is laser-engraved.
The wood is finished with tung oil & clear laquer.
Potmeters are all 16mm Alpha's, knobs are red plastic.
On the back the case is closed off with a metal plate. It has rubber / soft feet.

Sounds:

Section 1: (Drone)
Dual triangle oscillators are hard-switched through an analog switch by a fast squarewave clock.
Then the signal goes into a lowpass filter.
Sounds vary from deep rumbling drones to phasing screaming lead sounds.

You have control over the two pitches of the main oscillators, the clock frequency and the filter cutoff.

Section 2: (Noise)
4 squarewave oscillators that modulate each others frequency,
go through a clock divider and are mixed together.

You have control over the four pitches of the oscillators.

Section 3: (patchbay)
There are 24 patchpoints.
9 of these are touch based (also patchable by 4mm banana jacks), the other 15 points are 2mm banana sockets.
Drone section patchpoints: OSC1, OSC2, Clock
Noise section patchpoints: 12 clockdivisions, noise1, noise2, mix1, mix2, mix3

Output:
2x 6.3mm jack output.

Power:
Power: 9v/12v bus for adapter (outer ring is GND, center pin is +V)
Note: Power Adapter not included.

Size:
24x19x6 cm"

CASIO PT-7 w/ Original Box

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

via this auction

2nd one this month

"Near Mint Condition Casio PT-7 with Original Box, Operation Manual and Brand New Batteries Included (instrument with tiny polyphonic touch sensor keypad & analogue rhythm)

This is clearly one of the most bizarre and innovative instruments created by Casio, because this tiny thing has a detachable keyboard with 29 soft touch foil keys, and this is not just a monophonic toy tablehooter but a real 8 note(!) polyphonic instrument with analogue rhythm and a small but high quality loudspeaker that makes a very respectable organ sound.

This strange Casio invention permits special play techniques with very rapid glissandos and was one of the forgotten milestones in the struggle of overcoming the clumsy piano key relic on electronic consumer instruments.

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New Paper Synth PS-301 Wavefolder Demonstration & Upcoming Workshop

Published on Nov 13, 2015 Antti Pussinen

"Paper Synth PS-301 Diode Wavefolder demonstration video for Paper Synthesizer workshop series by Antti Pussinen & Wolfgang Spahn

The input waveform is saw wave.

www.dernulleffekt.de
www.anttipussinen.net
www.wolfgang-spahn.de"

Additional details including info on the upcoming workshop:

"In this episode of paper synthesizer workshop, we are building a diode wavefolder, that sounds a bit like a resonant filter, but has a very unique sound.

PS301 Diode Wavefolder is a dynamic waveform processor module, that changes the color and the overtones of a sound, while keeping the same base note. The design is originally Jürgen Haible's take on “Serge Wave Multiplier, middle section”. Yves Usson of YuSynth added an exponential VCA to the design, making voltage control possible, and we modified the circuit further to fit our design requirements.

The module takes in a 10VPP sine, triangle or saw wave and folds this waveform back into itself up to 7 times at the crossover point of the wave.The effect sounds a kind of mix of frequency modulation and mid resonance filtering.

The Controls Include 'CV attenuation', 'Fold Range' (which can also be contolled with 0-5v control voltage) and 'Fold Amount' which changes the amount of folds. Inputs and outputs conform to eurorack standards of 10Vpp, and it runs on eurorack +-12v power supply, and even with +15v power supply from Frack Rack or MOTM synthesizer systems.

ll the tools and materials will be provided.

The faceplate is not included!

The workshop will be held in German and English.

Material and further informations:

http://paperpcb.dernulleffekt.de/doku.php?id=paper_synth%3Aps301_wavefolder

The costs are 60,00€ for the materials.
Please register at: post@wolfgang-spahn.de
The workshop will be held at: Mülhauserstr. 6. Hofgebäude 1. OG

A Workshop by Antti Pussinen & Wolfgang Spahn"

Some details from Paper Synth:

"Ps301 Diode Wavefolder is a dynamic waveform processor module, that changes the color and the overtones of a sound, while keeping the same base note. The design is originally Jürgen Haible's take on “Serge Wave Multiplier, middle section”. Yves Usson of YuSynth added an exponential VCA to the design, making voltage control possible, and we modified the circuit further to fit our design requirements.

The module takes in a 10Vpp sine, triangle or saw wave and folds this waveform back into itself up to 7 times at the crossover point of the wave.The effect sounds a kind of mix of frequency modulation and mid resonance filtering.

The Controls Include “CV attenuation”, “Fold Range” (which can also be contolled with 0-5v control voltage) and 'Fold Amount' which changes the amount of folds. Inputs and outputs conform to eurorack standards of 10Vpp, and it runs on eurorack +-12v power supply, and even with +15v power supply from Frack Rack or MOTM synthesizer systems.

Theory of operation

A PS-301 Wavefolder adds overtones to a waveform, a bit like a distortion unit or a resonant filter. But instead of clipping or ringing, when the waveform peak goes over a certain limit, it folds back and creates a new odd harmonic component. Jürgen Haible had a really good explanation of the process on his site, and since its impossible to know how long the legacy site is kept up, i copy it here:

'A string of diodes is driven with the amplified and level shifted input signal. After each diode there is a “tap” with a resistor that will contribute positive or negative to the output of a two-opamp subtracting amplifier. There are two virtual GND nodes for these summing and subtracting operation. By feeding these virtual GND nodes alternately from the taps of the diode string, you can have the output voltage increased when one diode drop voltage is reached, and have the output voltage decreased again when the next diode in row starts conducting. The number of valleys and peaks is only determined by the length of the diode string, and not by the number of opamps. It turned out that choosing equal resistor values results in an almost regular pattern of the voltage transfer function.'"

Korg MS-20m Monophonic Synthesizer Kit and SQ-1 Step Sequencer Video & MS-20m Details

Uploaded on Jan 15, 2015 Korg

"The new MS-20m and SQ-1 open a whole world of analog experimentation. Connect, sync, and sequence all your gear with the flexible SQ-1 Step Sequencer, and take the famous MS-20 sound to new levels with the FM and sync features of the tabletop MS-20m"

Note the SQ-1 comes included with the MS-20m kit. The MS-20m has a selectable filter switch on the front panel while the original MS-20 kit had to be set internally. There are number of additional improvements outlined directly below. [Details on the SQ-1 just posted here]. Fun little bit of trivia is you can see SN 000001 on the back image below. Often there is no serial number in promo shots. Thought it was kind of neat and adds to the history of whomever this particular unit ends up with.  Also note it's lower case "m".

First, the enhancements over the original:

"Carrying on the distinctive synthesis of the MS-20, the MS-20M features additional improvements in both looks and functionality. Extending to detailed aspects of the design, the sound-creating possibilities have been dramatically boosted, making this sound module even more attractive and raising it to an even higher state of completion.

SYNC ON/OFF switch allows oscillator sync
Oscillator sync forcibly synchronizes the phase of VCO1 to the phase of VCO2, producing a powerful sound with complex overtones.

FM ON/OFF switch allows frequency modulation
The VCO1 waveform can be used to frequency-modulate the VCO2 waveform (FM or cross modulation), creating vibrato effects or extreme metallic sounds.

FILTER TYPE switch lets you select two types of filter
The original MS-20 used two different VCF circuits depending on the date of production, and now you can choose either of these with a single switch. The earlier model (REV.1) has an aggressive character with distinctive distortion and self-oscillation, while the later model (REV.2) has minimal noise and a sweet, mellow sound.

PWM IN jack allows pulse width modulation
The PWM provided on the MS-10 of the past is now possible on the MS-20. By cyclically modulating the pulse width of the VCO1 square wave, you can obtain a distinctively fat sound.

EG2 NORMAL OUT jack expands your sound-creating potential
In addition to the previous EG2 REV OUT, we've provided a normal EG2 OUT that varies in the range of 0V--+5V.

TRIG SW button lets you conveniently audition the sound
Even on this keyboardless unit, the trigger switch lets you smoothly audition the sound while you edit the parameters.

Numerous jacks have been added to the MS-20M, letting you connect it with any type of device.

All CV/GATE specifications are supported: Hz/V and V/Oct, S-Trig and V-Trig
From the time when it was originally produced, the CV standard used by the MS-20 was not the commonly used V/Oct standard, but rather the Hz/V standard that provided superior pitch stability. However, like the MS-50 of that time, the MS-20M Kit provides CV IN jacks for both the Hz/V standard and the V/Oct standard.

For the TRIG IN jack that receives gate signals, jacks are provided not only for the S-Trig standard as on the original MS-20, but also for the widely used V-Trig standard. The MS-20M Kit supports any sequencer or controller that's equipped with CV/GATE output.

Three JUNCTION jacks
Three sets of the junction jacks once provided by the MS-50 are also provided. Output signals from the SQ-1 step sequencer or similar device can be converted from a mini-phone plug to a 1/4" phone plug, or those signals can be distributed to multiple destinations for a variety of possibilities.

MIDI IN connector and USB connector
There's a MIDI IN connector that can receive note messages, and a USB-MIDI connector that can transmit and receive note messages. You can perform using a taktile or other MIDI keyboard, or perform sequences that you've recorded on your DAW.

And the general description for the archives:

"The evolution of the MS-20, delivering even more powerful synthesis.
A module that you assemble, with a step sequencer included.
The classic MS-20 analog synthesizer that appeared in 1978 has been reborn as a perfect reproduction of the original circuit, first in 2013 as the mini-sized MS-20 mini, and now in 2014 as the MS-20 Kit that you can assemble yourself.

The MS-20 Mini and the Kit were designed by the engineers who developed the original MS-20. At its introduction, the designers of the MS-20 wanted to create an interesting product quickly; the result was an enormous hit, but the designers felt there were actually a few things left undone. Now, after 37 years, the user-assembled MS-20M Kit has been completed.

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Introducing the Nodular Desktop Synthesizer - Two Sided Analog Monophonic Semi-Modular Synthesizer

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

via this auction

Update: the maker/brand name for this synth is ndlr.synths. I created a new channel label for them. We have a new synthesizer manufacturer in town.  See second "Update" at the bottom of this post for additional notes on the design.

via the auction:
"Up for sale: one monophonic analog synthesizer. I've been making analog synthesizers for about 15 years now, but this is the first I am offering up for sale to the 'general public'. I am hoping to make a business out of selling this particular model, and you could be my very first customer.

The pictures show the same unit that is up for sale. The cabinet is made from 3/4" natural cherry boards, except for the base, which is made of 3/4" MDF. Both instrument panels are made of 1/8" thick anodized aluminum. The panels have been mechanically engraved and the engravings filled with chemically hardened black enamel paint. The whole unit measures about 18" wide by 18" deep by 12" tall. It weighs about 40 pounds. This is a very well made unit, with sturdy instrument panels that'll last a lifetime.

This synthesizer has its own +15/+10/GND/-10/-15 volt power supply and will only run on 120VAC 60Hz. It consumes about 45 watts of power at full bore.

All the modules in this synthesizer have been designed to work together seamlessly, and all use the same standards: 1 volt per octave, 10 volt peak-to-peak signal voltages, and 5 volt peak-to-peak gate, trigger, and control voltages. All patches are made among the modules via banana jacks. And a few different ways of interfacing to external modules or instruments are offered via 1/4" phone jacks.

A description of the different modules follows:

(1) ring modulator

(1) white and pink noise and random voltage source

(1) sample/track & hold

(1) voltage comparator

(2) low frequency oscillators (LFOs):

(1) headphone amplifier

Both offer voltage controlled frequency, variable offset and symmetry, and sinusoidal, triangular, and pulse wave outputs. By adjusting the speed knob, the frequency can be changed from about 20Hz down to really, really, slow. This range can be extended through voltage control.

(3) voltage controlled oscillators (VCOs):

All three offer 1 volt per octave frequency control, voltage controlled pulse width modulation, ac-coupled linear frequency control, hard sync, and sine, triangle, sawtooth, and pulse wave outputs. They'll track to within .2% over at least 8 octaves with basically negligible temperature drift once the enclosure is warmed up. And they'll operate from below audio to above audio frequencies.

In addition, the first VCO offers a frequency range switch and fine tuning.

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