MIKADO Analog Sequencing System

Prototype analog sequencer project on the Techno Toys site. Title link takes you to more info including a sample, details for each module and an image of the hardware in the flesh.

"Mikado is a configurable analog sequencing system, optimized for controlling a small (2-4 voice) analog modular synthesizer.

Mikado was designed to meet the need for a flexible, non-traditional hardware sequencer. A primary design goal was to include several modules for creating and manipulating rhythms using dividers, logic, and manual input. Flexible voltage sequencing, quantizing, signal routing, and manual inputs were other necessities.

Mikado is a "semi-modular" sequencer ala the Fenix or Serge systems, rather than discrete modules as other systems are. This is in keeping with the goal of controlling a small system, and reflects the designer's needs. Mikado could also serve as the heart of a larger sequencer system by adding modules from other manufacturers. In the present design, banana jacks are used for patching, though other types of jacks could be used by changing the front panel drilling accordingly.

Mikado's module complement and front panel were designed and specified by Jim Johnson. Electronic design and PC board layout are by Jim Patchell. PC boards for this project will be made available, and a customizable front panel is also available. It should be noted that, while the remaining material on this page describes the sequencer's specified configuration, the circuit and PC boards will have some additional capabilities, such as extra LED drivers, some additional sequencer modes, etc.

Modules
Mikado's module complement is as follows:

* 1 Master Clock
* 2 8x2 Sequencers
* 2 Quantizers
* 1 Pattern Generator
* 1 Transposer
* 2 Analog Switches
* 1 Sequential Switch
* 2 2-input Logic Gates
* 1 4-input Logic Gate
* 3 Logic Inverters
* 1 Type D flip-flip
* 1 One-shot
* 1 Binary Divider
* 1 Prime Divider
* 1 Divide-by-N
* 2 Gate Switches
* 2 Gate/Trigger Buttons
* 3 Toggle Switches"


Via Exsurdo in the comments of this post.

Metasonix Scrutum Smasher and Wretch Video on Sonic State

Title link takes you to the full set of NAMM 2007 videos on Sonic State. Scroll and you will find the scrotum.

BTW, the artwork on the TM-7 might look familiar. It's from none other than Dave, creator of The Packrat.

As usual, the Wretch sounds like it's about to burst and ooze bubbly tar out of the vacuum tubes. Raunchy, raunchy synth.

Analogics

I was looking at this auction for a Korg PS3100 wood case and noticed it was from Analogics. I did a quick search here and no post, so here it is.

"Analogics has been involved in analog synth repair and refurbishing since 1990. We also sell analog synths. I have added a custom woodworking page for the furniture, clocks, and jewelry boxes I build for customers. It's a passion of mine. Take a look around. If you have a question or can't find what you're looking for, please feel free to email Analogics or give me a call at Analogics."

EML 101

via this auction

"Like the ARP 2600, the EML-101 was a patchable (1/4'' patch cords) quasi-modular synth with a hard-wired voice path. The synth offered 4 oscillators (2 of which could go sub-sonic) with multiple or variable waveforms, a voltage controlled 12 dB/oct multi-mode filter with resonance, 2 envelope generators, ring/amplitude modulator, noise and sample-and-hold. In addition, the synth makes no distinction between control voltage and audio paths allowing just about any source to be patched to any control or audio input in any order. With the 4-oscillator architecture, multi-mode filter, and elaborate patch control the EML-101 was undoubtedly the most flexible of all of the portable patch-synthesizers available at its time of manufacture. It is used by Skinny Puppy, Tommy Mars, Download, Weezer, Foreigner, and Ohm."

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Korg M3 Video

Title link takes you to the video on Gearwire.

Korg Poly-61M

Another synth up for auction by Dave of The Packrat and umop.
Pics saved here.
Update: Dave mentions it's digital in the video. The Poly-61 is actually analog with digitally controlled oscillators (DCOs) to keep them in tune. They are not digitally generated. The filter is also analog from what I understand. Not sure about the modulation such as LFO and Envelope.

Nord Lead 2x

This Nord Lead 2x is up for auction via Dave of our synth favorite, The Packrat and umop.
Images saved here.

Don't Mess With The Wretch

Metasonix Bear and his Wretchrosonix.

Title link takes you to more shots sent my way via Michael.

Techno Toys is Now Free!

Looks like the Techno Toys suite is now free! Techno Toys was one of the first things I ever downloaded off the net. It has lived through Windows 95, 98, and now XP. It is the only software I have transfered and continue to use to this day. If you haven't tried them, just do it. Loads of fun. Pictured is the XG-909, SEQ-303, and ARP-X8. The ARP-X8 reminds me of an easy to use Oberheim Cyclone. Think uber arpeggiator. SEQ-303 is an analog style step sequencer with accent. The XG-909 I haven't played much with but obviously it's a 909 style drum machine. Title link takes you to the download. [mirrored here - right click and download the icon when you get there.]

Cheap 2' Patch Chords

Bookmarking this for the day I need them. If anyone has any other recommendations, feel free to comment.