Sunday, March 21, 2010
Musikmesse: MacBeth Mk1 Voltage Controlled Oscillator module
via Ken MacBeth on Muff's"Hi Guys- well I thought I'd stick a post on here about the 5U modules that are about to hit a production run. Pictured is the first module- the Mk1 Voltage Controlled Oscillator module. THis module, and the subsequent ones to follow form part of the Mk1 Voltage Controlled Synthesizer that I now want to do. The Mk1 VCO carries on the way that I did the X-Series Dual Oscillator and 'Backend' filter combo- its as close to vintage parts being used as I can get!
This pic is the formalised artwork for this unit. Today the PCBs were made and just need drilled and fitted up.
My plan is to get my engineering company to start production around two weeks from now for this one. I do intent to produce a full line up of the favourite 'vanilla' style modules at least each month...!"
via Mr. Array of Ocean Orbit
DIY FPGA 8 Operator 16 Voice FM Synth
via JovianPyx on this electro-music.com thread. Full details here. Note this is in the making.
"The path labeled "Operator 0 Feedback" is a connection for feedback of operator zero into it's own input. It is used as an envelope controlled waveshaper. This feature is disabled by setting the feedback LEV and feedback BIAS controls to zero.
The path labeled "Operator Modulation" is the connection which links one operator to the next. When the LEV control is set to zero, the link is disconnected making the next operator the starting operator for a new sound generator..."
Why You Should Consider Getting a Modular
I wasn't sure when I was going to put this post up, but considering the previous post on a grunge effects module, I figure now is a better time than ever. You will see more effects based posts moving forward, but they will be focused on using them from a synth perspective. My gut tells me you will begin to see more effects based modules over time as well. Here's why, and why you really should consider getting into the modular world if you haven't already.
I'll try to keep this short: a modular doesn't have to be a full blown synth. It doesn't have to be a synth at all. It can be an extension to your existing setup; it can be a simple way to process your synths, guitar, drums, etc.
Start with an empty case that suits your needs and budget. Then buy a single module or two max. Be sure to pick the right size format to start (see this post for modular formats). Once you have a case, a modular can actually be a more affordable way to deal with GAS (Gear Acquisition Syndrome) than other gear. Modules are usually cheaper than synths. Also worth noting, is if you are into effects pedals, a modular system is much less messy and much easier to transport. In time I'm sure more effects oriented modules will be made. What's interesting to note is most modules do not have an on/off bypass switch like pedals. You'll need a bypass mixer module to work around this if this matters to you.
Note the biggest price of entry will be the case, but they can be affordable.
An example would be the following:
Monorocket Mission6 Case - $350
Tiptop Audio Happy Ending Kit - $149 (added 1/20/11)
Or if you want to go really minimal - a Doepfer beauty case for $120
Note the above are just examples and are both Euro-rack format cases.
Be sure to see the format chart for others and plan before you buy. See the shops below to research more and of course search for the other formats.
As for modules and what to start with. There are far too many to list. What you'll want to ask yourself is how do you want to use it. That will be dependent on your current setup. There are pretty much three types of modules to consider - those that process sound (filters, ring mods, effects, etc...), those that produce sound (Oscillators, noise sources, etc...), and those that control sounds (LFOs, envelopes, sequencers, etc).
Examples of how to integrate a modular with your synth:
1. If you have a Pedal input on your synth you can start with any controller module like a sequencer or LFO. I use a Tiptop Audio Z8000 sequencer for example. Plug it into the Pedal or CV in on any of your synths and let it sequence whatever you can route to. You will need something to clock the sequencer or in layman's terms, to get it going. If you have a drum machine, you might be able to use it to clock and sync the sequencer. For example on a Roland TR-909 you can use the Rimshot Out to trigger the sequencer. If you don't have something to clock it, you can get a low cost LFO module.
2. If you pick up a filter or effects module, simply run your audio through it. Pick up a second module like an LFO or sequencer to modulate the filter.
3. Add a sound source module to the mix.
The point of this is that you don't need to buy a full blown modular to get started. My experience was kind of funny. I was waiting for years to get a modular because every time I priced out a base system it was just too high. I finally picked up a Mattson Mini Modular because I wanted a Syntar but knew I couldn't afford one and by the time I did it might not be available. Once I had the MMM, I thought great, now I can get a eurorack case and buy a module here or there over time. I picked up my case and then found myself using it with my synths more than my MMM!!! It was a very duh moment. I realized I could have started a long time ago.
As for what modules to start out with, there are way too many to go into detail here, and it really is a personal thing. The best thing to do is to research and start thinking about what would make sense to you - size/format, cost, and what sort of modules would best work for you.
Shops to research modules and prices:
US:
http://bigcitymusic.com/
http://noisebug.net/
http://analoguehaven.com/
UK and Europe:
http://schneidersbuero.de/
http://postmodular.co.uk/motm
http://modularsquare.com/
BTW, I want to be super fair in this post. If I missed any shops for modular gear, let me know and I will update the post. If you prefer to remain anonymous shoot me an email. My contact info is on the bottom right of the site.
Modulars are like legos for synths - legos of the synth world.
I'll try to keep this short: a modular doesn't have to be a full blown synth. It doesn't have to be a synth at all. It can be an extension to your existing setup; it can be a simple way to process your synths, guitar, drums, etc.
Start with an empty case that suits your needs and budget. Then buy a single module or two max. Be sure to pick the right size format to start (see this post for modular formats). Once you have a case, a modular can actually be a more affordable way to deal with GAS (Gear Acquisition Syndrome) than other gear. Modules are usually cheaper than synths. Also worth noting, is if you are into effects pedals, a modular system is much less messy and much easier to transport. In time I'm sure more effects oriented modules will be made. What's interesting to note is most modules do not have an on/off bypass switch like pedals. You'll need a bypass mixer module to work around this if this matters to you.
Note the biggest price of entry will be the case, but they can be affordable.
An example would be the following:
Monorocket Mission6 Case - $350
Tiptop Audio Happy Ending Kit - $149 (added 1/20/11)
Or if you want to go really minimal - a Doepfer beauty case for $120
Note the above are just examples and are both Euro-rack format cases.
Be sure to see the format chart for others and plan before you buy. See the shops below to research more and of course search for the other formats.
As for modules and what to start with. There are far too many to list. What you'll want to ask yourself is how do you want to use it. That will be dependent on your current setup. There are pretty much three types of modules to consider - those that process sound (filters, ring mods, effects, etc...), those that produce sound (Oscillators, noise sources, etc...), and those that control sounds (LFOs, envelopes, sequencers, etc).
Examples of how to integrate a modular with your synth:
1. If you have a Pedal input on your synth you can start with any controller module like a sequencer or LFO. I use a Tiptop Audio Z8000 sequencer for example. Plug it into the Pedal or CV in on any of your synths and let it sequence whatever you can route to. You will need something to clock the sequencer or in layman's terms, to get it going. If you have a drum machine, you might be able to use it to clock and sync the sequencer. For example on a Roland TR-909 you can use the Rimshot Out to trigger the sequencer. If you don't have something to clock it, you can get a low cost LFO module.
2. If you pick up a filter or effects module, simply run your audio through it. Pick up a second module like an LFO or sequencer to modulate the filter.
3. Add a sound source module to the mix.
The point of this is that you don't need to buy a full blown modular to get started. My experience was kind of funny. I was waiting for years to get a modular because every time I priced out a base system it was just too high. I finally picked up a Mattson Mini Modular because I wanted a Syntar but knew I couldn't afford one and by the time I did it might not be available. Once I had the MMM, I thought great, now I can get a eurorack case and buy a module here or there over time. I picked up my case and then found myself using it with my synths more than my MMM!!! It was a very duh moment. I realized I could have started a long time ago.
As for what modules to start out with, there are way too many to go into detail here, and it really is a personal thing. The best thing to do is to research and start thinking about what would make sense to you - size/format, cost, and what sort of modules would best work for you.
Shops to research modules and prices:
US:
http://bigcitymusic.com/
http://noisebug.net/
http://analoguehaven.com/
UK and Europe:
http://schneidersbuero.de/
http://postmodular.co.uk/motm
http://modularsquare.com/
BTW, I want to be super fair in this post. If I missed any shops for modular gear, let me know and I will update the post. If you prefer to remain anonymous shoot me an email. My contact info is on the bottom right of the site.
Modulars are like legos for synths - legos of the synth world.
Arduino Based Voltage Controlled Grunge Pedal
"I've talked about doing this forever, so I am happy to finally be able to introduce my 95% complete, voltage controlled DOD Grunge FX-69! Frac-rack modular synths have been in my opinion missing a voltage controlled distortion module, with wave-folders being about as close as I could find. I had a torqued FX69 sitting around, and figured it would sound wonderfullyterrible in my synth setup."Full details on oldmanfury
Synthesizer-Magazin #19
flickr by Moogulator"www.synthesizer-magazin.de
Ausgabe 19 , grade neu!
feat. Roland System 100m etc..
Wir sind auch auf der Messe Halle 5.0 (unten) Stand C48."
Upwards
YouTube via snipz
"Have got five sequences running here, used one of the A156 quantisers for three of them (clever switching using an A152)!
Boss DR220e drums again, Bass from the AFG, melodies from AS95 and Hertz Donut. Long gated sound is a Z3000 through an Polivoks vcf modulated from the MFB adsr.
Bit rough and ready this one..."
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MATRIXSYNTH - EVERYTHING SYNTH
© Matrixsynth - All posts are presented here for informative, historical and educative purposes as applicable within fair use.
MATRIXSYNTH is supported by affiliate links that use cookies to track clickthroughs and sales. See the privacy policy for details.
MATRIXSYNTH - EVERYTHING SYNTH
