"OM-1 CASSETTE SYNTH (2023). + ALL 9 cassette tapes
• 9 Sound Tape • Built in AM/FM radio • 5V Power Supply
Each unit is built to order by hand.
About the OM-1:
The OM-1 Cassette Synthesizer is an analog musical instrument built around the concept that when a continuous tone/note is recorded to tape, its pitch will change as the tape's playback speed is increased or decreased. Individual notes are playable via the 8 buttons (keys), each with a tuning knob directly above it. The volume of the notes can be articulated by using the pressure sensitive volume control - the harder its pressed, the louder the note. A switch selects between a short or long attack/release response of the audio output. CV/Gate inputs allow control over the cassette's pitch and volume from a linear (non-quantized) voltage sequencer.
While loosely inspired by instruments like the Mellotron® and Ondes Martenot, the OM-1 has a sound all its own. Because it uses a standard cassette tape as its audio source, the sound creation possibilities are endless. The OM-1 is engineered for experimentation.
One cool bonus on the new OM-1 is the built in radio which can be chopped up using the gate input. Here I’m sending a gate from the Korg SQ-1 and delay is provided by the lovely Polyphrase from Vongon Electronics. Great for creating experimental rhythms."
"Using a step sequencer to change VCO pitch per step: The Precision Voltages is a convenient way to offset VCO frequencies musically, by pitch increments of semitones and octaves, which can be either added to, or subtracted from an incoming CV signal, such as a sequencer or keyboard controller. This can have many uses, not just for melodic control of oscillators, but here is a particularly useful function for pattern-based pitch sequencing. Modules connected to the outputs of the Precision Voltages will be sent fixed voltages of preset musical intervals, based on the 1V/Oct scale. These voltages, here represented as precise intervals of semitones and octaves, are selected by the two rotary switches. With no external CV signal connected to the inputs, the module will function as a source of preset fixed voltages, with a huge range of +11 volts to -11 volts (10 octaves + 12 semitones). These can be conveniently switched on or off with the A & B switches. When an incoming CV signal is present, this voltage sources is added to, or subtracted from the signal, meaning it can be used to easily shift the pitch, frequency, or CV level of modules it is connected to. This is ideal for shifting the pitch of VCO's to create harmonies or simple chords, or for offsetting CV levels in any application that uses them. The Gate input of this module affects the value of A only, and will allow it to be turned on with a high gate signal, or off when the gate is low. B will remain unaffected, and will continue to output the pitch/voltage offset selected by the rotary pots and switches. The 'OUT' output will combine both A and B, depending on the switch position next to it. As a result, when A is turned off, either by the switch or a gate signal, then only the value of B will be output here. Official website page: https://ajhsynth.com/Precision.html
I'm also using the new Chance Delay module on this patch for some generative randomness/probability - it's not necessary, the sequencer can be connected directly to the Precision Voltages Gate input.
SEQUENCER ADVICE: Most sequencers will allow you to change gate length, sometimes referred to as 'duty', as is done in this video, but you'll need to consult your sequencer's documentation if you are not familiar with how to do this. On many it is obvious, but others not so much. Also, some will allow you to change the gate length directly and quite precisely, whilst others will only allow you to change it in fractions or percentages. This may mean that you can't quite get the gate to span the entire step length, meaning that the pitch modification made by the Precision Voltages may be heard ending prematurely. This is the behaviour of the sequencer, not the module. However, there is a way around this... A gate signal is just a voltage of either zero volts (off/gate is low), or a minimum of +5 volts (on/gate is high). Gates are pulse (square) waves for this reason, as they are simply one of these two states, and so some sequencers will also refer to gate length as 'pulse width'. However, all the gate input needs is one of these two voltage values to turn it on or off. This means the CV outputs of a sequencer can also be used, so long as your sequencer has a range of at least zero to +5 volts, which they almost certainly will. Therefore if you connect the CV output of the sequencer to the Gate input of the precision voltages, set all of the step pitches (or pots such as on the SQ1 used here) to zero, when you run the sequencer the pitch changes set by the Precision Voltages will not be activated. If you then raise the pitch of a step to maximum, it will activate the pitch change on that step. Problem solved! This is not as immediate or convenient as being able to switch the changes on or off with buttons, but it works just the same otherwise, and may be helpful if you can't get satisfactory results with your sequencer, or are finding it too difficult to adjust the gate lengths accurately.
The AJH SYNTH Eurorack range consists of high-end modules, all hand-made in the UK, most of which are based on classic, vintage designs, authentically recreating the circuitry of much sought-after analogue instruments and technologies of the past, whilst greatly expanding them, and bringing them to modern Eurorack levels of convenience, limitless flexibility, and reliability.
Check out the AJH Synth playlists for module 'User Guides', and 'Patch of The Week' videos, which will be either performances or 'how to' guides, detailing functions/methods, and a range of sounds, some familiar, some less so, containing a patch sheet at the end to show you how to construct it for yourself.
"The First Synthesizer Sundays with @LOOKMUMNOCOMPUTER
museum upen on December 22nd 5pm-8pm the organ will be playing crimbo tunes. ALSO OPEN 1-4 DECEMBER 29th And 30th.
See more stuff and Support the museum here :- https://www.patreon.com/lookmumnocomp..."
"Let's talk about some features of the Prismatic Spray bytebeat synth including playing notes via a MIDI source, MIDI equation reset, and looping bytebeats."
"using the Squarp Hapax to sequence the Dreadbox Nymphes through an Alesis Quadraverb (flanged echo patch). just a quick rough jam from the first ~30 minutes of playing with the synth, brand new to me."
"OM-1 CASSETTE SYNTH (2023). + ALL 9 cassette tapes
