BugBrand CTL1 teaser

YouTube via opsysbug. http://bugbrand.co.uk/
"New BugBrand system came in the mail. Weevil doing ringmod dirty duty and CTL controller on the fingers. Thanks
Tom Bugs !"

BugBrand Modular CTL1 #2

"More for you with my new BugBrand Modular mini-system. The dirty duty done by the Weevil OSC
and the CTL1 Touch Controller. Thanks Tom Bugs and thanks Goiks for the nice wooden box !"

Bug-updates April2009 (General + Modular)

via the BugBrand mailing list.

"Hi All,

While I've been quiet on the mailing lists, plenty of work has been going on here..

[I'm sending this mail to both the General list and the Modular list - usually I'd do these separately, but there's a fair crossover here - if you've got the message twice that'll be because you are on both lists, so sorry for the double-posting]

Small news:
- BugShop Stock - including WOM kits & Weevils
- Modular Developments
- other little bits'n'pieces

**********************************************
***ShopStock -> http://www.bugbrand.co.uk/shop.html ***
**********************************************
I just got back from a couple of workshop events in Spain, so have made up some more WOM kits - now available through the online shop
Actually, many of these have already sold, but I should have further kits available over the next couple of weeks.
Have a read, also, of the BugBlog post about the new boards used (red with gold-trim!) and showing pics of the recent workshops: http://bugbrand.blogspot.com/2009/04/workshops-woms.html
And check the forum thread about the WOM kits: http://www.muffwiggler.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=2174

BoardWeevils & PostcardWeevils are also currently back in-stock + again, there will be more coming over the next couple of weeks.

************************
***Modular Developments***
************************
The BugModular continues to grow - though, sorry to say, availability is still limited to the initial 12 system users.
Some new modules have been announced - http://www.bugbrand.co.uk/modular.html
Plus some pics of the new prototype PortaCase on the BugBlog - http://bugbrand.blogspot.com/2009/04/bugmodular-portacase-proto-new-modules.html

Basically, at this stage I am just adding names of people interested to the BugModular mailing list - hopefully in a few months time I will be able to expand to offering some further systems.
The work on the initial systems is going well though it is busy and constant!

********************
***Other Little Things***
********************
No concrete plans as yet on new standalone BugCrushers or AudioWeevils - some background work is going, but nothing can be confirmed as yet - it is all a matter of time (or lack of)!

This weekend in Bristol: Interesting Sounds at the Arnolfini, Bristol - many people talking about a wide variety of audio ideas etc - inc. myself, just before lunchtime.
11am -> 5pm - http://arnolfini.org.uk/whatson/music/details/255

And the following Sunday (May 3rd) - Depth of Field at the Cube Cinema, Bristol - TomBugs (Modular) vs. Nahum Mantra (Theremin) plus several other live performances.
8pm onwards - http://microplex.cubecinema.com/cgi-bin/diary/programme.pl#4472 //&&// http://www.myspace.com/depthoffieldbristol

//////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

I think that covers the most things for now.
Thanks and best wishes to all.
& enjoy the spring sunshine if you can.

Tom"

NAMM: A whole new load of bugs...

via the BugBrand mailing list:

"Hello and warm greets for 2009!

I am very happy to announce some big changes to all-things-bug...
- a completely redesigned website - http://www.bugbrand.co.uk
- announcement of the new BugBrand Modular system
- and an initial release of the BoardWeevil

***
*New Website *
Many thanks to Both Design for taking the open-source ZenCart framework and putting together a wonderful new system for BugBrand.
It should make orders and organisation a load easier!
Please have a browse and let me know what you think
(and inform me if you identify any weird behaviour / problems)
There's still quite a lot of info to be ported across from the old site - this will take some time..

***
*New Modular
*Oh boy - I'm excited! This is the main thing I've been hinting at over the last few bug-mails -- development over the last 6months has been an amazing experience (and learning curve) and I am so happy to now be able to present the first details.
This is a compact, powerful and pretty unique modular system using banana plugs (I love them) and based on the Frac-rack sizing.
It is a 'complete' system - I have designed a custom rack enclosure, an external PSU and offer banana cables!
There is an exciting range of modules already developed with more to follow over the next months.

The actual building up of systems is still going to be a gradual affair -- I will begin by offering up to 12 systems for purchase. These will be completed gradually over the course of 4-6 months depending on individual spec.
If you are interested in being one of the 12, please let me know before Feb 9th - my choice of people will be somewhat selective -> long-time supporters of BugBrand will get some extra consideration as will people I deem to be working in particularly interesting ways, sharing somewhat similar methods of approach. (ie - collectors are not welcome!)
>From that point, the 12 will receive a rack-frame and a psu along with an initial (small) number of modules. We will then work closely together to tailor each system!

I'm quite aware that my system stands somewhat apart from other current systems - largely due to the banana format. As there are a large number of people using Frac systems with 1/8" jacks, certain modules will be produced in 1/8" versions (limited quantities - banana is my real focus) - I am starting a 2nd mailing list specifically for Modular news, so please let me know if you'd like to subscribe to this (the current mailing list will continue to announce general devices and happenings)

Please have a browse through the new Modular pages - there is quite a lot of info and more to be added over the next weeks.
There are a number of audio and video demos up so have a listen/watch.

***
*Board Weevil
*I announced initial details of the BoardWeevil just before Christmas and now the first few are available. I'm actually changing things slightly for the full-production version, so there are a limited number of the 1st version now available at a reduced price. Basically, the screen-print-labeling will be Yellow on the production versions (the initial version has red printing which doesn't show up too well) and I have slightly tweaked the layout to give some more space to some dials. The production versions will also feature a custom cardboard box!
Its like a souped-up Postcard - with many more features and much better control -> nice compact dials (improved from the Postcard) and a good 1/4" jack output.
I hope to make these a regularly stocked item through the year - the main production runs should start to appear early in February.

***
Ok - many thanks to everyone who has supported my bug-efforts!

And do please let me know what you think of the new bits...

My best,
Tom"

Changing Postcards - BugBrand Newsletter

via the BugBrand mailing list:

"Hi all,

I know it has been quiet on the BugMailList recently!

Most of my efforts have been going into continuing work on the ever expanding BugModular. (http://bugbrand.co.uk/modular)
Plus ongoing building of the Board & Postcard Weevils.
These have been in- & out- of-stock over the last months and I've chosen not to send updates whenever I restock these items.

But, just to keep people in the loop...
I have just added more BoardWeevils AND PostcardWeevils to the online shop - http://bugbrand.co.uk/shop

This batch of Postcards will now be the last of this design - an updated version should be appearing at the end of the month.
While the old version Postcard has proved really popular, I've felt that some updates were called for.
More details when the new design is ready to go, but briefly it will include:
- similar 3-osc design
- but with improved dials (like on the BoardWeevil) for greatly improved feel
- extra IC to stabilize the output level on the minijack - previously things would get super-loud when the power starvation was turned off.
-- this will maintain similar sounds, but improve their usability!
- improved board design will now have silk-screen legends.
- new box for lovely presentation!
The new design will be slightly larger and the price will have to be increased a bit mainly due to the improved dials used.

So - if you want to get your hands on one of the last old version PWeevils at the pre-rise price, strike now!

***** ***** ***** *****
Background work has also been continuing on a new compact BugCrusher design, but this inches forward at quite a slow pace. Hopefully I can move things in the coming months... so stay tuned!

That is that for now..
Best wishes to you all!
Tom / BugBrand"

BugBrand Weevil Module

video upload by BugBrand

"A basic walk-through of the new Weevil module for BugBrand Modular.
1) the individual oscillators, then RingMod1 + Power Starve behaviour
2) processing a static VCO
3) then using a rhythmic gate into the audio input
Support from Penrose plus, off camera, a CVCO & the ever present DDSR.
--- https://www.bugbrand.co.uk/product/we..."

via BugBrand

"Back in the Old-Blues days, I tried to port the Weevil design into the modular format but it was a challenge.. The circuitry of the regular Weevils is really very simple & the chaos comes from circuit-bending (an unconventional approach!) – the difficulty was how to add voltage-control features to this simple circuitry (modular approaches are quite a bit more involved). So while I did a design back then which was enjoyed by bug-users (SYN1 Weevil), I never thought it quite captured the chaotic sonic worlds of the ‘true’ Weevils.

For a few years I put the Weevils to bed, but have recently come back to thinking on them – so, looking again at modular approaches, I’ve come up with something that I feel works things a bit differently and, while it still feels a bit different from more regular/simple Weevils, it offers a whole host of chaos & noise.

See the block diagram!

First off we have the power starvation core – this unfortunately couldn’t viably be voltage-controlled. Turn the Starve dial fully clockwise for regular/full-power usage. When starved, everything goes a bit nuts, everything interacts & we get to much more noise-based areas, though note that all outputs pass through circuitry to ensure they remain ‘full-strength’ (all are 0V to +10V). There is also a Stable switch which adds a little smoothing – it isn’t exactly stable, but it is more-so/different.

There are two voltage-controlled oscillators ranging from c.0.5Hz to 20kHz from the front panel (they can go slower with external negative CV). There are CV inputs with depth controls & polarity/mute switches for each Osc plus a CV Both input which affects both Oscs. The Oscs track 1V/Oct reasonably well, but are not temperature compensated, nor do they have the best high-frequency tracking. The two Oscs interact a little, especially so when starved. Each Osc has an independent banana output + LED indicator.

The basis for Weevils was a simple cymbal noise-source generator which quasi-ring-modulated square waves together for richly (en)harmonic tones. Here we have a first RM combining the two Oscs, followed by a second which mixes RM1 with an external signal which has passed through a drive/squaring circuit so that it matches the Weevil-core (inc. starvation). This audio input is quite level dependent so do play with the Drive control – you can also input gates/clocks/etc. to the input which can generate some interesting behaviours when using Starve. Note that without an input signal, the output of RM2 will appear quiet (ie. it isn’t silent, but it isn’t regular amplitude).

All in all, the Weevil Module is inherently quite chaotic compared with my other module designs – that is, I feel, its strength & interest! Experiment, feed different signals in, feed outputs back into CV inputs, etc."

BugBrand in a Bag - BugBrand Modular Soft Cases & BugBrand Live in Berlin

via BugBrand

"Tomorrow I will be finding out whether Easyjet really do let you take on musical instruments like this. Fingers crossed! The cases are soft and well padded, with a big pocket on the front for PSU / cables / panties. Carry handles + a shoulder strap. Dark blue - not quite BugBlue, but hey.."


"Not one, but TWO shows (in Berlin):
- Friday 7th Oct at K77" [link]

Below: A recording of a practice:

How things roll Oct11 by BugBrand

Random Seed

Published on Jan 25, 2013 d4nnyp·13 videos

"BugBrand Modular synth doing all sounds, Gotharman Little deFormer playing and processing the speech sample. Signal Arts Tetra MAPS sequencer triggering BugBrand.

Complicated patch so I won't explain it all but interesting bit is using cross modulation for the clock. Everything, including the MAPS is clocked from an oscillator in LFO range, the rate of the oscillator is changed by sample and hold that is clocked from the same oscillator, so theres a feedback path.
MAPS, has 2 main sequencer channels into the Bugbrand and each of those is modulated by 2 further sequence tracks, the latter 2 set to random mode. MAPS is very good at sequence modulation and live triggering.
Gotharman Little deFormer is triggered from the BugBrand and CV'd from both BugBrand and MAPS via the AnaX analog breakout box."

BugBrand MonoMeter & News

BugBrand

"I've been meaning to make use of this little meter for years..
First try with a prototype.
Camera mic!"

And the news via the BugBrand mailing list:

"After a year of slow tinkering (/procrastinating) the new website finally launched a few weeks back.
The new one is nice & clean, I think - a good deal lighter in appearance than the old, with a good deal of tidying up & info adding.

Go check here: www.bugbrand.co.uk

Fingers crossed all the online ordering works smoothly - do please email if you encounter any issues.

One aspect in all of this was changing the webhosting - this seems to have caused a few issues with email, in particular some replies from me going missing, especially with attachments such as PDF invoices. This is frustrating!

I always try to stay on top of email replies, so if things suddenly go quiet or you don't hear back from me then you can always give me a nudge using my bugbrand AT gmail com email address.

So, I've been kind of storing up a few new releases as I didn't want to add them to the old site. Here we go!
[Click the title links!]

***PEQ2***
I've reimagined the old parametric so that we have a regular production EQ device - initial stock is available online!
It remains purely manual in control - I spent a lot of time trying out Voltage Control approaches, but nothing stuck as yet, and there's a lot to be said for keeping things simple! This is great for transforming the audio spectrum of signals - and there might even be a complementary 2FW mono something to pair with it... prototyping at the moment.

***Expanded COFilter***
The (Active) Expander for the current CrossOverFilter should now be in semi-regular production. The above links to the standalone combo package but I can also provide it as a module with new 5FW case - just email to discuss. A new batch is on the bench but there are two completed units ready & in the online store.

***Multiplier Module***
A new polarizing VCA module (1FW) for the Blues. I've still got a few made from the 1st batch with more to follow shortly.
(In general I have regular stock of most current Blue designs - most ready built on the shelf - always email order only so do shout!)

***PT Delay Slight Seconds***
The latest batch of PT Delay standalones had a few minor panel imperfections - small scratches or blemishes - so they've been marked down slightly in price.

***Banana Cables***
I just restocked & added a further sample pack of 4 x 50cm cables - regularly available!

Next up is continued catching up - restocking items like the SComp & DRM2, keeping the modular line ticking over, making up systems, ongoing bubbling prototype work...And remembering too to sometimes step away from work!
Spinning always.

Best autumnal wishes,
Tom"

Bugs-galore - Weevils, TShirts, Raffles, Pics

BugBrand Newsletter:

"***
Weevil08s - new batch of 18 released today

A fresh batch of Weevil08s has just been added to the shop

Strike now if you want one in Red or Green. (a further batch will follow before too long)

***
TShirts
I've begun screen-printing my own shirts and they're now available from the shop in a few different colours.
Great if you live somewhere where it doesn't rain all the time (.....)

***
Workshop Oscillator Machines & Raffle
The two workshop events (Berlin and Lisbon) went really well with about 30 people, many of whom had zero electronics knowledge, successfully building their own machines.
I have now ordered a further batch of PCBs so that I can do more workshops and also offer kits for people - due around the end of the month!
(These new PCBs will have silk-screening on the boards to make part placement easier)

I've now made up the final few 1st-run boards and am offering four of them for sale (in case you don't want to make your own with the forthcoming kit).
These also have better dials on them - the standard kit just has little dials like on the PostcardWeevil, but these ones have nice dials as shown here:
http://www.bugbrand.co.uk/pages/sounddevices.htm#workshoposc
There are three MP3 sound examples too, showing some of the sonic possibilities.

Ok, but I only have four of these so we're going to do another raffle!
Email me back to say you want to enter and then on Monday (14th July) around midday (UK time) I'll pull four names out of a hat (a real hat, not a virtual one).
-> the price is £65 plus shipping (£3 UK, £4 Euro, £5 Worldwide) and I'll sort Paypal payment with the winners of the raffle.

Hope that makes sense?! Email me back if you've got questions..

***
Photos
I just started a BugBrand Flickr account and will be plopping things up there gradually - today, tomorrow, the next day, etc... http://flickr.com/photos/bugbrand
(at the moment there's just a couple of pics from the recent Portugal trip)

***
Other buildings
- there aren't any fixed plans as yet for AudioWeevils / BugCrushers / other things -- you'll hear by BugMail when other things are moving more.
Sorry for slowness...

***
***
That's it for now!
Best to all!
Tom"

Pictured:
Suitcase - Jul08
flickr by bugbrand
full size

A Colourful Modular Synthesizer // Who & What is BugBrand?

video upload by DivKid

"Some time ago around a visit down to Bristol I got the chance to go and see Tom from BugBrand (again, first visit linked below). The then new Phase standalone box and Phaser module were out on show so we had a listen and chat about them but spoke more generally about who and what BugBrand is, how Tom works and the development of the equipment he builds."

Bananas, Synths & Studio FX - An interview with Tom Bugs of Bug Brand [posted here]

**TIMING INDEX // CHAPTERS **

00:00 Intro
01:15 Who & what is BugBrand?
09:11 Modular synths as limited creative instruments
14:47 Phaser & product development
23:25 How BugBrand operate (differently)

New BugBrand PT Delay Videos

BugBrand PT Delay 001 Published on Jun 14, 2013 GizmoMusicJapan·55 videos

BugBrand PT Delay
Bleep Labs Bleep drum
BugBrand uCrusher

BugBrand PT Delay 002

Tom Bugs of BugBrand Live

via the BugBrand mailing list:

"Sorry that I still don't have any nice new standalone device updates for you, but in the meantime I am doing a few live shows.
(ok, ok, no it doesn't make up for the lack of PT-Delay-ness...!)

Friday 4th May (tomorrow!) - The Chasms are coming over from the Isle of Man to play at the Cube Cinema in Bristol - I will be joining them for their final track.
Blurb via the BugBlog - http://bugbrand.blogspot.co.uk/2012/04/chasms-come-to-bristol.html
And via the Cube - http://www.cubecinema.com/cgi-bin/diary/programme.pl#6372

Saturday 5th May (the following day..) - Earth Works Presents: The Cabinet Of Living Cinema And Others Howls - again, at the Cube Cinema
I'll be doing a live Modular soundtrack to one of Jean Painleve's 'Science Is Fiction' films - The Seahorse.
And playing also in the Red Squirrel Orchestra.
The films for the night are sure to be full of fascination and wonder.
http://www.cubecinema.com/cgi-bin/diary/programme.pl#6617

Sometime in mid-May (or perhaps later - weather dependent) - Swimming Pool Cube
Another Cube event but this time to be held outside at a secret (swimming-related) location.
This was scheduled for April, but the weather put paid to that. We're now awaiting a dry slot, aiming for around 12-17th May.
The Swimmer (Burt Lancaster - classic) will be shown and I will be providing live soundtrack to some short films beforehand.
Get in touch if you want me to keep you informed on when and where this event will happen!

And then to London on Friday 18th May to support the album launch of Bass Clef
I'm billed simply as 'Bugs' - maybe as this is aiming to be a more techno-driven affair mixing the modular with some drum machines for power-rhythmics.
At Power Lunches in London - a small basement in Hackney - put on by the lovely QuJunktions.
http://bugbrand.blogspot.co.uk/2012/04/bugs-so-called-new-live-name-supporting.html

[and one further event hint - my BugBrand work assistant, Mark Durgan, is playing at the Cube on Saturday 19th May - alongside Ekoplekz and Stephen Cornford amongst others - http://www.cubecinema.com/cgi-bin/diary/programme.pl#6619 - highly recommended]

Ok - back to work for me!
Best wishes to all,
Tom"

BugBrand Drone Machine

Click here for images pulled via this auction.

Details:
"Input - Audio Input Preamp with Vari-decay Envelope Follower
The modular works at high signal levels so external audio signals must be brought up to suitable levels. Suitable for line or mic level signals (low or high gain settings respectively). The EnvFlw generates a smoothed CV representing the amplitude of the input signal.

RingMod - Multiplier / Modulator
Ring-modulation of oscillators or audio input results in some great klang-tones and you've got the modular scope to make the input waveforms do some interesting things. This module also allows amplitude modulation, so can be used for basic VCA applications in AM mode.

Inverters - CV / Audio inverters x 2
Two simple inverters that work with CV or audio signals. Useful for changing the polarity of modulation waves.

VCOs - 3 x Thomas Henry XR2206 VC(LF)Oscillator
These VCOs have some great power and with three of them you can reach some really extreme sonic areas by cross modulation and/or chaotic feedback. The concise design is from Thomas Henry (used with permission) - there are details online here and I've published a compact PCB for you to DIY here. I've added a switch to allow Oscillator or LFO ranges from about 1cycle a minute up to super-high frequencies (10+ kHz) and the oscillators are roughly scaled to 1v/oct (though I wasn't aiming for a typical keyboard driven synth system! You'll get at least four octaves of decent tracking).
The oscillator generates Sin/Tri waves (switchable) and squarewaves, has diverse modulation inputs, sync input and a strange/wonderful VC-waveshaping control that inverts half of the Sin/Tri waveform resulting in rich harmonics (the waveshaping doesn't change the squarewave)
The controls are (from top): Range Switch (Osc / LFO), Coarse Tune, Indicator LED, Fine Tune, Sin/Tri Switch, Waveshape, Exponential Modulation with depth control (use this input for 1v/oct response), Linear Modulation with depth control, Waveshape modulation with depth control, Sync input, Sin/Tri output, Square output.

VCF - State Variable VC Filter
A standard but powerful VC Filter design (12dB/Oct) with two audio inputs and three response outputs (Low / Band / High pass). There are controls for Cutoff and Resonance and two cutoff modulation inputs with depth controls. The two audio inputs (with level controls) are mixed together before the filter.

Delay - PT2399 digi-delay module (not voltage controlled).
The PT2399 is a good sounding digital delay chip - it is only specified to generate delays up to about half a second, but when you slow it down further you get some noisy, crunky, wonder sonics (hear the audio demos). You get two (switchable) time ranges - long or short, with long generating the crunchy sounds. Then there are controls for delay time, feedback (into overload) and dry/wet balance.

Output Mixer - 3 channel output mixer
A simple output mixer with level controls and master output level control.

The Rear Panel - Ins / Outs / Power / Decoration!
On the back of the unit you've got the input and output 1/4" mono unbalanced jack sockets, power input / on-off switch / LED indicators (bright blue!) and common ground connection (if you want to hook the unit to other modular devices). Pretty looking, no?

Connections - all internal connections use 4mm banana connections. These are great because they're colourful, reliable and, best of all, stackable - so you can take an output to many different inputs at the same time for modulationary overload.

Power - the box runs off a bipolar (+/- 12v) supply so you can only use it with the supplied AC (not DC!) power adaptor. I have a range of AC adaptors suitable for your global location and will supply your choice of UK, Euro or US.

Case - the box is a compact 12 x 6 x 6 inches and has a carrying handle on top. Damn, you can travel in style with this box - it looks kind of like a vanity case!

Sound Demos - an important factor! Here are some mp3 demos (320 kbps) - they are all recorded straight in with zero effects - what you hear is what you get! And do try to listen on decent speakers to hear the extreme low-frequencies possible. These sounds, of course, give only a brief overview of the sonic possibilities."

Demo1 - starts with slowly modulated oscillations, moves through some delay sounds and down into clickety bubbles.
Demo2 - some synthy sounds (not played with keyboard! purely square-wave modulation depth), more delay and then into a chaotic scream section. Finishes with some hyper-high-freq slow moves to cleanse your ears.
Demo3 - audio processing with a drum beat. Highlights the VCF with modulation from the EnvFlw and oscillators. Moves into ringmod sounds and the end has some subtle sync'ing rhythmics.
Demo4 - Low-end sine modulations - you need to hear the lows. Shows some waveshaping and modulation inversion."

You can find the demo links in the auction and mirrored here for when the auction goes away.

Previous BugBrand posts including video.
BugBrand on YouTube
BugBrand website

Update: The video:

BugBrand Drone Machine - Overview & Audio Processing Demo

BugNews - uCrushers, TravelWeevil, TOUR

via the Bugbrand Mailing list:

"NewsNewsNews:
- there are more uCrushers
- (I know I said last time that Weevils may go to sleep, but..) there are new TravelWeevils
- and I am going travelling around Sweden and Norway for the 2nd half of October

*uCrushers*
A new batch has just been added to the shop.

As I am about to head off to http://tuskfestival.com/ for the final WOM event, I will be shipping any orders out on Monday.  One week window for purchase as then I'm off travelling.

*TravelWeevils* & *Touring*
These go together.. because I designed the new TravelWeevil specifically for the forthcoming Scandinavian Tour - think of it as being like a Ltd.Edition Tour CD.

http://bugbrand.blogspot.co.uk/2012/10/travel-weevil.html
Limited run of 50 and ONLY available at shows.

The first five will be available at http://tuskfestival.com/ this weekend.

http://bugbrand.blogspot.co.uk/2012/09/bugbrand-scandinavian-travels-october.html

8 dates around Sweden with a brief pop into Norway - we have shows, we have talks, we have demos, and we have a Modular-Meet.

This is a chance for me to get out and play with the BugModular, to meet people, to talk and to show.

Do come along and say hello!
And please spread the word if you can.

That wraps things up for most of October.

Now, off to Tusk to fire up the soldering irons.

Thanks and best wishes!

Tom"

BugBrand News - PT Delay / FXHE / Changes

via Tom Bugs on the BugBrand mailing list:

"Hi All,

Umm, wow - I think it is 4 months since my last mailout.. A *lot* has been changing. Here's the run-down.

**FXHE - Tom Bugs - Living Leaving 12"**
YES - almost 30 minutes of live studio techno wobble split over 2 sides of vinyl and released by one of the very finest Detroit Labels::::
http://omarsdetroit.us/eps.php#tombuggs
Omar S is something of an underground legend - very direct & hard-working and it gives me utter excitement for him to release this recording from around 1 year ago.
There's actually no BugModular *sound* (instead it is drum machines & synths) but the Modular is used to reconfigure trigger streams - a key concept in my Modular approaches.
The vinyl is available direct from Detroit or check your local record store - lots of availability online now, I think.

**PT Delay Standard 2013**
YES - finally time for the new PT Delay design. It has been quite a while coming, but perhaps the next section will explain a bit more of the background changes.
http://www.bugbrand.co.uk/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=24&products_id=113
The main changes from the 2011 model are: Voltage Control! More powerful Equalisation! Standardised Production methods! Internal Refinements!
I had hoped to get the full batch of 100 done and released at this stage, but.. time is of the essence (again, see below) so now I'm splitting it into two batches of 50 units each - the remaining batch will come in 2-3 months..

**Changes**
YES - I'm actually leaving Bristol in 2 weeks time - or, at least, I will be living in Sweden for the coming months, though the BugBrand HQ will remain in Bristol for the time being.
Bigger, exciting life outside the regular Bug World!
As such, I will not be working on Bug-Bits for around 2 months (life will keep my hands busy) and then from there there will be definite changes (not all fully decided at the moment) - more working remotely with occasional popping back to Bristol for hands-on work.
And the main thing is that I am putting the Modular on ice for the time being (there will be a Modular Mailout shortly explaining more - I've been focused on winding down for much of the last few months) and instead focusing on bigger batches of standalone devices - I'm already lining up a couple of new designs, but lips are sealed for now.
In essence - stopping, but not stopping.

Wishing you all a very happy SUMMER.
And extend great & ongoing thanks to everyone who continues to give me the buzz to work!

Bests, Tom

PS

**Changes 2** - alongside all the other changes, I want to say a MASSIVE thankyou to my trusty assistant of almost 4 years - Mark Durgan (who is something of an underground legend)
Without Mark's work I'd not have been able to produce the things I have - he has worked so reliably.
Mark was the production powerhouse of the cranky bug-setup - he did most of the building work while I did design, parts sourcing, testing and all the sending/emailing etc.
Mark now moves off to new areas and I wish him the very best for future works.
http://markdurgan.blogspot.co.uk/"

Bugbrand System

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

via this auction

"All these are brand new accept the compressor
Which I bought from Josh @ Malekko.

Chirper not in the system. That’s just a faceplate to fill space. Includes dual filter, dual amplifier and dual mixer.comes with extra Bugbrand Blank panels for DIYing. You can see that they have guide holes for
Mounting your DIY stuff neatly. Pretty cool concept.
1-space and 2-space blanks included.

This is a great way into Bugbrand. It’s an instrument in its current form with just enough room to grow. The GRILLES and TRESSES are Bugbrand format modules from Batchas on MW.

Includes 10 banana cables, PSU and system.
Willing to sell the compressor module separately for $600"

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BugNews - the new BoardWeevil

via the BugBrand newsletter:

"I'm happy to announce that the new BoardWeevil 2011/12 is released today.

But first, just a note that I've got a live collaboration vs. Ekoplekz here in Bristol next week.

Ok, back to the main news::::

This is the new version BoardWeevil - somewhat along the lines of the previous, but greatly streamlined and with a much more powerful filter section.
There are details, sounds and a squiffy demo-vid online now.

The first 40 units (spread over 2 batches) will be the 2011 in Yellow, then I'll be porting it over to 'proper production' and keeping it regular through 2012 (colour may well change).

That is the news.
Best wishes & cheers!
Tom"

Update:

BugBrand BoardWeevil 2011/12

YouTube Uploaded by BugBrand on Dec 1, 2011

"Here's a quick overview of the new BoardWeevil.

(one day I'll learn to take my time making quality videos rather than these lofi jobbies..)

Further details over at www.bugbrand.co.uk"

New BugBrand Cube Weevil Celebrates The Cube Cinema

via the BugBrand mailing list:

"Today I'm releasing a new Weevil design which also celebrates & supports a place which is very dear to my heart.

The Cube Cinema has inspired & influenced me in so many ways.
It is a place entirely run by volunteers and it survives without any external funding.
It is a wonderful and sometimes chaotic melting pot, full of freedom and run on so much love.

And stands as testament to what can be achieved by doing what seems interesting and fun.

Now they are trying to buy the building so that the space can continue and evolve, but with still more freedom: [link]

There is approximately Ł45,000 still to raise by the end of the year so...

The Cube was key to my development as I started out making BugBrand boxes - it fostered the feeling that the path less trodden could be viable.

And so, sharing some of the spirited chaos, here is a new Weevil design which, as always, will only give out its inner sounds with coaxing and engagement.

This one continues my play on design and presentation and also brings in a couple of new features.
It is a limited production of 50 pieces and Ł15 from each sale goes to the Cube cause.
[you can also donate direct to the Cube by following the Freehold link above - please do support!]

That's the news from here for now.
There are still a few PT Delays available via the online shop too - www.bugbrand.co.uk/shop"

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BugNews August -- EBay Auctions

via the BugBrand email list:

"Hi All,

This year seems to be the year of change for BugBrand.. Finally after about 2 years of searching for a new workshop space, I have just taken over a property a few hundred metres down the road and am in the process of getting set up to move in there. There's quite a load to do, both in setting up my new workshop and office spaces, but also in upgrading certain parts of the building -- electricals, plumbing, roofing, windows... So at the moment I'm a little snowed under by it all but I know that in the long-run it is going to be such a great change.

As I've been in the workshop for over 5 years you can imagine that quite a lot of stuff has gradually accumulated and this move really gives the impetus to have a good clear out! So I've begun putting up some items on Ebay, both to clear out and to help fund the move and setup costs.

Have a look at my Ebay homepage: http://myworld.ebay.co.uk/bugbrand and then click the 'items for sale' link on the left. [or click here]

So far I've put up two batches of items:::

Batch1 - due to end around 4pm (BST) Friday 13th August (tomorrow!) - including Weevils, BugCrushers and a DroneMachine!
Batch2 - due to end around 4pm (BST) Wednesday 18th August - including further Weevils and BugCrushers..

There should be one or two more batches going up either this week or next - I can't say exactly what may be in the future batches, but there may be some goodies! (I'll do another mailout if so..)

******************************
Other news?
Well, most of the time is currently taken up with the move and this will be the case until the beginning of September at least.
Shortly I will be able to properly announce two forthcoming Workshop (WOM) events in October/November.
And by tomorrow I should have a new batch of BoardWeevils in the online shop if anyone is waiting for one.

Thanks all and best wishes for now,
Tom"

Note I've been capturing the pics in various posts as I see the auctions go up. You can click on the BugBrand label below to find them.

BugBrand Flickr Set

"Tom from Bug Brands in his studio in Bristol. Tom creates bespoke analogue electronic systems musicians and bands, as well as art pieces like the "sonic dress". He is also an accomplished musician in his own right. Shot for Dazed and Confused magazine."

Title link takes you to more shots on the Bug Brands flickr set. via Music Thing and Sendling.

Note that the flickr set has Bug Brands isntead of BugBrand, but according the the BugBrand Blog it is BugBrand. I'll drop a comment in one of the flickr shots.