Buchla Format Eardrill Pendulum Ratchet Module

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via this auction

As soon as it was released, Chris Muir's Eardrill 077 Pendulum Ratchet became a mainstay of Buchla modular synthesizers all over the world."

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Pendulum Ratchet simple patch

Published on Jun 9, 2014 Todd Barton·166 videos

"Here is a very elementary patch for the Pendulum/Rachet. Hope this helps those just getting started with the P/R.

What I love about it is the ability to "generate a bunch of correlated pulses." These pulses can then, in turn, trigger a 281e or two and, a 266e and, of course, a 251e/250e. When trigging the 281e it, in turn, can create lots of different CVs to send all around your system.

Chris Muir's design is brilliant and an incredibly powerful addition to any Buchla system. Here's a link to the PR description of functions:
http://www.eardrill.com/modules/Pendu..."

EchoSpace of 262

EchoSpace of 262 from Lyonel Bauchet on Vimeo.

"J.R.Butcher Touch Activated Voltage Source, and Djangosfire 2D Voltage Distributor Source,
controlling a Mark Verbos 262v and Roman Filippov 259r, with some help from Chris Muir M/M ADSR and VCA."

via Lyonel Bauchet on The MATRIXSYNTH Lounge

Synovatron cvgt MM Buchla Translator ModuleModules Shipping

via Tone's aka Synovatron - note the different modular formats listed below.

"The first cvgt MM modules have started shipping to clients at the top of the pre-order list. If you want to be added to the list then please make contact on synovatron@btinternet.com

I will build in small batches and work through the list in chronological order and will then contact you when your order is ready to ship. Only at that point will I request payment (see prices below). Please note that this does not form any contract between us and you are not in any way commiting yourself to making a purchase until such a time that you make a payment.

Initially the cvgt MM will be only available directly from me but if there is enough demand then it is possible they will become available at all the usual distributors in due course.

The current variants are:-
Buchla-Euro (round or hex nuts on 3.5mm jacks; please select)
Buchla-Serge*
Buchla-BugBrand*
Buchla-Fenix*
*These are banana socketed variants and only the colour of the banana sockets is different (to match the target system); All are variants (inc. Euro) are to translate from Buchla to 1V/octave systems.

The User Manual is being worked on and will be ready very soon and will posted here in an update. Please checkout the Eardrill website for more info on the ModuleModule concept and other great products from Chris Muir..."

Buchla 4x4 radio

Published on Dec 22, 2012 by Todd Barton

"a little silly Buchla experiment using an FM radio and a Chris Muir Pendulum/Ratchet to chop up and beat-itfy things."

4x4 radio-the patch
Published on Dec 23, 2012

"Here's a brief description of how the Chris Muir Pendulum/Ratchet is creating this sorta funky beat for my previous post of "4x4 radio". And...you can hear a short remix of a seasonal tune here: http://soundcloud.com/user7621213/4x4-radio-medieval"

SMS - Salamandar Modular Systems The Voice 400 Ad & Serge

via the Salamander Modular Systems Facebook Group

You can see one in the flesh here.

Update: via Chris Muir on the Serge connection: "The brains behind Salamander / SMS was Dennis Saputelli. Rex was peripherally involved, but mostly doing assembly."

Rex is the man behind the current Serge modular systems.

morphun & 207r

morphun & 207r from todd barton on Vimeo.

"A brief test drive of my new Chris Muir's Morphun modulemodule and Roman F's 207 clone."

Flare 1532

YouTube Published on Jul 30, 2012 by davidryle "Demo of the Sputnik West Coast Random Source module. A clone of the 200 series Buchla 226 [Update via Chris Muir in the comments: "This is a 266 Source of Uncertainty clone. The 226 was a quad mixer."]. Way too much patching to describe completely. I was just having a go at trying out the various functions of the module. A more musical application of this device will be in order next.
Secondary effects include a low mix in of a delay and a variable panning.
Nine vco's, a Polivoks filter (Analog Craftsman), a Cyndustries QLPG, Sputnik VCS, Oakley Equinoxe and SSL Digital Delay are included in the signal chain.
The title is taken from the Solar CME happening at the time."

BAY AREA SYNTH MEET 2012 Pics by Ivo Ivanov

You'll find the full gallery on Facebook here.

Some of the makers in the order pictured here:

1. Josh Thomas of Toppobrillo
2. Dan Green of 4ms
3. Paul Schreiber of SynthTech/MOTM
4. Eric Barbour of Metasonix
5. Tom Oberheim, Scott Rise of Division 6 and George Mattson of Mattson Mini Modular
6. James Husted of Synthwerks
7. Scott Jaeger of The Harvestman with Chris Muir and his Eardrill-heavy Buchla.
8. Zerosum Inertia

If I missed anyone, let me know!

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Testing the Pendulum Ratchet

Testing the Pendulum Ratchet from Eldancer on Vimeo.

...and it works :-)
amazing module ! ! !

Update via Chris Muir in the comments: http://www.eardrill.com/modules/PendulumRatchet/

Morphun Function Tests

YouTube Published on Apr 22, 2012 by djangosfire

"Here is a walk through of the basic functions of the Eardrill "Morphun" Module Module. Chris Muir of "Eardrill" makes wonderful Buchla synthesizer format/compatible modules.

Module info can be found here: http://www.eardrill.com/"

SMS Salamander Modular & Voice 400

via It's Full of Stars where you'll find more pics.

"As it turns out Chris [Muir] worked on the design and manufacture of the SMS synths back in the day, and this was his personal system. Nowadays it gets a little bit neglected in favour of the Buchla, but it sure looked pretty. SMS's most successful product was the Voice 400, pictured at the bottom."

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UC Berkeley auctioning its Moog 3P?

This one spotted by Chris Muir

"The modules included are–

Case 1
914, 905, 901A (2), 901B (6), Filter/attenuator, Mult panel, CV unit (2), mixer (2)

Case 2
904A, 904B, 904C, 901A, 901B (3), 903, 912, CV unit (3), mixer (2)

Case 3
902 VCA (4), 911 EG (4), 911A, 984 mixer, trigger/envelope module, controller interface module, power supply

Case 4
960 (2), 961, 962 (2)

Case 5 (wood case, no road case) 904A, 904B, 904C

page1image12680
page1image12952
Item 6 (no case)
950 keyboard controller (one key broken)

Item 7 (no case)
956 ribbon controller

Item 8
box of patch cables (audio and S-trigger) and power cables; schematics

http://www.publicsurplus.com/sms/ucberkeleymd,ca/auction/view?auc=593799"

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Eardrill Periodicity and ModuleModule Buchla

"Periodicity
The Buchla 281(e) quad function generators are the unsung heroes of the Buchla Electric Music Box. They perform all sorts of transient and cyclic duties. They are among my most-touched modules. That said, I still feel the need for some dedicated LFOs."

"ModuleModule
Buchla cabinets represent some expensive module real estate. There have been a bunch of little utility functions that I have wanted from time to time in my Buchla system, but gathering just the right combination of functions into a universally loved utility module seemed virtually impossible.
My solution? The ModuleModule

The ModuleModule is a normal Buchla-format module that implements a frame that can hold up to four "standard" mini-modules; "ModuleModule modules", if you will."

You can find more details on each via each link above. via Chris Muir of Eardrill on the SDIY list.

Eigenharp Details and Pricing

Chris Muir wrote in to let me know pricing info and full details are now up at Eigenlabs

The Eigenharp Alpha to left is listed from £3,950 inc Vat
The Eigenharp Pico below comes in at £349 inc Vat
Details for the archives. See Eigenlabs for links and more.

Eigenharp Alpha
"A professional level instrument which allows the musician to play and improvise using a limitless range of sounds with virtuoso skill. The unique design of the keys makes this the most expressive electronic musical instrument ever made. The Alpha can play and record loops, change scale and key, transpose, alter tempo, program beats, create arrangements, switch and layer multiple sounds, all while the musician is performing live on stage.

Available in a variety of finishes, it has 120 highly sensitive keys, 12 percussion keys, 2 strip controllers, a breath pipe and numerous pedal inputs. This gives almost endless possibilities for flexible keyboard layouts, fast instrument switching and expressive musical control. The comprehensive software system provides a wealth of musical performance features, including playback of its own native instruments, many common software plugins, soundfonts or midi instruments.

The Alpha requires a Mac computer to run. Click here for full software specification.
What's in the box?

* Eigenharp Alpha
* Eigenharp Pro case by Hiscox.
* Product Activation card for website support and tutorial materials.
* Breath pipe.
* Two mouthpieces.
* Leather strap.
* Eigenharp Base Station.
* 6M Alpha to Base Station connecting cable.
* 3M Base Station to computer USB2 connecting cable.
* Eigenlabs laptop/Base Station and cables carry bag.
* Eigenlabs 8GB USB stick with latest install software (Macintosh) and getting started tutorials.

Hardware Specification

Keys
* 133 keys in all.
* 120 keys on the main keyboard.
* 12 percussion keys on the lower part of the instrument.
* Plus one mute key.

Key Properties:
* Sampled at 2000 samples/second, per key.
* 11 bit (2048 values) resolution.
* Sensitive to direct pressure and to lateral pressure in both directions.

Breath pipe:
* Sampled at 2000 samples/second.
* 12 bit (4098 value) resolution.
* Bidirectional, sensitive to blown and drawn breath.
* Removable, interchangeable mouthpiece for hygiene.

2 Strip Controllers:
* One on each side of the instrument, 480mm long.
* Sampled at 2000 samples/second per strip.
* 11 bit (2048 values) resolution.

Headphone output:
* 48kHz sampling rate, 24-bit DAC Sigma-Delta.
* Software programmable volume.
* Mute, soft ramp and zero cross detection for volume adjustment.
* SNR = 95dB.
* THD < 0.01% at 1kHz, 30-Ohm load at -3dbFS.
* Up to 750mW output on a 3.5mm mini jack.

Microphone input/preamp:
* Balanced input on an industry standard 4 pin LEMO locking connector.
* 24 bit at 96khz A/D converter.
* Low noise programmable gain from 10 to 55db in 1db steps.
* Software switchable 48V phantom power.
* 8.2V Electret polarisation power available, requires specific cable.
* Noise: EIN= (A-weighted) -120dBu with 150 Ohm source 20Hz to 20kHz, 50 dB gain. EIN Un-wtd= -125dBu with same conditions as A-weighted.
* 26dB software switchable input pad.

Recommended uni-directional (cardioid or supercardioid patterns) microphones:

* Sony ECM66BC, Audio Technica AT898C and AT831C, Sure WL184, DPA 4080 and DPA 4022. Note: Custom wiring for each microphone is required

Base Station:
* 2 inputs for continuous control expression pedals:
* Suitable for use with Boss FV50 and FV500 volume pedals.
* Suitable for use with Yamaha FC3 continuous control sprung sustain pedals.
* USB 2 interface to host computer.
* 2 inputs for foot switches.

Strap:
* Leather strap.
* Friction controlled multi axis instrument mounting.

Floor spike:
* 300mm retractable floor spike with removable rubber foot.

Instruments and soundfonts

You can load and play your own Soundfonts, Audio Unit Plugins and Midi instruments with the Eigenharp Alpha. In addition, the Alpha comes with its own native instruments (at present a software model of a Cello, Clarinet and a Synth engine). The Alpha also ships with a collection of loop libraries and several acclaimed instruments from our partners:

* 1500 AIFF format (timestretch and tempo change capable) varied Percussion and Drum loops.
* Sampletekk 'Black Grand Steinway D, sampled at 20+ levels in a 6 Gigabyte set that includes three recordings from dry to highly ambient.
* Sampletekk 'Tubed Rhodes', a multi sampled Rhodes Electric Piano.
* Sampletekk 'Wurlittzer' electric piano in a Gigabyte multi sample set.

System Requirements and Software

* Please see our Software page"

Eigenharp Pico
"The ultra-versatile Pico is simple to use and anyone can play it. Light and portable, it packs a powerhouse of features. Use it to play solo, play and record loops, change scale and key, transpose, alter tempo, program beats, create arrangements, switch and layer multiple sounds, all while playing live. It's ideal as a solo instrument or for playing in band.

With 18 playing keys and 4 mode keys, a strip controller and breath pipe, the smaller Pico has the majority of the playing features of the Eigenharp Alpha. It plays an unlimited range of sounds and is available in two finishes. The Eigenharp Pico, with its ease of playing and transformational approach to learning scales and music theory, represents a new and easier way to learn to play a musical instrument. The Pico gives you freedom to express your creativity through improvisation like no other electronic instrument in existence.

The Pico requires a Mac computer to run. Click here for full software specification.
What's in the box?

* Eigenharp Pico in robust cardboard carry case/box.
* Product Activation card for website support and tutorial materials.
* Breath pipe.
* Two mouthpieces.
* Neck strap.
* 3M Pico to computer USB2 connecting cable.
* Eigenlabs 8GB USB stick with latest install software (Macintosh) and getting started tutorials.

Hardware Specification

Keys
* 18 playing keys.
* Sampled at 2000 samples/second, per key.
* 11 bit (2048 values) resolution.
* Sensitive to direct pressure and to lateral pressure in both directions.

Breath pipe:
* Sampled at 2000 samples/second.
* 12 bit (4098 value) resolution.
* Sensitive to blown and drawn breath.
* Removable, interchangeable mouthpiece for easy hygiene.

Strip Controller:
* 180mm long.
* Sampled at 2000 samples/second.
* 10 bit (1024 values) resolution.

Other features:
* 4 Mode Switches.
* USB powered.
* Conformable, height adjustable thumb hooks.
* Neck strap.

Instruments and soundfonts
You can load and play your own Soundfonts, Audio Unit Plugins and Midi instruments with the Eigenharp Pico. In addition, the Pico comes with its own native instruments (at present a software model of a Cello, Clarinet and a Synth engine). The Pico also ships with a collection of loop libraries and several acclaimed instruments from our partners:

* 1500 AIFF format (timestretch and tempo change capable) varied Percussion and Drum loops.
* Sampletekk 'Black Grand Steinway D, sampled at 20+ levels in a 6 Gigabyte set that includes three recordings from dry to highly ambient.
* Sampletekk 'Tubed Rhodes', a multi sampled Rhodes Electric Piano.
* Sampletekk 'Wurlittzer' electric piano in a Gigabyte multi sample set.

System Requirements and Software

* Please see our Software page"

Juche BongoBox

Juche BongoBox from Pyongyang Tape Music Center on Vimeo.

via Chris Muir via this thread on Muff's forum.
"Leader Kim Jong Il is a pioneer of experimental music, electronic music and non-standard use of musical instruments, Dear Leader Kim Jong Il is one of the leading figures in the avant-garden.

In DPRK the people are not like in US. In US the people make music for personal profit of capitalist, making lives of people miserable and dark.

But in DPRK all the people have deep love of Dear Leader Kim Jong Il and they have also love for each other. In DPRK the comrades make experimental musick to build the independant powerful prosperous country under care of Dear Leader Kim Jong Il who give warm fatherly love to the people like rainbow coming out of sun in the sky."

This will probably hinder MATRIXYSNTH making it in North Korea. If you click on the global map of my anniversary posts you will see North Korea is one of the few countries with zero visits to the site. Oh well... Maybe they ban Google Analytics? If anyone from North Korea is out there, post a comment! :) Or maybe not. I wouldn't want to get anyone in trouble. On a synth related note, check out this post on North Korea to make electronic musical instruments.

Chris Muir Pendulum/Ratchet Module 077 Order Info

see the update in this post.

Chris Muir Pendulum/Ratchet Module 077

via eardrill modules where you will find more info.

"I always though that my Buchla system would benefit from a dedicated module to generate a bunch of correlated pulses. Sure, you can use sequencers and function generators for this sort of thing, but having a clock source generating a wide variety of pulses of different flavors was very appealing to me, so to that end, I came up with the Pendulum/Ratchet."

Update via wavedeform in the comments: "Just a note to say that this run is moving forward. I'm taking deposits until 6/15/09, after which I'll order board sets and panels.

-Chris"

SOS Guide to Choosing a Modular

It looks like this month's Sound on Sound has a feature article on choosing a modular. You can find an excerpt online. Tiny tiny pic courtesy of the site as well. They really need to have larger images. I'd probably post every one. :)

Note there is a new Cynthia Filterlab mentioned though no details. See the excerpt for more.




Update the filter image sent my way via Chris Muir

Linus and Lucy - A Snoopy Buchla 200e Christmas Tune

"Matrixsynth asked for contributions of synth-oriented holiday music, and my sister was in town and wanted to go to the Charles M. Schulz museum, so this Vince Guaraldi song was buzzing through my head, anyway. I grabbbed a MIDI file off the web and tweaked it just a little. I couldn't decide if this was a good thing to do to this poor song, but it was sort of fun."

You can find the track on Chris Muir's http://www.xfade.com/Buchla/B_Sides.html