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videos uploaded by Frequency Central
Playlist:
Frequency Central feat. forthcoming MU modules CEMosc, Whiteface, Arley Dynamics - Part One
Frequency Central in 'MU-looping' feat. our forthcoming MU format VCO, VCF, VCA and ADSR modules
Frequency Central: atmospheric droning soundscape of doom feat. MU format modules
"A live, semi-improvised modular performance performed entirely on hardware, with one guitar overdub.
This jam started with a simple exploration of the Intellijel Metropolix, a neat sequencer that helps you stumble into inspiration, along with two voices (the Noise Engineering Manis Iteritas and the Acid Rain Chainsaw). My ambitions were no more than "play guitar with eurorack". But as the song found itself, and more and more was added to the table, it became clear I'd have to add guitar after the the fact.
A big highlight here is the Prok Drum modules being sequenced by the Mutable Instruments Grids. Not only is Grids fast and inspiring, but its modulation allows you to add performability (like the snare rolls I add via a touch pad here) and variety (through its chaos and frequency controls). Special thanks to Michael, a good human and also a member of my Patreon community, for allowing me to commission him to build the Prok modules! You're the best, Michael.
And of course, the Erica Synths Zen Delay works its magic again. Here, it runs everywhere from flanger to filter to gonzo delay, and I just love what it adds to a jam.
The patches would take a very long time to explain, but here are the modules:
"Testing the new Dual High Pass Filter rack FX built under license from E.M.S (Cornwall) by Digitana Electronics and Portabellabz. This filter was originally found in the E.M.S Synthi 100 synthesizer. The unit has the exact same form factor as classic E.M.S rack effects modules from the 1970s.
"This is a new 19” rack module built under license from EMS (Cornwall) by Digitana Electronics (UK/Italy) and PORTABELLABZ (Belgium). It is a 100% faithful reproduction of the Dual High Pass Filter (DHPF) section found on early versions of the legendary EMS Synthi 100 synthesiser. An original spare ‘Mk1’ DHPF PCB from a Synthi 100 was kindly loaned by Robin at EMS and then faithfully reconstructed using the same trace artwork/layouts, via modern PCB design software. The PCBs are very high quality with ENS gold plated card edge contacts and traces. The same components as found in the original circuit are used throughout.
The DHPF rack case was deliberately chosen to be the same design as those found in the classic EMS rack instruments from the 1970s such as the Random Voltage Generator, Pitch to Voltage Converter, Octave Filter Bank etc. These were created in CAD from original engineering drawings kindly made available by Robin at EMS. The 1U high chassis is formed from 3mm silver anodised front/rear panels which are connected by solid aluminium side blocks and then 2mm anodised aluminium top/bottom covers. This allows the rack to be safely mounted in standard 19” rack enclosures. The panel graphics use anodic digital printing technology which is far more resistant to wear than silk screened graphics. Original control knobs/coloured inserts/jack sockets made by Cliff Plastics are also used to meticulously maintain authentic EMS design.
An optional beautiful wood rack sleeve is available with the exact same design as found in vintage units. These are made from Afrormosia hardwood (now on the protected species list) just like the original. The wood is ethically sourced from existing historical stock.
Inside the DHPF, the only change compared to 1970s rack modules has been to use a modern (and safer) switch mode PSU. This also has the advantage of allowing a wider range of operating mains voltages (from 98v–220v AC).
The Synthi 100 was designed by David Cockerell and the high pass filter design itself is rather unusual compared to other high high pass filters found in synthesisers. It has CV control of frequency cutoff but also has a response control which can control feedback of the output, creating a resonant peak that at extremes pushes the filter into self-oscillation. The use of diode ‘strings’ in the CV control section of frequency is quite unusual and is reminiscent of the same principle he used in his (later) Synthi Hi-Fli design, although there the filters sections are used to phase shift the input signal.
The high pass filter is capable of easily removing the fundamental in any audio passed through and then the first harmonic as the cutoff frequency is increased. By increasing also the response, the higher frequencies are boosted in a mix and eventually the filter will self-oscillate.
The two filters in the module are identical and a central three-way toggle switch has positions series, off and parallel."
"This is a pre-order for the second lot of SP-1200 reissue units. We fully expect to be able ship the units from the second lot by the end of January 2022. Your payment method will be charged immediately. Limit 2 per customer.
The latest in the SP-12™ family, the Rossum SP-1200® is an authentic reissue of the iconic classic SP-1200 sampling percussion system. Building on the engineering of 2020’s 35th Anniversary SP-1200 Renovation, including study and analysis of many vintage units using modern technology not available during SP-1200’s original production run, the team determined that virtually all original components ought to be used in order to deliver the sound at the very highest standard of precision. E-mu Systems co-founder and original SP-12 and SP-1200 designer Dave Rossum has duplicated the original analog and digital electronics of the landmark 12-bit drum machine sampler as closely as is possible thirty-five years after its debut. Throughout the process of creating the SP-1200 reissue, Dave was delighted that with very few exceptions, authentic components exactly the same as those found in the vintage classic instrument could be used throughout and took great care to maintain the classic SP-12 and SP-1200 circuit board layouts. Inside and out, SP-1200 is faithful to the original operation and preserves the coveted, authentic sound and character of the classic vintage instrument. Through this labor of love, Dave was able to create an instrument that should sound exactly the same even to the most discerning ears.
Changes and enhancements were made where they were compatible with the original design, without compromising the classic vintage sound. Sampling memory has been expanded to the maximum capability of the original sound engine. An all-new memory card storage solution with new functions seamlessly integrated into the operating system allows musicians to conveniently save, rename, and delete files and folders, and supports importing vintage SP-1200 disk images packaged in the popular .HFE format. Also included in every box, a 3.5” “floppy” disk 💾 containing modified software for original vintage SP-1200 units adds a new Set-up Special function allowing users to transfer all sounds and sequences from an original SP-1200 to the Rossum SP-1200 reissue over a standard MIDI cable. Whether using 3.5” disks or the popular floppy drive emulator modification, users of classic SP-1200 units are able to recall and remix their work on the SP-1200 reissue.
"We've been working hard here at FC to bring you some brand new MU format versions of our popular CEMosc, Whiteface and Arley Dynamics modules. Together, they create a super compact synth voice and the perfect intro to MU for new users.
These modules are not on our website quite yet, as we are now awaiting the final PCBs and panels. Have a listen.....how do they sound to you? They will all be released within the next month or two. And remember.....we love you."
The ECG is a diode ladder filter and uses 6 x red LEDs for the diodes. Diode ladder filters have a different sound to transistor ladder filters, and if you’re gonna use diodes, why not use LEDs and get a free light show too – the LEDs will brighten as you turn up the cutoff of the filter, or when a CV is applied. For maximum visual effect ECG is mounted on a translucsuent red acrylic panel. ECG is based on my Vogue VCF/VCA. The inspiration for the changes to the diode ladder is the Roland TB-303 filter."
This one was spotted and sent in via Martin Gnägi.
Playlist:
Slightly Nasty Modular, Roland MKS-7, and Akai S3000XL
Slightly Nasty Modular - Cinematic Jam
Slightly Nasty Modular - Techno Jam
Five Video Game Covers in Five Minutes
The Model 1011 Discrete VCO
Slightly Nasty Modular Jam
Pit Bull DM-1S - Metal Demo
Slightly Nasty Modular - 8 bar sequence jam
Slightly Nasty modular - dirty cyberpunk bass
"ARP 2600 provides the lead. Z506 Swiss Daisy DSP provides the 'pluck'. Intellijel Metropolis sequencer drives the Swiss Daisy DSP. Frequency Central MethAmp provides overdrive as well as a voltage controlled tone with "regen"eration (resonance/Q). ES FV-1 modules provide digital delay and reverb. This module is based on the Electro-Smith.com FV-1 submodule. RecklessExperimentationAudio.com provided the prototype PCBs and panels. Thanks Mikhail!
I almost skipped posting this as the only news here is there's a 4th production run of the Colossus. I guess it's interesting knowing how many are out there. What's also interesting is I always assumed the Colossus was either built in a limited initial run, or it was built per order only. This is a mammoth endeaver and each one costs 25,000 GBP which comes out to $35,000 US. It is $4500 less than this little Sennheiser VSM201 Vocoder!
Press release follows:
""Analogue Solutions announces forthcoming fourth run of Colossus supersized synth that trips back to the future of analogue
KINGSWINFORD, UK: following a showstopping showcase during its introduction at SynthFest UK 2019 in Sheffield, British boutique electronic instruments innovator Analogue Solutions is proud to announce a forthcoming fourth run of Colossus — its supersized synth that trips back to the future of analogue, albeit symbolising so much more than a powerful analogue ‘workstation’ with no fewer than 12 VCOs (Voltage-Controlled Oscillators) beating at its monumental musical heart, rather representing art, architecture, and superlative studio furniture at its hand-built best by taking its design cues from the colossal classic that is the EMS Synthi 100, although no Synthi circuit was cloned or copied in making the destined-to-be-classic Colossus fit for a new generation of high-flying owners — as of February 15…
"The ARP 2600 is providing CV/gate to control the Z506 Swiss Daisy DSP in the new 'Pluck' mode. The Frequency Central MethAmp module provides distortion.
The Swiss Daisy DSP pluck mode uses a Karplus-Strong algorithm to model a plucked string ( think "Rings" ). This plucked string provides a great foundation for driving the MethAmp distortion module.
The Frequency Central MethAmp is a clone of the famous 'Big Muff' distortion pedal used by Hendrix and many others. I could have used the preamp section of the ARP 2600, but the MethAmp also provides tone control, as well as a 'regeneration' control that did not appear on the original Big Muff. The regen can easily cause feedback (frequency controlled by the tone control).
BTW, I love this video on Karplus-Strong synthesis:" [posted here]
"A short Seismograf BD and SD jam, just randomly auditioning some of the drum types, and tuning/distort effects. No real plan!"
"Seismograf is a PIC based drum module featuring coding by Jetroid. There is currently a choice of two PICs which may be used with Seismograf, ‘BD‘ and ‘SD‘. As you might expect, BD contains a range of 8 bass drums, while SD contains a range 8 of snare drums. The drum sounds are 10 bit encodings of some of our favourite electronic kits from yesteryear (see chart below). It is not possible for the user to load their own sounds onto Seismograf PICs, but there is a chance that we may release alternative drum sets as the years roll (!) by.
Select
This knob is used to select one of the 8 sounds to be triggered. It has a CV input associated with it, and when a jack is inserted into the CV input, the knob is used to attenuate the incoming control voltage. This CV input responds to 0V to 5V signals.
Tune
This knob may be used to detune the drum sound either upwards or downwards. It has a CV input associated with it, and when a jack is inserted into the CV input, the knob is used to attenuate the incoming control voltage. This CV input responds to 0V to 5V signals.
Distort
This knob may be used to introduce either one of two different types of distortion to your chosen drum sound. When set to the mid position (12 o’clock) no distortion is present. Turning the knob anti-clockwise will cause the sound to be progressively clipped harder, while turning the knob clockwise will cause the sound to be progressively more bitcrushed. This knob has a CV input associated with it, and when a jack is inserted into the CV input, the knob is used to attenuate the incoming control voltage. This CV input responds to 0V to 5V signals.
Secret Sauce
Try running the sawtooth output of an audio rate VCO into Seismograf’s trigger input, then wiggle the Tune knob manually, or apply a control voltage to the Tune input. Wow! What’s happening here then? When I first demo’ed this feature to Jetroid he buffered for a few minutes before performing a cold shutdown, unable to process what was happening to his code. Seismograf is acting kinda like a fliter, right? Well maybe! Probably more akin to oscillator sync really. As the incoming trigger is so fast, Seismograf only gets to play the initial part of it’s waveform, less on high notes, more on low notes. Additionally, there is naturally higher frequency content the higher the note and so forth. Whatever’s going on, we’re sure that you’ll agree that it sounds freaking awesome. More than just a drum module, right?"
"Seismograf is a PIC based drum module featuring coding by Jetroid. There is currently a choice of two PICs which may be used with Seismograf, ‘BD‘ and ‘SD‘. As you might expect, BD contains a range of 8 bass drums, while SD contains a range 8 of snare drums. The drum sounds are 10 bit encodings of some of our favourite electronic kits from yesteryear (see chart below). It is not possible for the user to load their own sounds onto Seismograf PICs, but there is a chance that we may release alternative drum sets as the years roll (!) by.
Select
This knob is used to select one of the 8 sounds to be triggered. It has a CV input associated with it, and when a jack is inserted into the CV input, the knob is used to attenuate the incoming control voltage. This CV input responds to 0V to 5V signals.
Tune
This knob may be used to detune the drum sound either upwards or downwards. It has a CV input associated with it, and when a jack is inserted into the CV input, the knob is used to attenuate the incoming control voltage. This CV input responds to 0V to 5V signals.
Distort
This knob may be used to introduce either one of two different types of distortion to your chosen drum sound. When set to the mid position (12 o’clock) no distortion is present. Turning the knob anti-clockwise will cause the sound to be progressively clipped harder, while turning the knob clockwise will cause the sound to be progressively more bitcrushed. This knob has a CV input associated with it, and when a jack is inserted into the CV input, the knob is used to attenuate the incoming control voltage. This CV input responds to 0V to 5V signals.
Secret Sauce
Try running the sawtooth output of an audio rate VCO into Seismograf’s trigger input, then wiggle the Tune knob manually, or apply a control voltage to the Tune input. Wow! What’s happening here then? When I first demo’ed this feature to Jetroid he buffered for a few minutes before performing a cold shutdown, unable to process what was happening to his code. Seismograf is acting kinda like a fliter, right? Well maybe! Probably more akin to oscillator sync really. As the incoming trigger is so fast, Seismograf only gets to play the initial part of it’s waveform, less on high notes, more on low notes. Additionally, there is naturally higher frequency content the higher the note and so forth. Whatever’s going on, we’re sure that you’ll agree that it sounds freaking awesome. More than just a drum module, right?"
(MU) Frequency Central feat. Massive Modular Bundle: osc sync, PWM, Keystep histrionics, the works
2 x System X Oscillator System X Lowpass Filter System X Dual VCA System X Dual ADSR
...which together forms our classic MU Massive Modular Bundle!
Well, I was going to program a sequence into the fabulous Arturia Keystep https://www.arturia.com/keystep/overview (accept no imitation), but soon realised that I was having far too much fun just wiggling and jamming out, so I hit record - the rest is history.
The patch is quite interesting, as there are two VCAs available, I've patched sawtooths via VCF and VCA, and pulses directly to the second VCA. There's a negative ADSR output patched to the second VCA, so the PWM'ed sound fades in as the VCF and VCA sound fades out.
As you will already know, these lovely VCOs feature onboard LFOs which I'm making full use of for a bit of vibrato, PWM sweeps, as well as that huge oscillator sync modulation.
Processing is via MU Stasis Leak (off camera) for some huge delay action.
If you have read this far please comment 'Huge Monster!'"
(MU) Frequency Central feat. Little Melody, Raging Bull, System X Oscillator, Stasis Leak and more!
"Finally got around to producing a MU modular video. This one feature the following Frequency Central MU modules:
Wave Runner Little Melody System X Envelope System X Oscillator Raging Bull Stasis leak
I'm using the Boss Dr-55 (bottom left) as a master clock only. The clock is patched to Little Melody, System X Envelope, Wave Runner and also Stasis Leak (via a clock divider).
I've set up a little riff on Little Melody which is being played by the System X Oscillator/Raging Bull/System X Envelope synth voice. I'm occasionally toggling between two modes for some variation.
System X Oscillator's sawtooth and pulse waveforms are patched into the audio inputs of Raging Bull. I'm doing some manual tweaking of it's octave rotary switch. There's also a bit of fat creamy PWM going on
To modulate Raging Bull's cutoff, I'm using Wave Runner in it's sample and hold mode to modulate, System X Envelope, the triangle output of System X Oscillator, as well as some manual tweaks and twists.
System X Envelope is patched to Raging Bull's 3rd CV input, thus controlling both VCF cutoff and VCA openess(?!)/closedness(!?).
Stasis Leak is set to long delays, and is synced to the rhythm via a clock divider (off camera).
If you've read this far, please comment 'Fat and creamy'."
"My son is a fan of Mike Dean, who does videos in his studio demoing his impressive collection. I figured I’d try the same, on a smaller scale. A bit of 70s prog rock showing off. Recorded live, two parts to the video, each with a pad and a lead. Hit “Show More" for the equipment list.
Oberheim FVS – drone pad ARP Odyssey – second lead ARP Axxe – second lead ARP Little Brother – second lead Roland A90 – second pad Mutable Instrument Shruthi (6 of them) – second pad Animoog – second pad Korg Microstation – second pad Roland Alpha Juno 2 – second pad Roland A37 – first pad Full Bucket Tricent Mk III – first pad Full Bucket qyooo – first pad Analogue Solutions Oberkorn - bass Division 6 Business Card Sequencer - noodle D:Machinery Black Seq - noodle Pamela’s Workout – main clock Animodule Tik Tok – clock divider / multiplier Mutable Instruments Anushri – first lead PM Foundations SEM Tribute modules – first lead PM Foundations resemble panels (2 of them) – bass and noodle PM Foundations RingFolder - noodle PM Foundations 3080 VCO - noodle Bastl ABC - noodles Kassutronics VCO3340 - noodle Frequency Central WaveRunner - noodle Manhattan Analog SVVCF - noodle Doepfer A-143-2 - noodle MFOS VCA – noodles Barton Stereo Out Mixer – noodles and bass Behringer X32 Dynaudio BM5 MkIII A few other Eurorack Utility modules
"This is a 73-75 Serge system with 2 panels, the Voice and the Control. Both were put together from the eDIY sets that were offered at the end of the year in 2019. In addition, LEDs were added to 2 of the slews, the envelope, and the SSG modules. This makes a big difference when using, as it provides feedback. The 2 open holes in the control panel were fitted with toggle switches on the negative slews, so you can make them cycle. Both panels have been calibrated.
Both hammond boats are connected together by 4 screws inside, as well as a rubber grommet that provides a channel between the 2 for the power to be distributed. The panels were fitted with potentiometers and then wired to the boards, which took a lot longer, but this gives you flexibility if you want to do future modifications. In fact, I'd recommend someone diy friendly buy this if they'd want to add more toggle switches, LEDs, etc. The PSU is a frequency central power unit that has a +6 volt regulator, needed for this Serge design. Jameco AC adapter included to power both panels.
Cosmetically, this is listed as 'very good' since there is a little bit of rash under the mounting screws and a few small marks here and there.
Comes with a bunch of banana cables from modular addict of varying color and length."
"This DRONE BOX was made to create a special setup for your music sessions.
Perfect as a gift for analog synth enthusiasts.
Box includes: 1x Lumanoise 808 (desktop or eurorack) 2x boxes of aromatic incense (Dragon's blood and Sandalwood) 1x Natural soy candle 1x Tea box(as you choose) with 16 tea bags inside
▷LUMANOISE Remember to choose EURORACK or DESKTOP version! The 808 Cymbal Drone Generator use six fixed frequency square wave oscillators. The six oscillator cluster circuit came from the TR808 drum machine for creating cymbal sound and other metal plate sound, in fact these are the harmonic frequencies of the sounds of metal plate. Each of the six oscillators have a volume pot. and a 12 db low pass resonant filter, the filter cut-off can be controlled by the potentiometer or the photoresistor.
Lumanoise works with voltage between 9 and 12 volt direct current DC, 500 ma tip\central +
Demo of Lumanoise 808: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=awI37njURQg&t=72s ➪Visit our website to discover all Leploop synths: www.leploop.org
▷Natural soy candle It’s a candle with a pleasant aroma of orange, bergamot and Ylang-ylang. Composed by Ylang-ylang essential oil that has a calming, relaxing and stimulating effect on the senses, Orange essential oil that refreshes and energizes, Bergamot essential oil that has a relaxing effect, reduces stress, relieves tension and helps fight persistent headaches and Pine essential oil that has a calming effect; facilitates breathing and relaxes. Burning time: Approx. 30 h. Vegan candle.
▷Choose your favorite tea: ➝ Chocolate Pu-erh Organic Tea A velvety soft infusion of powerful Pu-erh tea with cocoa, vanilla beans, cinnamon and nutmeg. Rich in antioxidants. Ingredients: cocoa powder* (45%), Verified Fair Labor black Pu-erh tea (30%), rooibos*, honeybush*, cinnamon*(4%), orange peels*, nutmeg*. * produced organically
➝ Jasmine Green Organic Tea A light and delectate fragrant green tea infused with real Jasmine flowers. Ingredients: Fairtrade certified organic green tea (100%), scented with organic jasmine flowers.
➝ Herb and Spice Infusion Sweet Matcha Ingredients: green tea (45%), nettle, ginger, spearmint, lemon grass, fennel, cinnamon, Matcha green tea (2%), basil, lemon myrtle, turmeric root, cardamom, cloves, black pepper (all ingredients are organic)"
Rob Papen sharpens soft synth breakthrough by bringing boosted BLADE-2 to existing bundle owners and wider world beyond
ECHT, THE NETHERLANDS: virtual synthesizer, instrument, and effect plug-in developer Rob Papen Inspiration Soundware is proud to announce availability of BLADE-2 — boosting its original BLADE soft synth with fantastic features making it a dream synth for synth lovers who like to think out of the box while working in the box, and available at no extra cost to existing owners of the company’s expansive eXplorer-6 and sure-fire SoundDesign-X bundles — as of October 28…
When the original BLADE was released back in 2012, it had a unique concept — controlling the waveform harmonics (HARMOLATOR) using its recordable XY PAD, which was a very different approach to additive synthesis, and remains so to this day. Indeed, it was the first Rob Papen soft synth to include this feature, facilitating flexible sound editing, recording, and tempo-based playback. Put it this way: when putting this extraordinary combination into action, BLADE users can creatively generate very different tones — far from the sound of the subtractive synthesis crowd, and even those of other additive synthesizers.
"Here we have a total unique triple analogue (or analog for our stateside friends) oscillator for the Eurorack format from Future Sound Systems. The OSC2 Recombination Engine has a master ‘Scissor’ oscillator that can audio rate switch, sync and glue waveforms together from separate positive and negative DNA oscillators. The Glue section is a VCA that merges the positive and negative waves at the rate of the Scissor with options for additional level modulation and mixing internal or external sounds with an added input.
It’s a massively varied unit with everything from soft and sweet sines and triangles working independently to a totally mad as a box of frogs noise oscillator and everything in between. Coaxing out digital DX style musical FM has been easy, it’s a total wizard with AM synthesis and the unique wave the waveform level VCAs work. So I look forward to further exploration.
"This is a new 19” rack module built under license from EMS (Cornwall) by Digitana Electronics (UK/Italy) and PORTABELLABZ (Belgium). It is a 100% faithful reproduction of the Dual High Pass Filter (DHPF) section found on early versions of the legendary EMS Synthi 100 synthesiser. An original spare ‘Mk1’ DHPF PCB from a Synthi 100 was kindly loaned by Robin at EMS and then faithfully reconstructed using the same trace artwork/layouts, via modern PCB design software. The PCBs are very high quality with ENS gold plated card edge contacts and traces. The same components as found in the original circuit are used throughout.
"This is a pre-order for the second lot of SP-1200 reissue units. We fully expect to be able ship the units from the second lot by the end of January 2022. Your payment method will be charged immediately. Limit 2 per customer.
"This is a 73-75 Serge system with 2 panels, the Voice and the Control. Both were put together from the eDIY sets that were offered at the end of the year in 2019. In addition, LEDs were added to 2 of the slews, the envelope, and the SSG modules. This makes a big difference when using, as it provides feedback. The 2 open holes in the control panel were fitted with toggle switches on the negative slews, so you can make them cycle. Both panels have been calibrated.
1x Lumanoise 808 (desktop or eurorack)
