The Eternal Now

video upload by davidryle

"American Format (5U) modular synthesizer performance in real time to a stereo track in Cubase.
For an atonal wash I used the Dove Audio Waveplane and WTF vco's through an Oakley Sound Systems Ring Modulator. I then sent it through A dotcom Q150 transistor ladder filter and a Lower West Side Studio Multimode Filter/Resonator and on to a fixed filter bank and a Frequency Central Stasis Leak digital delay. This drone wash comes in at the final section and ending.
The opening reed sound and accompanying organ sounds were derived from the Synthetic Sound Labs/Mutable Instruments (Braids) Woven Spirits module.
The initial reed sound is from the AUX output of the Woven Spirits through an SSL/Ian Fritz 5 Pulser and Oakley Sound Systems State Variable Filter. The filter is stepped with a random S&H from JNP Electronics.
The secondary organ chord sound is the Main direct output of the Woven Spirits in Chord mode. The combination of both elements are sent to an Electro-Harmonix Grand Canyon in DMM mode. Feedback is applied as needed for the drone sustain throughout the piece.
The bass line comes in next with a pair of STG Soundlabs Oscillators through a Dove Audio D502 Multimode filter in -24dB LP mode. The pitch voltage is from the upper Q960 step sequencer. It's timing is from a Catgirl Synth Master Divider, clocked from a custom Dual LFO/Analog Shift Register of Ken Stone (Catgirl Synth) design. An additional tap from the STG oscillator through a Corsynth C103 Frequency Divider/Multiplier module for a sub-octave feed.
The melodic line blended into the latter section is from a pair of Q106 dotcom vco's which are pitch controlled by the lower Q960 sequencer. Each vco pitch is from a separate row of the Q960. The Q960's shift timing is from the CGS Master Divider module. The output is routed through an Empress Reverb pedal in Blue Ghost mode. Panning is from the LWSS/Yusynth Panning Mixer.
All pitch quantitization is through a Moon Modular 565 series setup.
Additional voltage modulation to the Woven Spirits module are from the STG Soundlabs voltage mini stores, and vaious LFO's etc. Timing for the additional sequencers is also managed by the Moster Divider."

Luminous Trilogy & A CATALOGUE OF FM MATERIALS by Element433 ( a.k.a. Pere Villez)

via Element433 (Pere Villez)

"When I made the popular YouTube series 'FM Catalogue of Materials', many viewers commented that they would love to see some more of the 'music tech as cinema' style created in the videos.

My new project 'Luminous Trilogy' release, does exactly that. In part 1 'WTD', synths and synth technical diagrams, together with Pure Data/Max patches, become casual parts of the film's environment, which is set in an alt near future. Part 1 was realised with analogue modular, whereas Part 2 "Breath" was scored using binaural audio, VCV rack and live Indian tablas. Part 3 'Contrails' uses physical models, Samplicity's Berlin Studios and vintage FM hardware."

Update: Element433 has made the VCV patch and assets used in the film "Breath" below a free download. You can find instructions on downloading the patch and setting it up here: http://tinyurl.com/e433WpBrvcv.

Luminous Trilogy

video uploads by Element433 ( a.k.a. Pere Villez)

"Three music shorts around the theme of light, from incandescent urban folklore set in the near future, electric neon glowing medussae to impossible skies, all to the sound of dark ambient and techno-world music"

Playlist:

Walking The Dulzaina - Luminous Trilogy - Part 1

Walking The Dulzaina is an edited one-shot music film which details the manic walkthrough time-lapse of an imaginary synthesised dulzaina (Spanish folkloric instrument) being taken for a walk through the "Las Vegas" like dressed streets of a small village festive celebration set somewhere in the near future.

The visuals are nods to the Bladerunner, Lynch, Weirdcore and Kubrick where the glow of transparent neon CRTs, display technical diagrams with a music technology theme. Some suddenly slide up from the ground, while others cross from one side of the street to another.

The music is inspired by minimalism, industrial techno synth-folk where Steve Reich and Techno meet Raymond Scott and 1960's BBC radiophonic.

Musical Equipment Detail:

Intro: Moog Subharmonicon through Fairfield Randy's Revenge ring modular - into two crunchy Elby Systems stereo valve preamps and out into a stereo pair of Doepfer A-199 spring tanks).

Dulzainas: Buchla Easel Command sometimes untreated and sometimes solo through a J.H. 'Son of a Storm Tide' stereo analogue studio flanger (built by Van Daal Electronics (second dulzainas and very low transition whoooses). Buchla and Subharmonicon sync locked and clock divided by Ornaments and Crime clock divider.

Final wormhole sequence: Subharmonicon through stereo A-199 Doepfer spring reverbs and Paulstretched.

This work is not sponsored by any the manufacturers mentioned. They are personally purchased pieces of equipment.

Album:
https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/ele...

CLICK FOR MORE »

Lunartube Habitat w/ New Synthetic Sound Labs 1201 TZ Oscillator

video upload by davidryle

"Digging in the regolith...

The new Synthetic Sound Labs 1201 TZ Oscillator in 5U format.

https://steamsynth.com/shop/moog-unit...

This production is centered around the new VCO with other modules from SSL as well as a version of the TZVCO from The Bridechamber and Ian Fritz, who is the original gangster.

The theme is the idea of a human habitat on the moon within the lunar pits formed from lava tubes. Personally I would rather stay on Earth than live in a cave, but that's just me."

"Our newest 1201 VCO is based on the superb new SSI2130 chip. The 1201 offers all the features of our original Model 1200 with massively improved range, tracking and stability. We’ve added continuous control of pulse width modulation, and separate linear and exponential FM inputs with convenient input attenuators.

Most importantly – the 1201 offers linear Thru-Zero FM (Frequency Modulation) and PM (Phase Modulation). When paired with a secondary oscillator, these modulation types provide extremely rich harmonic textures. Thru-Zero (or TZ) has proven to be difficult to produce in the analog realm prior to the availability of the SSI2130 chip."

Two New Waveshapers - August 2023

video upload by John Schussler

"New month, new modules.

I built the Wave Animator from the kit: it's very straightforward with a small part count and easy assembly.

I most certainly did not build the Foldiplier. It's got lots of parts and does not look to me like an easy project. (Zlob's web page rates its difficulty at 3.5/5)

They're both waveshapers, but with very different approaches. The Wave Animator is based on an Ian Fritz design that produces two pulses whenever it sees an input wave. The Foldiplier is a more "standard" wavefolder/harmonics generator, with the caveat that it has a feedback mode best described as 'pissed off.'

Both are quite fun.

00:00 Intro
00:20 Wave Animator
07:02 WA growly bits
12:45 Foldiplier
19:45 Foldiplier feedback"

AI Synthesis Introduces the AI012 Eurorack Wave Animator Eurorack Module

video upload by AI Synthesis

"A Demo Video for the AI012 Eurorack Wave Animator

The AI012 Eurorack Wave Animator produces two pulses per input wave cycle with voltage controlled pulse width, distance, and amplitude of the second pulse.

It can be purchased as a module, or DIY Kit and PCB/Panel Set at https://aisynthesis.com/product/ai012..."

AI012 Wave Animator BUILD VIDEO

"The AI012 Eurorack Wave Animator produces two pulses per input wave cycle with voltage controlled pulse width, distance, and amplitude of the second pulse.

The manual is here.

The DIY Eurorack Wave Animator build guide is here."

Update: press release follows:

Portland, OR, USA August 17, 2023 – AI Synthesis has released the AI012 Eurorack Wave Animator in both a built and guaranteed version, as well as in kit and PCB/Panel format.
The AI012 Wave Animator is a Waveshaper/VCO Expander that produces two pulses per input wave cycle with voltage controlled pulse width, distance, and amplitude of the second pulse. This design was adapted (with permission and a few changes) from Ian Fritz’s Double Pulse Generator circuit. Some changes were made to the circuit in development.
While the circuit is all analog, the AI012 Eurorack Wave Animator’s pulse wave outputs have a range of timbres from analog wave folding to digital sounding chimes.
The Width of each Pulse is controlled by the AI012 Eurorack Wave Animator’s Width knob and corresponding attenuatable cv input.
The Distance between the second pulse and the first pulse is controlled by the AI012 Eurorack Wave Animator’s Distance knob and corresponding attenuatable cv input. The resulting waveform can have two distinct pulses, or staircase style wave-shapes.
The Amplitude of the second pulse is controlled by the AI012 Eurorack Wave Animator’s Amplitude knob and corresponding attenuatable cv input. It can be negative or positive in voltage value.
In addition to creating new audio rate waveforms, when used as a sequencer, the module can create interesting rythmic variations when the pulses are used as triggers and cv is used to stagger the second trigger.
It comes in both Silver Aluminum versions and Black PCB FR4 versions.
Depth: 35mm
HP: 8
-V mA: 13mA
+V mA: 13mA

“In the year 2000, I was in college and obsessed with modular synths, but could barely afford to eat. I knew it was possible to build your own synth, but there wasn’t anyone, or anywhere to turn to for advice. In the past decade, much more information has been published online, and in 2013 I started down my path to DIY modular. Even with all of the information online, there still lacked a single, simple, comprehensive guide for those looking to build their own synthesizer. I want AI Synthesis to be that guide. Prior to building my own synth, I was a dreamer, after building my modular, I felt I had awoken. I want to help others do the same.”
-Abraham Ingle - Founder, AI Synthesis

The Hypster pt 4

video upload by Ian Fritz

"Demo of chaotic control of four synth patches"

Wavolver II demo

video upload by O.Z. Hall

Click here for additional Wavolver posts by O.Z. Hall.

"The Wavolver II is a waveshaper that includes both a wave (manual) folder and a pulse waveshaper (with vertical offset and pulse width modulation ). It also includes a second pulse wave. This Eurorack module is available from Elby Designs. The circuit was designed by Ian Fritz.

I'm modulating is with a quantizer which is acting as a kind of sample and hold circuit."

Moon Modular sequential switch and ratcheting 5U modular synthesizer experiment.

video upload by I like the Chaos.

"I am enjoying the Moon Modular Sequential switch. I am using it to string patterns together from my Synthesizers dotcom Q119 Sequencer and my Encore Electronics Universal Event Generator. The main bass line is a DIY Ian Fritz DoubleDeka VCO through an STG Soundlabs Sea Devils filter. There are also Corsynth drum modules prominent in the mix. There is a lot more going on as well. Much of it was experiments that did not add to the sound when prominent, but added interest to me when lower in the mix and triggered occasionally. This started out sounding a bit like Devo, but as it progressed seemed to add in some Adrian Belew era King Crimson, and now it barely sounds like either.

I may do a demo of the Universal Event Generator soon. A tip in the meantime, try patching the Trigger out into the trigger in and experiment with the different settings, especially finish loop. You may have to hit the manual gate button to get it started, but that little tip was something I had not thought of until I spent some time with some Serge Modules."

ARP 2500 Styled MFOS Music From Outer Space Modular Synthesizer

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

via this auction

Tone Tweakers eBay | Reverb

Note auction links are affiliate links. See the site's privacy policy for more info.

"Here's an interesting one-of-a-kind synth. We bought this from a customer who was into DIY electronics. He always admired the design of the ARP 2500 but couldn't find one, so he built his own! Well, kind of. He bought MFOS Music From Outer Space circuit boards and assembled the circuits. He made his own front panels to look similar to those on the arp2500 and wired them up. They're installed in a nice wooden cabinet he made as well.

This system is a real pleasure to play. If it doesn't sell, we're going to use it in our studio as a secret weapon, as it sounds great and quite different from our other synths.

CLICK FOR MORE »

Wavolver II part 2

video by O.Z. Hall

"This video further demonstrates applying the Ian Fritz Wavolver II capabilities. The original video explained the module and its controls. This video is mostly playing vs talking.
Thanks again Ian for a great module and Laurie at Elby-Designs.com for a great kit!"

Part 1 here.

Arp 2600 with Wavolver II waveshaper module by Ian Fritz

video by O.Z. Hall

"This is a demo of the Ian Fritz Wavolver II waveshaper driven by the triangle output of VCO2 on the ARP 2600.
Ian Fritz has a great basic video on this module. [3rd video here from 2011]

I hope you enjoy this video!"

Multipulses Using Skewer Plus 2-Pulser

Ian Fritz

"Demo of a tilted Saw wave driving a Double Pulse Waveform Generator"
Update: had the wrong video embedded above. Fixed.

Apex 9

davidryle

"Live recording of the modular. The challenge was to create three distinct parts to string together to make a musical journey.

The first section is centered on the Moog Subharmonicon and a few extraneous sequences controlled by a synthesizers.com Q119 step sequencer. The 24 bars passes through 3 segments with pitch transpose and discrete pad sounds.

The second section is isolated to a Mutable Instruments Rings and Delptronics drum patch with an STG PostLawsuit LPF with an Ian Fritz DDVCO swell.

The final third segment is two STG Soundlabs voltage sequencers with four vco's sourcing pitch voltages from a David Dixon ASR and run through a digital delay.

All these parts are managed by a sequential switch (synthesizers.com Q962) and a synthesizers.com Q960 step sequencer.
Other sequencers included the MI Marbles, INSTRUo harmonaig, Make Noise Pressure Points (x2), and Moon Modular 563 Trigger sequencer.

I just stood back and started the thing and then tweaked some levels. Pretty easy money for managing the robots and all..."

Cave Giants

davidryle

"A live performance with the 5U large format modular synthesizer.

Starting with an Encore Electronics frequency shifter and Yusynth Arp 4072 filter. Modulations to the frequency shifter from a Sputnik WCRS, and an Ian Fritz DDVCO in harmonic sequence mode.

The bass sequence is driven by the STG Soundlabs suite with two VMS and one TMS, a pair of EG's, a Switch module and the Time Divider. Clock timing from Cubase via dinsync to the Time Buffer. Four synthesizers.com Q106's into a Q150 transistor ladder filter and an Oakley SVF.

The melodic sequence is a pair of Q960 sequencers to a pair of Q106's through an STG Sea Devils filter and Q107 SVF.

The percussive tick sound is a Sputnik voltage controlled slope.

Delays and reverbs include Behringer DD400's, Empress reverb, Strymon Blue Sky, Electro Harmonix Canyon, TipTop DSP with Valhalla Shimmer and Modcan 73B.'

Ian Fritz/Elby Designs ChaQuO Explained by Learning Modular

Learning Modular

"This movie takes a deep dive into how the ChaQuO – a quadrature oscillator driving a “double “well” second order chaos circuit – works under the hood. I deal with the design on both a building block and actual schematic level, meaning many of the concepts and explanations can also be applied to software emulations of chaotic modulators. What we learn in the circuit-level explanation is then applied to the controls on the actual module, driving just a single synth parameter – filter cutoff – to make it easy to hear as well as see the results."

Ian Fritz/Elby Designs ChaQuO 2/2: working in multiple dimensions


"Most chaos-based modules have multiple outputs, taken at different points in their internal feedback loops. All of the outputs run at the same underlying frequency and are related in a general way, but have different waveforms present. In this movie we exploring using it to drive two and then three parameters of a 2hp Vowel vocal synthesis module, making it 'speak in tongues'…"

Learn Modular Synthesis

Modulation: Periodic vs Random vs Chaotic

Published on May 22, 2020 Learning Modular

"What are the differences between periodic modulation (i.e. a normal LFO), a random CV source, and a chaotic CV source? Some may be surprised to learn that the chaotic source is actually a cross between a random source and a normal LFO: its output can be fairly consistent for a few cycles like an LFO, but then it will create its own variations on the theme. In this introductory video I demonstrate these differences, both controlling a filter cutoff (one dimension) and the two timbre parameters of a 2hp Vowel oscillator (two dimensions).

If you would like to dive deeper, I’ve created a pair of companion posts for my Patreon supporters. The first (https://www.patreon.com/posts/37383127) goes into more detail comparing these three types of modulators, including patch and application suggestions; the second (https://www.patreon.com/posts/37424894) goes deeper into explaining chaos theory and some common characteristics of chaotic CV sources.

I am also creating videos on Ian Fritz’s ChaQuO, Chaotica, and Hypster modules that will be made available to +5v and above Patrons, as well as those enrolled in the Eurorack Expansion: Extended (Tier 3) course on https://courses.learningmodular.com."

Monster Patch Demo: KARP

Published on May 11, 2020 Learning Modular

"This was the first patch demonstrated during the 'Patching the Monster' live webcast [below] with Chris Meyer of LearningModular.com, Ben 'DivKid' Wilson, and Kim 'Bjooks' Bjørn.

The arpeggiator in a Korg taktile 49 keyboard controller is driving a Mutable Instruments Rings, 2hp Pluck, and an analog synth voice consisting of a Birdkids TheBateleur, Livewire AFG, Rossum Evolution, and Erogenous Tones VC8, modulated by an Ian Fritz Hypster, Befaco VC ADSR, and Erogenous Tones RADAR. Voltage-controlled panning is from a Happy Nerding PanMix; reverb is from a Happy Nerding FX Aid.

The patch diagram for this is available on the Patch & Tweak website: http://editor.patchandtweak.com/patch...

It is also broken down in detail on the Learning Modular Patreon channel: https://www.patreon.com/posts/37007415"

The MONSTER speaks: initial patch ideas // Patching the Monster

Streamed live on May 9, 2020 DivKidVideo

"We had ' Feeding The Monster' where alongside Kim Bjorn and I Chris Meyer walked us through module choices and ideas for filling up his ADDAC Monster system case. Going through the high end power rig and sections of the case. Now we have PATCHING THE MONSTER with audio and with patches!"

Catgirl/CGS & Ian Fritz/Elby Systems Serge Systems

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

via the following listings:

SERGE Black Swamp by Loudest Noise

SERGE Ian Fritz - DoubleDeka Ultrasonic VCO

SERGE Ian Fritz /Uglysound

SERGE CATGIRL - Sequencer

SERGE CATGIRL Synth

SERGE CATGIRL Synth

SERGE Clouds/Buchla/VCO Panel

CLICK FOR MORE »

STG LFO Sync Test

Published on Nov 15, 2019 davidryle

"Suit and Tie Guy Envelope Generator in LFO A mode. This thing loops in SYNC mode with the other sync bus modules to give a wonderfully musical performance tool for rhythm and phrasing.

I used an Ian Fritz DDUVCO and Synthetic Soundlabs VCO throughan Ian Fritz 5 Pulser for the sound sources. An STG Soundlabs Post Lawsuit Filter was used on the SSL vco and a synthesizers.com Q150 ladder filter was used for the DDUVCO part.

A pair of Lexicon dual delays (MX200) added some tape delay DSP effects to the final signal.

The entire STG Soundlabs module suite can be bought from stgsoundlabs.com Check it out!"

Diamonds

Published on Jul 27, 2019 davidryle

"Another adventure with the Arturia MicrFreak, Empress Reverb and Strymon Blue Sky.
The opening sequences are from the MicroFreak. The bass is a pair of Q106 vco's through a Q107 filter. Sequenced by the Q119 step sequencer.
Clocking from the MicroFreak. Clock dividers included 4MS OCD and RCD.
Percussion by Korg Volca Drum.
I noodled around with the System 8 and faded out with a pair of vco's (Harvestman Piston Honda and Ian Fritz DDVCO) sequenced by MI Marbles. Digital delays provided by Modcan and Behringer.
Thanks for listening!"