Creating HUGE oscillator tones with OCCULT (+ Ouija & Wand) & the Nekyia Circuits Eurorack range

video upload by DivKid

"Here we have the 3 new Nekyia Circuits Eurorack modules - Occult, Ouija and Wand. We'll focus on the star of the show here, the TZFM, sub octave generating, Ian Fritz double pulser wave shaping and external crossfading oscillator OCCULT! However we use Wand to crossfade at audio rates into new tones and Ouija for some musical ring mod too.

It's been a pleasure to check out the existing modules and to use those alongside the new ones here. As always the focus is to provide ideas and techniques while demonstrating how things work. So I hope you can take some of the patches to try out.

Info, manuals etc // https://nekyiacircuits.com"

*TIMING INDEX // CHAPTERS*
00:00 Hello & patch previews
01:31 Occult feature run down
04:09 Wand & Ouija feature run down
05:35 Pulser harmonic shaping - big drones ahoy!
08:41 Aggressive Pulser harmonics
11:21 Expand your VCOs with OUIJA
14:48 Stereo PWM sub mega stacks
16:59 Crossfade your way to HUGE waveforms with Wand
20:35 Occult LFOs - sub audio modulated modulation
22:35 Diving into the CLANG! Exploring TZFM
24:56 Animated sub octave feedback TZFM
27:59 Soft sync & TZM - musical alternative tones
31:55 Occult Shaping - harmonics & fade
36:21 Creatively embed ambience in your oscillator
39:15 For the ULTRA SYNTH NERDS - Occult + Ouija F**K YEAH

Occult is an analogue TZFM Triangle-core VCO/LFO with a wide frequency range and unique waveshaping capabilities! It features nine simultaneously available wave outputs: Sine, Triangle, Square and Pulse, a PWM Saw, Sub -1 and Sub -2, plus the outputs of Shaper and an interesting Pulser waveshaper circuit. Pulser is a waveshaper based on the “double pulser” circuit by Ian Fritz, able to produce exotic, rich sounding waveforms. The Shaper section adds a crossfader which can mix between the normalized Sine wave or any other external input and the Pulser or the also includes a TZFM input with an attenuator control, capable of producing more musical and complex FM tones than for every parameter as well as FM options make Occult a very versatile oscillator for sonic exploration!

Switchback Descent

video upload by davidryle

"The great Vector Sequencer from Five12. I am using it for a pair of simple 16 step sequences to the 5U modular by way of CV and Gate.

The clock is derived from the Moon Modular 553 Midi to Clock module. I used the 1/96th division and a start gate to tap the sync24 feature in the Vector. I do have an STG bus but the sync bus cable wouldn't reach out of the cabinet to the Vector. The other clock pulses are from the STG Time Divider.

The first patch is run to a pair of Q206 VCO's and the Q150 filter and then on to the Echo Fix tape delay. Stereo panning was from the Q158 VCA++ and a Mega Ohm LFO. The Ian Fritz Hypster by Synthetic Sound Labs is a modulation source for the decay stage of the STG Envelop Generator.

The bass line patch is a pair of STG Oscillators to a pair of Mega Ohm MA20's in low and high pass series. The SSL Tube VCA is used to add some drive. The Frequency Central Stasis Leak stereo chorus finishes the patch chain.

The third patch is a drone pad line from the Dove D900 sequencer to the WTF Oscillator and the Oakley SVF in Notch mode. The slow center frequency modulation from a second Mega Ohm LFO does a nice job of combing through the upper mids of the complex waveforms out of the WTF. The last part of the patch is through the Empress Reverb in green ghost mode.

The Vector is the first edition mk1 but still has quite the feature set. I was using a modulation lane for transpose to the pair of pitch sequences. This same transpose sequence was replicated on the Q960 with a second Q960 as a divider. The pitch voltages for the WTF were combined in the unity mixer of the STG Active Multiples module. I did use the Q171 Quantixer Bank for precision stepping from the Q960.

All sounds captured at once in a single take to Cubase 12. Video edited in Final Cut Pro.

Special thanks to Ron Sunsinger for the loan of the Vector and Adam Fritsche for the Stasis Leak module."

Musical Chaos with the Synthetic Sound Labs - Hypster

video upload by NOISEBUG

"The Hypster from Synthetic Sound Labs strikes the perfect balance of chaos and playability.. it's full of surprises. The Hypster can be used as an oscillator in addition to chaotic CV generator. These are in stock and ready to ship.
#mumodular #synth #synthesizer #5umodular

https://www.noisebug.net/products/syn...

Want to add a little more CHAOS into your life? Here’s just the thing!

Introducing the Hypster – Model 1720 —It takes orderly, mundane circuits and transforms them into a wild ride of unpredictable mayhem! Why settle for boring, consistent signals when you can have a chaos generator that truly lives on the edge? Designed for those who find comfort in confusion and thrive on uncertainty, this gadget will have your synth screaming for mercy.

Designed in close collaboration with the Chief Chaos Crafter and Elite Entropy Engineer himself, Ian Fritz.

Features include:

Unruly Squiggles: Square waves? Sinusoidal? Yah! How about “It does what it wants”? The Hypster generates signals that even it doesn’t fully understand. Good luck figuring them out.
Whacky Waveforms: Comes with it’s own limited 2 channel Lissajous oscilloscope that will have your eyes crossed and your head spinning. Touch screen control of trace length & thickness.
Random Frequency Hopping: Is it 1Hz? Is it 10KHz? Who knows? The Hypster can help you slog through your synth frequencies like a snail on acid, or skip like a caffeinated rabbit on a pogo stick.
Amplitude Anarchy: Say goodbye to predictable voltage. Every signal is a surprise—a rollercoaster ride of peaks and troughs that’ll keep you on your toes.
Pseudorandom Personality: Switch between “Mild” or “Wild”, and “Curly” or “Squirrelly”. Turn up the “Rate”, “Gain” and “Damp” controls, and you’ll summon a signal so erratic, it might start communicating with the cosmos (no promises on what it’ll say).
Perfect for:

Mad Scientists: Because who doesn’t want to create something that could inadvertently open a portal to another dimension?
Frustrating Your Colleagues: Plug it into your synth setup, sit back, and watch the confusion unfold.
Breaking the Laws of Physics (Probably): We haven’t verified it, but we’re pretty sure the Hypster bends reality itself.
Important Notices:

The Hypster does its best to keep the chaos under control, but some settings can overload the circuits, requiring a restart (power-down). Expect abnormality!
The Lissajous LCD display tries to keep up, but is only a CRT simulation using software. At faster rates the CPU can’t keep up and smooth curves turn to spider webs. Sorry.
'U' & '-U' Outputs have larger P-P voltage swings by design.
Order now because your synth —and your brain—need it!"

Hypster CHAOS module from Synthetic Sound Labs

See this previous post for a demo.

Press release follows:

"CHAOS GENERATOR (MU FORMAT) ANNOUNCED

Want to add a little more CHAOS into your life? Here's just the thing.

Introducing the Hypster - Model 1720 —It takes orderly, mundane circuits and transforms them into a wild ride of unpredictable mayhem! Why settle for boring, consistent signals when you can have a chaos generator that truly lives on the edge?

Designed for those who find comfort in confusion and thrive on uncertainty, this gadget will have your synth screaming for mercy.

The Hypster produces signal waveforms varying from simple periodic to complicated multiperiodic to extremely dense and complex, both in the low frequency control range as well as up into audio frequencies. With an eight-signal output it can simultaneously control multiple synthesizer parameters or generate several audio waveforms for individual processing.

Designed in close collaboration with the Chief Chaos Crafter and Elite Entropy Engineer himself, Ian Fritz.

Features include:

• Unruly Squiggles: Square waves? Sinusoidal? Yah! How about “It does what it wants”? The Hypster generates signals that even it doesn't fully understand. Good luck figuring them out.

• Whacky Waveforms: Comes with its own limited 2 channel Lissajous oscilloscope that will have your eyes crossed and your head spinning. Touch screen control of trace length & thickness.

• Random Frequency Hopping: Is it 1Hz? Is it 10KHz? Who knows? The Hypster can help you slog through your synth frequencies like a snail on acid, or skip like a caffeinated rabbit on a pogo stick.

• Amplitude Anarchy: Say goodbye to predictable voltage. Every signal is a surprise—a rollercoaster ride of peaks and troughs that’ll keep you on your toes.

CLICK FOR MORE »

first patch Synthetic Sound Labs Ian Fritz Hypster 5U Modular Synth

video upload by I like the Chaos.

"The Hypster is getting rate cv from a Dotcom q119 sequencer and is Frequency modulating an Ian Fritz Teezer VCO. It is also providing cv to a Steiner Filter also from SSL. The Filter is also getting cv from the sequencer. From the Filter the audio goes to a Musonics VCA turned up with no cv. I had that patcher for future plans that aren't in this video. Then to a Manecolabs Clusterverb for reverb and delay.
Very simple patch but sounds great.
This is the 5u version. NLC Nonlinear Circuits did a Eurorack version."

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