LoFiFuture Custom Monotron, Circuit Bending & More

Custom Korg Monotron + 8 Step Sequencer - KORG Octotron Mini Modular Synthesizer

Published on Apr 23, 2012 by LoFiFuture

"Here is the demo explanation to my custom korg monotron. The monotron is paired with an 8 step analogue sequencer based off of the MK107 running light kit."

LoFiFuture Product Showcase 23rd April 2012

Published on Apr 22, 2012 by LoFiFuture

Custom Circuit bent Roland TR505 Lounge Garage Demo [FOR SALE]

Published on Oct 16, 2012 by LoFiFuture

"Just a little noodle

Email me at LoFiFuture@gmail.com if you are interested in buying this drum machine"

LoFi Future - GrooveBoy Prototype

via Adam on The MATRIXSYNTH Lounge

"This is my attempt at making the game boy a tactile and MIDI capable desktop synthesizer. LSDJ, Nanoloop and MGB all available at startup thanks to the built in flash cart. Currently working towards getting them made into CNC'd acrylic/wood enclosures. For now, this one is all handmade."


D.I.Y. MIDI Gameboy demo Published on Nov 19, 2013

"Here is a quick demo of a re-housed game boy advance SP with a built in arduinoboy. Using Midi GB software in this song, but the cart also has Nanoloop and LSDJ flashed to it.

I build devices like these under the pseudonym: LoFi Future

Check out http://lofifuture.tumblr.com/ and http://lofifuture.tumblr.com/ for more information on devices like this."

| Polyol | Mineral [Live Arrangement]

Published on Nov 21, 2013 Polyol·11 videos

"Geer used:

MPC500 [Sequencing + Drum samples]
Rehoused MIDI equipped Gameboy [Bass/Synth]
Rehoused Korg Monotron [Filter for gameboy/Synth]
DIY 8 step analog sequencer [Monotron Pith CV/Filter CV]
Yamaha R100 [Reverb]
3G LTD Mynah Plus 8-2-1 [Mixer]

I'm running Mgb on the Gameboy, and the audio out is sent into the filter input on the Monotron. The Monotron mixes the two signals (its own VCO and the Gameboy) to one mono output. The sequencer controls the monotron CV (or gate input, as it works so much better) and i switch it to the Cut off CV input a couple of minutes into the song. The MPC acts as the master clock, sending MIDI to the Gameboy, and sending a rimshot sample at 16th notes out of the right output. all of the other drums are send to the left output. A Yamaha r100 provides some reverb."

Note this is the first LoFi Future post.

AudioViz Glitch FX Video Processor / Audio Reactive Video Synth / LoFi HipHop Demo / Yamaha QY70

video upload by LoFiFuture

"https://www.lofifuture.com/storefac96...

In this demo the AudioViz output is sent through a Panasonic MX12 for stabilisation then captured directly into the PC. The Source footage is from "Cumbernauld, Town for Tomorrow" A promotional video for a Scottish town from the 1970s

The AudioViz is an analog video glitch effects processor made for DJs, VJs and Video artists alike. The AudioViz has a very vibrant colour palette and it loves to create rainbows, edge repeats and super over saturation.

Featuring an original analog circuit that was designed from the ground up to create circuit-bent visuals in a sleek, portable, user friendly format.

The AudioViz features 4 controls: SENS (Audio input level) FX GAIN (Overall FX gain, vibrancy) and two MODIFIER controls that let you manipulate the appearance and character of the effect.

Specifications:

RCA Composite Video In/Out
3.5mm line audio input
5V DC input ( Standard 2.1 x 5.5mm DC connector) -- PSU is NOT included
Intended for use with CRT Televisions / Video Mixers / Digital Frame Synchronizers
NTSC & PAL Compatible
Weight: 115 Grams
Dimensions 113mm x 44mm x 67mm"

CIRCUIT BENT PS2 - LSD: Dream Emulator / B.L.U.E. / GTA VC - Soft Modded, Internal SSD (FMCB)

video upload by LoFiFuture

"Taking on a limited number of these circuit bent PS2s for 2022! https://www.lofifuture.com/storefac96...

And for all the DIYers out there, I'm currently editing the tutorial one how to circuit bend your own PlayStation 2!

This modification starts with a full disassembly and deep clean of the PS2, the optical drive is removed in favour of an internal HDD and a memory card running Free McBoot. (Free McBoot is a custom firmware that runs on a memory card that resides in memory card slot two of the console. It introduces various features to the PS2, the main one being the ability to run game backup ISOs from an internal HDD, via ethernet or from a USB pen drive)

Once the optical drive is removed 23 toggle switches are mounted on the top of the console to control the circuit bends a long with a RCA video out and 3.5mm stereo audio out omitting the need for the original Sony AV cable. 14 of the toggle switches are wired into the traces between the Emotion Engine (EE) and Graphics Synthesizer (GS) chips on the PlayStation motherboard. These corrupt the 3D data running into the GS before they are sent to the video output encoder.

9 of the toggle switches are wired into the Sound Processing Unit (SPU) RAM for some circuit bent audio effects. all 23 of these switches are wired to the same "bend bus" meaning that when two or more switches are in the "on" position they are connected together. Connecting the audio data bends to video data bends results in chaotic and mesmerising cross modulation.

Every game is effected differently by the toggle switches. Some are easy to crash with certain switches. Some games will take everything you throw at it and then some! It all depends on how the game you are trying to glitch out was programmed and how it utilises the hardware we are mercilessly forcing into a corrupted state. It helps to make a "switch map" for any game that like to crash when things get to glitchy, this was you can easily rule out what does and does not work for a particular game.

For example, running the PS1 copy of LSD: Dream Emulator produces some incredible effects but likes to crash when I flick one particular section of switches into action. On the other hand, GTA: Vice city will run with every single toggle switch on and revert back to completely normal visuals.

Includes:

-Circuit Bent PS2 Console (PAL or NTSC, select from the dropdown)

- Aftermarket PS2 controller

-Internal 120GB HDD + Network/HDD card"

Analog Video Glitch Processor T-420SE by LoFi Future

video upload by LoFiFuture

"Available To Order Here: https://www.lofifuture.com/storefac96...

LoFi Future T-420SE - analog video effect processor

The T-420SE Is a variation of the original T-420 circuit, providing a new palette of hyper neon glitch FX in the same compact form factor as our other models.

After much experimentation and fine tuning, the result is a glitch processor that is great at pushing video signals to the extreme without things getting out of hand. It retains bright vivid colour at its most intense moments whereas effects such as this usually result in complete chrominance (colour dropout)

The T-420SE also features a true bypass toggle switch on the rear. When bypassed the video signal makes a straight pass through the input to the output meaning you can leave it in your signal chain and it wont degrade your signal in any way. This feature goes a long way in complex chains and feedback setups!

It's definitely recommended that you use the T-420SE with a CRT, TBC or Video mixer (with a built in TBC) But it will work with a conventional LCD tv or a cheep composite to AV converter. It follows the same rule as the other T-420 models where as it only tends to drop out (lose signal) when the first knob is past 12 o'clock.


100% original analog circuit design, designed from the ground up for its very purpose!

High quality white ABS enclosure
Transparent knobs
FX bypass toggle switch
Composite video In/out
5V DC input ( Standard 2.1 x 5.5mm DC connector) -- PSU is NOT included
NTSC/PAL Compatible
Weight: 90 Grams
Dimensions 113mm x 44mm x 67mm"

LoFi Future VGA FX Experimenter - Demo with three T-420 micro analog glitch processors

video upload by LoFiFuture

LoFi Future VGA FX Experimenter Basic CV Demo (No FX)
video upload by LoFiFuture

"Available to order here: https://lofifuturestore.square.site/p...

The VGA FX EXPERIMENTER is a desktop utility module that allows you to process HD VGA signals (or HDMI with some cheap converters) through your existing standard definition composite analog glitch processors.

Each channel features:

- level control

-momentary button that maxes out the level with just a press (great performance tool)

- a FX bypass switch (to bypass the FX box you have connected to that channel)

- a link button (these can link any of the RGB channels together to create interesting colour effects)

- a CV input that responds to positive CV or gate inputs to lower or mute that channel (the higher the CV signal, the lower the channel level)

Its a great way to experiment with analog HD video, just grab a couple of VGA / HDMI converter boxes and you can process HDMI video as analog signals and then convert them back to HDMI for convenience.

No need for a TBC what so ever! The sync signals on VGA are isolated on their own wires and not effected by this device at all. You can glitch as heavy as you want and it will come out as a valid signal. A game changer for VJs and live glitch artists who dont want to lug around a big video mixer, TBC or even a CRT and a Camera. All of which I have lugged in an out of taxis enough to yearn for a better solution!"

LoFi Future //SimpleViz - 8 Bit B/W Audio Visualizer

video upload by LoFiFuture

"Available to pre-order: https://www.lofifuture.com/storefac96...

Special Edition Model, only 50 units to be made in this format! All //SimpleViz orders will be shipped in may 2022! After that it will only be available as a DIY kit in a bare PCB format!

The //SimpleViz is a 8bit digital audio visualizer with a black and white composite output (NTSC or PAL) and a mono line audio input. It is inspired by early video games such as pong as well as basic video mixer wipes!

It is built & programmed with the popular Arduino IDE and is powered by an atmega 328 at its core.

Three audio reactive paterns can be selected and combined, each pattern also has a black fill mode, white fill mode and negative fill mode.

There are three control knobs, one for the audio input level, one for the audio input response (adjusts the lag and snappiness) and a third control for refresh rate, turning this knob up reduced the speed the screen is cleared, producing cool repeat effects.

Specifications:

-5V DC power in

-B/W Composite video output (NTSC & PAL)

-Mono 3.5mm line audio input

---Ships in May 2022!---"

T-420 Eurorack Video Synthesizer Module - LoFi Future Glitch Effects Processor

video upload by LoFiFuture

"Available to order: https://www.lofifuture.com/storefac96...

During packing / shipping of the first batch of these modules, it dawned on me, I haven't made a demo video for it yet!

The T-420 video processor finally gets its Eurorack transformation! Coming in at 4HP and just 23mm deep it is compact to fit into even the shallowest of skiffs.


The three knobs work in conjunction with each other so many effects are possible ranging from frame tearing glitches to bright rainbow colourize effects as well as invert/negative effects. Check out the demo video / pictures for some examples.

Great for processing clean composite signals to add some, or a lot of glitch and grit. It does wonderful stuff in feedback loops too!

This unit works and looks its absolute best when plugged directly into a CRT TV, but it will work with LCD TVs & Projectors and only tends to drop out (lose signal) when the first knob is near its maximum setting. Also works well in bigger video rigs with video mixers/ TBCs etc.

Composite video In/out
NTSC/PAL Compatible
Weight - 90 Grams
Dimensions - 4HP / 23mm Deep
Power - Uses 12V rail / 210mA max power consumption"

Circuit Bent Yamaha QY70 music workstation by LoFi Future

video upload by LoFiFuture

"Available to order here: https://lofifuturestore.square.site/p..."

"Circuit Bent Yamaha QY70

I have explored the brains of this classic piece of gear and returned with a selection of circuit bends I deem worthy.

10 toggle switches can activate 10 data crushing ROM based hacks one knob acts as a "character" control, panning it left or right changes how the toggle switches behave.

Describing the sounds this thing makes in words is useless, so check out the demo video listed above!

Please note: the battery compartment has been removed to make space for the new switches, it can only be powered by its DC input"

CLICK FOR MORE »

LoFi Future Analog Glitch FX Processor (19" rackmount)

video upload by LoFiFuture

"Available to order here: https://lofifuturestore.square.site/p...

This unit is the result of 2 years of development. It is an analog glitch FX processor based around an original video enhancer circuit.

This unit is a prototype of a new glitch processor circuit that we will be releasing in euro rack / desktop format in early 2023.

The core circuit features a sharpness control, a chroma/saturation control and a contrast fader. Added onto this core circuit are 7 separate circuit bends (effects) each one has its own distinctive effect and can be combined with each other. The contrast fader has a significant effect on how each circuit bend behaves so it can be used as somewhat of an effects crossfader.

As the contrast fader changes the appearance of all of the circuit bent effects it also has an audio reactive circuit that can control it so and of the 7 circuit bends can be synced to audio. The audio reactive circuit features a 3.5mm line input, an internal microphone (on the rear) and a decay length switch (to switch from short to long decay)

It features a composite input and output that supports both PAL and NTSC signals

The unit requires a 12V DC power supply"

LoFi Future Eurorack Modular HD RGB video processing rig

video upload by LoFiFuture

"This setup (minus the LFO) is currently available as a bundle deal here: https://lofifuturestore.square.site/p...

The bundle set includes 3 eurorack T-420 modules, a pair of eurorack VGA to Jack adapters and 2 HDMI / VGA converters.

In this video I demonstrate what can be achieved with this setup and a simple modulation source. In a later video we will delve a little deeper and introduce some faster video rate modulation signals!"

Circuit Bent Videonics MX- Pro Video Mixer by LoFi Future

video upload by LoFiFuture

"Available to order here: https://lofifuturestore.square.site/p...

This Videonics MX-PRO has been modified and circuit bent turning it into a powerful glitch tool kit with rock solid Time Base Correction that can be used anywhere in the world [PAL & NTSC]

PAL/NTSC MOD
One of the most functional modifications is the addition of a PAL/NTSC switch located on the back. See when Videonics produced these for different domestic markets they would use the same motherboard and chipset for all international units. They would simply include or omit one jumper on the motherboard that tells the MX-PRO what mode to boot into. I have wired this jumper up to a toggle switch on the rear of the console so you can select weather you boot into PAL or NTSC mode when you switch the unit on.

Analog Colorizer
I have integrated a 3 knob LoFi colorizer circuit that is hardwired to composite input one. It features a true bypass switch so the effect can be quickly enabled or disabled.

Arcade Buttons
There are six arcade buttons fitted to the palm rest of the unit for momentarily triggering effects. 3 control glitches for bus A and 3 control glitches for bus B. They are tied into the framebuffer RAM and the video decoders for each bus.

Toggle Switches for Bus A/B
In addition to the arcade buttons there are 4 toggle switches for each bus. These switches are all connected to a common buss allowing you to mix unsynchronised data between bus A and B resulting in scrolling artefacts.

Toggle switches for shape and edge corruption
There are 5 toggle switches located near the T-bar, these corrupt the shape and edge style transitions resulting in interesting patterns and variations of shapes.

The unit comes included with the original switching power supply (can be used anywhere in the world) and the original printed manual."

GrooveBoy XL - Nanoloop Jam

Published on May 27, 2014 LoFiFuture·7 videos

LoFi Future - GrooveBoy XL - More testing.

Published on Apr 8, 2014 LoFiFuture·12 videos

"Testing the signal chain of this custom GBA based workstation synth. It has a mono analog synthacon LP/HP filter and stereo Deep blue delay clone."

Circuit Bent Camera - Pocket Glitchamatic demo

video upload by LoFiFuture

"The Pocket Glitchamatic is available to pre-order for one last time here! https://lofifutureshop.square.site/pr...

Since this is the last batch I'll be making of this design I thought I'd put together another collection of footage from the camera, this time footage filmed out of a train window. It was filmed in the cameras 640x480 VGA resolution which I think looks quite nice!

The LoFi Future Pocket Glitchamatic is a re-housed circuit bent camera based on a currently produced generic branded 5MP digital camera (capable of recording 720p AVI video files)

The circuit bends are brought out onto the new front panel in for form of six push buttons (5 latching one momentary for the GLITCH! function)

The Effects...
The pair of latching buttons labelled NEON result in a pink and green colour pallet that capture bright scenes in a surreal light. One of these buttons turns the effect on and off, while the other switches between two effect types. The dual-coloured led signifies the selected mode by either shining green, or red and will not illuminate when the effect is turned off.

The other pair latching buttons labelled BANDING create banding effects across the image. There are two types of banding and can both be selected at once. The bi colour LED here shines red for one mode, green for the other and orange when both are selected at once.

The latching button labelled NOISE introduces a cool lofi, grainy noise with a blue/purple hue. The single colour LED signifies when this effect is on or off.

All of the effects mentioned above reliably produce valid video files and pictures just like it was originally intended with the unmodified camera.

The GLITCH! button however creates unexpected, heavy glitches that veer into the unstable and experimental. It is a momentary button for this reason. In video mode it produces major frame drops in the recorded footage (you wont see this apparent on screen at the time of recording) Used sparingly in video mode, it can produce some great corruption effects. but go to heavy with it and it will spit out an unplayable video file!

In photo mode the GLITCH! button is a much more usable tool, though it sometimes will create a corrupt image file, it has a much better success rate in creating glitch imagery you could never have imagined! Its a truly experimental effect for the adventurous artist willing to accept the odd corrupt file for some heavy glitch gold!

Specifications:
Video: AVI (1280 x 720 or 640 x 480 resolution)
Photo: JPEG (2592 x 1944 or 2048 x 1536 resolution)
USB web cam mode resolution up to 640 x 480
Internal rechargeable battery life (3+ hours of use on a single charge, or can be powered externally via USB)
MicroSD card slot (up to 32GB)"

LoFi Future - GlitchNoir - Circuit Bent Black and White CCTV Camera

video upload by LoFiFuture

"Available to order here: https://lofi-future.square.site/produ...

Limited run of 8 units! These are new old stock cameras and come included with a high quality JMK 3.5 -8mm 1:1.4 CS Lens With focus, zoom and aperture controls.

Along with the circuit bends the camera has a 50/60hz toggle switch installed allowing operation world wide (with both old CCIR (PAL) and EIA (NTSC) black and white video signals)

It can produce those melty circuit bend CCD sensor effects we all love so much, as well as glitchy invert effects all the way up to full blow monochrome glitch chaos! These cameras are particularly ghostly!

The included lenses features and aperture ring, which works as an amazing overall intensity control for the glitches.

Don't let the monochrome limitation put you off. These cameras have a definite vibe! Teamed up with a video mixer, some keying and colourisation this camera is also a great asset to colourful content creation.

Specifications:

CCIR (PAL) and EIA (NTSC) Compatible
12V DC 500ma power in (Not Included - uses standard CCTV power supply)
BNC Video out (BNC to RCA adapter included)
New and unused JMK 3.5-8mm Lens included"

GrooveBoy XL running Nanoloop X2

Published on May 21, 2014 LoFiFuture·7 videos

"2 instances of Nanoloop running on two GBA SPs, MIDI synced to an MPC via Arduinoboy. Built in 2 channel mixer, analog synthacon filter clone and a stereo deep blue delay clone. All housed in a custom modified NES shell.

This system also runs LSDJ and Mgb off of the built in flash carts."

Mutant Electroplaxes

Published on Nov 17, 2014 John Keston

"This analog-sourced audiovisual piece is a collaboration with video artist Chris LeBlanc. The visuals were performed with a Hi-8 camera running through Tachyons+ and LoFiFuture processors, then keyed with a Bleep Labs synth. On the music end I have a Moog Sub 37 running through a Minifooger Delay and synched up to an Elektron Analog Four.

http://audiocookbook.org/hi-8-bleep-l..."

LoFi Future SGFX 100 Analog Glitch FX Processor

video upload by LoFiFuture

"Available to order here: https://lofifuturestore.square.site/p...

The SGFX (Studio Glitch FX) 100 is the first model in the new line of large format video glitch fx processors by LoFi Future

Whilst LoFi Future designs usually aim to be compact the SGFX 100 sacrifices portability in favour of a wide range of effects. The 17" wide console can be used as a desktop unit or a 1U 19" rack mount unit (with supplied rack ears)

The controls all reside on the front face of the unit, leaving the top a useable surface to place other pieces of gear (The Panasonic AVE5 and AVE7 video mixers can sit nicely on top for example)

The unit features 10 main controls for altering the image. The first two are specific functions, one being the sharpness / softness control and one being the chroma / colour control. The other 8 are the circuit bent effects that can be combined in all sorts of ways.

As well as these ten controls there is also a true bypass switch and a 'soft bypass' knob. The true bypass switch will completely bypass the FX. The soft bypass knob however will let some of the unaffected video signal mix with the effect video signal when the FX are engaged. This can help restore some stability to the image and also change how all of the FX respond opening up more possibilities.

Specifications
-PAL and NTSC compatible
-12V DC input (power supply NOT included)
-Desktop / rackmount enclosure"

LoFi Future - VGA FX Experimenter - Desktop VGA to RCA adapter

video upload by LoFiFuture

"The first batch of 30 will be ready to ship mid march, available to pre-order here: https://lofifuturestore.square.site/p...

This demo features the prototype PCBs of the VGA FX EXPERIMENTER (with the misspelling, oops!) this has been fixed for the production PCBs.

The VGA FX EXPERIMENTER is a desktop utility module that allows you to process HD VGA signals (or HDMI with some cheap converters) through your existing standard definition composite analog glitch processors.

Each channel features:

- level control

-momentary button that maxes out the level with just a press (great performance tool)

- a FX bypass switch (to bypass the FX box you have connected to that channel)

- a link button (these can link any of the RGB channels together to create interesting colour effects)

- a CV input that responds to positive CV or gate inputs to lower or mute that channel (the higher the CV signal, the lower the channel level)

Its a great way to experiment with analog HD video, just grab a couple of VGA / HDMI converter boxes and you can process HDMI video as analog signals and then convert them back to HDMI for convenience.

No need for a TBC what so ever! The sync signals on VGA are isolated on their own wires and not effected by this device at all. You can glitch as heavy as you want and it will come out as a valid signal. A game changer for VJs and live glitch artists who dont want to lug around a big video mixer, TBC or even a CRT and a Camera. All of which I have lugged in an out of taxis enough to yearn for a better solution!"