Expert Sleepers Disting EX Review - Fun and Fumbles

video upload by Molten Music Technology

"Take a dive into the Disting EX with someone who hates this sort of thing. Can I find something awesome behind the complexity and versatility of the Expert Sleepers ultimate multi-module?"

Index:
Intro - 0:00
Sorting out the screen - 10:25
Tiny MIDI Breakout - 15:29
Plugging it all in 17:51
Updating the firmware - 20:47
Enabling the screen - 23:44
Intro to Disting EX menu system - 27:26
SD Multisample - 29:46
SD Card Glitch - 44:40
Taking Chords from the Pianist - 55:44
Presets - 1:1:29
Assigning Modulation - 1:05:40
SD 6 Triggers - 1:08:54
MIDI Input - 1:10:35
Auto Sampling the Taiga - 1:13:14
Conclusions - 1:23:57

Disting EX 1U Screen and Tiny MIDI Breakout DIY Build

video upload by Molten Music Technology

"Want to add MIDI and a larger screen to the Expert Sleepers Disting EX? Here's how you do it. This video is a companion to a larger, full review of the Disting EX which you'll find in the channel."

Befaco - Pony VCF

video upload by Befacosynth

"Space-conscious lowpass filter and volume processor.
A combination of VCF + VCA + Mixer that lets you mix three different sound sources, and shape their tone, and levels in a breeze.
The Pony Filter is built around the SSI2144 FATKEYS™ Chip. Has the elegant sound of the classic transistor filter without the associated distortions, due to Dave Rossum’s 'improved ladder' topology."

Update:

Also see DivKid's video here, and mylarmelody's Molten Music Technology video here.

Befaco - Octaves VCO

video upload by Befacosynth

"A harsh and funky take of an additive Oscillator.
Pile up multiplications of your frequency to get a lo-fi-retro wall of squared sound!
You get six doubled frequency pulses, or octaves, with common PWM and volume control for each of them.
The output of each is cascaded to the next one, so you can either have one output with all frequencies or break the chain and get several sums and modulate each independently!"

Update: and video from Divkid directly below. Also see mylarmelodies' Molten Music Technology video here.

A harsh & funky take on an additive oscillator // Octaves VCO from Befaco

video upload by DivKid

"Here we have what Befaco say is "a harsh and funky take on an additive oscillator" as it has individual harmonics or partials and VCAs to modulate them. However the idea of harmonics here is replaced with 6 octaves of square waves. It's an analog design with a triangle core oscillator that through frequency doublers give 6 octaves to work with, each turned into squares that respond to PWM. An onboard mixer allows for blending these squares, you can break out into new tones with self patching, or make multi-layered wide frequency spanning voices from the individual outs."

*TIMING INDEX // CHAPTERS*
00:00 Hello & patch previews
01:10 Feature run down
02:44 Raw sound demo
03:43 Polymetric percussive octave riffs! (my favourite thing)
06:05 Self patched additive synth style sounds
08:13 Huge stereo drones
10:11 PWM at audiorate - tearing additive octaves
11:51 Exploring sync tones + upper octave overtones
13:42 Sub octaves, not just higher octaves
16:01 Noisy FM percussion
18:09 Randomised additives - modulating octave blends per note
19:24 Alarms, pacman & phone chirps - Octaves VCO as a modulator

Befaco Octaves VCO Jam with Turing and Pony VCO, VCF

video upload by Molten Music Technology

"I gave Befaco's new Octaves VCO a bit of a run, pairing it through the Pony VCF and playing along with the Pony VCO and friends."

See the launch party posted earlier today.

Octaves VCO via Befaco

A harsh and funky take of an additive Oscillator.

Pile up multiplications of your frequency to get a lo-fi-retro wall of squared sound!

You get six doubled frequency pulses, or octaves, with common PWM and volume control for each of them.

The output of each is cascaded to the next one, so you can either have one output with all frequencies or break the chain and get several sums and modulate each independently!

FEATURES

Six bands, multiple of the base frequency.

Square wave oscillator with Octaves selector PWM control and sync.

Range control for Tune pot.

Volume CV control and individual output for each band

Cascaded summing outputs.

SPECS

Current needs: +12V: 110mA, -12V: 84mA

Width: 12 HP

Depth: 22mm (assembled and DIY), including power connector

Aluminium, heat-treated front panel

Designed, kits prepared and completed modules assembled in Barcelona

PONY VCF via Befaco

Space-conscious lowpass filter and volume processor.

A combination of VCF + VCA + Mixer that lets you mix three different sound sources, and shape their tone, and levels in a breeze.

The Pony Filter is built around the SSI2144 FATKEYS™ Chip. Has the elegant sound of the classic transistor filter without the associated distortions, due to Dave Rossum’s “improved ladder” topology.

FEATURES

3 Channel Mixer (Out normalized to channel three for feedback)

Temperature-compensated Q and frequency.

Compensated Volume VS Resonance

2 Cuttof CV INs.

CV 1 Selectable routing Cut-Off or Cut-Off+VCA

Voltage controlled Q

Two Segment Peak Meter

SPECS

Four-pole, 24 dB/octave

Current needs: +12V=50mA, -12V=45mA

Width: 6 HP

Depth Assembled Version: 22mm

Depth DIY Kit Version: 35 mm

Designed, kits prepared and assembled in Barcelona.

Pittsburgh Modular Taiga keyboard Review

video upload by Molten Music Technology

"Following on from the Taiga desktop synth comes the Taiga Keyboard with larger knobs, improved oscillator tuning, some interesting digital thingies and an expansion bay for Eurorack. It's analogue, it mashes together all sorts of synthesis and sounds unlike anything else out there. Here's my review.

Pittsburgh Modular were kind enough to send the Taiga keys to me for review but have no control over what I say about it."

Nano Modules VCV Random - Review

video upload by Molten Music Technology

"An interesting protrusion of software into hardware, VCV Random pulls a stock module out of VCV Rack and makes it a reality. The result is a delightful generator of randomness with four flavours.
Nano Modules sent me this module for review but have no say in the outcome."

Index:
Intro - 0:00
Demo of the four outputs - 4:17
The Sliders - 8:42
Trigger Out - 18:55
Dualling with outputs - 21:05
Modulation - 25:14
Sample & Hold - 28:03
Clocking and probability - 29:09
Conclusions - 33:03

Norwich EMOM performance 7th March 2024

video upload by Molten Music Technology

"My improvised performance from last night's EMOM at The Rumsey Wells. Took me a while to find my way into this one, which is why it's a bit shorter, as I've spared you the first five minutes of cringe-modular where it's all a bit out of tune and not landing right. Something in there worked out eventually but it's not my finest work. You're not going to get it right every time."

Pittsburgh Modular Taiga Keys - 3 Oscillator Movement

video upload by Molten Music Technology

"A simple sequencing of the Taiga Keys' three oscillators to explore some of the sound shaping, filter and dynamics. The sequencing is provided by the Seb Songs PolySEQ, and the reverb from Erica Synths Black Stereo Reverb which both fit neatly inside the expansion bay. Adding Cassette Saturation and Cascade Delay we have the Hologram Chroma Console. It gives it some nice wobble and bite."

SynthEast 2024 Walkthrough 360

video upload by Molten Music Technology

"A walk through the Norwich Arts Centre during the Synth East event on Saturday, the 24th of February, 2024."

Synth East 2024 Highlights


"Synth East was a fantastic weekend of synths, modular and music with great company in the best community you could find. Held in Norwich from the 23rd to the 25th of February, here is what you missed."

https://syntheast.com/

Update: additional videos:

Synth East 2024 All-Star Patch-off


"Take six modular performers, randomly pick out pairs and then force them to improvise a jam for fifteen minutes. Only available at Synth East.

Featuring:
Jason Jervis
Nina Richards
Robin Vincent
Gaz Williams
Mylar Melodies
Steve Davis"

Synth East 2024 - Mylar Melodies, Robin Vincent and Gaz Williams - "The Influencers"


"A live improvised 30-minute jam from modular performers Mylar Melodies, Robin Vincent and Gaz Williams as part of the Synth East event at the Norwich Arts Centre on 24th February 2024. Steve called us 'The Influencers' - I'm not sure about that but we do seem to cost people money with our inspirational modular musings."

Synth East 2024 Update - things are selling out fast!

video upload by Molten Music Technology

"An update on the fabulous Synth East show for you. Friday night has sold out, Saturday is getting close and don't forget the Sunday workshops!

Synth East is a festival of synths and modular in Norwich from Friday the 23rd of February to Sunday the 25th. Brought to you by the Norwich Arts Centre, Electronic Sound Magazine and Molten Modular.

Tickets are available for each event separately. There's a discount if you order the Saturday Expo and evening gig at the same time.
https://norwichartscentre.co.uk/searc...

Friday: Subotnick documentary, Adam Buxton interviews Steve Davis and music from Luke Sanger. SOLD OUT!"

Chroma Console jamming with Neo Trinity

video upload by Molten Music Technology

"My first play with the Hologram Chroma Console being fed by a groove generated by the Bastl Instruments Neo Trinity. I'm just going through the effects, checking them out and having a lovely time."

Erica Synths Bullfrog Synthesizer Review

video upload by Molten Music Technology

"Bullfrog is a collaboration between Erica Synths and Richie Hawtins and is designed as an educational platform for teaching synthesis, sound and modular music making. It's huge, it's a monosynth but with a special slot of splendidness. It's not just for kids though; there's plenty for the beginner and the more experienced to enjoy."

Moog Mariana Bass Synthesizer Review

video upload by Molten Music Technology

"Mariana is a dual-oscillator, dual-layer software synthesizer that pulls in the Taurus, Minitaur, Model D and Sub Phatty for some seriously analogue monophonic bass synth action."

See the announcement post here.

Error Instruments Brinta - playing with my voice

video upload by Molten Music Technology

"Spent some time feeding my voice into the Brinta from Error Instruments and This is Not Rocket Science. It's a wonderfully weird and sometimes comical module that won't fit in your patch but will spill out awesomeness all day long."

Synth East 2024 - Synth and Modular festival in Norwich

video upload by

"Synth East is a festival of synths and modular in Norwich from Friday the 23rd of February to Sunday the 25th. Brought to you by the Norwich Arts Centre, Electronic Sound Magazine and Molten Modular.

Tickets are available for each event separately. There's a discount if you order the Saturday Expo and evening gig at the same time.

Friday: Subotnick documentary [trailer here], Adam Buxton interviews Steve Davis and music from Luke Sanger.

Saturday daytime: Synth Expo with performances

Saturday evening: Blancmange, Ultramarine and Molten Modular

Sunday: DIY Workshops from Thonk and Befaco.

http://www.syntheast.com"

Update: press release follows:


"Pouring from the heart of Norfolk, hosted by the Norwich Arts Centre, curated by Electronic Sound Magazine and run by Molten Modular, Synth East is back. After a devastatingly successful 2023 show the sold-out Norfolk-based festival of synthesizers returns in 2024 but this time it's been widened into a full weekend experience.

The all new Friday evening Synth East event is curated by Electronic Sound Magazine and kicks off with (possibly) the UK premiere of a documentary on electronic musician Morton Subotnick, who at 90 years old, is known affectionately as the Father of Techno. It’s called Subotnick, Portrait of an Electronic Music Pioneer by Waveshaper Media who brought us the intoxicating 2014 documentary, I Dream of Wires.

Following the film we have writer, broadcaster, comedian and musician Adam Buxton chatting with Synth East alumni Steve Davis about music, life and modular synths. Finishing off the evening we have an ambient set from modular musician Luke Sanger as we relax into some beers in preparation for what’s to come for the rest of the weekend.

Saturday’s Synth East Expo is a carnival of control voltage, a festival of synth sounds and a party of epic performances. Dozens of manufacturers will be filling the Arts Centre with synths and modulars to give you an opportunity check out their marvellous machines and bask in the glow of synthesiser technology. You’ll be able to chat with the makers about the gear and even have a personal demonstration. Simply walking through the auditorium in the company of such exciting gear is completely thrilling.

Throughout the day we’ll be having some performances from local artists Hardwired and Tristan Burfield before we once again embark on the awesome modular experiment of the all-star patch off. This year, joining Robin "Molten Modular" Vincent, Steve Davis and Gaz Williams will be Mylar Melodies, Nina Richards, and Jason Jervis. These are unique, improvised performances that you’ll never see anywhere else.

Saturday night’s synthesiser explosion features the 80s synth legends Blancmange who have kindly agree to fit us in before their extensive Everything is Connected: The Best Of Blancmange tour of the UK. Supporting Blancmange we have eclectic electronic music duo Ultramarine featuring Ian Cooper and Paul Hammond. And in the warm up slot is our own Robin “Molten Modular” Vincent and a special guest.

On Sunday we are hosting some Eurorack DIY workshops presented by Befaco and Thonk. They will be held at Electronic Sound HQ at Capital House over a few hours. The idea is that you buy a ticket for the workshop and then order the kit that you hope to build directly with Befaco or Thonk.

Synth East 2024 runs from the 23rd to the 25th of February. Each event is available as a separate ticket and there's a bundle deal on buying the Saturday Expo and evening performance together.

Our intention is to revel in the world of synthesizers, modular and electronic musical boxes. We want to explore sound through performance, discussion and hands-on interaction. It's a lot of fun and open to anyone with an interest in bleeps, tones and noises."

Befaco FX Boy demo (no talking)

video upload by Molten Music Technology

"I ran a couple of different sources through the FX Boy cartridges to give you an idea of what they do."

Qu-Bit Surface - 0:00
Pico Drums - 10:00
Sequenced bass line - 18:49

Making modular on the beach - Cart Gap 23/10/23

video upload by Molten Music Technology

"Getting mobile with my modular and running it on batteries. He's a couple of minutes of something nice on the beach at Cart Gap shortly before being swamped by a wave. Thankfully, only my picnic rug, coat and pride got wet."

Blukac Endless Processor Review

video upload by Molten Music Technology

"Endless is infinite sustain pulled from the sound sources of your rack, filled with the same tonal quality and stretched for an eternity. It's my latest favourite thing. You might not grasp it immediately; it might take some time, but gee whizz, it's a beauty."

Index:
Intro - 0:00
The Basics - 6:23
Dual Channelling - 16:03
Chords - 22:06
Here's a scenario - 23:30
How about a microphone? - 30:39
Another scenario - 37:08
Conclusions - 41:36

RYK Modular Night Rider Review

video upload by Molten Music Technology

Sound demo here

"Night Rider is a Quad Sequential Resonator, or a bunch of bandpass filters in a beautifully realised interface of scanning LEDs. I'll take you through everything I found from wobbles, to sweeps, flanging to pings, formants to strikes."

RYK Modular Night Rider extended sound demo

video upload by Molten Music Technology

"No talking, just full-length experiments with the Night Rider."