The Prism Circuits Pomona System is a custom layout designed by Noisebug. The intention of the Pomona System is to offer a system that is capable of creating music, soundscapes and textures by offering sequencing, random voltages, effects and routing options all in a 2 panel system.
Modules included in this system -
Top Row
1973 Oscillator x 2
1973 Filter
Envelope Generator x2
Gate x2
VC Phaser
"At Buchla And Friends 2024, we met up with Nick from Prism Circuits who showed us their new Serge-based Quasar modular system. The system is based on the 4U standard, making it larger than Eurorack and it draws inspiration from the early electronic music circuits created by composer Serge Tcherepnin in the 1970s. The goal was to create an affordable modular synthesizer that could be customized based on individual preferences.
The Quasar system is designed for improvisation and live performances, and features a unique hieroglyphic language developed by Serge, with symbols representing different functions and outputs. Nick explained one advantage of the Prism Circuits system over Eurorack is its standardized grid format, making it convenient to navigate and locate modules quickly.
Prism Circuit's modules are handmade in the United States, using through-hole components and ensuring each instrument is crafted with care and longevity in mind, and typically cost around $2,500 per panel, but prices may vary depending on the components included."
Also check out scott3eh on Flickr
Some of the rarer items pictured here:
Adaptive Systems Synthia 1980
Kinetic Sound Prism 1980
Strider DCS II
Synclavier II Terminal Support Package 1981
Wersi Condor DMS 1984
Bob Moog on the Fairlight
The full list at the time of this post:
Adaptive Systems Synthia 1980
Akai AX80 1984
Aries Modular 1977
arp omni-2 ad 1980
Crumar Stratus 1981
crumar t1-b ad 1980
Emulator 1 1982
Ensoniq ESQ-1 1986
Fairlight-bob moog 1982
hohnar keyboards ad 1980
"Prism Circuits is the leading manufacturer in the Serge format. All of our products are available in the DIY format allowing users to build their own systems and to create the music they've always wanted.
This patch was composed on a 3 panel custom system accompanied by our HYMENIUM sequencing panel to give us melodic movements and gestures. In this patch we used the Red Panda Raster & Chase Bliss Mood pedals to give us a washed out pitch shifted delays. The Send Receive modules allows any system to interface with external effects and pedals. A simple but very affective module to expand your system.
"In this patch we are using the Prism Circuits 8 Panel custom designed system to create a very slow moving mundane composition that has a tone that reminds us of a french horn at times or cello symphony.
This custom 8 panel design is available on our website. The system can be designed by you and built by us.
"The Canvas System is inspired by the early days of the "west coast" synthesis philosophy. Taking inspiration from the building blocks of the Buchla Music Easel and putting our spin on what that same system would look like in the paperface era. This is a full featured stand-alone synthesizer that can hold its own against any instrument in its class.
"The Prism Circuits Quasar System is an organic esoteric living organism. Being that this system has no sequencing capabilities it forces you to create moving compositions in the sound domain."
"Short demo of the Spore - Easel Card Expander module.
This module is based around a cycling envelope that allows extremely long envelope times to create dramatic effects and movements within the Buchla Easel. This module also features analog noise to create textural gestures to your patches. Noise can be used as CV or audio, both on their own corresponding jack types. Beside the internal functions it also features CV control of the Buchla Easels modulation oscillator and complex oscillator, opening up more complex timbres."
The SPORE is a Buchla Easel expansion card that extends the functionality of the Easel itself.
At its core it is an attack decay envelope that can self-cycle and be pulsed from an external source. This Envelope features full CV control over the Duration of the envelope - positive and negative, a HOLD function that will freeze the envelope at its current level, a WINDOW comparator with CV control over the width of the comparison, and EOC (end of cycle) pulse output and a pulse input to cycle the envelope at its currents slider positions. Also features an onboard cycle switch to be used as an LFO. LFO can go into audio rates.
Also onboard are a few CV parameters of the internal functions of the Easel.
DECAY CV - CV Input - CV control over internal Envelope Generator Decay
This module also features a fully analog audio Noise Source, including White, Pink & Grain Noise. The Noise Source section also adds the noise sources as CV outputs to control other parameters of the Easel. The AUX Noise can be selected from 1 of the 3 onboard noise waves with the corresponding switch. Audio output can also be selected independently from the CV noise.
Last but not least! The SPORE also features a secondary Random Voltage source that is independent from the Easel's internal source.
The back of the unit features 8 color morphing LED's that adds a nice touch when performing in a low light environment.
The Canvas System is inspired by the early days of the "west coast" synthesis philosophy. Taking inspiration from the building blocks of the Buchla Music Easel and putting our spin on what that same system would look like in the paperface era. This is a full featured stand-alone
synthesizer that can hold its own against any instrument in its class.
Modules included in this system
1973 Oscillator x 2
Triple Waveshaper
1973 VCF
Noise Source
Gate x 2
Dual Mixer
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5 Step Programmer
Dual Processor
Envelope Generator x 2
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Housed in 2 Prism Circuits Slim powered boats with wood end cheeks.
All panels are handmade in California in small batches using all through-hole components to keep the authenticity true to the originals. Show less"
"All DivKid videos from my trip to Chicago, USA for Knobcon 2023"
Playlist:
1. 73-75 era Serge in the black panel 'Quasar' system // Prism Circuits at Knobcon 2023
Here we meet Sky from Prism Circuits who takes us through what he offers in the 4U Serge format, specifically taking us through his black panelled QUASAR system which uses classic 1973 - 1975 era Serge circuits.
2. Uncontrollable Rhythms from Moon Cycles and beyond // Pet Rock at Knobcon 2023
Here's Jonah from Pet Rock taking us through his sell out, sold at cost, first Eurorack module 'Pet Rock'. The module uses moon cycle data and random number generations to create two complimentary or drifting rhythms of varying step lengths and pattern densities. It's a fascinating concept that could lead to "good days and bad days" for your rhythms.
3. QV-L a POWERHOUSE of a Eurorack modulation source // Five12 at Knobcon 2023
Here's Jim Coker of Five12, of numerology and Vector fame, taking us through his new QV-L 'quad variable LFO'. It's a real powerhouse of a modulation module with 4 outputs, multiple clocking and frequency options, internal modulation, random generators, customisable control/performance options, syncing to the Vector sequencer for additional program changes and lots more.
4. NEW way to WAVETABLE! with Alias Zone & Osiris // Chris Meyer & ModBap at Knobcon 2023
Chris Meyer of Learning Modular & Alias Zone has A NEW WAY TO WAVETABLE!
Chris has been working on a new X and Y based wavetable systems that does two fascinating things, firstly it "samples" his whole large studio system while keeping that performable and responsive in the ModBap Modular Osiris and secondly he's using harmonics and interval sets to create morphing tunings within those sounds too.
This wavetable pack will be released for free through the ModBap site in the near future.
5. A Modular Approach to Eurorack Mixing with BARTENDER & BARBACK // After Later Audio at Knobcon 2023
Here we have several new modules from After Later Audio from Knobcon 2023. Lenny takes us through Bartender, Barback and Cast Iron which make up a new expandable, modular approach to Eurorack format mixing.
6. Simple solid clock sync! The Missing Link & ML:2 (Ableton Link) // Circuit Happy at Knobcon 2023
Giving the demo without any audio to listen to is a big move. A bold move made possible by rock solid behaviour from the devices from Circuit Happy. We have The Missing Link Junior and ML:2 Eurorack modules that are both Ableton Link enable devices for not just clock sync and reset but bar position aware behaviours for triggering and syncing to the patterns too. Impressive all round.
7. Better Spring Reverb! (with more filter features than your filter?) // Bubblesound at Knobcon 2023
It was great to meet David from Bubblesound at Knobcon 2023. I've been a long time user of his modules and he's consistently made quality modules over the years. The upcoming Spring Reverb module looks at Spring Reverb options in existence and aims to make them better, a fully featured SEM style multimode filter is on the module so you can really shape what's going into the physical spring, changing it's behaviour and sound. There's on board feedback which David is leaning into in this video too for more experimental patching.
"SERGE Paperface is back. Yes, actual paperface panels in 4U, just as it was originally intended back in 1973. All modules from the 1973-1975 era will be available in DIY and fully built panels. Prism will also be offering other modules that compliment the SERGE system, offering a more possibilities. COMING THIS SUMMER! Sign up for the COMING SOON notification so you can be notified when the website launches."
Prism Circuits is having
a 15% Off Labor Day Sale Sept 1st - 7th. P.S. Be sure to click through the sponsor banners on the right for any sales going one. Shops usually have them.
"Cross patching the Canvas System to the SOMA Pulsar 23 to get some deep modulation being sent from both units and routed to multiple destinations. Creating feedback is one of my favorite ways to use the Canvas System within the system itself and externally."
"Prism Circuits specialise in Serge format modules, remaining true to the original Serge modules. They are DIY systems and aim to bring affordable Serge to the people.
The modules are available online https://prismcircuits.net with links to the parts lists to make it simple to build. Because they are paper front panels you can print them yourself.
They are also available as prebuilt systems pre-designed or customized."
The QUASAR system was inspired by the unpredictable nature of black holes and exploring the thoughts of getting lost in space by immersing yourself into a system that guides you in many unknown directions to force one to patch in ways they never thought possible.
With no sequencer in the system, users are forced to think outside the box to create melody and patterns. Having a lot of random voltages within the system allows this instrument to be a force of its own when it comes to generative patching techniques and moving compositions that can morph in the time domain.
qua·sar
/ˈkwāˌzär/
a massive and extremely remote celestial object, emitting exceptionally large amounts of energy, and typically having a starlike image in a telescope. It has been suggested that quasars contain massive black holes and may represent a stage in the evolution of some galaxies.
"The Quasar System is an esoteric system that offers pure exploration patching styles being that no sequencer is present in the system. It forces you to think outside of the box and use modules in different ways to create melodies and “sequence like” variable cv sources.
The Quasar System is planned to be released April 9th for sale on the Prism Circuits website.
"The 4ms Desktop DLD System was made to be a portable effect unit that can play with a wide variety of instruments. With its looping capabilities and variable delay times, this unit could be a great addition to any studio setup!
Here we’re running the Prism Circuits Serge Paperface System through the Desktop DLD System to add some synchronized delays and reverse effects. Everything is being clocks from the Serge System."
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