"This is an early breath controller/filter module originally made for the Crumar Stratus. It can be connected to almost any vintage analog synthesizer. It has two trigger outs, three transducer voltages out, touch modular pad, bite and breath attenuators, and sensitivity adjustments. It can make almost any analog synth breath controllable.
This filter module was originally sold from 1978 - 1980. This particular module shows signs of mild rust and paint blemishes. The breath tubes are yellowed and old. It has not been tested, however, since this is an old analog synthesizer module, the components can be easily replaced if necessary. Possibly only the capacitors would need to be replaced.
The last photo of the serial number plate still has the remnants of the plastic cover on it."
This is a bit of a triple post. Dave Vondle of http://matrix.vondle.com wrote in to let me know the final 9 units of the Ghielmetti Pin Matrix Kit for the Teenage Engineering POM-400, previously posted here, have been completed. It's featured in the video above and in a post by Teenage Engineering on converting their Pocket Operator Modules (POM) to eurorack.
That said, first the description for the video above:
"Figured out how to communicate to extraterrestrial organisms.
The Calmset 3 connected to my brain is generating the frequencies - and the Masters Touch is taking breath, bite, and touch into the Teenage Engineering POM-400 (with my matrix kit attached). Breath controls the amplitude and bite/touch modify filter parameters. This all runs through the VOCU tape echo."
See here for some additional posts featuring the Masters Touch including pics. You can also find some info on Patchman Music here.
"Over a year ago I created a bolt-on kit to turn a Teenage Engineering Pocket Modular 400 into a matrix synth like the EMS Synthi. Instead of using cables to patch outputs from one module into inputs of another, you use the supplied pins to connect a row (output) to the corresponding column (input).
I have completed the final batch of 9 kits, as the manufacturer of the matrices recently went out of business. Teenage engineering just wrote a blog post featuring the kit, so I figured it would be a good time to get these last kits out there.
More info about the kit:
The matrix itself was made in Switzerland by the established patchbay company, Ghielmetti, and the kit simply bolts onto the back of the POM-400 modules with the supplied hardware - there is no soldering required. Once bolted on, it enables you to make 100% of all the patches you could otherwise make using cables, with the added benefit of having virtually no restrictions on the number of available outputs and inputs for each module. Patch cables can still be used in conjunction with the matrix for interfacing the system with external modules and running sound out from the device.
I thought you folks might be interested! For more details and to place an order go to matrix.vondle.com
Bonus Video - Here’s me when I patched a Steiner Master’s Voice into the POM-400, with the kit installed:" [above]
Third: eurorack conversions for Teenage Engineering's Pocket Operator Modules (and euro racking Pocket Operators):
via Teenage Engineering:
eurorack is a very common system format when it comes to modular synths. there are tons of modules and manufacturers on the market and the pocket operator modular series is eurorack compatible. this means any POM system can be used together with any other module, from any other brand. while the pocket rack format is slightly smaller than eurorack, you only need some minor tweaks to fit your pocket operator modules in your eurorack system.
here are a few ways to 'eurorackify' your pocket operator modulars and pocket operators, plus a bonus mod to really expand the capabilities of your POM-400.
eurorack front panels for POM
the two companies malm.audio and jklmnt have joined forces and created custom eurorack front panels for the complete range of modules available in the pocket operator modular POM-400 and POM-170. pick your favorite module and mount that in your existing eurorack system, or create a complete replica of an entire system. the various panels range from 6 hp width, up to 18 hp.
power adapters
they've also made a convenient power adapter that easily converts the power connector from pocket rack to eurorack. no soldering is required and everything above is available through the oddvolt webstore.
pokit for POM-16 by grayscale
the company grayscale makes modules and stylish eurorack front panels for a lot of products. their pokit is a eurorack conversion kit for the POM-16 keyboard. the front panel has a matte black finish and is 42 hp wide. the kit even comes with matching gray official knobs. this is a great option for enabling your system with the 4-channel sequencer, arpeggiator and keyboard that is the POM-16.
pocket operators and eurorack
the usually hand-held regular pocket operators can also be used in a eurorack system. this could for instance be a great way to create a portable and powerful grab-and-go live performance instrument, or to have pocket operators tightly and neatly integrated into your studio setup. here are two examples of how to mount pocket operators in a eurorack case.
"This is a one of a kind Mini Moog Model D with a 5 octave digitally scanning keyboard in a custom Birch case. It has an additional panel of custom effects and an added interface to connect the Roland MPU 101 CV to Midi interface and a never used Steiner Masters Touch wind unit. It was built by one of Moog's top designers and has been recently thoroughly serviced and calibrated. It will connect to a Moog Modular etc."
There's supposed to be a video of it on YouTube according to the auction, but I couldn't find it. If you do, leave a comment and I'll add it to the post.
"This is a fully working very rare Steiner Masters Touch Breath Controller!!! This not only doubles as an analog breath controller, but also has CV outputs to control your CV synthesizers. In addition the unit has unique analog filters built in, (think Moog-style) controlled from your breath!! This unit is in excellent condition, with only a very minor scratches from studio use. This was made in Italy by Crumar around 1980-82.
The breath tubes are not included, and it is missing one slider control cap is missing. The TM cover is intact.
Some comments from users:
The Masters Touch is an awesome, breath controlled resonant analog filter designed by the legendary Nyle Steiner. It is also a unique CV controller, putting out voltage from breath, bite, and touch (from the touch pad). The Masters Touch was a favorite tool of the Moog Cookbook
Check out Nyle Steiner on Patchmanmusic.com for more info on the designer and the Masters Touch."
"First, you can run any audio though the internal VCF (steiner-parker's signature resonant lowpass filter), while controlling the cutoff with the breath control tube, and the resonance and cutoff ranges with the slider. The filter is very responsive and expressive.
Second, it has CV and Gate outs (positive and negative trigger jacks!) for the breath control tube
Third, it has CV out for the touch pad, a little felt pad that responds to wiggling your finger on it. (very fun!)
Fourth, it has CV out for another breath tube labeled "bite," (There is a closed end tube which responds to pressure change inside the tube when you squeeze or bite it.)
Extreme fun and very useful in any modular set up. I am including the original breath and bite tubes, which I recommend sterilizing before use :) This particular unit is in tip top shape. All the sliders were just cleaned and lubricated, and it is functioning great..."
"The built in true analog filter sounds great. You get a ton of control with touch, breath, bite & sliders. I mostly use the touch pad patched into CV inputs on my Korg MS10. The slides move & work like new. You can run any instrument thru its nice filter. I have used the breath out to VCO to control pitch while bite to filter, worked fine but I hardly ever had the tubes hooked to it. Original manual & tubes included, the plastic is still on the data plate..."
"Here's your chance to own a fully working very rare Steiner Masters Touch Breath Controller!!! This not only doubles as an analog breath controller, but also has CV outputs to control your CV synthesizers. In addition the unit has unique analog filters built in, (think Moog-style) controlled from your breath!! Comes with the breath controller tube, and original manual. This unit is in excellent condition, with only a very minor scratchy fader (easily fixable with some contact cleaner). I am the original owner and even though the unit is from the 80's, very little use!"
Note: Auction links are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.
via this auction
"This auction is for a good condition Steiner Masters Touch. Use it as an interface to control your (modular) synthesizer or use the nice expressive filter for your audio. This is a rare vintage unit. Both tubes however are new and have not been used for hygienic reasons. It has recently been gone over by a pro tech. Works like it should. Put some expression in your music! :-)"
Note: Auction links are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.
via this auction "This auction is for a good condition Steiner Masters Touch. Use it as an interface to control your (modular) synthesizer or use the nice expressive filter for your audio. This is a rare vintage unit. Both tubes however are new and have not been used for hygienic reasons. It has recently been gone over by a pro tech. Works like it should. Put some expression in your music! :-)"
"Quick and Dirty patch featuring the EliKing Light sensitive delay soda-POP can and a mildly modded TR-606 drum machine with individual outs.
Wanted to see how the EMS AKS handles audio through the Hi Input channels.
TR 606 outputs:
Snare massaged then to Roland RE-201 Space Echo.
Hihats to EliKing Light sensitive delay soda-POP can.
HiTom Trigger out to AKS #1 (Hi Input Ch.2)
Headphone out to AKS #2 (Hi Input Ch.2)
Main output to AKS #1 (Hi Input Ch.1)
Steiner-Crumar Masters Touch breath controlled resonant analog filter and CV controller puts out voltage from breath, bite and touch. Sooo much fun had the Breath Transducer going out to AKS #2 (Hi Input Ch.1).Only stinky breath is used in this vid!!! No bite or touch.
AKS #2s Signal Output goes into the wet and juicy Crumar filter."
"Manufactured by CRUMAR Model: MAT? Serial Number: M2-00591 MADE IN ITALY
The Masters Touch is an awesome, breath controlled resonant analog filter designed by the legendary Nyle Steiner. It is also a unique CV controller, putting out voltage from breath, bite, and touch (from the touch pad). The Masters Touch was a favorite tool of the Moog Cookbook. I have no way to test it, but it does light right up when plugged in."
"The Masters Touch is an awesome, breath controlled resonant analog filter designed by the legendary Nyle Steiner. It is also a unique CV controller, putting out voltage from breath, bite, and touch (from the touch pad). The Masters Touch was a favorite tool of the Moog Cookbook.
This Masters Touch works perfectly. It needs some plastic tubes for the breath and bite control, but those are easy to find. The tubes just slide onto the ends that stick out of the front of the unit. It has some marring and wear to the finish on the faceplate."
"Rare Vactrol based filter. Breath controller, bite and touch modulator. Perfect working order, very good cosmetics. Auction includes original owners manual, schematics and breath/bite tubes."
"This is a very rare unit that allows you to control anything which has CV inputs with your breath! It also acts as an amazing analog filter, think moog sound. It has been barely used and is in perfect physical and functional shape. You can also use the unit to control CV wiby touch with the pressure pad on the top of the unit. Comes with mouth tubes which I think could be replaced easily if you wanted to with any sort of rubber tubing the same width."
"This is a very rare unit that allows you to control anything which has CV inputs with your breath! It also acts as an amazing analog filter, think moog sound. It has been barely used and is in perfect physical and functional shape. You can also use the unit to control CV wiby touch with the pressure pad on the top of the unit. Comes with mouth tubes which I think could be replaced easily if you wanted to with any sort of rubber tubing the same width."
"This is a very rare unit that allows you to control anything which has CV inputs with your breath! It also acts as an amazing analog filter, think moog sound. It has been barely used and is in perfect physical and functional shape. You can also use the unit to control CV wiby touch with the pressure pad on the top of the unit. Comes with mouth tubes which I think could be replaced easily if you wanted to with any sort of rubber tubing the same width. You wont see another one like this, in this great of condition for a long time.."
"Steiner Masters Touch analog breath interface/filter The breath input works - This is one half of the dual medical tubing you see in the picture. You can blow into the tube and generate voltage based on how strong your breath is. You can also control the cutoff frequency of the filter this way. The voltage controlled filter works - it's a really nice resonant filter (sounds 24db but I can't find any documentation that backs this up). It can self-oscillate. You can run external sounds through it. The bite input does not work - this is the other half of the dual medical tubing. The touch input does not work - moving your finger around doesn't generate any voltage.
This would make a good addition to any modular setup; I used it with my Synthesizers.com system as well as my MS-20. If you're a DIY-er you could probably repair this (or at least yank the guts out and put it in a module).
The entire package includes: - Base unit - Breath tubes - Vinyl trim (for the metal sides of the unit) - Schematics"
"This is an early breath controller/filter module originally made for the Crumar Stratus. It can be connected to almost any vintage analog synthesizer. It has two trigger outs, three transducer voltages out, touch modular pad, bite and breath attenuators, and sensitivity adjustments. It can make almost any analog synth breath controllable.
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