New Projects: Analogue Realities & Analogue Solutions Red Square DIY Kits

via Analogue Realities.

Analogue Realities also worked with Nyle Steiner on new Steiner Synthasystem project.

"Monday, September 12, 2011
New Projects...
Hi Everyone!

I have 3 new projects to announce. First, I have prototype PCBs for the Duo-Phonic keyboard. I've got an idea how to modify a Fatar keybed to use reed switches and magnets as a buss keyboard. I'll post my results.

Second, I'm working on the Microcon. It will be a module suitable for Eurorack or standalone. In standalone, you will need to add a +/- 12 volt supply. I've got the schematic mostly captured. I'm thinking I can get PCBs in about 2 months.

Third, Tom Carpenter at Analogue Solutions is selling Red Square PCBs and panels. Pretty bare bones, but I'm putting a page together to help out those who are building it. There are some unique semiconductors and the BOM lacks some part numbers, eg: pots with switch. Anyway, I also bought an assembled Red Square and will take some photos of the inside so the PCB interconnection and other details will be more clear."

Update via electro-music.com: "To compliment the Steiner Synthasystem resurrection I completed (see here http://www.xmission.com/~dingebre/Synthasystem.html), I'm now undertaking the Steiner Microcon. I'll put up a page with build/calibration notes and will have PCBs for sale. Be aware, it does use two Vactrols which are becoming extinct. They are the VTL5C3/2 variety right now available at Allied Electronics. It also makes use of 5 74C14 Hex Inverters. There are some substitutes which I'll have in the build notes. It also uses a 2n5246 JFET which also recently went away, but it isn't really special and there are substitutes. Everything else should be relatively easy to find.

There are a couple of trimmers on the PCB which will be configured so you can make it a panel pot, like resonance, and sustain level. So, stay tuned.

The Microcon was a standalone synthesizer voice, VCO, LFO, VCF, EG (driving a VCA). It also had a unique way to "fatten" the VCO sound. Below is a photo taken of one Nyle mounted in a custom rack of 8 (or was it 9) Microcons as a special order."

Copper Oxide Thermoelectric Generator Can Light LED

YouTube Uploaded by nylesteiner on Jul 19, 2011
Curios if those are the new Steiner Synthasystem modules in the background.
"A simple copper oxide thermoelectric generator can generate hundreds of millivolts. Sixteen of them in series can generate enough voltage to light an LED.

See more information at http://www.sparkbangbuzz.com

What is happening? I have spent my entire life reading whatever technical books and articles I could find and can recall seeing only one book that says anything about this device. It would be safe to say however, that an explanation could be found in the institutionalized literature. Not being presently affiliated with any institutions, I do not have ready access to most of their literature which makes the cost of reading it prohibitive. So, I will offer my own take on what is happening.

A thermocouple is generally thought of as being a junction between two dissimilar metals but it might be better to say that it is a junction between two dissimilar conductors. Touching the two oxidized wires together forms a junction of copper oxide to copper oxide. This is not where the action is. The copper oxide on both wires should be thought of as one solid conductor between the two copper wires - a very short one at that. This can now be seen as the classic two thermocouples back to back circuit. We have a copper - copper oxide junction on the hot wire and an opposing copper oxide - copper junction on the cold wire. With this in mind it is now easy to view this device as being a normal thermistor circuit.

It is easy to wonder how this device could work at all because of the copper oxide, that is between the two wires, being almost an insulator. Copper oxide however, also acts like a thermistor with a very high negative temperature coefficient. Even the "cold" wire still gets hot enough that the resistance of the copper oxide drops relatively to a very low value - enabling current to flow.

I must give credit to an older book "Simple Scientific Experiments" by Aurel de Ratti as being the one and only book I have ever seen that makes the reader aware of this copper oxide thermoelectric generator. This book also contains other fascinating stuff. It is reprinted and sold by Lindsay Publications Inc."

New Nyle Steiner Modular Videos

EG.mpg

YouTube Uploaded by dingebre on Jul 16, 2011

"Steiner Triple EG operation.

Check out the blog and web site for more info:

http://analoguerealities.blogspot.com/
http://www.xmission.com/~dingebre/Synthasystem.html"

VC Trig.mpg

Uploaded by dingebre on Jul 16, 2011

"Steiner Voltage Controlled Trigger Generator."

Nyle Steiner Playing the New Synthasystem

YouTube Uploaded by dingebre on May 11, 2011

"I let Nyle borrow the Synthasystem and here is a sample of what he did with it. In an email, Nyle said, "This synthesizer has all the character and feel that I remember the old ones having." High praise indeed. Thank you Nyle

Check out the blog and web site for more info. http://analoguerealities.blogspot.com/ and http://www.xmission.com/~dingebre/Synthasystem.htm"

[Re-posted. This one was a casualty of the recent Blogger outage.]

After 35 years, a New Synthasystem

via Analogue Realities where you'll find more pics.

5U format Synthasystem VCF

via Analogue Realities where you'll find more pics.

"Tony has finished a 5U format Synthasystem VCF. Nicely done Tony!"

CLICK FOR MORE »

New Steiner Synthasystem in the Flesh

More pics on Analogue Realities

"Completed:

* Frequency Divider
* Sequencer
* VCO A
* VCO B Square/Saw
* VC Trigger Generator
* VCF
* Tuner Monitor
* Triple EG
* VCA/Mixer
* Peak Selector
* Sample and Hold
* Trigger Converter
* 2 "Multipliers" (what Nyle called multiples)
* Ring Modulator
* Phase Shifter
* Voltage Processor/Mixer (VPM)
* Dual Voltage Follower (Slew)
* Power Access Module

Still to do:

CLICK FOR MORE »

New Steiner Synthasystem Complete!

via Analogue Realities:

"I pronounce the Synthasystem fully resurrected. The last module was the Ring Modulator. Nyle spent a couple of hours with me today and it works. I can now make the order for a small production run of the last three PCBs. The panels are done and now I'm going to build my modules.

I'll update the web pages over the next few days and get the module information up to date."

For those that haven't been following, Nyle Steiner is behind this. He has been working with David of Analogue Realities to bring the Steiner Synthasystem back to life. Note this is not a one off restoration. These are new modules initially available for order as DIY kits. Last I checked in with David, eurorack would be coming. A new Steiner Synthasystem modular has just made it into being. See the links above for more info and the label below for posts featuring Nyle Steiner's work.

New Steiner Synthasystem Videos

New Steiner Synthasystem VCO type A

YouTube via dingebre | February 05, 2011 |

"This is a faithful re-release of the Steiner Synthasystem VCO type A. As always, Nyle was an integral part of this re-release. This VCO only differs from the original in that it incorporates the ability to tune it to a 1 Volt/Oct scale. Thank you Nyle.

More info at the web site: http://www.xmission.com/~dingebre/Syn..."

Steiner Synthasystem VCF

dingebre | February 05, 2011 |

"This is a faithful re-release of the Steiner Synthasystem VCF. Nyle was an integral part of this re-release, thank you Nyle."

Steiner Synthasystem Studio Sequencer

dingebre | February 05, 2011 |

"This is a faithful re-release of the Steiner Synthasystem Studio Sequencer. This incorporates all the features of the first generation sequencer plus all the extra features Nyle added to the second generation sequencer. Nyle was an integral part of this re-release, thank you Nyle."

New Steiner Synthasystem Progress

via Analogue Realities where you'll find the full post:

"The project is getting very close to fruition. I've recently tested and now have working the VC Trigger Generator, Noise, Selective Inverter, Phase Shifter, Voltage Processing Module, and tonight, the Tuner Monitor. The Voltage Follower (slew or portamento), Ring Modulator, and Input Amplifier prototypes have shipped and should be here early next week. After that, I need to finish up some panels and then order some production PCBs.

Nyle came over last night and spent a few hours helping me go through the Selective Inverter. It is a very interesting module, and I don't quite know how to explain it. I guess because I'm still trying to understand it. It was a specialty module Nyle built for a customer and very few were every built."

Vintage Steiner Parker Synthacon

via this auction

"The year, 1971, 16 years old from Japan, on a trip to NYC.Walk into Manny's Music in Manhattan. Excited that I'm getting my first "real" guitar, a new Gibson Les Paul Deluxe ( still have it!! finish is cracking nicely!!). Strange keyboard with a ton of switches catches my eye. Way cooler than the Mini-Moog I had seen before. My Dad, being cool that he is, urges me to check it out. Makes all kinds of weird noises. Gotta have it!!! Wow everybody back home, groove to Walter Carlos, pre Wendy, Morton Subotnick, etc. Awesome tones and crashes when I intertwine the oscillators, envelope generators, VC filters. Many a stoned headphone journeys taken. 2010, Synth hasn't seen the light of day in 30 years, packed away the whole time. Plug it in, move around the oscillators, and BAM, wacka-wacka memories!!!!!! I have no use for it now.But I know that it'll make someone's fantasy come true!!! The workout.... Every switch works, every knob works, every key works in tune ( all keys are uniformly stiff. they will need to be re-conditioned.. felt?) As you can see, no dings, a little dusty. This machine has never been played outside. Never been onstage like my Paul. Just in great condition for its age. Let me know how you would like it wrapped for shipment. Merry Christmas!!!!"

Update via Micke in the comments: "The Synthacon first appeared in 1975 so there's no way the seller could've bought it back in 1971. It's obviosly a typo.

Much more interesting than DM's use of this synthesizer is, in my opinion, its use on the Apocalypse Now soundtrack (1979). The Steiner EVI, synthasystem modular and double-synthacon are all over the score."

CLICK FOR MORE »

Nyle Steiner & Richard Souther "The Holly And The Ivy" plus quick interview

YouTube via northblip | December 13, 2010 | 2 likes, 0 dislikes

"Nyle Steiner and Richard Souther performing on the Park City 'Mountain Morning Show" with hosts Jen Hardman and Karilyn Fraser, Monday December 13th, 2010...
Arrangement: ©2010 Richard Souther / Northersouth Music EMI CMG (ASCAP) and Nyle Steiner (ASCAP)

http://www.richardsouther.com/
http://www.patchmanmusic.com/NyleStei...
http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/steinersouther
http://parkcity.tv/"

Note Nyle Steiner is currently working on the reincarnation of the Steiner Synthasystem.

Steiner Synthasystem Update

via Analogue Realities where you'll find more.

"Top: VCO, VCF, Triple EG, VCA. Bottom: Peak Selector, Sequencer. Not shown: Frequency Divider (Nyle still has it). At the very bottom is a Frac Rack with some utility modules I put together; Blacet Bar Graph, 2 mini O'sopes, A440 tuner, and a Yusynth Voltage Standards module (thanks Yves, yusynth.net).

The good news is it all works! The Sequencer, Frequency Divider (THANK YOU Nyle), VCO, VCA, VCF, EG; it's a real system that now needs expanding!.."

Steiner VCF

via Analogue Realities

"thought you might like to see a picture of my populated board as i used a lot of NOS parts. all carbon composite resistors, a couple vintage transistors (5138s) and .1uf caps, and original AD SSM chips."

This is part of the DIY Steiner Synthasystem project with Nyle Steiner's involvement. The Steiner Synthasystem is coming back to life. Currently DIY, and Eurorack versions will become available. See Analogue Realities for more info.

DIY Steiner Synthasystem Racked

via Analogue Realities where you'll find more pics and details. I believe this is the first racking of the new Steiner Synthasystem.

CLICK FOR MORE »

DIY Steiner Synthasystem Progress - VC OSC and Triple Envelope Generator

via Analogue Realities where you'll find more pics and info.

Steiner Synthasystem VCF PCB Re-issue

via this auction

"This is a re-issue of the rare and unique Steiner VCF bare PCB. Nyle Steiner had a big part in this project and was key in the testing and tweaking phases of the design. This PCB is a DIY project. See this website for the project details.

The PCB is a modern re-capture and professionally etched and screened PCB with high quality materials for reliability and ease of assembly. This is a BARE PCB for intermediate to advanced Do-It-Yourself'ers.

This is not a tribute, clone, or anything like it. It is a faithful re-capture of the original Synthasystem (not Synthacon) VCF with selectable Low Pass, Band Pass, and High Pass modes. The PCB is of a size which will work with all the current standard panel sizes, Euro, MOTM/DotCom, Fractional (Frac), and others. Being original, the PCB runs on +12 and-10 volt supplies, but will work with +/- 12VDC and is designed to also work with +/- 15VDC supplies. The builder has the choice of using modern components, such as monolithic NPN pairs, or all discrete transistors.

There are several PCBs available." Contact the seller or Analogue Realities for details.

Steiner Synthasystem VCO PCB Re-issue

via this auction

"This is a re-issue of the rare and unique Steiner VCO bare PCB. Nyle Steiner had a big part in this project and was key in the testing and tweaking phases of the design. This PCB is a DIY project. See this website for the project details.

The PCB is a modern re-capture and professionally etched and screened PCB with high quality materials for reliability and ease of assembly. This is a BARE PCB for intermediate to advanced Do-It-Yourself'ers.

This is not a tribute, clone, or anything like it. It is a faithful re-capture of the original Synthasystem (not Synthacon) VCO type A with Saw, Sine, Pulse, and Triangle outputs. The PCB is of a size which will work with all the current standard panel sizes, Euro, MOTM/DotCom, Fractional (Frac), and others. Being original, the PCB runs on +12 and-10 volt supplies, but will work with +/- 12VDC and is designed to also work with +/- 15VDC supplies. Only minor modifications were made to make it friendly with current Control Voltage sources such as an on board Volt/Octave trimmer and a frequency range trimmer. Otherwise, it is the same as the original. The builder has the choice of using modern components, such as monolithic NPN pairs, or all discrete, hand matched transistors.

There are several PCBs available." Contact the seller or Analogue Realities for details.

DIY Steiner Synthasystem Triple EG

via Analogue Realities

DIY Steiner Synthasystem Panels are In - VCO

Full details on Analogue Realities

"The first panel order arrived, so I stuffed a VCO panel to see if it all fit right.I'm waiting on some MTA connectors to do the flying wires."