WAVE Synthworks Time Based Pulse Divider

video upload by WAVE Synthworks

"This is a demo video for the WAVE Synthworks Time Based Pulse Divider. It is a module for dividing incoming pulses(clocks, triggers, gates etc.). It does this in

a different way than any other divider module that I know of. The divisions are created with the use of an adjustable timing cycle. It's a unique way to get patterns of triggers for your modular system."

"Available soon."

Laurentide SynthWorks - PRM2 Demo (Dual Passive Ring Mod)

Published on Sep 9, 2015 Laurentide SynthWorks

http://www.laurentidesynthworks.net/

"The PRM2 is a dual passive ring modulator with a twist. There are two toggle switches that are connected to 2 of the 4 diodes (per ring mod). Each toggle controls one + and one - diode. They can be switched off and removed from the circuit. This creates an unbalanced modulation between the audio transformers, lending to some pretty gritty and interesting results. This demo has both diodes switched off. In this configuration, there are a lot more "dead spots" causing a more dramatic rise and fall resulting in more pronounced VCA type modulations.

The PRM 2 is using a Make Noise STO Saw Wave for the Carrier and a Mutable Instruments Braids set to CSAW for the input. The output is fed into Mutable Instruments Streams (Left Channel) which is set to compressor (and maxed out). The Streams output is fed into the Synthroteck Echo and the rate is controlled by a Synthrotek Sequence8. The output of the Echo then goes into a Music Thing Srping Reverb set to about 10 o'clock. Finally it is sent to the Sputnik 6 Channel Mixer.

The drums are a Mutable Instruments Peaks (Kick & Snare) which are mixed with the Manhattan Analog Discrete SVVCF and sent into the right channel of Streams which is also set to Compressor mode (and obviously maxed out). The output is then sent to the the Sputnik Mixer. The individual kick and snare hits are sent untouched to the Sputnik Mixer as well to maintain low-end and shape."

Laurentide Synthworks VG2 Dual Passive Vactrol Gate DIY Eurorack DIY Kit Eurorack Module

via Laurentide Synthworks

“No power needed! Each Vactrol Gate has 1 CV Input (gate, envelope, LFO, etc.), 1 Audio Input and 1 Audio Output. the CV Input hits the Vactrol LED, allowing audio to pass through. In addition, there is a simple Low Pass Filter applied to the Audio Input with an Amount (Cutoff) knob. As this is a passive circuit, it will not give you full cutoff control, but it does allow the taming of harsh wave shapes. The LPF is simply the same concept as a guitar’s ‘tone’ control. Also, there is an LED at the CV Input for quick visual reference and LED light action!

As this is a passive circuit, it is advisable to use a Buffered Multiple before the Audio Input to maintain amplitude.”

Werkstatt der Pfähler (Werkstatt the Impaler) by Laurentide SynthWorks

via Laurentide SynthWorks

"The Werkstatt der Pfähler (Werkstatt the Impaler) is a Moog Werkstatt-Ø1 that has been cut up and extensively modified. There is a huge beast inside these little synths that can only be accessed through modifying.

There are 2 versions available: Standard and Full. The Standard version is perfect for incorporating into an existing Eurorack modular system. Most of the header patch points have been brought to the rear of the unit to 3.5mm Jacks. Most importantly, the EG can be triggered by an external gate. This is not possible without modification.

The Full version takes the standard and brings it to a stand-alone powerhouse! In addition to the CV In’s and Out’s at the rear, buffers are added to all CV Out’s (these are circuits that keep critical voltages, like the raw VCO waveforms from sagging when used to drive external gear). The CV Out’s are wired to TRS jacks, giving a total of 8 individual outputs. A MIDI 2 CV (MINICV) converter is added to drive the VCO and EG. Additionally, the CV & Gate generated by the MIDI 2 CV is brought to 2 jacks, so when the Werkstatt is not in use, it can be used to drive other analog gear that does not have MIDI, but does have CV & Gate In’s. A mixer is added to give volume control over the Werkstatt VCO and External Audio. Additionally, the VCF is wired to the Audio In jack, so when nothing is plugged into the jack, the Audio In volume knob will send the VCF back into itself for some intense filter overdrive! A 2nd glide circuit is added in line with the VCO CV In. The Werkstatt Glide potentiometer is removed and replaced with a dual gang potentiometer. This way one knob can control both the Werkstatt glide and the external pitch glide. The VCO Wave selector switch is removed and a mixer circuit is added so the 2 waveforms can be continuously blended from one to the other. Lastly, there is a Fine Tune knob added.

Both mods come with high quality Lexan Overlays by SynthGraphics (similar to the ones used on production Moogs), and all mods are backed by a 1 year warranty.*"

Moog Werkstatts on eBay

Laurentide SynthWorks Sequence #3

Published on Apr 26, 2014 Laurentide SynthWorks·43 videos

"Lotsa layers. Starts with a loop on the Phonogene of an STO. The "Shape" is modulated by Tides. The Tides "Shape" is modulated by Maths. The Phonegene "Organize" is also being modulated by Tides.

The next voice is pretty much the same thing as above, but being sequenced by Pressure Points. The variable wave out is fed into the Phonogene and mixed with the loop, which is fed into the Echophon, then into the Optomix.

The 3rd voice is the DPO Final wave sequenced by Rene. It's "Shape" & "Angle" are modulated by Function. The DPO output is fed into Ripples, then into the Optomix. The Optomix combined out is sent into the Music Thing Spring and out to the mixer.

The final voice is a Dave Smith Mopho X8 (well, an X4 and a tetra) played in realtime."

http://www.laurentidesynthworks.blogspot.com/

Happy New Year! The Year in Synths 2013

Happy New Year Everyone!

What a busy year it has been in the world of synths.

This is going to be one doozy of a post, so bear with me. This post is a review of the year in synths for 2013. We begin with Tributes to Those We Lost This Year, followed by New Manufacturers & Makers, Older Manufacturers Added to the Site, New Gear Announcements, Top 10 Posts by Traffic,  My Standout Posts for the Year, and finally This Years' Synth Events. I did my best to keep things as short and concise as possible.

Let's begin with the hardest part of the post.

Tributes to Those We Lost This Year

RIP Bernard Parmegiani - Electronic & Acoustic Composer
Lou Reed RIP
RIP Dick Raaymakers aka Kid Baltan
RIP George Duke - DreamWeaver
RIP Ralph Dyck, Sept 28, 1941 – May 20, 2013
RIP Ray Manzarek

All missed and never to be forgotten. Take a moment to remember them.

------

New Manufacturers & Makers

Starting last January, I decided to keep a running list of every new manufacturer and maker introduced to the site during the year.  This is something I haven't done before and I thought it would be interesting to see how many there were in the year.   It's easy to focus on the big synth announcements throughout the year, but what about all the new makers and brands? I shouln't have to go considerably into the significance of new designers on the scene, so I'll just say two things regarding them.  One, the number of new makers is a direct reflection on the interest in our scene, and two, these are the creators of new gear which directly translate into new designs not previously available to us.  Think about that for a moment.  These are makers and designs that did not exist before.  They are part of our synth history.  So what is the total count of new synth designers for the year? A whopping 113. Think about that a bit. One hundred and thirteen new synth designers and brands this year alone.

Here they are (note a handful date back to 2012, but 2013 marked their momentum and availability):

CLICK FOR MORE »

Laurentide SynthWorks #3

Published on Sep 3, 2013 Laurentide SynthWorks·41 videos

"Another modular playday. Got some euro modules finally. Using the Doepfer A-115 Audio Divider on one of the VCO's. Lots of S&H clocking and modulating with some Sympleseq sequencing. messy and clipped to hell (VCO wave is going through the dotcom Q130 Clipper/Rectifier before hitting the A115)."

http://www.laurentidesynthworks.blogspot.com/

Manufacturers and More

The following is a repository of banners that have been featured on the site. Note the date of this post is 2009, so some of these banners are old and some sites may be gone. This page exists more for historical purposes.

---

300px banners: