Machina Bristronica 2024

video uploads by sonicstate

Playlist:

1. Bristronica 24: MyVolts The Silent Alchemist Nears Shipping

We caught up with Caroline who gave us the latest update to the *Silent Alchemist*, a versatile power hub designed for musicians. Featuring five isolated USB-C outputs and a high-wattage sixth output capable of delivering 100 watts, the device can power a Mac with the remaining outputs providing 20 watts each. Its independent circuits ensure noise-free operation, catering to a variety of devices including the Dreadbox module and Sysmo slope generator.

The Silent Alchemist uses innovative step-up power tips to convert USB-C input to the correct voltage for various devices. There's also new feature: an uninterruptible power supply allowing seamless transition between wall and power bank sources. Also introduced were updated cables, such as silver candy cords and floating ring TRS to TS cables, expanding connection flexibility. The Silent Alchemist is expected to be available in December with a competitive pricing strategy.

More Info:
https://myvolts.com/

2. Bristronica 24: Circuit Happy ML2M Clock Sync module updates

At Bristronica 2024, we caught up with the creator of the *ML2M*, who introduced us to the latest version. The ML2M is a compact Eurorack module with Wi-Fi capabilities, allowing seamless synchronization with Ableton Live, Bitwig Studio, and iOS music apps using Ableton Link without the need for cables. It either connects to an existing network or creates its own, ensuring robust sync even in environments with unreliable Wi-Fi. The module, which retains its 2HP size, now features MIDI integration through TRS jacks. Users can access a web interface to configure each output for different clock divisions and reset triggers, making setup straightforward and flexible.

Alongside the ML2M, there's also the Missing Link Junior. This desktop version offers the same functionality but in a box format, complete with MIDI and CV clock outputs. Both products are now accessible, with a starting price of $250.

3. Bristronica 24: Archaea Exchange Patching Module

At Machina Bristronica 2024, we caught up with Arran from ‪@archaea_modular_synthesis‬ who presented the *Exchange Module*. This programmable patcher, a year in the making, evolved from its early prototype stage to a fully functional module. Arran explained how the Exchange can route synth voices via a beam controller and three exchange modules installed within the skiff, allowing for versatile patching. Operating like a matrix patchbay, it enables users to select inputs and outputs with the push of a button, create presets, and chain multiple modules for synchronized patching.

Communication between the modules occurs over the Eurorack power bus as well as over MIDI via the USB-C connection. The Exchange maintains analog integrity, ensuring there’s no conversion latency. The forthcoming release expected in late November 2024, includes a USB-driven editor for enhanced control capabilities.

CLICK FOR MORE »

Teaching Synthesis with Bullfrog XL - Part 8 : Expansion Cards

video upload by Quincas Moreira Music

"Eighth Installment in my series of in depth guides for teaching synthesis and sound design with the Erica Synths Bullfrog XL synthesizer. This is a deep dive into the Expansion Cards.
Stay Noisy!"

You can find all parts in the series here.

Teaching Synthesis with Bullfrog XL - Part 7 : Utilities (Divider?, Attenuverter?, Slew?)

video upload by Quincas Moreira Music

You can find all parts in the series here.

"Seventh Installment in my series of in depth guides for teaching synthesis and sound design with the Erica Synths Bullfrog XL synthesizer. This is a deep dive into the Utilities.
Stay Noisy!"

Teaching Synthesis with Bullfrog XL - Part 6 : The S&H (Sample and Hold?)

video upload by Quincas Moreira Music

You can find all parts in the series here.

"Sixth Installment in my series of in depth guides for teaching synthesis and sound design with the Erica Synths Bullfrog XL synthesizer. This is a deep dive into the Sample and hold.
Stay Noisy!"

Teaching Synthesis with Bullfrog XL - Part 5 : The EG (Envelope? LFO?)

video upload by Quincas Moreira Music

You can find all parts in the series here.

"Fifth Installment in my series of in depth guides for teaching synthesis and sound design with the Erica Synths Bullfrog XL synthesizer. This is a deep dive into the EG, the Envelope Generator... which can also act as an LFO!
Stay Noisy!"

Teaching Synthesis with Bullfrog XL - Part 4 : The VCA (Amplifier? Attenuator?)

video upload by Quincas Moreira Music

You can find all parts in the series here.

"Fourth Installment in my series of in depth guides for teaching synthesis and sound design with the Erica Synths Bullfrog XL synthesizer. This is a deep dive into the VCA, the Voltage Controlled Attenuator... or Amplifier!
Stay Noisy!"

Teaching Synthesis with Bullfrog XL - Part 3 : The VCF (The Filter)

Part 3 added to this post.

Teaching Synthesis with Bullfrog XL - Part 1: System Overview

video upload by Quincas Moreira Music

"First Installment in my series of in depth guides for teaching synthesis and sound design with the Erica Synths Bullfrog XL synthesizer. This is just a system overview, tune in to part 2 where we explore the VCO (Oscillator).
Stay Noisy!"

Update:

CLICK FOR MORE »

ESK - Soundscape Improvisation 2

video upload by Metunar

"Second soundscape improvisation with an Erica Synths Bullfrog (analog synth with delay), Tasty Chips GR-1 (granular synth) and the Akai MPC X for effects only.
All recorded live, with post mastering."

http://www.metunar.ch

ESK - Frog and Drums

video upload by Metunar

"Simple jamsession with an Erica Synths Bullfrog synthesizer with the sequencer card and drums from the Sonicware Liven XFM groovebox.
All recorded live, with post mastering.

http://www.metunar.ch"

Meet The Pros: Erica Synths founder, Girts Ozolins at SAE

video upload by SAE Athens

"O Girts Ozolins, ιδρυτής της εταιρείας ανάπτυξης και δημιουργίας synthesizer Erica Synths, βρέθηκε στην SAE Athens! Mας μίλησε για τα πρώτα του βήματα στον κόσμο των synthesizers, την δημιουργία της εταιρείας Erica Synths, το Bullfrog synthesizer, κάποιες στιγμές στην καριέρα του που ξεχωρίζει και πολλά άλλα!

Δες τη συνέντευξη!

Ποιον επαγγελματία των creative media θα ήθελες να φέρουμε την επόμενη φορά; Τι ερωτήσεις θα ήθελες να κάνουμε στο μέλλον;

Chapters:
0:00 Girts Ozolins at SAE
0:21 Former Career
1:41 First steps in Synthesizers
4:31 Erica Synths now
5:37 The development of Bullfrog Synthesizer
9:06 Advice for young sound & music professionals"

ESK - Akai MPC X Delay Looping

video upload by Metunar

"Looping session with an Erica Synths Bullfrog, Mutable Instruments Ambika, Behringer VC-340, Guitar and an Akai MPC X Sampler.

Every Instrument had his Delay Line in the MPC X for Looping. If you keep the Tempo above 120 BPM you can use Delays which are 2 Bars long.
With mastering.

http://www.metunar.ch"

Erica Synths Bullfrog Drums. #superbooth 2024

video upload by motobor

"Had the opportunity to try the early prototype of Erica Synths' Bullfrog Drums.
This is going to be a top pick for drum machines once it's out. It's a sample-based drum machine with seven tracks, a simple interface, and an easy-to-use sequencer. Not much info is available yet, but watch for the official release."

Erica Synths Bullfrog XL: SUPERBOOTH 24

video upload by Bonedo Synthesizers

"Thanks to our sponsors: Kurzweil, PWM and ESI."

Erica Synths x Richie Hawtin Introduce the Bullfrog XL

video upload by Erica Synths

Updated version of the Bullfrog. You can see find previous posts featuring the original design here including supporting member Quincas Moreira's original Bullfrog Video Manual here.

"Created by Erica Synths & Richie Hawtin, Bullfrog is an educational electronic music instrument designed to captivate and inspire both youth and professionals alike. Bullfrog invites you to unlock musicality while combining the thrill of electronic music production with a comprehensive learning experience.

Bullfrog XL is designed specifically for teachers to use in front of the classroom and it expands the concept of the regular Bullfrog by inflating its size by a factor of 3 (literally!).


Features:

Fully analog design
Highly accurate voltage controlled oscillator (VCO) that tracks great over 8 octaves
Manually adjustable and voltage controlled waveshapes – sine-shark fin and pulse wave with pulse width modulation (PWM)
Zener diode-based noise generator
Resonant lowpass voltage controlled filter (VCF)
Voltage controlled amplifier (VCA) with adjustable offset
Delay effect with adjustable delay time and feedback amount
Two looping attack-sustain-release envelope generators (EG)
Sample & Hold circuit with an individual clock
Attenuverter
Slew processor with adjustable slew time
Two buffered splitter circuits
Two channel oscilloscope
6.3 mm jack sockets
Manual gate button
Gate and Trigger out
Voice card slot
Built in speakers
DIN5 MIDI input
USB connector
Keyhole slots on the rear panel
Dimensions (mm): 820x505x65 (250 with the side panels)
Mass: 8,3 kg

CLICK FOR MORE »

LondonSXPO-24

video uploads by sonicstate

Playlist:

LondonSXPO-24 Manifold Research Centre : TMINTT

Well this looks pretty interesting - you can patch 'The Map Is Not The Territoire' matrix mixer using magnets

LondonSXPO-24 Knobula: Pianophonic updates

Jason from Knobula had some firmware updates to the rather impressive 'Pianophonic' module, plus a shiny new mirrored faceplate for 'Kickain'

LondonSXPO-24 Enjoy Electronics GODFATHER rides again

Martin from Enjoy Electronics, makers of The GODFATHER demonstrated the latest updates to Nick

LondonSXPO-24 Rides In The Storm: BOC module

Uwe George from Rides In The Storm runs us through the new BOC module

LondonSXPO-24 Gamechanger Plasma Voice Modules

Last time we caught up with Ilya from Gamechanger Audio he was in our studio showing us the MotorSynth - the Plasma Voice Modules were almost ready, but not quite finished.
At the show we were able to see - and hear them for the first time, and get another quick peek at the new pedal too.

LondonSXPO-24 Erica Synths: BullFrog Accessories

It's always a pleasure to see Ģirts at a show, and here he was showing some updates and accessories for the education oriented Bull Frog synth

LondonSXPO-24 PWM: Latest on MANTIS Quad Mode

Always interesing hearing what Paul has been up to with his Malevolent and Mantis models - news is that Mantis is about to ship, and has some interesting new updates to the 'Quad' mode

LondonSXPO-24 Z-RAY: Wireless Lights in a briefcase

This is right up our street - cool portable battery powered wireless stage lights - oh yeah! Dominik had a briefcase full of prototypes for his latest project - to find out more, head to his website at thinkrad.io

LondonSXPO-24 Joranalogue Dim 2 is quite bright actually

In a slightly confusing naming incident, Joranalogue decided to call the latest module 'Dim 2'' - and it is definitely not dim at all. Quite the opposite ;-]

LondonSXPO-24 Apollo View: Rabbit Hole +more

Can't recall coming across Apollo View before, but Jon-Mark was showing some lovely looking modules including the Rabbit Hole - we took a look

LondonSXPO-24 Bastl Intruments channel The Matrix with Neo-Trinity?

Okay, tell me someone hasn't been watching re-runs of The Matrix
... Neo...Trinity..
come on, surely? ;-]

LondonSXPO-24 Vertice Analogue Filterbank from Euterpe

Stefano reckons you should spend a month with his rather splendid 'Vertice' filterbank - a beautiful if brutal instrument. And if his smiles are anything to go by, it should be a fun time :-]

ESK - Soundscape Improvisation

video upload by Metunar

"Soundscape improvisation in the art of an old science-fiction movie with an Erica Synths Bullfrog, Infradeep PVX-800 + GRP V22 Vocoder, Vermona Perfourmer + MXR pitch transposer and a Melbourne Instruments Nina Synthesizer. All recorded live, with soft mastering.

http://www.metunar.ch"

Erica Synths Bullfrog New Expansion Cards sound demo

video upload by Erica Synths

"Three new voicecards for the Bullfrog are now available! Voicecards expand functionality of the Bullfrog and make it even more versatile. Some voicecards replace patch cables - they connect the "modules* of the Bullfrog internally, while other have built in mixers, signal generators and advanced electrical circuits to control the synthesizer.

Timeline:

00:02 - Electric Organ card played with Linnstrument
01:09 - Wind and Stars card jam
01:53 - Electric Organ card sequenced with DATO
02:48 - MFB Tanzbar through Bullfrog Hi-Pass VCF card
03:37 - Jam with the Highpass VCF card"

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."

ESK - Erica Synths Bullfrog + Polyfusion 755 MK2

video upload by Metunar

"Simple demo of the Polyfusion 755 MK2 Frequency Shifting Feedback Controller together with an Erica Synths Bullfrog Synthesizer. Not playing anything meaningful, it’s more about the sound.
The Polyfusion is inserted in the delay feedback of the Bullfrog.
The 755 was not intended as effect unit. It was for PA-Systems to prevent mic feedback. So the maximal frequency shift range ist 1.5 to 6 Hz. You can shift up or down. This unit used in an effect insert it’s not interesting, you will not hear any effect, the change is too suptile. But in a feedback loop, it’s quite cool.
Mono Recording.

http://www.metunar.ch"