MFOS 16-Step Rotary Analog Sequencer Controller

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Published on May 18, 2020 djthomaswhite

"Here is my Music From Outer Space sequencer controller. This is the original CNC machined rotary label design I created way back when and is the same unit pictured on Ray’s legacy website (R.I.P. Ray, we miss ya brother). The core sequencer is Ray’s Classic 16-Step design and include some bonuses. The first bonus is the addition of 16 additional voltage pots and outputs raft sequence in time with the main internal clock. Changes to the main sequence length effect this expansion unit too. There are also two MFOS quantizer units with incredibly flexible and immediate scaling. Lastly there is a Catgirl Synth CGS Burst Generator to create bursts of triggers allowing you to slow you main sequence way down and use set trigger pulses to extend your performances very much like modern micro step sequencing a la the OP-Z or Elektron Gear but in a purely analog world here. The unit is stand alone and includes a Synthesis Technology 900 linear Power One power supply for precision voltage operation. All you need is a power and latch cables to get started. 1 volt per octave, cV/Gate and USA voltage requirements. Converters needed if in Europe, Japan or elsewhere. I will be selling this one if a kind unit and hope for it to go to a caring creator who can utilize it to its potential. Built like a tank, 100% custom and cared for she’s looking for a new love. Are you her future keeper?"

via this auction

"Here is my custom designed Music From Outer Space 16-step Analog Sequencer Controller. This is the original CNC machined rotary label design I created way back when and is the same unit pictured on Ray’s legacy website (R.I.P. Ray, we miss ya brother). The core sequencer is Ray’s Classic 16-Step sequencer design and include some bonuses. The basic design is 16-steps with gate switches per step, dual voltage outputs and selectable sequence modes.

The first bonus is the addition of 16 additional sequence control pots in an “infinity” layout with dual voltage outputs (pure/glide) that sequence in time with the main internal clock. Changes to the main sequence length and it mode affect this expansion unit too. Very useful for controlling volume or filter frequencies of your main sequence line.

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Teenage Engineering OP-Z, Deep House Demo

Published on Jul 9, 2018 djthomaswhite

"The fantastic OP-Z sequencer/synthesizer/drum machine from Teenage Engineering is in beta testing phase. Lucky for me I am able to be involved (Thanks TE!). The OP-Z is so much in such a small package. It is probably close to 25% of the mass of an OP-1 and is super powerful. It also does photo, video and lighting (DMX) manipulation but I am not testing those functions. I am using the internal tracks and default sounds/instruments to make some groovy beats and the track here shows me moving through patterns I have created inside one project. There are no external mastering or sound processing here. The OP-Z is due to be released soon."

Teenage Engineering OP-Z: Beta Preview 2

Published on Jul 6, 2018 djthomaswhite

"Final features to be confirmed, but here is another look at the outcome of some beta testing of the upcoming OP-Z synthesizer from Teenage Engineering. These are grabbed on this IKEA Eneby speaker before taking my son to school. Better videos coming soon!"

Teenage Engineering OP-Z: More Beta Demo Footage

Published on Jul 6, 2018 djthomaswhite

"Final features to be confirmed, but here is yet another look at the outcome of some beta testing of the upcoming OP-Z synthesizer from Teenage Engineering. These are grabbed on this IKEA Eneby speaker before taking my son to school. Better produced video previews and ultimately tutorials will be coming soon!"

Teenage Engineering OP-Z Beta Preview

Published on Jul 4, 2018 djthomaswhite

"Testing, testing 1, 2, 3"

State Variable Spring Reverb Demo

Published on Jun 22, 2017 djthomaswhite

"This is a demo of my SVR-101 State Variable Spring Reverb. It is a combination of the Paia Hot Springs Reverb, Crag Anderton (EPFM) Super Tone Control analog filter and a simple DC Mixer from Catgirl Synth (CGS). It is a mono effects device that can be used as:

- Spring Reverb alone
- State Variable Filter alone
- Or combinations of both with the filter being switchable to the main output or the reverb output only, allowing you to EQ and shape the tone of the reverb that is mixed with the dry signal at the output.

I've had these projects since the late 90's but never really used them. I decided to take my knowledge of building DIY projects from the last 20 years to remix the boards into something I would use today. I hope you enjoy the concept and maybe some of the sounds. I am really pleased with the outcome of this enDIYvor."

Roland System-100 Moogerfooger

Published on May 13, 2017 djthomaswhite

"DIY Roland System-100 filter (Curetronic pcb) version of a Moogerfooger with Oakley Sound LFO (shapeable Triangle and Pulse), relay bypass and plenty of ins and outs. This resonant filter is total vanilla tone compared to the Moog ladder design, but sometimes you just want that smoothness. It has a switchable high pass filter with 4 settings. The LFO can be switched out and replaced with an external signal. The LFO out can be routed to other Foogers or modular gear. There is a Low-High switch controlling rate on the LFO and you can change the shape of the LFO (ramp to trip to saw) or the width of the pulse by turning a knob. LFO waveshape is controlled by a switch. This was a fun one to build and took some time to get right. On to a better video and custom panel legending design."

Not NAMM 2017: DJTW Pocket Mixer Project Update

Published on Jan 16, 2017 djthomaswhite

"This is a video of my updated DJTW Pocket Mixer. It has 1 audio/sync combo input (Teenage Engineering format), 5 more audio inputs, 5 sync outputs and 1 main (mono) mixed audio output. You can chain 6 Teenage Engineering devices together at once with no need for the internal mixing of the Pocket Operator series. This is totally DIY still but now with powder coated case, water slide decal labeling, new style Alpha pots and a more polished look overall. They really add a lot to the Teenage Engineering line of devices but can also work for Volca's. Using them like this would mean 5 shared sync jacks (like a multiple) and 6 mono audio inputs mixed to one main mono output.

The concept is now proven, and I'm looking for someone to partner with to build these. I am working on an "active" powered version but have yet to complete the mixer circuit thus far. I have many ideas about how to do a version of what you see here in this video but with some small and vital improvements. I simply don't have the time between family, work, school and my music business to properly focus on making these. If you are interested in talking about making these happen for real lets chat. It could easily be a Eurorack interface module too."

Cyclone Analogic TT-303 MKII Demo with TT-606

Published on Jan 5, 2017 djthomaswhite

"This is a demo of the newly released Cyclone Analogic Mark 2 TT-303. This is the same Bass Bot engine that has been out on the market for a couple of years in an all new enclosure and with new sequencing features similar to those used on the TT-606 and TT-78 machines, also from Cyclone Analogic. The acid tones are really nice in this analog bass machine, and you will certainly satisfy your acid cravings with this family of machines. The new Bass Bot includes new features named "Mute" and "Hammer" which can also be described as "shorter gate" and "sustain of sorts" with both of them being great for performance, but also being available to program in sequences like DUAS (Down, Up, Accent, Slide). The built-in Shuffle feature is quite well done, and having swung out acid bass is not something you commonly hear or that the original TB-303 from Roland was capable of. I love it, slick polished case and all. Maybe it's not for you, but if you're curious take the leap. It's a solid piece of analog kit. Thanks to Perfect Circuit Audio for making these units available in the US."

OP-1 Sidechain FX with the Updated Tremelo LFO

Published on Jan 4, 2017 djthomaswhite

"Here is a demo video of a feature in the new Teenage Engineering OP-1 you probably just glossed over. As a modulation tool, the already useful Tremelo LFO has been updated with 4 new waveforms (Ramp, Exponential Ramp, Square and Pulse) and the wave reset now starts at the beginning of the wave shape cycle. Also, the timing of the divided wave shapes found on the blue knob from 6 to midnight are even divisions of the time code/tape speed in the device. You can do a lot of new modulations with these additions when combined with the existing pitch, volume and envelope control, but the biggest new one for me is 'Sidechain FX.' Typically "Sidechaining" is made possible with a compressor, and by triggering the compressor with an external signal to reset the volume compression. You can simulate that here, if you are seeking 4x4 rhythmic sidechaining with the updated Tremelo LFO and the Exponential Ramp Wave. You can also get downright nasty with the pulse waves and linear ramp wave. Never forget you can negatively sweep sounds too, not just sweep them up. Dance producers take note, this is aimed squarely at you. It's happy hour in OP-1 land... Let's go get modulated!"

Cyclone Analogic TT-606 Drum Machine Unboxing Overview and Demo by djthomaswhite

Cyclone Analogic TT-606 Drum Machine Pt. 1 "Unboxing and Build Quality"

Published on Dec 28, 2016 djthomaswhite

"The Natural Rhythm Music Equipment Show presents an unboxing video and a review of the packaging and build quality of the new Cyclone Analogic TT-606 analog drum machine. The TT-606 is inspired by the classic Roland TR-606 drum machine. Of note are the included hard dust cover, polished clear coating on the top, travel case and the overall solid build quality for this new drum machine. The switches are crisp, the pots feel solidly mounted and smooth, and the buttons are firm and note squishy in their silicone nature. This video is primarily talking so if you'd like a long, almost word-less overview of programming beats without reading the manual first check out Part 2 of this 2-part video series. Thanks to Perfect Circuit Audio for making this available directly in the USA!"

Note: MATRIXSYNTH members get a %10 discount at Perfect Circuit Audio (other discounts excluded). See the membership page on how to sign up.

Cyclone Analogic TT-606 Drum Machine Pt. 2 "Making Beats"

Published on Dec 28, 2016

"The Natural Rhythm Music Equipment Show presents DJ Thomas White showing a slow, but direct view of making beats in the Cyclone Analogic TT-606 analog drum machine. No talking about what is going on so submit questions if you have them. Basically, this video shows me turning on the machine for the first time, NOT reading the manual and making some beats. It's based on a TR machine after all so programming will be very familiar to most folks. It's a bit long, but it shows the process of using the machine without all of the bells and whistles it offers. The tone is the point, and as such we did not include any post processing. The audio was recorded directly into a Presonus 16.0.2 mixer and edited into the video without any compression or limiting. This machine is much deeper than I thought it would be and I look forward to spending more time with it, along with the manual this time, to learn and get comfortable with some of the new features this machine brings to the drum programming table. Cyclone Analogic, "Hello!" new friend. I'll be visiting the rest of your family soon. Thanks to Perfect Circuit Audio for making this available in the USA!"

Futuresonus Parva Chord Demo

Published on Feb 25, 2016 djthomaswhite

"Sawtooth Waves
Through Eventide H9
Slight LFO on filter and pitch
Switch to 7ths and 5ths near end
Love this synth!"

Teenage Engineering "Pocket Mixer"... Say What?!

Published on Feb 7, 2016 djthomaswhite

"The demo explains everything really, but to make it quick I made a mixer and sync distribution device to use all 6 currently available Pocket Operators at the same time with an audio mixer and 1/4" out jack. Fun! If you like what you see let me know in the comments. With enough demand I may make these with powder coated case, silk screen and color coded knobs.

For the curious - Technically this is a passive summing mixer with 100K Pots and 10K summing resistors. The sync is simply split from the input jack to the output jacks with one single copper wire. Easy peasy. I will use Log (audio taper) pots in the final design. Pan and stereo outs would be hard without adding active circuitry.

Don't be afraid to get your hands dirty. You can do it! Thanks for stopping by to check out another one of my projects captured on video."

Teenage Engineering Pocket Operator - Robot Demo and Discussion

Published on Feb 4, 2016 djthomaswhite

"This demo provides an overview of patterns I have written in the new for 2016 'Robot' Pocket Operator. I also use the 'Rhythm' and 'Sub' units. The first half of the demo if a performance of the Robot patterns and the second half of the demo shows the sounds and has commentary about the Rhythm and Robot along with some pattern demos from the Sub unit."

Futuresonus Parva - Hardware and Menu Overview (no sounds)

Published on Feb 4, 2016 djthomaswhite

"A quick look at the Futuresonus Parva Synthesizer build quality and hardware, and a look at the editing menu navigation. Sound demos are currently on my Soundcloud (djthomaswhite). Video demos of sound and editing are coming next."



"First day demo of my Futuresonus Parva Synthesizer. This is really just a recording of my meeting around with the sounds I created on the fly. You will hear reverb and chorus from an Eventide H9 at times but most of what you hear is dry. The first patch is entirely Parva for example. I see great potential in this synthesizer and am glad I supported the project on Kickstarter. Units should be available for sale on www.futureson.us soon! BTW, the final patch is intended to sound like a horror movie soundtrack. It has no oscillators involved other than the filter self oscillating and me turning the knobs for frequency and resonance to change the sound. Really creepy!"



"Here is my second noodle around with the Futuresonus Parva synthesizer. There are no external effects in this demo. Everything you here is 100% Parva. I am particularly excited with the Detroit String stabs which are the result of 3 oscillators, 4 LFO's, panning and LFO cross-modulation. There are also some good examples of bass (which is very good) and some softer and rougher tones. Again, not trying to win a music award, but more showcasing the sounds this instrument can produce. I hope you enjoy! Notes - This is without the updated OS addressing several issues. The high pitched whine you here is due to me running the oscillators at 25 out of 127 gain and having to jack up the main out. Brad at Futuresonus is fixing this by lowering the overall internal gain of the oscillators which will allow them to be turned up without causing crunchiness in the filter and amplifier sections. Also, the filter tuning is not fixed in this OS I am using but you can hear I am still getting some great sounds. Some of the patches feature the mod matrix this time around where you have 16 slots to assign modulation to the wheel, velocity, etc. I only assigned features to the mod wheel but it is quite powerful and I will explore it more in future demos. Check out www.futureson.us for more info on the Parva."

Teenage Engineering - Pocket Operators Demo - NAMM 2016

Published on Jan 24, 2016 djthomaswhite

"Two of the new Teenage Engineering Pocket Operators (Arcade and Office) are featured here along with the Rhythm Operator that came out last year. Both "Office" and "Arcade" are named appropriately, but the sounds are much more that those limited generalizations. Most of the bass comes from Office for example. In this demo I am showcasing what you can get with these 3 units in sync. They are wired together and the audio is directly recorded with some compression added. I deleted all of the stock patterns in each Pocket Operator and made 16 new patterns per unit. The video shows navigation through these patterns in each machine with different combinations as a performance. You will see example of built in FX, parameter locks, pattern chaining and more. I hope you enjoy the demo and the house beats. Thanks for stopping by to watch another one of my videos."

OP-1 "Get Down" Song Demo - 'Not NAMM' 2016

Published on Jan 17, 2016 djthomaswhite

"Here's a tune I made in the OP-1 yesterday. It features internal synths and drums with a sample bank of my voice added through the internal microphone. I am filming how I navigate around my 1-Bar to 8-Bar loops for playback and recording. Sorry for the shaky camera (I was moving the floor a bit while recording). Years later and the OP-1 is as crafty a tool as it has always been!"

Ray Wilson (MFOS) Needs Our Help

Published on Nov 21, 2015 djthomaswhite

"Ray has cancer. Ray has helped MANY of us and both loves and leads I our synth DIY community. If you can, send his family a donation for their mounting medical expenses. Ray can beat this! We're pulling for you brother.

https://www.gofundme.com/raywilson

Or you can directly PayPal money as "Personal" to info@musicfromouterspace.com"

Oakley Diode Superladder VCF TB-303 MOTM demo

Published on May 3, 2015 alternatingbitmusic

"Inspired by djthomaswhite's demo of his Oakley Superladder build, I finally obtained one. In the last demo portion I come rather close to what he demonstrated, but you decide for yourselves. Either way, this is an awesome filter.
Link to djthomaswhite's demo: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kxiHE..."

Teenage Engineering Pocket Operators Demo Song & Oplab Case Demo

Published on Apr 18, 2015 djthomaswhite

"Here is my first demo song out of the three incredibly fun Pocket Operator units from Teenage Engineering and Cheap Monday. I called it "Circus In My Pocket." The Rhythm, Factory and Sub units are all featured. What a value for the electronic musician. These are way more fun than I anticipated and syncing them together is super easy. I like the live FX opportunities built in to these and the key modes also bring some live flexibility. The audio feeds from one unit into the next one and ultimately comes out the last unit into my DAW as a mono channel. I will be figuring out how to run the audio out to individual mixer channels while keeping the sync intact.

This is my first project on day one of receiving them. I continue to discover cool ways to work with the single bar patterns and chain them together. With a little practice I'll be able to do some longer sets with these. Full reviews of each unit are incoming over the next couple of weeks."

Teenage Engineering Oplab Case Demo

Published on Apr 18, 2015

"Here is an overview of the official anodized aluminum case for the Teenage Engineering Oplab. This case provides hearty, solid bottom protection for the unit and does so with clear labeling on the top edge so you don't have to keep turning the unit over for reminders about which CV jack is which. This is built on the same par as the OP-1 and is worth every penny if you are an Oplab owner. No music here, just an unboxing with commentary about this product. Thank you Teenage Engineering for this enhancement to my Oplab!"

OP-1 Song: Late Night and Lo-Fi

Published on Feb 1, 2015 djthomaswhite

"Demo of a 4-track song I wrote after coming back from NAMM 2015 where I got to hang out with the Teenage Engineering team and chat on and on about my beloved OP-1 and what the future holds for Teenage Engineering. I came home inspired, wiped my OP-1 and wrote this little number. I hope you enjoy it. I added some brief discussion about how I organize my parts on the OP-1 tape at the end of the video. Happy music making!"

Black & white video.