Bugbrand Baby Bug "Bit" Crusher or Sample Rate Reducer

YouTube via djthomaswhite
"Okay, forgive me. I had the classic "thought I hit stop on the camera, but didn't, and when I started to record I actually stopped filming" while I did my 5 minute demo of this pedal. The footage here is the remaining footage I actually did capture and I will try to do another video of this pedal soon. Lovely on drum machines, robotic on vocals and an all around good time. Hard to find, but I got lucky as one does once in a great while on the bay."

YuSynth Fixed Filter Bank

flickr by djthomaswhite
(click for more including other modules)

natural rhythm music

Acid House Demo - Minimal Gear

Published on Mar 18, 2014 djthomaswhite·92 videos

"Presented here is a recording of a jam I was playing in the studio last night. Very simple elements and a long song, but fun to show what you can do with minimal gear. It sounds repetitive? Hey, it's dance music people! I used:

Hexinverter Nein Oh Nein Kick Drum
Korg Volca Beats
Arturia Microbrute (through the...)
...Eventide Space Reverb
x0xb0x TB-303 clone
(TR-909 for master clock only in this example)

Recorded into Logic X via my Presonus 16.0.2 mixer and each track compressed a bit for presence in mixdown.

I love my hardware and it is fun to just mess around and rock out a little set and end up with a live performance captured. Next stop Volca Keys for some chords...

Thanks for stopping by and checking out another on of my videos!"

Resonant Lopass Gate Examples

YouTube via djthomaswhite
"www.naturalrhythmmusic.com

Here are some samples of what you can do with the Resonant Lopass Gate PCB I offer at my website shown above. You will find commentary about this DIY project including samples of running a guitar through it, a voice through it, and music from an iPod through it. Modules used include the Oakley Sound Preamp/Envelope Follower Module, and the Lopass Gate module with a bit of TC Electronic M350 reverb at times. Songs are shown for demonstration of this module only. Thanks to Don Buchla for giving me permission to make these PCBs! A true gentleman and scholar of electronic instrument design!"

Catgirl CGS Analog Gate Sequencer 1 of 2

YouTube via djthomaswhite
"Catgirl Synth Analog Gate Sequencer built by Thomas White (www.naturalrhythmmusic dot com) from pcb's designed by Ken Stone."

Catgirl CGS Analog Gate Sequencer 2 of 2

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."

Resonant Buchla Lopass Gate Clone

flickr by djthomaswhite
(click for more)

st.erling 'a forest' - an original cover of The Cure on OP-1 (demo)

Published on Jan 1, 2013 djthomaswhite·79 videos

"Introducing st.erling. Here he presents a cover of the classic The Cure song, "A Forest" (original by r. smith and s. gallup). All original production and arrangement by the saint here. Music composed on the Teenage Engineering OP-1 entirely, then dumped into Logic Express and rearranged. Vocals added into Logic and all post effects and production completed in that DAW environment. Movie shot at a park by his house on iPhone 5 and edited in iMovie.

The Cure were one of st.erling's biggest musical influences growing up and this version combines affection for their original song with modern influences by other bands such as The Presets, Cut Copy, LCD, and Radio Department among many others. This all-electronic version clearly pulls from the original while trying to establish a unique direction at the same time. I think he pulls it off.

Stay tuned for more from st.erling and thanks for stopping by to check out another one of my videos.

Note: Song production and final adjustments continue. Mastering not final at this time."

And a live version of the original from 1979 with different lyrics (anyone ID the synth?):

The Cure - A Forest

Uploaded on Nov 6, 2009

"The Cure - A Forest (At Night - Pré Version 1979)"

It's almost time for me to read Camus' The Stranger again.

Teenage Engineering OP-1 Lightsaber Style with G-Force Sensor

YouTube Uploaded by djthomaswhite on Apr 12, 2011

"Okay, I have never tried to hide it, but now it's really important to set the tone: I am a synth geek... now you can really see it in this video. I no longer need to justify my dance-less career, my failure as an olympian, and general lack of athletic smoothness in general. But, I CAN get down with the gear and that's what I'm here to do. (PS. Thank you to lightsaber kid for the inspiration and breaking ground to allow me to embarrass myself like this... I am not alone LOL)

OP-1 Details - Cluster Engine used with G-Force accelerometer controlling the synth engine. Added Spring reverb halfway through. I hope you enjoy the new video and can see a bit further into the effects possible with the G-Force sensor in the OP-1.

Note: Yes, I am watching the reflection of the iPhone camera screen in my tilted laptop screen so I am creepily looking down and to the side most of the time."

4-channel, 8-step Catgirl CGS Synth Gate Sequencer

Note: Auction links are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.

via this auction

"Custom built Catgirl Synth aka CGS Gate Sequencer module by Ken Stone. 4U width panel with a 4-channel gate/pulse sequencer with up to 8-steps. Solid custom build by djthomaswhite. He has a video of this in action on his YouTube channel. Clean, road worthy build with parallel mounted panels making this a perfect module for shallow cases. MOTM format height and knobs. Sealed jacks. Firm pcb mounting. Quality 3-way switches.

Module creates 4 channels if gate or pulse outputs with the combination of switch settings resulting in held or individual pulses and gates. Very flexible to use to create multiple VCO patterns when combined with a VCA per channel and multiple VCA circuits. However, this is an excellent drum module sequencer for use in modular systems where the primary sequencer is doing synth voice duty. This was my primary use.

Premium price for a premium module. You absolutely get what you pay for here. Pics show it all."

CLICK FOR MORE »

Analog Sequencer Swing Time MFOS MFOS Music From Outer Space

YouTube via djthomaswhite

MFOS Analog Sequencer Expander


follow-up to this earlier post.

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"

OP-1 Kids Song "Brusha Brusha"

YouTube Uploaded by djthomaswhite on Jan 30, 2012

"Here is a rough preview of a sing I have comped together with vocals into the OP-1 on board microphone, internal synthesizers/drums and all laid down to the tape. It's a rough idea, but my son Kieran and the shows we watch (Yo Gabba Gabba, Wubzy, Sprout, Nick Jr, Sesame, etc.) got me thinking about writing some kid-focused music. Kieran is learning to bruch his teeth and I have been singing him the melody for some time now. The OP-1 made it really quick and easy to rough out a basic idea. The synth parts were sequenced with "Endless" sequencer and the drums were written with "Pattern" sequencer. "Brusha Brusha" has a catchy repetitious melody and in the least I am inspired to finish this piece of music and write some more tunes to sing with my son.

All music and Lyrics have been written by me for Natural Rhythm Music 2012."

Sammich SID

Note: Auction links are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.
Uploaded on Apr 8, 2013 djthomaswhite·80 videos


via this auction

"Sammich Sid for sale. Built to spec from a kit by Wilba on the midibox forums. Comes with power supply (US) and printed manual. I will also sell it with an extra white housing if desired. I had the white custom made before there were small runs of white created. Orange flat topped LED's, orange paint infill to the engraving, orange/amber backlight on LCD. A beast of a lead and grunge machine!.."

CLICK FOR MORE »

MOTM Buchla Lowpass Gate

via this auction

More pics below.

"2U MOTM format Buchla 292c Lowpass Gate clone. This module is built with all of the options, which include:
Resonance
Deep Mod for low frequency range
3 input Audio Mixer
3 input CV mixer
CV Inverted out
VCA, VCF and Both modes

This module can be used as a lowpass filter, a VCA, a mixer, signal inverter, and self oscillates. This is also one of the few ways to get the characteristic vactrol sound in the MOTM format without trying to get your hands on the Cyndustries Lowpass gate module. A workhorse in 2U space.

The Module is built with the PCB mounted parallel to the panel with a depth under 2” behind the panel making it suitable for shallow racking for portable rigs. Auction includes module only as seen." Two videos linked in the auction below. Both previously posted.


YouTube via attorks | June 01, 2009

"This is a short demo of the Resonant LoPass Gate which is a clone of the famous Buchla 292c LoPass Gate. Thomas White is the one who made this possible by producing the schematics and the PCB. The PCB with components already on it I got 2nd hand from someone in Belgium. The two Vactrols on it are VTL5C6, which are the fast type. I added the components for the mixer section and got the panel, pots and knobs from The BrideChamber.
In this demo the patching is as follows:
On the LPG audio input 1 is a DotCom VCO with a triangle wave.
On the LPG audio input 2 is another DotCom VCO with a triangle wave.
On the LPG Control input is the Gate of the Doepfer MAQ16/3 sequencer. You can see me adjusting the length of the gate with the knobs on the MAQ16/3. The CV of the MAQ16/3 is going to the VCO's.
On the LPG CV 1 input is the output of a DotCom Envelope Generator (settings A-0, D-4.5, S-0, R-2). So when turning the CV 1 knob up, the output of the EG is mixed with the Gate signal. Initially the CV 1 knob is down.
The LPG's output goes to the AKAI Head Rush E2 which is switched on after a while during the music bit.
I couldn't help to put a little music in the middle of this video, hope you don't mind.
The resonance in the Frequency mode is quiet strong but I wanted to show the full turn; perhaps you will hear some clipping."


djthomaswhite | October 05, 2008

"Here is the second of 2 new videos of my Buchla 292c Lopass Gate clone project. These PCB's will be available on a limited run through the www.electro-music.com forum. Check it out if you are interested or catch my at my Youtube mail here for more details. Thanks for stopping by!"

CLICK FOR MORE »

Sammich SID

flickr by djthomaswhite

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."

Resonant Lowpass Gate Demo w/ slow Vactrol (MOTM)

Published on Dec 8, 2014 alternatingbitmusic

"After drooling over the sound of djthomaswhite's Buchla Lowpass Gate 292 Clone (link below) I had this LPG modified with a slow vactrol as well and thought I'd demonstrate how cool it sounds.
Inspired by: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S_Wu9NlI2qE" [previously posted here]

OP-1 Demo House Track feat Nitro FX

YouTube Published on Sep 2, 2012 by djthomaswhite

"Here is a demo of a quick house song I made while checking out what the new "Nitro" effects processor added in the new OS update is all about. Nitro is, or can be, many different types of effects depending on how you set it. As a base description it is a resonant bandpass filter with an envelope follower. You can use it as the following modes:
- Lowpass Filter (sounds like 12db to me)
- Highpass Filter (same sounding slope)
- Bandpass Filter
- Auto Wah
- Sine Generator

The envelope follower affects each filter in a different amount it seems with the Lowpass filter getting more of the frequency sweep (to my ears only, not proven). I am thrilled to finally be able to remove the low end frequencies from patches and particularly audio samples. You could always do this with the main bus EQ, but now you can target specific drum kits and synth engines as you lay them down to tape tracks. This was the single biggest omission from the OP-1 OS for me and now it is here and awesome!

Repeat: I love nitro, I love nitro, I love nitro...

Thank you TE! You continue to amaze with support for this product/platform."

Oakley Sound TB-303 Diode Ladder VCF

YouTube via djthomaswhite
"My build of the Oakley Super Ladder (pcb ver.3) Low Pass Voltage Controlled Filter. For more information check www.oakleysound.com for circuit boards or www.naturalrhythmmusic.com/diy.html for more information on my projects."