flight of harmony newsletter June 2009

"Greetings!

It has been rather hectic lately, but the storm has nearly passed, so it’s time for some updates:

· Frac format Choices joystick modules are in stock at Analogue Haven. I haven’t had time to update the Choices page, but they are available. The Choices euro format is available through Analogue Haven and Schneiders Buero.

· Plague Bearer r3.2 with VC Gain is available at AH and SB in euro format.

· The Infernal Noise Machine is almost ready for production! Some sound clips taken during testing are here. PCBs will be ordered this week.
I have to pause here to thank those that purchased the first run. You all have been patient, understanding and kind way beyond what would be reasonable to expect, and I am very honored to have such exceptional clients as you. I hope you find that these are worth the wait!

· Production of the standalone Rev3.2 Quad Plague Bearer begins as soon as the I.N.M. are completed. Information on the original quad unit is available here. This run will have the fully-updated r3.2 PB circuitry, and the jack panel has been redone to accommodate the Gain CV input jacks. I found a batch of housings and was originally planning to use them for something else, but enough requests came in shortly thereafter to justify another run. There are a few housings that are not yet spoken for, so contact me if you are interested. They are USD$350 each + S&H (depends on location).

OK, back to work.

Any ideas, suggestions, or comments? Send them to comments@flightofharmony.com.

~flight
flight@flightofharmony.com
http://www.flightofharmony.com

Subscribe to mailing list: list@flightofharmony.com
Unsubscribe from mailing list: goaway@flightofharmony.com"

flight of harmony newsletter July 2009

"light of harmony newsletter July 2009

Greetings!

A bit late, oh well. I’ve been busy clearing out the order backlog and am almost finished (hooray!). Currently building the last of the Infernal Noise Machine preorders, and hope to be finished this week/early next week.

· I still have a few sets of INM PCBs remaining if anyone is interested. USD$666.00 + S&H.
Lead time 8-12 weeks, as I still have to finish the Quad Plague Bearers and get going on a few other things.

· Two group buys currently in the sign-up stage:

o Joysticks – It’s time again! This time, however, the purchase is of brand new joysticks from the manufacturer – not NOS (New Old Stock) units from a liquidator. Details can be found in the Muffwiggler forum thread.

o Jacks – I finally found them! I have been searching for 3.5mm mono NC-switched vertical PCB mount jacks with M6x0.5 threaded bushing since I started f(h), and finally found some with a panel-PCB height less than 15mm. They are only slightly larger in dimension to the ubiquitous Kobiconn 16PJ13x. I know that many others have also wanted this style and I am so stoked on finding these that I’m organizing a group buy at cost – USD$0.075 each (7.5¢). Details in the Muffwiggler forum thread. The MOQ (Minimum Order Quantity) has already been met.

That’s enough for now, toodles.

Any ideas, suggestions, or comments? Send them to comments at flightofharmony.com.

~flight
flight at flightofharmony.com
http://www.flightofharmony.com

Subscribe to mailing list: list at flightofharmony.com
Unsubscribe from mailing list: goaway at flightofharmony.com"

flight of harmony newsletter August 2009

"Greetings,
At long last, the backlog is nearly cleared out. All that remains are the desktop Quad Plague Bearers. I have enough housings for 10 more and am in production right now, so get ‘em while the lead time is short! These are r3.2 Plague Bearers with VC gain, and also have an inverter section for the Gain CV input for “normal” CV response. USD$350.00 each + $9.50 S&H. The page has been updated as well: http://www.flightofharmony.com/Plague_Bearer.html.

Other news:
· The Infernal Noise Machine v1.3 is now available full-time - http://www.flightofharmony.com/INM.html

· Plague Bearer t-shirts are now available! http://www.flightofharmony.com/pbtshirt.html

· Current group buys:
o Joysticks – We have not yet met the minimum quantity, but the sign-up list will be kept going until we do. Details can be found in the Muffwiggler forum thread.

o Jacks – COLLECTION TIME. Please send in your payment, details are in the Muffwiggler forum thread. This week is the last chance to join in on this buy.

~flight http://www.flightofharmony.com"


The Unclean T:

flightofharmony Facehugger preorders and the last of the Blood Boxes

Facehugger ► Parasite video upload by flightofharmony

First a new video for Facehugger. Blood Box details further below.

"Using the Facehugger function generator to control Parasite Antifilter (compilation video).

Starting with a tone from Parasite, then adding a drone from the Infernal Noise Machine, and then using the Facehugger output to control the Mid Q CV input, with random noodlings from thereon.

Facehugger preorders are open now, details at https://flightofharmony.com/facehugge..."

via flightofharmony

"Facehugger: Pre-orders for the new Facehugger all-analog, vector-addressable, chainable, function generator are now open!

The alpha prototype has been built, corrected, and is fully working. The design has been updated and the next circuit board designs are almost complete. The beta and (hopefully) final PCBs will be ordered this week, and test units should be sent out to testers next week, and the production units are expected to ship mid-September."

And:

"Infernal Noise Machine Blood Box: It’s Summer, so it’s time to build the last of the desktop INM Blood Boxes. The first run sold out and now even the eurorack versions are gone, so this run is the very last of the V2 Infernal Noise Machines that will be built."

Flight of harmony newsletter – August 2010

"Greetings to all once again!

We’ve been pretty busy lately; mostly with re-structuring the business and a lot of work on the website, but also with two new eurorack modules: V’Amp and POWER.

The V’Amp (8 h.p., US$125.00) is a combination voltage-controlled amplifier (VCA) and ring modulator in one device, with the ability to smoothly change from VCA, to ring mod, then to inverting VCA, with one knob.
V’Amp page
V’Amp Barebones Pack (VBP): US$70.00. PCB dimensions: 78mm x 39mm/3” x 1.5”

POWER (US$85.00) is a ±12V 1A power supply in a 10hp eurorack format, is 40mm deep, and is intended mainly for shallow or portable systems, but works just fine for permanent setups. The POWER module includes a 12VAC output wall adapter – keeping the transformer outside of the case helps to keep down hum and magnetically coupled noise – but can be purchased without the adapter for US$75.00. A ±15V 1A option will also be available upon request.

POWER Barebones Pack (PWBP): US$55.00, US$45.00 without adapter The POWER Barebones Pack was designed for easy installation into any project: the AC input, power switch, and LEDs can all be remotely located, and all components and headers are on one side. PCB dimensions: 104mm x 89mm/4.10” x 1.93”
POWER page
POWER images

And it is also fundraising time: Now accepting orders for pre-release V’Amp and POWER modules. The delivery time is 1-3 weeks. In this case, “pre-release” means I just haven’t had time to work on the manuals or packaging yet. Manuals will be available for download from the respective product page once they are completed.

As for the website, Sonja has been doing a lot of work making it more useful and we now have PayPal buttons for in-stock products. There are more changes to come – as soon as we find a good back-end structure that works well – including forums, embedded Soundcloud clips, and other goodies.

We are now accepting orders directly, both U.S.A. and International.

Oh yeah: Stickers. You keep asking for ‘em, so we’re looking into getting some made. If you have an idea for an f(h) sticker that just HAS to be done, let us know!

Contact:
~flight: flight at flightofharmony.com
Sonja: sonja at flightofharmony.com
Website: http://www.flightofharmony.com"

flightofharmony INM E Simple Self-Patch Demos #2 & #3

flightofharmony

"Another four-cable self-patch example of the eurorack Infernal Noise Machine. This one starts in a higher range like static or white noise. The second half shows how the INM is made of "sweet spots", where small control changes greatly alter the sound. The INM-E is on my workbench in a circuit board holder.

This video was recorded while I was still trying to figure out the best recording settings in OBS and the motion is a bit choppy, but the sound is in sync and accurate.

Come check out the INM-E Kickstarter campaign! https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/...

(Module shown is a prototype.)"


Infernal Noise Machine Simple Self-Patch Demo #3


flightofharmony

"A two-cable self-patch example of the eurorack Infernal Noise Machine. This patch creates a pseudo-delay/reverb effect that is very apparent on headphones. Two more cables are added later for AR envelope

Come check out the INM-E Kickstarter campaign! https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/...

(Module shown is a prototype.)"

Additional posts here

New flight of harmony Parasite Antifilter & Famine Eurorack Modules

video upload by flightofharmony

Overview video followed by demos. The following is the description for the overview:

"A slow walkthrough of Parasite dynamics, showing off the quirks and extreme variability.

Very simple patching (sometimes none), and just showing the more unstable end of usage: Out 2, high Feedback, etc.

It is interesting to note that the Parasite Antifilter acts like a capacitor sometimes and stores energy. Many of the sounds it generates have a charging period before they show and then run on their own like an additional source. They'll keep running until the settings are changed, and have to re-charge before they appear again.

I was going to edit this, but we left it complete to show everything, even the dead zones.

Sources: Desktop Infernal Noise Machine for tone and LFO, IMP for other.

Notable points:

04:10
04:30
06:48
9:44
10:50
12:25
13:09 - Shows the development of various tones and rhythms over the next minute or so.
15:54 through17:15 - long-cycle rhythmic evolution & sporadic distortion."

What is the Parasite Antifilter?
Well, it started out as a VC parametric equalizer, but it sucked. Really bad. I decided to trash the idea and sent the original prototype to the Great Wizard for them to play with since we had been chatting about it. The subsequent findings were completely the opposite of what I found – not about the filter part though, that still sucked. It turns out the Parasite Antifilter is a ridiculously fun and useful drone source, drum generator (especially kicks, snares, and blocks), distortion and fuzz, absolute sonic wreckage device, coloring mixer, formant generator, and so on. We keep finding more uses for it each time it’s fired up.

Ostensibly, the Parasite Antifilter is a 2nd-order cascaded parametric equalizer. Out1 is from the first stage, Out2 is from the second stage. Both can be used simultaneously for a stereo-esque signal. The Feedback knob controls amount of output fed back to the input, and the Feedback toggle chooses if it’s from Out1 or Out2.

The 'Infest' switches are wholly serendipitous and defy explanation. Just know that they are there for good reason, which is readily apparent when you use them. Infest 1 affects the first stage, Infest 2 the second.



"Welcome to Flight's Famine Fun - IMP Edition!

Having used Famine to turn two sound effect modules into sound sources, it was time to see what new possibilities could be found by using Famine on a source module - the INM IMP.

This video is goes into more detail and exploration to show how much is hidden away inside a module that just takes a little torture and suffering to bring out. Come watch!

As with the others, this is the raw audio, with no processing."

What is Famine?
Famine is a voltage-controlled power starvation module, a teasing taste of electronic death – with the ever-present threat of the real thing. Your system will squeal, stutter, fuzz, and shriek, in new ways as you torture it while discovering the sublime joys of Schadenfreude.

Famine is capable of handling 1.5A, enough for an entire busboard of modules.

All/Split:
• In the All position, positive and negative rails track together using the All/+V knob and CV input and the -V knob and CV input are ignored.
• In the Split position, positive and negative are separated and controlled from their respective knob and CV input.

Crush/Wrack:
• In the Crush position, positive and negative mirror each other, i.e., +5V & -5V, +6V & -6V.
• In the Wrack position, positive and negative track inversely, i.e., 0v & -10V, +1V & -9V, +8V & -2V, etc.

Starve/Feed:
Starve position to starve, Feed position to bypass circuit entirely.

L.E.D.s
The LEDs indicate the level of starvation and glow brightest at 0V output.

Notes:

• Most effective on analog systems. Since digital is based on the principle of either on or off, there’s not much to play with there. Systems with bootup periods are particularly annoying.
• NO RELAYS, GAUGES, MOTORS, FANS, OR OTHER INDUCTIVE SYSTEMS (see below).

Disclaimer:
Famine may destroy your system. Although commonly used, voltage starvation is a largely unstudied technique and the dangers it poses are not well known or understood, but are rumored to range from general malfunction to actual fire and catastrophic failure. Any use of this module is entirely at your own risk.

NOT RECOMMENDED with inductive or electromechanical systems. Inductive kickback has been known to be a danger to circuitry in AC power distribution systems. The currents in Eurorack are highly unlikely to cause damage, but it is a non-zero possibility.

Details, samples, updates, and discussion can be found in the Famine thread on ModWiggler.com.

https://flightofharmony.com

Pre-orders available at: https://flightofharmony.com/contact/

flight of harmony newsletter - April 2010

"Greetings All!
It has been quite some time since the last newsletter, but that’s because there’s been so much going on that I just haven’t had time to get one out.

Firstly, an apology for the slowness of my responses to emails lately. For those that hadn’t yet heard, I recently learned (to my surprise) that I had to move, so I did. But, as the saying goes: “when it rains, it pours” or, as I prefer to say, “a lot of shit just happens all at once, it comes in waves”, so I ended up having to take almost two months off of work, and am now working like mad to get back on schedule. Due to all this, the website has not been updated during this time. I have a hard time sitting at the computer when there are things to be built on the workbench, so the site is low on my list of priorities.

I always try to be as professional as possible, but the simple fact is that this is a one-man show (for now, that is…) and it takes a lot of work. Please bear with me.

NEWS
• A new distributor has joined the fold: Geargas - http://www.geargasstore.com/. They now carry the Barebones Pack versions of f(h) modules! Depending on availability, of course.

• The Sound of Shadows eurorack module is available from Analogue Haven, Schneidersbuero, and Post Modular.

• The Sound of Shadows Barebones Pack (SoSBP) is now available, either direct or from Geargas, $125.00. The SoSBP works on a supply range from ±9V to ±15V and has an MOTM 4-pin power connecter standard, Doepfer-style connecter on request. The SoSBP web page is not up yet, hopefully soon though.

• Two special limited-edition Infernal Noise Machines are available from Big City Music. Each of these has a solid walnut housing, hand-made by George Mattson. I must say they look damn nice!

JOYSTICKS
As some of you have noticed, both the Choices modules and the Infernal Noise Machines are currently in short supply due to a shortage in the supply of joysticks. Now, after several months of waiting, I have finally received a response from the factory, so it is time for another group buy. These are brand-new joysticks, not “New Old Stock”. If you are interested in joining in, please contact me at: joystickbuy at flightofharmony.com for more details.

Thank you all very much for your support and patience, I am only able to offer these products because of you!

~flight" http://flightofharmony.com/

Facehugger r014 triple chain

video upload by flightofharmony

"Three Facehugger r014 function generators chained together (in series), fully functional at last!"

https://flightofharmony.com/

Facehugger function generator - 3 patterns in one switch

video upload by flightofharmony

"Testing the prototype and found this unexpected trick: switching the Polarity/Direction toggle switch to change the patterns.

• Output to Infernal Noise Machine VCO CV Input.
• Length switch is set to 4.
• Up (far right) sets the output to positive-only, moving left to right.
• Up/Up (middle) sets the output to bipolar, moving left to right.
• Up/Down sets the output to bipolar and reverses the direction, moving right to left. If you use an external signal, it reverses direction when the input signal is negative.

Preorders for the Facehugger are open now! https://flightofharmony.com/facehugge..."

Facehugger r013 Chain1 test

video upload by flightofharmony

"First test of chained Facehuggers. Triggering & sequence working, need to figure out why the stage 2 output isn't being passed through, so no audio. Works great otherwise though."

https://flightofharmony.com/

flightofharmony Infernal Noise Machine (INM-E)

Eurorack Infernal Noise Machine Demo Preview Render1 - flightofharmony

"An early, very incomplete, stage in making a demo video for the upcoming eurorack Infernal Noise Machine (INM-E). The final video will explain the patches and procedure."

Also:

"A WIP demo video of part of a song made with the upcoming eurorack Infernal Noise Machine. Final video will explain the patches used for the song. We're working on a Kickstarter to fund production and should have more news next week."

flight of harmony newsletter May 2009 - New Choices Module

"Greetings!

It has been a few months since the last newsletter, but here’s what’s new:

· The Choices joystick module is finally available! Check out the product page here: http://www.flightofharmony.com/choices.html. Choices euro format available now through Analogue Haven and soon to be in stock at Schneiders Buero, frac format soon.

· Plague Bearer r3.1 with VC Gain is now available at AH and SB in euro format, frac format soon.

I would like to say thank you to all my customers for being so friendly and understanding during my learning curve and SNAFUs. Your support has been very helpful and is greatly appreciated!

Additional thanks to all the Choices preorders! I couldn’t have done it without your help.

I am currently working my way through the order backlog and hope to have everything taken care of by the middle of next week.

Any ideas, suggestions, or comments? [contact flight here]

~flight
http://www.flightofharmony.com"

flightofharmony RAISE HELL T

via @flightofharmony

"This shirt will only be available to those who join us in summoning the Infernal Noise Machine module into existence."

Facehugger r013 Chain2 demo

video upload by flightofharmony

https://flightofharmony.com/

Update: "Re-upload because the text wasn't visible."

"The chaining feature of the Facehugger function generator is working!
This is a two-unit demo, showing some of the features and use of the Tail output for emphasis

OBS output the file in 640x480 for some reason, my apologies. Not gonna redo a pre-beta demo video though.

Caption text:
00:15 In this video, the Head Out is connected to the Infernal Noise Machine VCO CV input. Next, the Tail Out is connected to the INM IMP Frequency CV input, adding emphasis to the notes played by the Tail stages.

00:33 The Facehuggers are chained (in series) via the rear chaining headers. The Head unit outputs all stages, while the Body and Tail units only output their respective stages.

00:43 The controls of each unit only affect the output of that unit - Length, Level, Speed, Curve, Root, Scale, Direction, Glide, etc. Trigger and Gate signals are rerouted to the Head unit and start/restart/maintain the full sequence.

1:36 Connecting the Tail Out to the INM VCA2 CV input

1:49 Now changing various control settings - Direction, Root, Scale, Curve.

3:08 That's it for now, thanks for watching!
Next will be a demo of a 3-unit chain, after I get the third unit working."

flightofharmony Dealers don’t wanna restock and I don’t wanna find a job yet 20% off everything sale

via flightofharmony where you'll find additional details on the sale.

"As the catchy title implies, I’m broke and need money. This means I need to get a job. I don’t want to just yet because I’d like to at least get the Facehugger control module out to beta testers before I put everything on hold for a bit, which means desperate sale time, yay! Also, it’s Summer, which means that, even though they’re largely sold out of most f(h) modules, it’s the slow time for Synthland, and dealers don’t like to restock until Fall, so this is a great chance to get some unavailable gear for a great price! Now, onwards, to the rules!

What’s covered?
Everything – which means all currently-active product lines, both modules and kits. Which means:

Facehugger – Function Generator, arpeggiator, etc. Preorder item, see note below.
Famine (1500 & 500) – Voltage-controlled power starvation module.
IMP – Noise source.
Desktop Infernal Noise Machine – Road-worthy version of the Infernal Noise Machine, see note below.
Parasite Antifilter – Hellacious distortion, fuzz, drone generator, ambience generator, drum tone source, I mean holy hell this things is fun and surprising.
Plague Bearer – Voltage-controlled Bandpass filter, distortion, the classic.
Sinner – Sine shaper and signal processor.
Sound of Shadows – Voltage controlled, chainable digital delay.
1-6-13 – Protected eurorack power distribution board
5×5 – Passthrough +5V power source, plug into any open spot on your power board and not lose the spot.

This even includes the last of the desktop Infernal Noise Machine Blood Boxes/Minimal Cases and even the Facehugger preorder, but please note the longer lead times involved on those items."

New flightofharmony Facehugger Alpha R02 Demos

video upload by flightofharmony

The Facehugger Kickstarter runs until April 22nd - please help make the Facehugger a reality!
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/...

Playlist:
1. Facehugger Alpha R02 Trigger & Gate demonstration

Demonstrating the updated trigger and gate function of the Facehugger function generator.

The Facehugger trigger input now accepts both trigger and gate signals, converting gates to triggers as well as continuing to cycle as long as the gate is present. The Facehugger cycle will also reset if it receives another trigger while running.

2. Facehugger Alpha R02 Scale & Root function comparison demonstration

Comparing Facehugger function generator's voltage-controlled Scale and Root functions.

3. Facehugger Alpha R02 Glide function demonstration

Demonstrating the updated Glide function of the Facehugger function generator.

The Glide or portamento function smooths the transition between stages. Facehugger has two types of Glide: logarithmic and linear. In this video, the logarithmic glide is tuned for longer sequences, while the linear glide is tuned for quicker sequences like VCA envelopes.

4. Facehugger Alpha R02 Root Demonstration

Demonstrating the Root function of the Facehugger function generator.

Root shifts the root or base note of the pattern up or down.

5. Facehugger Alpha R02 Scale Demonstration

Demonstrating the new Scale function of the Facehugger function generator. Scale allows you to scale the output in magnitude, from +1V/±1V to +10V/±10V.

6. Facehugger Alpha R02 Length Demonstration

Demonstrating the Length function of the Facehugger function generator.

Length selects how long the pattern is, from 1 to 8 steps.

The Facehugger Kickstarter runs until April 22nd - please help make the Facehugger a reality!
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/...

flight of harmony on Twitter

http://twitter.com/flightofharmony

http://flightofharmony.com

flight of harmony mid-month newsletter October 2008

"There’s been so much going on that a mid-month letter sounded good:

We now have a forum! Graciously supplied by His Wiggliness, Muff Wiggler, scroll down to “Hosted Forums”. There are several discussions regarding the Plague Bearer, with users’ pictures and samples (much better than mine). You have to be registered to hear the samples, but it is worth it. There are also threads for suggestions of new modules and Barebones Packs, format discussions, and announcements of upcoming stuff.

The discounted first run of the PB-1E & PB-2E are almost gone, only a couple of each left.

There are a few hand-made Frac format PB modules left – single- and double-width. Make sure you check out the thread about them in the forum.

The Imp Eurorack module nears completion, comments are greatly appreciated (forum again).

A limited run of the Infernal Noise Machine is now for sale. Five units are available at $666.00 each. http://www.flightofharmony.com/INM.html and in the forum.

~flight
http://www.flightofharmony.com"

Last Call to fund flightofharmony's Facehugger Eurorack Module

flightofharmony's Facehugger Kickstarter campaign ends in 65 hours. If you have any interest in seeing it make the light of day, now is the time. Click through for full details on the module and the campaign.