The Eternal Now

video upload by davidryle

"American Format (5U) modular synthesizer performance in real time to a stereo track in Cubase.
For an atonal wash I used the Dove Audio Waveplane and WTF vco's through an Oakley Sound Systems Ring Modulator. I then sent it through A dotcom Q150 transistor ladder filter and a Lower West Side Studio Multimode Filter/Resonator and on to a fixed filter bank and a Frequency Central Stasis Leak digital delay. This drone wash comes in at the final section and ending.
The opening reed sound and accompanying organ sounds were derived from the Synthetic Sound Labs/Mutable Instruments (Braids) Woven Spirits module.
The initial reed sound is from the AUX output of the Woven Spirits through an SSL/Ian Fritz 5 Pulser and Oakley Sound Systems State Variable Filter. The filter is stepped with a random S&H from JNP Electronics.
The secondary organ chord sound is the Main direct output of the Woven Spirits in Chord mode. The combination of both elements are sent to an Electro-Harmonix Grand Canyon in DMM mode. Feedback is applied as needed for the drone sustain throughout the piece.
The bass line comes in next with a pair of STG Soundlabs Oscillators through a Dove Audio D502 Multimode filter in -24dB LP mode. The pitch voltage is from the upper Q960 step sequencer. It's timing is from a Catgirl Synth Master Divider, clocked from a custom Dual LFO/Analog Shift Register of Ken Stone (Catgirl Synth) design. An additional tap from the STG oscillator through a Corsynth C103 Frequency Divider/Multiplier module for a sub-octave feed.
The melodic line blended into the latter section is from a pair of Q106 dotcom vco's which are pitch controlled by the lower Q960 sequencer. Each vco pitch is from a separate row of the Q960. The Q960's shift timing is from the CGS Master Divider module. The output is routed through an Empress Reverb pedal in Blue Ghost mode. Panning is from the LWSS/Yusynth Panning Mixer.
All pitch quantitization is through a Moon Modular 565 series setup.
Additional voltage modulation to the Woven Spirits module are from the STG Soundlabs voltage mini stores, and vaious LFO's etc. Timing for the additional sequencers is also managed by the Moster Divider."

Gater - Serge Gated Comparator Sketch

video upload by Memetune Studio

"Using the Loudest Warning versions of the Ken Stone Gated Comparator to play the Serge system. The GC takes 2 inputs (any time-varying voltage source and a clock source) and sends out a variety of CVs and Gates based on the incoming clock, using 8 shift registers that sequentially pass the voltages along. Its hard to explain what's happening, because there are a few extra details that complicate it. One is that each of the 8 steps can have an offset voltage added with a knob setting. Also there is a loop function which can be different to the inputs. Then there are different outputs - a mix of all the voltages on each step, or random voltages per step. A range knob sets the general voltage range its going to output, and there is a sensitivity knob to control how much of the variable cv input is setting off the stages. Its pretty hit and miss, and is one of those modules that is best just experimented with, but it can give amazing results that can't be done on anything else (apart from other modules based on this idea, such as the Rungler, Klee sequencer, Turing Machine, etc). Its great for semi-random sequences of notes and other cvs, as well as gates and timing pulses

In this patch I'm using one GC (on the right of the panel) to do the pitches and a second one (far left) to send out cvs to control the timbre of the oscillator. This second GC is a slimmed down version with less controls and no individual gate outs, but its the same thing in principle

The strange wonky rhythms are being made with a combination of the window comparators and the EG which has an equally baffling array of input and output options

So in other words, this is a an extremely fun panel to experiment with when making aleatoric music 😁"

Background Modulars No.3 - Serge Paperface

video upload by Memetune Studio

"Can't find a Serge Modular system to create a self-generating Cybersynthesis patch on? No worries! Just put this video on in the background (in full-screen mode), and have the next best thing 😁

In this background piece, I’m using a 1970s Paperface system with some Loudest Warning Serge clone modules to help with the AI composition process (top panel)

The usual VCO / VCF / ENV things are set up, being triggered from a combination of Positive Slew, 73 EG and the mysterious Fenetre module (a Window Comparator designed by Charlie at Loudest Warning, inspired by a tiny bit of the Destiny+ Czochralski Cells thing - Google it), which takes a CV-variable input and sends out staggered pulses, all CV-able. Some of these go to a 4-input AND module which is combined with the other clocks to give varying rhythm to the piece. The pitches are being generated from the Gated Comparator (Ken Stone design, Mk2) which is being altered as the piece develops by various interrelated CVs from the other modules and the vintage Programmer, set to 4 steps on a very slow clock, again related to the main clock via an 8-way divider, then into a 2HP Tune quantiser, which I supplanted into a spare hole in the cab. The Programmer also has its other outputs slowly changing things, such as timbre and LFO of the main oscillator. The reverb is from the Serge spring units (stereo) and there is a tiny bit of Boss SE70 delay in there (all being mixed via one of the Serge Universal Audio Processors)

The general idea is that its one great big interrelated cybersynthesis patch, and the sequence changes slightly each rotation. I think if you listen through to the end, you will hear a very satisfying melodic development, one that I was not expecting to happen. I had no idea how the melody would evolve, and for the first time in my patching life I was genuinely surprised by the melodic resolution this self-generating Serge patch produced"

Serge 5u Tones and Timbres

video upload by Rhythmicons

"These are 5u Serge circuits by Ken Stone/Catgirl Synth and Elby designs, assembled and paneled by by Lower West Side studios. The Dual Universal Slope Generators are the sound sources going into the STG Soundlabs mixer before heading into the Resonant EQ and '73 Filter. From there the signal is going to a Roland RE-301 Chorus Echo, a Roland DC-50, and an AKG BX-10. With this program I tried to capture what it is like to try to maintain a smile while feeling awful inside. I began with the desire to create something beautiful with the Serge, but the pull towards the experimental is sometimes far too great to resist."

Serge Dual Universal Slope Generator 5U First Impressions...

video upload by Rhythmicons

"These are just a few snippets messing around with the DUSG for the first time.
DUSG & DSI Tempest to STG Mixer.

This module was built by Rich at Lower West Side Studio from Ken Stone's Catgirl Synth PCB."

Ken stone CGS Swamp Serge Sequencer, Comparator, Etc

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

via this auction

Pics of the inside below.

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CGS Funky Dummer Module (Ken Stone)

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

via this auction

"One of the wildest and rarest Eurorack modules I've encountered! Strange fun awaits! CGS Funky Drummer, euro 32 hp
this is the classic clarke68 euro panel for building the cgs funky drummer module (ken stone)

more information on building the module is here:

the panel is 32hp wide

This DIY module is based on a panel designed by user Clark68 from Muffwigglers. It combines several CGS PCBs mounted horizontally behind one Panel. It consists of:
CGS13 - Gated Comparator
CGS36 - Pulse Divider and Boolean Logic
CGS31 - Digital noise

Functionally equivalent to the left half of Zthee's Serge SWAMP panel.

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Making A Synthesiser Sequencer Out Of RELAYS

video by LOOK MUM NO COMPUTER

"Building a Relay Based Step Sequencer"

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New Synthetic Sound Labs 2530 Tube VCA / Timbral Gate Eurorack Module

"The Russians Are Coming!

What happens when you apply 1950's era Soviet technology to a modern analog
synth? You get the new SSL 2530 Tube VCA / Timbral Gate module - a wild blend of vacuum tube warmth and distortion, along with an incredibly useful VCA that is so much more than the sum of its parts.
The 2530 uses miniature pencil-sized vacuum tubes that were developed and refined by the Russians over 60 years ago. They are exceptionally low current and low voltage devices - so there's no need to generate the traditional high-voltage power supplies that are required for most other vacuum tubes. Very cool stuff!

While it’s a surprisingly good VCA, it really shines when it’s over-driven - rounding and folding the input waveforms like nothing else available. In some modes, it’s prone to whacky self-oscillation that can be made to lock onto the harmonics of the input waveform in cascading howls. Totally adjustable and controllable.

In conjunction with and licensed by Ken Stone (CGS), Synthetic Sound Labs has further expanded on Ken's designs to include several other circuit enhancements to make your Russian dreams "Come True".

SSL has added LEDs behind the tube to visually emulate the warm glow of the filament, and pulsating blue LEDs that simulate tubes as they are being driven by control voltages. A custom acrylic window shows off the effects in true retro fashion.

SSL uses quality fiberglass-epoxy printed circuit boards, precision automated robotics and meticulous hand-crafted assembly assure years of trouble-free service.

Synthetic Sound Labs has been in the analog synthesizer business since 1973. The 2530 is yet another in SSL’s growing line of new synthesizer modules. Proudly made in the USA.

Pricing is $295 US.

You can find a demo of the MU version here.

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New Lower West Side Studio CGS85 Serge Triple Wave Shaper

Product Demonstrationvideo by Lower West Side Studio

"Lower West Side Studio demonstrates the Cat Girl Synthesizers CGS85 Serge Triple Wave Shaper.

3 independent wave shapers can be used individually or combined to mutate incoming signals into something wonderful

For more information visit lowerwestsidestudio.com"

via Lower West Side Studio

"This module is Ken Stone’s variation on the 1973 Classic Serge Triple Wave Shaper module.

To quote the 1982 catalog: The Triple Wave Shaper (TWS) is a non-linear modifier which can transform a sawtooth wave into a sine wave. This module incorporates three independent wave shapers for modifying synthesizer waveforms or for processing signals from preamplified instruments. Although originally designed as a wave shaper for our early oscillators, this module has been found to be a excellent modifier of electronic and acoustic sounds, and is highly recommended for subtle timbrel modifications beyond the range of simple oscillator/filter patches.

Each of the 3 channels supports a signal input with an attenuator. There are 2 control voltage inputs and both AC and DC outputs.

A Join switch connects the outputs of channels 2 and 3 back into channel 1 for some bizarre wave shaping potential. Each individual output is still simultaneously available.

The CGS85 Serge Triple Wave Shaper comes in a 1U width.

The module operates at +/- 15V and comes with a MOTM style power connector. Included is an MOTM to Synthesizers.com power connector adapter."

Lower West Side Studio Introduces M122 Master Divider Module

Lower West Side Studio - 2 Minute Tour - M122 Master Divider

"A quick video demonstration of the M122 Master Divider by Lower West Side Studio

The M122 Master Divider is a clock divider which splits the incoming signal into divisions of 2, 4, 8 and 16. Each division is then broken down into 4 phases.

It provides an easy, flexible way to break up your clock signal and produce interesting polyrhythms.

The M122 is a licensed reengineered version of Ken Stone’s CGS22 Master Divider

For more information visit lowerwestsidestudio.com"

via Lower Swest Side Studio

"M122 Master Divider $330 $290

The M122 Master Divider is a clock divider which splits the incoming signal into divisions of 2, 4, 8 and 16. Each division is then broken down into 4 phases.

It provides an easy, flexible way to break up your clock signal and produce interesting polyrhythms.

The M122 is a licensed reengineered version of Ken Stone’s CGS22 Master Divider

As a special introductory offer we have reduced the price of the M122 Master Divider from $330CAD to $290CAD until December 18th!"

Synthetic Sound Labs Introduces the TUBE VCA / TIMBRAL GATE IN MU FORMAT

via Synthetic Sound Labs / SSL

"The Russians Are Coming!

What happens when you apply 1950's era Soviet technology to a modern analog synth?  You get the new SSL 1530 Tube VCA / Timbral Gate module - a wild blend of vacuum tube warmth and distortion, along with an incredibly useful VCA that is so much more than the sum of its parts.

The 1530 uses miniature pencil-sized vacuum tubes that were developed and refined by the Russians over 60 years ago.  They are exceptionally low current and low voltage devices - so there's no need to generate the traditional high-voltage power supplies that are required for most other vacuum tubes.  Very cool stuff!

While it’s a surprisingly good VCA, it really shines when it’s over-driven - rounding and folding the input waveforms like nothing else available. In some modes, it’s prone to whacky self-oscillation that can be made to lock onto the harmonics of the input waveform in cascading howls. Totally adjustable and controllable.

In conjunction with and licensed by Ken Stone (CGS), Synthetic Sound Labs has further expanded on Ken's designs to include several other circuit enhancements to make your Russian dreams "Come True".

SSL has added LEDs behind the tube to visually emulate the warm glow of the filament, and pulsating blue LEDs that simulate tubes as they are being driven by control voltages. A custom acrylic window shows off the effects in true retro fashion.

SSL uses quality fiberglass-epoxy printed circuit boards, precision automated robotics and meticulous hand-crafted assembly assure years of trouble-free service.

Synthetic Sound Labs has been in the analog synthesizer business since 1973. The 1530 is yet another in SSL’s growing line of new synthesizer modules. Proudly made in the USA.

Pricing is $295 US. Available directly from SSL and through NoiseBug, Pomona, CA.

1530 Specifications at a glance:

Model
1530 Tube VCA / Timbral Gate

Function
Tube VCA / Timbral Gate - MU format Module

Controls
- DRIVE 1 – Drive 1 attenuator
- DRIVE 2 / FB – Drive 2 and normalized feedback attenuator
- INIT GAIN – Manual CV gain input
- CV AMT – CV Input gain attenuator

Switches (x2)
- FeedBack (On/Off)
- Bias (Dist/Clean)

Inputs
- DRIVE 1 – Variable gain Signal input
- DRIVE 2/FB – Variable gain Signal input – Input switch selectable feedback from output
- CV IN – Controls output gain. Attenuation control

Outputs
- OUT – Audio Output (AC Coupled)

Panel
High quality 0.062” aluminum. Durable black Metalphoto finish with natural aluminum graphics.

Power
- Current draw: +15V @ 30 ma. and -15V @ 22 ma.
- Synthesizers.com 6 pin Molex standard.

Size
8.75” H x 2.125” W x ~1.25” D (1 Moog Unit / MU)"

Fifty Years of ARP: The 2500 in 2020 Online Event This Saturday, September 26

via The Alan R Pearlman Foundation:

ALAN R. PEARLMAN FOUNDATION ANNOUNCES “FIFTY YEARS OF ARP: THE 2500 in 2020” SYNTHPOSIUM EVENT

Celebrating five decades of the 2500 synthesizer with interviews, panels and more

STONE RIDGE, NY, SEPTEMBER 21, 2020– The Alan R. Pearlman Foundation has announced “Fifty Years of ARP: The 2500 in 2020”, a virtual event to be held on September 26th at 12PM EST on Zoom via Eventbrite. The event will be free for all participants with a suggested donation. Registration and other information can be found here.

The event will focus on the ARP 2500, the groundbreaking synthesizer made famous in Close Encounters of the Third Kind. It will feature panel discussions and interviews with original ARP engineers, software developers, artists, composers, producers, educators, and others. Participants will be able to interact live with panelists via Zoom.

"We are beyond thrilled for this deep dive into the iconic ARP 2500,” said Dina Pearlman, ARP Foundation founder and daughter of Alan R. Pearlman. "We’ve assembled an amazing collection of engineers who made the original 2500s, artists who have used them, and ARP historians and organizations that work to preserve them."

The Foundation continues its work with contributors, collaborators, vendors, manufacturers, venues, and owners of rare original ARP synthesizers. Among their goals is the creation of installations where students can utilize ARP synthesizers as part of their music curriculum, and to explore the endless possibilities of electronic music.

For more information about the Foundation, visit www.alanrpearlmanfoundation.com.

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New Lower West Side Studio CGS77 Serge 73 VCF Eurorack Module

CGS77 Serge 73 VCF Demo Published on Feb 26, 2020 Lower West Side Studio

"Lower West Side Studio demonstrates the features of their version of the CGS77 Serge '73 Voltage Controlled Filter.

This is a state variable 2 pole filter with 12dB/oct LP & HP outputs and 6dB/oct BP output.

Product Page: https://richsstudioproject.wpcomstagi..."

"The CGS77 is Ken Stone’s licensed adaptation of the Serge ’73 VCF.

The CGS77 is a State Variable filter featuring 3 simultaneous outputs; Lowpass (12dB/Oct), Bandpass (6dB/Oct) and Highpass(12dB/Oct)

2 control voltage inputs are provided with an attenuverter on one input. The filter can be pinged by a low frequency pulse wave or Trigger.

The CGS77 comes in a 1U width form factor with 25mm(1″) knobs controlling 4 potentiometers"

Priced at $330

Messssy mess

Published on Sep 21, 2019 juanito moore

"This weekend's hardware challenge was basically 'Make it Messy!' so this is messssssy. I ran patches between oscillators, sequencers, filters and effects without any concern for anything that made sense, just on whims. The result is pretty unpleasant, but hopefully at least slightly interesting.

No voting this weekend, which encourages lack of polish!

Modules used:
Atari Punk Console x1.5
TH-555 VCOs
Ken Stone's Psycho LFO
Thomas Henry's VCF-1s
303-based transistor ladder VCF
MS20 VCFs
808 kick/snare/hat
909 ride cymbal
Three cheap Chinese reverb circuits built into modules. See my other videos coming soon for how to build one they are AMAZING."

2004 BANANALOUGE Serge VCS Frac Module

via this auction

"( Frac-rac ) Eddition, 2004 The Bananalogue has introduced the Serge VCS Module. Designed by Seth Nemec and Ken Stone with the cooperation of Serge Tcherepnin, this Serge VCS universal slope generator is FRAC-RAC modular format from Bananalogue

Uses include:
slew/portamento Sharp AR envelope generator
,sound processing & wave-shaping
It can also act as an oscillator, LFO, modulation source and more."

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Modcanned

Published on May 13, 2018 zack dagoba

"A bunch of sketches on my new (old) Modcan A modular system. I damn well love this thing! Its such a beautifully designed system - offering utter uniqueness and flexibility. It seems to fall between West-coast and East-coast design philosophies - combining all the good things about modular synthesis in one giant bundle of fun. The system here is made up of original Modcan A modules and also Cyndustries A-format ones. These were made a bit later once the A-series format had become established around the mid 2000's. What is cool is that Cyndustries used to commission / licence designs from well known figures in the synth design world - and put the names of the designers on the front of the modules. It reads like a who's who of the geeky electronic scene, with names like Nyle Steiner, Chris Huggett, Jurgen Haible, Don Buchla, Ken Stone, Bernie Hutchins, Peter Granader, Serge Tcherepnin. It all adds up to an amazing modular experience, like playing with a giant synth museum in a box. See http://myblogitsfullofstars.blogspot.... for more"

CGS Serge Modular Synth + Klangbau Köln Spring Reverb #TTNM

Published on Mar 12, 2019 The Tuesday Night Machines

"Playing my BOCGS Serge Modular Synth through my newly installed Klangbau Köln Spring Reverb. PATCH NOTES BELOW :)

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Audio gear used:
- Best of CGS Ken Stone / Serge 4U Banana Modular Synthesizer (BOG, MARSH & SWAMP Panels)
- Klangbau Köln Spring Reverb (http://klangbauköln.de/)

The patch is rather simple. Two voices with vibrato through VCAs, mixed and then sent through the Serge VCF. The VCAs are modulated by a DUSG envelope each. Pitch sequencing is done by the Sequencer Programmer and the Gated Comparator in step-sequencer mode (just one looping stage with CV from the Mix output). The two CGS Utility LFOs provide Vibrato to the voices. There is a third voice, which is just the high pitched melody going through the Frequency Divider, which is also modulated and offset from the parent sequence (using a delayed Extended ADSR). Then we have some random CV form the tempo-synced Noise module and some smaller bits here and there and at the end I've got the a Klangbau Köln Spring Reverb mixed with the dry signal."

Update:

Experimental CGS Serge Modular Synth Sounds #TTNM

Published on Mar 12, 2019 The Tuesday Night Machines

"After my more musical Best of CGS Serge jams, this one is a modular synth noodle session, playing various bleeps and bloops by using feedback, a resonant filter and lots of CV cross-modulation of classic modules like the DUSG, Gated Comparator and Infinite Melody. All three Ken Stone panels are patched here, the BOG, the MARSH and the SWAMP. Reverb is again provided by the awesome Klangbau Köln Spring Reverb :)"

Serge / Random Source Edelweiss v1 Panel

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

via this auction

"Serge / Pre-Random*Source / Best of CGS

Panel built I believe around 2015?

Everything works as should, panel nearly spotless, great selection of essential Serge and Ken Stone modules

Things to note:

Does not include any banana cables. The plug pictured in some photos is to show functionality of various modules.

Budbox needs proper screws/hardware to mount correctly, currently sitting in the bud box.

Power supply is included but is DIY. Works fine, has banana grounds out on supply and on rear of case if you're combining with other gear (and not using a larger power supply for multiple panels)."

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AE Modular Wavefolder Tutorial, Patch Tips, & Jam #TTNM

Published on Nov 29, 2018 The Tuesday Night Machines

Jam video further below.

"Here's a quick tutorial for the Tangible Waves AE Modular Wavefolder. MORE INFO AND PATCH TIPS BELOW =)

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The AE Modular Wavefolder, based on a vintage circuit design also used by Ken Stone, takes a waveform and clips and folds it. This creates a more complex sounding waveform, of which you can of course modulate the parameters with CV too. In this video I also present a few patch tips, for this seemingly simple module. Let me know if you have an questions :-)

Patch tips:
- Create a sine wave from a square wave VCO running through a low pass filter with low cutoff frequency. For pitch sequencing, you might want to add a little bit of pitch CV to the filter cutoff control too, not just the VCO. This is often called “keyboard tracking” in non-modular synths’ filter settings, which makes sure that the filter opens up a little on higher notes. Otherwise, a constant cutoff will dull the sound of higher notes more than lower notes.

- Feedback: Patch the input signal (e.g. a triangle wave) in a mixer and the mixer output in the Wavefolder. Then patch one Wavefolder output back into another mixer input and slowly turn the mix knob up. For voltage control over the feedback, patch the Wavefolder output in a VCA and from there into the mixer. Modulate the VCA with an LFO, Envelope, Sample & Hold or Sequencer then. Feedback can get very crazy quickly, so start with low knob and modulation settings.

- Since the Wavefolder creates complex (harsh sounding) waveforms, you can send them through a filter to smooth them. As they are different than your standard square or sawtooth waves, they also sound different, and often more interesting, through filters.

- Try modulating the Wavefolder’s shape with its input signal, i.e. send the triangle or sine wave audio signal in the audio input and the CV input as well."

AE Modular Wavefolder Jam with Patch Notes #TTNM

Published on Nov 29, 2018 The Tuesday Night Machines