COA#9 + COA #5 = CGS Analog Modular Drum Machine

Published on Jul 14, 2014 Dmitri SFC

"Panel art to compliment the classic Serge Modular, including Official Licensed PCBs for 2x Serge Dual Transient Generators, 2x Serge Peak & Trough. Original Serge Stereo Output Mixer. Sequencer panel Inspired by 1973 Serge Sequencer panel as seen here:
http://serge.synth.net/gallery/serge/...
+ Ken Stone's Event Gen moccups as seen here:
http://cgs.synth.net/modules/cgs89_ga...
If you would like something like this built for you visit
http://www.coa-modular.com & contact dmitri/ dankedout415 at gmail dot com"

Serge1973VCF Demo

Published on Jul 9, 2014 davidryle

"A MOTM format build of the famous Serge 1973 VCF. This is a Ken Stone pcb from Cat Girl Synth and is numbered CGS77.

The additions are the Hi and Lo Q resonance settings and a "low frequency" mode for slew of control voltages (DC).

The panel graphic maintains the Serge philosophy with a printed paper laminate on a metal panel. The obvious difference is the MOTM (Synthesis Technology) format.

This demo only demonstrates the 2 pole -12dB Low Pass mode. The filter also has a -6dB band pass and -12dB high pass mode which are very nice as well.

There are some background voices which I decided to include for temporal flavor. Everything is from the modular synthesizer except the echo delays which are a Lexicon and T.C. Electronic rack units after the modular.

Thanks to Ken Stone at CGS
http://www.cgs.synth.net"

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 »

CGS202 Ken Stone Serge Resonant Equalizer

Published on Jun 9, 2014 Alessio Salleolini·33 videos

Roland MC-8 Interface

Some pics of the Roland MC-8 Interface  including some of the inside via Ken Stone have been added to this post.

Detailed Internal Pictures of Roland MC8 SN 670704

These in via Loscha. You can grab the zip here.

"This Roland MC8 has been in Australia for all of it's life, it seems. We don't know who owned it until the late 90s when it came into the hands of the current owner. The 'Sidecar' is safely in storage (so safe, the owner can't remember exactly where), and, like many people, we don't have the 60 pin Hirose cable, but they are now available online.

I hope everyone enjoys this amazing piece of technology.

The album I had on whilst opening it up and documenting it was Dare, by The Human League. They used an MC8 on this album, programmed by engineer Martin Rushent, who sadly passed away in 2011."

Image names match what you are looking at for each.

Update: additional pics of the MC-8 Interface via Ken Stone added below.

CLICK FOR MORE »

Davison-Morley Serge - Sci Fi Sounds

Published on Apr 4, 2014 DJjondent·216 videos

"All vintage c1975 paperface Serge.
Built by Peter Davison (under the direction of Serge T himself).
http://peterdavison.com/

Lovingly restored by Ken Stone.

It's an honour to own and use this small part of electronic music history.

This little piece is completely live and unedited.
Reminds me a bit of a spaceship landing on Mars.

Pics of the Serge are here:
http://www.serge.synth.net/gallery/dm..."

CGS77 Serge 1973 Filter Demo

"Demo of Ken Stone's CGS77 Serge 1973 Filter. Original circuit design by Serge Tcherepnin. More info [on navs]"

Serge Resonant EQ CGS202 DIY

Published on Feb 16, 2014 Alessio Salleolini·27 videos

Serge Resonant EQ CGS202 (10xopa2132)
+ Titan
+ STO (FM)
+ Z4000
+ Optomix
+ CGS04 DC mixer (opa)
thank you to Ken Stone

Diy Serge Animal Clone Panel Ken Stone Coa Modular

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

via this auction

"DIY Serge custom clone panel etched and assembled by Dmitri of COA modular. The panel features left to right: one oscillator module, Serge Smooth Stepped Generator, Serge Triple Wave Multipliers, 2 Serge '73 filter modules, Dual Universal Slope Generator, Dual VCA, and a mixer module (VCO, SSG, TWS, 2x '73 Filter, DUSG, VCA, MIX). All modules assembled from Ken Stone circuit boards. This panel was painstakingly etched by hand by Dmitri of COA modular. The custom etched panel faces are $250 alone due to the tedious amount of labor it takes to chemically etch in the old school chemical method. In building this panel I was hoping to achieve a poor man's Serge Animal, with a balance of modules that would provide a great stand alone synth, whole allowing for easy expansion. Needless to say, the panel sounds great (the filters are amazing) and provides a vast array of sound options from deep throbbing drones to chaotic bug music and everything in between. Included is an external psu, a simple passive universal adapter box for interfacing with other gear, and 20 stackable Pomona banana cables (5 18" and 15 12" cables). The panel works perfectly apart from the Wave Shape section of the oscillator. This hasn't worked for me since I got the panel, and I'm clueless on how to fix it. Dmitri offered a free repair, but I didn't want to part with my new panel at the time. It wasn't a significant loss to me as the Triple Wave Multipliers module offers much more unique sound shaping capability..."

CLICK FOR MORE »

Serge paperface (Morley) - Test 1

Published on Feb 7, 2014 DJjondent·221 videos

"A first test after restoration.
Just experimenting with some of the modules &
looking for cool sounds. This "paper face" is 40 years old.:-)

Many thanks to Ken Stone who did
a wonderful job.

The patch details will be up on my blog soon."

Ken Stone Sequential Switch for Eurorack

Published on Jan 10, 2014 littlem4tt·44 videos

"First (and not so great) demo of this fabulous circuit from Ken stone. Ken.....your a genius!!"

tube VCA polivoks acid

tube VCA polivoks acid 1/2

Published on Dec 31, 2013 heodesalciphron·176 videos

"beyond acid
harvestman polivoks vcg + vcf, L-1/Ken Stone inspired Tube VCA, modular synth"

tube VCA polivoks acid 2

Smoke Panel CGS01 Sub-Oscillator / Harmonic Sequencer by CatGirl Synth

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

via this auction

"This module is based off the CGS01 pcb by Ken Stone of CatGirl Synth. You can find it by navigating to http://www.cgs.synth.net/ under the 'modules' category, it's labelled with a CGS01.

This module serves a number of interesting purposes. Firstly, it's a complex sub-oscillator. It takes an input signal and derives pulses sub-octaves below the original. On my panel is divide by 1,2,4, & 8. It has two channels of sub-octaves, an A and a B. The knobs affect the volume level of each division.

What's more interesting, though, is to use the module as a sequencer. Its operation is very similar to the CMOS melody generators. For instance, you can take an LFO input and by adjusting the volumes of each division, get a stepped output useful for controlling a pitch CV.

Additionally, there is a section that multiplies the divisions. Thereby slightly off-setting the divisions and creating more complex tones in the case of an audio oscillator or (basically) changing the phase of the pulses to create different melodies.

There are a ton of different options for this module. You can find some demo videos on youtube by searching CGS01. I have intended to make a demo video for a while now, but am just terrible with video. If you have any questions at all, please contact me and I'll get back to you ASAP.

With all of that description behind us - the panel is my design and produced by Pro-Modular. It's a bit thicker than a standard aluminum panel. It is semi-transparent and a color called 'smoke'."

CLICK FOR MORE »

Ken Stone CGS x4 in Eurorack

via Paul Appliancide on The MATRIXSYNTH Lounge

"Still testing and debugging this one. Four of Ken Stone's designs behind one euro panel = one powerful and complicated beast."

by Uglysound Electronics

Turing Machine Ultimate Bundle DIY Kit 30% Off Sale!

via Thonk - click through for full details and additional videos.

"For a limited period we are offering a full DIY kit that includes everything you need to build a fully expanded Turing Machine.

While stocks last this offer saves you 30% off the regular price of buying the kits separately. It’ll never be available at this low price again."


Music Thing Turing Machine Random Looping Sequencer from Tom Whitwell on Vimeo.

"DIY shift register sequencer module for Eurorack modular synth. Full details: http://musicthing.co.uk/modular/?page_id=21"

via Thonk:

"The designer Tom Whitwell describes his innovative approach to random sequencing as such:

'Hopefully the demo video (above) explains what it does – it’s a looping shift register sequencer, inspired by Ken Stone’s Gated Comparator and Grant Richter’s Noise Ring. It can loop for ever or be completely random, with CV control over the random vs loop-iness. You cannot program it to play specific tunes. You cannot save sequences. You can never go back to a sequence that has changed. It’s designed as a sequencer that you can steer roughly in one direction or another. + it makes a crazy wavetable wave shaper when clocked at audio rates.'"

MERIDIAN7.NET

MERIDIAN7.NET is home to Lori Napoleon's creative works.  Lori and her work is featured in I Dream of Wires. Be sure to see this video on Lori if you haven't already.

Pictured above is the voice changer

"This module was originally used as a desktop hotel switchboard. It contains a circuit bent toy voice changer which creates octaves and 'robot sounds.' I have added a modification which allows variable sampling and playback speeds of audio fed into it."

Directly above is the sequencer

"Each side of the switchboard contains a Music From Outer Space ten step sequencer, with some added features such as external trigger inputs and pulse outs on each step. They can run independently or in sync with each other."

Directly above is the synthesizer

"The synthesizer currently contains VCS, VCF, and envelope modules by Ken Stone and Music From Outer Space. It also contains the MFOS noise cornucopia module for various percussive sounds. Sequencer is right below it."

All photos by Seze Devres.  See MERIDIAN7.NET for more including the process and additional pics.

New DIY Synthesizer Documentary in The Works

via Dmitri Sfc on The Muff Wigglers Facebook:

"Just got the OK from Ray Wilson for an interview as well., Traveling to Australia to interview Ken Stone !... Can't travel everywhere so this is a call to please send video of your self & your DIY rig. Send me a PM here on FB to start the convo. Film ETA is late 2014."

This was the first time I heard of the upcoming film so I followed up with Dmitri Sfc.  It turns out it will be a documentary focused on the makers of Synth DIY.  He is looking for video entries per above as he will likely not be able to travel everywhere.  If you have something to share, reach out to him on Facebook via the link above. Per Dmitri: "SDIYers are encouraged to send me video to be included in the film. the doc will go to Sundance , will be feature length, With a sound track release."

A little bit of trivia, Dmitri was in the 2000 documentary "Groove" (IMDB | Wikipedia) which focused on the San Francisco underground rave scene. That's him on the cover.  His music was also featured in BEND: A Circuit Bending Documentary.

And of course he knows Synth DIY. His work with COA-Modular and Serge designs have been featured here on MATRIXSYNTH numerous times.

Chimed

Published on Jul 29, 2013

"Experimental piece recorded on five panels of the the ex La Trobe University Serge.

A downloadable variant is at: http://otherunicorn.bandcamp.com/trac..."

Ken Stone is the man behind Catgirl Synth.

Silver Triangles In An Unfiltered Sky

Published on Jul 14, 2013 davidryle·117 videos

"Triangle waveforms without any filters.

Okay maybe the Kaoss pad JET filter on the ribbon controller sound.

The project used 12 vco's, three 5 Pulser wave folders and two Analog Shift registers. I also used three step sequencers and a Ken Stone CGS01 Harmonic Sequencer for the modular synth parts. The keyboard parts are FM7 Mordor patch and the ribbon part is the modular synth with my custom Arduino controller module.

At the end of this video is a primer on the various elements used to create the sound scape."