CGS sequencer/programmer 1

flickr by kay_wrad
(click for more)

full size

via electro-music.com where you will find more info and other people's designs of this DIY sequencer by Ken Stone's Catgirl Synth.

"An 8-step analogue sequencer/programmer, newly-built, not quite working 100% as yet. It's an iteration of Ken Stone's excellent design, and a set of PCBs is available here, if you want to build one yourself. Recommended, but not for a first electro-music DIY project, there's a lot of wiring up involved."

Bitsy - Ken Stone Stepped CV Generator/ Recorder

"A DIY Ring Counter based on Ken Stone's Gated Comparator circuit." via navs.modular.lab where you'll find another pic and sample. Note the faceplate only is Make Noise:

"I used the DIY Layout Creator to plan my perfboard and a 6HP Makenoise blank as faceplate. This was the first time I'd made a parallel board, which meant using wire connections for the jacks etc. However, the benefit of this was I didn't have to be totally accurate when drilling holes. "

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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PixelNoises Synth T-Shirts by The Tuesday Night Machines:
https://shop.spreadshirt.co.uk/pixeln...

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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 :)"

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.

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..."

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Ken Stone CGS Synthacon VCF Voltage Controlled Filter

via this auction

"Frac Rack Module Ken Stone CGS Synthacon VCF Voltage Controlled Filter"

See the sellers' other items for tons more.

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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ELBY DESIGNS KEN STONE CYNARE CGS-747 // Very Rare Techno Drum Synth Module

Published on May 28, 2016 LESINDES

"ELBY DESIGNS KEN STONE CYNARE CGS-747 is a very peculiar und and also flexible syn drum module that is breathing the spirit of TECHNO and ACID.
With a little help from HEXINVERTER SYMPLE SEQ."

Synthacon VCF Ken Stone MOTM Synthesizers.com

No title link. Just a shot via this auction

"This module is a "tribute" module from Ken Stone, based on the awesome Steiner-Parker Synthacon VCF.

Unlike the original, this version allows signals to be fed into all inputs simultaneously. If the same signal is used in all inputs, the result is reminiscent of a phaser.

The real fun starts when you feed different signals into each input, then you get a frequency based "interpolating scanner", where panning between different sound sources is possible, though also subject to the frequency at which they are running. I have never heard an effect like it before.

This is a great filter, by the way, with lots of character. It sounds very Moog ladderish with the low pass input, and mixing VCOs into the LP, HP and BP inputs gives some great effects."

I love the knobs on the module.

Thebridechamber

"We build synthesizer modules and provide various things you'll need to build your own. So far, 4 of our modules are based on the circuit boards of Ken Stone and one module of our own design. Ken Stone is an Australian circuit designer with a versatile and playful frame of mind which is greatly to be praised. We are Bridechamber - what more can we say?"

Title link takes you to what more they can say.

via sequencer.de

The Sonic Emulsifier

Title link takes you to more. Via Frank Vanaman. Update: Looks like Carbon111 beat me to it on Synthwire! I was wondering when this would happen. : ) Oh well, the more the merrier in my book.



"I call it the Sonic Emulsifier, a name coined by someone at work who knows nothing of analogue synthesis or sound processing."

"The History:
It started out with a WersiVoice card, which is basically a triple BBD contraption that was very commonly installed in Wersi organs, that gives both ensemble and rotary speaker effects, and, for its time, was actually pretty decent sounding. What it turned into:

(1) the Wersivoice BBD device
(2) a Ken Stone bandpass filter (SH-5 Bandpass clone)
(3) a Ken Stone Real Ring Modulator (two transformers, four diodes)
(4) a Paia “Roctave divider” board
(5) a multi filter band pass unit tuned to vocal frequencies (based on the VP-330 filters)
(6) a 566-based VCO using Thomas Henry’s schematics
(7) a 4-in, 1-out DC mixer, and
(8) a 4-way mult

The VCO is there basically so that if you want to use the ring modulator with a single input, there’s something there to modulate with. It’s a strange assortment of things, some of which are included because I happened to have the boards sitting around (like the PAiA Roctave).

I couldn’t resist the desire to make something that looked “technical’ from the front. The big central dial is the main frequency control for the oscillator. Pots to the upper left control the PAiA divider; pots to the right are for the mixer, the oscillator has an output attenuator control (left of the big dial) and a wave-shape sweep control (to the right of the big dial). Switches at the bottom left select the Wersivoice modes, switches to the bottom right control the selection of groups of filters in the vocal filter matrix.

Nothing’s blown up yet, so I’m assuming I’ve managed to put it all together right the first time.

MP3s? Eh, eventually…"

Frank

Doepfer Announces A-171-2 Voltage Controlled Slew Limiter II

"Module A-171-2 is a voltage controlled slew limiter with a lot of additional features beyond a simple slew limiter. It's mostly a licensed copy of Ken Stones VCS which is in turn based on the Serge VCS.

These are the most important features:

Manual control of the Slew-Up time
CV control of the Slew-Up time with polarizer
Switch for linear/exponential shape of the rising section of the response curve
Manual control of the Slew-Down time
CV control of the Slew-Down time with polarizer
Switch for linear/exponential shape of the falling section of the response curve
CV Up and CV Down sockets are normalled
Signal input (the "to-be-slewed" signal)
Trigger input
V/Oct input
End output
Cyle on/off (when "on" the End output is internally connected to the Trigger Input)
Output
LED display

A detailed description of the module will follow soon. Until then the explanation on Ken Stone's website Ken Stones VCS can be used as a preliminary information. "

Yusynth Modular

via Cardinen on this electro-music.com thread.

"All modules are Yusynth except a few from Ken Stone and some mod.

Left to right :
- Dual Slew
- 2X VCO
- Ring Mod + Grinder (K. stone) + Real Ring Mod (K. Stone)
- Noise gen. + Sample and hold
- 4 Ch. mixer
- Moog Ladder filter
- Steiner Syntacon Filter
- 2X LFO
- 3X Env. Generator (2x yusynth, 1x formant)
- VCA
- Doepfer A-190-2 Midi interface"

Catgirl Synth (CGS) Opens Serge Site

via It's Full of Stars
"I have just supplied pictures of my Serge Modular system to Ken Stone, he of Catgirlsynth fame. He is into the early (pre-STS era) Serge synths, which are easily recognised by their paper-faced and laminated modules. So he has put together a website serge.synth.net which is a growing resource for these rare and beautiful beasts, with pictures of known systems, catalogs, manuals and stuff

If you have any pictures and info about other Serge paper-faces get in touch with Ken via his site..."

CGS Psycho Shift-Register in Modcan Format

via this auction

See the seller's other items for more.

"Ken's latest development is his own modern and improved design of an Arabesque Pattern Generator similar to the classic Serge Analog Shift Register schematic originally published in Synapse years ago.

When clocked, this delightful circuit will sample the incoming analog voltage at each pulse, and sequentially shift the stored voltage progressively down a row of three outputs . The Psycho Shift-Register can be used for example, to repeat a melody of control voltages around to several successive oscillator voices - Just like a choral group singing repeating melodies in four-part round-robin style.

Thus it is incredibly useful for auto-compositional harmonies as it is, but what sets this version apart is that in this module it is combined with a certain popular little quad LFO called The Psycho LFO which is also from the lineage of the Australian Cat Girl Synth system.

While Ken Stone may in fact be the Other Unicorn, I'm sure that he never imagined this kooky combination of his clever critters!

Of course the ASR and Quad LFO sections can work independently... However when the "Link" switch is thrown, one of the oscillators acts as a simple clock driving the Analog Shift Register, while the other three are free to create the jumble of control voltages that the register actually shifts!

"Doctor It's Alive!"

Well, not exactly Igor, but an exclusive control voltage "Modulation" input has a hand in adding more of your own animation to the Monster. The unique "Blend" and "Character" controls are useful for transforming the total output from something joyous to downright disturbing!

It's your creature - You can decide it's fate!

The prognosis here Doctor, is that this Psycho Shift-Register is the very first of it's kind that has mutated into being capable of thinking for itself! Naturally these need very careful supervision... I prescribe ordering one for your studio immediately!"

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)"

CGS Serge Noise Source & Random Voltage Generator

In case you missed the update in this post, Ken Stone of Catgirl Synth (CGS) will also have the new Noise Source, which, actually is a 1975 design.  The Serge Tcherepnin copyright in the image from that post was for the new drawing of the schematic.

Pictured here is the Noise Source in Ken's system along with the Random Voltage Generator.  The Noise Source makes the Random Voltage Generator possible.  In the image below, the PCB with fewer parts in the bottom pic is the Noise Source. The other board is the SSG (Serge Smooth and Stepped Generator).

CGS Programmer Sequencer mdification

Published on Sep 22, 2012 by Richarius Molindarius
"In this modification to the CGS (inspired from Serge's) Programmer Sequencer, I came up with the idea of giving this module the same function as the PLAY / SKIP / HALT functionality that the Moog 960 Sequencer has. There was a pair of errors in my mod. design though. Ken Stone (CGS) very thankfully, corrected the most important error. Otherwise, the modification would not have worked at all. Thank you greatly Ken! :D

The Programmer Sequencer was already extremely powerful in everything that it can do. Now, mine at the very least, is all the MORE powerful! :D

I hope you enjoy the vid. :)"

Voltage Controlled Slope

via macumbista.net where you'll find the full details, images and audio.

"Desperately trying to finish some new electronics before other tasks consume my attention… the latest module for my DIY synthesizer is something like a clone of the recently released Makenoise Maths, which is itself a riff on the Serge Dual Universal Slope Generator. I actually imagine it much more as a kind of analog computer to tell the truth...

The module was created using PCBs from Ken Stone/CGS synths. I love Ken’s boards to death. I used:

2 x CGS75 Voltage Controlled Slope
1xCGS26 Analog Logic
3xCGS04 DC Mixer"

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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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