Arduino DIY Sequencer for synthesizers with variableclock

video upload by KellerDev

"I implemented in the code a way of sequencing inspired by MFOS variclock sequncer and the intelligel metropolis, where you can set the amount of clock each step takes, before it goes to the next. That way you can longer melodies with fewer steps, and set repeating notes easier."

ARP 2500 Styled MFOS Music From Outer Space Modular Synthesizer

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Tone Tweakers eBay | Reverb

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"Here's an interesting one-of-a-kind synth. We bought this from a customer who was into DIY electronics. He always admired the design of the ARP 2500 but couldn't find one, so he built his own! Well, kind of. He bought MFOS Music From Outer Space circuit boards and assembled the circuits. He made his own front panels to look similar to those on the arp2500 and wired them up. They're installed in a nice wooden cabinet he made as well.

This system is a real pleasure to play. If it doesn't sell, we're going to use it in our studio as a secret weapon, as it sounds great and quite different from our other synths.

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MFOS Sequencer with Custom dual gate sequencer

video upload by O.Z. Hall

"Music from Outer Space Sequencer with MOTM panel designed by DJ Thomas White. I've created a custom module for adding two additional GATE sequencers for extra percussion. I also have a separate CV output for the inner row of knobs. Together with one of the GATE sequencers, it is possible to have two sequences at the same time (same tempo, same end step, same direction).

One other customization is a module (to the left) which will shift the level of a gate to allow a +5V gate to drive the internal clock of the MFOS sequencer. This module also contains two LFOs and two 4:1 multiples.

Finally, the voice you hear is made up of the first 5 modules on the lower row of this rack case. There is a dual oscillator, a Prophet 5 Rev 2 filter (with NOS SSM2040 chip), a programmable ADSR/LFO/Mixer with 3 extra programmable CV outputs to control Resonance and two other parameters. There is also a dual VCA.

The two percussion modules are an MFOS 8 stage phase shifter and a state variable filter modelled after the eMu Universal Active Filter. The phase shifter makes a percussive sound when the audio input is "pinged" by the gate output. It responds to both the GATE on and the GATE off. Thus, the "double time" rhythm. The second eMu filter is the first percussive sound you hear added to the sequence."

another drum machine

video by wildchurch

"Quick overview of another drum machine: lo-fi 8 bit samples with pitch control, panning and FX insert options

Built around the following:
- LMNC's Big Button sequencer: https://www.lookmumnocomputer.com/pro...​
- Drum samples on six ATtiny85 chips - using Jan Ostman's Drum Creator tool: http://synthworks.eu/attiny85-drum-cr...
- MFOS Ultra-simple Mono-in Panning Mixer: http://musicfromouterspace.com/analog...

I've added inserts to the first 3 channels of the mixer to allow FX send and return

I also wired up the big button for afterlife's MIDI upgrade: [video here] ..but it doesn't seem to behave well with this build so currently I've got the original code installed on the arduino until I resolve the issue

Cheers"

DIY Analog-Synth - Nature (Live)

video by Andreas Remshagen

"An early Music-Style played live with my DIY Analog-Modular System.
the following DIY-Synths are used (I described them in my other Videos):
Strings/Choir-Synth 2.0 (Driven by Polyend Poly2 in First-Mode and Midi-Keyboard)
Strings-Synth 2.0
A Noise Toaster Synth (by Ray Wilson, MFOS)
The Analog Groovebox with built in mini-Sequencer
A Doepfer DIY-Synth
Bass-Synth with Moog-VCF
A YuSynth-Modular System (4-Wave VCO, moog-VCF-clone, ADSR and VCA
(Driven by Elektor-formant CV/Gate Keyboard)
The Mini-miditech keyboard is for the whole Pitch-it drives a Doepfer Dark
Link that is connected with all CV-ins through a CV-Distributor)
Effects are a Alesis Midiverb4 and a Yamaha FX500"

Like Wish You Were Here meets JMJ.

Most of the Stuff Dec 2020

Randy Piscione

"My son is a fan of Mike Dean, who does videos in his studio demoing his impressive collection. I figured I’d try the same, on a smaller scale. A bit of 70s prog rock showing off. Recorded live, two parts to the video, each with a pad and a lead. Hit “Show More" for the equipment list.

Oberheim FVS – drone pad
ARP Odyssey – second lead
ARP Axxe – second lead
ARP Little Brother – second lead
Roland A90 – second pad
Mutable Instrument Shruthi (6 of them) – second pad
Animoog – second pad
Korg Microstation – second pad
Roland Alpha Juno 2 – second pad
Roland A37 – first pad
Full Bucket Tricent Mk III – first pad
Full Bucket qyooo – first pad
Analogue Solutions Oberkorn - bass
Division 6 Business Card Sequencer - noodle
D:Machinery Black Seq - noodle
Pamela’s Workout – main clock
Animodule Tik Tok – clock divider / multiplier
Mutable Instruments Anushri – first lead
PM Foundations SEM Tribute modules – first lead
PM Foundations resemble panels (2 of them) – bass and noodle
PM Foundations RingFolder - noodle
PM Foundations 3080 VCO - noodle
Bastl ABC - noodles
Kassutronics VCO3340 - noodle
Frequency Central WaveRunner - noodle
Manhattan Analog SVVCF - noodle
Doepfer A-143-2 - noodle
MFOS VCA – noodles
Barton Stereo Out Mixer – noodles and bass
Behringer X32
Dynaudio BM5 MkIII
A few other Eurorack Utility modules

I think that’s it."

Daft Punk "Da Funk" on modular synth & Bass Station II

Extralife

"The eurorack sequencer used in this video is now on Kickstarter! Click below for more info:
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/...

After many years of listening and contemplating it, I finally decided to dive in recreate Daft Punk's classic acid house burner with my modular synth setup. Every sound you hear was created on the gear you see! The drums are hexinverter 909 modules (the sub bass comes from the kick), and some samples on the Squarp Rample (hi hats, drum break, horn stab). The first bassline is on the Novation Bass Station II using some external feedback looping for more growl. The classic 303 line is recreated using my open-source Super Sixteen sequencer, MFOS VCO as an oscillator, Yusynth Moog Ladder Filter, and a SansAmp Para Driver. Some EQ and buss compression was added to the recording.

Sorry that 25% of the video ended up being the top of my head! Still working on a proper overhead camera setup. Will fix that for the next jam."

MFOS 16-Step Rotary Analog Sequencer Controller

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Published on May 18, 2020 djthomaswhite

"Here is my Music From Outer Space sequencer controller. This is the original CNC machined rotary label design I created way back when and is the same unit pictured on Ray’s legacy website (R.I.P. Ray, we miss ya brother). The core sequencer is Ray’s Classic 16-Step design and include some bonuses. The first bonus is the addition of 16 additional voltage pots and outputs raft sequence in time with the main internal clock. Changes to the main sequence length effect this expansion unit too. There are also two MFOS quantizer units with incredibly flexible and immediate scaling. Lastly there is a Catgirl Synth CGS Burst Generator to create bursts of triggers allowing you to slow you main sequence way down and use set trigger pulses to extend your performances very much like modern micro step sequencing a la the OP-Z or Elektron Gear but in a purely analog world here. The unit is stand alone and includes a Synthesis Technology 900 linear Power One power supply for precision voltage operation. All you need is a power and latch cables to get started. 1 volt per octave, cV/Gate and USA voltage requirements. Converters needed if in Europe, Japan or elsewhere. I will be selling this one if a kind unit and hope for it to go to a caring creator who can utilize it to its potential. Built like a tank, 100% custom and cared for she’s looking for a new love. Are you her future keeper?"

via this auction

"Here is my custom designed Music From Outer Space 16-step Analog Sequencer Controller. This is the original CNC machined rotary label design I created way back when and is the same unit pictured on Ray’s legacy website (R.I.P. Ray, we miss ya brother). The core sequencer is Ray’s Classic 16-Step sequencer design and include some bonuses. The basic design is 16-steps with gate switches per step, dual voltage outputs and selectable sequence modes.

The first bonus is the addition of 16 additional sequence control pots in an “infinity” layout with dual voltage outputs (pure/glide) that sequence in time with the main internal clock. Changes to the main sequence length and it mode affect this expansion unit too. Very useful for controlling volume or filter frequencies of your main sequence line.

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An analog DIY Bass-Synthesizer

Published on Apr 17, 2020 Andreas Remshagen

"I wanted a little Bass-Synth with an easy Chord-Sequencer and the Akzentuator (I had built it in a Synth before). It also should work as a normal Synth for playing Basslines. The filter i used is a moog-clone descriped in YuSynths site. For metallic Bass-sounds i added the Metalizer that is also descriped in YuSynths site. The VCOs that i used here i had built some time ago, they are the Oscillators from Ray Wilsons (MFOS) sound-lab Mini. There are circuits from the components in Videodescriptions from my earlier videos. Its a very compact device with you can create many Variations of Bass-Sounds.
Thanks to www.yusynth.net and www.musicfromouterspace.com"

MFOS WP-20 Experimental Analog Synthesizer & 8 Step CV/Gate Sequencer

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via this auction

See this post for a demo of one in a different case.

"WP-20 experimental analog synthesizer which also comes with a 8 step CV/Gate sequencer, along with N.American power supplies and two 1/8" cables for connecting the CV and Gate input/outputs together. Please check out the pictures of this unit as it has a very unique hand made look. The cases are aluminum with hand stamped labeling.

This is one wild unit, capable of much more than its humble specs indicate. It really shines in wild FM sounds, but can also play nice warm analog tones as well. But please be aware, if you are looking for a traditional synthesizer - keep looking! There is no MIDI and its VCO does not scale to V/Oct. Although it is certainly will play nice melodies using the 8 step sequencer you should not buy this thinking you are getting a Novation Bass Station, this is an 'experimental' synthesizer instead.

- VCO with square and triangle
- A VCF with resonance switchable
- VCA
- Loopable A/R generator with a manual trigger button (can get into audio range in loop mode)
- LFO with saw/triangle and square waves (which can also get into audio range).

There are 1/8" inputs for CV (pitch) and Gate (to trigger A/R).

The 8 Step sequencer has, you guessed it - 8 steps. But you can switch between 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 or 8 steps via the "steps" knob. 1/8" outputs for CV and Gate as well as a 1/8" input for external clocks (but note - some of the clocks from my modular would trigger the WP-20, and others would not).

If you would like to hear some of what this machine is capable of, I recorded a 10 minute track using the WP-20 as the sole sound source along with the 8 track sequencer (I also ran the WP-20 through some effects pedals, including a Cimmerian Caves and a home made spring reverb - plus some VST effects). Listen Here:

https://soundcloud.com/artificial-noise/wp-20-sessions

It is an odd unit, certainly not perfect - but if you use its for its strengths (and not focus on its limitations) you can create some very interesting sounds. Lo-fi, warbly and weird is how I would describe it."

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MFOS 16-Step Sequencer Clock Low Voltage Fix

Published on Sep 15, 2018

"We received a question about the Clock In on a Music From Outer Space 16-Step Sequencer and why it would sometimes not trigger correctly. In this video we show how a Syntheisizers.com Q125 Signal Processor can be used to remedy the situation.

Check out the modules used in this video at richsstudioproject.wordpress.com/products and at Synthesizers.com"

April 2018 CMOS noise machine + FXs

Published on Apr 15, 2018 stolenfat11

"Built into an old suitcase, this noise machine utilizes a CV starve sequencer to create an entire universe of different sounds. It's mega fun if your into wild crazy and unpredictable noise.

4017 sequencer + 40106 clocks/oscillator bank, 4082 logic gate, 4040 divider, 4046 VCO, 471 WSG filter (MFOS), 4069 Fuzz unit, pt2399 echo/delay.

A very cool and fun experiment which I'm quite happy with. I had great time building this and added some graphics to the video to hopefully help others make their own variants on this idea. Keep building amigos!"

MFOS 16 Step Analog Sequencer Vari Gate Control

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via this auction

Some pics of the inside below.

"MFOS 16 Step Analog Sequencer with Vari Gate Control in DotCom Format 21'' x 8.750
Just built and tested this great analog sequencer design by Ray Wilson from MFOS
Front panel from Soundtronics in the UK
Comes with Power supply.
USA and CANADA ONLY

Improved PC board (far less kludging)
Produces sequences of 4 to 16 steps in length
Modes include stop at count, reverse at count,
reset at count and random 16 mode
Each step has coarse tune, fine tune, and switchable gate
Accepts external clock and external start pulse.
Simultaneous outputs with and without portamento.
Forward, Back, and Reset controls ease sequence set up.
Approximate current consumption: +12V (21.7 mA) -12V (10.5mA)

Each step's duration can be set independently.
Each step's duration is settable from 1 to 16 clock cycles.
Main clock adjustment affects all steps equally.
Clock selection: Quantized or Normal
Two gate/trigger modes: Single per step and Multi per step.
External clock supported.
Clock out supported."

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I Wish and Superstition sort of

Published on Dec 9, 2017 Randy Piscione

"This is a mash-up of two Stevie Wonder songs, I Wish and Superstition. My right hand is still in alot of pain from a motorcycle accident on October 1st and not completely responding but I did what I could. 4-legged cameo is Charlotte. Lucky she didn't jump on the stool. Would've been a cool video 'though. Details below.

High lead is a Roland A-37 playing Animoog on an old iPad, pad is played on a Roland A-70 using its internal sounds, a Roland Alpha Juno 2, Korg Microstation and 6 Shruthis. Clavinet is a Kurzweil K2600XS and the Rhodes is obvious.

Bass is from the Eurorack modular, using a Eurokorn sequencer, RYO Paths switch, YuSynth Minimoog filter and Living VCO. The 3 channels from the Eurokorn go into the switch and are manually switched from a footswitch at my right foot using a Monome Walk module. Drums are from two Bastl Tea Kicks and Manhattan Analog SVVCF filter. Envelope generators are from Doepfer and Nonlinearcircuits. VCAs are MFOS bits I put together.

The, uh, groove on the bass, the double-plucking sort of thing, is done with the delay from a Disting Mk 1. That was trial and error."

MFOS DIY Modular Synthesizer demo

Published on Jun 24, 2017 Marcel

"A demo of my 'music from outer space' diy modular synth.

Modules:
3x VCO
24dB low pass filter
12dB low, band, hi pass filter
wave shaper (wavefreaker)
Phaser
Auto panner (leslie emulation)
Quad log/linear VCA
3x ADSR
10 step sequencer
mixer
multiples

This all can be controlled by midi with the Vermona qMI2 Quad midi interface which makes this polyphonic......ish :)

I made the case myself out of MDF. (except for the doepfer case of couse:)."

MFOS (inspired) DIY Analogue Synthesizer Experiments.

Published on Apr 2, 2017 Michael Maggs

"These are loosely based mainly on Ray Wilsons' 'Music From Outer Space' synthesizer designs There are other designs too. It's just me having fun and working towards a monster analogue synthesizer.

LFO based around a CD40106 Hex Schmitt trigger:
http://fluxmonkey.com/electronoize/40...

VCO can be found here:
https://www.allaboutcircuits.com/proj...

VCF can be found here:
http://musicfromouterspace.com/index....

The Step Sequencer is based on the CD4017 based decimal counter IC. In this instance I use only the GATE for triggering at around 5V:
http://www.midiwall.com/gear/babyseq/"

Jasper Wasp, DX7II and TR-909 clone test with HQ Sound!!

Published on Mar 30, 2017 Todd Murray

"Here I am using an Arturia Keystep to clock my big MFOS (DIY) sequencer and run the DX7II (off screen) on MIDI. The MFOS sequencer is triggering the 909 (DIY) clone triple toms and kick. The Wasp (DIY) is played freestyle, no sequencer or trigger.

Ya, I know the video sucks, but this is about the sound of the Hexinverter Nein-oh-Nein PCBs and the wasp. I recorded the sound off the mixer and then synched it to the video track using Adobe Premiere. I am ever amazed at how I can run multiple digital and DIY analog synths with the Arturia Keystep.

- Nein-oh-Nein clone is the red panel unit
- MFOS Sequencer (4 x 16 CV/Gate/Trigger) large blue unit at top of screen
_ Arturia on table top
- Jasper Wasp is the black unit I am tweaking
- Yamaha DX7IIFD is off screen and behind me.

More info can be found here: http://sixbyseven.ca/synthesizers"

RIP Ray Wilson

Hi everyone. I have some incredibly sad news in today. Ray Wilson of Music From Outer Space passed away on Thursday, July 21. As many knew, he was battling stage 4 cancer. His family's GoFundMe page is still up and has not yet reached their goal. His family will likely have bills, so if you'd like to contribute something, please do. For those that would like to donate to Ray's family directly via Paypal, I am told his Paypal address is info@musicfromouterspace.com.

Regular readers of MATRIXSYNTH will surely know who Ray Wilson is. For anyone that doesn't, Ray was the man behind the synth DIY site Music From Outer Space. The domain name was registered back in Nov 2003; I'm not sure when the site went live, but there is an archive of the site from the WayBackMachine dated Jan 15, 2004.

Ray's contributions through his website and his YouTube channel have influenced synth DIY hobbyists and budding new makers and manufacturers alike over the years. Many owe him for their start in the world of synth DIY. You can see the exhaustive list of his DIY projects on his site here. His most popular project of course was the MFOS Soundlab Mini-Synth. His work has contributed to more than 590 posts here on MATRIXSYNTH. I'm sure there will be more to come. The first time MFOS was featured on MATRIXSYNTH was back on August 30, 2005, just over a month after I launched MATRIXSYNTH.

Ray Wilson was also the author of Make: Analog Synthesizers.

Something you may not have known is that he was also an amateur standup comedian, and he shared his performances on his main YouTube channel. As you know, I started MATRIXSYNTH back in 2005, Just over a year after MFOS launched. The first time I saw one of Ray Wilson's standup shows I thought I was on the wrong channel! :) When I realized it was him, it of course brought a smile to my face. The first thought that came to my mind was, wow, this is a truly genuine human being. The following is the last standup performance shared on his channel, from August, 2014:

The Ray Wilson Show August 26th 2014

Published on Aug 26, 2014 Ray Wilson

"AMATEUR DOING STANDUP - NOT SYNTH RELATED AT ALL. This is actually sit down comedy. I don't include profanity in my bits because I'm no good at it. If you want to be the Chopped Champ don't miss this episode. If you know someone else that might get a smile out of this I definitely appreciate shares."


Quincas Moreira, who also does synth DIY work, was a friend of Ray's. Together they composed the following piece. Update via Quincas:: "That's Ray singing. It's his song, lyrics, melody and harmony. He'd done a previous version but I thought the song was so awesome it deserved to be properly produced, so I got him to send me the original session and recorded real drums, bass, piano, percussion and backing vocals."



"Quincas Moreira and Ray Wilson collaboration - Are We Waves... Physicists are still working out our true physical nature - currently confusion reigns."

"He'll finally find out if we are waves or particles. Rest in peace my friend."

The following is the last video on Ray Wilson's YouTube channel. He will be missed.

Goofing with two MFOS SL Mark IIs, Ultimate and Sequencer.

Published on Apr 26, 2016 Ray Wilson

"Having some fun with the synth. It definitely is therapeutic."
___

Heartfelt thanks to Lorne Hammond & Skot Wieddman who sent the sad news my way.

Möbius Jams & Demos

Published on Jun 19, 2016 Möbius

Playlist:

1. Möbius - Electro Clash
"Live-Jam with SP LXR (sequencing, syncing, drums, subbass, arp), MAM MB 33 II (bassline), MFOS WSG (drones, lead) and additional effects from lexicon MX 200."

2. Möbius - The Sketch (Live-Jam with SP LXR, MAM MB33-II and MFOS WSG)
"This is a little live-jam with Sonic Potions LXR, MAM MB33-II and Music From Outer Space WSG.
Chorus and Delay were added by Lexicon MX-200.
The video was edited with Sony Movie Studio Platinum 13 to achieve the pencil drawing and the one-color effect."

3. Möbius - Acid Jam (MAM MB33 II + Sonic Potions LXR)
"Live acid jam featuring MAM MB33 II sequenced by Sonic Potions LXR.
External effects are from Lexicon MX200."

4. Möbius - Neptune's Revenge (Spectral Audio Neptune 2)
"This is a demo track of the Spectral Audio Neptune 2 mono synth (10 x Overdub).
It was part of the "One Synth One Voice" challenge at www.sequencer.de (in german):
http://www.sequencer.de/synth/index.p..."

5. Möbius - Time Loop (Electro Jam with Sonic Potions LXR)
"This is an Electro Jam I did with my Sonic Potions LXR.
No external FX was used. Just pure LXR. :)"

6. Möbius - Time Machine (Jam with MFOS WSG + Sequencer)
"This is a little Jam with my dual voice "Weird Sound Generator (WSG)" by "Music From Outer Space" with integrated 8 step sequencer based on the "Baby10" design. I was lucky that everything fits perfectly into an old VHS case. :)
No external effects were used."

7. Möbius - Ambient Jam (Sonic Potions LXR + MFOS WSG)
"Ambient Jam with Sonic Potions LXR triggering a MFOS WSG with integrated 8 step sequencer. For the WSG an external delay was used."

Ray Wilson Goofing with two MFOS SL Mark IIs, Ultimate and Sequencer

Published on Apr 26, 2016 Ray Wilson

"Having some fun with the synth. It definitely is therapeutic."

It's great to see a new video from Ray. In case you missed it, Ray Wilson has cancer. There is a support site set up for him on gofundme here.