latest phase of TR 505 project....... With MONOTRON!

Published on Aug 6, 2013 squidfanny·148 videos

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"Rusty old TR-505, revived from the dead for an audio experiment.
Inspired by Youtube user Oskar Schölander, this device is an experimental attempt to integrate a MONOTRON directly into a TR-505 drum machine!

How is this possible?

Using pulses from the MPU (big chip inside the 505), and an array of pulse stretchers/inverters, it is possible to trigger the Monotron and generate simple 'Computer Generated BAsslines'....

Take a look at the left side of the machine - can you see all the flashing lights? These lights represent pulses from the 505's MPU and also IC1. They are sent through diodes, to metal bolts. These bolts can then be connected to the Pulse Stretcher / Inverter modules to tweak the signal into something approximating a CV signal, which can then be fed into the Monotron - THUS TRIGGERING IT'S GATE, Pitch CV, FILTER & LFO.

I've also added Individual outputs for the TR505's drums, which can then be mixed into the Monotron's VCF...... Cool, eh?

Mods on the TR-505 include -
* ANALOG BASS DRUM (to replace the original pathetic excuse for a BD).
* Individual tuning for each drum group (courtesy of a cmos 40106).
* GATE Switches to shorten the drum sounds & give the machine more of a modern sound, suitable for faster tempo's.
* Individual Volumes
* Tone control for the snare.
* SEQUENCER GLITCH Mod, to disrupt the drum patterns by pressing buttons & switches.
* GLITCH Boltbay (not shown in demo due to annoying cat)

It's been about 5 years since I last touched this 505, and I'm ashamed to say it's just been sat in the garden shed for all this time, providing a nice home for lots of spiders....

It'll probably never quite end up finished, but it's still fun to play with as a canvas to try out experiments & test bits of DIY circuitry.
Future mods will include PULSE SHORTENERS (as well as pulse stretchers) & Some kind of interesting envelope generator. Possibly even a CMOS arpeggiator?
Monotrons sound pretty crappy compared to decent 'pro' gear, so may add a decent pre-amp / amp / tone circuit at some point too.
Basically the possibilities are endless.......

Watch this space and in another 5 years there may be a new Phase to this project :)

Thanks to Oskar Schölander for providing creative inspiration!

Oskar's original vid here -

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kliTPe..."

TR-505 VCA
Published on Mar 9, 2013 Oskar Schölander·24 videos

"I have connected the Monotron output right after R72 in this schematic:
http://i.imgur.com/5zoPsaa.gif"

'TRANCE-GATE' AMSTRAD SYNTHESIZER

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via this auction
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Videos at the auction and previously posted here and here.

"This machine contains an integrated Step-Sequencer, which performs three distinct functions, and can be synced to other suitable gear such as Monotribe's, Volca's or other suitable vintage or DIY gear.

TRANCE-GATE - A programmable GATE, with with controls for GATE LENGTH, an INVERT switch, a master ON/OFF switch & LED lights to indicate the status and GATE length.
PITCH-MOD - Programmable pitch modulation, with a DECAY knob, AMOUNT knob, master ON/OFF switch & LED lights to indicate the status and DECAY shape.
BOLT-BAY ARPEGGIATOR - Use the included Patch-leads to connect the bolts together and generate unique Arpeggiator effects made from different tones of Ring-Mods and disrupted distortion effects. This mod has a master ON/OFF switch and LED light to indicate the status.
The STEP-SEQUENCER has controls for SPEED, and a large chrome Rotary knob to change from 8-Steps, to 7, 6, 5, etc.

In 2-Step mode, the Step-Sequencer will act as a standard LFO, with the DECAY knob changing the waveform from Square to Triangle & something closely approximating a Sine wave.

On the back of the machine are 3.5mm jack sockets, which provide Sync Input, Output and Reset. They will respond to a standard +5volt pulse from any suitable device (such as Monotribe, Volca, vintage drum machines, DIY gear or a MIDI-TRIGGER converter.

Right Panel contains a fearsome array of Rotary Switches, Buttons, Toggles and Flashing Lights.

The real power of the Amstrad comes from these Digital mods, which are able to completely transform the Instruments, Chord, Accompaniment and Drums into unique sonic forms, many of which are beyond what can be achieved with conventional synthesizers.
Expect to find Lush Chords, Complex and Harmonic Arpeggios, Strange Delays / Echos, De-tuned Effects, Extended Envelope Effects, Digital Filtering, Ring Mods and an array of Modulating Compression, Strained Distortion and Bleepy modulating Sub-Tones.....

The CKX100 is able to produce some excellent Granular Effects and Dramatic Glitch Sounds which often defy description.... Use the GLITCH BUTTONS to generate Chorded Drones, Screaming Digital Noise and Granular Drum Rolls. Use the RESET BUTTON to Instantly reset the sound to normal again.

The new Knobs / Switches / Buttons & Lights are mounted on Thick Green PCB (circuit board), and the Flashing LED Lights above are mounted on Chrome LED Holders.

The Mods are activated and controlled by an assortment of Rotary Switches, Metal Toggle Switches and Push buttons -
Large Rotary Knob - On the right of the panel is a large Silver Rotary Knob, with a toggle Switch below it and a Purple UV LED Light in a chrome bezel. This knob contains Bleepy squarewave tones, which modulate along with the rhythms, and can be used as a Sub-Oscillator along with the instruments. Use the Toggle Switch to activate & de-activate the tones. The LED light will Glow to indicate that the mod is active.
Small Rotary Knob - In the center of the panel is a small silver Rotary Knob, along with a Toggle Switch and a Purple UV LED Light in a Chrome Bezel. This knob contains 6 x Instrument / Chord Glitches which provide Beautiful Complex Arpeggios, Strange Echos, Lush Chords and Extended Envelope Effects. Use the Toggle Switch to activate the mod. The LED Light will Glow to indicate the mod being active.
6 x Glitch Switches on the left of the panel - Use these switches on the Rhythms / Chord / Accompaniment for Dark Electronic Techno-esque rhythm Accompaniment and de-tuned chords. Use with the drums for weird pitch shifting and drum shifting Rhythmic effects.

Glitch Buttons - Scramble the Digital Circuits with dramatic sonic results. . . Use with the drums for Granular Effects and Grinding 'Aphex' Style Rolls. Use with the Chord / Instrument to generate Chorded Drones, Digital Noise, Instrument/Drum Cross Modulation & General Havok and Glitch Chaos.....
RESET BUTTON - Small Green Button below the right corner of the panel is used to Instantly reset Glitched sound back to it's normal state. This button allows the user to completely Scramble, Mangle & Corrupt the audio beyond recognition, and then instantly return the sound again.

Flashing Lights - 3 x Flashing LED Lights above the panel will pulse and flash along with the sound. The lights are housed in chrome bezels. The Blue LED will flash to indicate the Vibrate (when active).

When the various modification switches are turned 'Off', the machine will function exactly like a standard CKX100..."

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Squidfanny 'METATRONs CUBE' Touch Synthesizer & Effect Processor

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via this auction
videos at the auction and posted here and here

The Metatron's Cube is a unique Electronic musical instrument & Effects Processor.

Based around a Hacked / Modded / Circuit Bent Alesis Delay / Reverb unit, this device contains various additional circuitry to Twist, Warp & Modulate the sound. An old-school Analog Step-Sequencer provides numerous new effects as well as some unique Glitch, Disruption & Distortion capabilities. Metal Touch-Points allow the device to be played with fingers, and an arsenal of new Knobs, Switches & Buttons access a world of unique sonic weirdness.

powerful modulation capabilities -
The Metatron can be used as a powerful Effects processor or a stand alone Synthesizer, or as a Loop Sampler or Weird Noise Generator. With the aid of the built in hand Mic, it's possible to use your voice to 'play' the Synthesizer..."

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Squidfanny - 'Mega-Modulator' Alesis HR-16 Drum Machine for Mark

Published on May 26, 2013 squidfanny·144 videos

"A quick vid to demonstrate the sequencer hack for this circuit bent drum machine.

Don't have time to record a long vid, so this one's a 'concentrated' vid, showing loads of new sounds, and especially the damage & distortion sounds. All in glorious high tempo, to satisfy any impatient viewers.

Yep, this thing's badass ;)"

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Squidfanny - Fun with Glitch MONOTRIBE & Alesis HR-16 (may 2013)

Published on May 23, 2013 squidfanny·143 videos

"Circuit Bent Alesis HR-16 & Korg Monotribe for Mark.

This HR-16 contains a sophisticated DIY Step-Sequencer for providing complex Pitch-Modulation & Glitch effects.
The Monotribe contains an extra audio input, which screws with the filter and generates squelchy acid modulation effects.

The little yellow thing is a highly modified 'Tandy Electronic Drum', with a built in Step-Sequencer which is synced to the Monotribe."

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METATRON's CUBE 2 DSP Synthesizer vs MONOTRIBE

Published on May 6, 2013 squidfanny·142 videos

"Experimental fun and Glitch with a MONOTRIBE and the METATRON's CUBE 2 DSP Synthesizer.

Photo's -

http://s478.photobucket.com/user/squi...

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Squidfanny - METATRON CUBE 2 Weirdy DSP Synthesizer (May 2013).

Published on May 2, 2013 squidfanny·139 videos
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"Built using a load of DIY Circuitry & an old Alesis Microverb FX unit. This thing is Mental!

Tons of nice sounds, tons of nasty sounds, loads of weirdness & enough uniqueness to consume weeks of precious time exploring :)

So what's going on in this vid?

Well mainly an orgy of very weird electronic noise, generated by Glitch & Modifications on the Microverb, and modulated using the Step-Sequencer.
The Metatron also has a weird Loop-Sampler added to it's arsenal of mods. There's metal touch-points, and a Microphone. Lot's of knobs and switches & plenty of beloved Metal Bolts for patchable Glitch effects and new sounds.

I've spent most of this vid focusing on the crazy sounds, but there's plenty of sublime and pleasing sounds/effects on this device. The Gated Delay is a nice feature, and the Reverbs love the sequencer pitch modulation and bolts :)

Now that it's finished I just wanna make another... Next version's gonna have a bigger case, so that I can explore some additional sequencer mods. Possibly a wireless Mic too.

Time will tell :)"

sherman filterbank, rota synth and some noise

Published on Apr 9, 2013

"a bassline by rota synth (trax), run through sherman filterbank, synchronized with a korg er1 drum pattern, and some noisy devices: a red 8bit synthesizer, handbuilt by michael rucci (www.etsy.com/people/MichaelRucci), run through a noise-effectmachine, controlled by body conducts, built by drmoonstien (www.youtube.com/user/drmoonstien) - both running through the memory man delay device (electro harmonix), another red synth, handbuilt by vcs3dreams (www.youtube.com/user/vcs3dreams), run through the alesis philtre, and a yamaha pss-100, modified by squidfanny."

Squidfanny - Circuit Bended KAWAI R-50 Drum MAchine (march 2013)

Published on Mar 27, 2013 squidfanny·138 videos

"Kawai R-50 Drum Machine, circa. late 1980's. Dripping with Lo-Fi charm & Character.
Circuit Bent & Re-fitted with the legendary Kawai 'Electronic' ROM as well as the infamous 'R-100' ROM.

Just a quick vid, to show off the sounds and features.

In my humble opinion, the Kawai's are the greatest digital drum machines ever made - the features are staggering, especially for such a small little piece of 80's technology. The sound sets are phenomenal, the sequencer is rock solid and it feels really nice to use.

On the downside, it's quite noisy and there's not much pattern memory. Doesn't work too well as a midi slave either, but works fine as a master. Also the manual has a couple of annoying errors, which will chew up loads of time trying to figure out.

Do you own one? Then hat's off to you sir... You've got a really nice piece of Lo-Fi 80's technology."

Squidfanny - Circuit Bent MONOTRIBE with R-50 & VCO Mute (march 2013).

Published on Mar 22, 2013

"I love Monotribes, but they do have a few minor flaws. These are now mostly resolved with some simple modifications. This video focus's mainly on the new sounds, features and mods -

VCO Mute - essential mod for using the filter with external audio.

VCO Boost - makes the Monotribe sound more bassey and less squeaky.

Clicks reduced (not removed) - The Monotribes GATE makes loud clicks, which can be a problem. All Monotribes suffer from this bug, even brand new models...
I haven't yet figured out a way to completely remove them, but they can be reduced a little by adding a couple of small capacitors.

loads of new controls for tweaking the Analog Drums.

Drums to VCF switch - allows the Analog drums to be piped into the VCF (Fuck yea!!!)

REZ-MODULATOR - Squelchy modulation between the waveforms and the filter Rez.

Loads of modular outputs added for the drums, waveforms & also trigger outputs.

Look at the mods and photos here -

http://s478.photobucket.com/user/squi..."


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A final outing for CASIO SK Twins (march 2013)

Published on Mar 14, 2013 squidfanny·136 videos

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"Very Circuit Bent CASIO SK's, both machine's are in dire need of some servicing. . .

After many years of continuous use as a demonstration piece, my beloved CASIO SK-5 is ready for retirement. The sound is now very distorted and the digital section is becoming very glitchy and un-reliable.
This is a clear sign that the old capacitors need to be replaced.
I'll probably need to remove / re-work some mods too, so this is the final outing for this particular incarnation of the SK-5.

The SK-1 was a recent project, I added my 'Trance-Gate' Step-Sequencer circuit to the machine, but was never really happy with the result. So again, this machine's gonna be re-worked and re-incarnated as something better :)"

Squidfanny - Circuit Bended PSS-460 with 'Trance-Gate' Step-Sequencer & Monotribe (March 2013)

Published on Mar 13, 2013 squidfanny·135 videos

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"Yamaha PSS-460 F.M. Synthesizer, well Circuit Bent/ Haxxed & Modded. This machine has an integrated Step-Sequencer for Modulation and Sync.
The PSS-460's Analog Chorus Circuit has been modified to act as a Phaser & LFO. External audio can be fed into the PSS-460, and the synth will act as an FX processor, with Chorus / Gate & Phaser available.
The Phaser's LFO can be synced to the Step-Sequencer.

Glitch Mods open up the F.M. Chip, and allow unique new instrument patches to be generated from the PSS-460's preset 'Single Finger Chord' feature.

Glitch Switches, a Metal Bolt-Bay, and Interrupt switches will scramble and corrupt the rhythms, creating abstract soundscapes of random Glitch weirdness and Crash Noise.

FM Glitch is Random and Un-predictable. Once lost, the results can never be repeated, so record everything!"

Squidfanny - 'Trance-Gate' Yamaha PSS-100 Bleepy Squarewaver

Published on Mar 1, 2013 squidfanny·134 videos

"hum.... I wonder what my DIY sequencer circuit will sound like in a Bleepy old PSS-100?

AH, bleepy and analog. Lovely.

The PSS-100 is a great old machine from the late 80's, with bleepy analog squarewaves and rhythms. I've hacked into the clock and the output volume, to provide sequenced modulation with my 4017 DIY sequencer circuit.

Spring loaded toggle switches on the right of the machine provide Glitch & Random waveforms, which can be modulated with the sequencer circuit. Just wobble the switches around and the machine will generate a random phrase, corrupted nugget of rhythm or a complex analog waveform.
The sequencer has a GATE track which mutes / un-mutes the master volume. This includes a GATE length knob & and INVERT switch. The PITCH track has an AMOUNT knob (pitch-up & pitch-down) and a DECAY knob.

It will also SYNC. with other gear, such as a MONOTRIBE

Go Analog!

This one's going up for sale, because I ballsed up the paintwork on the keys."

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Squidfanny - 'Trance-Gate' Yamaha PSS-460 FM Synthesizer (Feb 2013

Published on Feb 15, 2013 squidfanny·133 videos

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"A very fancy Circuit Bent / Modded / Hacked PSS-460 FM Synthesizer......

Left speaker panel now contains an integrated Step-Sequencer, which is used to Twist, Modulate & Gate the sound, and can provide analog sync with suitable gear such as a Monotribe.

The PSS-460 has inside it a little analog Chorus circuit, which generates the fake stereo effect - Hardware Hacking reveals a clean LFO and a very rich sounding PHASER. I've also added an audio input socket on the back of the machine, so that external audio can be piped through the Phaser :)

The right speaker panel now houses an FM Glitch synthesizer, which allows access to an infinite amount of unique new FM sounds;
Glitch Buttons can generate entirely new patches, a Bolt-bay can be used to re-patch the FM chip, and hardwired Glitch buttons can be used to guide a live performance....

The vid is pretty self-explanatory (ie playing around with the new controls to generate sounds), but take particular notice of 7:45, where I generate a unique new instrument patch, using glitch buttons to craft the sound.

The Pss-460 (also known as the PSS-470, PSS-560 & PSS-570) is the best of all Yamaha's PSS-xx range. It's a pure FM machine, with FM drums and a little 'Digital Synthesizer' panel containing basic controls for creating a custom instrument patch.

I'm lucky enough to own another PSS-460, so this one's going up for sale on ebay in a day or two.

"One project feeds the next"............Dave"

'TELLY-SCOPE' - Circuit Bent Television with Monotribe

Published on Feb 5, 2013 squidfanny·132 videos

"An old portable television which has been modified to respond to audio signals with glorious effect.

Beware, this is a dangerous project! However, if you're willing to accept the risk then you can find instructions here - http://electro-music.com/forum/topic-7010.html"

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magic soundmachines _ an electric mantra

Published on Jan 18, 2013 pianoloft·173 videos

"music is based on a bassline from a handmade sequencer by drmoonstien, run through the sherman filterbank, a pad-sound from roland SH-01, a splittering soundscape from the magnetic bug from folktek and the lead sound from a yamaha pss-100, modified by squidfanny."

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Squidfanny - 'TRANCE-GATE' AMSTRAD CKX100 Synth & Friends (December 2012)

Published on Dec 28, 2012 squidfanny·130 videos

"Lovely 8-Bit Amstrad Synth from 1988, well circuit bent and fitted with my 'Trance-Gate' Step-Sequencer circuit, to provide a Patchable ARPEGGIATOR, Volume GATE & Pitch-Twisting Modulation. There's also a Custom ROM containing a new set of modern beats & Bleepy Squelch sounds.

The Step-Sequencer can Transmit & Receive external clocks, thus allowing tight sync with a MONOTRIBE & other suitable gear.

Also note the beautiful metallic keys :)

Starring -

* AMSTRAD CKX100 Glitch Synthesizer (Coming soon to an Ebay near You!)
* ANALOG ANTI-DRUM (containing a Midi-Trigger Converter)
* 'The mighty' KAWAI R-50 Drum machine
* Ensoniq ASR-X (sequencing & FX)
* KORG MONOTRIBE"

Squidfanny - Circuit Bent ALESIS HR-16 & Friends (December 2012)

Published on Dec 28, 2012 by squidfanny

"Mods on this HR-16 include a big metal REVERSE button & a Clock Output suitable for syncing a MONOTRIBE.

Other machines are - ANALOG ANTI-DRUM, KAWAI R-50 and a MONOTRIBE v2.
Monotribe is synced with clock-output from the HR-16, Kawai R50 is piped through the Monotribes VCF input.

Recorded late at night using cheap headphones - sorry for bad levels."

edith lettner und martin kratochwil dezemberimprovisation

edith lettner und martin kratochwil dezemberimprovisation 1
Published on Dec 21, 2012 by pianoloft

"a quiet and fragile improvisation with saxophon player edith lettner. the sax is run through a kork kaosspad 2 and a memoryman from electro harmonix. roland gaia synth is also used. electronics: martin kratochwil."


edith lettner und martin kratochwil dezemberimprovisation 2
Published on Dec 21, 2012

"some improvised music with saxophon-player edith lettner. the sax-sound is run through a korg kaospad 2 for spontaneous sampling and through a memoryman delay from electro-harmonix. yamaha pss-100, modoiied by squidfanny, and roland gaia synth are the other devices. electronics: martin kratochwil"

outer space alarm

Published on Dec 17, 2012 by pianoloft

"the music is played with the omnichord, modified by folktek, a yamaha pss 100, modified by squidfanny, a little handbuild synth by micheal rucci, a korg er1, run through a WMD geiger counter and rota synth by trax, run through shermen filterbank.."

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