MATRIXSYNTH


Sunday, March 21, 2010

Musikmesse: MFB MEGAZWERG and MICROZWERG

via mfberlin.de

"* semi-modular system with ten sections
* analogue VCO with analogue ring modulator
* 12dB/oct. multimode-filter
* built-in Digital Delay
* modulation-sequencer
* AHDSR-envelope with loop option
* MSRP: 480, - Euro

Although MEGAZWERG and its many useful functions are meant to serve as an expansion to MFB’s KRAFTZWERG or any analogue modular-system, MEGAZWERG also serves as an independent full-featured synthesizer. Its ten sections can be used individually or combined.

A brief overview to the sections of MEGAZWERG:

The oscillator offers triangle, saw tooth and rectangle waveform shapes. Its pitch can be set over an octave range using a trim-pot. Pitch is controlled by its CV-input using sequencers or keyboards. The output is prewired to the Y-input of the ring modulator, which is built analogue unlike the unit found in KRAFTZWERG. The ring modulator may also be used with two external signals.

The state-variable multimode-filter runs with 12dB slope per octave and offers Lo-, Hi- and Bandpass-modes as well as notch-filtering and resonance up to self-oscillation. Both, cutoff and resonance can be modulated using dedicated CV-inputs. In addition, a pitch-dependent cutoff-frequency control can be achieved using the key follow function. Key follow is prewired to key-CV respectively MIDI-pitch.

The envelope generator offers Attack, Hold, Decay, Sustain and Release stages. Besides its normal mode, the first three stages can also be looped with an active gate-signal, and then followed by the release stage. This section also contains a VCA that serves as CV-controllable audio-output for MEGAZWERG. The envelope is prewired to the CV-input of the VCA.

The onboard 12-bit-Digital-Delay does not only create echo-effects. Its read-out-speed can be varied over a two-octave-range manually or by CV. In addition, there is a freeze function that sets the effect signal to last endlessly. Send and return jacks are provided to insert any module into the delay’s feedback-path, just like a filter or a ring modulator.

The modulation-sequencer serves to create simple, adjustable rhythmic modulations of two, three or four steps in length. Each step has a dedicated control to set the according control voltage. The sequence tempo can be adjusted with the sequence or follow the clock-input.

The dual Glide section offers two independent delay/lag units with different characteristics. You may use these to smooth the steps of the modulation-sequence or create portamento glides.

Two attenuators are available in the Dual-Attenuator-Section. In excess of limiting audio- and control-signals, these units can also serve as CV-sources. With the input not being patched, the output sends a fixed control voltage of up to 8V. This can be used to increase the maximum speed of KRAFTZWERG’s LFO or set the VCO-pulse width to a constant value.

The mixer section offers three inputs, where only inputs 1 and 2 are variable in gain.

Two multiples allow doubling or tripling CV- or audio-signals. Essential, where one LFO needs to modular two or three targets.

The signal-path VCO-VCF-VCA as well as envelope control over the VCA is internally prewired, so that MEGAZWERG can be played immediately. All further routings are created using the patch jacks. These can be used or controlled by MEGAZWERG itself or any compatible external device.

MFB’s MEGAZWERG has the following dimensions: 310 x 165 x 38/72 mm.

External power supply included."

"* semi-modular analogue synthesizer
* dual oscillator, dual multimode-filter
* separate inputs/outputs for both filters
* 18 patch connections in signal chain
* two LFOs with „One Shot“-function
* CV/Gate and MIDI control
* MSRP: 320,- Euro

MICROZWERG not only bridges the gap between NANOZWERG and KRAFTZWERG. Due to its dual multimode-filter, it also offers an individual signal-path with specific sound potential. MICROZWERG’s numerous patch connections are simply inviting to be modulated by our flexible step-sequencer URZWERG or to interact with the multifunctional MEGAZWERG.

Individually operated and due to its dual oscillators and dual multimode-filter, MICROZWERG offers a lot more than typical analogue basses and lead sounds. Prepare yourself for some special timbres. The signal path and modulations are quickly reconfigured using a few patch chords with the result of an enormous boost in sonic variety. Combined with other members of MFB’s ZWERG synthesizer family or even a modular system, MICROZWERG’s possibilities grow further.

A brief overview to the sections of MICROZWERG:

Both oscillators offer triangle, saw tooth and rectangle waveform shapes. Where oscillator 1 also offers a needle impulse, VCO 2 has a built-in noise generator. VCO 2 can be detuned by plus minus one octave in reference to VCO 1. Both oscillators can also be synced, using a patch connection. In addition, the separate output of VCO 2 can be used to modulate the filter. Finally, ring modulation is possible in combination with MEGAZWERG, where the ring modulated output can be fed back into MICROZWERG.

The two state-variable multimode-filters run with 12dB slope per octave and offer lo-, hi- and bandpass-modes as well as notch-filtering. The filters are prewired in series to increase the slope when used in same operation mode. Here, the slope is variable because both cutoff-controls can be shifted against each other using the slope control. Combining a lo- and hipass-filter result in a variable band pass with adjustable bandwidth and individually controllable resonances. When preferred, a parallel routing is possible using a patch connection, too. In this case, MICROZWERG allows two separate shifted bandpass-filters, notch-filtering with variable bandwidth or a combination of bandpass-filter with followed lo- or hipass-filter. Resonance can reach up to self-oscillation for both filters. The cutoff-frequencies are manually controlled simultaneously or by envelopes. They can be shifted against each other using the space-control. Modulations by LFO or CV can address either filter 1 or both filters.

A simple patch from Key CV to the contour- or mod-input can achieve pitch-dependent cutoff-frequency control. Because both filters offer independent in- and outputs, MICROZWERG is also destined to be used as an effective dual-filter for external sound sources.

The ADSR envelope is internally prewired to control the filters’ cutoff-frequency. MEGAZWERG or any modular system can jump in via patch chords whenever a second envelope is needed.

The two LFO offers four waveform shapes each and a one-shot-function, where the selected waveform is played only once after a gate-trigger, thus imitating a simple envelope that might be used for pitch or VCA control. LFO 2 includes a sample & hold.

Internal modulation wirings offer LFO control over the filters’ cutoff as well as the oscillators’ pitch or VCO 2’s pulse width. LFO 2’s speed can be modulated by an external control voltage, allowing increasing or decreasing the speed by a factor of 30. Using this feature, MICROZWERG is capable of extreme slow and fast modulations.

The control signals of the envelope and both LFOs are available as CV-outputs and can therefore be used to control other functions of MICROZWERG as well as in other analogue synthesizers and modular systems.

The signal-path VCO 1/2-VCF 1/2-VCA as well as the common main modulations is internally prewired, so that MICROZWERG can be played immediately. All further routings are created using the patch jacks. These can be used or controlled by MICROZWERG itself or any compatible external device.

MICROZWERG can be controlled by MIDI from any compatible keyboard or DAW. Note commands are received as well as pitch-wheel (+/- 2 semitones) and modulation-wheel data, the latter controlling the filter’s cutoff frequency.

MFB’s MICROZWERG has the following dimensions: 175 x 125 x 38/72 mm.

External power supply included."

Also see:
MFB-URZWERG Full Details
MFB-NANOZWERG Full Details
and this post for more pics

Remember to click on the Musikmesse label for more announcements.

via Justin

Updates to the Ondioline Website

via Dana Countryman:

"Hi All,

Just a quick note to say that there have been many improvements to the Ondioline.com web site.

Peter Urso has joined up with me, and he has worked hard to add lots of info about the amazing Ondioline.

If you do own one, please contact the email address on the web page, and we’ll add you to the owner’s map.

If you have photos of your Ondioline, please send them to that address, as well."

Is It Still Winter

In case the MP3 link did not work for you in this post, there's a new link.

YOGGYONE 'PADWRITER'


YouTube via EKLEKTIKREC
"Directed By Thomas Lesourd in Vienna (2010)"

Musikmesse: MacBeth Mk1 Voltage Controlled Oscillator module

via Ken MacBeth on Muff's

"Hi Guys- well I thought I'd stick a post on here about the 5U modules that are about to hit a production run. Pictured is the first module- the Mk1 Voltage Controlled Oscillator module. THis module, and the subsequent ones to follow form part of the Mk1 Voltage Controlled Synthesizer that I now want to do. The Mk1 VCO carries on the way that I did the X-Series Dual Oscillator and 'Backend' filter combo- its as close to vintage parts being used as I can get!
This pic is the formalised artwork for this unit. Today the PCBs were made and just need drilled and fitted up.
My plan is to get my engineering company to start production around two weeks from now for this one. I do intent to produce a full line up of the favourite 'vanilla' style modules at least each month...!"

via Mr. Array of Ocean Orbit

DIY FPGA 8 Operator 16 Voice FM Synth

via JovianPyx on this electro-music.com thread.

Full details here. Note this is in the making.

"The path labeled "Operator 0 Feedback" is a connection for feedback of operator zero into it's own input. It is used as an envelope controlled waveshaper. This feature is disabled by setting the feedback LEV and feedback BIAS controls to zero.

The path labeled "Operator Modulation" is the connection which links one operator to the next. When the LEV control is set to zero, the link is disconnected making the next operator the starting operator for a new sound generator..."

Why You Should Consider Getting a Modular

I wasn't sure when I was going to put this post up, but considering the previous post on a grunge effects module, I figure now is a better time than ever. You will see more effects based posts moving forward, but they will be focused on using them from a synth perspective. My gut tells me you will begin to see more effects based modules over time as well. Here's why, and why you really should consider getting into the modular world if you haven't already.

I'll try to keep this short: a modular doesn't have to be a full blown synth. It doesn't have to be a synth at all. It can be an extension to your existing setup; it can be a simple way to process your synths, guitar, drums, etc.

Start with an empty case that suits your needs and budget. Then buy a single module or two max. Be sure to pick the right size format to start (see this post for modular formats). Once you have a case, a modular can actually be a more affordable way to deal with GAS (Gear Acquisition Syndrome) than other gear. Modules are usually cheaper than synths. Also worth noting, is if you are into effects pedals, a modular system is much less messy and much easier to transport. In time I'm sure more effects oriented modules will be made. What's interesting to note is most modules do not have an on/off bypass switch like pedals. You'll need a bypass mixer module to work around this if this matters to you.

Note the biggest price of entry will be the case, but they can be affordable.

An example would be the following:
Monorocket Mission6 Case - $350
Tiptop Audio Happy Ending Kit - $149 (added 1/20/11)
Or if you want to go really minimal - a Doepfer beauty case for $120
Note the above are just examples and are both Euro-rack format cases.
Be sure to see the format chart for others and plan before you buy. See the shops below to research more and of course search for the other formats.

As for modules and what to start with. There are far too many to list. What you'll want to ask yourself is how do you want to use it. That will be dependent on your current setup. There are pretty much three types of modules to consider - those that process sound (filters, ring mods, effects, etc...), those that produce sound (Oscillators, noise sources, etc...), and those that control sounds (LFOs, envelopes, sequencers, etc).

Examples of how to integrate a modular with your synth:

1. If you have a Pedal input on your synth you can start with any controller module like a sequencer or LFO. I use a Tiptop Audio Z8000 sequencer for example. Plug it into the Pedal or CV in on any of your synths and let it sequence whatever you can route to. You will need something to clock the sequencer or in layman's terms, to get it going. If you have a drum machine, you might be able to use it to clock and sync the sequencer. For example on a Roland TR-909 you can use the Rimshot Out to trigger the sequencer. If you don't have something to clock it, you can get a low cost LFO module.

2. If you pick up a filter or effects module, simply run your audio through it. Pick up a second module like an LFO or sequencer to modulate the filter.

3. Add a sound source module to the mix.

The point of this is that you don't need to buy a full blown modular to get started. My experience was kind of funny. I was waiting for years to get a modular because every time I priced out a base system it was just too high. I finally picked up a Mattson Mini Modular because I wanted a Syntar but knew I couldn't afford one and by the time I did it might not be available. Once I had the MMM, I thought great, now I can get a eurorack case and buy a module here or there over time. I picked up my case and then found myself using it with my synths more than my MMM!!! It was a very duh moment. I realized I could have started a long time ago.

As for what modules to start out with, there are way too many to go into detail here, and it really is a personal thing. The best thing to do is to research and start thinking about what would make sense to you - size/format, cost, and what sort of modules would best work for you.

Shops to research modules and prices:

US:
http://bigcitymusic.com/
http://noisebug.net/
http://analoguehaven.com/

UK and Europe:
http://schneidersbuero.de/
http://postmodular.co.uk/motm
http://modularsquare.com/

BTW, I want to be super fair in this post. If I missed any shops for modular gear, let me know and I will update the post. If you prefer to remain anonymous shoot me an email. My contact info is on the bottom right of the site.

Modulars are like legos for synths - legos of the synth world.


Arduino Based Voltage Controlled Grunge Pedal

"I've talked about doing this forever, so I am happy to finally be able to introduce my 95% complete, voltage controlled DOD Grunge FX-69! Frac-rack modular synths have been in my opinion missing a voltage controlled distortion module, with wave-folders being about as close as I could find. I had a torqued FX69 sitting around, and figured it would sound wonderfullyterrible in my synth setup."

Full details on oldmanfury

Oberheim DPX-1

flickr by Leslie Chew

"digital sampler player
8 analog isolated outputs"

Yamaha Design Masterworks - GX1

flickr set by Knothole eyes
(click for more)
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