MATRIXSYNTH

Tuesday, April 30, 2013

Elby Designs CGS738 Mangler Saw Pitch Shifter Module

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"The CGS738 Mangler is a euro-version of the CGS38 saw pitch shifter from Ken Stone. It is a combination of op-amp summers and comparators with surprising results, ranging from complex wave shaping to pitch shifting of saw tooth waves.

Some ideas on how to use this module:

As a waveform mangler: Feed it any combination of waveforms, or a waveform and a control voltage and adjust as needed. For example, feed a waveform from a VCO or LFO into one input, and adjust the input level for differing effects. Use a control voltage as an offset signal to introduce variation. This can be from an envelope generator, keyboard or LFO or another VCO.

As a sawtooth frequency doubler: Feed in a single sawtooth wave, and adjust the associated gain. When the gain reaches 2, assuming a 0 to 5 volt waveform, the result will be a sawtooth of twice the frequency at the first output.

As a sawtooth pitch shifter: Feed an audio frequency sawtooth wave into one input, and a sawtooth wave from an LFO into the other. Disable one input using the switch, then adjust the input level of the other input until the LED lights, and then back off until it goes out. Disable the other input using the switch, then repeat the procedure for the other input. Return the switch to the center position. The LED will now work as a "signal present" indicator and can be ignored. One output will be the sum of the two frequencies, and the other should be the difference, depending on the relative slopes of the two sawtooth signals. If the result sounds rough, tweak one of the inputs until it sounds clean.

Note that getting the pitch shift to work correctly takes some experimenting and tweaking. The input waveforms should be in the range of 0 to 5 volts - specifically with the bottom of the waveforms actually hitting 0 volts. An external offset may need to be mixed in if this cannot be achieved. The downward shift output is very sensitive to gains and offsets, and is unlikely to be as pure as the upward shift output. If you want a more accurate downward shift, swap the direction of one of the input waves, and upward shift output will act as a downward shift output and vice versa. Some very powerful sound can result, even with impurities in the shifting, especially when the incoming frequency, and the up and down outputs are mixed together.

Also note that this is NOT a frequency shifter, the relationship between the harmonics are preserved.

Features

2 Inputs
Level knob per input
Kill Switch: K1 kills input 1, K2, kills input 2, center position passes both inputs
LED feedback
Up and Down outputs"

Elby Designs CGS747 Cynare Drum Simulator Module

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"The CGS747 Cynare Drum Simulator is a euro version of the third in the series of CGS drum simulators. It generates a single drum sound that can be adjusted to sound like a cymbal, hi-hat, snare drum, electronic drum, or numerous other percussive sounds. It is a complete dedicated synthesizer in its own right, including six oscillators, a noise source, a mixer, an envelope generator, a VCF and a VCA.

Some ideas on how to use this module:

There are two inputs for controlling the envelope of the generated sound. The first is Decay. Attack is preset at the fastest rate possible, the decay controlling the fall off rate of the envelope. This decay is also affected by the Damper control, which operates in parallel with the Decay. A gate input into the Sustain jack disables the damper, thus allowing two different rates of decay to be set depending on the input to the sustain jack. Note: if the damper decay rate is set to minimum, and the sustain input is below about 2V, the envelope will be set at minimum, with the decay control having very little effect, so if you do not wish to use the sustain input, the damper decay rate should be turned to maximum.

If a square wave or similar gate waveform is connected to both the sustain and trigger inputs, the fall-off of the envelope will be affected by the decay control while the gate signal remains high, the damper kicking in as soon as the gate falls low. This allows for easy implementation of open/closed hi-hat sounds etc.

A little on how it works:

Incoming trigger and sustain signals trigger the onboard envelope. If the sustain gate signal is low, the envelope is run through the damper section. Otherwise, if the sustain gate signal is high, the envelope is only controlled by the decay knob. An LED indicates whether or not the damper is active.

The envelope is also passed through a processor that allows it to be scaled and inverted via the bi-polar envelope knob, giving a range of positive and negative envelopes to drive the VCF.

There are two noise generators, a conventional one, and a "shimmer" generator consisting of six independent oscillators with their outputs "ring" modulated via the exclusive OR gates, and mixed.

A knob allows the ratio of noise to shimmer to be adjusted. A filtered version of the trigger pulse is used to generate an impact sound, and this is mixed with the output of the shimmer/noise section.

The filter section is directly taken from the Steiner VCF.

Features

Trigger and Sustain Inputs for envelope
Envelope Decay and Damper level
6 "Shimmer" Oscillators with level knob
"Noise Shimmer" with bi-polar level knob
"Impact" with level knob
VCF section based on the Steiner VCF
Mode switch for selecting Highpass, Bandpass, or Lowpass VCF mode
VCF Cutoff Frequency and Resonance Knobs
CV input with level knob
Routing switch selects if the VCA is before or after the VCF in the signal path
Output"

Elby Designs CGS735 Synthacon Filter Module

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"The CGS735 Synthacon Filter is a "tribute" module, based on the awesome Steiner-Parker Synth VCF.

Unlike most multimode filters, which have a single input and seperate mode (LP/HP/BP) outputs, this filter has an input for each mode and a single output. This gives the filter a ton of character and allows for a lot of interesting effects. Resonance is a bit unusual in its behavior. Once it starts oscillating, the resonance pot needs to be backed off a fair way to get it to stop again. It can also be frequency dependent.

This module includes an input mixer. Each of the filter type inputs has its own level control. The ALL input is also affected by these level pots as it is mixed with the individual inputs prior to the level controls. If using only a single input, it may be better to feed the signal into the ALL input, and adjust the level pots to select LP, BP or HP, rather than changing the patch cord between the specific input jacks.

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 sweeping between different sound sources is possible, though also subject to the frequency at which they are running.

Features

All input - Feeds input to all modes
Highpass, Bandpass, and Lowpass modes
Input and level knob per mode
Resonance level knob
Cutoff Frequency knob
Cutoff Frequency CV in with level knob
Single Output"

Circuit Bent Diabolical Devices Alesis HR-16

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"Modified Alesis HR-16 with 24 point LED circuit bending patch grid and master pitch control.

The Diabolical Modified Alesis HR-16 accesses ROM-based bending effects by use of a 24 point patch grid. A single LED patch pin will make a connection and generate one of many bizarre effects and glitches ranging from distorted, filtered and modulated effects, to bizarre sounds and warped drum loops. The LED on the patch pin reacts to ROM data present at that point and puts on a light show.

This modification also includes a master pitch control with bypass switch and LED indicator, which affects all sounds. The patch grid and pitch control in combination can produce some truly unique drum and synth sounds. These are great machines and the HR-16 is loaded with original features. The modification unleashes the evil monster that has been hiding inside since the 80′s.

Diabolical Devices fully refurbishes their modified devices and uses quality parts. Not only do you get fun new features, you get a machine that's more reliable than ever and can still function as a stock unit would.

Comes carefully packed with 4 LED patch pins, basic instructions to get you started, and a repair warranty. Basically if it should fail in the future, just send it back, the unit will be repaired and returned to you no charge (excludes physical damage, mechanical components, misuse, and other unreasonable situations).

Features

24 point Matrix Patching Grid: Triggers Glitches and Effects when single patch pin is inserted
4 LED Patch Pins: LED responds to ROM activity
Master Pitch/Clock Speed Control with bypass switch and status LED"

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Circuit Bent Diabolical Devices Roland TR-707

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"Fully refurbished Roland TR-707 drum machine, with a twist! Added pitch controls and a circuit bending patchbay allow for tons of expirimentation and unique sounds. Disengage the modifications to use it as a classic stock 707, or engage the pitch controls and start plugging in the circuit bending patch cables to explore it's awesome new sonic capabilites.

Pitch Controls

10 by-passable pitch controls have been added, which affect individual sounds or groups corresponding with the volume faders. Each pitch adjustment has a by-pass toggle switch, pitch control, and status LED. This modification works by manipulating the clock frequency of the affected sounds playback. In bypass mode the original clock frequency is received and the original 707 sound is produced. When the pitch adjustment is activated the original clock frequency is replaced by the added external and adjustable clock frequency generators. Pitch ranges from way above to WAY WAY below original clock/pitch.

Circuit Bending Patchbay

In addition to pitch controls, the modification includes a 10 point ROM-based bending interface aka circuit-bending patchbay. Linking these points with patch cables accesses a mixed bag of odd effects, filter, modulated, and otherwise unique sounds. These effects are the result of cross-modulated and otherwise scrambled ROM data being converted to audio. When none of the modifications are engaged these machines will function and sound as Roland intended. Modification only affect audio and all other functions remain functional no matter what mode or modifications are engaged.

Fully Refurbished

In addition to the insanely fun modifications, all units are fully refurbished. All Diabolical Devices TR-707's are completely disassembled and cleaned: the panel/button board, all key contacts, switching outputs, and all faders and cleaned and treated. The DC power input is replaced and the circuit board is treated to prevent future failure (common weak spot). All interface jacks (MIDI, audio in/puts, and sync) are resoldered and inspected. This makes for very reliable instruments, complete with repair warranty.

Comes carefully packed with basic instructions to get you started, and a repair warranty. Basically if it should fail in the future, just send it back, the unit will be repaired and returned to you no charge (excludes physical damage, mechanical components, misuse, and other unreasonable situations).

Features

10 External CMOS CLK Generators/Pitch controls with bypass switch and LED indicators
10 point circuit-bending patch bay (3 patch cables included)
Blue LED color change
Fully refurbished unit
Repair warranty"

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Bleep Labs Bleep Drum Lo-Fi Drum Machine

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"The Bleep Drum is an Arduino based lo-fi drum machine designed by Dr. Bleep. It includes a sequencer and pitch adjustable samples.

Features

Four sounds, two with pitch control
Four selectable sequences
Record patterns just by playing them
Tap tempo
Reverse mode
Hyper Noise 30XX mode
Stereo 1/8″ output
Operation

The left knob controls the pitch of the red pad, the snare.
Right knob controls the blue, tom pad.
Play – Stop and start playback of selected sequence. Light will blink white on the beat.
Record – Start and stop additive recording. Any pad played will be added to the sequence.
Light blinks red.
Tap – Tap tempo
Shift + pad = Change to that color sequence. Light will change to that color.
Shift + Tap + right knob = Change tempo with knob.
Shift + Play = Reverses samples
Play + Record = Erase current sequence.
Blue and yellow sequences start with kick on the 1 and 3.
NOISE MODE 30XX: Hold shift while turning on the device. The light will turn green. Hitting shift again will turn it pink and blinky
In 30XX mode: Green Pots control the pitch just like normal, Pink Pots control noise, All other controls are the same."

Bleep Labs HSS3jb Audio Video Synthesizer

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"The Hard Soft Synth 3jb is the new audio / video synthesizer by noisemaker extraordinaire, Gieskes.

It features 15 modes of audio/video excellence, each with 4-5 variables of control. There are also 8 video-only modes designed for use with the trigger and audio inputs. An adjustable analog filter keeps everything smooth (or as gnarly as you’d like).

The HSS3jb can produce all the same audio and video as the HSS3i, but it adds many more color options and controls as well as a more stable and and colorful video output.

Features

15 audio + video modes and 8 video-only modes.
Audio, IR, and trigger input as well as trigger out. IR with Handmade Music Austin or Gieskes devices, hook it up to a modular via trigger or use the audio input to control the sounds and video of the HSS3i.
Analog low-pass filter controlled via photocell.
MIDI input controls device parameters.
Circuit bending, color switching, fade, and individual color controls for video.
New enclosure and more compact design (5.5″ x 3.5″ x 2.5″).
Outputs NTSC and PAL
The device outputs analog RCA, S-video and VGA but only the RCA is guaranteed to work with any device it is plugged into. Some devices don’t like the peculiar VGA it produces, unfortunately.

Power Supply is included: A 7.5 V DC power supply with a 2.1 mm positive tip that delivers at least 750 mA is required. The one provided only works in the United States. International customers are advised to get a universal power supply with the necessary specs.

Frequently Asked Questions

jb?

Gieskes sells a version called the HSS3j. The HSSjb adds glitch switches, the “stable” mode which makes the output solid blocks of color rather than lines, as well as an enclosure.

What does the midi input control?

You can control some variables of the HSS3i over midi. See the user guide for the implementation chart.

What does the audio input do? Is this thing an effect? Can I run my guitar through it?

It’s not an effect but it does allow you to hook up an audio source to trigger off of. The audio input works best with rhythmic sources, but all kinds of sources can create interesting effects. The list of what the inputs do in different modes is in the user guide.

Can the HSS3jb do everything the HSS3i could?

Yes, and more!"

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Thicket 3.11 Trailer

Published on Apr 30, 2013 Joshue Ott·34 videos

"Thicket is an audiovisual playground for iPad that allows anyone to create beautiful sounds and pictures from simple finger touches. For users of all ages, this generative art and sound app immerses you in song-like audiovisual pieces called modes. When "playing" a mode, you both react to and create the music and graphics that you experience. Each mode is its own art generator, interactive toy, instrument, even performance tool depending on how you use it. And with new modes to be developed and released every few months, Thicket functions an expandable platform in the exciting new genre of handheld interactive art.
http://apps.intervalstudios.com/thicket/"

iTunes:
Thicket - Interval Studios
iOS Devices on eBay - Daily Tech Deals

iMPC Updated: Mute Groups, Sample Editing, & More

Published on Apr 30, 2013 retronyms·48 videos

"iMPC gets a free update that adds some simple yet powerful new features! Enjoy"

iTunes:
iMPC - Akai Professional
Tabletop - Retronyms
iOS Devices on eBay - Daily Tech Deals