"Illuminati is a 2-channel USB lamp driver that takes either audio, CV or MIDI and converts it to light intensity. Mini-jack inputs serve both for CV and audio. Adjusting gain, decay and inversion achieves the desired response to the signal. With a mini switch on the back, you can set whether the inputs also respond to negative voltages. Various MIDI information can be visualised as well (note, CC, aftertouch, velocity).
Features
2x 5V USB outputs
power draw limited to 0,5 A
2x CV input
CVs are either 0 to 5V or -5 to +5V, set by a switch on the back
MIDI input
2x button for settings
5V micro USB input (power only)
enclosure with expanded base for better stability and mounting
firmware updates via MIDI
"This release is to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Original EMS VCS3 Hardware.
Two new banks are available: 'JEC EMS-50 Bank' (free) and 'JEC 2019 Synths and Explorations' by James Edward Cosby, both banks come with new Envelope Files and are available directly from the 'Presets & Mod. Shop'"
"The latest brainchild of synth pioneer Dave Rossum, TRIDENT is a 100% analog, triple oscillator module that opens up a universe of dynamic timbral textures.
At its most basic level, TRIDENT is three precision audio VCOs, each sporting a unique variety of control voltage inputs.
The main or “Carrier” oscillator provides its three waveforms simultaneously. The two Modulation Oscillators each have a single output and a waveform selector. The Modulation Oscillators also have a voltage controlled Symmetry parameter which varies the duty cycle of the triangle wave output from sawtooth to triangle back to time reversed sawtooth, and also varies the sawtooth output to have an upward or downward kink in the middle, as well as controlling pulse width when the pulse waveform is selected.
And while each oscillator can be used independently if desired, it’s when they’re combined into a synchronous ensemble that the real sonic magic happens.
That magic is what we call Zing Modulation. Each of the Modulation Oscillators can modulate each of the Carrier outputs in an amount controlled by the Zing parameter. Zing Modulation is mathematically akin to ring modulation, but due to the synchronization of the oscillators (when an oscillator’s Sync button is on), the aharmonic sum and difference sidetones of ring modulation transform into complex but purely harmonic overtone spectra, which vary dynamically and dramatically with the frequency and waveshape modulations of the modulation oscillators. Each change in the Modulation Oscillator parameters – Frequency, Symmetry, Waveshape, Zing, and (in the case of Modulation Oscillator 2) Phase – will have a different effect on the timbre of each of the three Carrier waveshape outputs.
When the modulation oscillators are set to track the carrier oscillator, the waveshape will remain constant as the carrier frequency changes. In this case the overtone structure is determined by the settings and CV modulations of the modulation oscillators. If instead the modulation oscillators do not track the carrier, some of the overtone structure will vary relative to the carrier frequency.
What all this means is that whether you take advantage of Trident’s unique synchronous modulation capabilities (which you, of course, should), or just treat it as three superb, wide-range analog oscillators, TRIDENT offers a vast variety of dramatic sonic textures."
Published on Nov 25, 2019 Reckless Experimentation Audio LLC
"The first part in building a Lo-Fi afication Eurorack Module. I cut out the face-plate, and build out a wow and flutter circuit based around a PT2399 chip."
"Hold out your hands and meet Orba, a new kind of musical instrument. It’s a tiny synth, looper, and MIDI controller that lets anyone make music immediately. Orba’s minimalist design resembles a cross between a gaming controller and a half a grapefruit, and its feather-touch sensitivity translates gestures from your fingers and hands directly into sound. Orba introduces a new and fun way to make music anywhere, even if you’ve never played an instrument before."
Onboard synth:
"We designed an innovative new synthesizer engine for Orba, with a broad range of synth sounds that work seamlessly with various playing gestures. Orba’s embedded looper means you can layer multiple parts without ever looking at a screen. The built-in speaker lets you make sound immediately (and it’s loud enough for a bit of karaoke). Plug in headphones to play alone or an external amp to play it loud.
The Orba companion app lets you explore even more. Available for Mac, iOS, Windows, and Android, the Orba app will let you access more sounds, presets, loops, and settings. The app is also where you’ll be able to save and edit your loops and songs. And of course, you can share your songs to social media and export to your favorite music-making software to keep building your beats."
No word on how programable the synth engine will be. That will of course determine how much the Orba is more of a controller and performance device vs. full fledged programmable synth.
Features
Eight capacitive-sensing pads for feather-touch control
Accelerometer and gyroscope capture a range of gestures
Center menu button accesses four presets, the looper, and other functions
Onboard synthesizer and built-in speaker offer an immediate playing experience
Connect to the cross-platform Orba app for more sounds, songs, and settings
Use MIDI over Bluetooth or USB to plug into any of your favorite music apps
Use the ⅛” (3.5mm) output to listen on headphones, speakers, and amps
