Friday, May 30, 2014

A-157 Trigger Sequencer Final Prototype?

A new picture has been posted to the Facebook Doepfer A-100 Analog Modular Synthesizer group of what appears to be the latest version of the A-157 Trigger Sequencer (or Mini Schaltwerk) prototype design.
This new version (prototype 3?) has even more buttons, 32 more than prototype 2 to be exactly, that brings the total to 160(!) buttons.

Doepfer A-157 Trigger Sequencer Prototype 3?
The picture seems to come from Dieter Doepfer himself , the latest panel design comes with new features like mute , invert , and left/right buttons for each row that can shift a row one step to the left or right.
This is probably the final design, and forms a complete trigger sequencer with the A-157-2 (8 separate trigger output module) and the A-157-3 (basic controller).

Doepfer was also planning a more complex control module A-157-4 that allows additional functions like 128 memories for trigger sequences, different clock/start/stop/reset for 2 or 4 groups of rows (e.g. common for rows 1-4 and 5-8, or in pairs), independent first/last step for each row, independent direction (forward/backward/pendulum/random) for each row, one-shot mode, LC display and so on.
But these ideas are very preliminary

Read all my earlier A-157 Trigger Sequencer blog-posts at http://patchpierre.blogspot.nl/search/label/A-157
I wonder what this all means for the stand-alone (Dark Flow) version of these modules that Dieter also mentioned a few years ago.

The latest info says the basic set will be available earliest Autumn 2014 (without any obligation ! )

HatTip to Kay Stollberg for sharing this

Wednesday, May 28, 2014

Doepfer A-199 Spring Reverb Demo by Computing Sound

The Computing.Sound YouTube channel will host videos mainly around music, music technology and sound.
There will be demos, reviews and original music/soundscapes.
Today they posted this nice and long  Doepfer A-199 Spring Reverb (audio) demo.

Video: Doepfer A 199 SPRV Spring Reverb Demo

" Hope the video is helpful.
Notes:
0:08 A-118 Noise -- A-148 Sample & Hold ( A-147 VCLFO as trigger) -- selfresonating A-108 VCF8 as Osc. -- A-199 SPRV
02:36 As before, but this time I send the wet (Reverb Out) and the dry (Mix Out, full Orig. signal)
into the A-114 Ring Mod..
05:36 A-110-1 VCO -- A-108-1 Filter (filter modulation with ADSR, triggered by A-161) -- A-131 VCA -- A-199
06:55 A-118 Noise + Random Volt -- A-108 VCF8
09:11 Arturia Microbrute (internal sequencer) -- A-199 Spring Reverb

Uploaded by Computing.Sound

Tuesday, May 27, 2014

Random Video: Driving the Spaceship - Drones and LFOs by kv3x

More weird sounds from Jim Czech's studio...

Video: Driving the Spaceship - Drones and LFOs by kv3x

" So I snuck the spaceship out of the garage the other night.
Once I got it started, wow, what a ride! Cruising around, carrying on, warp speed, zipping past planets, shooting space rocks, running through the gears, making noise. Well, it's all fun and games until something goes wrong.
There you are, stalled out, broken down, in some dark corner of a far away galaxy. Come on, start, come ooonn...! Oh, yeah, you can be sure I will hear about this one. I'll probably be grounded for-ev-eer!

Synthrotek Chaos Nand (DIY), CV modulated by a Doepfer A-143-4 (and the triangle Sum out into the Sag of the Nand, too), mixed with output from a Pittsburgh Modular VILFO.
The square wave Sum out was run to the 1V/Oct input of Oscillator 1 of the Make Noise DPO.
The Osc 1 triangle output was sent to the same Analogue Solutions MX-61.
The positive out of the MX-61 was fed into the Erica Polivoks filter (another DIY) modulated by the A-145 sine wave into CV2.
The 145 also pinged the A-101-2 LPG. Further, the LFO sine out of the Intellijel Rubicon was input into CV1 of the Common input on the 143.
The final Polivoks low pass output was through the O'Tool, and into the Synthrotek EKO (another easy DIY).
The Rate of the EKO was controlled by the LFO sine output of the Intellijel Dixie II.
And some knob wiggling.
Recorded in one take with a Roland R-26.
In other, more simple words, it's just a bunch of nonsense and noise."

Uploaded by kv3x
On Twitter: http://twitter.com/kv3x

Saturday, May 24, 2014

BookTip XVI: The Synthesizer by Mark Vail

Music journalist, historian, teacher, and performer Mark Vail is the author of the new book 'The Synthesizer: A Comprehensive Guide to Understanding, Programming, Playing, and Recording the Ultimate Electronic Music Instrument' (2014), published by Oxford University Press, as well as classic Vintage Synthesizers (1993, 2000) book.
He has developed an elective music curriculum based on Propellerhead Reason and has taught 6th through 12th grade students at private schools in Sacramento and San Jose, California, since 2003.

The Synthesizer book by Mark Vail
In his latest book he explains the important developments throughout the history of the synthesizer and how engineers, musicians, and visionaries have advanced its capabilities.
He gives important practical tips on choosing a synthesizer and reveals the deep creativity and imagination of those who work with synthesizers
The book is thoroughly illustrated with over 350 images

" Electronic music instruments weren't called synthesizers until the 1950s, but their lineage began in 1919 with Russian inventor Lev Sergeyevich Termen's (Theremin) development of the Etherphone, now known as the Theremin.
From that point, synthesizers have undergone a remarkable evolution from prohibitively large mid-century models confined to university laboratories to the development of musical synthesis software that runs on tablet computers and portable media devices.

Throughout its history, the synthesizer has always been at the forefront of technology for the arts.
In The Synthesizer: A Comprehensive Guide to Understanding, Programming, Playing, and Recording the Ultimate Electronic Music Instrument, veteran music technology journalist, educator, and performer Mark Vail tells the complete story of the synthesizer: the origins of the many forms the instrument takes; crucial advancements in sound generation, musical control, and composition made with instruments that may have become best sellers or gone entirely unnoticed; and the basics and intricacies of acoustics and synthesized sound.

Vail also describes how to successfully select, program, and play a synthesizer; what alternative controllers exist for creating electronic music; and how to stay focused and productive when faced with a room full of instruments.
This one-stop reference guide on all things synthesizer also offers tips on encouraging creativity, layering sounds, performance, composing and recording for film and television, and much more."

A companion website features resources which accompany the book.

I haven't bought the book yet, but i will definitely order it this year... A must-have in my opinion although i do expect it partially overlaps the Vintage Synth book of him that I also have.

Mark Vail “The Synthesizer”
Oxford University Press
ISBN: 978-0-19-539481-8

Friday, May 23, 2014

Doepfer A-101-6 Six Stage VC Opto FET Filter/Phaser Update

A-101-6 Six Stage Opto
FET Filter/Phaser prototype
In march of this year Doepfer announced the
A-101-1 Six Stage VC Opto FET Filter/Phaser.
This week however, Dieter released a statement about this module:

" After playing around with the module and the comments of people who tried the prototype we are no longer sure if we will release the A-101-6.
The circuit is a bit complex (especially because of the filter mode switching which requires altogether about 20 electronic double-throw switches) and consequently the module will be a bit expensive. 
And the FETs generate a lot of distortion in the sound as they are not linear circuits (like the vactrols).
I think we will do some sound examples and then ask interested customers if they are willing to pay the price. Maybe we offer a lower priced version of the module (< Euro 100) with jumpers instead of the electronic switches.
In this case the user will be able to configure the module by means of the jumpers as lowpass, highpass or allpass.

Best wishes
Dieter Doepfer" 
Source: Yahoo Doepfer A-100 Usergroup

Monday, May 19, 2014

Analog Bytes tbDSP Eurorack Module

Analog bytes tbDSP prototype frontpanel
Via MATRIXSYNTH i stumbled upon this module:

The Analog Bytes tbDSP is a modular synth that is currently under development.
So far it is hard to describe what this eurorack kameleon does exactly, but they do try to explain it on their website.

"With tbDSP we set out to create not only the most powerful DSP synthesizer platform in Euro, but also a platform that could evolve over time.
At the heart of this goal is the ability to add functionality and make improvements once the module has been released into the wild.
To support this, we put a USB port on the module and developed PC and Mac applications so that when a new idea pops into our heads, we can share it with everyone that owns the module. Likewise, it will allow users to influence development...

..."My appreciation of the old Atari POKEY sound chip compelled me to recreate its guts in a tbDSP engine.
Some might argue that doing so is a waste of perfectly good DSP, but I saw an opportunity to make an engine with features that I wish the original chip included.
The new engine is called POKE.
I want to cover two of the new features here."

You can also listen to sound examples on their tbDSP SoundCloud

Front panel layout:

1 - HP: 26
2 - Engine Control Knobs
3 - Coarse/Fine Toggle Button for Engine Control Knobs
4 - LCD (2.4” diagonal, 320x240)
5 - Selection Knob
6 - Selection Enter Button
7 - USB Port
8 - Navigation Buttons
9 - Navigation Shift Button
10 - Inputs (+/-10 V, Audio or CV)
11 - Outputs (+/- 5 V, Audio or CV)
12 - Engine Buttons

The tbDSP features three chips that share the processing duties:

Altera FPGA - graphics, SD, and audio processing
Analog Devices SHARC - floating point audio processing, FFTs
Microchip PIC32 - USB, Firmware Update, and housekeeping

The FPGA processes audio at sampling rates as fast as 98MHz, and the SHARC can compute over 24,000 1024-point FFTs per second."

" Since the tbDSP hardware is capable of so much, it would be silly if it were limited to always performing just one specific function.
That would be like shipping a smart phone that ran one app and didn’t have an app store to provide more.
Since we don’t want you to get bored with tbDSP, and because it’s too pretty to collect dust, we designed it to support multiple functions.
We refer to these functions engines.
One example of an engine is an oscillator. Another example would be a filter.
Only one engine is supported at a time, but all of the other available engines are only a couple of button presses away.
And, with FW Update, we can deliver new engines whenever we feel inspired.
We currently have multiple engines under development, but we’re not sure which ones we will support upon initial shipment yet."

" Since tbDSP is a multi-engine module, the purpose of the engine knobs depends on which engine tbDSP is currently running.
For example, knob 1 may control an oscillator frequency when tbDSP is running an oscillator engine, but when tbDSP is running a filter engine, that same knob may control a cutoff frequency.
It’s kind of like a console video game controller: the same controller is used for every game, but what the buttons on the controller do depends on the game you are playing.
So when you are using tbDSP, how do you know what the engine knobs do?
It’s simple: just give them a touch, and tbDSP will display on the screen the name of the knob in that engine, and the knob’s current value.
So when tbDSP is running an oscillator engine and you touch knob 1, you will see on the screen something like: “Frequency: 440.0 Hz”.

Here’s a quick video to see it in action (please excuse the video compression artifacts):

Video 1: tbDSP Engine Knob Touch Detection


Here is a video of the spectrogram, just so you can see it in action (please excuse the video compression artifacts).

Video 2: tbDSP Spectrogram Example


Videos uploaded by tb DSP

You can find additional details and follow progress at http://tbdsp.tumblr.com.all questions, comments, and thoughts are posted on this muffwiggler thread

The module will be available somewhere in 2014, price still unknown.

Thursday, May 15, 2014

Frequency Central Ultra Wave LFO Demo by @DivKid

@DivKid uploaded a nice demonstration of his Frequency Central Ultra Wave LFO.

Frequency Central Ultra Wave LFO
The Ultra Wave is a fully expanded version of the Wave Runner LFO.
It’s a multi-waveform sync-able LFO based on the Electric Druid TAPLFO2D family of code, but with some significant additions and improvements.
The WAVERUNNER 1 PIC and code is exclusive to Frequency Central and was developed specifically for the Wave Runner/Ultra Wave, and is not compatible with similar modules.

Ultra Wave has both manual and CV control of frequency, clock multiple, waveform and wave distortion. Additionally there’s sync input and output level CV input. Two outputs, LFO and clock.

Ultra Wave comes as a two PCB set, together with a PIC and front panel.
PCBs are parallel with the panel, so it’s skiff friendly too!

Video: EURORACK MODULE - Frequency Central - Ultra Wave

" Here I have the new Frequency Central Ultra Wave tempo syncable LFO module with exclusive code only used for Frequency Central.
Head to www.frequencycentral.co.uk for more information."

Uploaded by DivKidMusic

Tuesday, May 13, 2014

Modular Wild Presents Malekko Heavy Industry Richter Noisering by Raul Pena

Raul Pena just began a new series.
Malekko Richter Noisering
This time it's all about the Malekko Heavy Industry Richter Noisering Analog Data Resonator Module.
Basically its a Richter NoiseRing in eurorack format.
Sanctioned by Grant Richter of Wiard Synthesizer Company, this module is the same as the original Wiard Model 1210, only in 14hp eurorack format.

This module features:
  • a Digital Noise Source
  • Pseudo Random Shift Register
  • Clock Input with External Rate control knob
  • Clock Output
  • Noise Output
  • 2 Random Voltage Outputs
  • Chance Input

Video 1: Modular Wild Presents Malekko Heavy Industry Richter Noisering
" A brief overview of the Malekko Heavy Industry Richter Noisering. Sound and Video by Raul Pena."

Video 2: Modular Wild Presents SOUNDS-Malekko Heavy Industry Richter Noisering Random Cvs

" An exploration of the Malekko Heavy Industry Richter Noiserings two random outs. Examples using the N+1 and 2n outputs are shown. Several short examples are included with attenuation applied to the cvs. Sound and Video by Raul Pena."

Video 3: Modular Wild Presents SOUNDS-Malekko Heavy Industry Richter Noisering Chance and Change

" Short examples of both the Chance and Change parameters on Malekko Heavy Industry Richter Noisering. Sound and Video by Raul Pena."

Video 4: Modular Wild Presents SOUNDS-Malekko Heavy Industry Richter Noisering Random Clocks and Noise

" An exploration of the Noisering's clock source. Examples of self modulation of the clock as well as via control voltage. Also includes a short example of using the Noisering's noise source for sounds. Sound and Video by Raul Pena."

Video 5: Modular Wild Presents SOUNDS-Malekko Heavy Industry Richter Noisering- Noisering as VCO
" A short demonstration of how to use the Noisering as a VCO. Includes waveform views of each waveform from the N+1 and 2n outputs. Sound and Video by Raul Pena. "

New parts in this series will be added weekly on Mondays

Random Video: Mutable Yarns Random Test Patch by WeLoveEvolTV

WeLoveEvolTV uploaded a cool jam featuring the Mutable Instruments Yarns MIDI Interface module.

Video: Mutable Yarns Random Test Patch (Love the Module!)

" Yarns in 2m Mode, CV Channel 1 and 2 Sequencing, CV 3 and 4 in Oscilator Mode which are played from the Sequences 1 and 2 . Yarns also clocking the Doepfer A-160 Clock Divider. Bass Drum comes from the Borg 2 and the Drum Loop from Phonogene. Some eventide and Vermona FX from the Desk. No other Sequencer or Computer Stuff, except for the Recording. "

Uploaded by WeLoveEvolTV .

Saturday, May 10, 2014

Ladik Eurorack Synare 3-Clone Announced

Yesss... I was kinda waiting for some manufacturer to release a Synare 3-clone in Eurorack format, and now Czech company Ladik finally did it.
I already knew that they were making great sounding non-Eurorack Synare clones, but this one is just
perfect...
Ladik Synare 1,2 and VCF
The demo isn't showing it's full potential IMHO, but already convincing enough for me

The complete set contains 3 modules:
C-510 "Synare 1" - trigger input, envelopes, vca (4HP)
O-510 "Synare 2" - 2x oscillator, noise source, LFO (4HP)
F-510 "Synare VCF" - filter with 4 outputs and +CV and -CV inputs (8HP)

Quality components, silver coated PCBs, laser marked panel.
Width: 8+4+4=16TE/ 16HP.
Depth: max. 55mm /2,2"
Current: 40mA total
Power ribbon cables (3x) included (handy 20cm, 16/10pin).

Price: $286.28 - via eBay: http://www.ebay.com/sch/ladik_eu/m.html?item=251317015062&pt=UK_Musical_Instruments_Pro_Audio_Synthesisers_CV&hash=item3a83a95216&rt=nc&_trksid=p2047675.l2562

Video: Synare 3 Eurorack modular & MIDI to trig module & Arturia BeatStep

" Synare 3 in Eurorack modular format (16HP total). Three modules:
C-510 "Synare 1" - trigger input, envelopes, vca (4HP)
O-510 "Synare2" - 2x oscillator, noise source, LFO (4HP)
F-510 "Synare VCF" - filter with 4 outputs and +CV and -CV inputs (8HP)
Triggered by M-210 MIDI to trig interface (12 trig outputs or 11 trigs + 1 accent output)
Controlled by Arturia Beatstep (via MIDI)"
Video uploaded by RuprechtM

Saturday, May 03, 2014

Erica Synths Polivoks VCF Clone Video by @DivKid

DivKid uploaded another modular synth video, exploring the Erica Synths Polivoks VCF Clone.

Video: EURORACK MODULE - Erica - Polivoks VCF Clone

" Check out the thread on the Muff Wiggler forum for the DIY build and documentation for this module here http://www.muffwiggler.com/forum/view...
http://www.ericasynths.lv/

For those that want to skip through ...
1.00 - I cover filtering analogue waveforms with various input levels and resonance in low pass and band pass mode
6.18 - CV inputs - LFO
7.25 - Audio rate modulation
9.03 - CV inputs - Response to varying envelopes with the WMD Multimode Envelope
11.16 - Acid style patch
12.43 - Self oscillation and creating kicks and percussion
14.05 - Simple Bassline and smooth filtering
14.59 - Digital wavetables and sample & hold modulation
16.01 - Filtering drum loops.
So that's it, hope you like the video. As always feel free to comment/like and ask questions. Subscribe to the channel for more videos coming soon."