FrequenSteiner

This is how behind I am on updates; the FrequenSteiner actually showed up last Wednesday.

It's an AWESOME filter! The sound is very edgy and has a lot of presence to it. The bandpass and hipass filters in particular can have that nice rip-your-face-off tone to them. The lowpass is very meaty sounding; not moog-like. I can't quite explain the difference exactly, but I think this is going to sound absolutely bad ass with some PWM going into it. The input control doesn't drive as much as I thought it would, but then again, it might be the source signal I'm using. The Moog MF-102 is still dealing duties as the oscillator. I've incorporated the TM-1 after it to give some harmonics to the signal.

Speaking of the oscillator, I've decided to change my mind on getting 2 of the Livewire OSCs. I'm going to get one of the Plan B model 15s (as was my original intention before I learned about the Livewire) as well as the Livewire OSC whenever that gets released. This way I can have a oscillator sooner than later, and I have the two different tonal possibilities between the Livewire and PlanB.

In addition to being behind here, I'm still behind on video demos of all the new modules. I'd like to wait until I pickup the oscilloscope as I feel that will make the demos a lot better, particularly when showing off the min/max/sum/difference capabilities of the Vulcan Modulator as well as what goes on with Dual Cyclotron...something still don't understand myself.

Stay tuned.

So, about that sequencer...

Ok, so I'll assume you're sitting down (as that is the position 99% of people are in when using the computer), but if you are that 1%, sit down. K, ready? ...

I don't want a sequencer.

Alright, now that the shock has hopefully worn off, I will explain. There are good reasons of course:

1) I've never really liked using a sequencer. Beginning with my first experiences with Reason (and it's pattern sequencer), then again with Reaktor and the Nord G2, I've always had, what I felt to be, poor results with the amount of time I've spent tweaking with them; in the end, I just wasn't pleased with the results I got from using a sequencer. The one exception might be the sequencer on the ARP 2600 (plug-in version; I've never had the pleasure of playing a real one). I did rather like the sound of it controlling the filter cutoff and having it start/stop on key press.

2) I don't like programming melody/lead/bass/etc lines with sequencers. While there are several small reasons for this, it all comes down to my preference to not use them for such a task. I would rather play the lick manually; I could certainly use the practice. This means I would simply be using the sequencer as a modulation source for something else (filter, PWM, etc). A bit overkill for the cost (and space used) of a sequencer. Especially when I have already have quite a few, and more complex, modulation sources. Plus, you can only do that kind of patch so many times before you get completely sick of it

3) I am more interested in controlling when an "event" occurs rather than what that event is (voltage). Yes sequencers do both of course, however, most of the features of sequencers are aimed at control of the "what" and not so much of the "when". For example, there are no modular sequencers that I found (especially for my chosen eurorack format) that have the ability to have different tempo/step divisions of sequencer's 'lines'. Take the Plan B Milton (the one I had my eyes on); it has 4 individual 'lines', however, there is no way to have one line clock at a quarter note, another at a 16th note, and another at 8th note triplets. This is probably my biggest gripe with sequencers...to get what I want out of one, would really require buying several.

4) The sequencer I want, the aforementioned Plan B Milton, is not available (despite info on the Plan B site saying it will be ready for sale by June 2006). This is probably the most trivial, although certainly most practical, of my reasons. The sequencer that I really want isn't even available, and there's no telling when it might be.

5) Space. This was included in part of #2, but it bears repeating. The eurorack cases are expensive and I have already filled up 2 of them. I want this system to be simple and portable since I plan to perform with it and want the most versatility in as small of a package as possible. The sequencer comes close to taking up half of one case...actually more like a 1/3 of one case...and that's space that I most definitely could use.

So, in summary:

I don't really like using sequencers, or at least, based on past experience, I don't care for them as much as most do. I also would only be using it for modulation since I do not like programming melodies with it. This reduces the amount that it would be used regularly, and it takes up a lot of space relative to other modules. Most importantly, however, it does not accomplish what I really want. As I discussed in number 3, I am really much more concerned about rhythmic placement of events (and my flexibility in this placement) than I am about what those events actually are. A sequencer would not necessarily give me this freedom since I basically get one single rhythmic pattern. Maybe if #3 did not exist, this might be a whole different situation altogether.

I do have a solution though. The Plan B model 28 Programmable Tap Clock is the exact module that I'm looking for, and is why I have been so excited about the module since it's announcement. This gives me exactly what I want; the ability to have simultaneous independent timing of events. One top of that, it even has the ability to have separate voltage control for accents and when they occur. This, combined with my current modulation sources (and VCAs), will give me that rhythmic sonic control that I'm looking for. Plus, the fact that this, combined with not getting a sequencer, will save so much space that I have room for other modules, which I passed on much earlier in my planning. I would even have space for a second model 28; I'm still contemplating that one though.

All in all, I'm very pleased with my decision. It's not like I would never get a sequencer, one day when the Milton (or some other one that take my fancy more) is released then I might, but for now, I'm not interested. :)

Begin with the comments!

My favorite thing about modulars

My favorite thing about playing with modular synths, wether they are analog or virtual (Reaktor, Nord G2, etc), is when you are sitting there with a patch and you think...

"I wish I could do..."

And then moments later realize...

"Whoa, wait, I CAN do that!"

What a joyous feeling.

As much as I love the Voyager, I hadn't had those moments very often since it had become my main (and really only) synth. Now that the modular is shaping up, I've very glad it's back.

.:end sappiness:.

What I do need though, is an oscilloscope. Just patching into a sine wave tone to try and hear exactly what the voltage waveform looks like isn't cutting it anymore. I don't think I'll be able to figure out exactly what the Dual Cyclotron is doing without one. I'll be hunting eBay the next few weeks for a good deal. Thankfully, it looks like their are plenty.

Mmm...modules

Like I said, I couldn't resist the AH 2 year anniversary sale. Unfortunately, there were some items out of stock by the time I placed my order (Plan B Poly Envs, Livewire FrequenSteiner, Doepfer 138c Mixer) but I got everything else. Not pictured is the second Doepfer A-100P case which I also picked up (their last one in stock apparently). I'll get youTube demos up as soon as I can, but probably won't start on them until next weekend at the earliest. I'm still getting used to all of them and have to catch up @ work after being away on vacation.

I will say that I am immediately impressed by the Livewire Vulcan Modulator, Dual Cyclotron, and the Dual Bissel Generator. The Dual Bissel Generator in particular with it's linear/exponential adjustments is very interesting. I haven't even started to mess with the various jumpers on the Vulcan...

I'm already fiending for an oscillator.

Oh yeah, and the blue LEDs on the Vulcan and Dual Cyclotron are way too bright. It really does hurt your eyes when you look at them like I have heard people mention. I'm going to try and see if my wife has some kind of translucent nail polish or something I can smear over it to diffuse the brightness. The scotch tape approach is too ghetto for me.

Of Marriage and Modules

I got married on Saturday!! :D

Easily one of (if not *the*) happiest days of my life. The second happiest would no doubt be the day after when my new wife said it would be ok to use some of our wedding gift money to order some modules and take advantage of the Analogue Haven 2 year anniversary sale!

So, I pretty much bought everything left on my list that was currently available to purchase (Livewire osc, Plan B Milton + Model 28 not available yet...and the Frequensteiner was out of stock).

Livewire Dual Bissell Generator
Livewire Vulcan Modulator
Livewire Dual Cyclotron
Plan B Heisenberg Generator
Plan B Polyphonic Envelope - x2
Doepfer A-100P Portable Case (2nd case)
Doepfer A-119 Envelope Follower
Doepfer A-131 VCA
Doepfer A-151 Quad Seq. Switch
Doepfer A-175 Dual Voltage Inverter
Doepfer A-177 Ext. Foot Controller
Doepfer A-180 Multiples - x2
Doepfer A-181 Multiples 2
Doepfer A-183c Polarizing Mixer

:D

The Voyager will be going up for sale though. The money for the modules is more like a loan for the time being...apparently we eventually *need* furniture ;)

PS. I updated the Today's wild patch post with the audio sample, embedded from Twango. Big thanks to Matrix for pointing me to Twango.

Sad news...

No new modules this month :(

I ended up spending a little more money this month (and part of last) and don't have the spare cash to order this month's round of modules.

I did, however, pickup a UA 2-610 which I am very stoked on. This was the main reason for the $$$ shortage.

I plan on picking up again in June. I'll be going on vacation and when I come back, orders will be placed.

Voyager setting sail?

I'm seriously considering selling my Voyager once I come closer to wrapping up what I've planned for the modular synth.

It's not that I don't like the Voyager anymore, that's very much not the case, but it is a 'players' instrument and I am most certainly not a 'player', at least in the keyboard sense.

Also, while it is quite capable as far as sound design goes (and incredibly easy to use), it will pale in this aspect compared to what the modular will be capable of. Part of the reason I even started to build the modular was because I was getting frustrated by limitations that the Voyager has. I know that a lot of extra stuff can be done within the Voyager's software...but to be completely honest, I don't want to pay that much for a killer analog synth and have to dick around with software (especially when the settings are patch specific).

I'm torn though, because it feels so great (keyboard action, knobs, switches, wheels, etc) and it sounds so great.

But it's not very portable (it's heavy and a bit awkward in footprint), and I wouldn't really feel that comfortable gigging with it...I would literally cry if that beautiful wood got a serious ding in it.

And of course, it does cost a pretty penny or two...money that I would happily use toward the modular.

...all in all, I'm still torn...looking for your opinions...thanks.

Plan B Model 28 Programmable Clock

From the Plan B site [and Matrixsynth]:
Shipping in early June, 2007, the Plan B Model 28 Programmable Tap Clock is the second computer-based product in the Plan B line and addresses the need for an accurate tap input-based timing clock for analog synthesizers. Along with the quarter note base duration, the M28 provides separate eighth note tuplet and eighth note triplet outputs and a single SERIAL OUTPUT which allows the user to construct polyrythmic combinations of the three note values, determined by a voltage level present at the SELECT input. For more information and complete functional description click here

This thing is SO cool. Not only is exactly like something I was looking for (or hoping to achieve with the MIDI-CV clock and Plan B sequencer), but it also fills out the last 12HP that I hadn't decided on for the second case.

I'm so stoked on this unit, I can't wait...even though I won't actually be getting it until the first case is done :(

Today's wild patch

Too cool to not snap a photo of.

[Updated]:Here's the audio sample, embedded via Twango. Big thanks to Matrix for pointing me to Twango.

New model 15 from Plan B

News from Plan B:
The Plan B Model 15 Rev.2 will begin shipping on May 6, 2007. The circuit is identical to previous releases with the addition of a new connector to support the 15A Expander. This is the only circuit change. To facilitate this the PCB had to be redesigned and while we were at it we reconfigured that assembly to mount parallel to the faceplate, taking the overall depth of the module from 4.25 inches to just over 1 inch thick. click for photo.

The new 15A Expander adds functionality to the M15 and a direct result of customer requests. It connects to the Rev.2 VCO via a dedicated I/O connector located on the back of the PCB. It can however be retrofitted to any Model 15's regardless of revision, although earlier releases (rev 1 - 1.6) will require point-to point connections. the 15A is only 4 HP wide and adds a PWM attenuation pot, a Soft/Hard Sync crossfade pot (which amplifies the M15 sync function up to x4 it's previous intensity), 3 three way transposition switch (configured octave up/none/octave down) and two additional 1V/oct VC inputs. The 15A will begin shipping at the end of May 2007 with a retail price of $70.

While this 'fixes' the two things I wasn't thrilled about with the Model 15 (the lack of octave switch never bothered me at all, in fact, I'd prefer it not be there), I think I'm still sold on 2 Livewire oscs. With the new Model 15 + 15A expander, that's 22HP, only 6HP less than the Livewire osc, so I'm not really saving that much space by sacrificing functionality of the Livewire (animated saw/pulse, dedicated sub osc out, independent square and pulse outs, dedicated sync source out, etc).

PS. Looks like it was also covered here on Matrixsynth.

the lineup changes again

ok, this is getting ridiculous now...I cannot make up my mind on some of these modules.

Today, however, after playing my Moog MF-102 ring mod with the newly arrived QuadADSR, I've decided to withdraw the Livewire Dalek Modulator (ring mod) and replace it with the Vulcan Modulator. The fact that the Moog has a CV controllable Mix amount is a big plus in my book.

On a side note...I have never used an envelope to modulate a ring mod carrier's pitch before! It's very very cool. A very easy way to create a more unique sounding electro drum or just give a cool/gritty (when carrier is a lower frequency) dynamic shift to the sound.

A brief example of this is at the end of my demo video from the last post. I forgot how new gear can bring a new angle to how one uses their current gear. I guess that applies exponentially to modular gear :D I'm really stoked on this modular system coming together.

Speaking of which, next modules on the order block are as follows:
-Livewire Vulcan Modulator
-Doepfer A-119 Envelope Follower
-Doepfer A-131 Exponential VCA

ETA, sometime after the 15th.

QuadADSR and Dual Timbral Gate demo

My first video demo of the first two modules.

Enjoy.

matrixsynth

I got blogged on Matrixsynth last night :D

Doepfer A-143-2 and Plan B Model 13

The first two modules have arrived from Analogue Haven!

The Doepfer A-143-2 is a "QuadADSR"; 4 independent standard ADSR envelopes that are switchable for 3 different time ranges (low, medium, high). They are special, however, because each ADSR also has pulse/trigger outputs which fire at the end of stages of the envelope; end of attack, decay, and release. These can be used to trigger another envelope (or any event) or to re-trigger itself, creating an LFO. The Gate (trigger) inputs of each envelope are normalled to each other, so it only requires a single gate signal on one of the envelopes to trigger them all.

The Plan B Dual Timbral Gate is a dual low-pass gate which has independent gates which can be switchable between amplitude gates (like a linear VCA), low-pass filter, or both. There is also a separate SUM output and balance control for the two gates. In this way, it also acts as a 2 channel mixer. This is apparently an improvement off of the original Buchla low-pass gates so I'm very excited to try it out.

I had a long day at work, so I'm not going to get to playing around with these until tomorrow. I do plan to make some video demos showing off the two new modules this weekend though.

One final note...I didn't realize the modules didn't come with screws for the case (most likely the new cases ship with screws) so I can't screw them in yet. No big deal, more stuff for the list ;D

The module list

Ok, so here's what I've got worked out now...in no particular order

-Livewire Audio Frequency Generator (when it's released)
-Livewire Vulcan Modulator
-Livewire Dalek Modulator
-Livewire Frequensteiner
-Livewire Dual Bissell Generator

-Plan B Model 13 Dual Timbral Gate
-Plan B Model 24 Heisenberg Generator

-Doepfer A-131 Exp. VCA
-Doepfer A-133 Dual VC Polarizer
-Dopefer A-138c Polarizing Mixer
-Doepfer A-143-2 Quad ADSR (this thing is super cool)
-Doepfer A-175 Dual Voltage Inverter
-Dopefer A-180 Multiples
-Dopefer A-181 Multiples 2
-Doepfer A-190 MIDI-CV Interface

Hmm...I thought I had more Livewire than that...at this point, if they make it, I'll probably buy it (Dual Cyclotron is on the list for the *next* case).

Livewire Oscillator!?!

Well shit... Livewire is making an oscillator! It was shown off @ NAMM and somehow I missed it when I browsed past the Livewire rack. With a name like "Audio Frequency Generator" I'm quite embarrassed that I missed it. In fact, I'm pretty sure I actually saw it and didn't grok what it was then.

:P

Anyway, it kinda throws a wrench in my gears of modular purchase. Based on what I have seen in this sonicstate coverage of the AH booth (check the Livewire video) the Livewire OSC looks bad ass! It also looks big. Based on what I can tell from the video, it's the same size as a Dual Cyclotron...a whopping 28HP.

I may just end up with a 1 OSC modular...I have decided the Dalek and Vulcan Modulators, so I'll have audio rate modulation available, but I don't know at this point if I really *need* them. Based on what the Livewire OSC is apparently capable of, I may not need it.

What's cool is the modular may now consist mostly of Livewire parts...something I wanted from the beginning because the look so cool!

Livewire is also releasing two "expander" modules to accompany the OSC. One of which is an 8 input CV controlled bi-polar audio mixer, designed primarily to mix the 8 possible waveform outputs on the Livewire OSC. Yes that's right, 8 POSSIBLE WAVEFORM OUTPUTS!

Sick.

The case is here

Doepfer A-100p
Originally uploaded by felixinferious.

The genesis begins...

I found a slightly used (actually in really great shape) Doepfer A-100p case on eBay for a good deal and it saves me around $200 compared to buying a new one when factoring in shipping and CA sales tax...and that means more $$$ for modules!

Unfortunately the case will remain empty for a few weeks until I determine just how much expendable cash I have for next month which was when I officially planned to start buying everything.

The first month was originally budgeted for just the case and the A-190 MIDI-CV converter but since I've saved so much buying this case, I may actually get a couple more modules the first month.

Stay tuned.

Modular Rig Mock-up

ModularRig
Originally uploaded by felixinferious.

So this is the final mock-up / plan of my modular rig...the start of it anyway. I've already begun on the second case which will consist mostly of additional control voltage sources like sequencers, LFOs, slope generators / slew limiters / etc.

I'm stoked and can't wait to get started on it. I found a used Doepfer 100p case on ebay and that has saved a decent amount of $. It will still take ~4 months to complete based on my current budget. I need to wait and see on some bills and of course taxes to see exactly how much expendable income I have currently. I'm committed to it though...I can't wait.

Stay tuned for more info as I build the system.

two words

modular synth. It was bound to happen.

I must say that I do miss many aspects of the Nord G2 now that it is gone and while I love my voyager, I keep wishing I could do more when I'm working on patches...plus I have this thing for patch cords...

Plan B, Livewire, Doepfer all on the way in the next few months. I'll be spreading it out for obvious cost reasons, however, I should have enough to make sounds after two months.

I of course plan to journal the process here. Stay tuned.

Scrotum Smasher

So yeah, I know it's been a while and it's because I've been busy.

I've picked up (and unloaded) some gear recently and just wanted to show off my latest pride and joy, the Metasonix TM-7 Scrotum Smasher - Robotspeak Edition.



He happily joins his fellow TM-1 Waveshaper and TM-6 Multimode Filter brothers in destroying anything that is fed into them...while simultaneously making it sound "frickin' sweet!".