Pittsburgh Modular Double Helix VCO and new Lifeforms modules NAMM ’17

 

Designed to be the nucleus of a synthesizer, the Double Helix Oscillator is a modular waveform generator like no other. A set of beefy, analog oscillators paired with voltage controlled shape contouring, deep modulation and a performance-ready voltage controlled modulation matrix create a dynamic, analog waveform playground.

At the core of the Double Helix are two, wide-range precision oscillators. The primary oscillator includes a full complement of waveforms and multiple modulation options. The secondary oscillator offers a more focused set of waves and frequency modulation. Both oscillators reach deep into LFO range and can be used as voltage-controlled modulation sources.

The contour section of the Double Helix Oscillator features a highly tuned wavefolder paired with an exclusive dynamic impulse low pass gate. The contour signal chain starts with a two-channel mixer. This allows multiple waveforms or multiple oscillators to be combined before passing though the contour section. The first half of the contour section is a voltage-controlled, 6-stage wavefolder used to add odd harmonics to the incoming waveform. The timbre and timbre CV controls set the density and amplitude of the folds. When processing a sine wave, the wavefolder creates a spectral change from zero harmonics to square, with an infinite harmonic series.

The second half of the contour section is a dynamic impulse low pass gate. The effect of the low pass gate is similar to pairing a low pass filter and VCA together. As the dynamics control is opened, the filter adds harmonics and the VCA increases the amplitude of the waveform. As the dynamics control is closed, the filter removes harmonics and the VCA decreases the amplitude of the waveform. This pairing mimics how sound behaves in the real world creating a more naturally tonal response. The impulse input adds the ability to strike or ping the low pass gate circuit creating a very organic, percussive sound. The decay time of the impulse input is set by the dynamics response control allowing the strike to be tuned to a specific musical context.

The modulation section includes an LFO offering simultaneous sine, square, and random waveforms. A noise source is also available for audio or modulation use.

A pair of voltage-controlled routers manage all the CV inputs creating a dual, voltage controlled modulation matrix perfect for complex signal paths, experimentation, and live performance. The matrix consists of two voltage-controlled amplifiers designed to control the modulation amount inputs that can be routed to any of the Double Helix CV inputs. Each of the CV inputs can be switched to channel a, bypass, or channel b and mixed with a dedicated CV input.

Features

  • Panel size: 28hp
  • Depth: 37mm
  • Power Usage: +12v 223mA, -12v 205mA
  • Does not require +5v

Siglent SDS1202X Oscilloscope review for the Synth user

Siglent is a leader in the oscilloscope market. Both win affordability and features Siglent scopes continue to impress. This review I decided to show how these wonderful scopes can be used by audio professionals to better understand our gear and sounds. This particular scope is in their upper mid range segment with a absolutely stunning display. check out the video below for more details!. Head to Siglent to order one of these or their other scopes today! 

The SynthSummitShow Episode 15: Erogenous Tones

The Return of another SynthSummitShow episode is now here.

Here we talk with Rick Burnett of Erogenous Tones. Discussing his current line up of Eurorack Modular modules as well as his upcoming products as well. This live stream is chock full of great info so sit back and listen to the banter.

Live video Building the Synthrotek MST Dual Envelope eurorack module

This is a two part Live stream where I build the Synthrotek MST Dual Envelope kit. 

This kit is available from Synthrotek’s Store. You can grab this in kit form as seen here or as a completed module. 

The Stream is completely live and I take questions and discuss not just the process of building the module but we talk synths in general. so sit back, and enjoy.

Part 1

 Part 2

 

Audio damage Kompressor Eurorack effect module

The Audio Damage Kompressor is a digital true stereo compressor that can also work as a Mono with side chain input compressor. occupying only 6 hp, this compressor packs a big punch for its small size. RATIO is a scaled control. The first half of the rotation goes from 1:1 to 1:10, and from 12 o’clock to fully clockwise, it goes from 1:10 to 1:1000 (infinite). Gain can give you up to 30+db of additional gain along with a soft internal saturation emulating an analog circuit.

The Build quality feels very solid and the compression is really quite well controlled. I’ve been using it both as an final mix compressor and as a drum squashing beast as well.

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Available now for only $289

Arturia Announces DrumBrute analog drum machine

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Arturia has announced its first ever analog drum machine.

So what is the goal with this unit? What are my thoughts?

Here is what I can say, In my opinion this is what the roland TR8 should have been. an all analog drum machine with both step and real time recording that provides the booming sounds of the 808 and 909 (Plus many all new circuits) at an affordable price point and with individual outputs per voice. This isn’t Rhythm wolf low stripped down rushed out low quality, instead its a group of high quality drum circuits (take a look at the engineers credited in the manual) paired with an updated version of the beat step pro sequencer. This sequencer really has some cool tricks up its sleeve like ratcheting and timing shift per step. Think of that like swing on steroids. Random from the beat step pro also appears and to top it all off you have a global steiner parker filter to get your sweep on. Everything syncs via modular clock or midi clock so you can pair it nicely with your modular… yep you can clock it from your modular or have it clock your modular!. 

Another point of note is this drum machine has proper voicing… what I mean by that is the Snare and clap actually punch through a mix unlike many of recent analog drum machine releases in the lower price range… these snares actually crack hard! couple that with some 808 and 909 inspired (and also improved) designs for the kick and you have a pretty powerful unit. 

The reverse cymbal is a new sound not yet heard in an all analog drum machine, and the tambourine and shaker sounds are really impressive (not just ho hum pass over sounds like on many other drum machines). Over all at this price point I am very excited to see an all analog drum machine. Hope to have a review unit soon!

 

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Below is the official Press release:

Arturia are excited to announce the arrival of DrumBrute – a 100% analog drum machine & sequencer designed with performance and in-depth sound editing at its heart.

The newest member of Arturia’s Brute family, DrumBrute is a powerful beat-making instrument that carries the savage DNA of the MicroBrute, MiniBrute, and MatrixBrute. 

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Fluxwithit live Knobcon 2016 coverage and more

What the hell is Knobcon?knobcon-overlay16

I heard its a cat owner convention

      Knobcon is an annual event now in its fifth year dedicated to synthesizers. A heavily modular skewed show, this inherently means there will be cat pictures shared and discussed. I will not be covering any pets during this show. I will however be covering all that is synthesizers and the people who make them. Live from the convention floor I will be checking out all the latest gear from the top synth manufacturers around.

     Each year Knobcon seems to grow exponentially. This year looks to be no different as it will be over 72 companies displaying through 2 and a half days. Boutique manufacturers tend to have the run of the lot but this year we are expecting to see some larger name brands in attendance as well. Every thing from Eurorack Modular synths to guitar effect pedals to full sized keyboard synthesizers will be on show.

      So what is Fluxwithit doing at knobcon aside from just gawking at synthesizers?  Well I will be in attendance live streaming much of the event as well as speaking to the convention goers in a number of capacities. In addition to the on the floor antics I will be apart of a live broadcast of the BeatPPL podcast direct from the convention on Saturday, as well as a very special SynthSummitShow on Sunday from 4-5pm (chicagoland timezone so get your mind right people that means 3-4pm eastern).

In addition to these shows and coverage of knobcon I will be giving out coupon codes to the New Fluxwithit.com shop! so make sure you are on point and click the link above for the shop!