Pittsburgh Modular makes modular effects pedals possible!

Posted on April 14, 2015 by flux302

Pittsburgh Modular makes modular effects pedals dream come true at Musikmesse 2015

PITTSBURGH, PA, USA: modern, fully-patchable, modular synthesizers and accessories manufacturer Pittsburgh Modular is proud to launch its Patch Box line of modular effects pedals — redefining both modular synthesis and the venerable stomp box by creating unique patchable effects units for guitarists and keyboardists — at Musikmesse 2015, January 15-18 in Frankfurt, Germany…

In a seismic shift in the definition of what a modular synthesizer can be, Pittsburgh Modular’s Patch Box redefines modular synthesis around the venerable stomp box by creating a monster performance device for guitarists and keyboardists alike — a patchable, modular system designed to handle anything. As a playground for unrestricted creativity, the Patch Box is a fully-patchable, customisable performance pedal enclosure. Its open architecture allows users to create unique effects unattainable with standard, fixed-signal path guitar effects. The Patch Box is not just another empty Eurorack case, however. Rather it can be packed to the gills with the functionality of (up to) five highly-tuned modules integrated into a heavy-duty steel enclosure that’s as road-ready as it is ready to use.

To protect the tone of user instruments, thoughtfully the Patch Box features a true BYPASS and a unique preamp with extremely high headroom in addition to a pair of fully-buffered outputs. Custom-engineered soft-limiting circuitry built into the preamp adds character without unwanted noise at higher gain settings. Said preamp has dual, buffered outputs to allow for complex signal routing, but for patching a single modulation or audio source into two destinations, the patchable signal splitter is a perfect solution. Also known as a MULTIPLE, the signal splitter has one input and two outputs, allowing any signal to be routed to two destinations.

Dual, assignable expression pedal INPUTS allow the Patch Box to easily integrate third-party expression pedals anywhere into the signal path to allow for realtime foot control of any voltage-controllable parameter or split the signal from the foot controller to control two parameters at once. Dual, assignable A/B foot switches — SWITCH 1 and SWITCH 2 — expand signal routing options. Perfect for use as on/off switches or to flip between two signals, the foot switches can be patched up to enable/disable individual modules or route audio and control voltages. Try patching a modulation source, such as an LFO (Low Frequency Oscillator) or external expression pedal, through the foot switch to enable or disable the modulation while playing. Patch the outputs of two effects into one of the foot switches to bounce between effects. With two independent, patchable foot switches to play with, there are countless options for realtime signal routing. The last stage of the Patch Box signal path is a master OUTPUT level control. Adjust the output signal level to connect with a wide range of devices.

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Waldorf Slickly Announces New iOS Drum Synth App!

Posted on April 14, 2015 by flux302

Waldorf CEO

Stefan Stenzel has recently uploaded a track on Soundcloud titled “All I am is Digital”

The Track appears to be the first sonic demo of the NEW Waldorf iOS drum synth app “ATTACK Drums” from the tunes it looks to be very promising. there is also a screenshot of the start up screen similar to NAVE’s start up screen. Here is the description on sound cloud

“Song made entirely in a preliminary version of Waldorf Attack Drums App for iOS. In case you hear vocals, these are synthesised using the built-in Phrase Vocoder – a novel Vocoder that uses written text instead of spoken words as modulator.” … check it out here. https://www.waldorf-music.info/attack-drums-overview

Specifications

24 different sounds
4 independent insert effects with
Delay
EQ
Drive
Phaser
Flanger
Chorus
Phrase Vocoder – a novel vocoder controlled by written text
Algorithmic reverb as send from every single effect channel or directly from sound
Compressor for the output sum
16-step pattern sequencer
Fractional track/step timing
Polyphonic steps
Audiobus support
Inter App Audio support
Core MIDI support
Export song to audio file
Dynamic voice allocation
compatible with iPad 3 (Retina), iPad mini (1,2,3), iPad Air (1,2)
Minimum iOS 7.0 required
Content control via iTunes
Trigger pads
Mixer
Recording
Shipping 2 quarter of 2015

Synthrotek / MST ’07 Buffered Multiple

Posted on April 9, 2015 by flux302

Buy it HERE!

The MST ‘07 Buffered Multiple is a PRECISION buffered mult that is perfect for for 1V/O CV sources. A signal plugged into Input 1 will be available from all 14 outputs. Break the chain by adding a second signal into input 2; signal 1 comes out 4 outputs and signal 2 is available at the remaining 10. Plug in as many as 4 inputs, each split 3 or 4 times. What you put in you GET OUT!

Features:

4 Channels

Channels 1 and 2 are 1 to 4

Channels 3 and 4 are 1 to 3

Cascaded inputs: CH 1—>CH 2—>CH 3—>CH 4

Specifications:

Current draw: V+ max 23.3mA, V- max 23.1mA

Depth: 1.5 inches

Width: 9HP

Signal By Output is released

Posted on March 31, 2015 by flux302

Signal by Output

Output, a relative new comer to the virtual instrument market continues to make waves. Today they announced Signal. This is the second product (REV was the first offering from them and was very well received) offering from the new developer and looks to impress.

Signal offers up a compelling way to create pulsing rhythmic sounds while combining fat analog, shimmering digital synths and beautiful acoustic instrument sources. These sources are deeply integrated with powerful sequencing and LFO modulations. All of this is controlled through a clever GUI that is very pleasing on the eyes and inspiring. The macro controls and fast browsing experience looks to really enhance workflow.

I am looking forward to doing a full review on this product in the near future. Until then I’ll hold you over with these gorgeous shots and this nice video

500 Pulse Instruments for instant playability
A massive array of content
40GB including analog synths, digital synths and organic instruments
Up to 4 separate pulses at one time
All pulses lock to tempo
Rhythms: Looper, Step Sequencers, Arpeggiators, LFOs
4 central MACRO sliders unique to each of the 500 Pulse Instruments

Signal is available for $199 NOW

Vince Clarke Makes a splash in Eurorack with High quality Tuning modules

Posted on March 20, 2015 by flux302

Vince Clarke keeps tuneful tracks tuned with namesake clever CV/Gate tuning system

BROOKLYN, NY, USA: synth-pop Svengali Vince Clarke is proud to announce that he will be releasing a series of creative and utilitarian modules for the ever-present Eurorack small-format modular system under the namesake Clarke company name, designed and built to exacting standards in close collaboration with British ‘boutique’ analogue synthesiser and accessory designer/manufacturer Analogue Solutions, starting with the now-available Auto Tune — a self-contained, expandable Eurorack-compatible MIDI-to-CV converter/calibration system offering an uncomplicated solution to the problems of tuning and scaling both vintage analogue synthesisers and modern Eurorack VCO (Voltage Controlled Oscillator) modules — as of March 18…

So why simultaneously sidestep into this creative and utilitarian synthesiser module manufacturing (ad)venture alongside superlative synth-pop music compositional creativity? Who better qualified to address this than the Ivor Novello Award-winning songwriter himself… hardly surprising, really, since Vince Clarke can, of course, comfortably find his way around a notable number of synthesisers, too, as attested to by the well-earned songwriting success-funded collection of analogue classics currently residing at his NYC studio, relatively recently relocated from a custom-built cabin in rural Maine to inner-city Brooklyn. But this is no millionaire’s museum piece, but rather a unique personal workspace, where each and every awe-inspiring analogue instrument included in his sizeable collection of vintage and modern synthesisers comfortably housed within regularly earns its keep on a variety of musical projects, be they synth-pop based or otherwise. “For those of you who work with synthesisers using CV and Gate, you will all be aware of the problems of calibration,” notes Vince Clarke, continuing: “Having tried many a cumbersome software-based package over the years, I wondered if there might be a neater solution — a kind of all-in-one MIDI-to-CV convertor with auto-calibration.”

And, as if by musical magic, the collaborative Clarke company concept was born. And with it the first of those creative and utilitarian modules for the ever-present Eurorack small-format modular system that is increasingly popularised (and heavily populated) by an ever-growing band of merry ‘boutique’ manufacturers now numbering hundreds worldwide… welcome into the world Clarke’s clever Auto Tune system! So, let’s learn a little more about what it is, what it does, and how, exactly, it does it…

In a nutshell, then, the Auto Tune system consists of a VCM20 master module, which can control up to 16 VCS20 slave modules, each of which provides one channel of CV (Control Voltage) and Gate. With 16-bit voltage resolution and a tune time of 10 seconds, this straightforward system can compensate for VCO alignment issues and environmental factors that cause tuning drift quite literally at the push of a button!

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HexInverter.net Midi2CV Eurorack Module keeps Maschine in sync

Posted on March 17, 2015 by flux302

Available as a kit or completed module this sucker is deep with features.check it out at Hexinverter.net

The ACXsynth MIDI2CV Eurorack module is an 8HP, 4 channel CV/Gate interface with a robust feature set you can build yourself!

The original circuit and firmware were designed by the talented Alain Coupel of ACXsynth. His design is used here with permission. Dmitry, a forum member, took it upon himself to update the firmware with a slew of new and exciting features!

FEATURES

12bit DACs with high quality Intersil opamps for great CV accuracy
Monophonic mode offers full control of one voice (mod, pitch wheel, etc.) as well as sequencer control (start/stop, reset, sync)
Split and duophonic modes accessible through advanced features
Sync output emits MIDI clock pulses for driving sequencers
MIDI channel auto-learn at startup means no configuration if only basic functionality is desired

Arturia KeyLab 49 Producer pack review

Posted on February 25, 2015 by flux302

The KeyLab 49 has been high on my list of potential purchases for a while. I was not fully satisfied with the current controller keyboard I was using, but I also was having trouble finding a controller with the specs I wanted. When I first came across the KeyLab 49 my initial impression was that I really liked the metal casing, the smooth turning knobs, the beautiful blue LED scheme and the layout. I was admittedly a little worried that the light synth action of the key bed would turn me off (being used to a much stiffer controller) however this proved to be unsubstantiated. I found myself very much enjoying the keys over the past 2 months that I have spent with the board.

A few items that really stand out for me are the wonderful faders. It may seem like a small item but they really are a joy to use when sculpting synth ADSR settings. I also found my self enjoying the ability to quickly browse presets from the controllers preset and category knobs. The included software really illustrates how far Arturia has come in the past few years. While All the sounds in the Analog lab software are certainly usable, I did find that the newer offerings (SEMV) compared to older offerings (ModularV) show a much higher sonic quality (listen to a filter sweep between the two and you will hear a marked improvement in the new software).

The vast number of Presets make it a real joy to quickly and easily find what you are looking for. I had no troubles with the software stability I also found it utilized the controller very well. Continue reading →

How To Synth DIY project part 6 Chaos NAND , Delay etc

Posted on February 25, 2015 by flux302

Now that the Circuits have all been Built. we can wire them all together. This is really quite straight forward. Simply wire everything in parallel. This means that the power wiring for each module goes directly back to the source. This allows us to not have voltage drop across each component.

make sure to leave plenty of extra wire so that you can place knobs and connectors where ever you want in your enclosure.

I will return shortly to show how everything is mounted in the case and give it a nice run through!