Modal announces New Smaller Super Synth! The 001!

Posted on April 14, 2015 by flux302

BRISTOL, UK: breakthrough British electronic musical instruments manufacturer Modal Electronics is proud to present 001, an analogue/digital hybrid synthesiser that the (synth) world has been waiting and asking for, featuring two discrete voices from its high-flying, highly-specified 002 super-synth in a more cost-effective, compact form factor, and representing the first of three new ‘numerical’ products that it is simultaneously showcasing at Musikmesse 2015, April 15-18 in Frankfurt, Germany…

All three of these new synthesisers share the OS (Operating System) common to 002, so speed of development is now rapidly accelerating. Amazingly, within mere months of 002 taking the synth world by storm at the time of its July 2014 launch, then turning heads and opening ears at The NAMM Show 2015, January 22-15, in Anaheim, California, today’s amazing announcement — after all, no other synthesiser manufacturer has delivered such a diverse range of cutting-edge instruments in less than a year — coincides with Modal Electronics experiencing rapid growth, establishing a growing global network of authorised dealers while expanding its home-grown talented team by hiring some of the most brilliant (synth design) minds in the UK.

Who better to formally introduce 001, then, than one of the most brilliant synth design minds in the UK — Modal Electronics co-founder and Director Paul Maddox: “While we were elated by the worldwide reaction to 002, we were also aware that, for some, 002 was out of their reach. Also, in many modern music styles, a full 12 notes of polyphony isn’t always required. We’ve had a passion for monosynths for years — ever since creating the Monowave, but with 001 we wanted to create an outstanding performance instrument with sonic abilities to keep its users creative for many years to come. Through some innovative design work, we have managed to squeeze not one, but two discrete voices from 002, making it a truly duophonic — not a paraphonic — instrument.”

It is that… and much more besides, more like. Unlike other instrument designs that claim to be two-voice affairs, 001 is, indeed, a true two-part multitimbral, duophonic synthesiser. Simply speaking, it takes the power and flexibility of 002 to deliver two, fully-featured 002 voices in a compact casing that feels as good to the touch as the good looks that it inherits from its bigger-sized sibling. Speaking of which, its FATAR TP/9 three-octave, velocity-sensitive key mechanism with aftertouch is a joy to play — just like the five-octave version found on 002. Many modern music styles may not necessarily need 12-note polyphony, but make no mistake: 001 is a synth soloist’s dream machine… and a sound designer’s dream come true!

Taking a technical trip beneath its beautifully-designed bonnet, each of those two voices has two 002 NCOs (Numerically-Controlled Oscillators) — Osc1 and Osc2, combining to enable exceptionally high resolution and stability with wide-ranging waveform selections — with two 002 sub-oscillators, each capable of following those primary NCOs to effectively enable four oscillators per voice. Thereafter, the true pure analogue ladder VCF (Voltage-Controlled Filter) features Modal Electronics’ unique filter Slope mode, making hardware morphing of the filter through a range of modes a breeze to work with and delight to listen to. Thanks to Modal Electronics’ impressively innovative OS with the same 4.3-inch full-colour, context-sensitive display to die for found on the 002, Modal Electronics’ proprietary Animator allows for monumental modulation flexibility, bringing 12 animated ‘rows’ of parameter sequencing into productive play. Speaking of sequencing, the onboard Sequencer supplies two tracks of 32 steps, each with up to 12 notes/parameters, providing polyphonic part playback.

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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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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

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

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!

How to Synth DIY part 5 PT2399 Delay Dev board!

Posted on January 24, 2015 by flux302

Part 5 The PT2399 DEV DELAY KIT

This circuit is actually very very simple to assemble and shouldn’t really take you more than a half hour tops to build.

It comprises of a board with pads for a few knobs and jacks, as well as a few extra parts so that you can play around and add modifications to the circuit. The PT2399 is a chip that is found in MANY guitar delay pedals. It is a digital chip that emulates the analog bucket brigade. As delay times get longer, the audio degrades. This can be used to great effect when you start to play with long delay times and feedback.

In this video I build the PT2399 Dev board, I do not show me building in any mods. The reason for this is I want you to feel free to experiment with the board. you won’t harm the chip its quite robust and is great fun to play with “circuit bending” it. just basically wire up a momentary switch (included with the kit) and touch the leads to any two points you find interested (by poking a piece of wire around you may find the chip behavior act interesting). For the final circuit I went with the suggested Feedblast the warp and the feedback as pictured below.

instructions for these mods can be found HERE https://www.synthrotek.com/kit-assembly-instructions/other/pt2399-dev-delay-assembly-instructions/

The kit only costs : $30 so… hard to beat for a funky ass delay right?

Check the video and have fun!

How to Synth DIY part 4 ANYONE can Build the 555 LFO!

Posted on January 11, 2015 by flux302

Yes thats right! Anyone can build the 555 timer LFO… and to prove it, I let my 8 year old daughter do it! This was Elly’s first time soldering and she enjoyed it immensely (even with a minor mishap!) If she can jump on the Synth DIY horse, SO CAN YOU!

The 555 Timer Oscillator from Synthrotek will be a modulation source for our upcoming Delay Dev kit circuit. (and other circuits as we will keep this modular!)

the Idea is to use this to modulate the rate of the delay board.

For this project, we won’t be hooking up power just yet as I plan on daisy chaining the power off of another circuit first.

we also will not solder on the attenuator just yet as we will be using wire so that we can place the board more efficiently inside of the case. You can buy the 555 Timer LFO HERE—> Synthrotek Store it’s only $15.

This series is supported by

and from sales of My Sound libraries at