MOTM-520 Cloud Generator VCO

elektro80 · Posted: Thu Sep 09, 2004 9:17 am Post subject: MOTM-520 Cloud Generator VCO

$399 assembled

The MOTM-520 is an entirely new concept in VCO design.

First, the module is NOT any sort of 'granular synthesis' device. This confusion is due to our use of the term 'Cloud'. But we really couldn't think of a more descriptive term, so that is what we call it.

The MOTM-520 contains 8 independent digital oscillators, each with Sine and Pulse outputs. The Sine outputs are very low distortion, less than 0.1%. The Square/Pulse waves can be PWM'd by an external control voltage or even audio. The sum of all 8 oscillators is routed to the SINE OUT and the SQR OUT jacks.

What makes the MOTM-520 generate what we call a 'Cloud' is by spreading apart the frequencies of 7 of the 8 oscillators (1 is the 'reference' pitch). This detuning can be manually adjusted using the SPREAD control, or with an external source (such as a LFO or EG). The WIDE/NARROW switch sets the overall frequency spread (NARROW = 1 semitone, WIDE = 1 octave). The module behaves just like any other 1V/Oct VCO, with standard COARSE, FINE and FM controls and inputs. The difference is that in a 2U space, you have 8 oscillators with no drift or calibration issues. Using SPREAD and SPREAD MODULATION, you can still get huge monophonic leads and interesting wooden percussive sounds. Want to sound like a drifty Minimoog? Just use the SLOW output of a MOTM-101 into the SPREAD MOD input. Each oscillator will spread up or down in different sensitivities, and in different directions. All of this creates the most massive bass and lead lines, all in a single VCO module.

But we were not content to stop there. You can ALSO independently modulate the relative phase of each oscillator to the reference. This is the PHASE MOD input. Using a slow sine LFO (like the MOTM-390), you can get wonderful phasing effects independent of the spread detuning.

And then we went overboard and added one more 'modulation': CHAOS. What does CHAOS do? Well, it is set by either the panel control or by a control voltage. As CHAOS is increased, the frequency SPREAD starts...errrr...acting 'funny'. There are 4 different algorithms used, and each one is wilder and wilder. I'm not sure how musically useful CHAOS is, but it's there for your enjoyment.

The MOTM-520 uses SMT technology, a 40Mhz PIC processor, a 16-bit 200Khz A/D converter, and 8 digital oscillators to provide the most unique VCO on the market today. NOTE: This module requires a MOTM-950 or other source of +5V, 200ma power in order to operate.

http://www.synthtech.com/

elektro80 · Posted: Fri Sep 10, 2004 4:22 am Post subject:

Hmm... this can probably be patched together in the NM1 too? Or the G2?

mosc · Posted: Fri Sep 10, 2004 8:29 am Post subject:

Interesting. I think you are right about Nord Modular patcher trying this out. We'll see...

elektro80 · Posted: Fri Sep 10, 2004 10:37 am Post subject:

There are so many insanely cool and silly analog synth modules around these days. Cool

mosc · Posted: Fri Sep 10, 2004 4:34 pm Post subject:

Ian just posted a G2 realization here http://electro-music.com/forum/topic-3407.html

g2-cloud.jpg

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Ian Sayer's G2 patch of the Cloud Osc...

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elektro80 · Posted: Fri Sep 10, 2004 4:37 pm Post subject:

How does it sound?

ian-s · Posted: Fri Sep 10, 2004 4:52 pm Post subject:

Sounds like unison mode on a typical polysynth. The ability to sweep the detune spread with an EG or LFO is a little interesting.

elektro80 · Posted: Fri Sep 10, 2004 5:05 pm Post subject:

Aha.. yes.. as advertised in the 520 product blurb. Hmm... will we get sued for having pirated their module? As free sofwtare download? Eeeeeeeeeeek! Shocked

Just kidding!

Well done!