electro-music.com   Dedicated to experimental electro-acoustic
and electronic music
 
    Front Page  |  Radio
 |  Media  |  Forum  |  Wiki  |  Links
Forum with support of Syndicator RSS
 FAQFAQ   CalendarCalendar   SearchSearch   MemberlistMemberlist   UsergroupsUsergroups   LinksLinks
 RegisterRegister   ProfileProfile   Log in to check your private messagesLog in to check your private messages   Log inLog in  Chat RoomChat Room 
go to the radio page Live at electro-music.com radio 1 Please visit the chat
poster
 Forum index » DIY Hardware and Software
Module Selection
Post new topic   Reply to topic Moderators: jksuperstar, Scott Stites, Uncle Krunkus
Page 1 of 1 [14 Posts]
View unread posts
View new posts in the last week
Mark the topic unread :: View previous topic :: View next topic
Author Message
creatorlars



Joined: Nov 26, 2007
Posts: 524
Location: Denton, TX
Audio files: 4

PostPosted: Wed May 07, 2008 2:46 pm    Post subject: Module Selection
Subject description: Your advice?
Reply with quote  Mark this post and the followings unread

Mainly I'm just talking at myself here, but I thought some of you may have some suggestions. My modular is officially entering "Phase II" now that i have most of the "basics" covered.

The focus/workflow here is primarily 1) rhythm sequencing and drum synthesis/processing, 2) experimental external vocal signal processing, and 3) a flexible monosynth for "wackier" synth leads and basslines.

Here are the modules I have completed so far:

    808 Bass Drum (decay/tuning/sweep mods)
    808 Snare Drum (tuning/filter mods)
    808 Clap (filter/offset mods)
    808 Cowbell (tuning mods)
    Thomas Henry UD-1 Drum Voice
    Thomas Henry Clangora Percussion Synthesizer
    CGS Cynare Drum Synthesizer
    Scott Bernardi VC Delay/Echo
    MFOS VCO
    MFOS VCLFO
    2x MFOS ADSR Envelope Generator
    2x Renee Schmitz MS20 Filter (HP/BP/LP)
    2x CGS VCA (each w/4 attenuated inputs)
    CGS V8 Simulator
    2x Pedal-to-CV interface (DIY)


Here are the modules I have on the bench:

    MFOS Phase Shifter
    Seb Francis' Box-O-Trix
    Digisound 80 External Input (Envelope Follower/Gate Generator)
    Arp 4075 LPFA Clone
    Ian Fritz Dual S&H/Threshold Gate
    Bridechamber Dual Glide


And here are the modules in my "considering to build list":

    Thomas Henry XR2206 VCO/VCLFO
    Warp633 Multiplier/Divider
    CGS Burst Generator
    CGS Pulse Divider
    CGS Wave Multipliers
    Digisound 80 Quad LFO
    Digisound 80 CV Processor
    More 808 voices
    More mixers/multiples
    Some scaled back Dual EGs/VCAs
    More interesting filters
    Some kind of pitch-to-CV converter


For a sequencer I use my Midibox SEQ3 -- although I am considering building the MB808 version. I also have a Tapco 4400 Stereo Spring Reverb Unit -- it has separate 4-band EQ's on each channel, so modding it for CV ins might be cool? I'm going to incorporate my rackmount Ensoniq Mirage sampler as well -- I know it uses CEM chips for the analogue filters, so I suppose some CV mod potential exists there as well.

Anyway, does it seem like I'm missing out on something important here? My DIY modular is the only modular I've ever seen/touched in my life, so I don't have anywhere local I can go to, to try out different options.

What would be your suggestions to augment my list of already built modules, for the purposes listed at the top of the post?

Thanks--
Lars
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Visit poster's website AIM Address
widdly



Joined: Jun 25, 2007
Posts: 268
Location: singapore
G2 patch files: 2

PostPosted: Wed May 07, 2008 8:12 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote  Mark this post and the followings unread

I can't see a noise source in your list. Pretty simple to build on perf and good for percussive type stuff.

Some more VCO's.

Some buchla Low pass gates.

Last edited by widdly on Thu Aug 05, 2010 10:12 pm; edited 1 time in total
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message
andrewF



Joined: Dec 29, 2006
Posts: 1176
Location: australia
Audio files: 4

PostPosted: Wed May 07, 2008 8:18 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote  Mark this post and the followings unread

widdly wrote:

Some more VCO's.


that was my first thought Smile

everyone will have a different opinion, but if it were me, i'd want more EGs too....lots more!
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Visit poster's website
Funky40



Joined: Sep 24, 2005
Posts: 875
Location: Swiss
Audio files: 1
G2 patch files: 5

PostPosted: Wed May 07, 2008 11:31 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote  Mark this post and the followings unread

Steiner Filter: It's nice to turn any kind of sound into noise. ( beside that i like it very much as a Filter )
I double or triple it: LPGs, VCOs, Envelops, and Noise
BBDs are also very cool for Drum and Perc stuff.
We need a DIY BBD, not ?


@Creatorlars
dou you have schematics or PCB layouts for the 808 stuff ? (mainly the BD )
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message
zthee



Joined: Feb 20, 2008
Posts: 414
Location: Stockholm

PostPosted: Wed May 07, 2008 11:49 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote  Mark this post and the followings unread

Funky40 wrote:
@Creatorlars
dou you have schematics or PCB layouts for the 808 stuff ? (mainly the BD )


You can find PCB and stuff here:
http://xlargex.xl.funpic.de/mainframe.php?color=blue&m_t=projects_menu&c_t=projects_content&menu_id=4&content_id=9

The BD: http://xlargex.xl.funpic.de/projects/808/docs/808bdV1.0.pdf

I've got one of those on my table right now. Since I haven't completed it I really can't recommend it.. But I hope it does the job!
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message
creatorlars



Joined: Nov 26, 2007
Posts: 524
Location: Denton, TX
Audio files: 4

PostPosted: Wed May 07, 2008 11:57 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote  Mark this post and the followings unread

Tell me more about what the low pass gates are used for typically?

Good advice about the Steiner filter -- I really like the one in the Cynare. Any other percussion-applicable filter suggestions are definitely welcome... I know I need more than the MS20's.

I really, really want some BBDs for sure -- my PT2399 delay is cool, and I've modded it out a bit, but I like BBD-based fx better... I thought about taking some guitar FX circuits and trying to add voltage control to them.

I definitely want more EG's... I have up to 48 trigger outputs from my sequencer that i'm hardwiring to all the modules with trigger inputs, having EGs controlling filters/fx, and being sequenced along with the drum patterns themselves, opens up a ton of potential... I expect EGs+Filters/VC fx to be the core of my "drum processing" workflow.

Any reccomendations on VCOs? I figured the XR VCO's would be good, because of the LFO mode switch and more potential for different waveform complexity w/out requiring the use of a mixer module.

What EGs are good for this type of setup? I like my MFOS ADSR's but I'm guessing I should add more variety instead of adding another two of those.
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Visit poster's website AIM Address
creatorlars



Joined: Nov 26, 2007
Posts: 524
Location: Denton, TX
Audio files: 4

PostPosted: Thu May 08, 2008 12:01 am    Post subject: Reply with quote  Mark this post and the followings unread

That's the layout for the 808 BD I used and it works great. Just make sure you're sending a constant voltage to the accent input. (Currently mine is just connected to +15v.)

There is an error in the 808 Snare PCB -- make sure the op-amp on the right side is connected to +15/-15v power correctly and it should work fine.

I built the noise source and schmitt trigger circuits on perfboard and they work great.

The clap PCB layout/schematics have a reversed capacitor. Go to www.eight-oh-eight.org and check out the assembly notes for info on how to fix that, and also how to make the noise source sound a lot better.
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Visit poster's website AIM Address
creatorlars



Joined: Nov 26, 2007
Posts: 524
Location: Denton, TX
Audio files: 4

PostPosted: Thu May 08, 2008 12:09 am    Post subject: Reply with quote  Mark this post and the followings unread

Here's a quick soundclip from some testing I did a couple nights ago. 808 BD/SD/CB and MFOS VCO+MS20 filter. Processed by my Orban 418A compressor, and then direct into my computer's audio interface.


orvillejam.mp3
 Description:

Download
 Filename:  orvillejam.mp3
 Filesize:  673.53 KB
 Downloaded:  1037 Time(s)

Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Visit poster's website AIM Address
fonik



Joined: Jun 07, 2006
Posts: 3950
Location: Germany
Audio files: 23

PostPosted: Thu May 08, 2008 1:19 am    Post subject: Reply with quote  Mark this post and the followings unread

creatorlars wrote:
Tell me more about what the low pass gates are used for typically?

LPGs are vactrol controlled LPFs/VCAs. due to the slope time of vactrols IMO they sound nice on rhythmic patterns.
here's a sample i recently recorded. the LPGs is giving it the liquid touch:
http://electro-music.com/forum/download.php?id=12652

audiopath:
EFM dual VCO -> MFOS 12db VCOs (BP/HP) -> LPG -> fonitronik digiFX

klee controls (2x8, pattern, B-invert):
A -> VCO1, A+B -> VCO2
Gate 1 -> ADSR -> VCF
Gate 2 -> ADSR -> VCF
Master Gate -> LPG

the klee itself is controlled by a LFO. LFO is fed into divider as well and triggers a baby10 which controlls the footage of the patch.

_________________
Posted Image, might have been reduced in size. Click Image to view fullscreen.
cheers,
matthias
____________
Big Boss at fonitronik
Tech Buddy at Random*Source
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail Visit poster's website
Funky40



Joined: Sep 24, 2005
Posts: 875
Location: Swiss
Audio files: 1
G2 patch files: 5

PostPosted: Thu May 08, 2008 5:23 am    Post subject: Reply with quote  Mark this post and the followings unread

Thanks guys fot the 808 links Very Happy Very Happy


creatorlars wrote:
Any other percussion-applicable filter suggestions are definitely welcome....

take the Papareil Polivoksfilterclone !
this one and the Yusynth steiner together are the eviltwins and one of my secrets of my sound.
you don't need an EMS Synth if you have those two, as a sideeffect IMHO




percussive BBD groove
http://share.ovi.com/media/Funky40.modulardiary/Funky40.10044

Yusynth steiner, i think it was the first Day patching it.
listen to the noises i do:
http://funky40.podspot.de/post/6-steinklopfer2/


polivoksfilter ( with VCOs, = the common polivoks sound, but thgere si more ):
http://share.ovi.com/media/Funky40.modulardiary/Funky40.10030


Fonik LPGs in action
http://funky40.podspot.de/post/11-10minutes-modular-phun/
yeah, this one is it: LPGs, Yusynth steiner, Papareil polivoks ( no noise. i never patch noise ( exept to BBDs )



btw.: i gonna build a big Modulardrumcabinet only the next two years
again: thanks for the 808 links.
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message
creatorlars



Joined: Nov 26, 2007
Posts: 524
Location: Denton, TX
Audio files: 4

PostPosted: Thu May 08, 2008 9:08 am    Post subject: Reply with quote  Mark this post and the followings unread

Thanks for all the samples -- they were great!

I was looking at the Polivoks filter a couple days ago, actually -- your sound samples are great. So filtering options if I built both would give me:

2x MS20 Filters
Steiner Synthacon Filter
Polivoks Filter
Arp 4075 LPFA
+ Dual or Quad LPGs?

Does that sound like a pretty rounded out selection? Am I missing any "filter essentials" there?

The LPGs look/sound perfect! I had envisioned using VCAs+VCFs for this kind of dynamics processing, and this looks like I'm getting it in a much easier to build, specialized way... perfect VCAs for drum processing, which frees up my other two for other stuff.

Which PCB layout should I build from? I found the one on your site, fonik -- and also a Mark Verbos version at http://www.simple-answer.com/DIY.html. Any suggestions are appreciated. It looks like the Verbos version includes more IC's... I'm not sure what the differences are?

Any suggestions on BBD circuits? I loved your BBD sample, Funky. (Let me know if I can help with the 808 builds.) All my drum modules will probably go in their own cabinet (or repaneled as rackmount units) once i fill up my 36-space moog-sized cabinet. Building it all as modular as possible right now, so that I can take individual voices out to mod them when/if I have ideas.
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Visit poster's website AIM Address
Funky40



Joined: Sep 24, 2005
Posts: 875
Location: Swiss
Audio files: 1
G2 patch files: 5

PostPosted: Thu May 08, 2008 12:31 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote  Mark this post and the followings unread

my BBDs are Doepfer A-188-1.
For Drums the 256stage and 512 stage seems to be best.
Öhhmm, 256 stage for Drumprocessing, 512 stag for Drumsounds.
For percussive stuff both are great.
I don't know BBD circuits unfotunartely

You Filter selection looks good to me.
Beside the Polivoks and the Steiner my next often patched filter is the Yusynth ARP clone.
this gives a nice LP with good capabilitys for FM and playing with Resonance.
SSM Filters and Oberheim Filters are also very cool.
Fonik has a nice SSM, this has also lots of Gain and gives a very nice overdrive when cranked up.



4 LPGs are not to much.
you can use them to patch FM and filter FM thru them.
I just know the one from Fonik. This is built very fast.
But two ( single units) will be enough for very much things


yeah, i must ask you about all the Drummodules.
But i must first build my other stuff.
The Demos there sounds really great: must have


ohhh, you should build the polivoks with UA 776,
they are very hard to find.
Ask me in 2 or 3 ( or 4) month if you can't find one.
Maybe i can give you one.
In the meantime use the other ( LM4250 i think )
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message
creatorlars



Joined: Nov 26, 2007
Posts: 524
Location: Denton, TX
Audio files: 4

PostPosted: Thu May 08, 2008 2:12 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote  Mark this post and the followings unread

Cool.

Is there a DIY layout for the Polivoks filter available anywhere?
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Visit poster's website AIM Address
Funky40



Joined: Sep 24, 2005
Posts: 875
Location: Swiss
Audio files: 1
G2 patch files: 5

PostPosted: Thu May 08, 2008 4:24 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote  Mark this post and the followings unread

not that i know.
here are the schematics:
http://m.bareille.free.fr/modular1/vcf_polivoks/vcf_polivoks.htm
and you can get Boards from Marc.
But the Boards look simple , should be easy to draw one.
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message
Display posts from previous:   
Post new topic   Reply to topic Moderators: jksuperstar, Scott Stites, Uncle Krunkus
Page 1 of 1 [14 Posts]
View unread posts
View new posts in the last week
Mark the topic unread :: View previous topic :: View next topic
 Forum index » DIY Hardware and Software
Jump to:  

You cannot post new topics in this forum
You cannot reply to topics in this forum
You cannot edit your posts in this forum
You cannot delete your posts in this forum
You cannot vote in polls in this forum
You cannot attach files in this forum
You can download files in this forum


Forum with support of Syndicator RSS
Powered by phpBB © 2001, 2005 phpBB Group
Copyright © 2003 through 2009 by electro-music.com - Conditions Of Use