Trigger Riot

The Trigger Riot is one of three new sequencers from Gur at Tiptop Audio. If you read this blog you know I am really enjoying the TTA drum modules. Very simply you hook some modules to the Riot and as you change knob positions you get different patterns of all sorts. I’ll be getting this one for sure.

“From a conceptual view, the Trigger Riot generates 16 clock streams consisting of multiple time manipulation functions (division, offsets, etc) that interact to create the trigger output, and direct access to each parameter via individual knobs allows for quick manipulation. The 8 outputs are the sum of those manipulated streams per row. The outputs of the module are arranged as either a 4×4 matrix, where each of the 16 knobs affects both row and column, or as a set of independent outputs for each row or column. This allows forming 8 complex musical interactions in a ‘Matrix’ mode or 8 independent streams in ‘Independent’ mode and is switchable from one to the other on press of a button for some unexpected results. Since each of the 16 knobs represents a real time tweakable trigger generator/modifier the Trigger Riot is extremely playable and can result very complex patterns with only few knob turns; patterns that would otherwise take much longer and in some instances be almost impossible to produce using grid based step sequencing. Patterns can have unique time signatures that can repeat or be randomized through probability, time shifted and phased, divided, multiplied and counted, it’s unbelievable how complex this module can get with minimal input.” – Gur (Tiptop Audio)

For more info: tiptopaudio.com and muffwiggler.com/viewtopic…

This entry was written by Oliver Chesler, posted on January 27, 2013 at 7:36 am, filed under drum machine, modular, synthesizer and tagged , , , , , , , . Leave a comment or view the discussion at the permalink and follow any comments with the RSS feed for this post.



Pittsburgh Modular Cell

Richard Nicol’s Eurorack modular synth company Pittsburgh Modular has released some great stuff this year at NAMM. To start off there is Cell which is a very inexpensive complete synth voice. From there everything grows into multiple systems. Some 48HP some 90HP. The systems are well thought out such as the System 2 which focuses on sequencing and effects. What also has me really excited are the new cases which are inexpensive and look great with nice wood ends and can be built vertically. Every studio should have 90HP of Eurorack sitting in between their computer monitor and keyboard angled toward them!

“Two complete synthesizer product lines and a pair of desktop eurorack case and power supplies.” – pittsburghmodular.com

For more info: pittsburghmodular.com

This entry was written by Oliver Chesler, posted on January 26, 2013 at 7:35 am, filed under modular, synthesizer and tagged , , , , , . Leave a comment or view the discussion at the permalink and follow any comments with the RSS feed for this post.



Magnetic Table

How wicked is is magnet table CV controller?

“Here is a demonstration of a CV controller that I built. It is a simple pendulum with a magnet at the end. The magnets on the table can be moved and can either repel or attract the pendulum.” – artoftravelogue.blogspot.com

For more info: artoftravelogue.blogspot.com/magnetic-table-cv-controller

via Tom Whitwell

This entry was written by Oliver Chesler, posted on January 25, 2013 at 9:59 am, filed under modular, synthesizer and tagged , , , . Leave a comment or view the discussion at the permalink and follow any comments with the RSS feed for this post.



Buchla Documentary

A Don Buchla documentary is in the works and soon there will be a Kickstarter to help fund the project. I’ve been really enjoying my Make Noise modules which have parts inspired by Buchla design. Recently Buchla, the company went through some changes and we may see some lower cost Buchla products. Another random Buchla thought is that the Buchla Skylab is in my top 5 most beautiful synths of all time. I’m looking forward to seeing this film and learning more about Don.

“A promotional video for a film we’re trying to make about Don Buchla. We’re going to be Kickstarting this film within a month or two. If you’re interested in helping us, please contact us at connie@clarityfilms.org, or check back here for details as they arrive! Make a tax deductible donation to help fund the film.” – clarityfilms.org/purchase

For more info: clarityfilms.org/purchase

This entry was written by Oliver Chesler, posted on January 15, 2013 at 6:13 am, filed under modular, synthesizer and tagged , , , . Leave a comment or view the discussion at the permalink and follow any comments with the RSS feed for this post.



Tiptop Audio HATS909

For years nothing beat having a real Roland TR-909 or 808. Today I would say the Tiptop Audio modules are even better. Just listen to the Tiptop 909 high hats with some Synthesis Technology E355 LFO destroying them on and off. Such pleasure for someone like me.

The HATS909 is the TR-909′s original Closed and Open Hi-Hats circuits adapted for use in Eurorack modular synthesizer format and was tested to sound like a machine coming fresh off the assembly line back in the 80′s. Improving on the original, we have added some great new features that expand the sound palette of hats that can be produced with this small, powerful module. The original TR-909 circuit is made with a combination of low-fi 6-bit samples that pass through a series of analog elements to provide envelope and filtering to the source sound. The HATS909 module allows for manual and voltage control of the sample’s tuning, which provide anything from crushed hats and short ticks to the original sound and anything in between. A modulation with external control signals or for adding AM or FM synthesis in the audio range from external oscillators, other drum sounds, or just about any sound source. HATS909 also offers a switch for a direct tap to the output of the original sample, bypassing all other internal analog processing, giving you the pure source sound for synthesis any way you want with your own modules.” – ctrl-mod.com

For more info: tiptopaudio.com/ht909

This entry was written by Oliver Chesler, posted on January 8, 2013 at 12:50 pm, filed under drum machine, modular, synthesizer and tagged , , , , . Leave a comment or view the discussion at the permalink and follow any comments with the RSS feed for this post.



Eurorack Drums

My brother got me a Blue Lantern Asteroid BD for X-mas! Here’s two videos and a direct recording for you. It’s teamed up with some Tiptop Audio 808 modules and a Metasonix R-54. No other effects were used. Everything is being triggered by an Innerclock Sync-Gen IIls. I think they all sound fantastic!

“Introducing the new blue lantern modules analog drum kick. This design was sitting in my pc for over 2 years, and i am barely getting around to releasing it. Shame on me. This drum kick module can cover a good range of analog drum kick sounds. I included the essentials in bass drum control and sculpting. You can go from chi-town muddy drums to Detroit techno drums really easy. The key feature i included is that the decay will go long (almost infinite) when fully clockwise. there is a trimmer to adjust and fine tune the decay knob. I already calibrated for the best setting.” – Blue Lantern

For more info: ctrl-mod.com/blue-lantern-modules-asteroid-bd

This entry was written by Oliver Chesler, posted on January 4, 2013 at 5:26 am, filed under drum machine, modular, synthesizer and tagged , , , , , , . Leave a comment or view the discussion at the permalink and follow any comments with the RSS feed for this post.



Cynare

I’m really into Eurorack drum modules at the moment so I was excited to discover the Elby Designs CGS747 Cynare Drum Synthesizer. I really like that is has a full EG, VCF and VCA built-in. I’ve been using my AS Telemark for some slowly filtering white noise bursts but the Cynare should be able to cover that and free the Telemark up again for more synth duties. $337 USD.

“The CGS747 is one of a family of 3 CGS drum simulators from Ken Stone. It generates a single drum sound that can be adjusted to sound like a cymbal, hi-hat, snare drum, electronic drum, or numerous other percussive sounds. It is a complete dedicated synthesizer in its own right, including six oscillators, a noise source, a mixer, an envelope generator, a VCF and a VCA.” – elby-designs.com

For more info: elby-designs.com/Cynare_Drum_Simulator

photo credit: matrixsynth

This entry was written by Oliver Chesler, posted on December 28, 2012 at 7:06 am, filed under drum machine, modular, synthesizer and tagged , , , , , . Leave a comment or view the discussion at the permalink and follow any comments with the RSS feed for this post.



Modular Wild

Youtube if full of cats and synth demos. Raul Pena has a new Channel worth subscribing to called Modular Wild. In a short amount of time he’s posted 6 videos. He’s covering Eurorack synth modules.

“Video channel by Raul Pena about Eurorack Modular Synthesizers. Featuring demonstrations of individual modules, live patching demos,and overviews.” – modularwild

For more info: youtube.com/user/modularwild

This entry was written by Oliver Chesler, posted on December 8, 2012 at 11:26 am, filed under modular, synthesizer and tagged , , , , . Leave a comment or view the discussion at the permalink and follow any comments with the RSS feed for this post.



Tony Rolando Interview

Metrono.me has interviewed Anthony T. Rolando of Make Noise. Tony’s eurorack modules are considered to be some of if not the best and most interesting. There is some interesting stuff in the interview including news of a Make Noise Reverb module. Read the full interview here: metrono.me/makenoise.html

“The only thing I am seeking at the moment is a unique reverb algorithm to design a Make Noise reverberation module around. Tom Erbe and I are currently chatting about that one.” – Metrono.me

For more info: makenoisemusic.com

This entry was written by Oliver Chesler, posted on December 4, 2012 at 4:28 am, filed under interviews, modular, synthesizer and tagged , , , , , . Leave a comment or view the discussion at the permalink and follow any comments with the RSS feed for this post.



Doepfer A-101-3 Phaser

Check out the above videos of the Doepfer A-101-3 Phaser. I’m not going to pretend that I understand how it works or even how to patch it. It sounds pretty sick though. $425 USD.

“Module A-101-3 is a 12 stage phase shifter with vactrols as phase shifting elements. Our design offers access to each of the 12 input and output stages leading to a lot of new filters that cannot be obtained in other ways. Especially the free patchable feedback loops.” – doepfer.de

For more info: doepfer.de/A1013

This entry was written by Oliver Chesler, posted on November 23, 2012 at 12:55 pm, filed under modular, synthesizer, Uncategorized and tagged , , , . Leave a comment or view the discussion at the permalink and follow any comments with the RSS feed for this post.



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