Showing posts with label DIY. Show all posts
Showing posts with label DIY. Show all posts

Tuesday, 21 July 2015

Function Generator - LZX Industries build pics & notes

 These are my build notes for  the Function Generator of LZX Industries. It's a nice easy build. The kit is only $99 (including components).

The FG  is a non-linear amplifier that produces an output which is an arbitrary function of the input signal.
It's great for solarization & waveshaping.

The input signal is split into three regions - Light, Mids, and Dark. These outputs can be amplified or inverted. This module was adapted from one built in the 1970's by Dan Sandin at the University of Illinois at Chicago

His Sandin Image Processor is a classic.
ETC (The Experimental Television Center) has a wealth of info about this synthesizer.
http://www.experimentaltvcenter.org/descriptions-image-processor

Muffs also has lots on this module.
And LZX's build notes and schematics are here:

The virgin PCB & faceplate.

 Resistors, diodes & ferrite beads first.

 IC headers, & caps next.
*** Ammendment : I may need to remove these IC scokets. Video circuits apparently are very sensitive to stray capacitance... this may occur in the ICsockets****

 These pots go in next:


Next mount the switch & jacks:
Install the power header:

Wire it all up & you're done :-)

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I'm slowly building up a Modular Video Synth.
This comprises mainly LZX & Brown Shoes Only Modules.
Dave Jones is another manufacturer who deserves to be mentioned.
I've been waiting for his new Video Synth to appear for ages.

There is also the option to use modules not designed for video.
Here is a useful link:
https://www.muffwiggler.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=34122

Audio Oscillators with the LZX Visionary
(WMD Gamma Wave Source, Wiard Oscillator, MakeNoise QMMG, and the Toppobrillo TWF) 
Roland V-Synth XT as a Video Oscillator (waveforms)
What the Malekko Wiard Anti-Oscillator looks like and what the LZX VWG sounds like
Moddemix VS. LZX
Cwejman SPH-2 demo as a video module
LZX + Doepfer A137-2 Wave Multiplier
A-136 Solarization Tests
Colors of Shadows
WMD - Synchrodyne - LZX VIDEO

("Lovely filter that makes video look awesome. Syncs to verticals and horizontal.")

Livewire AFG ??
anti oscillator
Doepfer A-111 - VCO 
Doepfer A-110 VCO - I'm using this . Works well.
Doepfer A137-2, A196, A126 ???
Doepfer A- 170 - slew limiter.
PEG - pingable EG
Intellijel Planar
Malekko Envelator and Maths - yes !!!
Malekko Borg ("pretty for smearing out video") 
Cwejman S1
Harvestman oscillators - Piston Honda,- Hertz D 
Intellijel Dr Octature II 4 Pole Low Pass Filter & Octature Sine Wave VCO
Dr Octature 1
A envelope follower and quadrature lfo ??
Doepfer A143-9 Quadrature VCLFO 
MATHS 
Doepfer A-151 V2 Quad sequential switch
Doepfer Sample and Hold  
4ms Rotate Clock Divider
Morphing Terrarium

Intellejel planar  
Intellejel Spock ("cool stuff to video via its logic magic")  

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A replacement for the LZX Audio Frequency Decoder might be a attenuator 
like the Doepfer A-183-3 to reduce modular level voltages to LZX levels (0-1Vpp).
Normal line levels (like out of a DJ mixer) might work un-attenuated. They are around 1.4Vpp
Some sort of BP filter that splits the frequencies would prob be a good addition
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Pressure points/Brains MODDED FOR 1V VIDEO WILL WORK WITH LZX
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Syncing the visual cortex.
 "I would add since having the VSG as the main SYNC out that I just use the RCA out's of the Color Video Encoder as my Genlock signal for both of my external TBC's. The Color Video Encoder is connected with the same custom cable from the VSG and then to the VC. It works great as the main Genlock source.
........

 BTW if anyone is curious as to the cable configuration all you need is the first pair from the 14 pin connector(marked in red), those are the ground signal, and the last pair as that seems to be the sync signal. Take those wires and solder them to a male rca plug and then plug it into the 'sync in' of the VC and then switch the dip switch to slave." (DSC).


Links:
1. Frame Generators Vs TBC
2. MFB VD-01 to LZX
3. Audio Frequency Decoder
4. syncing the Visual Cortex 

 

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For more Euro DIY builds click here:
http://djjondent.blogspot.com.au/2017/12/diy-index.html
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Monday, 20 July 2015

R.I.P. Dieter Moebius

R.I.P. Krautrock Pioneer Dieter Moebius.

It's a sad day. The world has lost one of the pioneers of electronic music.

Dieter Moebius was born 1944 in Switzerland. He first studied art in Brussels and Berlin and it was there that he met Hans-Joachim Roedelius and Conrad Schnitzler of Tangerine Dream. They also founded the band Kluster in 1969.

Later Moebius and Roedelius founded the band Harmonia with Michael Rother (Neu!), which also collaborated with Brian Eno.

 https://youtu.be/vNgAhr0aEho

Dieter is survived by his wife, Irene.

 

Saturday, 18 July 2015

The αρπ Filter (alpha-rho-pi) with a kilpatrick Phenol

The αρπ Filter (alpha-rho-pi) of NLC sounds great. .... very much like the diode ladder used in the Roland TB 303

It's actually a hybrid/variation of the vintage Electronotes and ARP designs. Hard to describe it's sound ... inorganic, man-made (in a good way).


 The filter design has 2 audio inputs, two CV modulation ins and two audio outs (Bandpass & LP).
I'm not aware of NLC's producing a Eurorack version of this great module. So for now, if you want one
you'll have to build athe 4U banana-fied panel  .... it's well worth it.
http://nonlinearcircuits.blogspot.com.au/2012/10/filter-panel-ready-to-shipthis-one-has.html

As you can seen from the pics I'm using just the BP out & one in & one CV mod in.
The CV is being modulated from a jerkoff.



This is a old video using the αρπ Filter:




Kilpatrick Phenol & NLC Divine CMOS

This circuit uses some good old CMOS 4000 chips. To be specific they are 4070s although
the logic chip can also be a 4081, 4077 or a 4001.
[The CD4070 contain four independent (XOR) Exclusive-OR gates].
I understand that Andrew F is a fan of  "Lunetta Synths".

The module takes two input signals and divides them down by /2, /4, /8 & /16.

It also ring modulates the two signals and all of their divisions (similar to the ring mods in the Korg MS-20 and ARP Odyssey). All of these signals can then be mixed to create the output waveform.

This is a early video of one in action with some Serge gear:

There is a Euro version of this and I think Andrew F of NLC is still selling DIY PCBs for this module.
http://nonlinearcircuits.blogspot.com.au/2012/10/filter-panel-ready-to-shipthis-one-has.html


Below are some videos of the Divine CMOS with a Phenol from Kilpatrick.
I'm dividing the harmonics from VCOs 1 & 2.





Thursday, 16 July 2015

Korg KPR 77 Drum

The KPR stands for Korg Programmable Rhythm.
She came out in 1983 and was Korg's response to the Roland 606.

It's very underrated.  Each drum sound's level can be individual mixed via the sliders.
The sliders are just like the ones found on the Roland 707.
It's sounds consist of bass, snare, two toms, open and closed hi-hats, accent and (switchable) cymbal/clap.
The bassdrum is a bit weak in my opinion. The Toms aren't too bad.


Sadly no midi or DinSync- It's a Korg sync Korg uses a 48 ppqn (parts per quarter note) DIN standard whereas Roland's is 24 ppqn. For correct tempo match it is possible to use a clock synchronizer like the KMS-30 or an Arturia Beatstep pro.
- 2 trig outputs (pulses +5V)
- start-stop pedalswitch input
- sync IN / OUT
- tape interface - See more at: http://www.polynominal.com/korg-kpr77/#sthash.YA3fG1Gx.dpuf

Runs on 9V DC (original model KAAC 001) or 4 X 1.5V batteries

- tape interface  

Patterns can be saved to magnetic tape if you have to turn off the machine without batteries.


There is a large display: - used for programming like in the Roland 505 & 626.
There are 2 recording modes: realtime record or step.


There is a accent for each instrument.
We have flam repeats for tom1 & 2. There are also 4 different resolutions:
16th, 16th triplet, 32nd and 32nd triplet


The MEMORY has 48 basic rhythm patterns
- 32 steps for each pattern

There are 6 chain banks divided into Chains 1 & 2 & groups A, B, & C.


The Toms are also great triggers for analog gear. The 2 trig outputs are pulses of +5V ... so quite good for triggering EuroRack modules like envelope generators and Korg Volcas.

1 separate out for snare/claps channelThere is 1 separate out for snare/claps channel.

We also have a start-stop pedalswitch input.
There is 1 separate out for snare/claps channel
 start-stop pedal switch input
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For more info on the history of Korg Drum Machines Click Here

+ KORG KPR-77 Drum - getting started tutorial 

 

Wednesday, 15 July 2015

New Sound Waves - Sunday 12th July Meeting

I had the best Sunday ever.
Lot's of synths and good friends.
Above is a Buchla 200/ 200e - Thanks Paul.


 Monome + Euro = :-)

New Sound Waves live at 107 Projects,
Redfern St, Redfern. Sydney, Australia.
We all got to see  the new Roland AIRA Eurorack gear, thanks to Christian Moraga and Roland Australia.





These meetings  are held every 2 months (on average). Subscribe to the NSWaves blog for more details:

First pics of pluto

Oh Oh ........... :-(

Tuesday, 14 July 2015

Kilpatrick Phenol Synth - First Impressions

This just arrived yesterday. So I did a few quick videos
This second video uses a NLC (NonLinearCircuits) sequencer  - The Bibdubba 1 & 3.

The Phenol is a modular that punches well above it's weight,

 Andrew has done a great job.




The Synthacon - Steiner - Parker

On this page are my blog entries on all Steiner-Parker / Synthacon related subjects.

1. SYNTHACON VCF - CGS 35 build notes
2. Steiner-Parker MicroCon Voice - Eurorack - Build notes

   External Links  
1. Yu Synth VCF
2. Analogue Realities
Steiner Synthasystem DIY
4. The Synthesizer Network


Saturday, 11 July 2015

Buchla 100 - The Lost Frequencies

It's been over a year since the original recording.
Finally getting down to using some of those old Buchla 100 samples.

Some of the original samples were taken in this session.

The piano & drums are obviously sampled externally.

The bass lines are all Buchla 100 & 200.


Serge / NLC Modular - Die Blechtrommel

The tin drum takes its name from the 1959 novel by Günter Grass.


It's also the name given to a NLC drum module featured on this track.

Andrew F of NLC (NonLinearCircuits) tells me that this is based on a early Japanese drum module which he has modified. I think it sounds just awesome.

This minimal patch is self generating - I tweak here and there but if left alone for long enough, it will evolve into new patterns & melodies.

Some really beautiful sounds here. I don't think the video does this justice. I think I'll use some of these sounds in a future track.


Wednesday, 1 July 2015

Santiago de Cuba - Cuba Trip

The news today is all about the thawing of relations between the US & Cuba.
It's about time. I visited Cuba in 2010/11. Lovely people.

Santiago de Cuba was the fifth village founded by Spanish conquistador Diego Velázquez de Cuéllar on July 25, 1515.
The first cathedral was built in the city in 1528. From 1522 until 1589 Santiago was the capital of the Spanish colony of Cuba.

The city was plundered by French forces in 1553, and by British forces under Christopher Myngs in 1662.
Casa de Diego Velazquez - this is the oldest colonial house in Cuba & probably North America.
Address: Francisco Vicente Aguilera, Santiago de Cuba, Cuba
Dating from 1522 - it was the residence of the Island's first Govenor.

 Excellent Beer.

 Dance Classes :-)








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For more Travel Postcards Click Here
For more on Cuba Click Here