Showing posts with label sequencer. Show all posts
Showing posts with label sequencer. Show all posts

Wednesday, 10 September 2025

TSNM buchla format - build notes - part 2


 This PCB dates from 2017 ..It's a  Mark 1
There are modern ones using Teensy 4.0 ..... Mk II
which you can still buy.

This is part two on my build notes.
Part 1 is here:










Links

This  Mk I uses the old Teensy 3.2.
....















C22, C23 and IC 6 are not needed if your PSU has +5V



C16 & C21 - are these part of the +5v section of the PCB?
I've soldered c16 in anyway.







C6 --- DNP ??? do not place?













1N5819HW 2 D1, D2 DO-41 schottky rectifiers 511-1N5819











L1 = ??
L2 = ferric bead.
These are connected in parallel ... across either side of the PCB.
Thus I used one ferric beath .. the through hole one. (L1)



Caps : 47uF x 2 


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C17 - 100n (SMD ceramic)?? I think this is not right.
looks like an electro maybe 33uF ??
Is it C21 in the BOM??
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MPR121 board & headers
It's a Adafruit 12-Key Capacitive Touch Sensor Breakout. This connects to the touch plates of the front panel

Cut the trace on the bottom of Teensy next to VIN pin to separate VIN from VUSB. This prevents 
powering the Teensy simultaneously from USB and the eurorack power supply. 














Teensy 3.2 





The two pots - 10K B ... linear (B103)
Encoder












position  the two displays and LEDs














The lower header is tricky.
I had to do some gentle bending of the ends.

you need to keep enough room for the two matrix displays... the legs aren't long













Bend these headers so you can solder them directly to the front panel












This is a side on view

 to be continued.....

Tuesday, 15 April 2025

Q162 - sequential switch used as a Clock divider module

 The Q962 is a specific type of clock divider, likely a module within a modular synthesizer system.

 It's designed to take an incoming clock signal and produce a series of divided clock signals, meaning the output clock pulses occur at a slower rate than the input. This is useful for creating rhythmic variations and controlling other modules with different timing relationships. 

manual

Here's how a clock divider like the Q962 might be used:
1. Basic Division:
Connect the incoming clock signal to the input of the Q962.
Each output of the Q962 will provide a clock signal divided by a specific factor (e.g., /2, /4, /8, etc.).
These divided clocks can then be used to trigger other modules, such as sequencers, envelopes, or LFOs, creating different rhythmic patterns. 
2. Creating Rhythmic Complexity:
By using multiple outputs of the clock divider with different division factors, you can create complex rhythmic patterns that evolve over time.
For example, you might use a /2 clock to trigger a kick drum, a /4 clock to trigger a snare, and a /8 clock to trigger a hi-hat, creating a basic drum beat.
You can then experiment with different combinations and offsets to create more intricate rhythms. 

3. Combining with Logic Modules:
Clock dividers can be combined with logic modules (AND, OR, XOR gates) to create even more complex rhythmic variations.
For example, you could use an AND gate to combine the output of a /2 clock and a /3 clock, resulting in a clock pulse that only occurs when both clocks are high, creating a new rhythmic pattern.
4. Timing and Modulation:
Clock dividers can be used to control the timing of other modules, such as LFOs (low-frequency oscillators) or envelopes.
By using a divided clock signal to modulate the rate or amplitude of an LFO, you can create rhythmic variations in the LFO's output.
Similarly, a divided clock can be used to trigger envelope generators, creating percussive sounds with varying attack and decay times. 
5. Performance Techniques:
During live performances, clock dividers can be used to create dynamic changes in the music by switching between different division ratios or combining them in various ways.
This allows for transitions between different rhythmic feels or for creating build-ups and breakdowns in the music. 
Example:
Imagine you have a sequencer that is running at a certain tempo. You can use the Q962 to divide that tempo and then use the divided clocks to trigger other modules. For example: 
/2 (half speed): Could trigger a bassline or a longer melodic phrase.
/4 (quarter speed): Could trigger a percussive element like a tom-tom or a short melodic phrase.
/8 (eighth speed): Could trigger a hi-hat or a subtle rhythmic embellishment.
/16 (sixteenth speed): Could trigger a very fast, subtle rhythmic element.
By combining these different divisions, you can create a complex and evolving rhythmic landscape. You can also use the logic modules to combine the divided clocks in different ways, creating even more intricate patterns. 
In essence, the Q962, and clock dividers in general, are powerful tools for creating rhythmic complexity and dynamic changes in modular synthesizers.

Saturday, 20 April 2024

Allinaire Korg PS3200 (PS3300 Emulation MAM RS3 Res) MS50 MS20 MS10 VC10...

..

As a huge Korg fan I got to put together an Ensemble piece using 1978 era Korg Synths. The hero is the mighty PS3200 polyphonic synth playing homage to its big brother (and, as of 2024, soon to be re-released by Korg, the PS3300) by using the direct out of the 3200 into a MAM RS3 Resonator which recreates the famous PS3300 & 3100 modulated resonator circuit. The 3200 plays pads, base and noises. 
Lead lines and extra pads via an MS20 into a VC10 Vocoder combo give a haunting breathy sound. 
The SQ10 Sequencer drives the MS50 and MS20 synths for a rhythmic sequence and the MS10 with its famous pulse width modulation provides additional baselines. 
Effects include the SE500 Tape Echo and the more modern Kaos Pad Mini. 
All recorded on a Zoom R24 recorder. 
Percussion utilises some sounds sampled from the various Korg Synths and is added in Ableton Live. 

Recorded in April 2024, Wollongong courtesy of Jondent, with some additional sounds from my own original MS20 in Sydney. 

The Video is mixed together bits of footage from the session but missed most of the playing and modulation action - but still it’s always nice to see some vintage Korg gear in action! 

Additional notes: Some subtle detuning of the PS3200 individual notes was made possible via the Temperament Adjust mini pots. The PS3010 keyboard also provides for some interesting modulation effects via the joystick and the unique note triggering control. A Korg 3100 in the same studio verified the RS3 Resonator accuracy and the RS3 unit also is CV controllable like on the 3300. By using it with the PS3200 (which has 2 oscillators per note) it gets close to the functionality of a PS3300 but of course misses the fact that the 3300 has 3 Oscillators and 3 resonators etc. I look forward to the new PS3300FS announced by Korg at NAMM 2024.

Saturday, 24 February 2024

Monday, 8 January 2024

Westlicht Performer part 2 - build notes

 This is part 2 of my build of the Westlicht performer eurorack sequencer.

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TL1105SPF160Q
37 of these e switches
SW1 SW2 SW3 SW4 SW5 SW6 SW7
SW9 SW10 SW11 SW12 SW13 SW14 SW15 SW16 SW17 SW18
SW20 SW21 SW22 SW23 SW24 SW25 SW26 SW27 SW28 SW29 SW30 SW31 SW32 SW33 SW34 SW35 SW36 SW37 SW38




switch 8 & 19 are the optical switches

These switch caps are a tight fit.
Line them up carefully then solder.





rectangular caps for F1 to F5





The rear of the module



-------------------------------------------------------------

The display:
Mfr. Part No.
NHD-3.12-25664UCY2
Mfr.:Newhaven Display
Description:
OLED Displays & Accessories OLED 256 x 64 Yellow 89.2 x 44.0 x 6.0
6mm spacers


Audio JacksThese are for the MIDI connectors


Next, proceed with populating all the LEDs. Note that the shortest leg goes into the rectangular pad. 



You're almost there. Now its time for the firmware.
The microcontroller that you need to flash is a ARM STM32f405
Download the latest firmware from the Github Releases page and use the flasher of your choice. 
Both bootloader.hex and sequencer.hex need to be downloaded and flashed to run the sequencer. There is also tester.hex, a hardware test application that can be used to fully test all hardware components.

Use the serial or the JTAG ports.

Firmware

The first method is to use a FTDI Serial adapter
 This has 6 pins
 You need something like this:

The FTDI-Adapter is a USB-Serial bridge. 
It allows you to upload programs to your microcontroller through your PC's USB port. 
The pinout is standard [ GND - CTS - VCC - TX - RX - RTS ] and will work with any Arduino clone that has this as a programming interface.

FT232RL FTDI USB 3.3V 5.5V to TTL Serial Adapter Module for Arduino FT232
or
 
The IC is a FT232 (Future technology) 
RXD/TXD transceiver communication indicator
Pin definition: DTR,RXD,TX,VCC,CTS,GND
 
or 

If you decide to use the JTAG connector you will need a 



ST-LINK V2 
















and an Olimex Arm to JTAG Adapter. 















 
 
..

Wednesday, 22 November 2023

Sequencers using 1.2V/Oct (Buchla format)

Analog synthesizer manufacturers typically adopt one of several standards:
Hz per volt - used by Yamaha and Korg 
1V per octave - used by Moog, Roland, ARP and Doepfer
1.2V per octave - used by Buchla and EML 
0.32V per octave - used by EMS
0.26V per octave - used on oscillator 3 of the EMS VCS3 

I've been playing a lot recently with my old Buchlas esp after visiting Japan and seeing some great Buchla performances..

Buchla voltage specs vary a bit between 100, 200 & 200e series.
Not all modules react the same.
So be careful when you first test these sequencers out.
For safety, I start with the lowest pulse setting on my sequencer and see if it will
trigger a gate or envelope, then work my way up

A brief guide :

Pulses first.
Pulses from the 281e are +15 V, for about .5 ms.
Pulses from the 225e and 222e are a 9V to 10 V spike/short gate with a 5 V sustained "gate." 
One of the 3rd party modules that I use, the Pendulum/Ratchet has pulses 
which are 1 ms long. The pulses can be changed to either 10 V, or about 14 V.
(this depends on what resistor pack is installed).
The 250e outputs a spike of 8.5V. The spike duration is only 0.5ms.

Note: Buchla pulse outputs include a 10v trigger and a 5v gate/sustain and allow pulses to be combined and sustain to be held even while triggering new events. 

CVs
CVs are from 0-10 V. So try to refrain from using -ve voltages .
A module such as the 251e outputs CVs between 0.0V to 9.9V

--------------------------------------------

The precise  Buchla audio & CV levels fluctuated over the decades:
100 series Buchla had audio at 0dBV .... roughly 1 volt RMS.
Pulses are 15V and CVs range between 0V & +15V.
Early 200 series Buchla used audio levels of +4dBV... Professional line level  of +1.736 RMS
Pulses are 15V and CVs range between 0V & +15V. for early 70's 200.
Late 200 Buchla  dropped the CV range to 0-10V. Audio levels stayed the same at +4dBV
Buchla 200e dropped audio back to 0dBV. Pulses are 10V. CVs are 0 to +10V.

The Buchla Polygot manual is a good reference


 Here is a brief list of sequencers that can output 1.2V/oct


Expert Sleepers

Disting Mk1/2 (Eurorack)
Disting Mk 3
Disting Mk4

Silent way - software
It runs as a plug-in for your DAW









Elektron
A4 - Analog 4

The synth's sequencer has a very flexible CV/gate
config. I use it with Buchla & well as Korg.
The CVs are digitally controlled which makes for high precision.






Endorphin.es


Shuttle control
PITCH 1V/OCT, PITCH 1.2V/OCT AND HZ/V are
the control voltages available

SHUTTLE CONTROL outputs +5V at C4 note 
(the highest voltage SHUTTLE CONTROL can transmit). 
Then 1 octave lower C3 will return +2.5V, C2: 1.25V, C1: 0.625V, C0: 0,313V, C-1: 0.156V and the last one C-2: 0.078125V (with pretty bad resolution however). 

As you may see, the accuracy in the lower octaves is bad and on the edge of SHUTTLE CONTROL's CV resolution possibilities. 

That is why the useful range for controlling such type of synthesizers is roundabout 3 to 4 octaves.









Keith McMillen
QuNexus - keyboard/sequencer
Use the editor to set this to 1 Volt per Octave, 1.2 Volts per Octave (Buchla) , or Hertz per Volt




Kenton

Pro-solo
Pro-2000
Modular Solo






+ Polyend
 

 Polyend 2 - eurorack MIDI to CV converter
   1-4 Gate (0-5V or 0-10V),
   1-4 Pitch (0-10V, V/Oct, Hz/V, Buchla standard 1.2v/oct).
   A really handy module that allows you to use the sequencer
   of your choice















XOR Electronics
Nerdseq - eurorack tracker sequencer

Synthstrom
Deluge - synth/sequencer

The Deluge has been designed to support the widest range of CV / gate standards possible. 
A number of settings are available in the settings menu.

Each CV output may be set, in 0.01V increments, to any value between 0.01V and 2.00V per octave, or to “Hz per volt”. 





Squarp 


Pyramid sequencer

CV V/oct or CV Hz/V, 
or exotic voltages like 1.2, 0.32 or 0.5 V/oct.










Korg SQ- 64
Tracks A,B and C are for melodic/chords tracks and all have GATE/CV and MOD control voltage outputs for modular gear 





CV out can be: Hz/V, 0.26V/oct, 0.32V/oct, 1V/oct, 1.2V/oct  - 
with voltage bias adjustment and 0V reference note adjustment (per track)
Gate out: 10V, 5V, V-Trig, S-Trig
Mod out: 0V-10V,  voltage bias adjustment
Track D - the drum track has 16 possible tracks, via MIDI with 8 drum trigger 
outputs for working with modular gear.

Sequentix 
Cirklon sequencer


Its a MIDI sequencer but the 
CVIO option adds 16 CV and 8 gate outputs.

The CV outputs support 1V/octave, 1.2V/Oct and Hz/V modes plus portamento/glide and micro-tuning options. 
The gate outputs can be configured in 5V v-gate or S-trig modes.

Pattern lengths are up to 256 steps.





Orthogonal devices
er101-102
This is a eurorack module, inspired by the Buchla 251e sequencer.
Its much cheaper than the Buchla version, but offers many of the same features.
Its perfect for a Buchla-TipTop euro system
  • voltages between 0.000-8.192V at 2mV increments can be dialed in
  • 4-track sequencer
  • stepped and smooth voltage transitions
  • each track has 3 outputs: 2 CVs + 1 gate
  • each track has its own adjustable loop points


Arturia

Keystep pro
By default, the transmitted pitch voltage is compatible with the 1.0 V per octave standard,


To use a 1.2 V per octave or a Hertz per Volt (Hz/V) standard you can change the corresponding setting in the MIDI Control Center.
(Note: the simplier Arturia Keystep only does 1V/oct & Herz/V with the current firmware)

Microfreak
By default, the transmitted Pitch voltage is compatible with the 1v per octave standard.
To use the 1.2 V per octave standard, you have to change the corresponding setting in Utility>CV/Gate>Pitch Format or in the MIDI Control Center.


Gate signals can also have different output ranges (S-Trig, V-Trig 5V, V-Trig 10V). These too can be changed in Utility>CV/Gate>Gate Format or in the MIDI Control Center.









T-1 Algorithmic sequencer (Torso elecronics)
Added 1.2v/oct for compatibility with Buchla gear. CV voltage for pitch outputs is wrapped on both ends of 0-5 volt limit

Future Retro 512


The 512 is a  capacitive touch keyboard, packed with a unique blend of truly musical features to enhance your creative experience. 
The 512 is available with or without the optional rack ears that allow it to fit in a standard 19" rack enclosure, taking up only 4u spaces. 

Why is capacitive touch better? Quite simply, eliminating mechanical moving parts found in traditional keyboards makes a product that will never wear out, as mechanical keyboards do. No more intermittent key contacts, or failed aftertouch circuits to worry about! In addition, capacitive touch provides a much faster response time for playing notes, and allows multiple forms of expression to be executed by the performer. 

There are five main functions of the 512. It can act as a keyboard, arpeggiator, sequencer, MIDI to CV converter, and MIDI to MIDI converter. The 512 can control both MIDI and CV/Gate synthesizers simultaneously. Pitch, Pitch Bend, Mod Wheel, Gate, Velocity, Aftertouch, and Clock are all available in both their MIDI and CV form. 

CV's follow the 1V/Oct standard with positive polarity Gate signals, allowing the 512 to control the majority of analog synthesizers both past and present. The 512's CV output is adjustable providing a range of .47V/Oct to 1.34V/Oct. This then allows you to control other CV standards such as the 1.2V/Oct synthesizers used in Buchla and EML brands as well.

OXI ONE

- V/Oct (most modular and semimodular systems). From -3 to +5 V.
- Hz/V (Korg standard pitch tracking). From 0 to +5 V.
- 1.2V (Buchla standard pitch tracking). From 0 to +5 V


---------------------------------

Final thoughts.
After searching the net, it seems like there are lots of sequencers that you can use to sequence Buchla gear. You can of course use a real Buchla sequencer (of which there are many) , but if you are short of real estate in your system, then an external sequencer is a Ok solution.

In addition, if you have a Buchla Midi to CV converter such as the Bucha 225e or 225h you can of course use a midi sequencer.