Tuesday, 12 November 2019

TT 303 Bass Bot - Higher State of Consciousness - Josh Wink - Jondent remix


Josh Wink's HSOC is one of my favourite acid tracks and it's so simple... just 2 notes : G & B. (the second G note is transposed up from the rest).


Sometimes the simple things in life are the best.
This remix is not intended to be an exact copy.... I used HSOC as a starting point.
Original HSOC video (It"s been described as a porno with great music) LOL: http://youtu.be/VOXw1xz-c8w Thanks to Old Nick for his suggestion.

This is a live remix. I've made it a bit slower than the original.
Sadly I didn't have any scantily clad models at my disposal. :-( Equipment used: Cyclone Analogic's Bass Bot TT-303 for the acid. Korg monotribe (kick drum)
Hard Mod's Ribbon synth - background atmospheric sounds.
The Bass Bot does not receive Roland/DIN Sync so haven't been able to sync it with my TR808.
But the Korg monotribe works a treat. Also, the patterns remain even after the Bott is turned off. This is without batteries. Something the old 303 didn't do. I think this is what is called Non-Volatile memory.

Yamaha FM Chips

Some famous Yamaha FM chips. The numbering system is very confusing.
(This is only a small selection of the total produced)
Many of these chips are still available and are excellent for DIY projects.
ALM Busy Circuits Akemie’s eurorack modules are made with some of these old Yamaha chips (YMF262  aka OPL3).

These came out around 1983
     YM21280 (OPS) operator chip (Yamaha DX7& DX5)
     YM21290 (EGS) envelope  (Yamaha DX7 & DX5)
                                  16 voices (6-op) (32 in DX1/DX5)

1983
     YM2151 (OPM, 4Operator Type-M)
      Used in Yamaha SFG-01 and SFG-05 FM Sound Synthesizer units. & Yamaha CX5M.
      Yamaha's first single chip FM synthesis implementation.
       Used in Sega arcade boards from 1985 & Sharps X1 & X68000(1987) home computer
       The YM2151 chip developed into the YM2164 which found its way into the DX21, DX27, DX100

1984
    YM2203 (OPN) Type N
     4 operators per channel, 3 channels. Eight algorithms.
     Used in lots of video games & NEC computers

1984
     YM3526 (OPL)
      Low cost, 9 channel.
      2 operators. Used in the Commodore 64 expansion as wellas several arcade games ..eg Terra Cresta

1985 - DX21, DX27, DX100, FB-01, SFG-05 + Korg DS-8, 707
    YM2164 (OPP, FM Operator Type P)
     4 operators, 8 voices

1985
     YM3812(OPL2)...... famous for its wide use in IBM PC-based sound cards
     such as the AdLib, Sound Blaster and Pro AudioSpectrum (8bit),
     as well as several arcade games by Nichibutsu, Toaplan and others.

1985 ?
    YM3526(OPL).... 2 operator FM synthesis chip.
                                   used in a Commodore 64 expansion, the Sound Expander,
                                   as well as several arcade games, such as Terra Cresta and Bubble Bobble.



1986 --- used in the DX7 markII , TX802
     YM2604 (OPS2)... operator chip
     YM3609 (EGM) ..... envelope chip

1988
   YM2612(OPN2)..... Sega Mega Drive/Genesis & the DAFM synth
   FM/PCM hybrid chip

   FM channels: 5-6 channels (5 channels with PCM, 6 channels without PCM)
   The YM2612 has six channels with four operators per channel.
   Used in arcade machines, Sega Mega Drive/Genesis (1988), Fujitsu FM Towns (1989)
   8 algorithms. The envelopes, frequencies and LFOs can be changed to get a good range of FM sounds.

    The YM3438 is a modified CMOS version of the YM2612 
   I recently built a DAFM synth using the YM3438.


1987
       YM2414 (OPZ, four Operator Type-Z), 2 LFOs, 8 waveforms
       Used in TX81Z, DX11, YS100, YS200, PortaTone PSR-6300 and PSR-80

1987
         YM2413 (OPLL) .... cost reduced FM synthesis sound chip. Used in the SEGA Mark III &
                                        Yamaha SHS-10 (1987)

        YM2413-B   (OPLL revision2)
        YM2413-F(OPLL-compatible flat package)


1988
        YMF262-M(OPL3-L)
        Used in  many of ALM Busy Circuits Akemie’s eurorack modules... like the castle.
        OPL3 stands for FM operator type L. Mostly SMD format. ... really cheap on ebay.
        The YMF262 was used in many sound cards, such as the Sound Blaster Pro 2.0,
        Sound Blaster 16 ASP and Creative Labs AWE family
         

     Four op FM. .... pairing 2 channels together to create up to six 4 operator FM voices
    4 channel sound output
    4 new waveforms (alternating-sine, "camel"-sine, square and logarithmic sawtooth).
    In addition, 5 different rhythm sounds (BD,SD,Tom TOM, Top Cymbal & Hi hat cymbal) are available.
   Manual


1989
    YM2424 (OPZII, FM 4Operator Type-Z-II)
     Used in the Yamaha V50 synth

1990 ???
    YM2610(OPNB)
     used in  NeoGeo hardware. Needs an external DAC.Four FM channels
     (The YM2610B variant added two extra FM channels for a total of six)
     In the original chip, sound comes from 4 different generators, each having their own channels:
  • SSG (Software Sound Generator): 3 channels -- compatible with YM2149 (Atari ST)
  • FM (Frequency Modulation): 4 channels. 4 operators per channel.
  • ADPCM (Sample playback): 7 channels
  • Noise : one channel

1994
       YMF292 (SCSP)
        Used in the Sega Saturn, Sega Model 2/3
        This is actually a hybrid FM/PCM. It uses 32 channels (4-op).

1994
        YMF271 (OPX)

        used in Seibu SPI arcade board
        Again, its a hybrid FM/PCM chip.
        I think there are 9 channels  .. can configure the number of operators?? (Up to 4 op)

1994 ??
     YMF276-M(OPN2C-upper compatible?)
     It's a 6 channel FM synthesizer based on the Yamaha YM2203c.
     used in  FUJITSU FM TOWNSII

1985
      YM2608B(OPNA)
      Used in the NEC PC98 ... PC-8801 (1985)/PC-9801 (1986)
      16 voices, six FM channels, 4 operators.
      Uses the same algorithms as the DX21 ??


----------------------------------------------------------------------
  
    YM3438(OPN2C)
    YMF288-M(OPN3-L)

    YMF286-K(OPNB-compatible)
    YMF281-D(OPLL Another version?)
    Y8950(MSX AUDIO)

 -----------------------------------------------------------------------
**** OPL  is a  FM Operator Type-L

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

About the different types of Sound chips:
These ICs, were used in arcade game system boards, video game consoles, home computers, and PC sound cards.etc etc.
They are not all FM.

There are 4  main systems:
1. PSG - programmable sound generators
2. Wavetable synthesis
3. FM synthesis
4. Pulse Code Modulation

Link - wikipedia

----------------------------
FM Index
---------------------------

Sunday, 10 November 2019

OTA - Operational Transconductance Amplifiers

I've been building a Jasper wasp lately and been wondering why the filter sounds so darn good.
I never really studied the circuit till recently so always assumed it was a completely digital design.
It uses a cmos 4069.... its an inverter... but the other part of the circuit is a
CA3080 ... a OTA...Operational Transconductance Amplifier. This is used instead of your standard Op-amp.
I'm sure this is a big part of the sound.

So what is a OTA?
It's a amplifier unlike your standard Op-amp.

What the OTA  shares with your common Op-Amp is:
1. a single output.
2. They both have inverting & non-inverting inputs.
3. They both have power lines (V+ & V-)


What makes the OTA different is that it has 2 extra inputs (Ibias & Iabc)
and it's output is a current not a voltage.
So, to put it another way, a OTA is a voltage to current amplifier or a voltage controlled current source.

The OTA can also be viewed as an ideal transistor



Like a transistor,it has three terminals
a high impedance input(base)
a low-impedance input/output (emitter)
a current output (collector). 

There are loads of circuits that use the OTAs like VCOs, filters, VCAs, waveshapers. 

OTA's include:
CA3080 (discontinued)
LM13600 - Texas Instruments (formerly National Semiconductor)
LM13700 - Texas Instruments (formerly National Semiconductor)
MAX435 (obsolete product)
MAX436  (obsolete product)
OPA860 -- Texas instruments (SOIC)
OPA861 -- texas instruments
NE5517 - ON Semiconductor
NJM13660 - New Japan Radio (JRC)
NJM13700  - New Japan Radio (JRC)
V13700 - CoolAudio
BA662A  Roland (manufactured by Rohm in the 1970s)*
BA 662B - Roland (manufactured by Rohm in the 1970s)
IR3109
BA6110  - Rohm

* The BA662A is the VCA used in the SH101, TB303, Juno-60, JX-3P, etc etc.
   It's used for portamento in the Jupiter 4.
------------------------------------------------
CA3080
Lots of old synths use the CA3080 which is obsolete and can be expensive to buy on the second hand market.

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

LM13700
The LM13700 is basically two CA3080s on one chip. You can also get these in a DIP (through hole) format. There are also conversion circuits that allow you to use a LM13700 in place of the CA3080.

There are lots of manufacturers still making this useful chip. They may have different part numbers, but the design is still the same one designed by Bill Gross & Don Sauer of  Texas Instruments (formerly National Semiconductor).

Here is the pinout for a LM13700

We basically have 2 identical op-amps.
This is really good for circuits that require matched pairs of amps.

Pin1
Amplifier Bias input
This sets the level of transconductance.
(the relation between the output & input current).

Pin2
Diode Bias A
Current applied here allows the chip to accept a higher differential input voltage.
This will improve linearity & distortion.

Pin3
Non-inverting input A

Pin4
Inverting Input A

Pin5
Output A
The output of the opamp as a current.
This equals the difference in input voltage  between pin 3 & 4 , multiplied by the transconductance.

Pin6
-V

Pin7
Buffer input A
Darlington pair buffer

Pin8
Buffer output A
Darlington pair buffer
 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Links
Comparing BA662A with BA6110 VCA chips in the x0xb0x 

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

If there are any mistakes, omissions or if this is just BS please let me know.

Saturday, 9 November 2019

Synth shops in tokyo


Echigoya Music
Japan, 〒150-0041 Tokyo, Shibuya City, Jinnan, 1 Ch
Shibuya, Tokyo, Japan
http://www.echigoyamusic.com/index.html

Mostly 2nd hand stuff.
Tiny shop on 9th floor.


Opposite Tower records



Hours:
Monday ‑ Sunday  11:00 AM ‑ 8:00 PM






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

Otaku Tokyo
Shibuyaku, Japan
Wakabanisi Bld.6F, 1-10-10, Ebisunishi
Shibuya-ku, Tokyo, 150-0021, Japan

You need to email these guys 1st, if you wish to visit the store
treasure@otakutokyo.com

Reverb address
https://reverb.com/au/shop/otaku-tokyo?locale=en-AU

Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/otakutokyo_japan/?hl=ja 

Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/otaku.tokyo.jp/?fref=ts

Shop website:
https://otakutokyo.com/

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

Five G - Music technology
http://fiveg.net/

Location
Shibuya-ku, Tōkyō-to 150-0001
Japan, 〒150-0001 Tokyo, Shibuya City, Jingumae, 1 Chome−14−2 原宿ル・ポンテ 4F









Hours:
Monday ‑ Sunday 12:00 AM ‑ 8:00 PM
Monday ‑ Friday   3:00 PM ‑ 8:00 PM

---------------------------
Ishibashi Music
Ishibashi Music Shibuya
150-0042 2F Shibuya-BEAM Bldg. 31-2, 31 Udagawa

Hours:
Monday ‑ Sunday
11:30 AM ‑ 8:30 PM

Website
https://www.ishibashi.co.jp/eng/


Google maps
https://goo.gl/maps/drdTRGv6tn1e9tZF9

--------------------------------------------
Hard off
Its part of a department store chain
Japan, 〒180-0002 Tokyo, Musashino, Kichijoji Higashic

Hours:
Monday ‑ Sunday  10:00 AM ‑ 9:00 PM
Monday ‑ Friday    11:00 AM ‑ 9:00 PM
 (This doesn't make any sense I know, it's what is written on the website)

Website
https://www.hardoff.co.jp/shop/kanto/tokyo/hardoff/101079/ 

Map:


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

Akihabara Electric Town

Radio Centre    

Japan, 〒101-0021 Tokyo, Chiyoda City,


Sotokanda, 1 Chome

Akihabara ( Akiba)
10, Tōkyō-to 101-0021

 Japan Guide

Look for the electronics shops (one man operations to department stores)
Larger stores: Sofmap and Laox

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

Recycling Garden Yoyogi shop

3 Chome-38-10 Yoyogi, Shibuya City, Tokyo 151-0053, J

recycle-garden.net 

English site:  http://recycle-garden.net/english 

Hours: Monday - Sunday, 10am - 8pm


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

Ikebe Gakki Kenbando
Kenban-do ̄ , the Japanese name of the store, means "The Hall of Keyboard Instruments"

Hours:
Open seven days,
11am - 8pm




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

BIC Camera
4 Chome-1-1 Sotokanda, Chiyoda City, Tokyo 101-0021, Japan

Website
https://www.biccamera.com/bc/i/shop/shoplist/shop121.jsp

Hours:
Monday ‑ Sunday
10:00 AM ‑ 9:00 PM


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

Links
+ Jonos synthesizer shopping in Tokyo 2016

*Japan
   - Synthesizer shopping in Tokyo
   - Bonsai - Narita
   - Tokyo Akihabara Radio Center
   - Kinkakuji (Golden Pavilion) - Kyoto
   - Kyoto station
   - Nara
   - Pachinko - Hiroshima
   - Umeda Sky Building - Osaka
   - Osaka Castle

----------------------------------------------
For more travel postcards click here:

Yamaha TX81z

Some pics of this Yamaha Tone Generator.


Though its only 4 operators , it sounds great.


Maybe a new classic??
It can be configured to act as 8 independent instruments.  .... each controlled on a different midi channel.

It's a 1-unit rackmount module ...basically a key-less version of the DX-11.
The sounds are similar to the DX-21 and DX-27. 

 The TX81Z has 5 banks of 32 voices. Banks A-D contain factory preset voices.
Use the PARAMETER keys to select banks I, A, B, C, D. Use the DATA ENTRY keys to select voices 1-32 in each bank.

 




...jUST 8 algorithms 




 A pull-out card lists the main operations of the TX81Z.
 --------------------------------------

You can edit your own voices... In single mode , press the edit-compare button.


 Use the PARAMETER keys to move through the parameters, Use the DATA ENTRY keys to change the datavalue. When the LCD shows several parameters at once, use the CURSOR keys to move the blinking cursor to the parameter you want to set.

While editing a voice, you can compare it with the original voice. Press EDIT/COMPARE. The LED will begin blinking, and the LCD will show a “c” in theupper left corner, indicating “Compare”.Use the PARAMETER keys to lookthrough the parameters. 

This editor looks good


----------------------------
FM Index
--------------------------- 

Friday, 8 November 2019

Wasp filter Vintage and AE modular

I'm just getting into the AE modular.
The lovely small format is esp useful for live performance.
I can carry a whole modular in a small suitcase.
And its battery powered.

A friend asked me to do a video comparing WASP filters.
I hope this helps the community.


The Tangible Waves / Abused Electronics modular
https://www.tangiblewaves.com/


The WASP filter is based around a simple CMOS chip.
The 4069.... its an inverter.
If you're going to build one the CMOS ic has to be unbuffered  ... use CD4069UB
The original vintage circuit also uses the CA3080 ... a OTA...Operational Transconductance Amplifier

The AE modular wasp inspired filter uses vactrols for controlling the filter frequency.​




Links
+ Elby/kenstone
+ https://www.tangiblewaves.com/

Thursday, 7 November 2019

Jasper-Wasp build pics - part 1


Jasper Build notes. I'm building this for a friend.
These aren't official notes and I'm not a professional Synth Technician..
Just my personal thoughts to help me trouble shoot if I encounter any probs.

The official website where you can buy a kit is here:
jaspersynth.co.uk

There are lots and lots of CMOS ICs. This is almost a Lunetta synth. Here is my page on CMOS &  Lunetta synths


Anyway, the integrated circuits used in this build are mostly CMOS (with a smattering of the occasional op-amp). I've got a few old vintage WASPs and I love how they sound .esp considering the simple components.
This is the main Jasper PCB. The keyboard is attached.
I like how the colour of the keys is reversed.

 iT should be a fun build. This is a rev 2.2 , July 2017 PCB.


Here is a list of the ICs used.
LM386 or NJM386D
555
CMOS 555 like TLC555CP recommended
LM3900

CD4006 - shift register
CD4013 - dual flip flop
CD4016 -- analog bilateral switch
CD4019
CD4024 - shift register
CD4028
CD4040-- counter .. binary,ripple
CD4046 .. PLL phased locked loop... probably the VCO
CD4052 .... multiplexer.. dual 4 channel
CD4069UBE... its an inverter ... I think this is part of the wasp filter ???
CD4070... XOR gate
CD4071....quad two input OR gate
CD4081... quad 2 input AND gate
CD4503
LM13700
CD40103
CD40174

There are many ways to build this but I like to put the IC sockets on first.

Then caps, resistors, etc. All the simple non polarized stuff.

* R9 and R15 may need changing to adjust master oscillator tuning (4K7 on original).
** R56, R99, R163, R171 changed to 68K to adjust level of pulse/square when using osc vol pots. (150K on original)

For the moment, I'm using what's in the BOM.
R9 & R15 = 3K9
R56, R99, R163, R171 = 68K



Electro caps are polarized. Insert thus: Long lead in square hole.


The link port cable on the underside of the main board.
 The switched pots.


Fix everything into place then solder.

The rotary switches. You need 6 of these.
These are 2 pole, single level.

two alternatives
LorinCK1060
Alpha SR2612F

I went with the Lorin... more expensive.

 You need to cut the shaft to the right length.


You can set the number of positions with the key washer:
In the pic below, it's set to 4.

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

The original vintage circuit also uses the CA3080 ... a OTA...Operational Transconductance Amplifier instead of your standard Op-amp
An OP-AMP is a Voltage to Voltage amplifier.
The OTA is like a op-amp but the output is a current source instead of a voltage source.
Also the OTA has 3 inputs (unlike a op-amp with 2) . The 3rd input sets the gain with a current.

To be continued................. Part 2 of this build is here:
https://djjondent.blogspot.com/2020/02/jasper-build-notes-part-2.html

Links:
+ Jaspersynth
+ BOM
+ Build notes
+ DSL man.de
+ Knobs
+ Elby Knobs
+ Muffs 
+ Muffs - 1 
+ Muffs - Build thread 
+ Buying Jasper
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