Roland SE 02 - Initialize & Fat Bass Patch

July 16, 2020, 12:47 am

≫ Next: Midi2CV - Hexinverter - build pics

This initialise patch is good for most Moog like synths without presets.
Works for the Mini-Moog Model D too.

I'm using a SE-02 (my preset 101)

It's a basic single oscillator saw tooth patch.
Sounds like this:

AND

Starting from left to right.

Glide = 0

Osc 1
Range = 16'
Tune = 0
Waveform = saw (ramp up)

Osc 2
Range = 16'
Tune = 0
Waveform = saw

Osc 3
Range = 16'
Tune = 0
Waveform = saw

XMod = all zero

Mixer for Osc 1 = 10
Mixer for Osc 2 = 0
Mixer for Osc 3 = 0

Feedback & noise = 0
Filter
Cutoff = 2 - 4 (open)
Emphasis = 0
Contour = 0
attack =0, decay = 0, sustain = 10

Amp
attack =0, decay = 0, sustain = 10

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Moog synths are famous for their "fattness".
It's hard to put a finger on it.
I think its all about the Ladder Filter & the Oscillators.... not individually,
but in combination. (and it's not just 2 detuned oscillators).
Other synths have these too, but there is something special about a Moog synth.
The SE 02, though not from Moog, sounds pretty darn close.

To make a fat Bass sound (My preset 102):

Glide = 0

Osc 1
Range = 32'
Tune = 0
Waveform = saw (ramp up)

Osc 2
Range = 32'
Tune = 0
Waveform = saw

Osc 3
Range = 32'
Tune = 0
Waveform = Pulse (25%)

XMod = all zero

Mixer for Osc 1 = 10
Mixer for Osc 2 = 8
Mixer for Osc 3 = 3 - 9 ( I like 5)

Feedback = add just a little (3)
Raise the main volume up to make the feedback more prominent.
noise = 1 to 2 (just add a little noise)

Filter
Cutoff = 0 - 3 (open)
Emphasis = 0 - 3
Contour = 5
(increase if you want more "snap" in the attack)
attack = 0 to 10ms , decay = 0 to 250 ms , sustain = 5 - 10

Amp
attack =0, decay = 600ms , sustain =8

Sounds like this:

↧

Midi2CV - Hexinverter - build pics

July 16, 2020, 12:48 am

≫ Next: Saigon Central Post Office

≪ Previous: Roland SE 02 - Initialize & Fat Bass Patch

This is an old set of PCBs i had in storage.

It's a midi to CV converter module from Hexinverter.
This looks ideal ... sadly discontinued.

It's called the ACX synth
Designed by Alan Coupel
8HP - size
There is no panel, so I'll need to make my own.

4 channel CV/Gate

There are 3 PCBs... two logic boards & one controller board.

I'm not affiliated with Hexinverter. These are my personal build notes to help with troubleshooting

----------------
Board 2

Alternatives for midi 2 cv modules are plenty .
Yarns from Mutable Instruments is a logical choice.
I think 4 CV/Gates are ideal.

Links
+ Hexinverter Midi2CV
+ Hexinverter BOM

+ Midimplant
+ Midisizer

To be continued...........................

↧

Saigon Central Post Office

August 1, 2020, 2:20 pm

≫ Next: Favourite Sci Fi novels for the last decade

≪ Previous: Midi2CV - Hexinverter - build pics

This post office is situated in downtown Ho Chi Minh City, near Saigon Notre-Dame Basilica,
the city's cathedral.

The building was constructed between 1836 & 1891 when Vietnam was part of French Indochina.

It's often said this was designed by Gustav Eiffel ... which is incorrect.
I guess, this is due to it's steel frame construction.
It was designed by Alfred Foulhou.

In Vietnamese: Bưu điện Trung tâm Sài Gòn, French: Poste centrale de Saïgon)

tHERE are two painted maps that were created just after the post office was built, The first one located on the left side of the building is a map of Southern Vietnam and Cambodia titled Lignes telegraphiques du Sud Vietnam et Cambodge 1892 which translates to "Telegraphic lines of Southern Vietnam and Cambodia 1892". The second map of greater Saigon is titled Saigon et ses environs 1892 that translates as "Saigon and its surroundings 1892".^(Wikipedia)

The ceiling of the Post Office

tHIS man is the official translator for the post office.
His other jod is as s a "letter writer" to help those who cannot write and read fill out forms.

He has been translating letters and writing for over half a century.

Notre-Dame Basilica,

the city's cathedral.

Lunch with two of my mates.

For more travel postcards click here:

http://djjondent.blogspot.com.au/2015/03/travel-postcards-index-my-travel.html

↧

Favourite Sci Fi novels for the last decade

August 1, 2020, 2:25 pm

≫ Next: A memory called Empire - Arkady Martine

≪ Previous: Saigon Central Post Office

I don't usually write much about Sci fi & Fantasy on this blog, however they have been a major part of my life since I was a kid watching Dr Who, Blade Runner & Star Wars and reading HG Wells, Isaac Asimov, Frank Herbert & Jules Verne. For me, there is symbiosis between this and electronic music.

I think watching these early TV shows subliminally implanted my love for synthesizers & technology .
Dr Who = EMS VCS 3 & the BBC Radiophonic workshop.
Star Wars = Arp 2600
Close Encounters = ARP 2500
Blade Runner = Yamaha CS 80
..... the list goes on, and on.
So if you are into synths, I think there is also a high probability, that you have an interest in Sci-Fi

The genre is huge, so where does one find the best books?
I think the Hugo & the Nebula awards are great places to look.

The finalists for the 2020 Hugo Awards, Lodestar Award For Best Young Adult Book, and Astounding Award for Best New Writer were announced by CoNZealand, the 78th World Science Fiction Convention, on the convention’s YouTube Channel on April 8, 2020 (NZST).

The winner will be announced on the 1st August, 2020.

http://www.thehugoawards.org/hugo-history/2020-hugo-awards/

The Hugo was first awarded in 1953 and is considered the premier award in Science Fiction.
Here is a list of the best novel category for the last decade (2019 to 2010).
I think if you only read just a few books per year, you can't go far wrong if you read any these titles.
I've also added a few of my personal favorites from the last decade (and before)

2019

The Calculating Stars

Novel by Mary Robinette Kowal

Originally published: 3 July 2018

This also won the Nebula Award.

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

2018

The Stone Sky

Novel by N. K. Jemisin

Originally published: 15 August 2017

This book also won the Nebula Award.

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

2017

The Obelisk Gate

Novel by N. K. Jemisin

Originally published: 16 August 2016

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

2016

The Fifth Season

Novel by N. K. Jemisin

Originally published: 4 August 2015

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

2015 The Three Body Problem.

The Three-Body Problem was originally published in Chinese in 2008.

The 2014 publication by Tor was the first English-language version.

It is the first novel of the Remembrance of Earth's Past (Chinese: 地球往事) trilogy.

The second and third novels in the trilogy are titled The Dark Forest and Death's End.

Cixin Liu, Ken Liu translator (Tor Books)

2014
Ancillary Justice

Ann Leckie (Orbit US/Orbit UK)

Originally published: 1 October 2013 (paperback)

Ancillary Justice is part of the Imperial Radch space opera trilogy.

It is followed by Ancillary Sword (2014) and Ancillary Mercy (2015). (see below)

Apart from the hugo, this book has won a string of awards including
Nebula Award for Best Novel (2014)
BSFA Award for Best Novel (2013)
Arthur C. Clarke Award (2014)
Locus Award for Best First Novel (2014)

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

2013
Redshirts
John Scalzi

Originally published: 5 June 2012

(Tor Books)

Awards Hugo Award for Best Novel (2013)
Locus Award for Best Science Fiction Novel (2013)
ISBN 978-0-7653-1699-8

2012
Among Others, Jo Walton (Tor)

Originally published: 18 January 2011 (Hardcover)

This book also won the Nebula Award.

2011
Blackout/All Clear, Connie Willis (Ballantine Spectra)
This book also won the Nebula Award.

Originally published: 2 February 2010

2010
This years awayd was held in Melbourne, Australia.
It was a tie between two books:

The City & The City, China Miéville (Del Rey; Macmillan UK) (tie)
The Windup Girl, Paolo Bacigalupi (Night Shade) (tie)

The City & The City, China Miéville (Del Rey; Macmillan UK)

It's a crime novel.
This was made into a TV series.

Originally published: 29 April 2009 (Hardcover)

The Windup Girl, Paolo Bacigalupi (Night Shade)
This book also won the Nebula Award.

Originally published: 1 September 2009 (Hardcover)

---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Personal Favourites:

The Left Hand of Darkness

Novel by Ursula K. Le Guin

Originally published: March 1969

Ok, this wasn't written in the last 10 years, but if you haven't read any

books by Ursula, this is a great place to begin.
It also won the Nebula

Her career spans 60 years.

Dune

Novel by Frank Herbert

OK, another one that's more than 10 years old but it's a classic.

There are another 5 more books in the series.

Originally published: 1 August 1965
Chilton Book Company
First Edition : blue cloth boards, the rear panel has a map.
The price on the jacket flap should be $5.95 and the rear flap should have the Chilton address across four lines.

Prior to its publication in book form, parts of Dune were published in Analog Magazine as a three part serial called Dune World in 1963-1964 and later as a five part serial called Prophet of Dune in 1965.

This book also won the Nebula Award.

The Dune Universe is huge.
For more info:
+ Dune - The Chronological order of the novels
+ Dune Universe Timeline

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

I don't think any discussion of Sci Fi is complete without Isaac Asimov.
Foundation & I, Robot are classics that still influence us today

+ Foundation - Isaac Asimov's
+ I, Robot - Isaac Asimov - novels & Magazines

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NeuroMancer (1984)

by William Gibson

First published: July1, 1984

Ancillary Sword (2014)

Ann Leckie (Orbit US/Orbit UK)

Publication date

7 October 2014 (paperback)

This is part two of the
Imperial Radch space opera trilogy.

Ancillary Mercy (2015)

Ann Leckie (Orbit US/Orbit UK)

Publication date

6 October 2015 (paperback)

The stunning conclusion to the Imperial Radch trilogy

↧

A memory called Empire - Arkady Martine

August 1, 2020, 2:33 pm

≫ Next: Ecludian sequencers

≪ Previous: Favourite Sci Fi novels for the last decade

The Hugo winners were announced yesterday.
http://www.thehugoawards.org/hugo-history/2020-hugo-awards/

This was the best novel winner:

By Arkady Martine

2019 Science Fiction Novel
It was awarded the 2020 Hugo Award for Best Novel

Publisher Tor Books
Publication date 26 March 2019
Media type    Print, ebook
Pages    462 (Hardcover)
ISBN    978-1250186430
Website    https://www.arkadymartine.net/teixcalaan-memory

This is the first installment in the Teixcalaan series.

The sequel is titled "A Desolation Called Peace!"

↧

Ecludian sequencers

August 1, 2020, 2:40 pm

≫ Next: Radio Music - build pics

≪ Previous: A memory called Empire - Arkady Martine

In electronic music, you may come across Ecludian Rhythms.
They mostly are associated with patterns and beats.

They were only discovered in 2005 by the Canadian mathematian Godfried Toussaint.
His Book, "The Geometry of Musical Rhythm" discusses this in detail.
And this paper from McGill Uni, Montreal is a good read too.

In practical terms, ecludian sequencers are thus usually trigger sequencers (not melodic).
Patterns are derived from algorithms which come down to us from Euclid's Elements.

Eulcid was a Greek Mathematician who lived in Alexandria in 300BC.
In Ancient Greek, the word Elements is ΣτοιχεῖαStoicheia.
This is a name of a very cool trigger sequencer (Eurorack)

The algorithms compute the greatest common divider of 2 numbers.
Ie, the highest number by which both can be divided.
GCD - Greatest Common Dividers.
For example, the gcd of 8 and 12 is 4

They are interesting as they illustrate a close relationship between Maths & Music.
In a earlier post I discussed the mathematical idea of Lowest Common Multiples (LCM) and how one can also use them in music.

Euclidean Rhythms have the property that their onset patterns and numbers are distributed as evenly as possible.

This idea of distributing numbers evenly is found in many world music patterns from Cuba to Africa.

Ecludian rhythms are calculated from two numbers a larger value & a smaller value.
Larger = length of pattern
Smaller = the number of beats... these need to be distributed evenly across the pattern.
(A third consideration when making a pattern is the offset & rotation of the beats)

Examples: (where x=beat and 0=rest)
2,8 = x000x000
2,5 = x0x00 (Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 6 & Brubeck’s Take Five)
3,4 = x0xx (Trinidad)
5, 16 = x000x00x00x00x00
5, 8 = x0xx0xx0 (common Cuban cinquillo rhythm)
Here is a variation of the 5, 8 = 0x0xx0xx (Spanish Tango?)

5,16 = 00x00x00x00x00x0 (Brazillian Bosanova)
7,12 = x0xx0x0xx0x0 (West African)
4,9 = x0x0x0x00 (Turkish)
9,16 = x0xx0x0x0xx0x0x0 (central Africa)

If you overlay rhythms of different lengths you can create polyrhythms
By rotating and offsetting the beats and rests you can create new patterns.

Though the Standard use for a Euclidean sequencer is to trigger beats and melodies you can use them to
trigger an envelope. If you then run the envelope through a quantiser you can create melodic sequences.
The ΣτοιχεῖαStoicheia. module also has a companion tonic module which can create melodies from gates.

List of my Fav Ecludian Sequencers
+ Buchla 252e

The Euclidian Library.
There is a built in Euclidian pattern library... to help generate rhythmic patterns.
To generate pulse patterns using the Euclidian algorithm, select a ring using the “beats/cycl”
encoder, and press the “RHYTHM SELECT” button so that the Euclidian LED lights up.
Any pulse data in the selected ring will be erased and replaced by the Euclidian solution

rendered in red pulses (however, other pulses can be added).
Turn the “pattern #” encoder to generate each of the Euclidian pulse patterns for the number of
beats in the selected ring. The number of pulses in the current solution will be shown on the
segmented display to the left of the encoder.
To exit Euclidian mode, press the “RHYTHM SELECT” button, or turn the “beats/cycl” encoder
to select a different ring.

+ Pittsburgh Modular Game System
+ ΣτοιχεῖαStoicheia.
+ Klasmata - single channel of stocheia but with cv control.
+ ALM Pamelas Workout
+ Pulsar - Qu-Bit Electronix
+ MI - Grids & Yarns
+ Euclidean Circles v2 from Vladimir Pantelic Musikelektronik (6 tracks)
+ Addac heuristic
+ Snazzy Ardcore
+ 2HP Euclid

Links
+ LCMs - combining two Korg SQ-10s
+ LCM Vs GCD
+ Steve Reich - Clapping Music (Scrolling)

↧

Radio Music - build pics

August 1, 2020, 3:04 pm

≫ Next: Metro Modular - Euro Busboard

≪ Previous: Ecludian sequencers

Some build pics of the radio music module by Music Thing Modular

These aren't official and I'm in no way affiliated with Music Thing M.
These are just my notes to help trouble shoot, should I run into any probs.
As you can see, I purchased this as a kit from Thonk.

When I first built this, initially it didn't work as I hadn't installed the firmware correctly.

But it's actually a really easy module to build, and I recommend it for a beginner.
There are 2 PCBs

I usually start with the lowest profile components first.

When soldering the jacks, button etc, use the faceplate to align everything correctly.

These are headers to connect the two PCBs

It uses a teensy 3.1 0r 3.2

Installing LEDs

You can solder the teensy directly to the pcb, however, using headers makes it easy to remove & test the teensy, away from the module.

The physical build is done.
Next install some audio files to a SD card (32GB).
FAT 16 or 32 is OK
The file structure is this:

16 folders numbered 0 to 15.
They can contain RAW and WAV files (up to 48 in each folder)
No more than 330 files in total.
download this: Empty SD Card File Format

I use audacity
Audacity - (Windows, Mac, Linux) - http://audacity.sourceforge.net/

Format: Mono, 44100
Encoding: "Signed 16-bit PCM"

Github details
https://github.com/TomWhitwell/RadioMusic/wiki/SD-Card%3A-Format-%26-File-Structure

Firmware
This is where I initially made a mistake.
You can either install the firmware onto the teensy with it plugged into the module
or seperate from the module.

On the underside of the module you need to cut between the two gold tabs when you finally plug the teensy in.

However, don't do this if you plan to first install the firmware with the teensy unplugged.
It's easiest to do it this way.

Once you cut between the tabs, then you will have to make all future firmware updates/ changes
with the teensy connected to the module, and the module receiving power from your modular synth.

Actually installing the firmware is easy.
You can download the software here:
https://www.pjrc.com/teensy/loader_win10.html

The program is just a simple excutable file
teensy.exe

Go to:
File ---> Open Hex file
The file is:
Radio_Music_2017.2.hex

Go to
Operation, then Program

Links
+ Firmware
+ Teensy
+ PJRC
+ Music Thing

This is a Buchla 272e
I've added this pic as it's probably the inspiration for the Radio Music module.
Don was so forward thinking.
Imagine sampling a radio and using it in a live performance.
As you have probably worked out, the Radio Thing module isn't a radio. But it instead can use radio samples.

The 272e is actually a radio

In fact, there are 4 stereo radios.
Tuning is voltage controlable.
Each radio has a ASR envelope generator and a Sample & Hold.

Also google John Cage and Karlheinz Stockhausen for more info.

↧

Metro Modular - Euro Busboard

August 6, 2020, 10:58 pm

≫ Next: MFOS Bi-polar Power supply

≪ Previous: Radio Music - build pics

Some Pics of the Metro Modular Euro Busboard.
MM1521A

This is a nice easy build.

↧

MFOS Bi-polar Power supply

August 6, 2020, 10:59 pm

≫ Next: ARP 2500 - 1046 envelope generator & eloquencer

≪ Previous: Metro Modular - Euro Busboard

This is a excellent PSU

i'VE built an earlier one & it works well.

It uses LM78XX/LM79XX or LM78LXX/LM79LXX regulators
That is, it uses an AC output wall wart.
DO NOT USE A DC OUTPUT WALL WART.

These are the parts needed:

1	LM7812 +12V Voltage Regulator	LM7812	U1
1	LM7912 Voltage Regulator	LM7912	U2
2	Resistor 1/4 Watt 5%	2.4K	R1, R2
6	1N4004 General Purpose Rectifier	1N4004	CR1, CR2, CR3, CR6, CR4, CR5
6	Capacitor Electrolytic	3300uF	C1, C2, C3, C6, C7, C8
4	Tantalum Electro (35V)	1uF	C4, C5, C9, C10
1	9 to 12 VAC Output Wall Wart	12VAC Output
1	Optional SPST Switch	SPST

Tantalum capacitors -- they are polarized.

Links:
http://musicfromouterspace.com/analogsynth_new/WALLWARTSUPPLY/WALLWARTSUPPLY.php

↧

ARP 2500 - 1046 envelope generator & eloquencer

August 6, 2020, 11:00 pm

≫ Next: Happy 808 Day

≪ Previous: MFOS Bi-polar Power supply

Some notes on the ARP 1046 envelope generator.

Triggering the ARP's envelopes is a bit tricky if you are using eurorack, as most modules put out only 5V gates & triggers. This is usually not enough.

...

I decided to test the Eloquencer sequencer by Winter Modular with a ARP 2500

The eloquencer sends out 8V gates - good enough to trigger the 1046 EGs
You need to adjust the gate length from the eloquencer.

Most of the old ARP gear seems to want +10V but will usually act on +8v.

yOU CAN trigger the EG from either the upper matrix or lower matrix

The upper matrix allows you to treat the 1046 as if it is 4 "basic" EGs

Use the lower matrix if you want to use the 1046 as two "combined" EGs
When the Trigger Mode switch is in the Multiple setting you need both gates & triggers to activate an envelope. In the single mode, only a gate is required (T not needed).

If you apply another trigger signal while the gate is still present the cycle
will restart. ..a good way for creating multi-peak envelopes.

The 1046 QUAD Exponential Envelope Generator is actually a ARP 1003 & 1033 in a single module.

The 1003 has the stages: Attack, Initial Decay, Sustain, Final Decay

The 1033 has the stages: Gate Delay, Attack, Initial Decay, Sustain, Final Decay

The main difference between the two is the addition of a gate delay

View this post on Instagram

#arp2500 #envelopegenerator #module1046
A post shared by jono (@dj_jondent) on Aug 6, 2020 at 9:48pm PDT

As a side note, the ARP 2600's envelopes also can't be triggered with most eurorack gate/trigger modules. The ARP 2600 uses a gate range of 0-10v

The Gate & trigger output of the ARP 2600 keyboard is +10V

I can also clock the eloquencer (slave) from the ARP 1027 sequencer's clock (master).
The 1027 clock sends triggers not gates.

Links
+ More about the 2500's EGs

Eurorack modules that might work (I haven't tested this) with a 2500 or 2600 are:
+ MI Marbles - Output levels: -5V to +5V for CVs (largest setting), 0V to +8V for gates.
+ Make Noise -- maths, Rene & pressure points, 0-coast/0-control
+ ER - 101 - 9V
+ Doepfer A-149-2 .... +12V gates

↧

Happy 808 Day

August 8, 2020, 2:36 am

≫ Next: Basic 4 panel Buchla setup

≪ Previous: ARP 2500 - 1046 envelope generator & eloquencer

It's the 40th anniversary of the TR-808

This drum was introduced in 1980.
There were just 12,000 made and production was stopped in 1983 when some of it's parts (faulty transistors) became impossible to restock.

The TR stands for "transistor rhythm".

Unlike the Linn LM-1 Drum which used samples, this created sounds with analog circuits.
It's actually a synthesizer which focuses on making drum sounds
Thank you "Mr. Nakamura" for the analog voice circuits and "Mr. Matsuoka" for the software.

You've heard the TR 808 on countless records and it's been "cloned" again and again.
.... the best form of flattery

↧

Basic 4 panel Buchla setup

August 14, 2020, 2:30 pm

≫ Next: Repairing a Doepfer A-140 ADSR

≪ Previous: Happy 808 Day

A friend of mine is considering entering the Buchla world and asked for some ideas about where to start.
He is considering a basic 4 unit setup.

These are some of my suggestions.
Just personal ideas ... I'm no expert but have had some experience over the last few years.

Of course he could just buy an Easel, which is a great way to begin as it has all the basic modules.
But if you're keen to buy modules, then here goes.

Before Buchla started producing half modules, this was always my preferred basic system.
It has what I feel to be the essential Buchla modules:
1. a VCO ... 261e
2. a envelope generator (EG)...281e
3. a LPG....292e
4. a SOU (source of uncertainity)..... 266e

The 261e VCO could be swapped for another VCO of your choice .... such as a 258, 259e,
or a 100 series such as the 158 or 144.

Basic system 2:

We have added two half modules the 291h & 292h.
These are the EG & LPG.
The SOU hasn't changed but I've added a preset manager module,
the 225e, which allows you to store presets and also adds MIDI to your system.

Basic system 3:

This is essentially system 2 but the 225e has been swapped for two half modules: the 202h (which is a adapter module) and the 225h which is a midi - CV interface.

Basic 4 is an evolution of the basic 3 configuration

We have swapped the 266e (SOU) for a 267e which adds a dual filter, but retains a basic uncertainity module.

Basic 5 drops the 202h (adapter module) and the 225h (midi-CV interface).
In its place we have the 225e midi-CV / preset manager.

If you come from the Euro world, you probably already have MIDI to CV converters
and might be tempted to drop any of the MIDI-CV modules.
But be aware that Buchla uses a different standard to Euro .. 1.2V/ Oct. and 10V gates generally.
Plus the CV and audio section are separated.
CV uses banana & Audio use Tiny jacks.

Basic 6

If you have got this covered then swapping the 225e for a 206e would be a great choice.
You have added a mixer & retained the preset manager.

I hope these ideas help you make a good decision.
Cheers J

↧

Repairing a Doepfer A-140 ADSR

August 14, 2020, 3:45 pm

≫ Next: BMC - FM Drum - build notes

≪ Previous: Basic 4 panel Buchla setup

I stupidly plugged in the module backwards.

Shit happens .
Remember, Red Stripe Down. !!!!

If this happens to you , don't panic.
There are only a few sensitive components.
Start by swapping out the ICs.
Thankfully they are socketed.

Just 2 of them:

This is a TL084.
Its a op-amp

This is a CD4001 CMOS chip
They are sensitive to static electricity, and is the most likely culpruit.
It's a quad 2-in NOR gate

I swapped it with one of these and the module worked again

You can :-)

Links
+ CMOS
+ Integrated circuits - packaging
+ Opamps - basic circuits
+ Synthesizer Logic Modules - The 7 gates

↧

BMC - FM Drum - build notes

August 14, 2020, 4:11 pm

≫ Next: Nebula Best Sci Fi Novel awards 1960s

≪ Previous: Repairing a Doepfer A-140 ADSR

BMC25. FM Drum

sTART WITH the lowest profile components ..
usually IC sockets , resistors , etc

These are personal build notes just to help me trouble shoot should I have any probs.

As it turned out, this was a easy build.

cAPS next

the BOM calls for these:
0.002uf 1 Poly box type. ... 2nf or 2000pF
I'm using a 2.2nF cap

0.02uf 1 Poly box type ...20nF or 20000pF
I'm usinh a 22nF cap instead

.01uf 7 cheap ceramic disk....10nF (103)

sWITCHES next ... not sure how the panel and PCB link ??

i decided to install the jacks , switches first.. Then it became apparent the the panel is held to the PCB by the pots.

Solder the pots to the PCB.

Time for the sole LED

Jacks:
IN - tip of the input jack
CV - tip of the CV jack
OUT - tip of the output jack and switch of the CV jack to allow self modulation

Modulation Waveform Selection switch:
MS - Top lug of switch
MC - Center lug of switch
MT - Bottom lug of switch

Output Waveform Selection Switch:
OS - Top lug of switch
OC - Center lug of switch
OT - Bottom lug of switch

For a ground connection, use the center wirepad of whichever power supply you're not using.

Nice !!!

Links
Manual BOM Build noteshttp://www.bartonmusicalcircuits.com/fmd/

↧

Nebula Best Sci Fi Novel awards 1960s

August 20, 2020, 5:19 pm

≫ Next: TTSH gate Booster _build notes

≪ Previous: BMC - FM Drum - build notes

During this lockdown I've decided to start reading all the Sci fi I can.
There are so many great novels from the past 70 years which I haven't read.
Sci fi isn't just Star Wars & Star Trek.
The Nebula & Hugo awards are awesome places to search for quality reading material.
The Nebula Awards are handed out by the Science Fiction & Fantasy Writers of America and their annual event celebrates the books of the previous year.
The Nebulas started in 1965.

The Nebulas - Awards by Year
https://nebulas.sfwa.org/awards-by-year/

1965 -

Dune by Frank Herbert

1966
1966 (tie)- Flowers for Algernon, by Daniel Keyes
1966 (tie)- Babel-17 by Samuel R. Delany

1966 (tie)- Flowers for Algernon, by Daniel Keyes

   Publisher   Harcourt, Brace & World
Publication date
   April 1959 (short story)
March 1966 (novel)
Media type   Print (hardback & paperback)
Pages   311 (novel)[1]
ISBN   0-15-131510-8

1966 (tie)- Babel-17 by Samuel R. Delany

Publisher   Ace Books
Publication date
   May 17, 1966
Pages   173

1966 Runner up:

1966 - The Moon is a Harsh Mistress by Robert A. Heinlein, published by G. P. Putnam’s Sons

1967 -

The Einstein Intersection, by Samuel R. Delany
published by Ace
Publisher    Ace Books
Publication date
    1967
Media type    Print (hardback & paperback)
Pages    142 pp

1968 -

Rite of Passage by Alexei Panshin

Publisher    Ace Books
Publication date
    1968
Media type    Print (hardback & paperback)
Pages    254
ISBN    0-671-44068-3

1968 runner up: Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep? by Phillip K. Dick, published by Doubleday

Publisher    Doubleday
Publication date
    1968
Media type    Print (hardback & paperback)
Pages    210
OCLC    34818133

1969 -

The Left Hand of Darkness by Ursula K. Le Guin

Published    1969 (Ace Books)[2]
Media type    Print (paperback original; hardcover also 1969)
Pages    286 (first edition)

1969 runner up: Slaughterhouse-Five by Kurt Vonnegut, Jr., published by Delacorte

Publisher    Delacorte
Publication date
    March 31, 1969[1]
ISBN    0-385-31208-3 (first edition, hardback)

Sci Fi
+ Hugo Awards Best Sci Fi novels of the 1950's
+ Hugo Awards Best sci fi novels of the 1960's
+ Hugo Awards Best Sci Fi novels of the 1970's
+ Hugo Awards Best Sci Fi Novels of the 1980's
+ Hugo Awards Best Sci Fi novels of the 1990's
+ Hugo awards Best sci fi novel of the 2000's (2000 - 2009)
+ Hugo Awards Best Sci Fi novels for the decade 2010-2019
+ Foundation - Isaac Asimov's
+ Dune - The Chronological order of the novels
+ Dune Universe Timeline
+ I, Robot - Isaac Asimov - novels & Magazines
+ Star Wars
+ vorkoisgan saga reading order - Lois McMaster Bujold

↧

TTSH gate Booster _build notes

August 21, 2020, 4:13 pm

≫ Next: Arp 2500 - 1003, 1033, 1046 envelope generators

≪ Previous: Nebula Best Sci Fi Novel awards 1960s

I've been testing lots of different euro modules in the search for compliments to some vintage ARP gear... mostly a 2600 & 2500
Both use the same 1V/oct scale which is a good start.
The voltage levels are different to Euro
Euro uses mostly 5V gates & triggers.
ARP uses 10V

---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Modulating CVs ... from envelopes, the keyboard and LFOs on the ARP 2600 for example, are mostly in the 10V range.. but I've generally had no problems using Euro for modulation on ARP gear.

For the record:
ARP 2600 Keyboard: CV output voltage
UPPER VOICE −3V–+10V, 1V/oct.
LOWER VOICE −3V–+7V, 1V/oct.

ARP 2600 keyboard LFO
TRIANGLE ±5 V, 10 Vp-p
SQUARE WAVE +10 V, 10 Vp-p
DELAYED SINE WAVE ±3 V, 6 Vp-p

The ARP 2500 envelope generators outputs envelopes between 0 to 10V.
There is also an invertered output on the 1046 module with a 0 to -10V envelope.

Euro are mainly 0- 5V . (MakeNoise modules are in the 8V range ... these thus are more compatible).
So if you wish for example to fully open the filter of your 2500 you might have to boost the euro voltages.
Some modules that output 0 - 10V are:
2HP ADSR
Intelligel Quadrax
Bubblesound 141 (EG/LFO/VCA)
Erica Synth Black EG
Erica Synths Pico VC EG
4MS PEG
MakeNoise Maths
2HP Random (Rnd)
2HP EG
Tip Top Z4000 (envelope generator)

CV processor & Offset -generator modules will probably come in useful.
Something like the Sputnik CV processor can amplify 0-5V control voltages up to 0-10V ranges.
Other useful modules:
+ Voltage Processor - CGS 81 - Build notes
+ Voltage Processor - CVP - Build
+ Make Noise Maths
+ Synovatron CV Tools
+ Doepfer A-185-2 Precision CV Adder
+ Doepfer A 183 - offset generator

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

So the main compatibility issue between ARP & Euro seem to be Gates & Triggers
I've decided to try the TTSH gate booster. It also produces 10V triggers
BTW The Doepfer dual trigger delay.is super useful to generate triggers from gates

Here are some pics from the build.
It's very easy.

And the rear of the PCB

Metal Film Resistors 1% .25w
2 1K R7, R15
1 15K R11
5 18K R3, R4, R5, R12, R13
3 47K R6, R8, R14
1 82K R2
3 100K R1, R9, R10
1 1M R16

Capacitors
1 330p C1 COG or poly/MKT 5mm lead spacing
COG -- Ceramic ??
2 100n C4, C5 Decoupling, cheap 20% disc caps are fine. 5mm lead spacing
2 10uF/50V C2, C3 Electrolytic 2.5mm lead spacing

Semiconductors
1 TL072 IC1 OP AMP DIP-8
2 2N3904 Q1-2 NPN Transistor TO-92
1 1N4148 D1 Gen Purpose Diode

Miscellaneous
2 FB_226 L1, L2 Ferrite Bead, Axial Leads
3 Header Gate_I, Gate_O, Trig_O MTA02-100 Amp Connector
1 Header Power MTA03-100 Amp Connector
1 Socket IC1 DIP-8 Socket Buy a good milled type, or don't bother.

Optional - LED indication
1 2N3904 Q3 NPN Transistor TO-92
1 LED LED Builder's choice, but try to get a diffused one.

1 1K R17 1K is chosen for standard red LED. If you like laser etching your
retinas with a blue or white LED, you should increase this to 5-10K.

Im using a standard red LED ... so jus1 1 K

Thank You FuzzBass.
You're the best. !!!!

This is just a quick test module.
It's euro rack compatible.
I'll need to build more of these :-)

Looks like it will work

Nice +10V gates

Links
Synthcube
Muffs

another possible candidate :

sixty4pix.com

The CV OCD.
This just arrived , but I haven't had time to test.

↧

Arp 2500 - 1003, 1033, 1046 envelope generators

August 26, 2020, 6:17 pm

≫ Next: Nebula Awards - Best Novel - 1970s

≪ Previous: TTSH gate Booster _build notes

The ARP 2500 has a variety of envelope generators.
The 1003, 1033 & 1046 share common features.

The 1003 is identical to the 1033 except that it contains no gate delay circuits.
The 1046 is equivalent in function to a 1003 plus a 1033

EG's are used to produce repeatable transient control signals.
They can be used to control volume (in the case of a VCA) or timbre (VCO or filter) with respect to time.

A unique feature of all these envelope generators is their use of both gates & triggers.

These gate and trigger inputs are connected to the gate & trigger inputs of the keyboard
All ARP keyboards have 51 notes.

This is a 3001 - a one-voice 5 octave keyboard

It produces 3 types of Control Voltages:
1. Trigger - a short transient 10V pulse which occurs whenever a key is depressed.
2. Gate - a switched 10V signal indicating that a key is depressed.
3. Output - a control voltage whose amplitude is related to the lowest key being depressed.

The two voice keyboards have an additional output:
4. Aux - an additional CV proportional to the interval between the lowest &
highest key depressed if 2 or more keys are depressed simultaneously.

The trigger & gate voltages are typically used to control envelope generators.
The Output & Aux voltages are used to control oscillators , filters & amplifiers.

Envelope Shapes

Envelope shapes are very similar to a modern ADSR

ATTACK
When a gate signal is applied, the EG's output will rise exponentially to 10V
(the rate is determined by the "attack" setting).

DECAY
When 10V is reached, the attack phase is ended, and the voltage will decay exponentially to the Sustain level. (the rate is determined by the "initial decay time" setting). In modern synths, we just call this the "decay".

SUSTAIN
The sustain level is adjustable from zero to 10V
The output remains at the sustain level until the gate is removed.

RELEASE
When the gate is removed, the voltage drops to zero volts.
This is called the "Final Decay Time".
The rate of the drop is exponential and is determined by the "Final Decay Time" setting.

If the gate signal is suddenly removed, the envelope will immediately start to decay to zero unless
another gate is imputed. In this case the envelope will then restart the attack phase.

Trigger Modes

There are 2 trigger modes: Single vs Multiple.

When the Trigger modes switch is in the "single" position, only Gate voltages are needed.
When the Trigger modes switch is in the "multiple" position, both Gate & trigger inputs are required for the envelope to fire. The attack is initiated by a positive pulse at the trig input. But the envelope will only fire is there is a gate signal also present when the trigger occurs.
The presence of a gate signal or a trigger signal alone will not start the envelope.

Connections for a sustain pedal can be made via jacks at the back of the module.
This terminal, when connected to ground through a switch, acts like the sustain pedal on a piano.

1046 Quad EG (rear sustain pedal inputs)

Notice, there is also an inverted envelope output
This is zero to -10V
This output is only available at the lower matrix switch.

Electrical specs of the 1003 envelope generator:

Controls
Attack time: 0.001 secs to 2.0 secs
Initial Decay: 0.001 secs to 2.0 secs
Sustain: 0 to 10 Volts
Final Decay: 0.001 secs to 2.0 secs

Inputs:
Gate sensitivity: 1.8V in the lower matrix switch
9.6V in the upper matrix switch
Trigger sensitivity: 1.8 volts
All impedances are 100K

Outputs:
0 to +10V @ 1K
0 to -10V @ 1K

Power requirements:
+/- 15 volts @ 50ma , regulated to +/-0.1%
The lamps require +12V to +15V # 40ma.

↧

Nebula Awards - Best Novel - 1970s

September 1, 2020, 4:36 am

≫ Next: Repairing a Roland TR-808 - Part 1 - Opening the Machine

≪ Previous: Arp 2500 - 1003, 1033, 1046 envelope generators

1970

Ringworld by Larry Niven

Publisher    Ballantine Books
Publication date
   October 1970
Media type    Print (hardcover, paperback), audiobook
Pages    342 pages
Awards    Locus Award for Best Novel (1971)

1971

A Time of Changes by Robert Silverberg

Publisher    Nelson Doubleday
Publication date
   March–May 1971 (Galaxy) / June 1971 (Hardcover)
Media type    Print (Magazine, Hardcover & Paperback)
Pages    183
ISBN    978-0586039953

1972

The Gods Themselves by Isaac Asimov

Publisher    Doubleday
Publication date
   1972
Media type    Print (hardback and paperback)
Pages    288
Awards    Locus Award for Best Novel (1973)

1973

Rendezvous with Rama by Arthur C. Clarke

Publisher    Gollancz (UK)
Harcourt Brace Jovanovich (US)
Publication date
   Jun 1973 (UK)
Aug 1973 (US)
Media type    Print (hardback & paperback)
Pages    256 (UK) 69,048 words
Awards    Hugo Award for Best Novel, Nebula Award for Best Novel, John W. Campbell Memorial Award, Locus Award for Best Novel, etc.

1974

The Dispossessed by Ursula K. Le Guin

Published    1974 (Harper & Row)
Media type    Print (hardcover and paperback)
Pages    341 (first edition)
Awards    Locus Award for Best Novel (1975)
ISBN    0-06-012563-2 (first edition, hardcover)

1975

The Forever War by Joe Haldeman

Publisher    St. Martin's Press
Publication date
   1974
Media type    Print (hardback & paperback)
Pages    236
Awards    Nebula Award for Best Novel (1975)

Locus Award for Best Novel (1976)
Hugo Award for Best Novel (1976)

1976

Man Plus by Frederik Pohl

Publisher    Random House
Publication date
   1976
Media type    Print (hardback & paperback)
Pages    215
ISBN    0-394-48676-5

1977

Gateway by Frederik Pohl

Publisher    St. Martin's Press
Publication date
   April 1977
(serial from Nov 1976)[1]
Media type    Print (hardcover)
Pages    313 (first ed.)
Awards    Locus Award for Best Novel (1978)
ISBN    0-312-31780-8

1978

Dreamsnake by Vonda N. McIntyre

Publisher    Houghton Mifflin
Publication date
   1978
Media type    Print (hardback & paperback)
Pages    277
Awards

    Hugo Award for Best Novel (1979)
    Locus Award for Best Novel (1979)
    Nebula Award for Best Novel (1978)

ISBN    0-395-26470-7

1979

The Fountains of Paradise by Arthur C. Clarke

Publisher    Victor Gollancz (UK)
Harcourt Brace Jovanovich (US)
Publication date
   1979
Media type    Print (Hardback & Paperback)
Pages    256

Sci Fi Links
+ Asimov's (Isaac) Foundation
+ Asimov - I, Robot - - novels & Magazines
+ Dune - The Chronological order of the novels
+ Dune Universe Timeline

+ Hugo Awards Best Sci Fi novels of the 1950's
+ Hugo Awards Best sci fi novels of the 1960's
+ Hugo Awards Best Sci Fi novels of the 1970's
+ Hugo Awards Best Sci Fi Novels of the 1980's
+ Hugo Awards Best Sci Fi novels of the 1990's
+ Hugo awards Best sci fi novel of the 2000's (2000 - 2009)
+ Hugo Awards Best Sci Fi novels for the decade 2010-2019

+ Nebula Best Sci Fi Novel awards 1960s

+ Red, Blue & Green Mars - Kim Stanley Robinson
+ Star Wars
+ vorkoisgan saga reading order - Lois McMaster Bujold

↧

Repairing a Roland TR-808 - Part 1 - Opening the Machine

September 1, 2020, 4:38 am

≫ Next: Synthrotek - LPG build notes

≪ Previous: Nebula Awards - Best Novel - 1970s

I've owned this particular 808 for I think 15 years and in all that time I never opened it up.
This is how I purchased it. ... The knobs are wrong, and the step switches have certainly been replaced.... with the wrong colours too. But I never really cared as it just sounded amazing.

Who knows how many hands it has passed through since the 1980s.
And which technicians have worked on it ??
Lately it has started to play up ...mainly the step switches 3 & 9 have stopped working.
Everything else is OK.

Maybe some dust has got in under the switch contacts.
The choice is to replace the individual switches or the whole switch board.

I've decided to try the easy option first and just replace the board.
If I discovered more problems, Id send it to my technician.
Anyway, I purchased the switch circuit board and some knobs from Sound To Parts in France.
https://www.soundtoparts.com/en/3-roland

They have parts for all the major brands.

Be careful when you open up the 808.
Screws can go missing. And different types of screws are used in different parts of the machine.
So put them in safe places.

Long silver headed screws are mainly used on the underside, whereas black ones are mostly on the face.
... shorter ones on the front metal cover and the front. These hold the circuit board to the metal panel.

The sides of the 808 are plastic... the black screws are longer and designed to screw into plastic.

Enough jabbering. Lets get to it and find out what we have.

i DECIDED to take the knobs of first.

This volume knob is certainly wrong.

I started removing the 6 black screws on the front & rear.
These 6 screws are what hold the front panel to the base.

(The base secures the power supply. The actual electronic circuit board it secured to the front panel).

jUST the 3 on the bottom of the rear

And the 3 at the bottom edge on the front.

Next, remove the side plastic panels.

They are held in with 6 screws.
2 on the top & 4 on the bottom

On my machine, the top screws were black, and the 4 lower were silver.

You can remove both side panels, but it's not really necessary.
I just removed the left plastic panel.

Once you remove these 6 screws, it just slides out.

You should be able to now lift the top half from the base. The bottom half is the PSU .. consisting of the transformer, a power supply circuit board & the battery compartment.

A close up. Don't touch this unless you are a qualified techno. It can kill you. The whole body and case of the 808 is metal, so any shorts or loose wires from your mains or PSU board could conduct electricity to the front panel and case. (plastic cases like the ones used by Roland in the TB303 or TR606 don't have this problem).

You can't separate the top and bottom completely as the the main on/off switch is part of the top panel
and the PSU is fixed to the base. This is all hardwired.

The green wire connects to ground.

To Be continued....

Links
Transistor at the heart of the 808

↧

Synthrotek - LPG build notes

September 2, 2020, 6:18 pm

≫ Next: Roland Tr 808 repair - Part 2 - replacing the switches

≪ Previous: Repairing a Roland TR-808 - Part 1 - Opening the Machine

These are my build notes for the Synthrotek Dual LPG.
It's a eurorack format module

I'm not afilliated with Synthrotek.
These are my personal notes to help me trouble shoot any probs should they arise during the build.

Toggle
Toggle Switches Sub-Miniature DPDT switch on-on pc thru-hole

data sheet
https://au.mouser.com/datasheet/2/979/Dailywell_01132020_2M_Series-1708785.pdf

2MD1T2B3M2QES

I like to install the toggle switches and jacks on the panel PCB first as these are the tallest components.

Make sure you next solder the connecting headers (before the slider pots as one is under the pot.