Here we see Gert Jalass of Lunar Experience tweaking a modular synth at the Noisebug booth at NAMM.
The modular had a deep sound that cut through even the hall noise. The Lunar Experience modules, however, were the controllers. Other modules (in the Synthesizers.com 5U format) were used for sound generation, but the demo should how it would be straightforward to use in a live situation.
One of the perennial destinations at NAMM is the both of Big City Music. They have quite a collection of both vintage electronic musical instruments and contemporary analog electronics.
The highlight this year was a live performance with a Dewanatron by Leon Dewan:
It was hard to hear it well in the hall environment, unfortunately.
I also was looking closely at some of the analog modular offerings:
Above as a system primarily with Kilpatrick Audio modules for both sound and control. Below is a case full of Metasonix modules, distinctive with their protruding vacuum tubs and yellow color.
Big City announced a new metasonix module, the Thyratron VCO. I was able to listen to it and other modules (VCF, Waveshaper, etc.). Metasonix modules look a bit intense (and their description text can be a bit menacing), but the modules themselves had an unexpectedly subtle sound. That is, until you pick just the right modulation, then it gets more interesting. The wave shaper remains my favorite of theirs.
From Appliancide, where you can read more about the project.
I ordered some knobs and switch covers for the Doepfer modules, so they will blend in with my DIY stuff better. I am working on a second case and the modules to fill it. I will try to do a start-to-finish pictorial on one the modules this coming year. We’ll see. I like to build slow and rock out to music. Taking pictures cramps my style.
Also on matrixsynth:
“Clockwise starting from the upper left:
Doepfer a-111 VCO, Dual CGS/Serge DUSG, Doepfer a-188-1 256 stage BBD, Doepfer a-188-1 4096 stage BBD, DIY manual gate/lag generator, Doepfer a-135 mixer, Doepfer a-101-2 LPG, DIY version of Fonitronik Attenuverting Mixer and Buchla 292C LPG clone using boards from Thomas White.”
From Sawa Masaki on flickr.
“Yoko who pushes the RING MOD SYNC button”
If you would like to submit your cat-and-music photo or video, you can share it with us via our Facebook page, tweet us @catsynth, or contact us.
From FOCtv on YouTube, via matrixsynth.
“Mr. Hand demos a synthesizers.com patch utilizing a CatGirl Synth Sub Octave Divider module. The sequence is a facsimile of Suicide’s song Ghost Rider done with a Synthesizers.com Q119 Sequential Controller. It’s not the complete riff since Marty Rev’s riff is poly-rhythmic and I could only use 8 steps of the analog sequencer. The organ-like tonality is from the CGS Sub-Octave module which can function similarly to the divide down technology used in electric organs.”
Look for a black cat early in the video, and also the sounds with the CatGirl Synth module.
From George Mattson, via matrixsynth.
“I was wondering if I could do a ‘piano finish’ for the case I’m going to make for my EML sequencer/ modular.
In a moment of insanity, I decided to do a test run by building a 3X wide horizontal case. I figured that if it worked, great! If it didn’t, I’d still have something I could use.
One day of building out of canary wood and 15 days of coating, sanding, re-coating, sanding, etc and the final polishing process let me know that yes, I CAN do a piano finish. But, My EML project isn’t going to get one 🙂 It’s a lot of work.
I was trying to set it up where I could get a good angle to catch the reflective surface. Once I scrubbed the kitchen floor, it was as good as spot as any. Our cat decided to check out the new ‘thing’ that was invading the floor. I figured that it gives a good scale comparison. So, there he is, being a cat.
The case measures 44″ W x 11″ H x 3″ D. It contains 36 module spaces.
I decided that it was perfect for creating a system synthetically comparable to an old stock Moog 55. I researched the ‘standard’ module compliment from their brochure and had to sort out cross-generation compatabilities. I came up with the following modules that I’ll need to create a comparable system:
6-VCO’s
1-Noise
2-VC Dual LFO
1-Sample/Hold
3-ADSR EGs
1-MIDI/CV
1-Envelope Follower
1-Quad AD/ASR EG
1-4X Gate Delay
1-8-stage Sequencer (which, I have to finish)
3-VCFs
1-Quad VCA
3-Full VCA’s
1-4-channel Mixer
3-4X Buffered mults
3-4X VC Mixers
1-Utility 1
There was a lot of ‘back and forth’ due to some of the functions were standard within certain modules of mine.
Whether it’s the same or not, who cares. It’s going to be a lot of fun either way :)”
I wonder what the cat thinks. 🙂
From zwame on flickr.
“”meeaowW!”
A periodic reminder: if you have your own cat-and-synthesizers or cat-and-music-gear images that you would like share, you can post them on our facebook page, tweet us @catsynth on Twitter, or contact us here.
Submitted by Briana Jones via our Facebook page.
I see a Doepfer modular. Can anyone identify anything else?
A photo and video submitted by vlern via facebook:
“Clyde guards the modular.”
Clyde also stars in the next installment of the “My Cat is a Synthesizer” video series.
Via The MATRIXSYNTH Lounge (and the matrixsynth blog).
“New member of the band. Pretty good on the modular.”