Hinton Instruments Gearbox

Hinton Instruments was quite an unknown name for me up until now, but they have been releasing a few highly interesting modules lately.
The Gearbox is one of them.

Hinton Instruments Gearbox. Basic version on the left,
full version with DIN panel on the right

This module was developed in response to a request on the Muffwiggler forum.
( The full thread discussion may be read here )

The Gearbox is a compact module that converts and locks analogue, MIDI and DINSync timing clocks together.
Any one source may be master and the other two follow in synchronisation.

The Gearbox module is available in two versions: a basic 8HP module with a single 5-pin DIN socket that may be used as one input or output or a full version with manual transport control switches and a separate 6HP panel containing four DIN I/O connectors.

Main Features:
- Four analogue inputs: Clock, Pause, Start and Stop
- Five analogue clock pulse outputs, 5V or 10V levels set by links:
- Reset, ÷6, ÷8, ÷12, ÷24 clocks
- Manual illuminated switches: Start and Stop/Cont
- MIDI In and Out
- DIN-Sync In and Out
- 8HP width with mini-jack (EJ), Banana 4mm (EB) or Bantam/TT 4.4mm (ET) jacks
- 120mm deep.
- 6HP width panel for DIN connectors, may be placed away from main panel.

Any analogue signals may be used as inputs enabling slow rising waveforms to be used as jitter free controls.
MIDI and DINSync sequencers and drum machines and DAWs may be controlled by analogue signals and vice versa.
Analogue sequencers may be driven by MIDI or DINSync clocks and commands.

Because all timing is divided down rather than multiplied up there is no sloppy timing with tempo changes.

 More details and specifications at http://hinton-instruments.co.uk/paprod/modular/gearbox/specifications.htm

These Hopeful Machines Radio Documentary Re-Run and Expanded website

Almost a year ago i posted about a wonderful radio-documentary 'These Hopeful Machines', a New-Zealand electronic music -documentary that was broadcasted earlier that year during the Sound Lounge radio-programme...

Now their expanded website is online, and the programme will be aired again...
 Here is the email that i got from producer James Gardner today...

" Hi Pierre
I hope this message finds you well.
I'm please to say that at long last, (it's only taken about a year...) the expanded website for my series 'These Hopeful Machines' is now up and running here:
<http://www.radionz.co.nz/concert/programmes/hopefulmachines>

There are full listings of all the music played in the series, links and a bibliography as well as interview transcripts - starting here:
<http://www.radionz.co.nz/concert/programmes/hopefulmachines/20130910>
and outtakes here:
<http://www.radionz.co.nz/concert/programmes/hopefulmachines/20130907>

Because of Radio New Zealand's house website style, some of the pages are very long, so you will need to do a lot of scrolling down to see all of the content!
I'd be very grateful if you'd post this news on your PatchPierre blog, and please feel free to spread the word via social media.

In case you have some New Zealand readers, they may like to know that the series is being broadcast (and streamed) again, this time on Radio New Zealand National (not Concert) on Fridays at 11pm, during 'Nights with Bryan Crump'. So that should get it to a slightly bigger real-time audience...

In the meantime, I wish you all the very best
Cheers
Jim"

ZAelectronic Cyclops II Demos by miip999

miip999 uploaded two videos featuring the Zetangas ZAelectronic Cyclops II light controlled delay module.
Zetangas ZAelectronic is formerly known as Zebranalogic before 2009
The cyclops II is the improved version of the earlier cyclops I, and has been implemented with a mayor control of the LFO, with three controls:

Speed: Controls the velocity level of the LFO oscillator, varying the intensity of the frequency.
Wave form: Controls the waveform, according to the variation the wave transforms from square to triangular or vice versa by turning the knob.
Depth: Determines the depth level. This control determines the amount of light transmitted from the stick to change the sound of the Cyclops 2.

The Cyclops 2 has two additional controls:
Feedback: Controls the feedback level of your sound
Warning!!!!! Setting this control to its max can create an uncontrollable feedback sound.
Level: determines the sound level of the effect, in relation to a clean guitar.

In the first video miip999 explains the main functions of this module, and in the other video he performs a six and a half minute long soundscape including the CyclopsII module...

Video: Cyclops II Eurorack Verison by Zetangas ZAelectronics

" Overview over Cyclops II Eurorack Verison by Zetangas ZAelectronics.
Cyclops II is a Light controlled delay for eurorack modular synthesizer

Controls:
Delay: Delay Level, Feedback,
Envelope: Depht, Attack 10ms-5s, Decay 10ms-10s,
Eye (delay sensor): Light input 0 - +10v.max

Technical details:
Input impedance 2,2Mohm
output 470 ohm
Current consumption 100mA
Usable with gate and trigger.
Delay time apron. 342ms"

Video 2: Cyclops delay eurorack

" first glimpse of Zetangas Cyclops Eurorack module.
Cyclops is a light controlled delay, there will be more clips with cyclops soon..."

Uploaded by miip999

More info: www.zaelectronic.com www.zebranalogic.com

Night of the Modular Monsters, September 19 2014, Leiden (NL)

Last night I went out to see a few modular synth-based acts in The Generator at Vrijplaats Middelstegracht in Leiden (NL) at the 'Night of the Modular Monsters'.
(Check out the event on Facebook)
In an intimate setting; a theatre-style room with comfortable cinema-seats, a big screen with cool visuals three live-acts were performing for a group of around 50 visitors...

OR Combiner, a duo consisting of Lama Waaien & Tony Dubshot (from http://www.dubbhism.com/) opened the evening with a dubby set, but sadly I missed their act because i was a bit late and the show had to start half an hour earlier.
Luckily they recorded it, and you can find it at https://soundcloud.com/ism-studio/night-of-the-modular-monsters

Falafel Biels in action at Night of the Modular Monsters

'Freepatcher' Falafel Biels from Rotterdam did a nice 40-minute long non-stop noisy/atmospheric set.
He plays at these kind of events quite often and also designs his own line of Monster Modules.
After the show he showed me a few of his creations, including his 'Bunch-a-clox', a few interesting clock divider modules and other Falufar-branded modules.
Find more on his Facebook page.

Falafel Biels' live setup

Das Ding from Rotterdam closed the evening with an electro-set.
Danny Bosten a.k.a. Das Ding has been creating powerful dark electro since back in the early 1980s, releasing his music and friends’ music via his own cassette label called Tear Apart Tapes.

He told me that he had recently begun to build his own Eurorack-compatible mini-sequencer.

It's called the Baby 8 and if you're interested you can buy a hand built version (stand-alone or rack) directly from Danny. Just contact him via Facebook.

Check out this Juno Plus interview about the Baby 8 for more info.

Das Ding live setup, Eurorack, TR-606 and MC-202,
 and two of his Baby8 sequencers

The stage after the shows

Overall I did have a nice and relaxed evening.

I liked the venue, and it seems perfect for these kind of occasions.

This is the first time i really went out and met some of the interesting people from the Dutch Modular scene.

I did have to leave a bit early because my weekend-schedule is always very full, but i hope i can take more time next time.

I hope to write some more party-reports on PatchPierre.Net in the future, and maybe do some interviews with all these interesting people...

Main info via Dubbhism:

http://www.dubbhism.com/2014/08/night-of-modular-monsters_30.html

More pictures at https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.675944072501136.1073741845.271419252953622&type=1

Gezeiten Modular Ultima Ratio TYP1 Cascading Clock

Another newcomer in the Eurorack-scene is Gezeiten Modular, a Berlin based manufacturer of Eurorack compatible Synthesizer Modules. (Gezeiten means Tides in German)

The Ultima Ratio Cascading Clock is the first product they recently released in a small series.

Gezeiten Ultima Ratio
TYP1 Cascading Clock

The Gezeiten Ultima Ratio is an 8HP wide intuitive playable Clock Divider, Clock Generator and Dual AR Envelope.

You can use it
- to synchronize sequencers with independent time signatures
- as an performance like instrument when you play the divider ratios
- to provide and distribute a stable system clock
- to fire envelopes in a live performance to rhythmically control filters or VCAs in musically meaningful ratios
- to mult triggers

The Ultima Ratio is available at first in a small batch as a DIY kit.

Ordering info can be found at http://www.gezeiten-modular.com/pages/order_kit

Video: Dividing Clocks: Gezeiten Ultima Ratio Eurorack Module

"Playing along with my eurorack modular synthesizer and testing the Gezeiten Ultima Ratio clock divider module.
The track is entirely made with the modular with just the inevitable addition of reverb :)
The Ultima Ratio is used to provide 3 clock streams to synchronize the Grids drum sequencer and both Moskwa sequencers with different clock resolutions.
I play with the clock ratios in realtime and also make use of the makro attack/release envelope generator to provide control voltage to modulate the cutoff frequency of a dual Korgasmatron filter.

http://www.gezeiten-modular.com/
http://www.modulargrid.net/e/gezeiten..."

via ModularGrid

Qu-Bit Electronix RT60 DSP Multi-FX

Qu-Bit Electronix (known from their debut Eurorack Nebulæ audio file player/granular oscillator) recently released a few new modules.

I will blog about the Nano Rand once i know a bit more... but first this...

QU-Bit RT60

The RT60 is an 8HP wide, skiff-friendly stereo multi-effects processor that features 7 high quality DSP effects running from the venerable Spin Semiconductor FV-1 chip. 

It sounds very impressive and the cool thing is that all parameters of this module can be controlled via CV, even the switching between effects.

Main Features:
- Wet/dry control
- Voltage control over ALL parameters.
- Stereo in/out
- 7 unique DSP effects including reverb, delay, flange, tremolo and pitch shift
- Dynamic switching of effects
- Power consumption: 70mA

Also check out the initial demo that bigcitymusic published today, find it at http://youtu.be/BeWFWqa1pDA

Video 1: RT60

More info at http://www.qubitelectronix.com/ 

Follow them on Twitter: https://twitter.com/qubitelectronix
,or on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/qubitelectronix
and Instagram: http://instagram.com/qubitelectronix

Video uploaded by http://www.youtube.com/QuBitElectronix

Video 2:  Qu-Bit Electronix RT60 Audio Demo by ToothsVideo

" Qu-Bit Electronix RT60 Eurorack Module Audio Demo
A simple audio only demo of the Qu-Bit RT60's seven different effects. All effects have been recorded at the smallest and largest settings as well as minimum to fully wet so you'll be able to hear the tone and the subtleties/extremities of each of the 7 effects.
You will hear a bit of the dry patch before each effect is mixed in -
Verb 1 - 0:00
Verb 2 - 1:09
Chorus - 2:30
Tremolo - 3:39
Flanger - 4:40
Delay - 8:11
Pitch - 10:58

Patch info - Maths Envelope & Clock / Rene Sequence / AFG Oscillator, Sub + Alien Saw / STG Moog / Mixer / Doepfer A-132-2 VCA / no filter
Live modulation of effects, no CV used on the RT60. Used as the last module in the patch.

More info go here -
http://www.qubitelectronix.com/#!rt60...
http://www.Tooths.com.au
http://www.twitter.com/toothsau
http://www.facebook.com/tooths.com.au "

Uploaded by Toothsvideo

Video 3: RT60 Tutorial by Collin Russell

" This is a tutorial for the Qu-Bit Electronix RT60.
Table of Contents
Introduction: 0:00
Verb 1: 0:28
Verb 2: 1:19
Chorus: 2:05
Flange: 2:50
Tremolo: 3:35
Delay/Pitch Shift: 4:27
Pitch Shift: 5:23
Knob & CV Overview: 5:57
Effect Selection Modes: 6:18
www.collinrussellmusic.com
www.qubitelectronix.com"

Uploaded by Collin Russell Music

Random Video: Tony Horsman's Shumovik II composer/performer system

Tony Horsman, father of  Doepfer A-100 Facebookgroup creator/moderator Richard Horsman has created this next video with his 99.9% pure Doepfer system and an Arduino.

Video: Tony Horsman's Shumovik II composer/performer system

" Arduino Mega microcontroller controlling a large Doepfer modular synthesizer. Every piece performed is unique, using four complex sounds each with two variants and two alternative effects. Patch design and Arduino code by Tony Horsman."

"He is taking questions on this thread in the Eurorack sub-forum on Muffs.... "

http://www.muffwiggler.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=121698

Uploaded by Richard Horsman

Mutable Instruments Peaks Demo by DivKid

Another lnice and long Eurorack demo by DivKid, demonstrating the multifuncional Mutable Instruments Peaks module.

" Peaks is a multi-function module, but the general rule is that cool things happen whenever a trigger
is received. Its four main functions are:
Envelope generator – the gate/trigger input starts and holds the envelope.
LFO – the gate/trigger input resets the waveform cycle.
LFO with tap-tempo synchronization – the gate/trigger input sets the period of the LFO oscillations. Note that Peaks can “learn” irregular trigger sequences and lock onto them.
Drum generator – the gate/trigger input triggers the drum sound.

Peaks provides two channels of processing – each of them has a gate/trigger input jack, a gate/trigger button with an output indication LED, and an audio/CV output. Both channels provide the same function – the exception being channel 1′s drum generator being a bass drum generator, and channel 2′s drum generator being a snare drum/hi-hat generator.

Both channels can be “synchronized” (aka twin mode), in that they both share the same front panel controls – for example in ADSR envelope mode, the first knob will control both channel 1 and channel 2′s attack time. This can be used not only to create duophonic patches (for which you actually want both channels to behave similarly), but also to obtain two synchronized outputs of the same LFO waveform with different phase shifts…

Another way of controlling the module is the split mode in which the potentiometers 1 and 2 control channel 1′s settings; and the potentiometers 3 and 4 control channel 2′s settings. This mode only gives access to the 2 most essential parameters of each function (for example attack and decay time for an envelope) – the other parameters being set to default “neutral” settings.

Finally, if breaking the one knob per function rule is not a taboo for you, an expert mode allows individual control of channel 1 and 2."

Video: Mutable Instruments - Peaks by DivKidMusic

" Another hugely feature packed module from Mutable Instruments! Peaks has 4 modes with envelopes, LFOs, Tap-LFOs and drums then an additional 4 'hidden' modes which are a mini step sequencer, trigger delay and repeater, trigger stream randomiser and a dual Anushri style synth drum generator.
As always all comments are welcome!

As mentioned in the video here is the Branches overview video so you can check that out as it's used for several patches in the video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hVKx_..."

Uploaded by DivKidMusic

Hexinverter.net Mutant Clap Demo

Hexinverter's latest in their series of dedicated drum-modules is the Mutant Clap, A TR-909-style handclap module.
Just like the other Mutant Drums, the Clap is a highly versatile module.
It is actually a voltage controlled LFSR noise oscillator as well as a powerful percussion synthesis engine!

- feature-rich, analogue handclap percussion synthesis reminiscent of the 909
- pitch control of noise generator means you can create everything from vanilla 909 claps to broken, chiptune-like alien sounds
- doubles as a voltage controlled, Commodore64-sounding noise VCO via the NOISE output and PITCH CV input
- SUSTAIN control lets you crank up the clap's sustain and use the module as an abstract synth voice with external inputs!
- external input allows you to synthesise claps from virtually any sound source you plug in
- built in internal reverb effect derived from clap tone
reverb decay forms the decay of the clap sound, and is fully voltage controllable from short reverb "snaps" to long, whooshing tails!
- you can select between internal and external noise sources as the source for the reverb sound generation, opening up really interesting sounds
- DRIVE control lets you dial in anything from clean to extremely overdriven sounds
- bandpass filter cutoff control

Video: hexinverter.net Mutant Clap Demo

" The Mutant Clap is a eurorack handclap percussion synthesis module reminiscent of the TR-909.
It will be available in Fall 2014 as a built eurorack module from modular synthesizer dealers around the globe as well as in DIY project form, from hexinverter.net's online DIY shop.

More info/full feature list: http://www.modulargrid.net/e/hexinver...
hexinverter project page: http://cv.hexinverter.net/?projects=m...
DIY products: http://shop.hexinverter.net
For built modules, please find your nearest modular retailer and inquire with them!

Gear used in this video: Mutant Clap, Orbitals step sequencer, Jupiter Storm, Galilean Moons, Mutant Bassdrum, Mutant Hihats, Low-gain Submix, WMD Pro Output, Make Noise Echophon..."

Also very interesting: " Rest assured the Cowbell will make itself known somehow! :) "

Errorinstruments Simple Passive Eurorack Module

Error Instruments just released this video about a brand new product.

It isn't exactly clear (yet) what  this passive module does, but it just looks and sounds nice... although not very spectacular.

A module with a button, a rotating knob and a switch, thats all...

Video: errorinstruments eurorack simpel pasiv modulen

" just a simpel eurorack module Pasiv .is onder 35 € as a DIY KIt 45 € BILD
its sooon at www.errorinstruments.com "

Via YouTube: paul tas

Info soon at http://www.errorinstruments.com/

Blog at http://errorinstruments.blogspot.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ErrorInstruments

Modular Wild Presents - Malekko Heavy Industry Richter Oscillator II

Raul Pena's is going retro again in his latest Eurorack Demo,another addition to the series about the Malekko Heavy Industry Richter Oscillator II and shows its Phase Modulated Synced FM.
That series started in September 2013, and it looks like i forgot to post them back then...
So here is the whole series (so far)... Enjoy!

Video 1: Modular Wild Presents PROFILE- Malekko Heavy Industry Richter Oscillator II

" A short overview of the features of the Malekko Heavy Industry Richter Oscillaotr II. Sound and Video by Raul Pena."

Video 2: Modular Wild Presents SOUNDS-Malekko Heavy Industry Richter Oscillator II-Phase Modulation

" A short exploration of the Richter Oscillator II and its ability to Phase Modulate Waveforms.
Sound and Video by Raul Pena."

New Video: Modular Wild Presents SOUNDS-Malekko Heavy Industry Richter Oscillator II Phase Modulated Synced FM

"Outtake from my Malekko Heavy Industry Richter Oscillator II series. A short look at a patch using Phase Modulated Synced FM with the Malekko Heavy Industry Richter Oscillator II. Sound and Video by Raul Pena."

Check out Raul's latest survey athttp://www.surveymonkey.com/s/K3Z9PVF

Other places to find Raul's World of Synths on the Web:

raulsworldofsynths on YouTube

raulsworldofsynths on Vimeo

raulsworldofsynths on SoundCloud

raulsworldofsynths at iTunes

raulsworldofsynths at CDBABY

Ginko Synthese Sampleslicer KickStarter Project

Products from the Netherlands get some special attention at PatchPierre.Net.

SampleSlicer prototype

Jan Willem from Ginkosynthese is slowly uncovering the KickStarter project plans for the Ginko Synthese Sampleslicer Eurorack Module.

" The Sampleslicer is a real-time monophonic sampler, including a 16 step voltage-controlled sequencer.The incoming sound is chopped up automatically into 16 parts by the incoming clock signal and spread out over the16 steps in the internal sequencer."

The first batch will be manufactured from a crowdfunding project.
Subscribe to receive an e-mail as soon as the crowdfunding campaign kicks off."

Read more about this project on Kickstarter.

Follow Jan Willem on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jan.willem.737

Video: Intro


Video: Ginko Synthese SAMPLESLICER demo by Jan Willem

New updates will be added later...
" Last but not least: If we reach the goal, we will create an add-on module to use pre-recorded samples from a memory card, and moreover it opens a way for us to develop even more awesome modules!""

Update Oct. 20 2014:

As you probably know the sampleslicer kickstarter is successfully funded. Thank you all for the support! 
The sampleslicer will be shipped to all backers around 20th of december. 
We work hard to get this date stipt. 
If you where not able to be part of the kickstarter project there are two options to get a sampleslicer. 
1: there will be a short period for ordering on my websitewww.ginkosynthese.com (people on the waitinglist will get a mail about this) 
or 2: wait for the retailers as we will drop some modules at retailers afterwards

Doepfer A101-1 Vactrol Multitype Filter Review by SoloStuff

SoloStuff created a nice review video about the Doepfer A-101-1 Vactrol Multitype Filter and uploaded it to YouTube...

Video: Doepfer A101-1 Vactrol Multitype Filter Review

" I wanted to do this for a while. The thing about the A101-1 is that it can be aggressive and easy. Vactrols are known for their non-distorting response, combined with the Steiner design kinda gives a more tamable beast.
Also, Vactrols behavior is not always precisely predictable because of tolerances in each. Doepfer says:

"mechanical and electrical tolerances cause that each vactrol will behave a bit different (e.g. because of the differences in alignement and distance between LED and LDR, different brightness of the LEDs at the same current)"
This effectively means that A101-1 modules can sound slightly different than each other no matter what calibration is done.."

Uploaded by SoloStuff