Alternative Controllers: Dmitry Shtatnov's Wob-Wob Fader

Dmitry Shtatnov uploaded a nice video from his latest DIY-project/invention.
He created a CV-source module that consists of an 8 HP front-panel with two faders, two separate mini-jack outputs and a switch.

Dmitry's Wob-Bob fader

The faders generate CV voltages, and each fader has its own output.
A switch is added to select between (regular) fader mode and so-called wob-wob mode with a 0V.-centre in the middle.
I must say it does create a nice effect, and IMO not only suitable for making Dub-Step...

Dmitry even shares the schemetics if you're interested in this project, contact him via his site or via YouTube.

Video: Wob-Wob Filter

" This short demonstration shows my little invention: CV-source dedicated for Dub-Step drops. Unlike regular fader, this one has its maximal value on the middle position. Schematics available. It's very simple and it's free for non-commercial use.
You can get schematic here: http://ic.pics.livejournal.com/rpocc/...
R2 and R3 can be replaced with 4.7k to increase the sweep width. http://rpocc.ru/"

Uploaded by rpocc

As an alternative you could also use the A-174-2 Modulation Wheels CV Source for this.

This module has 2 wheels, and comes standard as one spring loaded wheel with bipolar voltage output, and one wheel without spring with only positive voltage output as a standard.

For each wheel two jumpers are available: one for the voltage range (positive or bipolar) and one for the voltage plateau around 0 V.
Another option to re-create this effect would be with an A-174(-1) Joystick module...

Using a Doepfer A-145 LFO as Swing Generator

I have decided to make a few short tutorials for the blog with relatively basic tips for your modular synthesizer.

The first video in this series shows how you can use an LFO as alternative 'Swing Generator'
I used a Doepfer A-145 LFO to show the principle.
The A-145 can do a great job as a (continuous) envelope generator, especially when using the reversed saw-tooth wave.

In the video the TB-303 is playing, the A-100 is playing the same pattern via the TB-303's CV Output.
The Gate from the TB-303 is fed into the Reset In on the A-145 so each time this module receives a Gate signal, it starts a new cycle.
Slow LFO cycles (Low mode) will result in longer envelopes and faster LFO's will result in interesting (swinging) rhythmical discoveries.

Video: Using an A-145 LFO as Swing Generator by PatchPierre

" Short PatchPierre Tutorial
Equipment used: Doepfer A-100, Roland TB-303, Machinedrum "

Uploaded by PatchPierre (subscribe!)

Doepfer A-118 Extra Random Output Modification

A-118 front panel,
secured and ready
for drilling

In preparation for the next #ModularBattle round, i figured out i had to do something to get a little bit more out of my pretty basic set of Doepfer Modules.

I decided to add an extra Random Output to my A-118 Noise/Random Voltage module, which was quite an easy job.

After i removed the knobs and the sockets i could remove the frontpanel of the module.
I mounted it on a flat piece of (old)wood, and secured it with two nails to avoid the frontpanel slipping away.
With a nail and a hammer i punched a small guide-hole for my drill, and drilled an extra hole for the new mini-jack connector.

To protect the front-plate, you can use an adhesive foil or (painter's) masking tape to cover the front, but if you drill very carefully, and don't wipe but blow the aluminium-scrapes off the module you'll be fine.

A-118 extra random output wiring

The new mini-jack connector was one that i ordered from Doepfer earlier (i have a big collection of mini-jack connectors, knobs and switches - they sell them seperately as spare parts) and the connection with the other random output was made with 2 pieces of wire and my soldering-iron.
The connection was as easy as it looks, and it looks like my soldering-skills are (slightly) improving...

Finished module with
extra random output

Don'be afraid for any CV-loss now that the signal has to be distributed over the two Random busses.
Doepfer confirmed to me that "this just works as a mini multiple and doesn't lower the CV"

Now that the modification is done, the module sends 2 similar (controllable) random voltages to both outputs that i can use for all kinds of purposes throughout my modular synthesizer.

For a modification that was done in less than an hour, it is a nice improvement...

The mods described on this site will most likely void any warranty and, if not done carefully, can damage the circuit board, IC chips, and faceplates.

"The rules of fair play do not apply in love and war." John Lyly's 'Euphues' (1578) #ModularBattle

Gestural Control of Modular Synthesizer via Kinect by Robotmakers

A video by Robotmakers was uploaded to YouTube this weekend, showing another alternative way of controlling your modular with gestures.

Finally someone found out how to use the Microsoft Kinect system to control a (modular) synthesizer.

Kinect is a motion sensing input device by Microsoft for the Xbox 360 game console and Windows PCs, based around a webcam-style add-on peripheral. 

It enables users to control and interact with the PC or Xbox 360 without the need to touch a game controller or mouse, through a natural user interface using gestures.

Although this hack only converts the gestures to a MIDI signal, it can be easily converted into CV voltages with any simple MIDI-to-CV converter.

I predicted that this would be possible when the Kinect was announced in a post from January last year about Doepfer's Mogli glove. 

I didn't expect it would take this long before a video showing this would appear on YouTube though...

(or did i miss earlier attempts?)

Video: Gestural Control of Modular Synthesizer via Kinect

" Custom software enables gestural control using Kinect and PC. Hand movements in the X and Y axes are translated into MIDI signals which generate control voltages, allowing 2 dimensional morphing of waveforms in a "Morphing Terrarium" module, processed through modular moog.

Recorded in the superterranian lair of the Robotmakers. "

Uploaded by robotmakers

Also read the other blog-posts i wrote about touch-less gesture-control, like the Theremin, the Doepfer Mogli and the Wii-mote.

PatchPierre Goes To Battle

You've probably heard and read about the ModularBattle challenge that was started by KlirrFaktor and Fi0cz a few weeks ago.
The rules are simple so far; Round one - one module only / Round 2 - two modules, and so on...
 - no external CV, click or audio - tracks no longer than 2 minutes - no additional edits or effects - track as video or audio.
I made quite a few videos so far, although i failed to enter my first video in time.
Starting from now on I will post them here on my own blog too...

Find all the other entries at http://www.knoobz.com/
Follow ModularBattle on Twitter via the #ModularBattle hashtag

My #ModularBattle entries so far:

Video 1: Out of competition #ModularBattle Round 1 entry by PatchPierre

One module only - Doepfer A-127 Triple VC Resonance Filter

Video 2: PatchPierre Sells Seashells - #ModularBattle Round 2

Two modules only - Doepfer A-118 Noise/Random Voltage plus Doepfer A-106-1 Xtreme Filter

Video 3: Sonic Pointillism by PatchPierre - #ModularBattle Round 3

Three modules only - Doepfer A-118 Noise/Random Voltage plus Doepfer A-188-1 BBD plus Doepfer A-147 VCLFO modules

Video 4: Acid Ducks by PatchPierre - #ModularBattle Round 4

Four modules only - Doepfer A-118 Noise/RND + A-147 VCLFO + A-111 VCO2 + A-127 VCRF

My new entries will be added to this post later...

Next round - ModularBattle Round 5: The perfect drone
Here are the rules:
give us your perfect drone - modular only ^^ - track must be no longer than 3 minutes - no additional edits or effects - track as video or audio

Feel free enter next week's battle that has a deadline on the night of the 24th of March.
You may add your tracks with postings @ sequencer.de or muffwiggler.com, on Soundcloud or on Twitter with the hashtag #modularbattle

Quick Tip XI : Eurorack Screws

Okay, this seems like pretty basic Eurorack knowledge, but every now and then I see this question popping up on several forums and sites.

The standard Doepfer eurorack screws - M3x6

It seems a lot of people run out of Eurorack mounting screws very often.
A lot of them don't seem to know what types are used and/or where to get them.

In Doepfer Euroracks standardized lens head screw DIN7985 M3x6 are used.
DIN is the German edition of ISO standards and
the ISO metric screw threads are the world-wide most commonly used type of general-purpose screw thread.

The 3 stands for the diameter of the wire, and 6 stands for the length of the screw... both in millimeters (mm).
For the Doepfer racks, don't use longer screws...

I got mine from a local hardware-store (GAMMA), and i guess you will be able to find some near you...
Of course there are many other types of mounting screws available that fit... in different shapes and colours, so the choice is yours.
Just Google "M3x6" and you will find plenty of options.

A tip from Oliver Chesler from wiretotheear.com in the comments is that you can also use 3mm Nylon Plastic Washers between your screws and the modules.

If you want to resell your modules scratch-less this might be a good idea.

Random Video: Automated Tape Delay/Reverse by Wouter van Veldhoven

Wouter van Veldhoven, a tape-addict and musician from the Netherlands, makes music using collected second hand materials including, cans, old tape recorders, cigarboxes, broken radios and toypianos.
He reworks them in experimental musical instruments and uses them as recording devices.
His music balances somewhere between dusty, lo-fi experimental ambient and jangly instrumentals, but recently he has also been delving into the realm of minimal techno.

His latest upload is made with a nice mix of Doepfer Eurorack and various tape-machines and sounds like it is influenced by the classic Dutch NatLab-engineers from  the early 60s.

Video: Automated tape delay/reverse

" I adjusted a tape recorder in such a way its playing direction can be controlled from my Doepfer system, this combined with an extra tape recorder that both records and plays back enables delayed tape reversing in a live setting. Quite nice for doing some minimal techno thingies"

Find more about this project on his Tumblr page at http://woutervanveldhoven.tumblr.com/

Uploaded by Wouter van Veldhoven

Follow Wouter on Twitter at https://twitter.com/WvVeldhoven