My Synthesis Technology MOTM Analog Modular Synth

End of a chapter

2011-05-28T12:54:00.000Z

Well, as indicated , my MOTM was for sale, and it has now sold and found a new happy owner. This brings my MOTM usage to an end (for now). Never say never, it was a fantastic 'machine', I loved every minute of it, but unfortunately, a busy job etc did not give me enough time to play with it, and besides I needed to clear some credit cards etc (credit crunch had hit here too...), so it had to go. Perhaps, I'll pick it up in the future again. For now, that's it from me, but I'll leave this blog on line for a while.

Cheers!

My MOTM for sale

2011-04-19T19:48:00.003Z

Personal circumstances, and the fact that I simply can't put as much time into my synth as I'd like, have forced me to decide to sell it.
You can find it on E-Bay at: http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=330555462504#ht_500wt_1013

Happy bidding :-)

T J

PS: It didn't sell in it's first week, so I've relisted it so those that may have missed it, have another chance, the new link to it is here: http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=330557849907&ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT#ht_546wt_998

Dutch Masters CD

2011-02-21T14:37:00.000Z

A brilliant new CD has just been released, called 'The Dutch Masters'. It's a sampler, on which several dutch electronic musicians were invited to compose music to their favourite painting by a dutch master such as 'Rembrandt, Van Gogh, Pieck' etc. A unique approach, that led to some great tracks. My friend Rene Splinter also has a track on the album called Tower of Babel. You can get the cd at www.groove.nl, here's the promo video. Enjoy! TJ

MOTM backlog shrinking further.

2010-12-06T11:35:00.000Z

Paul updates us on the status of the backlog and more. Below is the latest on the backlog and more. TJ

a) I have a few extra MOTM-510 modules/panels/extra parts kits (not many, just a few) put into the cart.

b) Shane will have the MOTM-440 pc boards finished tomorrow. I need to make up a few kit shortages this week before I can ship kits out. I am going to finish this week a set of 420s/410s/490s so I can ship after I get my wisdom teeth out. Yes, it's always something here at the ranch.

c) I will clear out the repair backlog the week of the 27th. This is my "vacation" time (oh, really?) and this year it's allocated for repairs and getting ready for NAMM. I will be updating the website this week as well. I haven't touched it in over a year. But as the competitive landscape shifts (shades of 1999! I need a mission statement!) I need to at least keep the site updated twice a year.

d) I will be shipping out that last week of December (usually I don't) because I am running behind 8 days now.

e) I have ordered the jacks to finish out the MOTM-650 pc boards already stuffed, they are quoting a 9-11 week lead time (and then, I will have 800 extra jacks.) There are 5 or 6 left in the cart. There is no deadline, except when they run out.

I'm working 6-12 hours/day on the backlog, doing as much as I possibly can. Please bear with me, you will get your stuff.

Paul S.

MOTM-650 to be discontinued

2010-12-02T13:54:00.000Z

in a message from Paul Schreiber, the man behind Synthesis Technology, he confirms the MOTM-650 will be phased out. Below in his own words:

The MOTM-650 4ch MIDI-CV will be the 2nd retired module in 13 years, when the last 8 in the cart are sold.

I have run out of stuffed boards, jacks and panels. It is cost prohibitive to run more of this module based on the "sell rate"/maturity of the product.

The BLOWOUT price is $439ea ($60 off). The cart is updated. (www.synthtech.com, click ORDER tab, click MOTM Assembled modules tag).

In order to complete all 8, I have to get more jacks from Singatron, and they usually quote 7 week lead time. Also, due to Christmas/NAMM, these last 8 will not ship until Feb/March (based when the jacks get here, everything else is sitting here ready to go).

The '650 support will always be there: I have extra parts, CPUs, LCDs, etc for the next 20 years. Your investment is safe. After the 8 are sold, I will post up the schematics and the *binary* CPU code (NOT the source code, I do not have rights to it). If anyone wants a pre-programmed spare CPU (it's a 44-pin PLCC, in a socket) the cost is $12/free shipping. Email for details.

Also, in case you are wondering: no, I do not plan to "reissue" the '650. I may offer another MIDI-CV but it will NOT have dual arpeggiators or tuning tables. It would be stripped-down quite a bit. So again, the feature set of the '650 will still place it on the top of the pile (despite the issues in the current code). If there is another 5U MIDI-CV from me, it is at LEAST 6 months off, more likely 8-10. A MIDI-CV seems trivial at first until you start putting in all the expected features. It gets big quick! Jeff & Neil crammed every bit of RAM and Flash to get all those features in. Maybe someday they will release a V 1.4 for the '650 (you can update the firmware over MIDI using a Mac). But the hardware is costly (I just want to break even with these 8) and the sale rate is low.

Lastly: for those of you that bought a '650 in the last 90 days: email me and I'll refund you the new price difference.

Thanks to everyone for supporting my 'little hobby' for 12+ years. I am planning for 2011 already. Time to go solder!

Paul S.

E340+E350 sounds by Robert Rich

2010-04-14T19:37:00.000Z

It's been quite a while that I had anything to write here. Not much has happened in my own MOTM world, and it's been relatively quiet on the news and updates front too. Synth Tech is hard at work though, developing and bringing to production new future modules, and working away the backlog of orders.
Some of the new modules (in Euro rack format, and sometime in the future also in 5U format) are the E340 and E350, for which Robert Rich has made a few demos: Here the story as it is:

Here are 4 snippets of the E340 & E350 recorded by Robert Rich in rehearsal.
This upcoming tour info is here:

http://robertrich.com/2010-tour-dates/

There are 4 synth tracks that are sequenced via Ableton Live. There is a
Korg Wavestation "pad", the other 3 are all MOTM voices as follows:

#1: E340 Cloud >> MOTM-440 VCF (P5 rev 2 type)
#2: E350 MT >> MOTM-480 VCF (CS-80 type)
#3: custom CS-80 VCO >> MOTM-490 Moog ladder VCF

http://synthtech.com/demo/e350/e340_e350_improv.mp3
http://synthtech.com/demo/e350/e340_e350_intro.mp3
http://synthtech.com/demo/e350/e340_e350_mythos.mp3
http://synthtech.com/demo/e350/e350_e350_twilight.mp3

Module information is here:
http://www.analoguehaven.com/synthesistechnology/

Paul S.

March Update

2010-03-18T14:33:00.001Z

Here is the latest news from SynthTech.

UPDATE:
I will have lots of available MOTM time between now and April 5th.

a) All outstanding MOTM 2.0 orders (parts, rails, pc boards, etc) will ship by Wednesday.

b) I will alternate between kits and assembled modules for the next 2 weeks (then expect to do some Euro assembly towards the end of the month).

c) if you ordered a RR Edition E350: I will be sending emails out later this week/early next week to PayPal the balance and I will ship your module < 3 days after I receive the balance.

d) MOTM-995 .com power adapters are at the assembly house for wave soldering.

Paul S.

New Update

2010-02-20T09:32:00.000Z

Here is Paul Schreiber's latest info.

a) I have shipped all the kits orders I can, based on the kits I have built up. In order to *finish off* the kits, I need to make up the following

MOTM-700
MOTM-190 (more, I already shipped 18 of them)
MOTM-300
MOTM-480
MOTM-485

Based on my travel/work load, I won't be able to get these done until the end of March.

b) the week of March 15th is 'Spring Break' and I plan to catch up a LOT then on both the above kits and assembled modules. My Euro shipping is getting caught up (finally).

c) I have received the RR E350 Special Edition panels and will start to wire those up next weekend. The people that paid the deposit: I will send you an email when your module is *done* and expect the payment balance in < 4 days or the next in line gets it. It's going to *take a while* to do these, it's about 1 1/2 hours per module of handiwork. But they look cool.

d) semi-annual reminder: if you want tracking for your package, the shopping cart option is EMS Express. I *can* ship on Fed-Ex, especially if you already have a Fed-Ex account. Fed-Ex Ground (fully tracked in the US) is the *same price* as Priority Mail. It's 2X slower but trackable. I can also ship UPS but only for larger (over 15 pounds) packages because it's a pain.

If you want non-standard shipping, say so in the Comment box on the order form. Or email me.

And Happy Birthday to me, Feb. 15 was MOTM's 13th anniversary.

Paul S.

Impressive Electric Parade

2010-02-18T13:18:00.001Z

John L Rice is at it again. Great stuff, listen and comment on his video!

T J

E-350 being used by Robert Rich

2010-02-05T14:22:00.002Z

Listen to this short intro All the background 'pads' are done using the E350 Morphing Terrarium. The complete track can be found on the upcoming CD from Robert Rich, coming out very soon.

Additional info on the E350 is here.

T J

Special Edition E-350 shipping soon!

2010-01-13T08:00:00.000Z

Paul Schreiber reports that a special Robert Rich Edition of the new Euro rack format E-350 module will be shipping towards the end of the month. Target date is January 25th. Order soon if you want this module as it is a limited edition module.

Other news:

"a) Not much will ship this week until Saturday.

b) I'm running short of PWR-20 cables (more on order), so some kits/assembled modules may ship with the longer PWR-30 cables.

c) I'm about to finish up the 320/310/410 kits, then will start on the 800/480/300 kits.

d) the last day to order kits is Jan 18th. After that, I am removing any unsold ones and that is that.

Paul S."

T J

John L Rice on a roll Again!

2010-01-11T21:51:00.001Z

No comment, you can do that on Youtube, I have. :-)

Enjoy!

T J

Merry Christmas!

2009-12-19T21:05:00.001Z

T J

A pre holiday update

2009-12-16T20:18:00.000Z

SOme good news for Euro rack lovers : The new modules are now available for pre order since Tuesday December 15th.
Here are the details:

a) MOTM E340 and E350 modules will be available from pre-ordering on Tuesday from www.analoguehaven.com (US) and Schneidersburo in Germany. Also possibly PostModular in the UK (check their site). Google is your friend. I will add direct links on the NEWS page when they post-up on Tuesday. These have MOTM 4-pin +-15V connectors installed and will work in a MOTM system.

b) I will spend all of this coming week shipping all that I can (kits and assembled modules, a few rails/parts). The *last* day I am shipping is this Friday (the 18th). I will ship maybe 1 or 2 days between the 19th and Jan. 6th. It's a holiday :)

c) Extra full MOTM kits will be placed into the shopping cart Monday Dec. the 28th at 6PM Texas time, if you don't see them after a browser refresh that means lunch at the in-laws were overtime, the new time will be 9PM Texas time. I work on these kits every day. I will have *all* of them shipped out by Jan 11th *unless* I run out of wire. It's going to be close on a few of them.

This year is no different than the last 11: I will work the 18hr days to ship all that I can. At least I won't be doing pc board layout on Christmas Eve (no NAMM). Which I did 4 times over the years :(

Paul S.

Time to fill those stockings! :-)

T J

December Update

2009-12-09T14:27:00.000Z

It's been a while since there was some note worthy update, but Paul and Co have not been sitting idle. Sorting out issues with Pot suppliers, working on eurorack modules and the backlog have been the name of the game until now. Here is the latest:

a) kits will begin shipping later this week. I won't have every module kitted but over 1/2 of them.

b) extra kits go on sale 10PM Texas time Monday Dec 28th. ( Ed: these are kits of the current model range going back into the online shop for a while, extra after holiday gift ideas perhaps?)

c) I will ship until Friday Dec. 18th, then start back up again around Dec 30th.

d) I'm doing all I can to ship as much as I can, to as many people as I can. I will respond to individual "where is my stuff" emails mid-week. I need to get the 2 Euro modules to the SMT assembly house as #1 priority the next few days, then I can 'relax' and get back to MOTM until they get sent to me around the 21st.

Paul S.

T J

Latest news from SynthTech

2009-11-03T10:11:00.001Z

Straight from the man himself:

Update

a) I will ship a few things tomorrow AM, but will not be able to again until the week of Nov. 9th. I am taking vacation that week in order to catch up and to get the Euro modules released to production. The code for both is now finalized and is entering beta testing. I think the HW is also done but need to run a few system-level tests first.

b) MOTM-960s will be out-of-stock (in reality, not shopping cart) until Nov. 16th.

c) MOTM-19A rails are out-of-stock (reality) until Nov. 9th.

d) The week of Nov. 9th will be focused on shipping remaining assembled backlog as much as I can. I will not have time to work on assembled backlog again until Dec. I am spending Thanksgiving week on kit backlog. December is looking very insane, as I need to get E340s/E350s to Analog Haven and still see what I can ship out for 'regular' backlog. I cannot possibly ship *everything* to *everybody*. By Dec 1st I will guess that only 5% of the *total* backlog will remain from where it was on Jan 1st of this year. But that means there will be some people without there modules for yet *another* year.

The upside (??!?) is that by the end of Jan. I expect to hit the milestone that has not happened in over 10 years: zero backlog (or maybe a few modules on order). Of course that in turn means zero income until orders arrive. So what will be the next (hopefully) order-driver? The MOTM-520/521/530s of course :)

But I will be frank: in order to continue with new 5U modules, I have to sell reasonable numbers of the 520/530. And by 'reasonable' I mean at least 40 of each one in the first 3 months. Remember: these are SMT modules (like the '650 and the '730) and when I put them into the cart, I will have sufficient pc boards built up to ship orders in < 4 weeks. If I am not travelling for my day job that may drop to < 1 week. The solder jockeys out there (you know who you are) will have to make due with not being able to DIY it but instead actually use it.Lastly, there are several people that have been waiting a VERY LONG TIME for all of their modules, and I *will not* put the new modules up for sale until every module is shipped to those folks. I want to start with a completely clean slate. Sometimes I think it's too late for that, but I hope enough of the ~ 700 people that have been MOTM customers will let me prove it next year. I would like to hit 10,000 MOTM 5U modules shipped one day. Let's see....as of today I need another 1553 (that's shipped, BTW). I should hit module #8500 by Dec 31st.Paul S.There you have it, and just to refresh your memories:The 520 is the long awaited Cloudgenerator, the 521 is its expansion module, and the 530 is the module that is based on the upcoming E-350 , and has the wonderful name of "Morphing Terrarium"Once again: This is a wavetable VCO with 1024 base waveforms, stereo outputs, LFO range down to 1 cycle/18min, and voltage-controlled waveform morphing in 2 dimensions . Demos of the E350 are right here.

T J

Quick Update

2009-10-26T09:20:00.001Z

About 85% of the assembled backlog has been cleared, and efforts are being made to make sure everyone who is waiting for an order to arrive, will get at least something shipped before christmas.
In the meantime, development on an MOTM version of the E-350 is in full swing. One of the key differences is that it will have up to 8 wavetables, compared to the E's 3 sets.
The Euro modules of which the E-350 is one, are said to be slated for production around Nov 16th, with the modules becoming available hopefully before the holidays.
As mentioned previously, the Euro rack modules are a development to generate additional cash flow in the company, which will help fund the development of new "no-compromise" full size (5U) modules, as well as retooling some existing designs, now that some electronic parts are getting harder to come by, or available only in SMT technology. Additionally the euro format world gains some modules from a top manufacturer, with unique features not seen before in that format, or indeed anywhere else.
In any case, things are moving slowly forward at Synthesis Technology.

TJ

Another Euro rack Synth Tech module "Z-plane morphing"

2009-09-25T09:55:00.001Z

In a departure from the usual proceedings at Synthesis Technology, there's another module in development that will be released in Euro rack first.
Paul tells us that this is basically to generate additional cashflow, in order to develop the more advanced versions in MOTM format, which have a longer R&D period. Getting the Euro and other formats on the market creates a bit of a buffer, and budget to retool some of the classic MOTM modules in the future too (some of them going to SMT in in time where possible).
Back to the E-350..

Here is strictly a *TEST* showing the E350's Z-Plane morphing function using control voltages. In this test, there are 3 banks of waves (NOT, repeat...NOT what will ship, these are place holders) that are morphed from one to the other using the front panel pot (so, a linear sweep).

Each bank is 64 waveforms. Right now, the interpolation has 64 "in-between' waveforms (it's like a cross-fade between adjacent wavetables). So, you are hearing 64 x 64 = 4096 *distinct* waveforms in the sweep.

The very end of the demo shows the aliasing noise for frequencies over ~3KHZ that occur. As you can hear, lower frequencies are extremely "smooth" and alias-free. The aliasing is due to the 256 byte samples (longer samples would alias at highter audio frequencies).

Enjoy!

Sequence of audio is:

* starts out at min frequency, bank 3 minimum wave
* frequency increases somewhat
* upward sweep through all waves in bank 3
* increase frequency some more
* downward sweep through all waves in bank 3
* switch to bank 2
* upward sweep through all waves in bank 2
* switch to bank 1
* downward sweep through all waves in bank 1, ending up at pure saw
* sweep saw down to min
* sweep saw up to max - notice the aliases at top end

There are some fairly harsh waves in this set - some with nasty glitches in them. Not my fault!
We will contiue to work on the DSP code to make it sound as best we can. Also, the MP3 compression muddies up the sounds a bit.

HERE IS THE SAMPLE.

About the future MOTM version, and how it differs from the E-350, Paul writes:
"There will be a 5U version but it will have more wavetables, better interpolation and cost more. No timetable for that, probably Q1 2010.
The rate at which the morph CV inputs (yes, there are different sorts of morph inputs) can be modulated will probably be fairly "low", say 400-600Hz. The 'Pitch' CV input can be modulated much higher, say 5KHz. There is a tradeoff between the update rate and the "smoothness" of the morphing. I am intentionally going for the cleanest, smoothest morphing possible within the constraints of the HW. Which in the E350, is really the SW. The MOTM version will have a large FPGA which is like a math co-processor in that the interpolations can all be done in real-time hardware.

Also, I am trying to keep the price of the module as low as I can (if one can associate me with the term 'low price'), which will be < $400 retail.

The wavetables cannot the field upgraded like a MiniWave. The wavetable data is part of the actual DSP code. Maybe I can make E351/352 versions with different sorts of wavetables. Again, we are spending *much* time and effort hand-tweaking every single data point in every table, so that you will not be able to tell this is a wavetable VCO at all. There are plenty of "glitchy" wavetable options available. This is sort of.....different."

T J

New MOTM track

2009-09-21T20:19:00.002Z

Hi all,

I've been noodling a bit again recently, and decided to create a cover of one of my favourite all synth tracks, which is Jean Michel Jarre's Arpegiator (Arpegiateur). The original can (only) be found on his 'Concerts In China' album.
I've used my MOTM mainly for the monophonic bass and arpegiated sounds on this track, complimented with some software synths and other poly synths.

As I have no other means of sharing it with you right now, it's currently posted on my myspace page, which is Project Aries. I've called the track the same, in french, Arpegiateur.
And while you are there, hope you enjoy my other works there too, I will update this track list in the next few months and replace some songs with some more recent work. :-)

Enjoy.

T J

MOTM user Synth.nl

2009-09-21T10:23:00.003Z

Hi everyone:

I thought I'd show you an image of another MOTM modular under construction. (picture is copyright by Synth.nl)
This one is owned by Michel Van Osenbruggen, a dutch synth musician and collector,whom I sometimes correspond with, and is better known as Synth.nl . It is housed in his massive underground studio. His site can be found by following this link , where you will find info on his music, his albums, and also video's and pictures of his studio and synth collection. Worth a visit, if only if you are a gear junkie :-)

T J

Quick update

2009-09-21T10:18:00.002Z

Paul reports the following:

I will have limited shipping dates until Oct 1st. I have stuffed pc boards to ship most assembled module orders in the backlog. I need a few more 300/320/480s and Shane will be on those between now and the end of the month. I will continue to work hard on these assembled module orders for the next 4 weeks. The total backlog is now at it's lowest point in *7 years* !

I am shipping tomorrow and then on the following Monday (the 28th).

Paul S.

BTW: This info can be found elsewhere (on the yahoo motm forum for instance) , but for those of you new to my blog, the reason for me reposting this info here, is so that the latest updates are easier to find, as oposed trying to find them on a forum, where you may have to filter through several messages, and to filter out non relevant stuff.
Simply a service from me. :-)

MOTM in action

2009-09-11T18:05:00.003Z

I found this recently on youtube, and thought I'd share it with you, it's has bits of MOTM so it is worth to be put on this blog. :-)

T J

Back log shrinking further.

2009-09-11T17:38:00.002Z

Paul reports that Synthtech has reached the lowest number of orders in backlog since 2004, in his own words.

Today the number of pending orders in the backlog dropped to 85. This is the *lowest* number of orders I have had since May of 2004.

I know it sounds odd to be happy about not having as many orders as in the past. But I think this is a good thing :)

Paul S.

Indeed Paul, it is a good thing, and proves you and your team have been working very hard to reduce it!
If I am correct, it means also, that we'll could expect shorter lead times on future orders, you have more time to work on new stuff, and see the website updated more regularly. Hope I'm right on this prediction :-) .

Great work, and keep it up!

T J

19000

2009-09-08T19:47:00.001Z

hooray, another 'mile stone'. I've passed 19000 visits. Onwards to 20.000 :-)

Oh and don't forget to visit my 'sponsors' :-)

T J

Update, including Eurorack info!

2009-09-07T06:29:00.005Z

a) Monday is a national holiday in the US, so no shipping until Tuesday.

b) There will be much MOTM activity the next 2 weeks. Kits will begin to ship on Thursday the 17th. It will probably take me 2 full weeks to ship every last one of them. **IMPORTANT NOTE** I will be modifying the instructions to cover the new BTI pots. Some kits will be as before, but some will have *only* BTI pots in them (no Spectrol, no Bourns). Where the blue Bourns pots once were, will be a BTI pot on a little pc board. You solder the pot on one end, and the 3 wires to the other.

The BTI pots have shafts that are 0.197 shorter, but the knobs will still be above the nuts. The 'feel' of these pots is very smooth, I personally think they are an improvement.

In October, any surplus Spectrol and Bourns pots will be offered up for sale REALLY CHEAP.

c) I am low on MOTM-19A rails, I will order more this week. I've been putting this off due to cash flow, but I can't wait much longer. I'm going to try a new vendor.

d) Info on the Euro modules (E340 and E350) is posted at Muffwiggler.com Check the eurorack forums for the info.

e) I will be able to ship assembled '410s and '300s the next 2 weeks, and most likely MOTM-830s by the 20th. If you have a MOTM-480 on order, those are about 5-6 weeks away.

f) every MOTM 2.0 order in backlog will ship this week. I'm also going to ship all pending repairs this week.

Paul S.

Finally, I'm posting an update again.

2009-09-04T14:42:00.001Z

Here is the latest news from Synthesis Technology, posted by Paul Schreiber.

I was able to ship some orders last week, but had to spend time on other things. I will ship some orders this Tuesday, and then again the following Tuesday (the 7th). The MOTM-410 cards are here from Shane, he is building 2/3rd of the remaining MOTM-300 pc boards on order. That is a tedious, time-consuming board, I expect to get them next weekend.

The next modules up for assembly are the MOTM-830 Mixers and the MOTM-940 patch panels.

Please note shipping in September from the 14th to the end of the month will be sporadic due to non-MOTM workload filling the pipeline. I also will be getting the E340 ready for shipment to dealers late Sept/early October. But before that happens, I plan to ship ~ 30 assembled modules out and most of the kits.

Thanks to everyone for waiting on me, I'm happy to be busy (the alternative is not so great) and continue to work on MOTM orders every spare chance I get .

Paul S.

A little progress

2009-08-17T13:18:00.002Z

Finally, another post from me, be it a brief one.
My new job is taking more time (quality time) than I expected, besides there is still a lot for me to learn, taking up time I would otherwise spend on hobbies etc. I've also been gone on a holiday, which wasn't very synth orientated either (read none at all)
However, just a little update, the MOTM sounds download link has been removed, as it was hosted by Apple's dot mac, which they no longer support, and have changed the service to a mobile me, with which I already have a website running (for my wife's business), and currently can only host one. I'm looking into another option, and am contemplating to use youtube a bit more often, to at least show of my work, but if you know of a site where I could post mp3 or other samples etc free of charge, for others to download, let me know, and I'll refer to that site.

So that's the story at the moment. I'll try to keep this up a bit more regular in the future.

Cheers

Finally some synth fun :-)

2009-04-29T14:51:00.003Z

Today I found some time to sit down and actually play my synths, a few of them that is.
It was one of those sessions where you just switch them on, tinker around a bit and to see if something useful or inspiring "jumps up" out of the depths of my head. I guess some of you will recognise that. Either it's a rhythm that inspires, a certain sound, or by playing around you suddenly find that catchy hook you've always wanted, and presto another platinum album is born! :-) (well the lucky few of us may have that on occasion at least..) MY session wasn't that productive, but I had fun, and I did find a nice new sound that inspired me , and will be using to compose a future track. The source, well the MOTM of course! :-)

T J

Back home and a new post

2009-04-25T09:20:00.002Z

Well, big changes ahead. I returned from work yesterday, and have a new job starting in 10 days from now, hopefully I can keep up with the MOTM community, and my own synth antics better from now on.
A few things of note coming from Synth Tech:

- The shipping backlog is getting smaller, will be at a 10 year low mid May, which got to be a good thing :-)
- The MOTM-730 competition is still on, so if you have one and have not yet entered, you still have a week!
- Owners of the MOTM-650 midi-cv, there are a few bugs in the unit still (mine occasionally freezes), but updates may be on the horizon finally. Paul hasn't mentioned any details, but says to stay tuned, and that should be encouraging.

2009 appears to be a year of change, Synth Tech's business is slowly turning to phase 2 (new modules, new mfg techniques, no more backlog), I'm starting a new job, and hope to be working on this blog more regularly than I have been able to in the past.

More soon.

T J

Sound on Sound magazine April 2009

2009-03-21T09:29:00.003Z

For all of you interested in Modular synths, I recommend getting a copy of April 2009 issue of Sound on Sound, which runs a feature article on Modular Synths, including MOTM.

See the Sound on Sound website for more details.
The picture shows part of the 'Fat Bastard' synth owned by Lester Barnes.
T J

The future

2009-03-21T09:19:00.004Z

Big changes are ahead in my personal life, as I've accepted a position with a local gasturbine generator manufacturer, and will be saying goodbye to my seafaring carreer, finally I must add :-)
This new job will still mean a lot of travel on my part, and I will have to see how I can schedule my life and how this affects my hobbies, although I think I'll be able to spend more time on that, or at least more regular. While this may mean that this blog will not get updated as frequently as I'd like perhaps, I do hope that these updates will be an interesting read, as I will be re-united with my MOTM on a more frequent basis, and will work on patches etc more often. John L Rice has inspired me making his Youtube video's, and I am considering doing something similar too, I will need to buy a video camera at some stage to provide good quality footage, but we'll see about that in due course.

I'll keep you all posted.

T J

17000

2009-03-18T17:58:00.002Z

17000 visitors already, it's adding up , thanks everyone :-)

Wow time is flying past and I'm not getting much further musically, or with my MOTM, still finding myself doing all sorts of DIY around the house, painting mostly, but eats up valuable MOTM time, or any synth time for that matter, note to self: gotta sort that out.....
Having said that, have had time to quickly play around with my Roland JP8000 today. A friend and I were discussing VA synths the other day, so I thought I'd play around a bit with the only hardware VA synth I own.. Kind of lusting a bit after a bright red Nord Lead at the moment though....

T J

A hint of what's to come

2009-03-16T13:47:00.004Z

Those of you navigating to the Synthtech website, may already have noticed it, but the player I mentioned in my last post is now alive on their site, as well with a few more hints of things to come. Looks like the website is about to get a decent overhaul. Paul Also reports that the backlog is getting smaller and smaller in regards to outstanding orders, and soon he'll be able to concentrate fully on the future of MOTM, and next up is the Cloud generator, the Euro rack derivative E340 VCO, and a 'surprise' frack rack module.

As for my own progress, I've replaced the backlight in my 01/W, and is as new now, ready for several more years of service.
Next I've also replaced the backlight of my Kurzweil K2000RS, which took only 20 minutes (it's a really accessible synth, a testament to it's good design, although the rack is probably easier than the KB version), compare that to the 01/W fd which took a few hours, simply because nearly everything needed to come out to access the display..So now it's hightime to continue with the modification of my MOTM-800 envelop generators. :-)

T J

My antics

2009-03-13T09:39:00.004Z

I haven't written in almost a week, and for good reason, I've been very busy doing non synth related work and fitted a bathroom suite at home, plumbing tiling etc. all fun (not) but that's all done now.
In the meantime I have received the PCB's from Tellun for the MOTM-800 modifications I've been planning, and I have received shipping confirmation for my EL-foil backlight for both my Kurzweil K2000, and my Korg 01/W FD, they should be here soon too, so I have a few things I can get on with soon.
Also, I've been playing around a bit with my synth in evening times, just patching a bit, and trying to get some idea's for music projects I'm working on, so I hope to have a few more things to 'show' you soon.
In the meantime, Synthesis Technology is working on a redesign of their website, and I've seen the beta version of their sound player that is going to be incorporated in their new site (link removed at the request of SynthTech), and it looks great and works very well too, it's a promising new feature of the new website, which will hopefully launch soon :-)

T J

EL backlight foils

2009-03-07T08:40:00.004Z

Yes, this has nothing to do with MOTM, but everything with synths. My favorite digital synth has a weak backlight so the display is hard to read. I've looked at the usual sources but every message I send them remains unanswered till this day, so I looked further and found a new source for replacement backlight foils for the Kurzweil K2000. The link is :
right here
Backlight4you ships foils etc for a lot of different synths (SY77's, Korg 01W, Akai samplers etc etc) so this is bound to help a lot of you I hope, so hence I posted this as a service to the synth community as a whole, they accept paypal and some creditcards.

T J

Hear the drummer get wicked!

2009-03-03T08:36:00.005Z

Well, it's John L Rice actually, demoing the use of the MOTM-730 as a trigger for drum patterns, sounds fantastic John!

How this patch was made can be seen on this picture, click on it to view full size version :-)

T J

Another Synth

2009-03-01T16:54:00.002Z

Yes I know this is an MOTM blog, but I just wanted to report on my latest synth. I went on E-bay, just browsing around and found a Korg 01/W FD on offer. I've always liked this workstation synth, because of it's sonic character, and the elaborate pads and whooses it can produce, it's quite a reasonable alternative to the Korg Wavestation, but less the vector control and a few other tid bits. So I bid on it, only once, and not expecting to win it at all, but low and behold I did, for a mere £137,- I am now the owner of a 01/W FD in pretty good condition. It doesn't have a resonance filter and only a LPF filter, but it has a waveshaping synthesis which is quite interesting and different sounding from my other synth, so I look forward to put this thing to good use in my future musical projects, besides it also offers reasonable master keyboard functions so it's a great synth to control the MOTM with, but more on that another time.
For more on the 01/W FD go here.

T J

Phase two of My MOTM

2009-02-27T12:49:00.003Z

Thus far, I've reported mainly about building my MOTM synthesizer made from the standard kits without any other modifications.
However, having come close to 'completing' my synth over the years (I doubt it will ever be finished as it is very addictive), I have started to see what I can do to bring more functionality into this synth and also more 'blinky lights' as everyone loves those don't they? :-)
So I decided to start off with a modification to my envelope generators, and I've chosen the modification as available from the Tellun corporation run by Scott Juskiw. ( more info here ) This will enable the EG's to be triggered from slow LFO signals among others,and has led drivers on board for both the Gate and the EG out signals (bring on the blinkies :-) ). Several people have done this modification already and it is a very nice and quality upgrade to the MOTM-800. This will add another PCB to the 800 in the form of a daughter board, but will still fit behind the same 1U panel. The PCB can be seen in the picture here.
While I have not yet received the PCB's, I've received all the electronic components and hardware including the leds, so I will start soon to mark out and drill the holes on the front panel to accomodate these. Leaves me only one choice which color to use for what function, blue for gate, and yellow for the envelope, or the otherway around? Any preferences?

T J

Another MOTM-730 video

2009-02-25T11:37:00.002Z

John L Rice is the lucky owner of a MOTM-730, and this video is one of the first patches he made with it. :-)

T J

Return of the Robotmakers

2009-02-23T16:34:00.003Z

It's been a while but Roger Pellegrini has been at it again, modular synths and of course an MOTM among it, have been usede to create this track, enjoy the video clip :-)

go here for the clip, it is also available in HD.

Roger writes: "Ever since the last Robotmakers clip ended up as a "featured video" on Youtube, I'd been plotting the follow-up. With the distractions of the financiapocalypse intervening, it's taken a very long time, but "Crush Kill Destroy" is finally done. There are some interesting synth bits:

- At 0:59 to 1:11, and 2:15 to 2:30, there's a synth line that's played without envelope generators or triggers. Instead, the VCA (and VCF) are controlled by the X-axis of a Novation RemoteSL xy pad. The Y-axis is vibrato. A footpedal through a MOTM pedal interface controls the rate of downward glide of a MOTM lag processor. It's a revelation how different it is to play this way - like driving a manual transmission car in London (for an American).

- Throughout there's a hammond-esque organ that's actually 4 synch'ed Moog921AB VCOs producing sine waves, sampled into Kontakt. The sound is then processed in Cubase with distortion and rotary vst plug-ins."

T J

MOTM--730 Video

2009-02-22T08:58:00.012Z

Paul Schreiber gives us THIS VIDEO of the MOTM-730 in action.

It is being demonstrated by none other than Robert Rich!
It's a big file (33MB), and can best be downloaded and played in iTunes. A Youtube version is in the works.
Perhaps this demonstrates better to people what this module can be used for and how it works.

T J

PS: You might need to 'right click' or 'control click' to download the file in the link.

Raw waves

2009-02-21T16:46:00.004Z

I've been patching, as the picture shows, and as promised I would post some comparison between the Oakley and the MOTM VCO's.
Well to be honest, in the raw output I cannot detect any real difference unless my ears deceive me. There is some difference perhaps in the Pulse wave , but this is also dependent on the front panel setting. Therefore I also recorded a sweep of this pulse wave.
What you hear is each VCO, going from Sine, to Tri, to Saw, and finally Pulse, followed with a pulse sweep.
Each VCO note is pressed twice, then switched over to the other VCO. In each case, the MOTM is first, followed by the Oakley. Then moving on to the next wave form.

Download the MP3 at my download area.

Judge for yourself :-)

T J

Oakley VCO arrived and installed

2009-02-20T14:29:00.002Z

My 3rd VCO has arrived and is installed in my modular. It required a short calibration session to get the 1V/Oct response completely right, or at least completely matching with my MOTM VCO's, which took approx. 20 minutes to do properly.

First impression is that I can hardly detect a difference in sound between the MOTM and the Oakley in raw wave forms, with the exception of the pulse out, which sounds a bit more hollow on the Oakley, and I detected a small tick in the saw wave of the oakley, but I think that with a little extra calibration, this can be completely corrected, besides it is not disturbing at all.

Okay, I guess I'll be experimenting with it a little, and will post some comparisson recordings in time, in addition to those already available in the previous post, courtesy of Jason Proctor.

T J

Stooge cables available

2009-02-19T10:07:00.003Z

Some decent patch cables are available again, Jeff Laity writes:

"I convinced my company to create 1/4" cables as an accessory for our instrument trainers. Little did they know it was all a ploy to get Stooge Cables for my modular. :D

These are 4-foot translucent red Rapco cable, made by Rapco in the USA. They use Neutrik 1/4" jacks. Here's a shot of them in action, a HDR photo so zoom in :-)

Cables in action

Sorry, only in red and only 4' lengths. Chop them in half and solder new jacks to make 2' cables. We're selling them online for $15 each but I convinced them to allow a bulk order of 10 cables for $100 (33% off). These are nice quality cables and hard to find so check them out.

store link

Enjoy, -jl "

T J

Filter sweeps

2009-02-19T09:44:00.003Z

Someone asked me recently what the difference between some MOTM filters was. I decided to record some filter sweeps with my 3 filter types that I have to show what they can do. Now these sweeps are at a low frequency only (saw wave of approx 50-60Hz) at the request of the person who asked for them.
I've driven a low saw wave from a single MOTM-300 VCO at approx 50-60Hz straight into the filter, then on to the output mixer, and recorded dry into Logic 8.
First is the 420: Sweeping with max resonance in LP mode, then near max resonance. Then switching to Notch doing the same, finally HP.
Second is the 440: First sweeping the filter in 'normal' LP mode as above, then with bass enhance switch ON.
Third is the MOTM 490, this one self oscillates at low resonance settings just under half scale, but the last sweeps are with resonance max on this one.
this filter has a slightly lower output level so it may sound a little less loud, but that's easily compensated in a real patch with VCA and mixer settings crancked up a bit of course :-)

You can find the file filtersweeps here at the download area. I also had a MP3 version, but this contained artifacts so I cancelled that, so this file is a bit big (approx 28MB). It's in AIF format, which can be played using Quicktime among others.

T J

Oakley VCO (Updated)

2009-02-18T18:01:00.005Z

UPDATE:
Jason Proctor was a step ahead of me, and recorded both the Oakley and the MOTM VCO , he writes:"ok so here are two doodlings starring the MOTM-300 and Oakley issue 4 VCO. i'm not really playing anything, just messing around. both start with sawtooth through a wide open superladder filter. then i mess with the filter a bit, hit it with an envelope. then i crank the resonance. then i switch to pulse wave with some PWM, and mess with the filter a bit more etc."

You can find the " recordings here.

I recently asked members of the MOTM community for tips and suggestions on how to progress with my synth, and I received several e-mails, and the general tone of this was, "get another VCO, and add some additional modulation/envelope sources."
As I had a small financial bonus in these uncertain times (no I don't work for a bank :-) ), I decided to treat myself and start with a VCO.
I've pondered for a while already what VCO to get, and I decided to go for something a little different. I thought about getting the MOTM-310 , which would give me the same basic quality and sound as my existing ones, while saving some space, but then I thought perhaps I should see if another brand would add some 'variety'.So I went for the Oakley VCO, eventhough it would fill out my currently available 2U space I have left.
I am still not sure how different the Oakley sounds, my guess it's not 'that' different, but I won't know until I get one and try it out. I'm sure someone would take it of my hands if I don't like it, but I'm sure that won't happen, so it's ordered and on it's way.
I'll let you know about my findings when it's here :-)

T J

MOTM community

2009-02-16T15:31:00.002Z

I've had some positive feedback on my little improvisation, and John L Rice even produced a video/slideshow using pictures of my synth through the years from this blog, and using the track as the background music.
This is another reason why I enjoy this hobby, there is a great community with like minded people out there sharing tips, info, suggestions, and help each other with their work, of which this video is just one example.
Thanks very much John, I enjoyed watching it! It's posted below for everyone else to see and hear :-)

Enjoy,

T J

New song uploaded

2009-02-16T11:04:00.003Z

I've made a short improvisation, called Universum II, which you can download on my download site by clicking here
Slightly Robert Rich inspired, with a few bits added, I hope you enjoy it, dream away :-)

T J

Self running patch by John L Rice

2009-02-16T08:55:00.001Z

Enjoy

T J

MOTM-730 patch

2009-02-16T08:42:00.003Z

The first batch of MOTM-730 modules has been shipped, and Richard Brewster is one of the early adopters/purchasers. He has gone to 'work' and came up with these patches.

T J

MOTM-650 4 voice mode

2009-02-15T22:41:00.004Z

I found this footage via Matrix Synth.
It's a classical piece of music, in which the great MOTM-650 Midi-CV module is used in 4 voice mode to control a modular synth which is partly MOTM, partly dot com, and other makers, to play this song.

Enjoy,

T J

Quantix 8 MOTM module

2009-02-15T19:00:00.002Z

Here's a great new module kit from France. It's a CV quantizer Wavetable Oscillator rolled into one. The picture shows two of them side by side. Very interesting indeed.
For more info on this module I'd strongly recommend to check out this site for all about it and more.

T J

MOTM-510 wavewarper

2009-02-15T10:24:00.005Z

I have one of these modules, and so does John L Rice, who has posted the below video of a live Jam with the 510.
It demonstrates nicely that this module can help in creating some great cutting lead sounds, aside from all the chaos that you can get up to using this crazy module (the circuitboard has a printed warning that it could kill rodents and upset spouses etc :-) )

Enjoy,

T J

Update: When I asked John how he created this patch he replied:

There actually is NO filter used at all! Basically it’s just sine waves from two MOTM-300’s into X and Y and then a pulse from a third MOTM-300 into Z. Then the Sine and Triangle from a MOTM-320 LFO go into the X and Y offset inputs and a sine from a MOTM-380 LFO goes into the Z offset (I processed this LFO though a DotCom Q125 module so it wasn’t so ‘wide’ of a modulation) The output of the MOTM-510 just goes to a MOTM-190 and the COTK C1680 delay. All of the knobs on the 510 are cranked pretty much all the way up and the selector switch is set to unity.

Nice MOTM system

2009-02-14T18:50:00.002Z

I'm a bit short for pictures of others and their MOTM modulars, so I haven't been able to keep up the "MOTM of the week" that I tried to run several months back, so I will post a nice picture if and when I have one available, and here is another:

You can find more about this one at: modularsynthesis.com

T J

Another forum

2009-02-14T18:39:00.002Z

Some of you may be familiar with this one, some of you may not, I wasn't anyway.
A great forum to do with anything and then some in regards to modular synthesis and synthesizers.
The address is: www.modularsynth.net

I hope this is useful to you, whatever type of modular synth you may have, or just if your just interested in them.

T J

very basic free running patch

2009-02-12T16:18:00.004Z

Just something I've started experimenting with, considering the limited size of my modular synth, is the possibility of using the modules I have so far, to create a free running patch of some sort.
Here is a simple example of one of my first ones: to download go here and choose free running

I've used two independent LFO's each outputting a square wave, feeding to an ADSR each. The ADSR in turn controls a Filter each,and a VCA (via a multiple to split the output of the ADSR to two destinations). One filter has white noise as input, the other filter a patch of two VCO's , resulting in a bass note, and a percussive sound. Unfortunately it is very hard to sync the two lfo's exactly to create a patch that sounds rhytmically correct, but it was fun to do :-)

T J

Patching away using Oakley modules,a 'micro review'

2009-02-11T16:13:00.013Z

Well, I've been playing around with my synth, and been comparing the Oakley modules (particulary the ADSR) with my existing EG modules, as made by Krisp1.
The modules are well made, and every jack goes in with a re-assuring 'click', but that's no surprise as the same Switchcraft sockets are used. The pots feel a bit heavier than the Synth Tech pots, but it's something I personally find quite pleasant. What I did observe is that the PCB's on these modules are not mounted on a bracket, but instead are secured in place via the pots and pot brackets. It feels every bit as sturdy as the Synth Tech modules, but I'm not sure if the absence of the PCB bracket could result in interference in some module arrangements or near power supplies etc.
As mentioned in another post, all resistors are metal film types of 1% tolerances, which makes each module made to very exacting standards.
Carbon resistors are completely absent.
Also absent are coaxial cables to the connectors, instead, a mini PCB is used to with the switchcraft sockets are soldered, and which in turn is connected to the main pcb using a short ribbon cable with connectors. A very clean design indeed.

Using the modules:
The ADSR-VCA is very useful as it's integrated design saves space.
Using this module as a ADSR controlled VCA, the settings of the envelope knobs translate to the onboard VCA circuit and when a signal is patched to the IN of the module the outs are audio signals. Also there is an inverted OUT that acts inverse from the standard out, so if one has 0 output the other is max, and vice versa. When there is nothing inserted to the IN, the outputs are a CV signal that has a peak of -5V or +5V (depending on the output used), and the module becomes a standard ADSR module, very handy indeed!.
The envelopes that can be set can be quite slow, and also very fast, although I made a few comparrisons with a few sounds that had a fast attack and I think that the synth tech envelope generators are a fraction faster/snappier, but the difference is minor and may well be due to small tolerances that are inevitably present in analog designs.
The multimix module that I ordered is also pretty good, although one pot did give a little crackling sound when I operated it, but this went away after a few turns, I like the fact that also these have a negative and positive range from -5 to +5 on the scale, with the center position being neutral.
I am sure I have not yet used them in every possible configuration, but this will surely come at some stage.

Concluding, I can recommend the Oakley 'MOTM' format modules build by KRISP1 without hesitation, they are build well, perform great and have a great feel and finish, and would be a welcome addition to any motm format modular synth, and with the current exchange rate, US and EU customers could very well find them selves buying modules at a very attractive price!

See KRISP1 for more details.

The picture shows me patching away happily on a temporay set up at the dining room table :-)

T J

Oakley MOTM modules

2009-02-10T13:31:00.003Z

Just to report that my Oakley modules have arrived.
I will report on them in more detail, I'd just wanted to say thank you to Paul Darlow from Krisp1 modular construction, for the fast shipping and feedback provided.
The modules blend in nicely with the Synth Tech module, the only cosmetic difference is that the silkscreen on the Oakley modules uses a slightly finer and different 'font' but the difference is not distracting in my view.
Anyway, more on that later :-)

John L Rice on a roll

2009-02-10T10:40:00.003Z

As soon as I posted the demo video of the MOTM-485 , John replied and send me the below footage of him soloing his MOTM modular, using the 485 and 440 filters too. Nice to see some music played instead of experiments!
Thank you John :-)

T J

MOTM-485 , the GX1 filter

2009-02-10T08:30:00.003Z

Here a video of John L Rice, demonstrating the MOTM-485 filter, which mimics the filter of the Yamaha GX-1.
This filter module is also available in Frac Rack format, exclusively through Analog Haven.

Enjoy :-)

T J

Historic Moment?

2009-02-09T21:08:00.002Z

I'm not sure if the word 'historic' qualifies, but today I did something that is pretty unlikely to happen again:
I soldered and finished my MOTM-800, which was my last kit I had on order from Synth Tech, and is historic in the sense that this will probably be the last complete kit (Paul refers to this as MOTM 1.0) from Synth Tech I've ever build.
You never know what you find on e-bay or via users groups of course, but the likely hood of an unbuild kit is relatively small, anything purchased through those channels will likely be already build.
Anyway, for now, I guess I'm done soldering, my next two modules (arriving tomorrow if the postal services don't get trouble with snow) are factory build, and what I've got in mind after that will likely be the same.
There is of course the future: MOTM 2.0 as it's currently known. These are partial kits that can be ordered, including part sets for hard to get parts, but you're on your own in getting all the other parts bits and pieces. Still very do-able but requires a bit more work on your part, that Paul used to have to do, and now has this time building ready modules, developing new stuff etc.
So Synth Tech branded DIY is still very much alive, but with a difference.
Anyway, back to the 800, this is Synth Tech ADSR no 3, and including the Oakley ADSR-VCA module arriving tomorrow, will bring the total of envelope generators on my synth to 4, which I think is enough considering the size of my synth, but should give me sufficient flexibility for now.

T J

Manual online

2009-02-09T08:09:00.005Z

The MOTM-730 users manual is now online and can be found by clicking here
Please igore any typo's as this is a first draft and may need 'debugging' :-)
It's the first manual using the new Synthesis Technology company logo, and for the first time (to my knowledge) uses a picture of the module too.

Pretty nice feature set and will be a great module addition to any modular synth:-)

T J

MOTM 730 contest

2009-02-07T08:40:00.003Z

It's not even shipping yet (but very soon) and Synth Tech is announcing a contest.
The rules are simple: Paul writes: "
a) if you haven't already, order a MOTM-730 VC Pulse Divider!

b) patch it up into your (mostly...ahem....) MOTM modular

c) record audio and/or video.

d) send it to me by March 20th. Would like some sort of patch diagram/text description so other folks can try it out.

e) Winner (I get to pick) gets $200. So, your MOTM-730 is at a 50% discount :) Second place gets $100.
Looking mostly for unique/clever applications of all the module's features: variable dividing, stepped CV out, etc.

I have *lots* of these I can ship rather quickly, the joys of robotic SMT assembly and pcb-mounted jacks/switches/pots. I expect all of these currently on order to ship by next Saturday.

Paul S."

Hope to see lots of these 730's in action soon.
I'm firstly adding some more 'basic' modules to my modular, before I go further and order something like the 730 myself, I have a couple items on order as you know, and after that, I'm thinking of getting some more LFO's before I consider the basics 'complete' and then we'll move on to more 'fun' stuff like this :-)

T J

P.S.: Picture is an image of the prototype unit.

Oakley MOTM modules

2009-02-06T09:31:00.002Z

As some of you may be aware, Oakley MOTM format modules are made by Paul Darlow of Krisp1 Modular construction.
They seem to be doing very well, and have been reported to be a reliable vendor and the quality of their work is said to be very good.
This is why I have added their link to this blog on the right.
Their site is well laid out and offers the same "Zen Commerce" order layout as SynthTech does, which has been a very reliable and safe method of purchasing items.
What would make their site complete is to add the descriptions of the various Oakley modules on their site, instead of referring to the Oakley site, but perhaps they will do that. It seems to me is that the focus is on building stock on modules, to be able to deliver fast. I've taken the plunge and ordered two modules of them, to experience first hand how their service is, and more important the quality of their modules. I've ordered a ADSR/VCA and a Multimix module (both 1U wide), both useful modules that will add functionality to my synth.
Once I receive them (they were in stock and are said to ship within 2 days) I will report on this.

If anyone reading this has personal experiences on Oakley modules, let me know or comment on this article, so we can all read about it.

T J

MOTM-730 news

2009-02-06T08:45:00.001Z

It's almost shipping, Paul updates us on the status of this new module, out VERY soon now :-)

He writes:
"Received the first set of 15 MOTM-730 VC Divider production boards.

Every function checks out 100%!

There other 85 CPU boards will arrive ~ 1 week. I will be able next week to ship the first 15 orders in the backlog for the '730. I will type up a Owner's Manual this weekend, and I will post the *binary* firmware files for the 2 PIC processors (one is in a socket the other soldered into the board). The socketed IC is the main CPU divide engine, the smaller soldered IC just drives the display. The PICs are OTP (one-time programmable) so a dedicated programmer is needed to replace them if one dies and I'm not available for a replacement :)

I do not expect these PICs to die anytime in the next 10 years or so.

The measured power supply current is:

+5V @ 75ma (no outputs driving). Add 4ma/driven (patched) output.
+15V @ 16ma
-15V @ 14ma

The outputs are 0 to +5V square waves for the dividers, and an analog 'stepped' sawtooth wave that steps in 4th/octaves/5ths.

All divider outputs can be used simultaneously, as long as your supply can handle it. A MOTM-950 supply can handle 5 '730s, driving ALL the outputs from all 5 as well as a MOTM-650.

Paul S."

There you have it, exciting times, especially for those of you who have one on order, which sadly, doesn't yet include me :-(

T J

MOTM-490

2009-02-05T21:57:00.003Z

I'm done. Building this filter that is. I hesitated a few years before I bought one, and I went for a MOTM-420 first (a filter that has many characteristics of Korg's infamous MS-20 synth) followed a year later by the MOTM-440 ( very close sounding to the legendary Sequential Circuits Prophet 5) and now finally the MOTM-490, based on the Moog 904A filter, which was designed with the famous ladder filter principle by Dr Bob Moog. Yes, you read that right, its based on one of Moog's earliest filter design , and has that sound of the early Moog modulars, so it's not a Minimoog mimic, but it sounds great.
I've created some sounds using it, and it is immediately apparent that this is a different beast from the other filters. I will post a few sound samples in due course, but for now, let me try to describe it which is perhaps the hardest of it all, trying to capture sound in words is almost impossible but I'll try: The MOTM-440 low pass filter is a beautiful sounding filter that simply oozes quality, it can sound clean, but also growl, very musical and does all that in a sophisticated way,does that make sense at all? Then there is the MOTM-420, which is a versatile filter as it can also function as a bandpass and high pass filter , besides the low pass setting. It is a filter that 'can' sound a little grittier, but is no slouch in providing deep and rumbling basses, be it that it is not as smooth as the 440 in doing so, it has it's own qualities and it's fun to use. This brings me to the MOTM-490. This thing is raw, it rumbles, it has some dirty qualities when pushed and great for overdriven sounds, it is not subtle, but very musical indeed, qualities that are so characteristic for this Moog filter design, and with instantly recognisable sound, and this is perhaps the greatest achievement, to recreate a classic filter, the one that started it all for that matter, with modern equivalents, and sound so close to the original.
I'll keep you posted.
T J

Synth of Doom

2009-02-05T08:06:00.003Z

Sorry for the long absence once again, January didn't give me much time to do much of anything due to several short trips and much needed DIY jobs around the house.
However, I've made some progress on my MOTM-490 filter PCB, finished all except the wiring, and then the front panel, so I think one more soldering session will see that through.
In the mean time, David Abbey forwarded me a picture of his studio, as he is now the proud owner of a "Synth of Doom" cabinet, bought from Dave Bradley (aka Stooge Moe).
It's a beautiful but big cabinet, and does a synthesizer like the MOTM justice, anyway see picture, and judge for your self.
For more on the original Synth of Doom, see the link to the right.

T J

A late re-post

2009-01-02T09:34:00.003Z

Wow, the last week has been hectic, christmas celebrations, family visits, a new TV to install (my main christmas present), New year celebrations, and I totally forgot to make any new year resolutions. I'm not going to either as I never manage to stick to it.
Anyway, due to all this and my travels, I totally missed Paul Schreiber's 2008 round up, perhaps more of you have too, so I post it here for those who have missed it. Biggest news in here is perhaps the release in 2009 of the E-340 super saw VCO, basically a dressed down 520 cloud generator, which is still not released, but this could finally happen this year too. Looking forward to it. Oh yeah, it's a big read...

TJ

a) first order of business: Merry Christmas & Happy New Year to everyone. I hope everyone will have time to goof off with their synths, build some ancient kits and Internet shop to boost the economy. If you got $20 and a Steam account, get Defense Grid *immediately*.

b) the 15/10% off sale has 1 more week to go.

c) As been the theme for many years, I never get to ship out as much at the end as I like. I will be able to ship a bit next week as I do not have to report for work until Jan. 5th. I ran out of MOTM-000 breadboards, but they arrived yesterday. I also want to ship the MOTM-940 backlog. I was able to remove John Neilson from the 'longest suffering MOTM customer' status only to be replaced by a fellow New Yorker.

d) I looks like for 2008 ~ 250 MOTM (not Frac, that was ~ 80) modules will be shipped. Not a stellar year (in 2001 I shipped almost 1200). However, most of the existing kit backlog are 300/310/480s which I also plan to begin kitting up Jan. 8th. I expect MOTM-380 panels by the end of the year and the last panel to order out will be the MOTM-700s. I have to space these out a bit: since I no longer have a steady CEM IC revenue and a typical panel order is about $2000 I can't do more than 1 at a time right now.

I an fully stocked with pc boards (they all came in yesterday, over 400 of them of various models). That first week of Jan. I need to make more MOTM-960s as I have 1 left (but parts to make 75).

e) The MOTM-730 VC Divider will start shipping the 3rd week of Jan. Remember, it's in the shopping cart now (but not on sale).

f) 2009 will finally start to show the result of what I started in June 2006: not offering full kits (but most of the parts) will allow me to finally open the R&D floodgates. No longer constrained by circuit topologies, board formats/brackets/design rules like pad sizes I can start to release modules that have been dormant for many years (like the Fixed Filter Bank). I am also going to switch over (by March or so) to a new series of pc board mounted pots from Beckman (well, now called BI Technologies). The only real differences are:

1 - the shafts are 5mm shorter, so the knobs will be closer to the front panel. Don't worry, you anal folks can torque the set screw up the shaft to have 1/8th wavelength of sodium light coplanerity :)

2 - the touch is like the *old* Spectrol 148 pots (the black ones, not the white ones). It is not as 'light' as the Bourns.

3 - the pots are conductive plastic only. I have been using cermet a lot (mainly because in 1998 cermet was all Mouser stocked, not for any design reason). These are more temperature stable BUT the life of a cermet is 20% of a conductive plastic AND these BI pots have a (gulp!) 1,000,000 minimum rotational life.

g) Saving the biggest for last: in late April to early March I will be offering Euro Rack modules. The first is called the E340 SuperSaw VCO. It is a digital VCO that has up to 8 detuned sawtooths and sines. It's not a full-blown Cloud Generator, it has maybe 40% of the features. Yes, there will be a Frac version. More details to follow :)

I still plan the 520/521 MOTM modules, it's just a matter of time and revenue right now. In December, I've had to buy over $12,000 of parts and so I need to get the existing backlog out before diving into Cloud Generator's complex CAD design.

Thanks to everyone for putting up with me, I know that I can be erratic but I've held on almost 11 years now. Hang on a bit longer and see what I have planned for 2009 and going forward.

Paul S.

Happy Holidays!

2008-12-23T17:33:00.002Z

Just a quick post written in the Miami airport departure lounge, flying home today! :-)

I will probably be busy for a few days stuffing my face and sampling some drinks etc, as it's that time of the year, so I want to wish every one Happy Holidays, and hope that all your wishes come true!

More from me soon, when I'm building my kits that are currently under the tree waiting for me :-)

T J

Update , the run up to Christmas

2008-12-14T02:58:00.003Z

It's the hectic december months, trying to get things done before Christmas hits, and lot's of businesses close for the holidays, and it's affecting all of us in different ways. Below is what Synth tech will be doing leading up to, and after the christmas holidays. in the meantime, I've received shipment confirmation plus the PDF files of the instruction manuals of my upcoming modules , a 3rd ADSR and my MOTM-490 Moog ladder filter.

a) I am able to ship Monday but will not be able to ship again until Friday. Monday the 22nd is my final ship day of the year. I will not ship again until the week of Jan. 5th. This does not mean I am not working on MOTM stuff, it just means I'm not going to be shipping.

b) I am sending the MOTM-730 VC Divider CPU cards to SMT assembly on Monday.
I expect to have 100 boards stuffed by Jan. 8th. I will begin shipping orders the week of Jan. 19th. (assuming all is well).

c) I have MOTM-940 panels in stock, I will be working on the '940 backlog right after Christmas. I changed the hole sizes slightly in order to speed up the assembly process. I also have MOTM-380 Quad LFO panels on order and will place MOTM-700 panels on order the week of Jan 5th.

d) Shane the tech starts tomorrow on assembly of assembled MOTM-510s. I expect to ship all '510 orders the week of Jan. 12th. I am 1 week behind on getting him the parts.

e) I am out of MOTM-000 breadboards but 50 are due in the 22nd. I am also out of MOTM-960s but 75 more pc boards are due this Friday and I will send them to wave solder on Jan. 5th (they can do these pretty quickly). I have plenty of MOTM-990s, though.

As seems to happen every December, I 'run out of days' to allow me to ship as much as I want to. On the 22nd I will probably ship around 40 kits out, hopefully more. I cannot ship MOTM-300s as the pc boards all went to assembled units and the next order will not arrive until the 29th. But 300/310s kits are my #1 priority after the Christmas "break".

Paul S.

10 years of MOTM

2008-12-04T02:47:00.003Z

Synthtech has been in business for 10 years now, providing us with great modular synthesizer gear, among the very best on the market, if not the best.
To celebrate this, they're having a sale from the 15th till the 31st of December.

15% off all assembled modules
10% off blank pc boards

New prices will be automatically set up for that time in the shopping cart.
Please note that this will not be including the MOTM-730 as it is not yet officially released, and some other stuff, still some great stuff on offer, credit crunch or not. :-)

T J

Happy E-mail

2008-12-02T15:40:00.002Z

As expected, things can take some time, but patience is a virtue and today I received a happy e-mail from Paul, telling me that my next order is ready for shipment.
This would be another MOTM-800 ADSR, and a MOTM-490 VCF (the Moog style ladder filter).
So, slowly but surely, my Modular is reaching completion, if there is such a thing, as these things could grow indefinitely.
So I should say, that my cabinet is reaching the point where it's full. Not quite, as there is still an open slot left, and the next step will be to move the power supply to the rear, giving another 3U space.
Another thing that took time is my posting here. It's been since October that I last posted something on this blog, shame on me really, but it's all due to my real job, have been away from home since that date, and I won't be for another 3 weeks, but home for christmas, to find two MOTM modules under the tree, now that's a home coming :-)

T J

small Update

2008-10-20T10:46:00.002Z

Paul updates us on the latest:

"I am working on assembled modules all of this week. The upcoming weekend, I will make the MOTM-490 kits, finish the '830 kits and try to have the '310 kits ready to ship by the 31st. Analog Haven how has all the MOTM Frac models in stock. I am also kitting up the '730 parts to ship off to the SMT house so that these can ship by the Thanksgiving. Remember, they are 'in the cart' and if ordered by credit card, I won't charge it until the day of shipment.

The MOTM 2.0 orders are all shipped but 4, I will try to get those out Monday.

Lastly: if you are in the CA bay area, Robert Rich will be at the "AH California" gathering on Sat. the 25th. I *think* it's in Menlo Park, someone on the list help me out here :)
He will have VC Divider production prototype (I hand-built it, but it's all "correct").

Paul S."

There you go :-)

T J

MOTM on Video games

2008-10-16T09:25:00.003Z

Perhaps some of the visitors of this blog, own a Playstation or XBox or play their games on another console/PC.
If you don't own or never heard an MOTM, here's an alternative:
Listen to the sound track of some big games, like World of Warcraft, Doom, and a few others by EA, and/or Blizzard.
One of the sound designers there is Russel Brower. Paul Schreiber writes:

"Russell Brower has done great MOTM work at Blizzard. If you play WoW, most of the wind/rain effects are all MOTM. His best MOTM work is the game soundtrack for "Black Hawk Down" (Hans Zimmer did the movie). Here is my favorite cut,
which is like a duduk (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Duduk).

favorite cut.

I hope StarCraft 2 is less 'orchestial' like Wow and more MOTM.

BTW: the first game soundtrack with MOTM was Ureal II, and there are probably 12 titles out there with some MOTM content (EA Canada has a mid-sized MOTM in their studio).

Paul S."

So go back to your games and have a listen :-)
Let the MOTM spotting commence, and if you discover more, be sure to share it!
T J

Motm 's on live performance

2008-10-13T03:49:00.004Z

Richard Brewster recently took his modular on the road, and used them in a performance.
He writes:

"I took the portable cabinets out yesterday and they lived up to their promise. I've posted an entry on my website describing the outing, which includes for the first time a few pictures of the reclusive "artist" (me). I recorded the whole performance (two 10-minute pieces) and these are available for download. This old man's analog modular sound was well-received by the mostly twenty-somethings in the audience, which was comprised chiefly of the other performers on the bill. Some of the other acts were surprisingly good, I thought."

Click on this link To visit his site and listen to these performances.

T J

Updated update

2008-10-13T03:45:00.002Z

Only a few days after the last update from Synthtech, Paul updates us on the status of among others, the 650.

a) Happy to say the new MOTM-650 MIDI-CV boards check out OK (by 'new', this is the second SMT run of the board set). I will add the module to the cart. For those of you waiting for back order: I can ship this month. For those wanting to buy one, I can also ship this month :) They are pretty quick to build up, I can do 5 a day no problem and I need the $$$.

b) Sad to say, about out of CEM ICs. I am hoping that at some later date I can get more to sell. A few folks here are waiting for ICs, I do have them and will send them out ASAP. Much MOTM R&D funding was paid for via these IC sales. I hope to sell some MOTM-650/730s to fund more stuff.

c) Once I ship the '650 backlog, I will finish up the kits. I originally planned to have all the kits shipped by Oct 1st, now it's going to be more like Dec 1st.

d) I am currently out of MOTM-940 front panels, but will order more soon.

e) I will finish up 10ea MOTM-1485s (all that is left is final testing/pack/ship) this week and ship to Analogue Haven.

Paul S.

T J

Latest update

2008-10-10T09:21:00.001Z

Latest update from SynthTech

a) the MOTM-650 MIDI-CV boards arrived today from the assembly house. I have not tested any yet, will do so over the weekend. If they are built right, then I will have all the MIDI-CV modules on backorder shipped this month. I think there are 12 on order. They will still be V1.3 of the firmware.

b) I have been travelling all week, so not much has shipped. I have ~ 12 MOTM 2.0 orders to ship, and to finish up 10ea MOTM-1485s (they are 90% done). I am about out of CEM ICs so those orders will go away (sigh.....) and I will get back to kitting.

c) Shane the tech has built up 10ea MOTM-440 pc boards, next up the 2 of us have to build 22 (gulp!) MOTM-300 VCOs (10 are going to 1 customer).

So there is still much to do and to ship. I plan to have all the MOTM-730 parts kitted up and sent off to assembly by the end of the month.

Paul S.

All about screwing

2008-10-06T09:33:00.003Z

Fellow MOTM'er John L Rice can't get enough of screwing, he reports on his quest for nice fitting screws to "mount "his modules (pun intended :-) ) He reports:
"I started looking around for alternatives and fell in love with socket head cap screws. They look more industrial/aggressive than the standard Philips screws to me.(and sort of like a cross between a little jack and a little knob) So at first I tried alternating black alloy and stainless steel and while that looked pretty cool, there wasn't a much of a visual difference between the two. Then I picked up some blue and red anodized aluminum screws and tried a setup where I alternated the colors every time a module changed. Really easy to see module separation but . . . it wasn't 'me'. I also tried same colored screws per module type which I liked a little better but still not what I wanted.
So finally I discovered CHROME PLATED screws and I'm a happy camper now!
If you want to do this too, I got the chrome screws from www.chromehardwaresupply.com (talk to Chris at extension 109). It cost $66 for 100 8-32 3/8" socket head cap screws. Compared to what the standard MOTM screws cost they are really expensive but, I think it's worth it! ;-)"

See picture of his new love :-)

T J

Travel

2008-10-01T16:32:00.002Z

I'm currently traveling for work again, so I will probably not be able to update my blog as often as I'd like but I will try to do as much as I can.
I've been using the TC electronic interface a little while away (it's nice and compact and an ideal travel companion if you want to record while you're out) although I have not yet recorded with it. The nice thing is however that it does sound very good as a playback device too, using it as my output for iTunes etc instead of the build in headphone jack of my Powerbook, it sounds a lot better, the low end is more defined and punchy, the highs are lovely and transparent, and the whole mix just seems more dynamic and cleaner. Also previous recordings made in Logic, some using only the software synths, and others with recordings of my MOTM sound much nicer. Can't wait to use it as an input device for Logic etc too, then it should really pay off.

T J

Firewire audio interface

2008-09-26T12:37:00.003Z

In the past I've reported that I tried to order a Focusrite Saffire interface, to be able to record in a higher quality as currently the case. That purchase didn't work out as the company I bought it from went bust, but at least I got my money back through the creditcard company. I've now ordered another interface, and I changed to a TC Electronic Konnekt 6 desktop Firewire interface.
Why the change? I don't need as many inputs as the Focusrite offered, but the Focusrite was at the time the best sounding interface for the budget in my view. The TC electronic Konnekt has stolen that crown recently by a small margin , and has a nicer cleaner design, with sufficient inputs for my use, hence the change, it's even cheaper than the Saffire, so that money can go towards another module in the future :-)

T J

UPDATE: UPS just rang the door bell, and it's here, great little compact unit, and feels really sturdy :-)

TDFZ again

2008-09-25T21:53:00.003Z

My friend Rene is on a roll, once again a track of his will feature in the Tangerine Dream Fan Zone podcast this coming saturday.
The podcast is available via "this link.
It will be a track of some earlier work of his, likely featuring his beloved SCI Pro One.
There is plenty of electronic music going on during these podcasts, from various artists and styles, many of them not very TD like sounding, but covering a much wider area, there's something for everyone there, so I recommend it highly. And that's one of the reasons why I've reported on it a few times, and of course to plug my friends music, which I happen to like too :-)

T J

The new case

2008-09-24T08:16:00.002Z

My new case is starting to take shape: It's a much simplified design. Just a straight 3 tier 19" wide wooden case.
I've put the case together, using some furniture bolts I had left over from an old 'flat pack' desk kit. It makes the case very rigid, even before the modules are fitted. I am going to mount the modules "in" the case by using wood strips and black wood screws, but I've temporarily fitted the 19" rack rails to the front of the cabinet to make sure everything will fit and I didn't make any measurement mistakes. As you can see from the pictures, it all fits fine. For those of you who haven't seen an MOTM up close, one picture has my head inside the case, to give you a sense of the size of the modules, not a bad looking guy, but the modular is sexier :-)

T J

Case two:

2008-09-22T14:49:00.002Z

Today, I made a start in building a new case for my synth. I reported before that I asked a friend to do it for me, but he has no time, so I'm going to do it myself. (I've made sure the first aid kit is stocked up :-) ).
I've bought the wood, and I've taken the synth out of it's make shift case, and I hope I can start cutting the individual panels to size tomorrow. I'll hope to have more to report on it in a few days from now.

:-)

MOTM update:

2008-09-22T08:07:00.002Z

Hardly a week has gone past, and Paul releases another update on the MOTM status, read below:

"a) Analogue Haven has some MOTM-1800 Frac EGs in stock (will be getting more ~ 15 days) and I will ship them some MOTM-1485s by Thursday.

b) I still have a lot of kits and some MOTM 2.0 orders left to ship. I will be able to ship quite a lot the next 4 days. Probably 30 kits or so.

c) I am due the assembled MOTM-650 pc boards on Thursday. So, I will be able to start shipping those Oct 1st. with the current V1.3 code. Still no word on a V1.4, Jeffrey is aware of what needs to be done.

d) Now that all previous sheet metal orders are in-house, I will be able to order the 'straggler' panels to finish off all the module orders, and to 'bring back' all of the modules but the '510. If I decide to redo the '510, it's going to be DSP-based anyway because those ICs are $10 versus $54 for the current part.

e) leftover kits: there is a *chance* that when all the backlog is shipped, there will be a few kits left over. These are due to orders being cancelled, and I just went ahead and made them anyway :) If so, I will load them into the cart and send out a notice to the group.

Paul S."

It was mentioned before, but from the above you can conclude that the MOTM-510 Wavewarper is discontinued for the moment, and may be re-issued sometime in the future as a DSP based module, probably vastly enhanced too, still I'm glad I got one of the last batch of analog based 510's.
Now I only need to wait for my MOTM-490 and 3rd MOTM-800 to ship, in the next few weeks perhaps?

T J

The Bumblebee effect

2008-09-21T07:01:00.004Z

I've had several responses on my 'Flight of the Bumblebee', both on this blog as via the Yahoo MOTM users group, and it seems to have sparked musical responses too, Kenneth Elhart has released Waltz of the Flowers after Paul Schreiber challenged him to do so. :-) I'm not sure if it is all MOTM or not as it didn't say, but I'm sure there is a portion of it in there :-) Enjoy!
T J

Update: Apparently this recording was an old one, and Kenneth was hoping people would recognize it, and had a second version available, which is available here

NEW MOTM 730 demo by Mike Marsh

2008-09-20T07:38:00.006Z

Mike Marsh has created a new demo using the prototype MOTM-730. As you may know production versions of this new MOTM design are on the way, the front panels for the first batch have been received by Synthtech, the wait is for the SMT circuit boards to arrive back from the assembler.
Mike writes:
" Hey All : There's a new demo I did with the 730 in the Files Section (ed: of the Yahoo MOTM users group) (730 Demo a1.mp3). Basically used the 101 S&H output through a MiniWave for quantization, then sent that to 5 oscillators. The LFO controlling the rate of the S&H also went to the 730 and the /2, /2, 3, /4, /5 outs of that went to control EGs which in turn went into various filters and also VCAs.
Toward the end you'll hear something else come in: I sent the square out of one of the oscillators to an Oakley VC Phaser and used the Stepped out of the 730 to control the phaser's LFO.

Enjoy! Mike."

Here is a direct link to download it : MOTM 730 demo Mike Marsh.

T J

Flight of the Bumblebee

2008-09-18T10:37:00.004Z

as promised, I'd let you know if I thought I'd managed to record a relatively decent version of "Flight of the bumblebee", a famous classical piece of music. I've recorded it in "Wendy Carlos style", track by track, carefully constructing polyphonic parts layer by layer, as my MOTM is monophonic.
All sounds on this recording is my MOTM synth, recorded directly into Logic 8, using a few build in fx and processing to 'sweeten' things up a little, but nothing fancy.
You can download it at my download site.
UPDATE: have refreshed the recording with a newer version, that doesn't cut off, and has a slightly better defined melody line.

Hope you enjoy it.

T J

Yet another update

2008-09-15T08:17:00.002Z

Paul is keeping busy, and has the following update to report:

"Hurricane worries are over (except all my family down in Houston without power, may be 2 weeks until restored).

a) finished MOTM-820 and MOTM-830 kitting, will make up 1 more (MOTM-490s) then start shipping kits again.

b) also will ship 10ea MOTM-1800 Frac EGs to AH by Tuesday and 10ea MOTM-1485 VCFs by Friday.

c) I got in 50pr of MOTM-19A mounting rails, so there are a few orders I was holding up until they arrived that will ship this week.

d) still no MOTM-650s, waiting for assembler.

e) Supplier is shipping the front panels for the MOTM-730 VC Divider tomorrow, so all that I will lack there is (again) the SMT stuffer to run my boards. But that will be in early October after they move and set back up.

f) I am redesigning the MOTM-1300 Frac VCO this week and the plan it to have them in stock at AH in late October. I'm going through a bit of cost reduction/fewer manual operations to keep the final cost as low as possible.

g) I'm also going to order the remaining sheet metal now that all the current orders are shipped.

I'm busy as ever, by the end of this week another 40 or kits will be shipped out. Then I will start on the 4 'big ones': 300, 310, 480, 320s.

Paul S."

So there you have the latest, hope you are one of the lucky ones receiving orders soon :-) I'm still waiting for a 800 and a 490 myself. Keeping an eye on my mailbox to look for that all revealing Happy E-Mail....

T J

TDFZ Podcast

2008-09-11T21:36:00.002Z

Hello everyone,

This saturday will mark yet another broadcast of the TDFZ (Tangerine Dream Fan Zone) Podcast. This broadcast is weekly, and recently featured an interview with Johannes Schmoeling. The show is presented by Chris Newman, and this weekend will again feature a (classic) track from my friend Rene Splinter, of Studio 35D fame.

The podcast is available via this link .

For those of you interested in electronic music, and/or like Tangerine Dream, then this is the Podcast for you.
And as I mentioned before: Get your cape and platform heels out :-)

T J

Synth tech update

2008-09-08T14:13:00.002Z

There seems to be some movement on kits and other shipment, Paul has been working very hard to catch up with the backlog, and it looks like the end is in sight (the backlog that is, not that of SynthTech of course :-) )

Here is his latest update:

a) kits have been shipping steadily every day this week. I am taking 2 days "off" to work on Frac modules, then will resume the kits on Wednesday. I am making up 820/830/490/390 kits this week. The 300/310/480 will follow in the middle of the month. This is a LOT of time-consuming work, but I am upbeat that these are FINALLY out the door.

b) I am out of MOTM-19A rails but expect a shipment of 50pr by Friday.

c) I am out of MOTM-940 panels, ordering more tomorrow. I still need to order 700/380/890 panels will do that ~ 10 days. These will be the last 3 kits to ship out.

d) I'm also catching up on assembled modules, my part-time tech Shane is assisting me. Together we have to build 21 (!) MOTM-300s, 10 MOTM-440s 12 MOTM-800s and a few more others here and there. It's going to take us into November to get all of these out. This is why I am delaying the 520/521 a bit, in order to gave the time available for backorder completion.

e) My SMT assembler is backed up with his #1 customer (military encrypted radios) and I don't expect to see the MOTM-650s CPU boards back to me until the 22nd. He is then moving to a larger building, this will take 1 week to set up the machines and get going again. So, the last week of Sept I will send over the MOTM-730 boards (I should have 60 front panels delivered by then as well).

If you have not got a 'happy email' yet about your kits, it won't be much longer.

Paul S.

T J

MOTM Flute Patch

2008-09-01T14:05:00.004Z

This time , courtesy of Kenneth Elhart, found on the MOTM users group, comes a patch sheet for a FLUTE , using motm modules, but would work for any other modular with similar modules used of course.
A lag processor is incorporated, to overcome "stepping " when used with some midi controllers.
He writes: "Years ago when I first hooked up a Midi breath controller to the MOTM, I had a similar problem. All the stepping came through into the sound. I made a point to be sure to let others know that you need to smooth it out with a lag processor (as Paul S. pointed out). You can see the 820 lag processor in the upper right of on this patch sheet:"

If you have checked out demo's on the Synttech website, you may have found how the above patch actually sounds, but if not, check out this link.

Hope you find this useful. click on the picture for a larger version :-)

T J

More Mankato stuff

2008-08-29T07:56:00.003Z

After posting the previous blog about the Mankato filter , Stephen Drake wrote me and gives some feedback on his use of one, and where to get parts etc.
Steve says:
They're not terribly difficult to build, and the bridechamber has the panel I used (usually, they're out of stock currently), and the pcb and hard to find parts are available from Magic Smoke. It's all not too expensive - the pots and knobs are going to be your greatest expense.
I haven't been really impressed with it yet overall - but I haven't used it much, and I haven't even gotten around to calibrating it yet. I haven't experimented with using it as a vco yet at all - I think that's where it's really supposed to be interesting. As a filter it doesn't have much character - and it has a lower output level than the motm fllters, so it tends to get lost in multi-filter applications like the video you posted. "

He kindly allowed me to poke around on his Flickr page for a picture of his MOTM Mankato filter, which I've promptly posted with this article. Thank you Steve for your feedback. :-)

T J

The Mankato filter

2008-08-27T21:59:00.004Z

Here's a filter design that's been around for a while now, and originally designed by Thomas Henry.
I thought I would get some more info about it, as it was being used in the previous post on the Klee Sequencer.
The Mankato Filter is a four-pole lowpass filter with positive and negative outputs at every pole, giving you slopes of 6 dB/oct, 12 dB/oct, 18 dB/oct, and 24 dB/oct simultaneously. the negative slope outputs allow you to use the Mankato as a quadrature sine oscillator with 8 available phases. the Mankato will self-resonate from subaudio to superaudio, and responds to one volt per octave through its unattenuated control inputs. the signal inputs are DC coupled, which allows you to use the Mankato as a voltage-controlled slew limiter. The picture shows the Mankato filter as produced and sold by STG Soundlabs, in the MOTM format, albeit cosmetically closer to the Moogs and Synth dot com modules.
Some sample links are below via Magic Smoke Electronics, who also produce a PCB , should you fancy building one yourselves from scratch :-)
Mankato Sequence 1
Mankato 6db
This second demo uses two Mankato's and here's how it was done:
"I fed an ARP Odyssey into Mankato 1; that's the low drone you hear at the very beginning. For CVs I had a standard LFO modulating Mankato 2 -- set to oscillate -- and the output of the prototype modulating Mankato 1. Various settings of the LFO, Mankato 2 (acting as a VC-LFO), and Mankato 1 (acting as a VCF) yielded all sorts of craziness. Very little tweaking was done on the Ody. I didn't really need to! ;-) There are a few spots where it sounds like there's a splatty "distortion" -- this is actually the VCLFO driving up into the audio range. Tip: Listen to it on a system with good bass response. The difference is pronounced. Crank that subwoofer and you'll get some serious rumbleys!"

T J

Klee sequencer by Stephen Drake

2008-08-24T08:20:00.004Z

Stephen Drake reported that he posted a new video on Youtube, showing his Klee sequencer, in MOTM style.
He writes:" I've put a new video on youtube - while it only shows my new klee sequencer, all the other modules used are motm, with the exception of a mankato filter on one of the middle voices.
I'm controlling 3 voices with it - all MOTM 300 vco's through various filters and vcas. All in real time with no input from other sources. The sound quality's not the greatest - just using the camera mike - I had the monitors up pretty loud but the sequencer was closer so there's still sound from the switches."

More on the Klee sequencer (a DIY project) can be found at Scott's synth DIY and also here at Electro Music.
Enjoy.

T J

All MOTM album available on iTunes

2008-08-21T08:55:00.003Z

Mike Marsh, reported that he has created an 'album' available on iTunes, consisting of music made entirely with his MOTM based synthesizer. Look for " Cult of the individual", album title, is "Absolute Truth"
I'd class the music as experimental, it may not be everyones cup of tea, but even if you don't like the music, it gives you a good impression of what you can do with a modular synth, and the MOTM's sonic capability.
Have a listen, or even buy it, I did, so go on and support fellow MOTM'ers :-)

T J

Quick blurb

2008-08-19T21:20:00.002Z

Wow, one week has passed already since my return from holiday. I've had little time to work with my Synth, although I've recorded one new version of "Flight of the bumblebee", but I'm still not happy with it, so I am going to give it another try.I've been busy doing domestic chores, had my birthday, and some needed DIY, as well as a broken central heating/hotwater boiler, so I had to spend time on that too, all in all, not much of an MOTM week. There has been little news from Synthtech, or even on the newsgroup, I guess holiday time is affecting us all , hopefully all positive, and everyone is having a great time.
Oh, and I've spend time on Facebook, where I've finally signed on to, after being nagged by some friends. It's been fun, but I need to get back to the MOTM, so hopefully, this week will be better.

T J

The Alison Project

2008-08-12T07:52:00.005Z

I suggest to have a look and listen to: The Alison Project.
Among others , he uses a large MOTM format modular, see picture below (this picture is a little older (January 08), so the current modular will probably have grown a little :-) )
On his site he writes: "The Alison Project is a project based out of Canada which came to life in mid-2005 when I started to build a modular synthesizer. The goal of The Alison Project is to produce experimental music that is both dark and unsettling to listen to. The Alison Project creates atmosphere that triggers adrenaline and inspires dis-ease in those unfortunate enough to hear it. The first full length, entitled "The Nature of Dis-Ease" will be released in 2008 and work is currently underway on a second full length entitled "Once Upon a Fiend". "

I've also spotted another favourite synth of mine in his set up :-)

There are plently of MP3's to be found on the site, to give you a taste of his work over the last couple of years.
Check it out.

T J

Back home and a new post

2008-08-11T18:37:00.002Z

2 weeks on holiday, and no internet, so I'm playing catch up with what's going on in the music world and that of the MOTM synth.
Stephen Drake send me this vid of a patch he made a few days after I left on holiday, so I'm sorry for the delay in posting it.

Enjoy.

T J

Holiday

2008-07-27T18:25:00.001Z

It's the summer holidays, and I'll be setting off for my family holidays tomorrow (monday) for 2 weeks.
I don't know if I have internet access, so if you don't hear from me for a while, I'm basking in the sun somewhere :-)
Have fun, and report your MOTM news via the link provided in the righthand column.

Cheers!

T J

The Wavewarper

2008-07-26T19:30:00.003Z

Today, I had a few hours spare and sat down and started building the MOTM-510 wavewarper.
To my surprise this kit was easier and has a relatively low number of components, and despite the difficulty factor of 4/5 , I found it fairly easy to build. Easier in fact than other 4/5 rated modules I've build, so I am not sure if Paul shouldn't have rated it 3/5 or so. Anyway, it doesn't really matter as the days of the complete kits officially over, although there are a few stuck in the backlog, but that's pretty much it.
Anyway, back to the wavewarper, I've completed it in one session of just under 3 hours, nice and easy with a cold beer on standby.
Al that remains to be done is to try it out, and that's what I'm going to do right now, so I'll stop typing and I'll report later on the results.

T J