Make Analog Synthesizers Teaches ‘Modern Approach To Old-School Sound Synthesis’

make-analog-synthesizersHardware and software synth fans alike have a bodacious bounty of new synth introductions recently.

Here’s something cool for synth DIY fans – a new book from Ray Wilson, the founder of synth DIY headquarters Music From Outer Space.

WIlson has announced that his new book, Make: Analog Synthesizers is complete, and will be available digitally within a few days and in hard copy within a few weeks.

Here’s the official summary for Make: Analog Synthesizers: Continue reading

New Modules Available From Exclusively Analogue

universal-active-filterExclusively Analogue has announced status on shipping synth modules and some new modules.

These modules are currently available to order:

  • The Universal Active Filter is a faithful reproduction of the Emu module.
  • The VCO Range Switch module allows instant octave shifting of any 1Volt/octave VCO. 3 individual VCOs can be controlled by this unit and. although designed for the Emu system. it can be fitted to any modular provided there is a suitable Power Supply.
  • The Pot Pourri module is their take on the Emu Pot Pourri module and includes 2 Low Frequency Oscillators, 2 Analogue Inverters, a basic Noise Source, and a Sample and Hold (S&H).

Upcoming modules include:

  • The 2340 Voltage Controlled Lag Processor performs a rate-limiting function on its input; it introduces a linear or exponential slide in the output voltage if the input voltage changes faster than a certain rate. Typically it is used to process control voltages?for example, it can give voltage controlled portamento when its input is a keyboard control voltage and it can turn a gate into a voltage controlled attack/release transient generator.
  • The 2430 Ring Modulator is a balanced modulator for electronic music. The module has two inputs, modulation and carrier, which are identical for high signal levels. The output is the algebraic product of the input voltages: Vout = Vmod x Vcar ÷ 5 when the input attenuators are fully clockwise and the coupling switches are in the DC position. AC coupling will level-shift the corresponding input so it effectively centers around zero volts. This can have a striking effect on the output signal, due to the inherent non-linearity of balanced modulation.

Details are available at the Exclusively Analogue site.

New Modular Video Game Synthesizer, The Ming Mecca

voltage-controlled-video-game-synthesizer

Special Stage Systems has introduced Ming Mecca, a new Eurorack modular system described as a ‘voltage-controlled videogame console’.

Here’s what they have to say about the new Euro video synthesizer:

With the heart of a video synthesizer and the brain of a videogame console, Ming Mecca is the first of its kind: an ontological toy, a videogame easel, and a love letter to all things retrofuture. Designed for use in Eurorack format synthesizers but built to meet the demands of even the most seasoned micro-galactic interlopers, Ming Mecca modules will take your rig where no rig has gone before.

Here’s the official video intro: Continue reading