Synthwerks is offering a sneak preview of their modular synthesizer, which is still under development, at their Facebook page.

They’ve announced an interesting array of modules, including a “thumbstick” joystick controller; force sensing resistor modules; and this iPhone/iPod touch Player Module, designed to integrate an iPhone into your modular synthesizer.

Synthwerks is a small company in Seattle, Washington which designs and makes synthesizer modules in the Eurorack form factor.

According to Synthwerks:

Synthwerks will be focusing initially on making alternate controllers and modules for processing/modifying CVs. We will make some other modules that will be aimed at filling the gaps we find in the available offerings by other companies or to compliment modules they make. Some will just be for fun.

In other words you probably won’t see a standard VCO or LPF with a Synthwerks logo on it. Those who are on FaceBook, you will find a Synthwerks page there, and you are encouraged to comment on the modules and make suggestions for ones you may want. If interest is high enough, our modules may be offered in kit form. Stay tuned…

via Matrix

Wiard and Malekko will soon be releasing a new module, the Envelator.

The Envelator is 10hp of envelope generating awesomeness. The Envelator brings envelope functions to the Eurorack world unseen until now. It offers simultaneous output of positive and negative envelopes as well as voltage control of attack and decay functions and more.

Sweet.

This is a demo video for the Wiard / Malekko Anti Oscillator.

Details below.

via bigcitymusic:

Okay. Finally! Not a very musical sequence but we’re just trying to show off all of the incredible sounds the AO does. For a second we had it sounding like a violin! You can also hear a short envelope with some serious FM’ing by the Cwejman sine. We’re using just the AO, the Borg as a VCA and an Analogue Systems rs200 sequencer and rs130 PSG as a quantizer and a Cwejman sine wave for modulation. At times it sounds like there’s a filter but there’s not! The AO has a 1volt/octave input as well as exponential, linear and wave envelope inputs which reveals some super awesome FM sounds. For the money and high-quality build the AO is a no brainer. And it sounds fantastic!

Here’s a quick test of how much a synth geek you are.

What’s cuter?

1. The kids, or
2. The Eurorack modular synthesizer
   

via machinate

Image: Analogue Haven

The next Eurorack module to be released from Tiptop Audio will be the Z-DSP.

Here is a picture of the incredibly complex prototype. The module will be out in around 4-6 weeks. It features many FX types and includes a memory card slot for loading additional algorithms/fx programs.

Users and other manufacturers will be encouraged to program their own effects via a custom cable, and memory cards can be sold separately with this data.

via the Synthtopia Flickr Group

This video demos the Signal Arts Tetra MAPS Sequencer,which is now available in Eurorack Format.

via bigcitymusic:

The MAPS sequencer, short for MIDI Analog Performance Sequencer, is now in Eurorack modular synth format! The Tetra MAPS is an incredibly versatile sequencer, capable of producing beautifully complex multi-channel sequences or your simple everyday sequences. The MAPS has four(!) MIDI-CV converters as well as up to 32 midi channel outputs. This short demo shows multiple sequences “chasing” each other. You can set the gate time per step, which can give you some wonderful rhythmic variation as well as some nice random melodies. By pushing the corresponding encoder, you start a particular sequence. You can start and retrigger all of the sequences multiple times too. Awesome!

We’re sending our control voltages to three Analogue Systems voices, each patched a bit differently. All are using the rs95 oscillator with fine tuner. One has an rs100 Low Pass filter, one a Comb Filter, and all three mixed are running into the amazing Reverb/Chorus module.

This demo video looks at using the Malekko / Wiard Noisering as a modular synthesizer oscillator.

via bigcitymusic:

Designed by Grant Richter of Wiard and built by Malekko Heavy Industry, the Noisering rocks!

Use it as a clock, noise source, oscillator, cv source and more. This is a really fun module with lots of potential and tons of features packed in.

Here we’re using the Noisering as an oscillator. It doesn’t track one volt per octave exactly but that doesn’t really matter for this type of patch. We’re using the Analogue Systems rs200 sequencer to control the “Ext Rate” input. The first sound is output one of the Noisering running into the Borg Filter in low-pass gate mode, triggered by the Analogue Systems rs60 EG module. The second sound is output number 2, and yes they are very different sounding outputs!

WMD Geiger Counter Eurorack Module -Sequencing Wavetables

via bigcitymusic:

The WMD Geiger Counter in eurorack has finally arrived!

This is a simple squarewave drone from a Cwejman VCO-6. We are sequencing the wavetables of the Geiger with an Analogue Systems rs200. Partway through we add in another sequencer row modulating the sample rate which has an attenuator. Awesome!

This demo video features the Malekko / Wiard Borg Filter, a modular synth filter designed by Grant Richter described as a cross between a Buchla low pass gate and a Korg MS-20 filter.

via bigcitymusic:

Here’s the first installment of a series of videos of the new Malekko / Wiard Borg and Boogie Filters.

The Borg is an incredible mutant module birthed in the mind of designer Grant Richter of Wiard. It’s a cross between a Buchla low pass gate and a Korg MS-20 filter. Thanks to Malekko Heavy Industry the module is now in Eurorack format and it sounds amazing!

We are sequencing a Cwejman VCO-2RM sine wave oscillator with an Analogue Solutions Oberkorn MkIII. The gate output of the sequencer is triggering a Plan B Model 10 Polyphonic envelope set to a really short pulse (really, really short). Using this type of envelope with a regular VCA would result in a click, no tone.

The Borg plays nice in this instance but the next video will show the meaner side of this beast. There’s actually a jumper you can remove from the back pcb which gives you an extra large helping of resonance.

The “Peaking BP” is actually a pot with a switch. In the off mode, fully CCW, the Borg is in VCA mode. When you start to turn it clockwise it begins to take on a whole new character. The knob at the right we’re adjusting is the CV input amount. This also has a big effect on the character of the low pass gate sound. Malekko Rocks!

P.S. The sweet blue LED does light with every trigger pulse. You just can’t see it because of the frame rate of the camera or something.

This is an overview of the features of the Flame Clockwork Eurorack synthesizer module.

The Flame Clockwork is a shift clock/CV pulse generator for Moogerfoogers, Modular systems, Analog filters, Analog step sequencers etc.

Features/Uses:

• Individual generator for experimental grooves
• Easy sound machine on your analog filter
• Create new patterns with analog steps equencer
• Tool for modular systems and analog synth

More info on the Flame Clockwork can be found at the Flame site.

If you’ve used the Flame Clockwork, leave a comment with your thoughts!

Click here to view the embedded video.

via jamescigler

Via noisesource – a simple self generating patch with minor tweaks along the way.

This video captures patching a explosion sound with a modular synthesizer.

via MAKEN0ISE:

My nephew helped me patch this cool analog explosion sound effect, using just 3 modules. Long live the QMMG!

Check out the nephew’s expression, when he gets to make an analog explosion!

Looks like a good way to get kids interested in synthesis!

Metasonix R-52 Multimode Filter Eurorack Module

via bigcitymusic:

Ok nerds. Here’s the ultra-dork demonstration of the new R-52 module from Metasonix.

We start with a square wave oscillator, the Analogue Systems rs95. The R-52 sounds great. It’s the same filter as the discontinued Metasonix TM-6.

You can see when the first cable gets plugged in. That’s when we start modulating the “Sweep CV In” with the A.S. rs200 sequencer. The second cable is another channel of the sequencer modulating the “Resonance CV Input”. Don’t ask about dB response. Just bask in the crusty warmth that is the R-52.

Update: I just talked to Eric. This is the prototype of the R-52. The actual production models will be revised and will self-resonate. Cool.

Looks like interesting and unpredictable addition to a Eurorack modular synthesizer.

If you’ve had a chance to try this out, leave a comment!

This video, via analogueak, demonstrates a very basic analog modular patch.

Roland TB-303, Jomox 999 & Analogue Systems Acid

Description:

via bigcitymusic:

We love the Roland TB-303 (who doesn’t?), so we went nuts with some Analogue Systems rs95 oscillators, triggering them with the CV and Gate outputs from the 303.

The sound of the 303 is given additional balls by processing it through the Malekko B:Assmaster Germanium pedal…sacrilege.

You can hear the TB-303 without extra balls at the very end between 6:12 – 6:18.

Along with the A.S. rs95 oscillators we’re also using the rs110 Multimode Filter, the rs120 Comb Filter, and the rs100 Low Pass Filter.

The drums sounds are from the behemoth Jomox XBase 999 and we’re using the Kenton Pro Solo MIDI-CV converter to sync the 303. One of the cymbals from the Jomox is running through the A.S. rs310 Reverb/Chorus module, which is being modulated by the rs80 LFO’s triangle wave. The rs290 Sample/Delay module is providing the delay for that cymbal as well. All of these sounds are being mixed by the rs165 Signal Mixer.

Metasonix‘ new line of vacuum-tube Eurorack synth modules is now available via Analogue Haven.

The new modules include:

• The Metasonix R51 Vacuum Tube VCA/Distortion Synth Module
• The Metasonix R-52 Vacuum-Tube Multimode Filter
• The Metasonix R-53 Vacuum-Tube Waveshaper Ringmod

If you want to know more about the man behind Metasonix, read our interview with Metasonix creator Eric Barbour.

The Metasonix R-52 Vacuum-Tube Multimode Filter is a unique synth module for Eurorack modular synthesizers.

Description:

The r-52 uses two pentodes, type 12au6. The circuit is derived directly from the Metasonix tm-2 filter, but with all the features of their tm-6 filter.

A pair of bandpass filters is swept with a vactrol(tm) control element, a resonant treble filter and a less-resonant bass filter, giving a 4-pole lowpass response. Filter sweep range (approx): bass-only 80-200 hz, bandpass/lowpass low setting 300-1000 hz, high setting 800-1900 hz. filter resonance/q adjustable from less than 1 to oscillation.

Voltage gain approx. 2 with resonance set to 10 o’clock position and input level set to maximum. both filters, or one at a time, may be selected and mixed in desired amounts using the front-panel response control. this allows for a wide range of equalization and special sound effects.

CV inputs are available for sweeping the cutoff frequency and for affecting the treble filter’s resonance. circuit distortion is less than 0.5% typical.

If you’ve used the Metasonix R-52, please leave a comment and let us know what you think!

Details:

Power requirement: +-12v dc, 150 ma.

The metasonix r-series of vacuum-tube modules is intended for use in any “eurorack” standard modular synthesizer system.

All r-series modules are 22hp (112mm) wide and fit in any doepfer(tm), analogue systems(tm), or other compatible cabinet. They are powered entirely from the cabinet’s internal +-12v dc power supplies, using doepfer compatible 16-pin power connectors. their circuits protrude behind the panel less than 25mm (1 inch).

All vacuum tubes are nos (new old stock) types from classic american and european manufacturers that are run very conservatively for long life, and are readily available from distributors. The tubes protrude from the panel for visibility and cooling, less than 38mm (1.5 inches), and should fit inside a doepfer a-100 suitcase cabinet lid or into a doepfer mini case.

All audio inputs and outputs and cv inputs/outputs are 100% compatible with other synthesizer modules.

Plate voltage is provided by a tiny switching supply producing clean 48v regulated at low current, which is very safe and will not injure the user. Potentiometers are top-quality alpha rk12l types, and 3.5mm phone jacks are special kobiconn vertical-mount types,.

Each r-module is fully protected against reverse supply voltage, overvoltage, undervoltage, or incorrect hookup to external equipment. The r series is handcrafted in Northern California, USA.

Audio demos are available at Analogue Haven

The Metasonix R51 VCA/Distortion Synth Module is a unique voltage-controlled VCA for Eurorack modular synthesizers.

Description:

The r-51 is unique and never before available in any form. It uses two remote-cutoff pentodes, type 26a6. two cv inputs are available for controlling circuit distortion from less than 2% up to more than 40% (varies with individual tubes). two cv inputs also allow use of the r-51 as a conventional synthesizer vca, with gain variable from less than -75db to +5db (typical).

Both distortion and vca features can be used simultaneously. This allows true vacuum-tube asymmetrical soft clipping to be applied to any waveform. with suitable cv processing, the r-51 can be configured as a true “variable mu” limiter or expander.

If you’ve had a chance to use the Metasonix R51, leave a comment!

Details:

Power requirement: +-12v dc, 150 ma.

The metasonix r-series of vacuum-tube modules is intended for use in any “eurorack” standard modular synthesizer system.

All r-series modules are 22hp (112mm) wide and fit in any doepfer(tm), analogue systems(tm), or other compatible cabinet. They are powered entirely from the cabinet’s internal +-12v dc power supplies, using doepfer compatible 16-pin power connectors. their circuits protrude behind the panel less than 25mm (1 inch).

All vacuum tubes are nos (new old stock) types from classic american and european manufacturers that are run very conservatively for long life, and are readily available from distributors. The tubes protrude from the panel for visibility and cooling, less than 38mm (1.5 inches), and should fit inside a doepfer a-100 suitcase cabinet lid or into a doepfer mini case.

All audio inputs and outputs and cv inputs/outputs are 100% compatible with other synthesizer modules.

Plate voltage is provided by a tiny switching supply producing clean 48v regulated at low current, which is very safe and will not injure the user. Potentiometers are top-quality alpha rk12l types, and 3.5mm phone jacks are special kobiconn vertical-mount types,.

Each r-module is fully protected against reverse supply voltage, overvoltage, undervoltage, or incorrect hookup to external equipment. The r series is handcrafted in Northern California, USA.

Audio demos are available at Analogue Haven

The EuroRack Monster Planner is an online application that lets you make your plans to rule the world with synth power!

It’s the crack cocaine of synth fantasies, because you can use the Regular 12U Planner to design a relatively reserved modular synthesizer or you can choose the Monster Planner and plan your TyrannoSynth.

Bwa-ha-ha-ha!

There are some great examples of what you can do with the EuroRack Monster Planner at MusicOfSound.

And if you use the EuroRack modular planner to create an awesome modular synth of your own, put a link to it in the comments!

In the interview, Mike talks about what originally inspired him to get into electronic music:

When I was *really* young, I remember hearing “Funeral for a Friend/Loves Lies Bleeding” on Elton John’s ”Yellow Brick Road” LP…

Honestly, that was probably my first real awareness of synthesizers…. (yeah, I know… pretty lame, huh?) after that… I remember my friend’s hippie older brother playing this record for me through headphones… it was “Autobahn” by kraftwerk. now that REALLY blew me away… then the late 70s & early 80s came… some records I specifically remember would be “TVOD” by The Normal, “Metal Beat” by John Foxx, the “Leave in Silence” 12″ by Depeche Mode, that first Heaven 17 LP… what was it called?, “Rage in Eden” by Ultravox (Conny Plank’s work…amazing), the “Replicas” LP by Gary Numan, “Your Silent Face” & “Temptation” by New Order… all this stuff really got me into electronic music.

It was like an explosion really… all this great music and most of it made with synths. then in the 90s I remember the first time I heard “Papua New Guinea” by FSOL… and then all that big beat stuff… “Block Rocking Beats” & “The Rockefeller Skank”… and then drum n bass… and IDM… Autechre & Aphex Twin… man, so much great stuff.

I love hearing what inspired people to get involved with electronic music (45 of Edgar Winter’s Frankenstein anyone?). Stories like Mike’s tell you a lot – about the person and the time in which they grew up. 

I had the opportunity to meet Mike at the 2008 Winter NAMM Show. He’s a very nice guy with some really interesting ideas for modular synthesis. 

Check out the full interview with Livewire’s Mike Brown at the vicmod site.