Metasonix TM-1 SE Vacuum-Tube Waveshaper and Ring Modulator demo

via bostich1:

Point Loma (bostich) jamming.

instruments: Metasonix TM-1 SE Vacuum-Tube Waveshaper and Ring Modulator

Roland TR-606Mutator

http://www.myspace.com/bostichpointloma

http://www.myspace.com/tijuanasoundmachine

This video captures the “drunken debauchery” of the Muff Wiggler Forum July 2009 Gathering.

via scootermccrae:

On July 18th, 2009, I had a number of strangers who I know (or know of) from the muggwiggler.com forum come to my apartment to have fun working with the modular analog audio equipment I had lying around or the machinery they brought over themselves to integrate into whatever systems we were spontaneously creating.

So there was much drunken debauchery and noise-making to be had amongst the participants.

Keep in mind that this is just a non-linear overview of the day that demonstrates how people traveled from one room to another to patch cables and twiddled knobs. Over the course of the nine hours that people spent in my apartment, there were many audio breakthroughs and learning experiences that would be impossible to document here without a far more thorough camerperson than myself at the helm.

Needless to say, as the cameraperson, I’m not in this video — so it’s NOT a Mondo Modular episode (so I apologize to any subscribers expecting otherwise).

Please enjoy and thanks as always for checking this out.

Eric Barbour of Metasonix demonstrates a prototype vacuum tube drum machine at Robotspeak in San Francisco.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Check out BeerNotBombs’ Flickr set for more photos and videos from the event.

So – what do you think Barbour should call his vacuum tube drum machine?

After the AssBlaster & the Butt Probe, the obvious name for a Metasonix vacuum tube drum machine would probably be the Butt Kicker. If you’ve got a better idea for what to name this thing or other thoughts on the idea of a vacuum tube drum machine, leave a comment below!

From the tail end of Gearwire’s 2009 NAMM coverage comes this show video of Eric Barbour’s new Metasonix KV100 Assblaster.

Regular Synthtopia visitors know that we like to protect our readers’ sensibilities, so we’ll put this as delicately as possible: the Assblaster puts the anal in analog.

The KV-100 contains the basic preamp stage of the discontinued Metasonix TM-7 Scrotum Smasher, driving the waveshaping (pulser) and ring modulation functions of the discontinued TM-1 (minus the ring-modulator carrier oscillator). These two sections drive a VCO which was derived from the discontinued Metasonix TM-3.

As you can see from the video, the Assblaster features graphics that complement its name.

If you’ve had a chance to try out the Assblaster, leave a comment with your thoughts!

via gearwire

Stefan Breitenfeld has updated his online modular synthesizer planner:

The all-new Modular Planner v1.1, which is a complete redesign of the (ancient?) original version, is now finally available. The most important changes are:

• new design & improved usability (at least I hope so)
• forum included
• mostly MSIE-compatible
• Google maps with dealer and manufacturer locations (to be extended, make suggestions!)
• first multi-manifacturer version (thanks to all of you for your support)
• exchange rates loaded directly from ECB
• atch drawing engine (beta).

The planner should make it easier than ever to make your plans for world synth domination.

Breitenfeld adds, “Enjoy it and feel free to link to it, report bugs and module updates, contribute images, patches & experience and make suggestions for further improvements!”

via MatrixSynth

This s what an AssBlaster sounds like. Is it what you expected?

Josh Humphrey rocks the Metasonix KV-100 Assblaster, with Mike Dobler on Korg ESX drum machine. Recorded at Big City Music.

More soothing Assblaster sounds at arrowbang’s YouTube page.

Image: peff

Detail of the Metasonix TM-7 Robotspeak Limited Edition.

Read the details in the image to “Consult this important shit”.

Via the Synthtopia Flickr Pool

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!

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-53 Vacuum-Tube Waveshaper Ringmod is a unique tube-based synth module for Eurorack modular synthesizers.

Description:

The r-53 is directly derived from Metasonix’ tm-1 device. It uses a 12af6/bd6 remote-cutoff pentode and a 12av7 dual triode.

Waveshaping is provided by a vacuum-tube “pulser” circuit that spits irregular pulses onto the input waveform. They synchronize erratically with the input pitch (if a waveform with sharp transitions is used). combined with true vacuum-tube circuit distortion, this can provide a vast range of complex, aggressive distortion effects, utterly unique in the world.

A basic ring-modulation function is also available in the unit–applying a carrier pitch from an external oscillator to the screen grid of the pentode, This allows making inharmonic sum-and-difference pitch sound effects, with a unique vacuum tube pentode sound.

If you’ve used the Metasonix R-53, please leave a comment and let us know what you think!

Details:

Power requirement: +-12v dc, 200 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 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

Eurorack modular synthesizers have been growing in popularity over the last few years. Eurorack modular synths are relatively inexpensive, compared to larger formats, and pack a lot of functionality into a small space.

There are now over fifteen companies making Eurorack synth modules, giving Eurorack owners more options than just about any other modular synth platform. If you’re planning a Eurorack synth, there’s an online modular synth planner you should check out – the Mega Modular Planner.

Here’s a list of active Eurorack modular synthesizer manufacturers, along with links to recent coverage of their synths at Synthtopia:

Eurorack Synth Modular Manufacturers

1. Analogue Systems (UK) – makes the RS line of synth modules, and unique keyboard controllers like the French Connection. Analogue Systems on Synthtopia
2. Analogue Solutions (UK) – creators of the Concussor synth modules, along with a variety of synths and sequencers, including the Red Square, the Leipzig, the SEMblance, the TBX-303 and the Oberkorn.  Analogue Solutions on Synthtopia
3. Bananalogue (USA) – makes several synth modules, including a couple of Serge-influenced modules. Their site is currently missing in action. If you’ve got additional information, leave a comment. Bananalogue on Synthtopia
4. Bubblesound (US) – makes Eurorack synth modules with original components to more accurately capture the sound of vintage gear. Their site is currently missing in action. If you’ve got additional information, leave a comment. Bubblesound on Synthtopia
5. Cwejman (Sweden) – Cwejman makes semi-modular synthesizers and also a large variety of Eurorack synth modules. Cweman on Synthtopia
6. Cyndustries (USA) – Cyndustries makes synth modules in Blacet, DotCom, ModCan, MOTM & Eurorack formats. Their best known modular is the Zeroscillator, a high end modular oscillator. Cyndustries on Synthtopia.
7. Doepfer (Germany) – manufacturer of electronic music instruments, ranging from keyboards and MIDI controllers to complete analog modular synthesizer systems. Doepfer on Synthtopia
8. Elby Designs (Australia) – makes the Panther series of Eurorack analog synthesizer modules and kits, based on Cat Girl Synth designs. Elby Designs on Synthtopia
9. Flight of Harmony (USA) – currently has a small line of synth modules, including the Plague Bearer quad voltage-controlled resonant bandpass filter. Flight of Harmony on Synthtopia
10. Future Sound Systems (UK) – Future Sound Systems makes synth modules in MOTM/Modcan/Dotcom and Eurorack formats. You can customize your modules with special panels and LED colors. Future Sound Systems on Synthtopia
11. Harvestman (USA) – makes a very original line of voltage-controlled digital signal processing modules, including the Malgorithm, Zorlon Cannon, Tyme Safari and a Polivoks filter. Harvestman on Synthtopia
12. Livewire (USA) – Livewire makes a small collection of very interesting synth modules, including the Dalek Modulator, Dual Cyclotron & the Vulcan Modulator. Livewire on Synthtopia
13. Makenoise (USA) – makes a small collection of synth modules, including a Quad Multi-Mode Gate, modDemod and the Format Jumbler. Makenoise on Synthtopia
14. Metasonix (USA) – specializes in vacuum tube based synth modules. Metasonix on Synthtopia
15. MFB (Germany) – makes a variety of drum synth modules in addition to standard modular synth components (VCO, VCF, sequencers). MFB also makes semi-modular and mini-synths. MFB on Synthtopia
16. Plan B (USA) – Peter Grenader’s line of synthesizer modules features a wide variety of modules, many of which are influenced by classic Buchla designs. Plan B on Synthtopia
17. Tiptop (USA) – makes a small, but cool line of synth modules, including the Z3000 Smart Voltage Controlled Oscillator and the Z5000 Voltage Controlled Digital Signal Processor. Tiptop Audio on Synthtopia

If you’ve got additions, corrections or comments about any of the manufacturers, please leave a comment below!

via MusicOfSound, MuffWriggler; image: thumbuki

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 this video, via GearWire, Josh from Bigcitymusic.com talks about the three upcoming Metasonix Eurorack synth modules:

• The R-51 — voiced for analog synth mangling — allows you to add mild tube warmth or take it to the next level (BAM!) and get all Metasonix-y (i.e. sounding like bathroom humor).
• The R-52 is a multimode filter based on TM-6 Multi-Mode pedal.
• The R-53 is the most extreme Eurorack so far, based on the TM-3 Ring Mod filter.

This is a demo of the new Metasonix KV-100 AssBlaster vacuum tube processor that was shown at the Big City Music booth at the 2009 NAMM Show.The video captures a drum pattern from the Jomox XBase999 analog drum machine getting mangled.

The KV-100 contains the basic preamp stage of the discontinued Metasonix TM-7 Scrotum Smasher, driving the waveshaping (pulser) and ring modulation functions of the discontinued TM-1 (minus the ring-modulator carrier oscillator). These two sections drive a VCO which was derived from the discontinued Metasonix TM-3.

Nortec’s Pepe and Ramon visit BigCityMusic, and check out one hundred and one synthesizers in two minutes. 

“This is one our many visits to Bigcitymusic, one of our favorite analogue synthesizer store around, we really thanks to Roger and all bigcitymusic family we love you guys.” – Pepe & Ramon.

You can see here at least a knob or slider from Analogue Systems modular systems, LL Electronics, Metasonix, Cwejman, Mellotron, Sherman, Jomox, Vermona, System 8500 modular, French Connection Martenot-style controller, rs-420 Octave Controller, rs95e VCO, rs370 Polyphonic Harmonic Generator, rs300 CV to MIDI and others. 

See anything else in the video? Leave a comment!

Can you find the prog rock keyboardist in this photo?

The 2009 Winter NAMM Show has fewer vendors and visitors this year, but there’s still a ton of new gear and software to check out – and fantastic performances by musicians like Keith Emerson, above. Synthtopia is on site to bring you the latest news about electronic music software and gear. 

Here are some of the highights of Day 3 of the 2009 NAMM Show:

• Cakewalk Sonar V-Studio is out of the price range of a lot of people – but, if you’re a Sonar user it’s pretty drool-worthy; 
• A lot of people are excited about the microKorg XL, even though it’s pricey for a mini-synth (Tip for other manufacturers – it’s the vocoder!); and
• The Moog Etherwave Theremin Plus is what everybody wanted in a theremin.
• Metasonix’ new Eurorack synth modules show put vacuum tubes into new places;
• The Korg nanoSeries is now available in black; and 
• Max For Live is one of the biggest music geekfests in years. 

Check out some more highlights below. 

We got a sneak preview from the Museum Of Making Music of an upcoming exhibit on the work of Robert Moog. We’ll have more on this in a few days – but check out the photo above for a taste of the artifacts that they’re lining up for the exhibit.

There were tons of great musicians to see and friendly people to meet, like ModWheelMood’s Alessandro Cortini:

And, as always, there were some bizarre sites to see:

Kinky sex outfits or a Tonium Pacemaker demo? You make the call!

If you made it to NAMM, leave a comment and let us know what you thought!

A demo of the new Metasonix Eurorack modules at the Big City Music booth at NAMM 2009.

This is an overview of the synthgasm that is the Big City Music booth at NAMM. 

You can see shots of the new Metasonix eurorack modules and the new KV-100 Assblaster. You can also see the new Signal Arts Tetra Maps sequencer, the new Sherman Rodec Restyler, all of the Jomox Products, a giant Analogue Systems modular, pieces from Diabolical Devices and Folktek, as well as Cwejman, King Capitol Punishment, Bleep Labs L.L. Electronics Rozzbox, Schippman, Malekko, Vermona and more.