This video offers an audio demo of drum synthesis using Plan B modular synthesizer modules.

Patch details below.

via bigcitymusic:

Plan B offers some alternative modules to your everyday “East Coast” style modules. In this patch we’re using a multitude of different modules, including some Cwejman and Analogue Systems.

The heart of this patch is the incredible sounding Model 13 Dual Timbral Gate. The M13 is in fact a low pass gate which is basically a cross between a low pass filter and a VCA. This is what gives us the beautiful, drum-like decay to the random pulses. The actual envelope is super short but the vactrols in the circuit ring longer.

We’re also using some random voltages in here. The Model 24 Heisenberg Generator is basically a sample and hold module, well, two of them really. The bottom section of the M24 allows you to move to the next random voltage when it receives a trigger or gate pulse. The Plan B Model 15 oscillator and the Cwejman VCO-6 are our sounds sources, each having it’s frequency modulated at a high rate. This is what gives you the hand slapping sound that a typical hand drum would have.

The Plan B Model 17 is also being used to great effect. The Triple Event Timer senses how high the voltages coming in are. There are three pots to set the threshold, deciding when a pulse is allowed through.

Peter Grenader is ripping off customers, distributors and now employees!

http://www.muffwiggler.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=4907&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=105

http://www.muffwiggler.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=5291&highlight=

If you are affected by Plan B and Peter Grenader please I urge you to make a formal complaint to http://www.ftc.gov/ Even if you are outside the US ..It takes about 2 minutes to fill out. You wont see your modules again so this is justice!

I don’t have any direct experience with Plan B – but the comments of former employees suggest that the company is completely self-destructing:

I would like to say one very important thing.

There are a number of modules in the shop for repair. Most of those modules have been sitting there since i arrived in February. Rather then making an attempt at fixing them peter instead pulls parts from them, or instructs us to pull parts, which we then use to make *new* modules. I’ve already talked with a fellow synth manufacturer about this and he recommended informing people about this pronto since it is clearly wrong. I decided to wait until i was officially out, and for that i apologize.

That’s about all i would like to say for now. I still have a friend employed at plan b who is waiting for a paycheck tomorrow, peter already stiffed me on mine this week. Thus, i don’t want to say anything else that might effect roger buying peter’s stuff this week and thus fucking over yet another plan b employee. One a week is enough i would hope. (roger if your reading this, please buy peters stuff tomorrow so a least one employee can get paid, luckily i have a family in new york i can go back to, but the other employee is very much dependent on that check.)

If you’ve worked with Plan B, feel free to leave a comment with your thoughts on the situation below.

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 information is to protect others.

I wish to advise anyone interested in purchasing modular synth modules to not deal with PLAN B and/or Peter Grenader.

With the time I have spent dealing with modular companies I have never come across a person who abuses his customers and STEALS MONEY from them and/or never replaced faulty stock like Peter has done.

ELBY DESIGN (Once distributor for Plan B)is owed $6k from Peter.

MANY other customers have paid for modules that have never arrived or modules sent for repair that have not been returned.

There are reams more posts from people with complaints about Plan B at the Muff Wiggler forum.

It’s terrible to see so many unhappy customers, when Grenader has some great ideas about modular synths.

Have you dealt with EAR (Plan B)? If so, leave a comment with your thoughts on the experience and the gear you got.

This is a modular synth patch demo, of using the Plan B Model 12 as a VCA.

via boobtube356:

PlanB Model 15 saw output goes to PlanB Model 12 in LP, high Q mode. Doepfer A-140 modulates the M12 cutoff frequency. Result goes to Cwejman MX-4S with panning from sine output of the same M15. This is an interesting trick that seems to make the sound a lot bigger without altering it.

No reverb or delay is used.

Percussion sounds are two VCOs being ring modded with the 2 and 6 osc outputs on the Doepfer A-117. “Lead” part is the Doepfer A-196 PLL trying to track a VCO that is trying to track the PLL, and the result goes to Cwejman VCEQ-3 (see also PLL Arabesque). Sequencing is Doepfer A-160/161, A-152, and A-138.

No manual adjustments made during this clip.

Shade is scheduled for release on March 23rd, 2009, and looks like it will be a treat for fans of synth music.

Sirros notes:

This album is full of analogue modular synths, including the Serge modular music system, Analogue Systems RS-Integrator modular, Doepfer A100 modular, Arp 2600, EMS VCS3, Technosaurus Selector system D, Livewire/Plan B/Harvestman modular, Metalbox/CGS modular, Analogue Solutions Concussor modular, Korg MS50, Oberheim 4 Voice modular, etc…

Shade is the studio album follow-up to Obsessive Surrealism (DiN26 – 2007) and is the fifth CD release by Parallel Worlds (the main musical project of Greek electronic musician Bakis Sirros).

via Bakis Sirros in the synth forum

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!

Before and after this launch our products will continue to be available at a number of dealerships both domestically and abroad and a list of those dealers will be updated on our site in the coming days.

I need to stress that this decision had everything to do with business and nothing to do with our successful and strong relationship with Noisebug, a partnership which bore immeasurable growth during it’s tenure and one which I hope will continue in the future. It isn’t about that. It’s about Plan B this month entering it’s fifth year. We’re all grow’d up now…and it’s time to stand on our own.

Look for a PLAN B DIRECT update early next week on the purchase tab at http://www.ear.group.net. Only products currently in our finished goods will be included. For those not listed, links will be provided giving immediate access to dealerships currently stocking products which may not be available at PLAN B DIRECT at any given time.

As always, I look forward to the future, to sharing your experiences with our products and the art created with them. On behalf of Sam Hernandez, Kateri Lirio, Dylan Sang and Brian McKinnon, I thank you for your continued support.

via the awesome Stretta blog of electronic musician Matthew Davidson

At the 2009 Winter NAMM Show, AnalogSuicide’s Tara Busch got the rundown on Plan B modular synthesizers from Plan B’s founder, Peter Grenader.

Click here to view the embedded video.

2009 NAMM Show preview

Both Plan B and Buchla will be at the Noisebug booth 6108 which is on the main hall this year in the vicinity of Moog and Motu.

Sometime this week I will be posting further details on what we’ll be showing on the Plan B Analog Blog (go to www.ear-group.net to sign up.

On the module end will be the models 21C Mini Milton VC Sequencer, the Model 32 Vector Plotter and the M30 and 30A – two components of the mighty Triple Digital VCO Subsystem.

There are four other products being introduced which are part of the big move into cases and systems.: The Ringer, a single row rack frame offering a low-cost solution to a previously expensive expansion requirement, and the Model Zero, which is the same three row Zero Halibuton case used by NIN with some significant improvements, including power saving modes, top/bottom strip modules and the option of expanding to six rows. A photo has been posted in the PB Analog Blog.

The Performance System, which has it’s own case not unlike the Doepfer portable although two rows of 102 HP and eight inches deep is our fist venture into the systems arena and will also be on display and operational.

To support the Ringer, the Zero and the PS we’re introducing an external power system which utilizes two high-grade second party switching supplies as it’s engine. The supplies are audio grade and protected to the point that key’d power connectors on the bus will not be required…the PSU will shut itself off instantly if a module is installed incorrectly.

Along with Noisebug’s, Plan B goods will be on display at a couple of other booths as well – keep a sharp eye out!

Again, when my schedule allows I will be posting more details on all this, including photos to the PBAB. Please grant me patience with this and in getting back with anyone who may need to contact me as I’m deep into Namm hell at present and time away to post is minimal.

Thanks again and I look forward to seeing you all at the show!

via the Plan B Yahoo group, via bleepology

Pomona, California’s NoiseBug has announced its plans for the 2009 NAMM Show. 

It will be featuring demos of the Buchla 2003 system, along with the new 285e Frequency Shifter. 

In addition, it will be showing Plan B’s Mini Milton Sequencer, Triple Digital VCO, Control Attenuator, Vector Plotter and the Plan B Performance System.

A Plan B Model 15’s morph output controls cycling of a Model 10, with envelopes fast enough to generate audio. Basically it’s a wave shapeable synced oscillator that’s especially neat when you feed it multiple outputs from the same Model 15. Some powerful wave shaping…with an envelope generator.

Vicmod

In it, Grenader talks about how he got into electronic music.

I started early on with Electronic Music. I was fortunate, my high school had a brilliant teacher, John Waddell, who to this day gave me the best music theory instruction I’ve ever had, including CalArts. He had a friend who loaned him a VCS3, and John held a class on it. I took to it severely. I use his instruction techniques with my own students. Heavy emphasis on not only function, but the physics behind what’s happening.

One day in class John announced that a friend of his, Alex Cima, who came to our class to show his SYNTHI AKS, would allow one piece in his concert series form our high school class. Alex was a member of the local Los Angeles EM scene and a founding member of the band LEM (Live Electronic Music). He was also the Southern California rep for Steiner-Parker. Getting back to the announcement however, I devoted my life to this proposition and my piece, The Fifth Vesper, was selected for that program. Partially because of the novelty of it being composed by an 17 year old the piece got a very good review in the LA Times and I think this was a huge part of my acceptance to CalArts, the fact that I was already actively composing and my work was being selected for performance.

As far as electronics, this is an interesting story. At CalArts you could focus your composition program on electronic music. I and many others did this. OK, so…you graduate. Four years working with three massive Buchlas…what do you do when you get out? In order to acquire an axe, many of us went to work at Serge Tcherepnin’s factory on Western Avenue in Hollywood, many years before his move to the bay area. Darrell Johansen, Gary Chang, Chas Smith, Jill Fraser, Kevin Braheny were all there during my tenure. The deal was you worked for a system. I did this and in the interim got enough knowledge of electronics to be dangerous.

Later on my father suggested I go to work in the electronics field and I took this suggestion. I started off in assembly and within a couple of years became an engineering tech at a few companies and this is where I really learned how things worked. It’s there I met another mentor, Martin Bondyer who read between the lines that I really didn’t know what I was doing – at least not enough to hold the job to any satisfaction. Instead of firing me, he took me under his wing and educated me. Again, I was fortunate.

Make sure you check out the full interview at the Vicmod site if you are a fan of modular synths. Grenader reveals a few secrets about what’s he’s got up his sleeve for the 2009 NAMM Show.

This Tiptop Audio video features the Z3000’s doing the Bass drum and Snare drum and the two Z5000 are saturated making the HH’s.

MFB Drum sequencer clocked by LFO triggers the sounds. All the outputs are then mixed with the Plan B mixer, playing the switches to open and close the sounds.

This video, Where Are You?, captures Stretta (Matthew Davidson) playing a French Connection controller against a looping phrase. If you listen carefully to the phrase, the pulses change slightly throughout the composition. 

The French Connection is controlling a small collection of modules including a Cwejman VCO-RM2, MMF1, Plan B model 11 and Doepfer VCA. The left hand joystick is controlling various parameters including the frequency of the slave osc of the VCO which is also frequency modulating one of the filters.

Besides being a lovely piece, this is the most musical use I’ve seen of the very cool French Connection, which offers the discrete phrasing of a keyboard, along with the more vocal phrasing of a continuously pitched controller.

This episode of XLR8R TV looks at Brooklyn-based electro/hip-hop artist Eliot Lipp and his monster collection of sexy analog gear, including:

• Jomox XBase-09
• MFB Synth-II
• Plan B modular synths
• Atari Synthcart
• Sequential Circuits Six-Trak
• Wurlitzer Electric Piano

He also talks about his new album, The Outside, ice cream and crate digging.

If anything is going to send me down to the second circle of Hell, it’s Lipp’s Plan B modular. Let me know what you think of Lipp and his analog gear.

via Crate Kings

NoiseBug is a new retail and online store, brought to you by Plan B’s Peter Grenader, that offers an unusual array of synth goodness.

“We are arcane musical gear gleaming with forgotten gems of yesteryear and highlights of our present time,” explains Grenader. “Here you will find drum machines, keyboards, effects and other misc odds and ends of the musical world. We buy and sell used gear as well as new. Plus the unusual and bountiful in house assembly of Plan B modular synthesizers.”

Store Info:

Noisebug
252A South Main St
Pomona CA 91766
(909) 622-4556

It looks like Noisebug may become a new Mecca for synth freaks. If you’re in the Pomona area, stop by Noisebug and let me know what you think.

Check out their list of specials, too.

Peter Grenader has announced 15 new modules for the Plan B modular synth line.  Details at the site.

Mega.ModularPlanner.co.uk has a cool new online modular synthesizer planner for Eurorack-size modules. 

It’s a work in progress, but it has modules from the biggest manufacturers already. It’s just missing scanned images from several of the companies. 

Note that it does let you do some things that might not be possible with real modules (see the image above). 

I’d love to find a Eurorack synth cabinet to match my existing Synthesizer.com cabinet. The Eurorack format suddenly is where everything seems to be happening.