Swing

In this modular synth demo, Thomas White shows how he creates analog swing time, all while filming while looking into the camera for the first time.

It may sound a little tricky, but White makes it look pretty easy.

Got any other modular rhythm tricks? If so, leave a comment!

via djthomaswhite:

Have you ever wanted to add “swing time” to your modular sequences?

I have!

Typically I have used MIDI, or a swung clock signal from my 909 or other Roland drum machines to achieve it. But, on a plane ride back from Portland I realized what I needed to do in order to get it going in my synth.

The equipment needed is, most importantly, a VC-LFO and a Frequency or Pulse Divider. The clock signal is sent to the sequencer. The clock signal is also sent via a multiple or y-cable to the pulse divider.

Dividing the clock signal by 2 allows you to have a pulse on every other step of the main clock signal. Take that half-time clock signal and patch it to an Envelope Generator. The output of the EG goes to the FM input of the VC-LFO.

By setting the decay/sustain time on the EG and the FM time on the LFO right you can offset every “up beat” to get the swing going. It will take a bit of dialing in to get it right, but hey, it’s a great lesson for me either way.

Now I have a whole new world of possibilities opened up with my same old modular synth. Thanks for stopping by!

Now go and check out synthtech.com and musicfromouterspace.com to buy these great modules!