NAMM: Modulation Orgy LFO From Synthetic Sound Labs
Synthetic Sound Labs has just released its first Euro rack format module, the Model 2260 Modulation Orgy, further expanding its line of 5U format synthesizer modules. This new 16 HP width module contains a unique Low Frequency Oscillator (LFO) that offers unmatched modulation flexibility.
Synthetic Sound Labs has been in the analog synthesizer business since 1973, but the 2260 is the first Euro rack module and the sixth in SSL’s continuing line of new analog synthesizer modules.
LFOs are typically used by analog music synthesists in conjunction with other analog sound producing devices for creating slow, undulating rhythms and sound patterns. The SSL 2260 Modulation Orgy features both manual and external voltage control over LFO Tempo (speed), tempo Multiplier, Waveform and Waveform Distortion. A total of eight Waveforms are produced, including Sawtooth, Ramp, Rectangle, Triangle, Sine, Sweep, Lumps and Random. All these (except Random) may be modified using the Wave Distort controls to vary waveform duty cycles. Independent output jacks provide both normal and inverted LFO phases.
2260 ‘Modulation Orgy’ Specifications at a glance:
- Model 2260 Tap Tempo LFO
- Function: Flexible Low Frequency Oscillator (LFO)
- Tempo Adjust: .05 Hz to >50 Hz (approx)
- Tempo Multipliers: Six (0.5, 1, 1.5, 2, 3, 4; overlapping) – Manual & voltage controlled
- Waveforms: Saw, Ramp, Square, Triangle, Sine, Sweep, Lump and
- Random – Manual and Voltage controlled
- Wave Distortion: 10% to 90% (approx, except Random) – Manual and
- Voltage controlled Inputs
- Tempo CV, Multiplier CV, Waveform CV, Distort CV, Sync, Level CV. 0 to +5V nominal.
- 1/8” Phone jacks. 100k impedance.
- Outputs: Clock (0 to +5 digital), LFO voltage (10V P-P; +/-5V). 1K impedance.
- 1/8” Phone jacks.
- Panel Indicators: LFO Rate – Red LEDs
- Panel: High quality 0.062” aluminum. Durable black Metalphoto finish with
- natural aluminum and copper graphics. Complimentary Brass colored knobs.
- Power: Euro rack standard 16 pin keyed header.
- +5VDC @ 14ma, +15vdc @ 16ma, -15vdc 18ma
- Size: 5.0” H x ~3.25” W x ~1.25” D (16 HP). Skiff ready.
Modulation Orgy Details
A unique feature allows the 2260 to synchronize to precise multiples of the musical beat permitting timed vibratos, tremolos, and clocking of external sequencers and sample & hold type devices. Synchronization is accomplished by manually operating a front panel button, or supplying external clock pulses via the external Sync input. Multiple 2260s may also be cascaded to provide complex polyrhythmic modulation patterns, which is aided by use of the Clock output jack.
The basic LFO Tempo (frequency) is adjustable from approximately 0.05Hz (a 20 second cycle) and 12.8Hz. However, in conjunction with the Multiplier, this range is extended from 0.025Hz (a 40-second cycle) to over 50Hz in six overlapping tempo multiplication factors, ranging from 0.5 (1/2 note) to 4.0 (sixteenth note).
The external Level CV input responds linearly and is normalled internally to +5V so that with no input, the 2260 outputs are at maximum. This convenient input can frequently save a separate VCA when doing voltage controlled modulation depth.
A panel LED displays the LFO output rate. Knobs are conveniently placed for ample room for manual adjustment. Top quality 1/8” jacks permit smooth, effortless patching.
Quality, solder masked, fiberglass-epoxy printed circuit boards and meticulous hand-crafted assembly assure years of trouble-free service.
Pricing is $250 US and is available today from Synthetic Sound Labs and from distributors worldwide, including Analogue Haven, in whose booth the Modulation Orgy is being demo’ed at NAMM.
Two new videos of AtomoSynth’s KOE plexi glass synth
“Hello this is the Koe mini modular, this time making some percussive and weird sounds.
KOE synth voice and KONEKO midi to CV eurorack modules.”
“Hello, this is the Koe desktop mini modular from AtomoSynth, showing some bass and lead sounds.
Koe synth voice eurorack module and Koneko midi to CV interface module. UMX61 midi controller.”
Background info:
This is the KOE module, it is japanese for “voice” because it is a complete synth voice in just one affordable module, it is 28 HP width and needs +/- 12V power.
Main features:
One VCO with square and ramp wavefoms with depth and tune controls, tune control is a ten turn potentiometer which allows you easily set octave, tune and fine tune with
just one knob.
Noise sourse, it can be set to affect the VCO frequency or it can be mixed with the VCO and audio input.
One LFO with square and triangle waveforms is can be set to affect the VCO frequency or the Filter cut off, it also features an output jack.
High pass and Low pass vactrol based filter with cutoff and resonance/peak control, it also features an input jack to control the cut off frequency.
Two Envelope generators: EG1 with decay control which is set to affect the cut off frequency of the filter and EG2 with attack and release controls, set to affect the volume, it has an output jack and input jack for the incoming gate signal.
Also it features an audio input, it allows process any axternal audio signal with the filter and envelopes.
NAMM news from Smithson Martin – Emulator Modular Intro
http://youtu.be/dcpiY1Rske8
Emulator Modular Intro
Emulator Modular is the most flexible multi-touch software available to music producers and professional DJ’s.
– Convert your multi-touch device into a powerful MIDI controller.
– Build your dream interface in just minutes
– Emulator includes a complete list of objects so you can custom design your own multi-touch interface with buttons, sliders, circular knobs, jog wheels and many more.
– Share your custom templates with the Emulator community and benefit from templates and experience of our other users.
– Work at any resolution!
– Add multi-touch capability to your preferred DJ, VJ or Music Production software.
Enjoy 
NAMM – Kontrol Surface 1974
http://youtu.be/VDdEMezZxek
And here’s the background info:
SmithsonMartin Inc. has done it again. This time it’s called Kontrol Surface 1974.
Launching at NAMM 2012, combine this amazing new controller with the Emulator Modular software and you have the most powerful midi controller on the planet!
Create your own custom multi-touch layouts for ANY midi software;
DJ
Traktor, Virtual DJ, Torq, Mixvibes, Ableton, Serato (with external mixer), ProDJ, MixMeister
Music Production
ProTools, Ableton, Reason, Kore, FL Studio, Sonar, Logic, Acid
Video
Resolume, Arkaos, Grand VJ, PCDJ, Virtual DJ, Serato, Modul8, Mixvibes VFX
Pro Audio
iLive, Cakewalk, ADK, Soundforge, Yamaha PM5D, Digidesign
Lighting
GrandMA, Lightjockey, ShowXpress, Venue Magic
DarkWave Studio updated to v3.8.4
DarkWave Studio is a free modular virtual studio for the synthesis of electronic music. It has a built in pattern editor and sequencer. It allows you to load various machines such as virtual instruments and effects and connect them in a modular and straightforward fashion. DarkWave can load VST instruments and effects and it can also load machines using the DarkPlug API, which was custom made for DarkWave.
DarkWave natively supports both x86 (32-bit) and x64 (64-bit) versions of Windows with native binaries compiled for each platform. The x86 and x64 versions can each only load plugins for that platform, i.e. the x64 version only loads 64-bit VST and DarkPlug plugins.
Recent Changes
v3.8.4
- Fixed A Crash Loading Project With Missing PlugIns.
- Fixed Incorrect Storing Of VST PlugIn Unique ID.
- Added A Warning When Saving A Project That Was Written In An Older File Format To The Current Version Of The Program.
Visit: experimentalscene.com
Electronic video – Synthesized Landscape
Lars Larsen & Johnny Woods in Denton, Texas synthesizing an abstract landscape using only the LZX Visionary modular video synthesizer (no input video signals). Video output is directly from the modular.
Music by Josh Ascalon.
Modular Series – Shuffler 2.0.0
This device allows you to rearrange incoming audio on the fly, it also allows these slices of audio to be glitched and reversed or muted…
All controllable via midi and with a running light that can be mapped to give visual feedback on a midi controller…
Part of the modular series which can be subscribed to at isotonikstudios.com/modular
Synth Tutorial – Keyboard Tracking
More at KNOBZ.NE. KNOBZ.NET is a place dedicated to sound effects, audio engineering, sound design, analog synthesis, field recording and everything related to audio-visual production. We specialize in experimental music for picture, sound effects and post-production.
“This tutorial explains the principles of Keyboard Tracking and it’s applications in a modular synthesis environment. This technique involves using the control voltage generated by the keyboard to control various synth parameters.
Filter tracking, reverse volume tracking and LFO rate tracking are covered.”
Tabletop: New in Version 1.3
Learn more: http://retronyms.com
Tabletop is a modular environment where you can mix and match different devices. Select from more than a dozen devices including samplers, mixers, effects, sequencers and more.
The largest update to the modular studio environment since launch, v.1.3 features two new pattern machines, three new effects, enhanced settings and incredible content from artists Salva, +verb, Oh No and Pete Sasqwax. The comprehensive update greatly expands Tabletop’s reach, providing musical resources not available anywhere else.
XOX Drum Deranger – Drum Machine
The 16-step pattern machine is a new incarnation of the standard model, with each step being able to play one to all of the eight sample tracks in a kit. Further refinement of five parameters is available for each step as well.
- Distortion, length, balance, pitch, and level controls
- Adjust step parameters individually or globally with the Master Param wheel
- Optional dedicated outputs for Tracks 1-4
- Create kits from iTunes and AudioPaste imports and Recorder M2 samples
TT-303 – Bassline Sequencer
A faithful reproduction of the classic pattern machine.
- Tuning, cutoff frequency, resonance, envelope modulation, decay and accent controls
- Octave, accent, slide and waveform controls
- Randomize and alter patterns, pitches and accents
- Store over 30 patterns in four banks
Glitchboard – Glitch Effect
Hold the pads on this one-of-a-kind glitch effect to create an incredible variety of new and evolving sounds. Stutter the 1/4, 1/8, 1/16 or 1/32 beat forward or in reverse, and apply high or low pass filters at 4x, 2x, 1x and 1/2x the frequency of the incoming signal.
Overdose – Digital Distortion Effect
The Overdose distortion module provides as much or as little distortion as desired and the ability to increase the intensity of the effect.
3Q – Three Band Equalizer
This EQ provides the controls for refining the lows, mids and highs of the incoming signal.
Enhanced Settings
Improved session settings now offer Swing, the ability to move notes forward on the beat, and an extended Tempo range to decrease tempos down to 40bpm.
New Content
In addition to all the new devices, Retronyms have added three new demo songs to Tabletop that feature both included and new devices, and new presets to the M8RX tone matrix. The company is proud to announce the contributions of several very talented artists in v.1.3:
Oh No – XOX kits
Salva – M8RX, Gridlok and RS3 presets
+Verb – XOX kits
Pete Sasqwax – XOX kits
To celebrate the release of Tabletop 1.3 and wish everyone a happy holiday season, Retronyms are lowering the price of the app to $0.99 and putting the RS4000 Subtractive Synthesizer on sale for $6.99.
TB MIDI Stuff – new modular MIDI control surface for iPad
The app lets you create your own pages, or use the built-in MIDI keyboard (with Arpeggiator, modulation wheel, pitch wheel and accelerometer velocity), the built-in Pads controller (with customizable pads banks, accelerometer velocity, transposition, full velocity mode and repeat mode) or the 16 channels MIDI mixer (pan, volume and mute).
The page editor lets you create your own control pages. It contains some useful stuffs like pasteboard, undo manager, multi selection or z-order managment.
TB MIDI Stuff use CoreMidi : you can use any supported device, like the native WiFi driver or the camera connection kit with an external sound card. Each page can use a different CoreMidi driver.
Controls can use the iPad accelerometer as input (even faders and knobs), in each dimension (X, Y, Z or, for XY Pads, a mix of them).
The application library contains :
- Rotary sliders
- Horizontal sliders
- Vertical sliders
- Horizontal faders (with different colors)
- Vertical faders (with different colors)
- Mixer knobs (with different colors and flavors)
- Drum Pads
- XY Pads
- Value displayers
- Rounded rects
- Labels
Each control can drive simultaneously multiple MIDI messages like Control Change messages (single 7bits and coarse/fine 14bits), RNP/NRPN messages (7 and 14bits), Pitch Bend messages, Program Changes messages, Note On/Off messages.
You can open up to 32 pages simultaneously. You can change pages with three fingers swipe gesture, manage the pages order, open multiple instances of the same page and change the MIDI Out driver or the MIDI Out channel (or both) without entering the editor for each instance.
Swipe shortcuts (1, 2 and 3 fingers) let you access quickly to the MIDI keyboard, the pads controller or the 16 channels mixer.
TB MIDI Stuff contains some demo pages and 7 pads banks. For the pads banks :
- Default Bank
- Drum Kit (GM)
- Fifth
- Major Chords
- Minor Chords
- Simple Chord Generator
- Velocity
DATAMASKIN
