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Joined: May 23 2013
Location: UK
Status: Offline
Points: 2839
Posted: March 21 2016 at 10:37
Behold the Auto Rhythm Device.... so far.
Two (synchronised) sequencers, one analogue bass synth. Another synth to add. When finished, the sequencers play patterns (which can be altered on the fly) on the two synths. These connect to another sequencer which drives the modular. Another four analogue synths provide lead voices.
Joined: May 23 2013
Location: UK
Status: Offline
Points: 2839
Posted: March 04 2016 at 03:43
Hello, Malmc - you can actually build a synth oscillator with one comparator chip, one capacitor and one resistor. Well. It oscillates. ;-)
Gets a bit more complex from there.
If you didn't want to get into hugely expensive Eurorack or 5U systems, there are a few self build firms out there on the market. However, two (Music from Outer Space and Ken Stone) are in limbo at the music due to illness and retirement, respectively.
If you can identify parts, handle a soldering iron and read a schematic, buy a kit and give it a go. Modern electronics has come along and the quality of the kits (and relative cheapness) means that anyone with a bit of determination and some 60/40 solder can have a go, now. ;-)
Joined: May 23 2013
Location: UK
Status: Offline
Points: 2839
Posted: February 21 2016 at 09:57
Aaaand this is the (unfinished) module screwed into the synth rack.
So, you probably get a good idea by now how much work is involved in building a module. Hopefully it works first time, as testing can be a nightmare. Multiply this by about 40 modules and you have a complete system.
HOWEVER
You can also just buy pre-built modules (if you have the money) - you then just connect the power the correct way around, attach the module to the case with screws, switch on, hope no white smoke comes out. ;-)
Joined: May 23 2013
Location: UK
Status: Offline
Points: 2839
Posted: February 21 2016 at 09:48
There are six diodes and 22 resistors in the board - another 68 resistors to go !!! You add all the flat components first, traditionally, and then add IC sockets, ceramic capacitors, then electrolytic capacitors, connectors etc. Adding flat components first makes the boards easier to work with.
This kit has two boards. That's the main board above. The control board is simpler, but a pig to do as there are so many components to jiggle into place, fit to the control panel, and then solder. Electronics is an exercise in patience.
Joined: May 23 2013
Location: UK
Status: Offline
Points: 2839
Posted: February 21 2016 at 09:45
Ever on we go: I'm well enough to do a little bit of soldering today. So let's build a Sallen Key filter. This is a classic high resonance filter used in synths like the Korg MS20. The version I have comes with a few added extras.
Unfortunately, the kit I have uses tiny 1/8W resistors to save on space. These are REALLY difficult to work with.
Joined: May 23 2013
Location: UK
Status: Offline
Points: 2839
Posted: February 18 2016 at 02:38
Whilst I'm here - second output module on the modular finished off yesterday - modules with red knobs, right hand side of photo, rows 1 and 2. This constrains me to using a mixer as I have multiple audio outputs now. ;-) (More money.)
One more voltage controlled amplifier and this case is full, so I'm getting a second 6U (two row) case which will stand on top of this one. Modular synths, Gods' alternative to having money. ;-)
Joined: May 23 2013
Location: UK
Status: Offline
Points: 2839
Posted: February 18 2016 at 02:33
£180 for an EWI is pretty good. Worth a try, Replayer.
The trouble I have with electroconductive keys is that most sax players (if they're properly trained) are taught to keep their fingers ON the keys at all times. Then again, I just looked at a video of me playing soprano, and I take my fingers off the keys when doing so. ;-) You'd get used to it.
The problem I have with most wind synths is that, to save $5 on plastic, everyone makes them soprano shaped. The most difficult sax to play, with all the weight on your thumbs and outstretched arms. Well, thanks a lot. ;-) I *have* seen WX7's turned into things which look more like saxes, with proper necks and bodies, but..... Someone used to make a plug in kit which turned a conventional sax into a wind synth, but it was ludicrously expensive. I could actually do much the same thing using an Arduino board and a pressure / velocity controller. If I had the time and energy. ;-)
For a starter wind synth, the EWI is fine. I nearly bought Bridget Wisharts' old one, she wanted too much money for it. £180 in musical terms is not a lot of cash, and eBay is your friend should your mate not get on with it. Why not, eh ? ;-)
Joined: November 04 2013
Location: United States
Status: Offline
Points: 356
Posted: February 17 2016 at 10:05
Davesax1965 wrote:
I was thinking, on and off, about getting the latest Yamaha wind synth - the WX5. It's not been in regular production for a few years (you can imagine they're not volume production items) and the support is a bit hit and miss, to say the least. The other alternative is something like an Akai 5000 - I don't like Akai wind synths, the conductive keypad means you have to play it with your fingers off the keys, which is totally counterintuitive to a sax player. Also there's a plastic mouthpiece you bite to get vibrato. Frankly, no thanks.
Wind synths don't play anything like a sax- they're sort of a sax, and not a sax. Anyone who's played a guitar synth will probably understand what I mean. They take a lot of getting used to. Interesting, though. One problem I have with them is that most sax players get hold of one..... and then try and make it sound like a sax, which is B O R I N G and unimaginative. You have a whole world of sounds out there, so they go for a "sax" sound, and it sounds like the Marvelous Mechanical Mouse Organ.
Thanks for your input. I was thinking of getting an Akai EWI-USB for around £180 for a friend who is a MIDI hobbyist and used to play saxophone. The ability to switch fingerings between default/flute/sax/oboe sounded intriguing, but I was afraid of the issue you mentioned with the counterintuitive electroconductive keys. The retailer has a two week return policy so I might still take a chance on it and see if he likes it.
Joined: May 23 2013
Location: UK
Status: Offline
Points: 2839
Posted: February 17 2016 at 06:43
And, whilst I'm waiting for my eyes to return to "solder capable" levels, here's a Korg MS20 being sequenced via a Doepfer Dark Time. The output goes into (a) a Heathkit OS2 valve oscilloscope and (b) An ART Studio V3 valve preamp (we like valves, they are our friends) and from there to the PC where some effects are added. The audio is crap quality as the webcam microphone is interfering with the soundcard.
Joined: May 23 2013
Location: UK
Status: Offline
Points: 2839
Posted: February 17 2016 at 05:49
Hi Replayer, just coincidentally uploading an MS20 video to Facebook at the moment !!! Development on the modular has stalled as I can't see well enough to solder. Should be OK in a few weeks. ;-)
Wind synths.
I bought one of the first Yamaha WX11's, back in 1990. The technology was way ahead of its' time, and it came with several faults, including the irritating habit of jamming open on notes. MIDI bagpipes, anyone ???? It went back to the shop a couple of months later. I seem to recall it was £500, which was a fair bit of money at the time.
I was thinking, on and off, about getting the latest Yamaha wind synth - the WX5. It's not been in regular production for a few years (you can imagine they're not volume production items) and the support is a bit hit and miss, to say the least. The other alternative is something like an Akai 5000 - I don't like Akai wind synths, the conductive keypad means you have to play it with your fingers off the keys, which is totally counterintuitive to a sax player. Also there's a plastic mouthpiece you bite to get vibrato. Frankly, no thanks.
Wind synths don't play anything like a sax- they're sort of a sax, and not a sax. Anyone who's played a guitar synth will probably understand what I mean. They take a lot of getting used to. Interesting, though. One problem I have with them is that most sax players get hold of one..... and then try and make it sound like a sax, which is B O R I N G and unimaginative. You have a whole world of sounds out there, so they go for a "sax" sound, and it sounds like the Marvelous Mechanical Mouse Organ.
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The mighty modular synth
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Davesax1965 wrote: