Jul 29 2010

New Device - The Complexor (sequencer, filter, synth) demo video

The Complexor, which has been in the works for several months, is complete.  I’m pretty excited at the sounds that come out of this thing and by the versatility in patching options.  I’ll be posting a more detailed entry in the projects section soon but for now here’s a demo video and also a video documenting the build process.

The original music in the build video was created using the Complexor and a couple other devices.

Jul 20 2010

Several new devices close to completion

What’s been going in in the workshop the past few weeks?  Quite a bit. I’ve been holding off updating because I wanted to keep focus on wrapping the current projects and then do one massive post, but I thought I’d take a moment and give a little hint about what’s to come. I have several devices that are very near completion.  The circuits have been built and tested and the cases are in their final stages. My frame of mind right now is one of high anticipation. I’m really diggin how the new devices are sounding and each time I test them out I get a ton of new inspiration. While these devices sound pretty amazing on their own most of them have the ability to link with each other for unison effects and sounds.  After these are finalized I’m going to step out of the workshop for a bit and get these things screaming in the studio.

Some pics of what’s been going on…

Building a mini handhelp looping device

Building the Mini-Looper - A handheld version of the circuit bent yada looper

Mini Looper - guts

Installing the Mini-Looper circuit in the case.

sequencer_synth_wood

Sequencer/Synth - staining the outer wooden shell

Sequencer / Synth

Sequencer / Synth - insides.... yes, that is 12! D-cell batteries

Sequencer / Synth

Sequencer / Synth - guts have been installed and it's ready to test.

Complexor - concept sketch

The Complexor - original concept sketch. It's another sequencer/synth with an included filter bank with joystick controls.

Complexor - panel layout

The Complexor - Completed the outer case with wood side panels. Time to drill the control panel.

Complexor - painted and labled

The Complexor - Metal control panel has been drilled, painted and labled.

I’ll be posting more details, pics and videos of these 3 devices on the Machines page in the next few days. Beyond these I’m also working on some other fun things.  A 4 buss passive mixer, re-building one of my first circuit bent toys into a new case with new functionality, and a Modulator fitler that adds ASDR to any incoming audio signal.

Also, look out for new sample packs and some music tracks coming out in the near future.


Feb 3 2010

Mini Wedge Amplifier - complete

Completed a new amplifier project this week.  I found a few mini wedge speaker boxes in storage and thought they would make good enclosure for a portable amplifier. This is a 15 watt amp with tone controls, dual inputs, and it’s packaged in a extremely rugged and travel worthy box.

The mini wedge amp, ready to rock.

The mini wedge amp, ready to rock.

I’m currently building a couple more of these with the extra boxes I have.  If you’re interested in owning one of these drop me a line and let me know.

The control panel close up

The control panel close up

More details about this amplifier


Sep 29 2009

Bending the 1978 Muson toy Synthesizer/Sequencer

Found this Muson toy Synthesizer in the storage shed. Fired it up and it is in proper working order. Unfortunately it’s missing one of the sequencer plugs and currently only plays 9 of the 10 notes. This prompted me to open it up and try to determine the resistor value of the missing plug.

The 1978 Muson Synth toy.  Perfect working condition, but missing one of the sequencer step plugs.

The 1978 Muson Synth toy. Perfect working condition, but missing one of the sequencer step plugs.

I poked around and found several interesting bends so I’ve decided to build a new custom case for this. I’m currently in process of removing all the control components that are mounted directly to the board and will move them to a new control panel.

Rewiring the controls and probing for bends.

Rewiring the controls and probing for bends.

More images here.
More to come…


Sep 21 2009

Synsonics Drums

Dragged these out of the attic a couple weeks ago and have just tested them. Unfortunately, they are DOA. I’ll see if I can bring them back. Anyone have schematics or any other info on these?