Indianapolis Modular DIYers?

telstarmagikistferrari · Posted: Thu Jul 03, 2008 5:02 pm Post subject: Indianapolis Modular DIYers?

I'm living in Indianapolis and looking for other folks into modular synth stuff. I'm looking for a mentor of sorts, someone to bounce ideas off of -- I'm studying a lot (and enjoying it even!) but would benefit greatly from a sit-down or make-sounds with someone who has more experience than I do. I don't have any close friends involved with synthesis, as it happens. For the time being, I'm experimenting with circuit-bending (hopefully looking to build a little toy modular box) and building circuits. I'm considering building a little 555 lfo module/stomp box next. thanks,
telstar
aka
mark

pristak · Joined: Nov 17, 2006 Posts: 37 Location: Dallas, Texas

Good luck!!! I'm looking to find or form a small group of folks here in Dallas.

telstarmagikistferrari · Posted: Wed Aug 13, 2008 10:30 pm Post subject: well,

Anyway, I've forged ahead on my own, as I've been unable to really seek out any local folks. I've got a decent handful of modules, (Blacet, Music from Outer Space, old Paia 4700s (Hz, I know). I also got a modded-out paia fatman that is V/Hz so I have some definite sound-mangling options on the way. I'm still waiting for my frac rack, I have the power supply I need, working on patch cords too (pin jacks, 1/8, 1/4, it's ridiculous). I'm not a rich man, so I'm doing what I can. I'm excited as hell, I'm building some wood enclosures for all of them but the blacet, going with a white theme. Looking nice so far, will post pictures soon. It's nothing compared to many people's systems on here, but I'm having a blast and getting together a few simple DIY modules too. Aside from drooling over future prospects with all of that, I've been doing a few Max/MSP tutorials, just found a really cool partial-editing program called SPEAR: http://www.klingbeil.com/spear/ ... it's a processor drainer for sure, but very interesting. I've been messing around still with HighC as well, a graphical sound editing program that I enjoy. It's sort of in the rough still, but the possibilities are HUGE with this program. It's great.
Shit, thanks for reading,
Mark

pristak · Joined: Nov 17, 2006 Posts: 37 Location: Dallas, Texas

I have a bunch of 2700 and 4700 as well. I just got one of the MOTM patch panels and have been using my Mobius to sequence them. I use bannana to pin test leads from old multimeters I've had laying around. It is amazing how good a sound you can get from the old Paia stuff. I didn't realize it until I finally now have a good source and enough cables to make good use of it.

Making my own 1/4 to pin cables would have been a lot cheaper, but I have so many different formats the the patch panel makes a lot of things easier.

I've been working with Bridechamber pcb's and slowly getting enough parts to get them up and running.

telstarmagikistferrari · Posted: Thu Aug 14, 2008 10:58 am Post subject:

I've been curious, maybe someone can answer my question: If the older Paia modules are V/Hz, (and they ARE), would they still work with V/Oct stuff, albeit out-of-tune as hell? I'm into dissonant sounds and random weirdness (who isnt?).. Has anyone ever messed around with working this way?

pristak · Joined: Nov 17, 2006 Posts: 37 Location: Dallas, Texas

I've used the Paia envelope follower to introduce lfo's and envelopes to CV pin inputs for modulation. It works that way. I need to check the rest. I just got the patch panel last SAT and haven't had a chance to test this.

I'm pretty sure it will work for dissonant and noise stuff. I'll let you know when I have a chance to spend some time with it.

pristak · Joined: Nov 17, 2006 Posts: 37 Location: Dallas, Texas

It works fine for non-dissonant stuff. As long as you aren't trying to modulate the oscillators. I was using the Mobius to sent pitch cv to the oscillators and modulated the Paia 2700 band pass with a Livewire Vulcan and the 2700 vca with a doepfer EG.

It worked just fine.

telstarmagikistferrari · Posted: Thu Aug 21, 2008 3:51 pm Post subject:

thanks for the lowdown, much appreciated.

msy2 · Joined: May 21, 2007 Posts: 42 Location: united states

[edit]

telstarmagikistferrari · Posted: Wed Sep 03, 2008 10:33 am Post subject:

yeah, i'm definitely down to hook up and talk shop, make noise, or whatever. i'm pretty tied up for the next week or so but we should make plans soon after. thanks for the post,
tmf

EdisonRex · Posted: Wed Sep 03, 2008 1:08 pm Post subject:

telstarmagikistferrari · Posted: Sat Sep 06, 2008 12:43 am Post subject:

i'll look into that, thanks. I have a music from outer space VCA with linear and logarithmic options.. off to hit the books. i appreciate the help edisonrex..

telstarmagikistferrari · Posted: Sun Sep 14, 2008 12:33 pm Post subject:

msy2,
want to get together sometime? I have a bunch of projects going, some of which I could use a little help with. care to lend a hand? let me know.
mark