20091121

The Pantom Quartet Pre-Prototype (plus SMD to DIP conversions)

The Phantom Quartet is an idea I've had for quite some time. I put together a schematic which incorporates Pete Edwards' step sequencer. My original post with the schematic can be found here; and Pete was kind enough to post it here and here.
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I noticed that I already had a few 4017s so I wanted to finally have a go at making a sequencer. The only downside was that I accidentally ordered SMD 4017s (a mistake I used to make often) instead of DIP. So to get around it, I crafted the little monster pictured above.
Once that was done, I used the counter to sequence 9v charges into pots which lead to my orcasynth. It actually worked! Here is a clip of the voltage sequencer in action:

I am expecting the parts for the actual step switches and everything in the next few days. So stay tuned for prototype A!

20091109

StudioFactory

StudioFactory is a (free!) virtual analog modular synthesizer (and much more). I recommend it highly and absolutely love the sounds I can get out of it. I used it along with a guitar to make the following little glitchy song. The clips are just random pieces of video from my everyday life.

Enjoy, and Happy Glitching.

PS: Here is a screencap of what part of that song looks like in StudioFactory:
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20091106

The Orcasynth

Hello, and apologies for the tardiness of this update.
This is the Orcasynth; a digital synth (based around a 40106 hex inverter) with optional clock or photoresistor duty-cycle control.


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The synth circuit is a modified version of Hackaday's design, and the clock is just a simple 555 clock. The side with the LED and 2 knobs (speed, and high time) is the clock. The side with the photoresistor and 4 knobs (frequency, duty cycle, lfo speed and lfo pitch) is the synth.


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The switch on the clock side is power. The switch on the synth side changes between either clock to duty cycle modulation, or photoresistor to duty cycle modulation. There are also two humorously-placed jacks; clock-out and synth-out. Since the two circuits are only connected by a makeshift vactrol, the clock-out is clean and isolated.


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The only downside is that the signal needs to be amplified. I am thinking of putting a simple amp onboard though (there's still a little room in there). In case you were curious, the audio amplification in the video is through this monstrosity:
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But that is for another day.

Happy Glitching.