Meet SARA

So finally after a little teasing here it is, you know after all that AIRA stuff we just had to have a little fun with it. Talking of AIRA we'll have a TR-8 here at some point soon so look out for a proper side by side with the real things.

Anyway back to the subject at hand, here's our latest offering, the first of a new line of modules named "SARA". Up first is the SARA VCF and hopefully the above video should cover most things, if not you can click the flyer below for a little more information. It's not an AIRA but its also not a DrumDokta MKII (fall 2014 anyone?)...oh what have i done now... ;-)

Right, this will be available soon, so if you are interested you could ask your favourite eurorack stockist to order one in for you or drop us a line direct on info@dinsync.info and we'll put you on the pre-order list.

It's not an Aira

But you can find out what the new DinSync.info module is at Trash Audio next month.

Chris (Infradead) will be there manning the DinSync table so don't forget to stop by and remind him to get a haircut!

Here's the full event details

http://trashaudio.com/2014/02/trash_audio-synth-meet-14-portland-or-may-24th/

TRASH_AUDIO Synth Meet 14 is currently being planned for Portland, OR on May 24th in conjunction with Muffwiggler’s storefront grand opening!

Synthesizer manufacturers during the day will show, sell, and educate you on their gear and a versatile roster of artists performing in the evening.

Come hang out with us in Portland!

Muffwiggler Store
1414 SE Morrison St
Portland, OR 97214

Confirmed manufacturers
4ms
Audio Damage
Anti-Matter Audio
Bubblesound Instruments
BEMI (Buchla)
Darkplace MFG
Din Sync
Division 6
Enclave Cases
Goike Cases
The Harvestman
Keith McMillen Instruments
Lightfoot Labs
LZX
Make Noise Modules
Malekko
Polymer
Qu-Bit Electronix
Steady State Fate
Synthrotek
Synthwerks
Tip Top Audio
Toppobrillo
ValhallaDSP
Verbos Electronics
WMD

Confirmed Performers
Richard Devine
Mark Verbos
Oliver Dodd
Twin Braids
Rodent
Todd Barton

Visuals by brownshoesonly

Connecting the MS-20 Mini to eurorack via an English Tear

This arrived this week. It's an English Tear, new module forthcoming from The Harvestman. It's basically a converter module so that you can use to convert eurorack 1v/oct to ms-20 Hz/Volt and vice versa.

Pretty handy if you have a eurorack and an ms-20 mini, here's a quick demonstration video of using it to interface a Rene..

A close up look at the new Korg MS-20 Mini

I got fed up with the waiting times and managed to pick up an MS-20 Mini from Japan, so I figured I'd run through some of the things that haven't yet been mentioned in previous videos. Also I show how to make a cheap V-Trig to S-trig converter so that you can use normal gates to trigger the Mini. Finally a trick to use a standard cv/gate sequencer with the Mini with something unexpected as the converter!

Overall I'm very pleased with the unit, the build isn't as solid as the original but the keybed is better for sure. Still at this price there's really nothing to grumble about.

So here's the pics of the partial teardown I did, doesn't seem to be any magic points marked on the silkscreen like on the monotron/tribe but it's always possible there is something on the component side, i'll let someone else discover that ;)

Monotribe CV/Gate Jacks

Korg recently released an update to the monotribe OS and there has been a lot of chatter on the Muffwiggler forum (click the link for details on where to get the OS, how to install it and enable the CV/Gate)

The main drawback is that in order to get this to work you need a 4 pin mini jack. I dont have any of those around so I figured I'd just add some jacks.

Here's a few pics of the install and solder points, and a quick video demo of the monotribe being driven by a ModSeq (sorry about the camera audio).

Some points to note, first I wired up also for CV/Gate output, this is not yet fully working, I'm hoping it will in the future so I figured I'd wire it up while i was there. The Gate out does work at least (its just the sync out really)

It also seems that the sync in jack is switching, so that if there isn't a jack inserted to sync in then you wont be able to advance the sequencer with the gate in (like you could with the cable) The work around for this is that you can use the gate out (or the sync out jack) to clock your external seq then just mult that to an envelope and send it all back to the monotribe cv/gate ins. I may check this out later to see if I can add a switch.

Anyway, big ups to the muffwigglers on this one, cheers guys!

How to make 10ms triggers for the DrumDokta

Here's a quick tutorial video on how you can make 10ms triggers for use with the DrumDokta. I'm also using a 4ms RCD to sequence the DrumDokta.

There was a little mistake in there, I had the cymbal decay completely closed so you don't hear it. I only noticed that after uploading the video, a bit of a DOH! moment but I guess thats not really that important.

Another thing I noticed is the leds on the ADSR and accent trigger input look a little strange, I guess this is down to the framerate on my camera.

The Dokta is in

The first of three batches of the DrumDokta is now shipping. The waiting list is full, however peoples priorites change so a shortlist has been started. So if you want to be added to the shortlist drop me a line on info@dinsync.info and you'll get an email should one become available in the future.

And yes, it comes with candy ;-)

Using Maths as a sequential switch for PP+Brains

Ok here's how to make a sequential switch for your PP+Brains if you don't have a Doepfer A-151.

what you need is,

Make Noise Pressure Points + Brains (obviously).
Make Noise Maths.
A clock divider such as the 4MS RCD.
two VCA's with DC coupled in/outputs, such as the Doepfer A-132-1.
Something to make the noise, osc/vcf/vca etc.
A cv mixer or OR-Combiner.
a multiple or stack cables.

Here's how to wire up the patch.

Pressure Points/Brains
----------------------
First patch a clock/lfo to Brains CLK in.
Patch Pressure Points stage one gate to RCD clock input.
Patch Pressure Points ch2 cv out to VCA1 signal in.
Patch Pressure Points ch3 cv out to VCA2 signal in.

RCD (or equivalent clock divider)
---------------------------------
Patch division 1 (or multi the incoming clock) to maths ch1 TRIG
Patch division 2 to a multiple, and patch one signal to maths ch4 TRIG and another to maths ch1 BOTH

Maths
-----
patch ch1 OUT to VCA1 cv IN
patch EOR to maths ch4 BOTH
patch ch2 OUT to VCA2 cv IN

set the maths knobs to these settings
ch1 rise full ccw
ch1 fall full cw
cycle off
ch1 response linear
output ch1 attenuverter to taste (adjusting this will transpose the sequence)
set the maths knobs to these settings
ch2 rise full ccw
ch2 fall full cw
cycle off
ch2 response log
output ch2 attenuverter to taste (adjusting this will transpose the sequence)

VCAs
----

patch both VCA outputs to a CV mixer (or OR-Combiner) and connect the output of this to your vco/vcf/vca setup.

and thats it, have fun!

DrumDokta DDB2 breadboard prototype

Here's a quick look at the DDB2 prototype, this will connect to the rear of a DrumDokta to provide hand claps.

sorry about the camera audio, i'll make a proper demonstation as soon as the prototype pcbs are in and built.

DrumDokta Breakout expansion #1 (DDB1)

Here's a quick look at the first DrumDokta expansion prototype, tentatively named DDB1.

This will add five oscillator outputs, and a four stage OR combiner to the DrumDokta. A useful utility breakout that will enable you to make additional percussion while still playing the standard DrumDokta sounds.

Introducing the DrumDokta DRM-110

So here is the next eurorack offering from DinSync.info, the DrumDokta DRM-110.

At it's core is a 1:1 clone of the old school Boss DR-110. The project started since I was often using more than 50% of my modular just to make drum sounds. Sure there are already drum modules on the market but most take up vast amounts of modular real estate and that's not to mention the price. There had to be a better way I thought.

Then a broken DR-110 came my way (thanks Erwin!) and I thought this could be a good candidate for a module. But alas of course with any 25 year old unit there's always the rare parts. After quite some searching I was able to obtain a decent quantity of them. Seven bread-boads worth of spaghetti later it was time to make some prototype PCBs, a few revisions of those and a test panel or two later and here it is.

The one pictured is the third revision prototype. The production model will have a silver anodized aluminum panel and the depth will be around 10mm less then in the pictures, so it’ll be skiff ready.

As with what seems to be the trend with my modules, this will most likely be a limited edition. The first units should be available for shipping in around two months time so if you want to be added to the waiting list drop me a line on info@dinsync.info to reserve your place on the list.

Anyway I’ll be releasing more videos in the near future showing the module a little more in depth and some of its features as well as posting more information about the forthcoming breakout modules for it.

Using Korg SyncKontrol (iOS) as a modular clock

Here's how to use the free iOS app SyncKontrol from Korg with your modular synth.

At the very least you will need to amplify the output and ideally use something like a Maths to control the pulsewidth of the clock, though it will work without one if amplified.

Here's a schematic for a DIY noninverting amplifier.



Download the Korg SyncKontrol for free here

Modular Techno Noodle

It's been a short while since the last post so I figured I'd upload a little noodle. Everything is created within the eurorack modular and an RE-20 Space echo is also used.

I fast forwarded some of the early parts of the video when creating the percussion (as it takes a little while)

Modules used,

Dinsync OSC303 (x2)
Dinsync VCF303 (prototype)
Dinsync CCCP
Doepfer A-111-5
Doepfer A-117
Doepfer A-106-5
Doepfer A-106-1
Doepfer A-156
Makenoise Maths (x2)
Makenoise QMMG
4MS Rotating Clock Divider
MFB Dual ADSR
DIY Dual AD
DIY 8 step sequencer
DIY CGS real ring modulator
DIY cv amplifier
DIY OR combiner

and perhaps something I forgot to list.

Buchla Bongos on Acid

Just a bit of fun, here's the details.

DinSync.info TB-303 Special Edition
MPC1000 TR-707 kick
Bongo #1 Doepfer A-111-5 fm'd internally -> Makenoise QMMG Ch4,
Bongo #2 DinSync.info OSC303 fm'd by Makenoise Maths -> Makenoise QMMG Ch3
Hats Doepfer A-117 -> Doepfer A-106-5
Cowbells Doepfer A-117 -> Doepfer A-106-1
Additional drums Boss DR-110
FX Boss RE-20 Space Echo, Boss PH-3, Behringer VD400

Citric Acid OSC303 jam

Just got this from Citric Acid who received his OSC303 in the mail today, really nice to see (and hear) and I figured i'd share it here.

OSC303 starting to ship

The first units are now shipping, if you are on the waiting list and you didn't receive a notification email you should be getting one within a few days (if not already). If you think you should already have one perhaps check your spam folder or feel free to drop me a line to check if you made it to the top of the list yet.

It'll be a few days until I've completed the list and yes again there are still some places available so you know what to do if you want one of this batch ;-)



The burn in test for the modules before calibration.



and here's whats going out the door this week.

OSC303 build well under way

As you can see I'm on schedule for the planned February release of OSC303. Since this module is limited edition it will begin shipping next week for those already on the waiting/reminder list, the demand for which has been quite high. Once the list is completed I'll announce it for general release.

There are still places left so as mentioned in the previous post, if you want to get on the list just drop me an email if you want to be sure of getting one of this batch.

Getting closer

The panels have arrived finally, here's a little teaser pic of the final design. The CCCP one is a future module that wont be released just yet. Basically CCCP is OSC303 built with alternative parts, it sounds just as good but obviously it's not as authentic.

Since OSC303 is a 1:1 clone of the TB-303 oscillator getting the correct parts is difficult, so essentially it will be a limited edition. When supplys start to run low CCCP will phase it out.

If you want to get on the reminder list drop me an email on info@dinsync.info and you'll get an email when one is available.

If all goes well the first units should begin shipping next week!

A quick look at things to come

Now you probably saw this post where I did a small demonstration of OSC303 and VCF303. Anyway I just received this picture from Pro-Modular who are making the panels for OSC303 so I thought I'd share it with you.

There will be a few subtle revisions but for the most part this is what the first dinsync.info eurorack module will look like.

This should be shipping at the start of next month, more details and specifications soon.

Synovatron DIY Eurorack prototyping kit - Follow Up

As promised here's the follow up video to the Synovatron DIY kit post.

I used the kit to make a simple polarizing CV mixer. To make this all you need is the Synovatron kit, seven 100k resistors, a dual opamp (tl072/tl082/lm358 etc) and an spst switch.

The inputs are unbuffered but you could simply add a couple more opamps to buffer them if you wish.



click the picture to download a PDF of the schematic.

Buy Synovatron DIY Kits on ebay

Visit the Synovatron blog

Ok so this is the last post of the year, hope you have a great 2011

Cheers

Paul