New compilation available now

Yep, it's compilation time again for the active members of the French speaking forum about modular synthesizers : Synthé-modulaire

This year no general "theme" was followed, but rather was chosen to apply some sort of common methodology : one-shot recording of instant sequenced multi layer compositions.

As usual, the compilation is available for streaming or download on Bandcamp : 

Synthé-modulaire compilation 2016

Again, this compilation shows an amazing diversity of sonic worlds, produced by largely diversified and personalized modular synthesizer systems.

Enjoy !

Almost there...

The idea of building a Modcan B series system came up in my head somewhere by the end of 2012. I then planned on a theoretically ideal system that met my musical ambitions and financial capacity. I was lucky enough to find someone in Germany willing to part with most of his own system. First modules arrived by the end of March 2013. Shortly after that came another, larger batch of modules... just about enough to have a small but coherent and effective system that could be used in stand alone. Now it's a little over two years in the making, having taken the opportunities to buy second hand modules as they came within my reach. Not that I do not want to support Modcan directly, but the cost to have new modules shipped and imported from Canada to Belgium is quite prohibitive with arbitrary import taxes, handling fees and 21% VAT added on top of the already hefty but still decent prices. After all, in buying second hand, the manufacturer has been supported once already and the customs had their share as well, so I don't feel bad when offering correct return on investment, with little or no loss, to the seller of these second hand modules... I think this way of doing is fair to all parties !
I only bought one module (35B Spring Reverb) direct from Bruce, and that ended up to be very expensive with all the above extras...

Anyways, enough money talk, I now have the feeling the White Dwarf V2 project has come to maturity. In fact, when looking back at the initial plans, I find the current system being very close to how I imagined it to be back in 2012. It has taken me a little further than I projected, but in essence it is the instrument I dreamed of !

Given the format of the modules, its actual size and footprint are still very reasonable, with tremendous creative potential, wonderful ergonomics, fantastic build quality and bags of character, both esthetically and sonically. This all adds up in a system that is equally pleasant to play, to listen to and to look at.

As you will see in the following pictures, I've now set up the system in three more or less distinctive functional groups.

First we have the base console with CV generators and delay effects:

2x 61B Quad LFO, 60B Quad EG, 05B Dual LFO, 59B Digital Delay, 73B Dual Delay

Then we have the main cabinet, with focus on treatments and processors:

40B Dual Multimode, 36B 4075 LPF, 16B Dual X-fade, 39B Frequency Shifter, 35B Spring Reverb, 44B 904A LPF, 67B 48dB LPF
07B Noise/S&H/RM, 06B Phase Shifter/Timbre Mod, 2X 31B 4VCA, 27B Dual Mixer, 21B Dual VCA Panner

Finally we have a dedicated oscillator bank:

4x 01B VCO, 58B VCDO, 62B Dual VDO

The three cabinets are of my own design, the base console is 100% DIY, cut and assembled in my kitchen... pine wood with Congolese Wengé stain finish. The main cab and the oscillator bank were cut and assembled in a wood workshop, plain walnut with natural varnish.

All three cabinets have their own IEC inlet with power on switch and fuse. Each sports a Mean Well RD-3513 PSU. The base console has a Rob Hordijk made power distribution board, the main cab has two Cynthia boards and the oscillator bank has a DIY board... all with assorted DIY power connection cables.

Even with different form factors, different looks and different functional siblings, the three cabs fit together nicely to form a coherent, well balanced, flexible and powerful single instrument, with a strong and charismatic identity, and that integrates perfectly into my working/living environment: 

This set of modules provides for all the basic needs and beyond I have in my current musical project.

Actually the system has come to a point I don't feel the need anymore to extend on its functionality.

That being said, I might consider swapping out some modules, for example to get other filter flavors or to integrate some different functionality for specific applications. 

Of course, you will have noticed there's still a 1U gap in the base console to be filled with a module. This "missing" single module would most likely be a "space filler" doubling on already existing functionality, like a 3x1 mixer, or a dual cross fader, or a dual VCA, or even a reverb, or maybe something "fresh" like a 66B Control or even a Clock or a Switch... I'll see what comes up, hopefully soon !  

Ok, now enough blabla... let's go back to making music !

Invasion of the suitcase synths

This week my humble home studio literally was invaded by suitcase synths...

The case on the right contains a lovely "Music Easel", with a DIY 208 clone and an original BEMI 218.

Next is a no less lovely, genuine EMS Synthi AKS in its  recognizable Spartanite case, pictured here at some other occasion.

Then we have a massive DIY Buchla 200 series clone... still some works in progress, but fully functional, truly beautiful AND sounding fantastic ! The 218 is a recent BEMI one.

Last, but not least I'm tempted to say, we have my very own BEMI Electric Music box, aka "Music Easel"

I always felt the need to have a self contained, compact, portable yet powerful and charismatic modular system aimed at performance and improvisation. The two original instruments I considered, the Synthi and the Music Easel, were inaccessible due to the insanely high prices of the former and the extreme rarity of the latter. So, it was with excitement and enthusiasm that I learned about the intention of BEMI doing a reissue of the Music Easel back in 2013. This was an opportunity I had to take, at last an affordable instrument for me ! I pre ordered directly from BEMI in february 2013 and the wait was long, full of anxiety because of the negative reports on the early models BEMI produced and delivered. It was a sunny day of May 2014 when I finally got custom clearance and picked up my coveted Easel. Excitement was at climax and it was with great relief and satisfaction that I unpacked an apparently perfectly well built and assembled Easel.

Playing the BEMI Music Easel is nothing short of a thrilling and fascinating experience. It definitely has that unique playability and ease of use, those peculiar attitudes and that very charismatic sound. It sure acts and sounds different to an original or even a clone, and despite all the problems BEMI had in doing this reissue of an instrument that gained quasi mythical status (those also have their lot of problems...), this 2014 Easel is a truly fantastic electronic music instrument, doing exactly what I hoped it would do and it brings a very interesting expansion to my musical project, in its own particular way. It really is an "electro organism", living a life of its own, temperamental, sensitive and highly expressive. So many new sonic paths to explore and so many new musical encounters to be had with fellow artists and creators... good times !

I've replaced the original 200e style knobs by Rogans, because everyone knows that an Easel sounds better with Rogan knobs :-) 

It loves to play and communicate with my Moisturizer, PT Delays and home made matrix mixer.

I'm still considering adding some other bits to expand on 208 functionality, but that really is no necessity for the time being, as the use of program cards opens it up a little more... working on an expander/break out box of some sort seems like an interesting way to go in the first place...

Here's how it is fitted in my current setup :

Here's a little video with two short excerpts ( smartphone capture, sorry...) of the first improvised performance I did with my Easel, together with my friend Constantin and his Synthi, in September 2014 at Huis23, Brussels, for the "All connected" series of events curated by Floris Vanhoof.

Synthé modulaire - compilation 2015

For the fifth installment of the annual compilation of works by the active members of the French speaking forum about modular synthesis, Synthé-modulaire, we chose the question mark as a theme.

The question mark is the global symbol for questioning and interrogation, mystery and doubt. Questions arise from statements and statements arise from questions, an interactive concept that relies on curiosity.

By presenting this collection of untitled pieces by unidentified authors we hope to stimulate your curiosity, to give you total freedom in making up for your own statements in regards to your own questions. One will take a piece as a statement, while the other will take that same piece as a question. The whats, whys, whens, wheres, whos and hows are all up to you, the only thing we can say, and that you can take for granted, is that modular synthesizers were part of the production process for all presented pieces. Enjoy !

The compilation is available for streaming and download over here :

  Synthé modulaire - compilation 2015

Zeitdehner's first digital EP out now

It is with great excitement and some pride that I may announce the release of a first digital EP for you to enjoy on Bandcamp : Zeitdehner - Today

The set consists of two "nocturnal" pieces. The first one being rather linear with a single evolving texture produced on the BEMI Electric Music Box, aka Music Easel, with two Bugbrand PT Delays.
The second piece is a more sophisticated affair, with more elaborate imagery, making use of all my currently available modular equipment.
Both tracks were, as always, recorded live in one take, no layering and no post production.

These pieces are best to be enjoyed on a high quality audio system, in a calm and comfortable setting in favor of total immersion.

Thank you for giving it a little time and attention.

Cheers !

Z.

Synthé modulaire 2014 free compilation

The members of Synthé modulaire, the French speaking forum about modulars, are very proud to present their fourth annual compilation.
This year we chose the table of the elements as a theme.
As for the three previous editions, this one is available in free streaming or download, just proceed to the dedicated Bandcamp page :

Synthé modulaire 2014 compilation on Bandcamp

Enjoy !

Grey, black & red little boxes

To expand on functionality of my modular system, I've built and bought some nifty little boxes ...

Passive 4X4 matrix mixer

 

This little DIY project is based upon a simple design by Repeater Electronics, with a few adaptations.
Each Input column is fitted with one 6.35 jack socket and a banana socket.
Each Output row is fitted with a "kill" switch, a banana socket and two multied 6.35 jack sockets.
The black banana socket is to make the ground connection with other banana fitted equipment.
This way I will be able to interconnect my 6.35 equipment with an upcoming Music Easel or any other banana system.

Passive 3-way attenuator/format jumbler/ 4-way multi

For this one I dismantled a Mos-lab 995 passive attenuator and again added some bananas and multied jack outputs.

So, each of the three channel Inputs is fitted with one 6.35 jack socket and a banana socket (black) and each of the channel Outputs is fitted with a 4-way, passive, 6.35 jack socket multi and a banana socket (red).

A banana socket is fitted at the back of the unit, to make the ground connection between 6.35 and banana systems.

Connections with switching jack sockets are made so that any signal input to the first channel can be sent to three different destinations, each with it's own, independent attenuation level. The chain is broken as soon as a jack is inserted at the Input of a channel. So, if a jack is inserted only into channel 1 Input, then that same input signal will be distributed to channels 2 and 3 also. If a jack is inserted into channel 1 Input and a second jack is inserted into channel 2 Input, then channel 1 will be independent and the signal input to channel 2 will also be available at channel 3. If a jack is inserted into channel 1 Input and another jack is inserted into channel 3 Input, then channel 2 will have the same input signal as channel 1 and channel 3 will be independent.

4x4 passive multiple

Really not much to say about this one, except perhaps that it is very cheap and very handy...

4 rows of 6.35 jack sockets multiple with one In and 4 Out per row.

Now, enough "crappy" DIY, let's get to the real stuff...

Bugbrand PT Delay Standard

I finally got to get me some bugs...

I was looking to replace my beloved Fulltone TTE by something smaller, less heavy, easier to take along for gigs. The replacement needed to be equally charismatic, sound wise, and needed to offer the possibility to overdrive the sound in a nice, warm analogue way. I went for Bugbrand's PT Delay Standard because it delivers all the aforementioned plus lots more...

Overall Input Gain control

Separate Dry and Wet level controls

Separate Delay Drive control

CV/pedal input with attenuator to control delay time

Separate Low cut and High cut controls

Mute buttons to instantly "kill" Feedback  and/or the signal fed to the delay

Separate Delay Out and Feedback In for external feedback processing

Mix Out

 

This surely is the most analogue sounding, compact, lightweight digital delay unit to date.

At the heart of the unit is the very "common" PT2399 chip, but it is cleverly complemented by pure analogue circuitry, which makes for a very special and unique character.

The filters are very effective and very "musical", really fantastic sounding !

The PT gets very noisy and crunchy with longer delay times but this is more of an asset than a drawback.

The various gain controls make for seamless integration with my modular stuff and provide really creamy overdriven sounds when dialed in properly.

CV control over the delay time makes it an ideal companion to any modular system.

What's not to like about this red little bug ? Maybe its limited availability...

This left me no choice but to get a second one while I still had the chance to do so. That thing is so good that the lucky owners sure won't let it go easily.

Having two of those more than doubles the possibilities ... series, parallel, cross-feedback, stereo, ping pong, etc... Even stand-alone it's almost like an instrument, more than a simple effects unit, capable of producing the weirdest and the most beautiful sounds by the twist of a knob. It really begs to be used and abused in real time, to be played, to be part of a performance. It's definitely not the set and forget kind of thing.

Oh boy, am I looking forward to receive my Music Easel and to take it on the road with these two little red devilish bugs !

Technical details and ordering over here :  Bugbrand PT Delay Standard

All connected

All connected is a new series of 6 evenings, initiated by the multi-talented Floris Vanhoof and organised by Ancienne Belgique, in Brussels. Central theme is the modular synthesizer, with performances but there will also be some screenings and talking...

I'll be playing a set in januari or februari.

Here's a link to an overview of the project, with links to the first two dates : All connected !

Hope to meet you there !

The metamorphosis of the White Dwarf

The above is the latest iteration of the original white Dwarf hybrid modular synthesizer a couple of months back, just before I sold it.

The contents were:

Synthesis Technology E560 Deflector shield

Synthesis Technology E580 Resampling mini delay

Synthesis Technology E350 Morphing terrarium x 2

SDIY expander for dual E350

Synthesis Technology E340 Cloud generator

Synthesis Technology E355 Morphing LFO

STG Soundlabs Sea Devils filter

STG Soundlabs Post Lawsuit filter

STG Soundlabs .Mix

STG Soundlabs .SHN

Make Noise Maths

Make Noise Wogglebug

Doepfer A-199  Spring reverb

Doepfer A-156 Dual quantizer

Xaoc Devices Moskwa rotosequencer

Plan B M9 Attenuators/mixer x 2

Plan B M10 Polyphonic envelope x 2

Pittsburgh Modular Analog delay

Pittsburgh Modular Dual index

Oakley Sound Systems Classic ring mod

Why did I sell it ? 

Well,  one reason is because I had the feeling I never would manage to finish it, knowing I didn't want to expand it further than 12U of 84hp. My wish was to add some analogue oscillators to complement the digital ones but I didn't find the modules that would fit the picture I had in mind. Some were the wrong hp count, others didn't have the features or the sonic signature I was looking for, or the aesthetics/ergonomics were not suitable...there was always at least one aspect of the modules I was considering that made it a no go ! Still, there were some ineteresting options in the SDIY, but no kits were available at that time and my lack of skills prevented me from designing my own ideal modules.

And, despite all my efforts in trying to make it look coherently, it always remained a Frankensynth...

Another reason, closely related to the first reason explained above, is that I wanted an affordable, hybrid monobrand system that offers both classic, analogue modular synthesis tools, and also more innovative designs, with high functional density, a comfortable and attractive interface and a strong and charismatic sonic identity.

There's, to my knowledge and for the time being, only one brand that offers all  the qualities above : Modcan ... and more particular the B series.

The circle is full, back to my first love...

May I introduce you to White Dwarf V2...

The main cabinet is made of solid European walnut, coated with clear, natural varnish and was cut and assembled in a local wood workshop.

Powering is done with a Meanwell RD3513 switching power supply and two Cyndustries distribution boards. I know linear power supplies are recommended for use in modulars, but the Meanwell are high quality, inexpensive, compact, silent, stable and reliable...so, why not ! This type of power supply was recommended to me by Rob Hordijk and I've used them to power my Hordijk modules, various MU modules and the Modcan, and this without any problem or inconvenience. They are just perfect!

The actual setup consists of following modules :

01B VCO x 2

16B Dual X-fade

27B Dual mixer

40B Dual multimode filter

07B Noise/S&H/Ring mod

35B Spring reverb

60B Quad envelope

61B Quad LFO

58B VCDO

05B Dual LFO

31B Quad VCA

59B Digital delay

39B Frequency shifter

21B VCA / panner

Here's a picture of the 35B with its huge reverb tank :

Overall build quality is impeccable, controls are smooth, precise and well scaled/calibrated.

Plenty of CV inputs with, most of the time, attenuation.

Layout of the controls and the I/O is very ergonomic, clear and intuitive.

Some clever use of switching/stereo jack sockets for some I/O permits extended functionality.

On all levels, Modcan delivers very high quality products for the modular synthesist, both on functional and on sonic levels. Of course, this kind of quality comes at a price... I was lucky enough to find most of my Modcan modules second/third hand. If it wasn't for that, I would have had to sell all of my Hordijk modules too in order for me to buy a Modcan system as small as the one I planned. Second hand means no import taxes or custom duties and no long weeks waiting time for the modules to be built.

The only module I had to order straight from Bruce, till now, is the 35B... it comes very expensive with the extra shipping costs, import taxes, custom duties and VAT, but still, it sounds great so that eases up the pain a little !

The 60B and 61B are momentarily placed in the Nano Mammoth side cab, but I intend to build an extension cabinet, console style, that will be placed underneath the main cabinet and that will provide space for a third tier of 12 spaces. That bottom extension will be slanted, at a slightly tighter angle (probably 45°) than the bottom tier of the main cabinet.

With the 60B and the 61B in the bottom extension, I will still have 8 spaces to fill... a 62B and a second filter (probably a 36B) will take up another 4 spaces. At that point I will see how to use the remaining 4 spaces in the most effective way...

Even though I had splendid times designing, building and playing my original Eurorack White Dwarf, I do not regret selling it as this Modcan is definitely another league... it's more of an upgrade than a swap.  Watching, playing and listening to the White Dwarf V2 is much more pleasurable, even if its Eurorack counterpart did provide more functionality in a more compact form.

Modcan the ultimate modular for me ? Possibly, because there is a serious contender for the Ultimate Zeitdehner Modular award coming up...

Stay tuned !

The Little Putney V2

With the original 2011 build of my Little Putney, I missed a crucial feature of the genuine VCS3/Synthi. That is output level control of individual waveform outputs from the oscillators.
The Analogue Systems RS95e oscillators do not have any output level control.

I have now finally implemented this with a passive attenuator bank. I designed a new frontpanel and had it cut, drilled and engraved by Schaeffer AG

The left hand joystick of the previous version of the panel was replaced by 9 Alpha 50K Lin potmeters. The lettering of the input jacks to the matrix now corresponds to the lettering on the matrix.

The potmeters are hardwired between the first nine input jacks to the matrix and the first nine lugs of the matrix.

Sure, the cabling is messy, but it works perfectly !

The implementation of this attenuator bank considerably extends the Little Putney's functionality.

I primarily use it to control waveform output levels of the oscillators, thus creating new complex waveforms by blending different waveforms. This yields for some stunning results in conjunction with the onboard, active, voltage controlled waveshaping functionality of the RS95e oscillators.

Not only this attenuator bank is a great sound sculpting tool, it is also a great performance tool. It makes for more dynamic performances in a multi timbral setting by fading in and out  manually and acurately different sound sources within the synth.

All this makes the Little Putney an even more unique, flexible and powerful synth with an infinitely extended sonic palette and his very own and unique sonic character.

The Little Putney is now living a new life with his new owner... I miss you, buddy...

 

Nano Mammoth

Once my Baby Mammoth was completed, back in November 2012, I needed another cab for the other MU modules I had.

So, I built a little "sidecar" with some wood leftovers from my previous builds, I named it the Nano Mammoth.

It's made out of Wengé stained pinewood, sports a Meanwell RD3513 power supply and a busboard with MTA156 4 pin connectors.

The Nano Mammoth can hold up to 8MU of modules.

It is the ideal partner for the Micro Mammoth. With these two portable cabs I can have my complete Hordijk system with me on the road...

Hereunder with my friends Bishop Dust, Fallafelbiels, 440Hz and Trap&Zoid at the Café Central  Brussels Modular Meeting, in November 2012.