Each time new modules arrive it is the excitement of reshuffling the setup, mounting and dismounting modules to fit the cabs, trying to keep the balance between aesthetics & visual symmetry, ergonomy and functionality. Time consuming, quite laborious but lots of fun. Once that is done, it is time to explore the functionality and possibilities of the newcomers... even more fun!
The following is a photo report on the evolution of my setup that shows the various incarnations of my modular over the past months up to it's current state. Enjoy !
08/2009
Some EMS flavors added
12/2009
A dedicated cab for each brand and the arrival of the indispensable oscilloscope
01/2010
Arrival of some badly wanted Make Noise modules, the QMMG and the Wogglebug
02/2010
An overall shot of the studio in those days and a close up on some dual channel oscilloscope madness
04/2010
Got myself a second Analogue Systems RS-15 case with some modules, also some more Livewire, a Tiptop Audio Z8000 matrix sequencer and a Roland System-100M 184 polyphonic 4CV/Gate keyboard
05/2010
Yes! I finally got a second hand Livewire Dual Cyclotron and replaced all the knobs by 19mm Eagle fluted ones
Ooops ! This is not mine ?! ... it is my friend Constantin's amazing dual EMS setup with his SDIY interface... beautiful !! I couldn't resist posting this one
Added a third RS-15 with some sequencing goodies
Yes! those knobs look and feel quite good
06/2010
At last... the Livewire cab is completed with a second AFG... thanks Nav ... massive !
07/2010
Preparing to incorporate my forthcoming SDIY FriFri Deluxe patch matrix/attenuator bank. Notice the two reverb tanks mounted externally, on top of the cabs
10/2010
Here it is, installed and all patched up (more on this in my SDIY page)
A broader picture of the whole lot, unpatched
02/2011
This latest setup saw the addition of some Plan B, Oakley and Synthesis Technology modules in the top right cab
3/4 2011
The latest additions to my setup are two STG Soundlabs modules, the Wavefolder and the Sea Devils filter.
Both circuits are based on Yves Usson designs.
The first, as its denomination suggests, will "fold" any incoming signal. By doing so, the Wavefolder will output a more complex signal and produce new harmonic content. Obviously , it works best on simple waveforms of audio signals. There's an Offset control that will determine at what "level" of the waveform the folding will occur. For instance, by adjusting the Offset appropriately, one could apply folding only onto the positive period of a bipolar signal. Fold mix control makes the balance between the original signal and the folded signal. Gain control is a VCA on the input stage of the folding circuit.
Voltage control is provided for Gain (with attenuator) and Offset.
Basic application of the Wavefolder is to render a rather dull waveform more harmonically rich.
Wave folding can produce comparable results to those obtained with wave shaping or wave multiplying.
The Wavefolder is not a module I use very often but its use can be very rewarding if set up correctly.
The Sea Devils filter is a diode ladder design inspired by the circuit found on second generation EMS Synthi A and AKS, with a 24dB slope.
As its pedigree suggests, that filter has bags of character, it "sings" very well at high resonance settings, with a huge frequency range and it tracks quite well to 1V/Oct...that makes the SDF a great sine oscillator to provide powerful bottoms with good definition and crispy, precise highs.
Also, it responds very well to fast, audio rate frequency modulation.
Volume drop at high resonance settings is not too obvious and there are lots of sweet spots just before and after the point of self oscillation.
At high input levels, the SDF delivers smooth saturation, which is very nice.
Voltage control is provided for Resonance, there are two 1V/Oct frequency modulation inputs and there's one scalable frequency modulation input with attenuator.
All of this makes the SDF my favorite in my current setup. I love it even more than the Analogue Systems RS-500e, which is also an EMS based diode ladder filter circuit.
Both modules are 14hp and benefit of roomy front panels. They are quite deep, so they won't fit into a skiff. Panel control layout is clear but positioning of the control input jacks can be somewhat confusing as they are not placed right next to or under their respective parameter. Build quality is excellent and working with these modules proves to be a very satisfactory experience.
Looking forward to grab a Post Lawsuit filter ...
