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vocoder panel design

Here is my 99% done panel design

The functionality i need to build and verify before I get it fabricated are:

• aux speech input works
• v/uv threshold works okay and is worth having on the panel
• silence bridging AR controls are worth having
• whether to bring UV and V trigger outs to the panel

All the pots and jacks will be panel mounted. The sliders / led / patch panel will be pcb mounted. Here is the pcb for those components

the case will be an aluminum rectangular box folded from a sheet. i would like to have wooden side panels which mount onto the aluminum sides which are have one angled side. the angled side can be changed in order to either lye the case flat and have it sit on a 10degree incline similar to the ems 5000 vocoder. the wooden sides could also be rotated and allow for the case to stand vertically when desktop space is at a premium or you wish to sit it on top of a synth.

a burst of vocoder progress

I have checked the V/UV and the synth / noise inputs and all is working

V/UV

I had a bit of a scare when testing this module. Voiced was locking on and it seemed that something was wrong. Luckily I tracked the issue pretty quickly - the 330k in one of the filters was 330r. I looked in my 330k bag and it was full of 330r resistors. I then checked to see how many resistors I'd have to replace on the board and luckily there was only one - phew! Large projects and systematic errors are not good - lucky break.

So after this fix it appears to be working. Unvoiced vocal sounds triggers the unvoiced channel. The user 'sound' on e-m has recommend different filters for the unvoiced but I kept it at Jurgen's design since it is based on a ems vocoder. I made no other component modifications the only mod is that I am using a pot for v/uv threshold as i think this is a neat feature to have on the panel. 

I might even take the v/uv triggers out to the panel like on the doepfer v/uv module. 

The only part that i'm curious about is that the voiced channel is always on even when there is no input. Hopefully someone can give me feedback on that.

Happy with this for now - I'll re-review it once I have some channels working

Synth Input

Synth Input is working fine. I had to replace a dead bf245 but otherwise no issues. 'Sound' on e-m recommend changing some resistors in this section which I followed but I had to revert the 1k8 / 10k which controls the noise amplitude back to 18k and 100k to ensure it was around +4dbu.

I am going to have the synLevel as a pot on the panel as the level should be the same as the noise input and the input may be an iPod, a module signal or a synth so it needs to be controlled by the user.

so where to now...

I am going to skip the slew and silence bridging modules for now. Time to get some channels working. Once that is done I can test the output and hear it for the first time. I will also be able to hear how the v/uv sounds as well as check the slew / silence bridging.

Once everything is tested I can finalise my panel design and send it off for fabrication. I am 99% sure on my current design but since it will be an expensive panel I'd like to verify my choices are all going to work and I'm not missing anything.

vocoder speech in

This section is very similar to JH FS-1 so I used the same values. It seems that everyone else who has completed this section copied the first suggested values using THAT 1510 instead of SSM2019. I had some leftover SSM2019 from building my FS-1.

The values I used are as follows

Tone:

TONE Pot 50k linear

U2101 = SSM2019

Sp Level Pot - 10k log

Mic Gain Pot - 5k lin however I will get a 5k reverse audio for my panel

R2105 / RG2 = 10r

R2106 / RG1 = link

R2107 / RG0 = nothing (left open)

Limiter:

R2116 / RG3 = 22k (based on advice in e-m thread)

R2136 / RLIM = 6k2 (based on advice in e-m thread)

There was note that the U2101 would become unstable at certain settings and a large capacitor was used in place of RG2 but i didn't have that issue on first test. 

Mods (not yet implemented):

I wish to have an aux input on the synth in. If you read texts on vocoders they suggest that either the synth or vocal input should be prerecorded, only one input should be live. Whether or not this is gospel is up to the critics but i would like the opportunity to insert a line level (or modular level vocal input  - or perhaps a feedback input). I will follow the circuit used in the FS-1 input and send an input into U2102B. I'll document that once I have made some more progress on these sub-modules.

I am happy with the output thus far. The limiter light is coming on when it should ( i think ) the sp out is not distorted so time to move on.

jh vocoder progress

Finally some time to work on the vocoder has opened. At this point I have finished the panel layout for panel components and I have created a layout to mount the sliders. This slider pcb is being etched for me at the moment. All connectors and final components are in stock.

The path to the finish line looks like this:

• test pcb
• psu
• synth in
• exc in
• all other modules
• one channel
• complete panel design
• aesthetics (fonts / linework etc)
• mount holes for case and pcbs
• case / faceplate fabrication
• wire up

Proud to say today I have powered up the board and the psu is functioning. I had a bit of a stumble trying to use a switching psu - I mistakingly bought a single supply instead of a dual. Not sure how I slipped there since I was specifically looking for a dual. Annoying. Luckily I had a 15v torroid in stock so I used the onboard psu. As far as I'm aware I believe I am the first to use this onboard psu. 

Here is the heatsink with the TIP3055 and mica pads

Next up I will test the modules

vocoder continued

Well this is turning to be a marathon pcb population. i've almost completed resistors and i've populated some other components outside the filters. After so long staring at resisters i think i have finally memorised resistor colour codes :)

And i reached a special milestone - i filled up fetta tin with resistor legs - i guess this was the project to do it

I have reworked my panel design also - this now includes a 20x20 ghielmetti patch matrix. 

Vocoder Begins

jurgen haible living vocoder

this project is finally coming together

most parts are on their way and i have done a preliminary panel design

having a huge internal debate whether a patch matrix is necessary and i haven't included it in my current design. I have a thought of having it on the back of the case. as you can tell the design is still in flux.

i think i need to borrow a nord modular and test it out

here is the current panel design draft

im reasonably happy with it - i think ill adjust the signal flow space so it is a little tighter. with this panel design i'll need a bit of extra circuitry including 

• speech input amp - line input
• speech input amp - led bar graph 
• excitation input - led bar graph

im also bringing almost every option onto the front panel except the patch matrix.... mmmm

the plan is to make a panel pcb - even if i end up etching one. i think i am coming around to the idea of panel pcbs and no wiring. it will take a lot of effort but hopefully it will make the unit easier to service and live longer. 

so waiting on parts and should begin once they arrive. i will build the unit and test some of the mods before builiding the panel. most likely i will get the front panel fabricated as part of the case. no idea how to get the decals on as it is way too big for my normal lasertran technique.  

Jurgen Haible FS1

it has been a while between posts - travelling the world and having fun back in a house in my home town and the studio is back together working on some new toys currently hoping to complete the jurgen haible (rip) FS1 frequency shifter here is my design


edit:

Here are my dome filter picks

I have added to jurgen's speadsheet to measure the time constant different between ideal and measured. My resuts were ok - not as good as I would really like but I cant be bother ordering more components.

I found that there is a lot of play when choosing values - it helps to have a lot of resistor values on hand to match together. I would recommend buying capcitors that are not 1% and make sure you get a few of them. The capacitor value add magnitude to your final result so in cases where you have a good resistor match but the capacitor value is large it can bump up the final error. Having a bunch of capacitors at slighly different value gives you more options of resistor combos.

edit 2:

I managed to get it to fit well into a case. Time to wire :)



Neural Agoniser PCB block diagram

I am doing a some servicing of my synth before i hand it over to a friend to look after while i go overseas. There were a couple of noisy sections in my NA which i wanted to resolve. I created this diagram to help me work out what is what. I hope it helps others also..

Images from my VJ set @ ascension engine

I snipped a few screens from my quarts composition to add to my soundcloud file and thought i most post here before i delete - i just found out that my set and projections will be included on an upcoming release so stay tuned

Something for future live gigs

Working on a new project based on the syapse serge touch keyboard and programmer circuit. My CGS programmer has been such an amazing tool. This will hopefully become and amazing controller for my modular.

First section of the pcb almost done :)

Truant Live @ Ascension Engine

Truant live @ Ascension Engine 26-3-2011 by prblmchild

Great day

Really happy with my performance and I was very much greatful for the presence of an audience to see my set even though i was the first to perform. Thanks to Scott for running the event. Some outstanding performances, the highlight for me being Grist and Zen Paradox. Video was recorded and hopefully when Scott gets some time he can snip and upload my section.

Ascension Rig

Here is the rig for my upcoming gig (next saturday)

Top Row = Consists of 3 x Teezer TZ-Vco, Mankato Quadrature LFO, Source of Uncertainty, Wavefolder / Modulo Magic / Plague Bearer
Bottom Row = Living Vco, 2 x VCS, 4 x Low Pass Gates

This is slightly different to my last modular gig. I had a lot more filters last time. The end result was floaty and droning where as this time I am trying to add more dynamics into my sound so we have envelopes and more waveshapers.

The setup is about as "west coast" as it gets. Buchla / Serge. I find it interesting that i have ended up with a setup in this style. I always used to think these rigs just make weird blips and random soundscapes but i have learnt that they are such densely functional designs and can achieve so much - you just have to take the time to learn how to understand them.

This gig was going to showcase a different style of set - integration between modular and machinedrum. I have recently made a lot of music in this style but I found that 30+ minute sets of modular blips and drum beats gets really hard to program without computers since i can only put so many modules in my road case. It is pretty tough to change patterns and patches on the modular and so i decided to go back to drone / noise.

Hopefully we can record the set and I'll post the end result
If you are in melbourne please come down and check it out

Ascension Engine
Loop Bar
Melbourne
26-March
2011
2pm onward

Ascension Engine - Loop Bar Sat 26th Aug Day Event :)

Ascension Engine at Loop Bar 2011
Straight from the Rainbow Serpent Festival comes the Ascension Engine for an exclusive Melbourne event. Ascension Engine is an audio/visual cornucopia of meditative sound and vision from some of Australia's finest audiovisualist experimenters.
With the killer sound system and massive screen at Loop, sit back and connect with the universe that these visionary artists will weave for you.
Be prepared for sacred frequencies, audio reactive mandalas for meditation, binaural beats and alchemical transformations through sound and vision.
Ascension Engine comes alive from 2pm on Saturday 26th March.

Tickets on the door are $10 full or $5 conc.

Truant
Siilt
Grist
Electronic Shaman
Zen Paradox
Abre Ojos
Zero Point (SA)

new quartz pics

Set

The set went great. What a great environment to have my first set.
Thanks to Scott for doing all the hard work on the night

Next time i need to get some roadies to help me lug my heavy rig in. My lovely girlfriend helped but im not sure if she will ever put her hand up to do it again. The mixer case ended up being pretty heavy and awkward to move around.

Sound was recorded, ill try post it once i get a copy

Pre-trip studio sale

Impending international jaunt
Looking to decrease the amount of stuff to go into storage

Samson rubicon r8a $350 ( near mint )
Allen heath zed420 desk $800 ( near mint )
Lexicon mpx1 multi-effects $300 ( near mint )
Machinedrum mk2uw $1350 ( near mint, boxed )
Oto biscuit $500 (as new, w/box)
500w p/ channel amp $50 (worn but works)
505 $50

Electronics gear & diy synth stuff
Dc20mhz oscilloscope $50 (one channel glitchy)
Variable dc supply $50
Mb808 95% finished w/ undrilled hammond case $450
(unit working just needs case)
Boxotrix distortion compressor 90% finished $150
(distortions working, compressor + gates populated but untested - no panel stuff)

Possible trades
Adam a7
adam a5
zoom h4n
kodak zi8

Email coolhandluka@@gmail.com
All items located in melbourne
Shipping at your cost
Pick up prefered

Photos on request

Preparing for GIG @ Rainbow Serprent

So this is the gig. First ever live gig. Very exciting, kinda nerve racking. It has been a mammoth effort to get my modular ready for the road. I posted pictures of the new case i bought. Since that time i overcome issues with power supplies, racking and getting a few bugs fixed in a few modules. It has taken a lot of time but im happy to say (hopefully this doesnt jinx it) that my modular is ready.




And here it is.

Modules include:
>3 x Ian Fritz Teezer TZ Vco
>Source of Uncertainty (only FRV plugged in due to not having enough distro slots)
>Mankato Quadrature LFO / VCF
>Plague Bearer & 2 x Jurgen Haible Wavefolders (Yusynth pcb)
>Jurgen Haible Living Vco
>3 x MMM VCF
>4 x Low Pass GAtes

I built some stuff into the rack panels
>3 x mixer, 2 x mult (i know i use bananas but i dont have much clearance in the case)
>2 x slew, 4 x lfo, 4 x attenuator
>8 banana to 1/4inch converters

Additional Effects (racked & desktop)
>Lexicon PCM70
>Jurgen Haible Moog Resonator

I am sequencing some sections of my live set using silentway but most will be all modular. And ill be performing visuals using Quartz Composer




I have a few days now to work on some patches and arrangement and polish up what i have prepared for visuals. Here is a quick sample of what i am going to show.




Very exciting times. It also spells the end of my DIY synth building for a while. I plan on spending a year overseas soon so i need to save. I think i have accomplished a lot in the last few years and this gig will be the transition point from where i was being an electronics nerd to a performer. I am really happy that this moment has come.

upcoming gig + new case

I have my first gig using my modular. Super exciting. I just bought a portable case so i can take my modular out on the town. Check it out. It needs some modification so i can close it while still having my modules patched. It seems a bit flimsy when nothing is in it. I hope it feels a bit better when full.




I rearranged my studio to add it into the workflow



The cool thing about getting this case is 1. it fits my huge reverb tanks so i can finally finish my neural agoniser module. I hadnt worked too hard on finished that one as i couldnt think of a good way to mount the tanks in my other case. The second cool thing is i now have another 20U of space to fill :)

I haven't done any building in the last couple of months as all spare time was put into running a big rave. I have a few things i want to finish before this gig so i might try get motivated again. Weather is getting warn so it is harder and harder to think about doing electronics.

update --