20 Mar, 2023
STG Soundlabs has introduced an updated version of its Pulse Matrix, a comparator and divider network configured for audio applications in MU format.
It is designed so that it can be used independently as a comparator and suboctave generator, and it also can be connected directly to the STG Soundlabs Oscillator, so that the oscillator is normalized to the Pulse Matrix input.
What they say about it:
“Think of it as an elaborate version of the PWM and Suboctave of the SH-101. If you’re not familiar with the SH-101, think of it as a little box you can put any waveform into and get a pulse wave and 4 varieties of suboctave from.
The signal input is where you would put whatever you want to turn into a pulse wave into.
The threshold control sets the “flip” point of the comparator, and has a range of approximately negative five volts to positive five volts. think of it as a pulse width control.
The control input has a dedicated attenuator and is summed with the manual control, and allows for external modulation of the threshold point. Think of it as a pulse width modulation input.
Next are five outputs. They are all ten volt peak-to-peak signal to play nice with other audio modules. This is unlike the sh-101, where the suboctave had a dc offset which made its bass frequencies not as strong as they could have been.
- The first is the direct output of the comparator. In “pulse width” terms this is zero to one hundred percent.
- The second output is a 50 percent duty cycle wave one octave lower than the main output.
- The third output is a variable output, from one to forty-nine percent duty cycle, one octave lower than the main output.
- The fourth output is a 50 percent duty cycle wave two octaves lower than the main output.
- The fifth output is a 25 percent duty cycle wave two octaves lower than the main output.
There is a rear panel header to connect to the STG Soundlabs Oscillator so the sawtooth wave is normaled to the input of the module. Cable is included.”
The Pulse Matrix is available to order for $250. STG Soundlabs says that there’s a lead time for orders of about 2 weeks.
20 Mar, 2023
MooSonics – the recently resurrected modular synth maker, now led by Suit & Tie Guy (Knobcon, STG Soundlabs) – has introduced the Vanilla Envelope, a new envelope generator + VCA design that they say takes inspiration from “a certain American two voice synthesizer from the 1970s”.
The Vanilla Envelope provides two functions in one module: an envelope generator and VCA. The integrated functions can be used completely independently, if desired.
Suit notes that the MooSonics Vanilla Envelope adds a negative EG output; the VCA is ‘tweaked out’ to be a bit hotter on the input, so if you want to push it into distortion you can; and the input-output signal levels are updated to modern MU standards, as set by Roger Arrick 23 years ago with the Synthesizers.com line.
The top knob is attack time, second knob is decay and release time, and the third knob is the sustain level. The LED indicates output of the EG.
The VCA provides approximately unity gain, at a 5V control voltage or maximum EG sustain level.
MooSonics is initially making the Vanilla Envelope available as a kit. An assembled version may follow.
*Note: The PCB is labeled with all component values. It will ship with paper BOM and schematic. There is an assumption that buyers have some experience in building electronic devices. If you have no experience, you will need to do some research on basic assembly techniques.
The MooSonics Vanilla Envelope Kit will be available in April, priced at $150
20 Mar, 2023
Behringer has shared teaser images for its upcoming BMX Hybrid 8/12-Bit Sampling Drum Machine.
What the company say about it:
“Today, we fired up the first version of our BMX prototype, an Hommage to the legendary Oberheim DMX.
Aside from the original sound samples, the BMX has also a built-in sampler, analog filters and much more. This is one cool sampling drum machine.”
The Behringer BMX, like its LmDrum drum machine, isn’t a straight knockoff or clone of the original.
While it copies the look, layout and uses knockoff-style naming, the BMX adds sampling support, which promises to make the drum machine much more flexible.
Behringer BMX was originally announced in 2017, along with the company’s take on the classic Roland TR-808 and TR-909 drum machines. At that point, it was called the ‘OBX’.
Here are the specifications that they shared at that time:
- Recreation of one of earliest and most influential digital drum machines
- 25 sounds: 3 Kicks, 3 Snares, 3 Hats, 6 Toms, 2 Rides, 2 Shakers, 2 Tambs, Rimshot, Handclap, Crash & Click
- 8 voice architecture with independent level & pitch controls for each voice
- High-resolution real-time sequencer with non-destructive quantization for capturing finger drumming performances
- Additional step sequencer mode with 64 steps per pattern with storage of up to 64 patterns and 16 songs
- Integrated Wave Designer with individual attack and sustain controls for studio quality drum sound
- Integrated dual-mode filter with dedicated frequency and resonance controls for huge sound shaping options
- 8 independent analog outputs to record your patterns as multi-track audio
- Easily readable 7-segment 4-character LED display for tempo with dedicated tap tempo button
- 24 velocity sensitive pads with bold, full-color LEDs
- Up to 99 loop measures of each pattern change with 16 pattern changes per song
- Songs can be chained together for expanded compositions
- Unique Auto Scroll feature for extremely easy operation
- Comprehensive Midi In/Out/Thru and USB implementation for synchronization and connection to external devices
- Per-track Solo and Mute for enhanced realtime control
- Sync options include USB, MIDI, clock and internal
- Powerful headphone and L/R main outputs on 1/4” TRS connectors
- 3-Year Warranty Program
These specifications do not make any mention of the audio input or sampling capability, so it’s clear that the specs have evolved since Behringer’s original announcement.
The company says that the images are of their first engineering prototype. Details on Behringer BMX pricing, availability and official specs are still to be announced.
