Modular Synth Panels

I'm probably one of the only drummers here, so maybe the use for this module is different for you........Looking at the PDF here, it appears to be a bit "much" for ONE SOUND at a Time.
Unless I am missing something, this Giant panel will produce one drum. Thinking as a drummer, at least 5 of these will be needed to produce a small drum set or even a decent drum-machine.....Am I missing something?

You are correct, this creates only one drum sound at a time, but the range of sounds you can make are probably infinite.


pete

On Sun, May 9, 2010 at 6:50 PM, Ritchie <ritchiedrums@...> wrote:

 

I'm probably one of the only drummers here, so maybe the use for this module is different for you........Looking at the PDF here, it appears to be a bit "much" for ONE SOUND at a Time.
Unless I am missing something, this Giant panel will produce one drum. Thinking as a drummer, at least 5 of these will be needed to produce a small drum set or even a decent drum-machine.....Am I missing something?

_

--
www.p23.biz

--- In ModularSynthPanels@yahoogroups.com, "Ritchie" <ritchiedrums@...> wrote:

>
>Am I missing something?
>

Other than enough cab space? ;-)

I have 3 boards and have been waiting for this panel. The size seems acceptable to me. I am hoping to pair them with a quad bass++ module if/when that panel gets done. (HINT HINT.) Throw in some random arps and a MOTM 730 and it will be like having your own private Gavin Harrison!

On Mon, May 10, 2010 at 3:30 PM, Ritchie DeCarlo <ritchiedrums@...> wrote:

>
>
>
> It still looks like A LOT of Real Estate for 1 drum.
>

A Drummer talks about the Real Estate and the Drums, a really funny one :D

Samppa

My feeling on this is that you could hard wire certain options to eliminate knobs.

I originally bought 6 PCBs intending to do just that.  But since then I've decided that if I want a(nother) drum machine I ought to buy a(nother) drum machine and I want to keep my percussive range open to all creative possibilities with this.  I might not keep all 6, we'll see.

Practically speaking, I can't imagine that Scott could create 8 different panels to fit everyone's hard wiring in an economical way.  You probably want to do an fpd.

cheers,
eric w f

--- On Mon, 5/10/10, Ritchie DeCarlo <ritchiedrums@...> wrote:

From: Ritchie DeCarlo <ritchiedrums@...>
Subject: Re: [ModularSynthPanels] Re: ?? Thomas Henry Mega Percussive Synth
To: ModularSynthPanels@yahoogroups.com
Date: Monday, May 10, 2010, 7:30 AM

 

It still looks like A LOT of Real Estate for 1 drum.

 

This sounds like the type of thing people will want to use live also.

There must be a way to have a panel this Big accomodate at least 2..........

From: klstay <klstay@...>
To: ModularSynthPanels@ yahoogroups. com
Sent: Mon, May 10, 2010 12:53:56 AM
Subject: [ModularSynthPanels ] Re: ?? Thomas Henry Mega Percussive Synth

 

--- In ModularSynthPanels@ yahoogroups. com, "Ritchie" <ritchiedrums@ ...> wrote:
>
>Am I missing something?
>

Other than enough cab space? ;-)

I have 3 boards and have been waiting for this panel. The size seems acceptable to me. I am hoping to pair them with a quad bass++ module if/when that panel gets done. (HINT HINT.) Throw in some random arps and a MOTM 730 and it will be like having your own private Gavin Harrison!

If you use small knobs, you can get by with 3U, maybe even 2U. That's what I'm planning on doing, but not anytime soon, too many other modules in the queue before I get to that one.

> It still looks like A LOT of Real Estate for 1 drum.
>
> This sounds like the type of thing people will want to use live also.
> There must be a way to have a panel this Big accomodate at least 2..........

Keep in mind that in reality is a full synth voice. You can play it like a regular synth if you want to. I have built some of Thomas's drum modules, and they are fun for sure, but ultimately I choose to pass on this one simply because it has too many controls. You can still create your vision of the old Syndrum. Which would be really cool!

On Mon, May 10, 2010 at 6:47 PM, Ritchie DeCarlo <ritchiedrums@...> wrote:

 

Don't get me wrong.........I'm very excited about this MPS.

Just trying to figure out what makes the most sense.

 

When this Module was first mentioned,

I had visions of the old Syndrums, where you had a desk-top unit

that produced 2 drums. NOT saying it has to be this way,

that's just what I pictured. A single module capable of 2 drums(or 1-cym+1-drm)

 

Before I dive into panel designs(and I definitely will...)

Please post some of your potential applications.

 

I'm thinking this 1-GIANT module will be great for multiple toms.

Create some fat analog sounds with short decay,

then send 4 or 5 pitches to it to produce 4 or 5 toms..........

 

 

 

For sure... I wasn't trying to flip in my response ("a(nother) drum machine") I merely wanted to point out that hard wired parameters is an option.  An option I ultimately decided not to go with because I didn't want to think in terms of BD/SD/HT/CB/CB/CB/etc.  but rather to dial in sounds out of the entire universe of tones the MPS can create...

I may ultimately end up back at a drum machine type of range with a lot of panel space, but I'm leaving the options open for now.

cheers,
eric w f

--- On Mon, 5/10/10, Pete <23isgood@...> wrote:

From: Pete <23isgood@...>
Subject: Re: [ModularSynthPanels] Re: ?? Thomas Henry Mega Percussive Synth
To: ModularSynthPanels@yahoogroups.com
Date: Monday, May 10, 2010, 10:14 PM

 

Keep in mind that in reality is a full synth voice. You can play it like a regular synth if you want to. I have built some of Thomas's drum modules, and they are fun for sure, but ultimately I choose to pass on this one simply because it has too many controls. You can still create your vision of the old Syndrum. Which would be really cool!

On Mon, May 10, 2010 at 6:47 PM, Ritchie DeCarlo <ritchiedrums@ yahoo.com> wrote:

 

Don't get me wrong....... ..I'm very excited about this MPS.

Just trying to figure out what makes the most sense.

 

When this Module was first mentioned,

I had visions of the old Syndrums, where you had a desk-top unit

that produced 2 drums. NOT saying it has to be this way,

that's just what I pictured. A single module capable of 2 drums(or 1-cym+1-drm)

 

Before I dive into panel designs(and I definitely will...)

Please post some of your potential applications.

 

I'm thinking this 1-GIANT module will be great for multiple toms.

Create some fat analog sounds with short decay,

then send 4 or 5 pitches to it to produce 4 or 5 toms........ ..

 

 

 

Is it really a full synth voice? I didn't think it had a pitch cv in, and certainly not one that's very accurate. I could be wrong on this.

I've got 2 of these boards, and have been puzzling what to do with them. A 6U panel is out of the question for me - takes too much room in my already full cabinets, for something I wouldn't use that much. And using 6U just for the sake of having the knobs on "the grid" isn't part of my synth philosophy. And I wonder how many people would actually buy a 6U panel?

I did at one point make up a 2U preliminary design for this - yes, it can be done, although the knobs were really cramped, and I wasn't happy with where the switches were, and there may have been some feature left out. However, it would fit nicely on a 3U panel, which is how I'd probably go with it.

--- In ModularSynthPanels@yahoogroups.com, Pete <23isgood@...> wrote:
>
> Keep in mind that in reality is a full synth voice. You can play it like a
> regular synth if you want to.

i think there are a couple different uses for this module, each of which lead towards different panel solutions.

richie's original post was for a drummer who wanted to create an entire kit out of multiple modules. for that, i'd think he'd have to scale back the panel options on each module (maybe in sets, tailored to different types of drums?). the preset trimmers idea would help keep some flexibility. panel could probably be a relatively cramped layout assuming he's spending most of his time drumming and less time tweaking. might also consider some foot controllers on some key controls for real-time changes.

i'm at the other end of the scale, not trying to emulate a drum and generally doing tape composition rather than realtime, so a single module with all the options makes most sense.

b

Hey Richie, All -

I think that concern about space is understandable - it just depends on what your orientation is.

In my case as an ex-drummer, I'm interested in diversity and playability. Even a kit of electronic triggers takes up a bunch of space - so I'm not worrying about it.

Three of the MPSs in full regalia with Bridechamber 5U panels would take up 15U - why not make a cool box 15U wide and 2 rows high? On the second row you could put a couple EGs, filters, multiples, a Tau Pipe, a power supply a-la synthtech. Put handles on the box so you can lug it (carefully) around. Set it up high on it's own stand and sort-of behind the throne (move the gong aside slightly) so the audience can see it... trigger the thing with trigger-pads or whatever - and you're in business. Very cool indeed. Look great on Letterman <g>.

I mean the thing about analog is that it's big and funky and takes up space and weighs a lot - that's part of why the industry went digital in the mid-eighties. Like my TR-808 is bigger, clunkier, and doesn't have 1/100th of the function of my R-8 MKII... (both dinosaurs)... the R-8 even has some of the sounds of the 808... why bother? Answer: 'cause the 808 sounds different (duh), is more controllable (not samples) and has a level of coolness that the R-8 can't match.

So in that vein (and continuing to wax didactic) I think the infinitely cool thing about the MPS is that it's sound is completely controllable - it's apologetically a synth in the raw. Will and my way of thinking about this is: why spend the time building the thing if its going to have only a sub-set of its features?

Oh - I know why - I'm just being argumentative. The full feature set is more expensive. The full feature set takes up more space. All completely legit concerns. And besides, you may want some modules to only do certain things. Sure... and the PCB is the least expensive of the parts... just buy a half-dozen like "eric w f" and tailor them - makes perfect sense.

Or - an approach is to just go all-out...

Will and I have imagined a Mega Mega Percussive synth comprised of three TH MPSs and a rack-mounted, completely pimped-out with-all-the-mods-possible (plus some home-grown ones like separate trigger inputs for each voice) version of the eight-oh-eight org's midi-hook-upable TR-808. It will sit in its own case - 18U wide ('cause that's the standard width we're using for the rest of our synth) and two rows high (it'll take up all that space) - plus some extra space below for the 808 programming function buttons, etc.

We're gathering the PCBs and parts. Projected build in 2012 <sigh>. Lord knows where it'll live - under the grand piano? <shrug>

Bill (and Will)

--- In ModularSynthPanels@yahoogroups.com, Ritchie DeCarlo <ritchiedrums@...> wrote:
>
> Don't get me wrong.........I'm very excited about this MPS.
> Just trying to figure out what makes the most sense.
>
> When this Module was first mentioned,
> I had visions of the old Syndrums, where you had a desk-top unit
> that produced 2 drums. NOT saying it has to be this way,
> that's just what I pictured. A single module capable of 2 drums(or 1-cym+1-drm)
>
> Before I dive into panel designs(and I definitely will...)
> Please post some of your potential applications.
>
> I'm thinking this 1-GIANT module will be great for multiple toms.
> Create some fat analog sounds with short decay,
> then send 4 or 5 pitches to it to produce 4 or 5 toms..........
>
>
>
>
>  
>
>
>
> ________________________________
> From: eric f <ach_gott@...>
> To: ModularSynthPanels@yahoogroups.com
> Sent: Mon, May 10, 2010 8:58:56 PM
> Subject: Re: [ModularSynthPanels] Re: ?? Thomas Henry Mega Percussive Synth
>
>  
> My feeling on this is that you could hard wire certain options to eliminate knobs.
>
> I originally bought 6 PCBs intending to do just that.  But since then I've decided that if I want a(nother) drum machine I ought to buy a(nother) drum machine and I want to keep my percussive range open to all creative possibilities with this.  I might not keep all 6, we'll see.
>
> Practically speaking, I can't imagine that Scott could create 8 different panels to fit everyone's hard wiring in an economical way.  You probably want to do an fpd.
>
> cheers,
> eric w f
>
> --- On Mon, 5/10/10, Ritchie DeCarlo <ritchiedrums@ yahoo.com> wrote:
>
>
> >From: Ritchie DeCarlo <ritchiedrums@ yahoo.com>
> >Subject: Re: [ModularSynthPanels ] Re: ?? Thomas Henry Mega Percussive Synth
> >To: ModularSynthPanels@ yahoogroups. com
> >Date: Monday, May 10, 2010, 7:30 AM
> >
> >
> > 
> >It still looks like A LOT of Real Estate for 1 drum.
> >
> >This sounds like the type of thing people will want to use live also.
> >There must be a way to have a panel this Big accomodate at least 2..........
> >
> >
> >
> >
> ________________________________
> From: klstay <klstay@...>
> >To: ModularSynthPanels@ yahoogroups. com
> >Sent: Mon, May 10, 2010 12:53:56 AM
> >Subject: [ModularSynthPanels ] Re: ?? Thomas Henry Mega Percussive Synth
> >
> > 
> >--- In ModularSynthPanels@ yahoogroups. com, "Ritchie" <ritchiedrums@ ...> wrote:
> >>
> >>Am I missing something?
> >>
> >
> >Other than enough cab space? ;-)
> >
> >I have 3 boards and have been waiting for this panel. The size seems acceptable to me. I am hoping to pair them with a quad bass++ module if/when that panel gets done. (HINT HINT.) Throw in some random arps and a MOTM 730 and it will be like having your own private Gavin Harrison!
> >
> >
> >
>

Uh... in par 5 - the phrase "apologetically a synth in the raw" should read "unapologetically a synth in the raw" - spell checker, I think, struck again. <sigh>

--- In ModularSynthPanels@yahoogroups.com, "wjhall11" <wjhall@...> wrote:
>
> Hey Richie, All -
>
> I think that concern about space is understandable - it just depends on what your orientation is.
>
> In my case as an ex-drummer, I'm interested in diversity and playability. Even a kit of electronic triggers takes up a bunch of space - so I'm not worrying about it.
>
> Three of the MPSs in full regalia with Bridechamber 5U panels would take up 15U - why not make a cool box 15U wide and 2 rows high? On the second row you could put a couple EGs, filters, multiples, a Tau Pipe, a power supply a-la synthtech. Put handles on the box so you can lug it (carefully) around. Set it up high on it's own stand and sort-of behind the throne (move the gong aside slightly) so the audience can see it... trigger the thing with trigger-pads or whatever - and you're in business. Very cool indeed. Look great on Letterman <g>.
>
> I mean the thing about analog is that it's big and funky and takes up space and weighs a lot - that's part of why the industry went digital in the mid-eighties. Like my TR-808 is bigger, clunkier, and doesn't have 1/100th of the function of my R-8 MKII... (both dinosaurs)... the R-8 even has some of the sounds of the 808... why bother? Answer: 'cause the 808 sounds different (duh), is more controllable (not samples) and has a level of coolness that the R-8 can't match.
>
> So in that vein (and continuing to wax didactic) I think the infinitely cool thing about the MPS is that it's sound is completely controllable - it's apologetically a synth in the raw. Will and my way of thinking about this is: why spend the time building the thing if its going to have only a sub-set of its features?
>
> Oh - I know why - I'm just being argumentative. The full feature set is more expensive. The full feature set takes up more space. All completely legit concerns. And besides, you may want some modules to only do certain things. Sure... and the PCB is the least expensive of the parts... just buy a half-dozen like "eric w f" and tailor them - makes perfect sense.
>
> Or - an approach is to just go all-out...
>
> Will and I have imagined a Mega Mega Percussive synth comprised of three TH MPSs and a rack-mounted, completely pimped-out with-all-the-mods-possible (plus some home-grown ones like separate trigger inputs for each voice) version of the eight-oh-eight org's midi-hook-upable TR-808. It will sit in its own case - 18U wide ('cause that's the standard width we're using for the rest of our synth) and two rows high (it'll take up all that space) - plus some extra space below for the 808 programming function buttons, etc.
>
> We're gathering the PCBs and parts. Projected build in 2012 <sigh>. Lord knows where it'll live - under the grand piano? <shrug>
>
> Bill (and Will)
>
>
>
> --- In ModularSynthPanels@yahoogroups.com, Ritchie DeCarlo <ritchiedrums@> wrote:
> >
> > Don't get me wrong.........I'm very excited about this MPS.
> > Just trying to figure out what makes the most sense.
> >
> > When this Module was first mentioned,
> > I had visions of the old Syndrums, where you had a desk-top unit
> > that produced 2 drums. NOT saying it has to be this way,
> > that's just what I pictured. A single module capable of 2 drums(or 1-cym+1-drm)
> >
> > Before I dive into panel designs(and I definitely will...)
> > Please post some of your potential applications.
> >
> > I'm thinking this 1-GIANT module will be great for multiple toms.
> > Create some fat analog sounds with short decay,
> > then send 4 or 5 pitches to it to produce 4 or 5 toms..........
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >  
> >
> >
> >
> > ________________________________
> > From: eric f <ach_gott@>
> > To: ModularSynthPanels@yahoogroups.com
> > Sent: Mon, May 10, 2010 8:58:56 PM
> > Subject: Re: [ModularSynthPanels] Re: ?? Thomas Henry Mega Percussive Synth
> >
> >  
> > My feeling on this is that you could hard wire certain options to eliminate knobs.
> >
> > I originally bought 6 PCBs intending to do just that.  But since then I've decided that if I want a(nother) drum machine I ought to buy a(nother) drum machine and I want to keep my percussive range open to all creative possibilities with this.  I might not keep all 6, we'll see.
> >
> > Practically speaking, I can't imagine that Scott could create 8 different panels to fit everyone's hard wiring in an economical way.  You probably want to do an fpd.
> >
> > cheers,
> > eric w f
> >
> > --- On Mon, 5/10/10, Ritchie DeCarlo <ritchiedrums@ yahoo.com> wrote:
> >
> >
> > >From: Ritchie DeCarlo <ritchiedrums@ yahoo.com>
> > >Subject: Re: [ModularSynthPanels ] Re: ?? Thomas Henry Mega Percussive Synth
> > >To: ModularSynthPanels@ yahoogroups. com
> > >Date: Monday, May 10, 2010, 7:30 AM
> > >
> > >
> > > 
> > >It still looks like A LOT of Real Estate for 1 drum.
> > >
> > >This sounds like the type of thing people will want to use live also.
> > >There must be a way to have a panel this Big accomodate at least 2..........
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > ________________________________
> > From: klstay <klstay@>
> > >To: ModularSynthPanels@ yahoogroups. com
> > >Sent: Mon, May 10, 2010 12:53:56 AM
> > >Subject: [ModularSynthPanels ] Re: ?? Thomas Henry Mega Percussive Synth
> > >
> > > 
> > >--- In ModularSynthPanels@ yahoogroups. com, "Ritchie" <ritchiedrums@ ...> wrote:
> > >>
> > >>Am I missing something?
> > >>
> > >
> > >Other than enough cab space? ;-)
> > >
> > >I have 3 boards and have been waiting for this panel. The size seems acceptable to me. I am hoping to pair them with a quad bass++ module if/when that panel gets done. (HINT HINT.) Throw in some random arps and a MOTM 730 and it will be like having your own private Gavin Harrison!
> > >
> > >
> > >
> >
>

I finished my first Klee sequencer today (using the Bridechamber panel). I'm planning on building a second and have come up with a simple mod that allows chaining Klees together. Details can be found here:

http://www.tellun.com/motm/mods/klee/klee.html

I know other people have chained Klees together using the gate outputs, but I wanted to do that without sacrificing an entire gate channel.

Sweet! Now I'll have to build a couple, or, much more likely, get Todd to build me two.