mEtaMachine
2004-07-17 by Jonathan Lukens
Hi all, I've been doing a lot of window shopping lately- checking out different fx modules. I'm a little frustrated by how difficult it is to get the things I want without spending multi-thousands, and was thinking how great it would be if Elektron could come up with something new for us next year. It would be a great complement to their existing gear- but would also be great because it would allow people who don't usually deal with elektron-ic instruments (guitarists, etc) to experience the simplicity and power of the elektron os and interface. This machine would combine some of the signal manipulation functions of a modular synth for effects purposes (ala sherman filterbank or some doepfer modules) with functions that allow it to play along with audio input (via pll or some kind of freq analysis matched with tone generation, ie http://www.maindragmusic.com/js/pll.html). it would also contain some limited phrase sampling functions. I've jotted down a few brief notes. mEtaMachine Sequencable Audio Manipulation HARDWARE MD sized enclosure w/ preamps added to the 2 inputs maybe a joystick in place of the large rotary encoder OVERVIEW 6 track FX unit designed to use fx in a modular fashion MACHINES PLL- uses a phase locked loop to synthesize chords from single notes *tracking is adjustable (how quickly synth tones are added after original tone) *wave shape of each of the two added notes are adjustable (sin, sqr, saw, noise) *note offset is adjustable VOCODER SAMPLE- Allows sampling of a few seconds via input. This is automaticallly looped *loop backwards/ forwards is adjustable *loop length/ fade in-out adjustable *EQ MiMiC- Allows intermittent sampling and playback, ie whatever I play during steps 1-8 is sampled then played back on steps 9-16. Sounds simple, but when routed through other effects this opens up many significant possibilities. Other Machines- Waveshaper Ring Mod Multi-Band Fuzz (can produce assymetrical fuzz) Phaser Multi-Band Filter Would also include existing (MD and MnM) fx machines and input machines It would also be great if we could route signals out of machines as mod src for other machines. ------------ Well, I can dream, can't I? It combines the best elements of all of the gear Ive been looking at lately- sherman filterbank, schumann PLL and fx boxes, korg kaos pad, metasonix fx boxes.... but since it wouldn't be analog.. the cost would hopefully drop down into the machinedrum range. It would also have something none of those toys have- it would be step sequenceable and have parameter locks. And it would serve as a great addition to the elektron family- would be a great piece of studio outboard gear, and I can play my guitar or bass through, even sing through it. My friend travis can play his saxophone through the PLL, route the PLL into the waveshaper, while I play my guitar through the mimic machine and route the sampled output through the phaser.