Tag: synths

FSA Cymbols released (VST3i cymbal/percussion synth)

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Cymbols is a percussion synthesizer specifically designed for electronic cymbal and hihat sounds. The methods it uses to synthesize sounds are derived mostly from old analog drum machines (with a few tweaks), though it is not designed to specifically emulate any one machine or series of machines.

FSA Cymbols demo – VST3i cymbal/percussion synth

Cymbols is a percussion synthesizer specifically designed for electronic cymbal and hihat sounds. The methods it uses to synthesize sounds are derived mostly from old analog drum machines (with a few tweaks), though it is not designed to specifically emulate any one machine or series of machines.

See the dedicated page for another audio demo and more info.

Available now (free/donationware) from the FSA shops at Gumroad and itch.io.

Modutronic Messmaker schematic revision

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Some 13 years later, I’ve done a little revision to the Modutronic Messmaker circuit schematic. The Messmaker was intended to be a “beginner” build, and this new revision removes some complexity (and cost). The original version is also still available here and from a link on the page.

The original version includes a direct output from the 555, as well as inputs for the LM567 AM and the 555 CV in. My original thought was that these would be cool features for a beginner’s circuit, giving one easy access to some modular-style interconnectivity. However, all these years later, even I have rarely used these features. The quick & dirty nature of this circuit also means they don’t work the way one might expect with other modular stuff, which has become more common.

Latcher released

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Another fairly simple noisebox synth combining an AM/FM oscillator configuration with an Atari Punk Console-style triggered monostable.

Latcher download page

Video demo:

FSA Latcher demo – VST3i noisebox synth

Latcher is a VST3i noisebox synth in the same vein as NANDroid and XORbot, and contains many of the same features as those previous synths. The sound-generating part is something of a cross between a circuit I built called the Modutronic Messmaker (an AM/FM noisebox), XORbot, and an Atari Punk Console.

New synth on the way: Latcher

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Latcher is a noisebox synth in the same vein as NANDroid and XORbot, and contains many of the same features as those previous synths. The sound-generating part is something of a cross between my Modutronic Messmaker circuit and an Atari Punk Console, in that it combines the AM/FM oscillator configuration with the osc-triggered monostable of the APC. In keeping with the logic-based theme of the previous two noiseboxes, it also includes a switchable “mod osc” that is fed into an XOR gate with the APC-like signal on the other input (pre monostable).

Here’s a little audio demo:

New versions of NANDroid & XORBot

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NANDroid and XORBot have both been updated to V1.01, with the biggest change being that MIDI note value is now available as a modulation source in any of the assignable slots, including the Combiners. This change is largely thanks to a user request.

Another change is that these and other FSA plugins will now be available from Gumroad. They are still available for free if you like, just enter a price of “$0”.

Playing with Berna3: Test Equipment Technoid

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Just for fun, some ultra-minimal technoid made with Giorgio Sancristoforo’s early electronic music studio simulation, Berna3. The video was made with TouchDesigner.

Berna3 – (Virtual) Test Equipment Technoid

Some ultra-minimal technoid made with Giorgio Sancristoforo’s early electronic music studio simulation, Berna3. The video was made with TouchDesigner. https://www.giorgiosancristoforo.net/ https://derivative.ca/product/touchdesigner-non-commercial/77 The Berna3 patch is available from the FSA website, link below. Thanks for listening/watching! https://www.fstateaudio.com/

The Berna3 patch is available here.

New synth on the way: XORbot

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XORbot is somewhat related to NANDroid, in that it uses logical operations to generate sounds, and features a similar modulation setup and synth engine.  The synth itself is finished, just working on presets and a manual.

Here’s an audio demo, starting from a preset and tweaking knobs: