This is Takazudo Modular Highlights vol.6 (distributed July 15, 2024).
This is an archive of the newsletter sent through our Mercari Shops. While we call it an archive, the Mercari newsletter has various limitations, so this is an optimized article for the web.
Here are the contents of Vol.6.
This is Takazudo Modular Highlights vol.6 (distributed July 15, 2024).
This issue covers new AI Synthesis products and ADDAC System DIY kit additions.
AI Synthesis Module / DIY Kit Additions
We've started carrying 3 new products from AI Synthesis:
AI022 Harmonic Mixer
AI106 West Coast Mixer
AI026 Line I/O Interface
Each comes in aluminum and black panel versions, with both built units and DIY kits available. Additionally, the simple passive multiple
AI001 Multiple
which was previously only available as a DIY kit, is now also available as a built unit.
The Harmonic Mixer and West Coast Mixer are both 3-channel mixers that transform your audio. We've written quite detailed descriptions for each. They're reasonably priced and let you enjoy hands-on sound synthesis, so please check them out if you're interested.
The Line I/O Interface is a module for adjusting volume levels between non-modular music gear and your modular system. If you've ever noticed that your drum machine's output sounds too quiet when brought into your modular setup, this module can help.
All the DIY kits have a small number of parts and are simple builds, so they're also recommended for anyone wanting to try DIY!
CP3-style mixer with discrete circuitry. Increasing gain adds harmonics and analog warmth. Further gain produces distortion and phase changes, forming new waveforms. Aluminium panel version.
CP3-style mixer with discrete circuitry. Increasing gain adds harmonics and analog warmth. Further gain produces distortion and phase changes, forming new waveforms. Black panel version.
CP3-style mixer with discrete circuitry. Increasing gain adds harmonics and analog warmth. Further gain produces distortion and phase changes, forming new waveforms. Aluminium panel DIY kit.
CP3-style mixer with discrete circuitry. Increasing gain adds harmonics and analog warmth. Further gain produces distortion and phase changes, forming new waveforms. Black panel DIY kit.
Discrete mixer inspired by vintage 1960s–1970s West Coast synthesizer circuits. Increasing gain adds harmonics and analog warmth. Aluminium panel version.
Discrete mixer inspired by vintage 1960s–1970s West Coast synthesizer circuits. Increasing gain adds harmonics and analog warmth. Black panel version.
Discrete mixer inspired by vintage 1960s–1970s West Coast synthesizer circuits. Increasing gain adds harmonics and analog warmth. Aluminium panel DIY kit.
Discrete mixer inspired by vintage 1960s–1970s West Coast synthesizer circuits. Increasing gain adds harmonics and analog warmth. Black panel DIY kit.
Compact signal conversion module between line level and Eurorack level. Converts ±2V line signals to/from ±5V Eurorack signals. Aluminium panel version.
Compact signal conversion module between line level and Eurorack level. Converts ±2V line signals to/from ±5V Eurorack signals. Black panel version.
Compact signal conversion module between line level and Eurorack level. Converts ±2V line signals to/from ±5V Eurorack signals. Aluminium panel DIY kit.
Compact signal conversion module between line level and Eurorack level. Converts ±2V line signals to/from ±5V Eurorack signals. Black panel DIY kit.
2HP passive multiple. Configurable as 1-in 6-out or 2-in 3-out. Provides signal distribution and patching flexibility. Aluminium panel version.
2HP passive multiple. Configurable as 1-in 6-out or 2-in 3-out. Provides signal distribution and patching flexibility. Black panel version.
ADDAC System DIY Kit Additions
We've also started carrying ADDAC System DIY kits. Here are the 3 new items:
ADDAC701.REV2 VCO
ADDAC106 T-Noiseworks
ADDAC104 VC T-Networks
These were actually received together with the previous ADDAC System shipment, but a customer who pre-ordered wanted to try building one first, so I was observing how that went. Today we've finally added them to the web shop.
Unlike AI Synthesis kits, which are almost entirely through-hole components (where you insert component leads through holes in the PCB and solder them), ADDAC System kits often use SMD (surface mount) components — very small parts. However, in these kits, most SMD components are pre-mounted on the PCB, so the soldering difficulty is roughly the same as AI Synthesis kits.
One exception: the ADDAC701.REV2 VCO requires precise calibration to tune the pitch, which is a bit more involved. I've written about this in detail in the article, so if you're planning to build it, please use the article as a reference.
Percussive sound source module utilizing T-network filters. CV-controllable decay per channel for generating diverse drum and percussion sounds.
Noise-driven 4-voice drum module. Generates snare and hi-hat-like sounds, adding gritty texture and character to rhythm tracks. Self-build kit.
High-precision analog VCO using the CEM3340 chip. Features 6-octave switching, PWM, and FM input, combining stability with versatility.
That's all for this newsletter.
The DIY kits introduced today will also be available for purchase at the modular labo#3 event on Saturday, July 27 (mentioned in the last newsletter). If you're feeling hesitant about starting on your own and you're near Tokyo, please consider visiting the event.
See you next time.
This newsletter was distributed on July 15, 2024.
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