Variscan Synthesis

A new modular approach, using Cornish granite, CNC cut copper circuit boards and a lot of magnets. The problem with the log synth was that I never wrote down the whole schematic, so I can't really build another one - it's quite hard to swap out the voices, and the filters are hardwired to each voice.

Theory and silly rules:

• Trying to give a voice to 370 million year old electronic components.
• Changing/adjusting the crystal should have a clear result in most circumstances - they need to be in the centre of the circuit, so e.g. taking them away stops the sound for that signal path.
• If possible circuits should highlight the differences between different minerals and source localities - these sounds have a kind of 'terroir'.
• Specially made cat's whiskers mounted in Cornish granite to make the minerals the focus of a live performance.
• Incorporate 1920s crystal wireless technology.
• No tuning.

In practice:

• Single sided PCBs glued to neodymium magnets, so they can be rearranged inside a repurposed tool box (protects them during travelling/storage). Modular without (so many) patch cables, structure follows flow.
• Extensive use of vactrols (LED/light dependent resistor). This is to make circuits simpler and be able to see what's going on at the same time.
• Sequencing via simple building blocks, binary counters and shift registers.
• Syncs with analogue synths via pulse train.
• Works well with volca modular, which has become a standard addition in live gigs.
• Inputs/outputs are signal, +4.5V, 0V, -4.5V. Other voltage ranges also work (the diode ladder filter needs at least this much to work). Signal is replaced by clock on the sequencing modules.

Modules

• noisegen
• squarewave
• diode ladder filter
• 4 way low pass gate
• general purpose amp
• noisegen amp
• shift sequencer
• counter

(Photo credit Nik Nenov (cc-by-sa))