New possible Macbeth minisynth???

[Lovebot]

A Macbeth Keytar would be a progger's wettest dream; but please finish what you currently have lined up before you get any more prototype ideas! haha

[AJ Reynolds]

Originally Posted by golden beers

i like the name minimac, but apple would probably send out a death squad..

may as well call it the Mac Mini.

[Lovebot]

Maybe "Mini-Macbeth Model E"

[Zombie H]

Originally Posted by LiveFromKyoto

Finally, my dreams of a 5U keytar are real...*sniff*

[ken Macbeth]

Well- Yesterday was a great fun day! The MIDI controller that John 'Kenton' Price has designed for me, fired up a treat! This was the evaluation board which is identical to the production model- but it let me try things out.
The micromac and Vortex as desktop units will now have MIDI built on. There are many features to this device as well as the essential 1V/Octave CV and +5V GATE. Extra features include glide/portamento, LFO with a variety of waveshapes, MIDI sync of the LFO, MIDI LFO to CV Control. Pitch bend at 1,7 and 12 semitones and one or two other things! The circuit board itself is small enough for me to incorporate into most of my designs so this is good news!
During this time- I've also been working on the final front panel- be it a 3U rack unit (no midi) or the desktop version- this being the micromac. I hope to demo this stuff asap and really there won't be much more to do before the mac hits production!

Ken M

[zahush76]

Hi Ken. Great to hear all this.
There is still one question un-answered. A few posts back you wrote something about an independent lfo on the micromac, and it wasn't clear if that means that the micromac has 3 oscilators - and an lfo (making it 2 lfo's when the 3rd osc doubles as an lfo), or 3 oscilators where the third can double as an lfo.

[ken Macbeth]

Hi Zahush- sorry for missing that question! Ok to answer you: In 'normal' mode- the 3 oscs run at audio. Osc three can be switched out of audio for cross mod of the filter and the other two oscs. In this mode- Osc3 can be still tracking the keyboard- or, indeed, that can be disabled making it a more useful modulator. Osc 3 also goes low frequency too. As I shall shortly be showing- we now have noise with it's independant volume- so we have 4 sources to play with. With the inclusion of this kenton circuit- we now have a true LFO with Osc 3 being a second VC'able LFO! Does this answer your question? Ken M

[zahush76]

Originally Posted by ken Macbeth

Hi Zahush- sorry for missing that question! Ok to answer you: In 'normal' mode- the 3 oscs run at audio. Osc three can be switched out of audio for cross mod of the filter and the other two oscs. In this mode- Osc3 can be still tracking the keyboard- or, indeed, that can be disabled making it a more useful modulator. Osc 3 also goes low frequency too. As I shall shortly be showing- we now have noise with it's independant volume- so we have 4 sources to play with. With the inclusion of this kenton circuit- we now have a true LFO with Osc 3 being a second VC'able LFO! Does this answer your question? Ken M

Let me see if i understand correctly.
Does this mean that,hypothetically, you can set it up so you have two oscilators as sound sources, osc 3 as an lfo - and another extra second lfo?
If that's the case, than isn't it "closing in" on the vortex feature-wise (apart from the extended patchbay, and having 4 stage envelopes instead of ads)?

[Lovebot]

Originally Posted by zahush76

If that's the case, than isn't it "closing in" on the vortex feature-wise (apart from the extended patchbay, and having 4 stage envelopes instead of ads)?

If the Vortex gets the same midi-cv, it will have 3 LFOs! But the Vortex only has 2 VCOs... and as you mentioned, extensive patching, 4 stage EGs, and being in the 5U variety... I'd say they are quite different (but related enough to make choosing between the two somewhat difficult).

[SWAN808]

I suspect the only destination for the kenton LFO is the 3 Osc pitch?

Cant imagine how the extra functionality of the MIDI section is going to appear on the interface!

Ken what are your thoughts on the Kenton glide? Equivalent to an analogue glide? Also do you get the kenton glide options as per SOLO such as legato modes etc...

[soundxplorer]

Originally Posted by zahush76

and another extra second lfo?

Take a look at the Kenton Pro Solo interface:
Kenton PRO-SOLO MKII
It has a digital LFO built in, which is likely this "extra" LFO that Ken is talking about. But I'm guessing it won't have its own knob, but rather all parameters will be controlled through a simple button/LED display or something similar to what you can see along the bottom of the MacBeth M3X: http://www.schneidersladen.de/wp-con...07/ken_m3x.jpg

So I don't think he's talking about putting this extra LFO on the panel with its own physical knob. It's more like an extra hidden in the software of the Kenton device. And if the Vortex has the same MIDI interface, then it might have a third LFO in addition to the two analog ones on the panel.

Ken - do you know yet if Velocity will be one of the modulation sources available on the Kenton component? And how about options to switch between Legato/Retrigger modes?

[ken Macbeth]

Hi All- I'll try and answer your further questions here!
@SWANN- The digital LFO will affect the pitch mixed in with the main CV, as will Pitch Bend. Regarding the the glide in the Kenton- it's just one of the features on Johns work that I really like- it feels great! And it can be pretty sloww too if you like that! It can be switched in and out very easily (CC#65) and I do this on both my small four octave Roland Kbd and my Prophecy. When I switch 'portamento' on the Prophecy- glide comes in, just like that! It's an interesting idea having two glide types, analogue and digital. I like both! As said- the digital glide can be switched in and out- the analogue type being manually controlled. Regarding this very small device- the glide is basic- on or off.
Regarding controlling this device- all entries are made via your midi keyboard controller. The various notes on the keyboard switch function in and out- for example- MIDI chanel assign is done using the bottom 16 notes of a 61 octave MIDI keyboard. You hold a 'learn' push button in and press the relevant note coressponding the the midi receive channel. Other function work like this too.
@soundxplorer- you are correct about the LFO coming from the midi circuit- just like the pro solo the increment/decrement for instance is applied by your MIDI keyboard controller- very simply done! Regarding Velocity- this is something that I'm looking at on this device- there are one or two AUX outs that may well be exploited.
I'd like you guys to understand this- basically I asked John for a MIDI interface that would provide only note on/note of CV and GATE. I did not anticipate the inclusion of Pitch Bend, Glide or even the LFO- so you can imagine that I'm delighted with these extras. It was not part of the plan for the micromac....or even the Vortex! I consider myself lucky getting these extras that will make an already baw busting product so far!
@Lovebot- to no ones' surprise- the micromac looks like it will be the (by far) more popular product- not just from the email requests that I'm getting- but (key) from the distributors. So this product, as I may have explained here/elswhere) will be the first unit out. Everything about working in this business is determined by demand. So I do think about the Vortex. Sonically- people have requested the 3 Osc type synth- and that, in the micromac, has been done!

[soundxplorer]

Originally Posted by ken Macbeth

basically I asked John for a MIDI interface that would provide only note on/note of CV and GATE. I did not anticipate the inclusion of Pitch Bend, Glide or even the LFO- so you can imagine that I'm delighted with these extras. It was not part of the plan for the micromac....or even the Vortex! I consider myself lucky getting these extras that will make an already baw busting product so far!

Very cool, extras are always nice!
And thanks for the info. I'm asking basically because I already have a Kenton Pro Solo which I like, so if certain features are included in the Micromac (or left out) then that will determine if I buy the module version and keep my Pro Solo, or if I buy the desktop version with built-in MIDI and effectively replace my Pro Solo.

[ken Macbeth]

hi soundexplorer- the pro-solo is a very handy thing to have- as well as a pro4 that I use- I have a couple of solos hanging around.
When this all gets implented into the production models- it will basically have a couple of sockets on the rear to output CV and GATE to other equipment- but that will basically be that. I don't know how much a solo goes for second hand these days, so I can't say don't sell it! I just find these things great utilities- because you never know, analogue-wise, what's round the corner!

[sempervirent]

Originally Posted by ken Macbeth

to no ones' surprise- the micromac looks like it will be the (by far) more popular product- not just from the email requests that I'm getting- but (key) from the distributors. So this product, as I may have explained here/elswhere) will be the first unit out. Everything about working in this business is determined by demand. So I do think about the Vortex. Sonically- people have requested the 3 Osc type synth- and that, in the micromac, has been done!

I'm still in line for a Vortex (I hope). For me the ergonomics of the larger 5U format are more important than an extra oscillator, and I think the Vortex still has the edge feature-wise, third oscillator excepted.

So I hope when Ken says "I do think about the Vortex" that he doesn't mean "I do think about killing the Vortex because demand for the Micromac exceeds that of the Vortex." It's true that Euro is a bigger market but I'm sure there are hundreds of people who would buy a Vortex as well.

[Gringo Starr]

Originally Posted by ken Macbeth

Well- Yesterday was a great fun day! The MIDI controller that John 'Kenton' Price has designed for me, fired up a treat! This was the evaluation board which is identical to the production model- but it let me try things out.
The micromac and Vortex as desktop units will now have MIDI built on.
Ken M

Hi Ken! Will the keyboard version of the Vortex have all these extra features as well?

[ken Macbeth]

Hi sempervirent- I'll certainly do a short scale run of the Vortex as a desktop unit!....when I have thoughts- I'm thinking about the keyboard version- the size and type of that unit with keys on is still on my list!
@ Gringo- it would be a crime not to include this sub-module with the features incorporated!
I'm pressing on with stuff here! =]

[empirix]

Originally Posted by ken Macbeth

Hi sempervirent- I'll certainly do a short scale run of the Vortex as a desktop unit!....when I have thoughts- I'm thinking about the keyboard version- the size and type of that unit with keys on is still on my list!
@ Gringo- it would be a crime not to include this sub-module with the features incorporated!
I'm pressing on with stuff here! =]

indeed press on Ken, release the micromac soon, good man!

[Lovebot]

Exciting details about the unexpected Kenton Midi-cv features! I can't wait to see the final prototype! The Micromac has really developed into quite a feature-packed synth! Cannot wait to sit down with it!

A quick, somewhat off-topic (as it relates to the Midi-cv chip) question about distortion and the Micromac:

I'm not sure if this topic has been covered, but is there a way to get asymmetrical clipping out of the standalone unit, such as rerouting the audio output with a splitter/Tip Top stackable cable back into the filter input to create a feedback loop (kind of like the old Minimoog headphone trick)? Do the oscillators distort when dialed in at full volume?

[soundxplorer]

Originally Posted by soundxplorer

I already own a 6U Eurorack system but I'm going to order the Vortex desktop.

Heh, now I've changed my mind and I'll probably order the Micromac module instead. It's hard to ignore the value there, 3 OSCs and all.

[fragletrollet]

Macbeth + Mini + Model E

it should be named MINI-ME

[tilman]

I´d be interested to hear some deep snappy fat round, bass sequenced demos from
the micromac. Some lower octave stuff... That´d be great.

[zahush76]

Originally Posted by tilman

I´d be interested to hear some deep snappy fat round, bass sequenced demos from
the micromac. Some lower octave stuff... That´d be great.

+1
The demos so far were great, but they display the more "prog rock" side of the macbeth.

[Lovebot]

Agreed! I also hope we can hear more versatile demos with the Micromac, especially some low end funky stuff (I also mentioned this several posts ago, something akin to the Vortex keyboard video... a dry recording showing off its versatility).

However, I'd rather Macbeth finish up the last prototype and get things off to production before he produces any more awesome film noir synth demos! I'll be happy to make some demos once I get one in the studio!

[kidtesla]

I'm interested in the Vortex 5U module.
Housed in one of these(due to Ken's modules 'skiffy' depth design ) >>>
BRC-001
~OR~
BRC-002-4
Possibly as a starter module for larger MK1 system housed in one of these >>>
MXC-008 Mixer Cases

[Dirty Halo]

Originally Posted by ken Macbeth

Hi sempervirent- I'll certainly do a short scale run of the Vortex as a desktop unit!....when I have thoughts- I'm thinking about the keyboard version- the size and type of that unit with keys on is still on my list!
@ Gringo- it would be a crime not to include this sub-module with the features incorporated!
I'm pressing on with stuff here! =]

Hello there Ken,

I've emailed you a few times directly to ask about getting on a pre-prder list for a desktop Vortex, but have not heard back (100% respect that you are busy and rightfully so)... But, if there is a better way for me to get on that list, please let me know.

Regards,

Andrews

[ken Macbeth]

Hi GSerrs! Thanks for your comments and thoughts there!
Indeed things are very busy/intense at the moment. I have now been reworkorking the layout of the micromac PCBs which now include the kenton MIDI/CV/LFO/GLIDE/MIDI TARGETS etc....and I have literally been using all my time on that! Because of the width of the kenton 'area' on the main voicing board...you guessed it! Three more controls- very useful too- we now have fine tuning pots as well as course tuning pots which will make this even easier to use. John Price is an amazing guy!...the amount of thought that he has put into this controller is really quite breathtaking! As well as what I've described before- I am targeting two key areas for auxilluary control- the CV for filter will now be MIDI asignable with any CC# as will Osc 2. I've targeted Osc 2 because when is is synched with Osc 1 it would be amazing to bend the sync for seriously over the top lead solo/sequence work. This was implemented very successfully on the M3X! Anyways- I won't blab on too much. Potential Vortex buyers- you'll be getting the same setup too in the desktop models- this applying only to the desktop arrangement as both the 3U micromac and 5U Vortex carry no MIDI. One thing I'll mention. When John costed things out via spread sheet- this now essential unit is a tad higher in price than I, or even he expected. I've also had to make changes to the PCBs before production- so that will lift things by a small amount. But that being said and done- the facility that is now on offer is greatly exceeding my expectations...and hopefully yours!
@ Dirty Halo- many apologies for not getting back to you at speed. You've guessed right- I'm up to my neck in it- the good stuff that is! I'm going to spend this Friday coming to take the time to write back to folks and get the pre-orders to happen!

@Lovebot- yes- things are now very close to complete on this one. Everything is about done- I still have to build this final ptrot before it hits the factory- but thats not far off!

Best Wishes from here, Ken

And nice to see you on here too Don!

[soundxplorer]

Originally Posted by ken Macbeth

I'm going to spend this Friday coming to take the time to write back to folks and get the pre-orders to happen!

Hi Ken - do you plan on doing that strictly via email, or will you open up pre-orders on your website?
If there's an "email list" I just want to make sure I'm on it, especially since I can't make up my mind which one I want...Micromac or Vortex...desktop or module...argh.

[Bee Kid]

It's a detail, but will there be a headphone out on the micromac?

Thanks!

[Dirty Halo]

Originally Posted by ken Macbeth

Hi GSerrs! Thanks for your comments and thoughts there!
@ Dirty Halo- many apologies for not getting back to you at speed. You've guessed right- I'm up to my neck in it- the good stuff that is! I'm going to spend this Friday coming to take the time to write back to folks and get the pre-orders to happen!

Oh Ken, I hope hope hope you did not take that as anything negative, quite the contrary, I'm VERY aware and respectful of the huge amount of great work you're doing, so my intent was to ask if there was a good way to contact you in an efficient and non-distracting way.

I'm a HUGE fan of your work!

In fact, one of your first MacBeth synth made a huge appearance on our first album on Radikal and I've always dreamed of owning one myself (and ideally for another release we're working on).

Full respect for not only your work and artistry, but for your more than generous time here, you are an incredible resource and I, for one< am very grateful.

Thank you, sir!

-Andrews