"I am meant to receive two sample PCBs (front and rear) this afternoon which will be tested by myself tomorrow morning. All being perfect which I think it will- the 'mac r's will be built up completely and arrive here next week....so they will be out extraordinarilly soon!!"
I checked Ken's Facebook page and found a post from a few weeks ago indicating that the 5U Vortex is back on the drawing board:
Quote:
I'm going to do it Stefano!....a very limited run for the 5U guys!
It's a 6 space 5U module...2 x LFOs, 2 x Audio Oscs, 1 x Noise, 1 Filter, 2x EGs and VCA!
the limited run is down to the popularity of the 3U Format over the 5U. Basically- my distributers have a hard time selling 5U modules...but maybe this one will do ok. When I think limited run- I think 50....then see if it's a seller. Personally- I love it- it's a complete compact synth in 5U!
"....looks like the micromac-r units get dispatched on Wednesday!"
(from the assembly plant to Ken)
and in reply to someone asking about when they will ship to users:
"...100 units to calibrate!....but I knows mah stuff!...it will be the next week your unit (and others) go out! My Card Box manufacturer has the dimensions- and they will be with me next week too!....then it's shipping!"
I'm wondering, is there any small device I could plug into the VCO and VCF CV inputs that would let me "store" settings? Sort of like a CV programmer. Does any such thing exist? I would love to be able to use this synth live as well as in the studio, and while most of the parameters shouldn't be a problem to tweak quickly between songs, the VCO tuning would be a pain since it would require listening and adjusting by ear (no octave switches).
I'm wondering, is there any small device I could plug into the VCO and VCF CV inputs that would let me "store" settings? Sort of like a CV programmer. Does any such thing exist? I would love to be able to use this synth live as well as in the studio, and while most of the parameters shouldn't be a problem to tweak quickly between songs, the VCO tuning would be a pain since it would require listening and adjusting by ear (no octave switches).
Take a look at the Analog Memory and Pressure Points modules by MakeNoise. Those would do what you are asking. But since VCO tuning can change with time/temperature, I still think you'd wind up needing to fine tune the Micromac by ear on stage, just like any old VCO monosynth.
Take a look at the Analog Memory and Pressure Points modules by MakeNoise. Those would do what you are asking. But since VCO tuning can change with time/temperature, I still think you'd wind up needing to fine tune the Micromac by ear on stage, just like any old VCO monosynth.
They are not standalone modules. He is looking at buying the micromac desktop, and taking it to gigs. If he'd want to use the makenoise modules you suggested - he would need to get some kind of eurorack case as power supply.
Take a look at the Analog Memory and Pressure Points modules by MakeNoise. Those would do what you are asking. But since VCO tuning can change with time/temperature, I still think you'd wind up needing to fine tune the Micromac by ear on stage, just like any old VCO monosynth.
Those are good suggestions, thanks. I'm not sure the fine tuning would be such an issue. The new Moogs (Voyager and Phatty) have VCOs as well, yet after they warm up and stabilize patches can be recalled very accurately. I know they use digital circuits for the memory, but in the end the values are converted to CV anyway.
Quote:
Originally Posted by zahush76
They are not standalone modules. He is looking at buying the micromac desktop, and taking it to gigs. If he'd want to use the makenoise modules you suggested - he would need to get some kind of eurorack case as power supply.
True, though maybe a tiny one-module case would do the trick?
I'm wondering, is there any small device I could plug into the VCO and VCF CV inputs that would let me "store" settings? Sort of like a CV programmer. Does any such thing exist? I would love to be able to use this synth live as well as in the studio, and while most of the parameters shouldn't be a problem to tweak quickly between songs, the VCO tuning would be a pain since it would require listening and adjusting by ear (no octave switches).
Micromac doesn't have CV outputs for each VCO, but it has something allmost as good (if not better for quick, simple & dirty solution) and that is individual outs for each VCO. My quick fix would be: get cheapest and smallest multimeter you can find that can measure frequency. When you make patch you like turn off any FM / pitch modulation, measure frequency at each output and write them down somewhere. On stage, stick freq meter in each output and twiddle until it gets to desired freq. You would have to do this with same note on midi/CV input during "memorise" and "recall" procedures (and again dont forget to turn off FM/sync/pitchMod). That's less than $30 for multimeter and about $10 for custom cable (you dont have two meter probes anymore but 1/4in jack instead) that any tech can make (if you have a friend with soldering iron that's about $3 for custom cable). That's about it.
Those are good suggestions, thanks. I'm not sure the fine tuning would be such an issue. The new Moogs (Voyager and Phatty) have VCOs as well, yet after they warm up and stabilize patches can be recalled very accurately. I know they use digital circuits for the memory, but in the end the values are converted to CV anyway.
True, though maybe a tiny one-module case would do the trick?
If you're considering buying the micromac desktop and add an external module with a custom made case and psu - wouldn't just be a more elegant solution to go for a one row eurorack?
Get the cheaper micromac r instead of the micromac desktop, a happy ending kit, one of the mentioned modules for cv memory, and the PEG while you're at it.
The Analog Systems RS-420 eurorack octave controller can do octave switching for three VCOs... so if you decide to build a eurorack to compliment your Micromac Desktop, you could get something like this for quick octave switching. I kind of wish the Micromac had octave switching instead of the coarse tuning for the vcos, but I suppose something like the RS420 would still do the job.
Micromac doesn't have CV outputs for each VCO, but it has something allmost as good (if not better for quick, simple & dirty solution) and that is individual outs for each VCO. My quick fix would be: get cheapest and smallest multimeter you can find that can measure frequency. When you make patch you like turn off any FM / pitch modulation, measure frequency at each output and write them down somewhere. On stage, stick freq meter in each output and twiddle until it gets to desired freq. You would have to do this with same note on midi/CV input during "memorise" and "recall" procedures (and again dont forget to turn off FM/sync/pitchMod). That's less than $30 for multimeter and about $10 for custom cable (you dont have two meter probes anymore but 1/4in jack instead) that any tech can make (if you have a friend with soldering iron that's about $3 for custom cable). That's about it.
Thanks, that's definitely a solution though it would probably make the whole thing a little too complicated. Between muting the main output, tuning each oscillator separately by plugging and unplugging the multimeter and adjusting other parameters on the synth (envelopes, lfos etc.) it would take way too long.
Quote:
Originally Posted by zahush76
If you're considering buying the micromac desktop and add an external module with a custom made case and psu - wouldn't just be a more elegant solution to go for a one row eurorack?
Get the cheaper micromac r instead of the micromac desktop, a happy ending kit, one of the mentioned modules for cv memory, and the PEG while you're at it.
You're right, but then I lose the form factor and compactness of the synth, and if I'm going for something that size I may as well get the Voyager RME which has patch memory. The more I think of it the less practical the whole idea seems - the Micromac is simply a studio synth and not really intended for live use, if it at least had octave switches for the VCO's instead of coarse tune knobs it would make the process of switching patches live more feasible, but as it is I should probably get something else. I may still get the Micromac for the studio though.
...the Micromac is simply a studio synth and not really intended for live use, if it at least had octave switches for the VCO's instead of coarse tune knobs it would make the process of switching patches live more feasible...
I do not think the Micromac is 'simply a studio synth and not really intended for live use' -- in fact, I know a few of us who pre-ordered it plan to use it in a live context. Granted it will not be my only synth for live playing (synths with presets work wonders as 'staple' sounds), there are still a decent amount of things you could do with the Micromac for live use. I think the more you navigate the controls, the more confident you will feel using it in a live context. That being said, something like the Little Phatty or even soft synth (e.g. Diva) would be a great addition to a live rig.
Micromac doesn't have CV outputs for each VCO, but it has something allmost as good (if not better for quick, simple & dirty solution) and that is individual outs for each VCO. My quick fix would be: get cheapest and smallest multimeter you can find that can measure frequency. When you make patch you like turn off any FM / pitch modulation, measure frequency at each output and write them down somewhere. On stage, stick freq meter in each output and twiddle until it gets to desired freq. You would have to do this with same note on midi/CV input during "memorise" and "recall" procedures (and again dont forget to turn off FM/sync/pitchMod). That's less than $30 for multimeter and about $10 for custom cable (you dont have two meter probes anymore but 1/4in jack instead) that any tech can make (if you have a friend with soldering iron that's about $3 for custom cable). That's about it.
I feel like an idiot. I thought those VCO outs on the front were CV outs and I was planning on using my CP-251 with it to do FM. Oh well, no big deal or anything. I plan on using the Micromac more for your typical classic synth sounds, rather than metallic FM sounds. Cross-mod is cool, but I not a big user of it. It's great for weird and percussion sounds.
Thanks, that's definitely a solution though it would probably make the whole thing a little too complicated. Between muting the main output, tuning each oscillator separately by plugging and unplugging the multimeter and adjusting other parameters on the synth (envelopes, lfos etc.) it would take way too long.
You're right, but then I lose the form factor and compactness of the synth, and if I'm going for something that size I may as well get the Voyager RME which has patch memory. The more I think of it the less practical the whole idea seems - the Micromac is simply a studio synth and not really intended for live use, if it at least had octave switches for the VCO's instead of coarse tune knobs it would make the process of switching patches live more feasible, but as it is I should probably get something else. I may still get the Micromac for the studio though.
Just so you know - if you're planning on getting a voyager rme instead - for the same price there's a lunar impact voyager keyboard for 2599$, new, on novamusik.
You can use any OSC audio output and plug it into a CV input for FM. Any synth that does oscillator cross-mod, that's exactly what it's doing.
Thanks for clearing that. That is what I thought, but when I read no CV outs, just audio, I got thrown off. I guess in order for VCO Outs to even be audio outs, they would need VCA at the least. So are these outs are pre-VCF/VCA?
Yes, pre-VCF/VCA. They are raw outputs directly from each oscillator.
For example, taking the VCO 3 OUT signal and plugging it into the VCO 2 CV IN jack should be the same as flipping the VCO 3 > VCO 2 switch up in the oscillator section.
Yes, pre-VCF/VCA. They are raw outputs directly from each oscillator.
For example, taking the VCO 3 OUT signal and plugging it into the VCO 2 CV IN jack should be the same as flipping the VCO 3 > VCO 2 switch up in the oscillator section.
Got it. That is what I originally thought. This thing is going to be freakin' awesome.
For example, taking the VCO 3 OUT signal and plugging it into the VCO 2 CV IN jack should be the same as flipping the VCO 3 > VCO 2 switch up in the oscillator section.
Individual outs are most probably just after waveform selectors. However, I guess that internal mod routings like VCO3>VCO2 are after Volume atenuators
I do not think the Micromac is 'simply a studio synth and not really intended for live use' -- in fact, I know a few of us who pre-ordered it plan to use it in a live context. Granted it will not be my only synth for live playing (synths with presets work wonders as 'staple' sounds), there are still a decent amount of things you could do with the Micromac for live use. I think the more you navigate the controls, the more confident you will feel using it in a live context. That being said, something like the Little Phatty or even soft synth (e.g. Diva) would be a great addition to a live rig.
I can see it being incorporated in a live rig as a synth to improvise with, or as an additional sound source that doesn't need to change much between songs. But any major, pre-planned changes to the sound will be cumbersome to apply live especially if you need to change the tuning intervals. Obviously it also depends on the type of music you perform and how much time you have to make the adjustments.
Quote:
Originally Posted by zahush76
Just so you know - if you're planning on getting a voyager rme instead - for the same price there's a lunar impact voyager keyboard for 2599$, new, on novamusik.
Thanks. But As awesome as the Voyager is, it's exactly the opposite of what I'm looking for ATM - a small, great sounding synth that will be useful both live and in the studio.
Hi Zombie- if you check the jack sockets there- you'll see that there are both VCF direct out and and the main out jack- it's common to take the post VCA out and feed it back into the VCF for mild distortion. Also the mix sectio does hit mild overdrive too when cranked up! Regarding the sub osc idea- I had condidered this- but I also wanted noise to be included as that is very typical to have in a synth and makes for a well beefy bottom end!
This synth looks and sounds great so far!
Are there any youtube or other demonstrations that show some of the overdrive sounds ?
This thread was started over 2 years ago (Sept. 5th 2010).
Today, Ken posted this picture on Facebook, having received the Micromac-R production units back from the assembly plant.
3 Micromacs playing in unison, tuned to different pitches - wow.
You see? That's exactly the kind of demos that makes me think "for this sound i'm willing to go as far as selling my Nord Stage to finance it". It's really that good. Really i-replacable by any vst.
I wonder when Ken will start to manufacture the Desktop version.
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That is what I originally thought. This thing is going to be freakin' awesome.
