LEVIATHAN LAPSING

DIALECTIC & DESTINY

SOME DENIAL OF HISTORY

A track the utilizes mostly Blue Lantern modules,  in this case the ZTVCO and the CV Arpeggiator.

THIS IS HOW WE DEFORM: Blue Lantern CV Arpeggiator

This little honey of an arpeggiator is based on circuit designs by Todd Barton,  which seemingly morphed into a collaboration between Blue Lantern and Barton.  This is the latest version of this module,  which dispenses with the expansion module,  but retains its functionality (clock and trigger outputs) and CV control of its parameters.  It adds rather funky,  but functional switches for normalizing or decimating the output,   chord selection,  and  choosing scales.  And let's not forget the decorative bling that adorns recent Blue Lantern modules. This is certainly one cost effective way to add movement to your sound experiments without selling your firstborn (which actually may be a good idea...*S*).

CONJOINED TWINS

One of the things that I love about the Eurorack format is the formidable variety of modules available without resorting to bankruptcy,  although from month to month it can get close.  Different colors, shapes,  sizes,  and functions serve to draw the unwary to certain financial depletion.  I've taken to patching my two Monorocket powered cases together with always sound  results.  Yeah,  I know that one case is probably enough considering the incredible synthesis power contained in only a few modules,  but desire and curiosity generally quash any hints of the rational.

MAGNIFIERS: NO REGRETS/Writings on Scott Walker

This compendium of articles is a welcome addition to the study of one of the few "popular" singer/songwriters that could reasonably be called an artist without flinching at the hubris of it all.  As edited by Rob Young,  these writings offer a compelling view of Scott's diversity,  featuring the words of Biba Kopf,  Damon Krukowski,  David Toop,  and many others.  Subjects include Scott's tenure with the Walker Brothers,  his foray into country music,  Scott 1-4,  his Brel fixation,  his radical later works like TILT and THE DRIFT,  and even his MOR "blunders"  like THE MOVIEGOER.  Taken in sum,  this is really a book about withdrawal and engagement on all levels:  emotional,  intellectual,  political,  and artistic.  From my point of view,  a must read.

BLUE LANTERN ZTVCO: Instant Collectible

Well,  it seems that Blue Lantern and Ian Fritz have come to some kind of understanding concerning Blue Lantern's use of the latter's original circuit design for a "through zero" oscillator,  although details are sketchy at best.  Read comments,  info,  and hearsay at:

                        http://www.muffwiggler.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=63769

Hopefully this does not signal the end of Blue Lantern as a viable entity,  but sets the stage for a more reasonable approach to sharing intellectual property within the world of modular synthesis.  

Blue TZ VCO Source Confirmed?

Blue TZ VCO Source Confirmed?

Follow-up to the BLUE ZTVCO DRY DEMO & Surrounding Controversy post.

via Ian Fritz on Muffs:

"Here is an illustration of the Blue Lantern Blue VCO, with inked-in sections indicating the correspondence of this circuit to the Teezer Thru-Zero VCO. For the VCO core and sync sections, the two circuits are virtually identical. The only notable difference is the trivial substitution of an LM13700 OTA, along with substitution of low-performance op amps. Otherwise, circuit topology and component values are exactly identical, even down to and including the number and values of all bypass capacitors.

As discussed before, the +/- 5V supplies were taken from Rene's TZ VCO. They consist of three-terminal power supply regulators, rather than the precision reference components of the Teezer. Otherwise, the multiple power supply voltages are derived exactly as in the Teezer. The waveshapers -- external to the core -- are a different design.

Hope this helps clarify matters regarding the Blue Lantern "design". I hate to be still beating on this, but we are still hearing negative comments from the skeptics.

TROUBLE?: Blue Lantern ZTVCO

In keeping with a string of accusations concerning copyright infringement/cloning against Blue Lantern's head honcho,  this new oscillator further fans familiar flames of design theft even without the benefit of schematics or reverse engineering.  Both  Elby Design's Ian Fritz and the ever fallacious Cynthia (she probably shouldn't throw herself into the fray considering her history with the ZOe,  as I'm still waiting for mine after $1800 spent and a year and a half of frustration) of Cyndustries have a stake here,  although nothing meaningful has come from their accusations/statements.  Some retail outlets are afraid to sell this "through zero"  oscillator for fear of legal fallout,  which seems reasonable to me.  I bought mine directly from Blue Lantern's Ebay store and will report on its performance at a later date. I, myself can't wait for someone to read and compare schematics!  But before that verdict is in,  if it ever is,  I must laud Blue Lantern for providing us with a ZTVCO at an affordable price and easy availability.

FIRST FIG OF THE SEASON

Both surreal and suggestive,  this is really about celebrating the sweetness of the summer and all that nature gives us.  I guess our pagan roots are showing,  which is certainly a good thing.  Unfortunately,  the fruits' sugar won't peak until autumn is nearly upon us,  and death is in the air.

THE TRAVAILS OF MOVEMENT

A kind of interplanetary stumble presented for your prancing pleasure.

VOICEOVER: Andy Warhol on Art

"You have to do stuff that average people don't understand because those are the only good things."

"Don't think about making art,  just get it done.  Let everyone else decide if it's good or bad,  whether they love it or hate it.  While they are deciding,  make even more art."

THIS IS HOW WE DEFORM: Analogue Systems EMS Synthi Trapezoid Generator

This quirky Eurorack module from Analogue Systems comes to us via designs by the folks at EMS (still a functional entity,  although production of their much lauded synths crawls at best),  and takes the envelope generator and VCA from the Synthi/VCS3 axis as its inspiration (no pin matrix needed).  Those two elements come together to form a flexible sound shaping tool.  This is not the standard ADSR,  as this envelope is comprised of the stages Attack/On/Decay/Off,  forming a trapezoidal shape.  The second section here is an integrated VCA,  which uses the voltages produced by the envelope to modify (deform)  the signals applied to it.  In lieu of my in presently ill Synthi AKS,  this bit of electrical geometry should provide a fine substitute.