In this video, I show what the completed projects from Chapter 7 should look like.

Errata:
Project 5 parts list – Optional caps C4 and C5 are shown in the schematic and breadboard layouts, but not listed in the parts list. Both should be .01 uF

The post My 555 Book, Chpt. 7 recap: Audible Anarchy with the Atari Punk Console appeared first on Bent-Tronics.

However, they don’t call it a synth. The bitRanger from the very unique Bastl Instruments is billed as “a patchable analog logic computer.” Now then, said analog computer “sculpts sonic worlds ranging from data noise to melodic arpeggios.” So, yeah, it’s a synth, and a very patchable one at that!

With over 100 patch points (118 to be exact), some labeled Divider Bits, BYTE CV, DATA modulation, and even Adventure Bits, the bitRanger begs to be experimented with.

One of the synth’s main designers is Peter Edward from Casper Electronics fame. Like me, Peter used to be really into the circuit bending scene, and that’s exactly what the bitRanger reminds me of – a factory bendable synthesizer. Only without all the soldering, drilling, mounting of connectors/switches, and then hopefully finding a few useful bend points.

The bitRanger was designed to play nicely with other gear too. CV in/out, Clock in/out, just to name a couple, and the video even states “interfaces great with Eurorack modular synths thru 5 compatible connectors.” It can even be used as an algorithmic CV/GATE pattern generator.

The price is listed as €222.00 (about $250 US) and a ship date of June 2016.

I can easily see this as part of a portable experimental/noise/drone setup, or even as a funky source for inspiration in the studio.

What do you think? Let me know in the comments below.

The post Announcing bitRanger, a weird handheld modular synth crammed with over 100 patch points appeared first on Bent-Tronics.

After a year hiatus, not only is Moogfest back for 2016 but so is their popular Circuit Bending Challenge.

Past years have had certain themes or requirements for entry into the challenge, and this year does too, however it seems pretty standard.

• The device you bend must be battery operated with a power supply no greater than 9 volts.

• Your project must be completed for a total cost of $70 or less. This includes the device you bend and all parts you use to bend it.

• You’ll need to create a Bill of Materials, Build Instructions, and Photos sequencing the build step by step.

Once you’ve created your instrument, create and upload a video to YouTube and title it “Moog Circuit Bending Challenge 2016.” Send an email with the subject Moog Circuit Bending Challenge 2016 to circuitbending@moogfest.com with your Build Of Materials, Photos, and the YouTube link to your entry. Your video will be evaluated by Moog and its staff, and three finalists will be chosen. Audio quality and concise editing will be taken into consideration. The better you document, the better we can judge.

The deadline for this year’s entries is Midnight EST on March 27th, 2016. Prizes include a Moog Sub 37, Moog Sub Phatty, and Moog Minataur.

Here’s a link to some of the more popular videos of past entries.

More information and official rules can be found here. Are you going to enter? If so, let me know in the comments.

The post The Moogfest Circuit Bending Challenge is back for 2016 appeared first on Bent-Tronics.

If you’re a fan of live DIY synth/circuit bent performances, you need to check out Not Breathing, aka Dave Wright of Tucson, AZ.

His newest album, Wrightman II, was released earlier this month on Bandcamp. $5 for 9 songs. Be sure to check it out on a decent sound system, there’s some killer low end.
Some may be remiss upon first listen to say these tracks are “simple.” However, keep in mind, they’re all played live on mostly hand built/hacked instruments.

Catching a Not Breathing show in person is the best way to see the sheer madness (genius?) that Dave possesses. A danceable noise assault is the only way I’ve come up with to describe it.

You can see the madness for yourself this weekend if you’re in the Tucson, AZ area:
Saturday, April 26, 8:00 pm
2500 N Stone Ave, Tucson AZ 85705

http://www.notbreathing.com

The post Circuit Bending/DIY Synth guru Dave Wright/Not Breathing releases new Album appeared first on Bent-Tronics.

The updates have been coming fast. Igor Vasiliev has been busy.

What is new in SoundScaper:

• Complete MIDI control for all faders, knobs and other modes
• Possibility to create MIDI control maps for different controllers
• Two different MIDI devices can be used to control
• Quick MIDI learn mode for each fader in advanced control panel
• Change type of faders on the oscillator main panels
• Copy and Paste operations for oscillator parameters through text clipboard
• Copy and Paste operations for scenes through text clipboard
• Possibility to send scene parameters through Email
• New features for automation in advanced control panels
• Additional samples in built-in samples library
• Built-in description updated
• Minor bug fixes

The post Circuit Bending sound design app SoundScaper, now with MIDI control appeared first on Bent-Tronics.

I stumbled across a fantastic video on YouTube of circuit bent/tape loop/noise artist AMULETS aka Randall Taylor of Austin, TX.  He is another example of someone performing some great compositions with lofi/minimalist gear.

Micro Tour info:

Thursday (tonight), 4/2/15
Espresso Gallery
529 San Pedro Ave, San Antonio, Texas 78212
https://www.facebook.com/events/1597613817143092/

Friday, 4/3/15
Houston, TX
TBD

Saturday, 4/4/15
Bisbano’s Cellar Bar
Lafayette, Louisiana 70506
https://www.facebook.com/events/969181106425214/

The AMULETS FaceBook page.

Here is the video I mentioned above.

The post Circuit Bending/Noise artist AMULETS plays tonight in San Antonio. Houston, Lafayette this weekend appeared first on Bent-Tronics.

Before Glitchmachines was known as a high-level, futuristic software effects brand, Ivo Ivanov was very busy releasing beautifully crafted circuit bent devices. He recently put up a gallery of said devices and it’s impressive, not only in quality but quantity.

The full album can be found on FaceBook here. Below are a few of my favorites:

The post Ivo Ivanov of Glitchmachines Releases Impressive Pictue Gallery of His Circuit Bent Instruments appeared first on Bent-Tronics.

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Chris Randall, from Audio Damage has a great flickr album of the 2015 Denver Synth Meet.

A few highlights below:

The post Pics from this weekend’s Denver Synth Meet appeared first on Bent-Tronics.