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.

The video is below. Unfortunately I have a wedding to attend the same weekend as NMASS 2015. What is it, you may ask?

“A 3-day festival featuring music performances, sound installations, film screenings, and a synth meet!”

Here’s a schedule of the 3-day lineup (don’t miss Saturday!):

Thursday 6/11/2015 6:00pm Gallery open, meet and greet 7:00pm Experimental Response Cinema Programming 8:30pm Brent Fariss w/Cathy Marchese and Robin Spiotto 9:30pm Tucker A&M Perry Coalition 10:00pm Locations: Lily Taylor and Sean Miller 10:45pm TxChip (Love Hz, Brother Android, Party Time Hexcellent) 12:30am Enjoy Gallery Installation (New Media Recordings)

Friday 6/12/2015 6:00pm Enjoy Gallery Installation (New Media Recordings) 6:30pm Laura Brackney / Stinson Seusser 7:00pm Andrew Weathers Ensemble 7:30pm David Simons, Bob Hoffnar, Jordan Moser, Oren Porterfield 8:30pm Raquel Bell, Daphane Park, and Derrick Barnicoat 9:00pm Hsin-Jung Tsai & Thomas Helton 9:30pm Chris Cogburn & Steve Parker 10:00pm Tierra Mestiza  Aventuras 11:00pm Alex Keller & Sean O’Neill 11:30pm Illicit Relationship 12:00am Enjoy Gallery Installation (New Media Recordings)

Saturday 6/13/2015 1:00pm-5:00pm Trash Audio Synth Meet 5:15pm Tyler Thompson (Denver) 5:30pm Dylan C (Austin) 6:05pm Snowbeasts (Providence) 6:35pm Surachai (Chicago) 7:15pm Alessandro Cortini (Los Angeles) 8:05pm Richard Devine (Atlanta) 9:00pm Baseck (Los Angeles) 9:30pm Man Forever 10:00pm Christy and Emily w/Brock Monroe 10:45pm Danny Kamins, Steve Parker, Sandy Ewen, Damon Smith 11:15pm Kid Millions / Jim Sauter duo Midnight – Mongoose (Austin version of Zorn Cobra game)

New Media Art and Sound Summit 2015

The post NMASS 2015 teaser video featuring sound design by Richard Devine, visuals by Dr. Bleep appeared first on Bent-Tronics.

I wrote about the original announcement of the Ottobit here, and gave some basic info about it. Meris now has the Ottobit available for purchase. Along with the release, they have posted a great demo video showing off some of it’s capabilities. This video is way more in-depth than the original teaser video. If you’re a user of the 500 Modular series, it seems like it would be a great addition to your setup.

The Ottobit is listed for $549 on their website.

The post Audio In >> Video Game Out – Meris Ottobit Bit Reduction/FX Module just released + awesome demo video 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.

The post Synthesis & Samples Hackathon in NYC this Saturday ft. burnkit2600 and littleBits Korg Synth Kit Workshop appeared first on Bent-Tronics.

As I told you about before, Minneapolis-based DIY kit makers GetLoFi and Nootropic Design have a Kickstarter campaign for the Synthino XM Polyphonic MIDI Synthesizer and Groovebox. They have now surpassed their $14,000 goal, and will start shipping in April/May. As of today there are only 7 left at the $129 Kickstarter price, and 5 days left to pre-order!

The post Synthino XM Synth/Groovebox Kickstarter campaign fully funded, only 7 units left! appeared first on Bent-Tronics.