#cv: octave

[auberylis]

I made a VCO that covers <0.03Hz through >13KHz out of crap and sticks!

6 generic op-amps, 3 generic transistors, 3 generic diodes, 1 capacitor and 20 resistors - and you, too, can have one TODAY, since my article on Ultra-Widerange Micro VCO is now out!

It's not a very precise VCO - it tracks exponentially and CV inputs can be tuned to track 1V/Oct over 2-3 octaves, but not more than that. But it requires no fancy or obsolete parts like a VCO chip or an OTA - just the most bread-n-butter parts ever. It's also a simple circuit and an easy build. If you were meaning to build an oscillator that is something more than an atari punk console, but all designs online are too complicated and have uncommon parts, this design just might be suitable for you!

Here's a basic sweep:

And here's some gross noise it and another VCO make in tandem!

As always, all the info, including schematics, circuit notes, more sound demos and module photos, veroboard layouts, etc, are in the article on my site. I'll drop the schem here, though, because for once i really like how it looks, despite in fact being a kinda hacky design.

(i actually think the only reason it doesn't heat up is because TL07x are too slow for that to happen lmfao)

[taperwolf]

So I've decided to try something using my LittleBits Arduino bit and my LittleBits Adapter Eurorack module: the Dumbest Possible Quantizer.

(To overexplain, a quantizer takes a continuously varying voltage as an input and outputs a voltage that follows it, but in defined steps. The usual use case in Eurorack is mapping a control voltage onto the levels needed to produce, in the volt per octave tuning, a musical scale; you run random voltage levels through and get more musical results.)

Quantizer modules typically support different scales, modes, and keys, and sometimes even temperaments, but for the Dumbest Possible Quantizer, I'm limiting things to the bare 12-tone chromatic scale. And as suits the title, I'm doing this in the simplest possible way: I'm taking the 10-bit ADC value of the input — a number between 0 and 1023, covering from 0 to 5 volts — and mapping that onto the 60 midi notes that cover those five octaves. I'm then immediately turning around and mapping those 60 notes onto the 8-bit (0-255) value that the PWM "analog" output can take. This is nobody's idea of the proper way to do this, but since I actually had decent success using the second half as a USB MIDI to CV converter on this board already, it has a reasonable chance of approaching the desired functionality.

Long term, of course, I intend to build or otherwise acquire a quantizer module with real functionality, probably using a proper DAC; I'm following the in-development Teensy 4.1-based Ornament and Crime upgrade with great interest. But I really want to see how much I can do with very low effort!

[spiritualdirections]

ADVENT IS NOT THE CHRISTMAS SEASON!!!

Lots of people today refer to the period when Jingle Bells is playing in the CVS as “The Christmas Season” or (more frequently) “The Holiday Season.” It’s the time when we are supposed to be “festive.” There are so many parties and cookies and cakes that the average American adult gains one pound each year during the time between Thanksgiving and Christmas (and keeps it on the next year). It is the time of year when people spend so much money that it’s an essential part of the business model of many retailers.

   None of this is thinking the way the Church does. Rather, it serves to undermine the meaning of Christmas.

   The season of Advent is a time of preparation; the season of Christmas is the festive time. The season of Christmas begins...on Christmas, not before. There ought to be a marked contrast between the tone of Advent and the tone of Christmas:

The Season of Advent

Time to prepare for the Second Coming

Time of fasting

Liturgical color: violet (like Lent, funerals)

Don’t sing the Gloria at Mass

Time of Penance and Confession

Theme of readings: world is passing away

Time of almsgiving, sacrifice

Time of quiet prayer, meditation

The Season of Christmas

Time to celebrate the Birth of Jesus

Time of feasting

Liturgical color: white (like Easter)

Angels sang the first Gloria to the shepherds

Time to celebrate birth of our Savior 

Theme of readings: Peace on earth

Time of family, good cheer

Time of louder prayer, singing

Keep in mind that the preparation for Christmas is really limited to the novena before Christmas, starting on Dec. 17. The majority of Advent involves praying for Christ’s second coming, rather than remembering his first coming.

Some practical ways to celebrate Advent: 

Call it Advent. That’s the proper name for the liturgical season, so actually use it.

Choose a mortification for the season, a lesser version of what you choose during Lent. This coincides with the nickname of Advent--the “little Lent.” Perhaps you could give up alcohol or cookies or other sweets, so that when you go to “Christmas” parties, you maintain an appropriate mentality.

Do something special on Sundays. Light Advent candles, for example, or do something analogous that marks the progress of the season with your friends. 

Spend some extra time in prayer. Perhaps make the effort to go to daily Mass, and say the rosary.

Make a special effort to perform works of mercy, which in certain contexts might simply mean smiling more and sharing your Christian joy with those who are stressed.

And then, when Christmas comes around--really cut loose! The Octave of Christmas is 8 days of celebrating the great mystery of Jesus’ Incarnation, so celebrate it accordingly. The contrast between Advent and Christmas should help to make the Christmas season not just a continuation of a month of getting fatter, but a special season focusing on the fact that God became Man in order to save us from our sins. Rather than being exhausted because of weeks of excess, we are prepared to welcome the King of Kings with excitement.

[synths-and-sensibility]

Guess who's got 4 channels of midi to cv covering 8 octaves!

It's an Adafruit Itsy Bitsy 32u4 with a couple of MCP4822's and then non-inverting amplifiers. It's kind of a hot mess behind the panel and I had to do some extra steps in code to map out the outputs to the different channels, but hey, it works!

[modsyvoxynth]

Hi Tumblr :)

Earlier today, I posted an UTAU cover I've had up on my SoundCloud page for a few years now. Even tho I went pretty in-depth in the description of that upload, I'm gonna talk my shit here too cuz that was originally posted like 4-5 years ago!! And also I'm super proud of this cover!!! Similar to how I'm treating my cover of Fly Me to the Moon I uploaded a few days ago, I'm including this in my general portfolio as well as my "older/unreleased" covers, since this has technically already been part of my current artist portfolio :)

I've loved Ferry's songs for many many years, I think my first song I heard of their's being The Faulty Feline Philosophy? So as I've already covered a few of their songs (electric knife & a remix of through me to you), I jumped at the chance of covering this sick ass remix of DEAD HAND!!

The main voicebank of this cover is my retired UTAUloid, Dell's, SOLSTICE CV-VC duotone English bank, which is equipped with a SUMMER tone (default tone) and a WINTER tone (softer tone). The song itself is a bit faster than what Dell is capable of, so at some points it did get tricky to tune the quicker lyrics. In the MV (done by the remix artists, Two Makes One of a Kind), there's a countdown sequence that hatched an idea to take Google translate's Russian TTS counting down from 10, and through chopping it up and pitch adjusting in NewTone, I managed to get a really cool adlib! During the bridge, I used another one of Dell's banks, titled DECAY, which was a Japanese CV-VC I recorded one time when I was sick, to create this cool vocal choppy adlib to duck behind the lead vocals. Finally, at the end, I just took the melody for the chorus, replaced the lyrics with "la," and split it into 3 octaves using 3 more of Dell's voicebanks (DAWN-Lite VCVC_J, TERRA CV-VC_Mlt, & NEO CV-VC_K) to get a nice chorus to send off the song :)

This project was a beast to work on, jumping from UTAU to FL Studio to Google Translate back into FL Studio and UTAU and on and on and on. So incredibly proud i was able to pull something off like this <333

[apurikottotii]

feburary song recs!

this month was also CRAZY. first few days of the month were incredibly sinusoidal. i got really close with some friends, because some friends were being incredibly distant. almost threw up from disgust/stress at one point lol. but it worked out fine and the middle of the month was really fun. it reassured me that things were going to be okay. unfortunately things aren't always perfect so that doubt and mistrust keeps creeping up on me, but to be honest i don't really care much anymore. is it alright to let some things fade away?

--- newton dance - nayutalien x chinozo

okay so i heard this ruinene cover- from project sekai: a new voice, i think- on youtube and it's so cool. the voices fit so well (BOTH OF THEM) and the song is perfect for them and so cute. i love the theme of sciencey space love songs nayutalien does. it's SO CUTE. "can't fight your pull of gravity!" is so sweet. the tuning style makes it even more cuter. dfnisdfjnasdjfnadk. and nayutalien has a way of writing songs that scratch that itch in my brain- maybe it's the harmonic minor lol.

--- speak now - taylor swift

listen. i don't listen to pop. i don't like pop. i hate taylor swift. however. however. i love the story this songs tells. it's such a stereotypical straight story, I KNOW. but who doesn't love a stereotypical sort of sweet love story once in a while. the instrumentation is simple yet unique (for pop lol). the way she structures the chorus is different from other songs i've seen.

--- kosho yashiki satsujin jiken - teniwoha

otherwise known as "murder case at the mansion of antiquarian books". I LOVE SONGS THAT TELL A STORY (can you tell??) ESPECIALLY. MURDER. CASES. THAT. IS. SO COOL. sadly the lyrics are hard to understand but i still love it anyways. i especially love the wonderlands x showtime cover because the "sho" and "lie" parts are emphasized when you have several different voices, in different octaves, with different timbres. I LOVE EMU'S VOICE IN THIS. her cutesy voice is mixed with her lower register and it sounds GREAT. this is one of the (few) songs that work with her very cutesy childish voice. the line distribution makes this song so delicious. and oh my god. EVERY CHORUS. PUSHES. DOWN. A HALF STEP. THAT. IS SO COOL. it keeps dropping when you expect it to end or go higher. SADFNAISDUFNAISUDFIU. teniwoha, thank you.

--- sobakasu - judy and mary

ANOTHER recommendation from a friend. took some time to grow on me. what i find interesting is how the verses and instrumental breaks sound very different (pop vs. rock). my favorite part of this song is how raw and genuine it sounds. it's so catchy i hear myself humming this throughout the day. it's really just a sweet song (about love i think... something like love is like a freckle you can't get rid of ...?). the chorus loops in my mind. the way the singer sings it is so aosdfnasdfnjasdj. makes me smile.

--- new rules - dua lipa

okay i swear i don't like pop. i swear. i just heard it in my dance team's playlist and was like "wow i hate how much they play this song" then proceeded to loop it. i'm NOT going to say it's relatable. i'm not.

--- this is how to be in love with you/umbilical in milgram project

mahiru's cv works so well in this song. and i love the es cv cover too. this song itself is so sweet and makes you feel very warm and fuzzy though it's a little sinister lol. like... this is HOW TO BE IN LOVE WITH YOU?? what an awesome title. i really love the line that goes "if you're kind to me, i'm going to start relying on you, so thanks" or something. it's just such a fun vibe. i love when she sings "o-ver-heat" and "AI NAN DESU YO".

it's getting late so i will just say: yuno is relatable. let's reload the warmth y'all. light the oxygen on fire. or something. "i hope i can be someone you like."

honorary mentions: ke mu san (this meme song SLAPS my #1 listened to lol. the dance is addicting to watch)

[ursidvoice]

alpha CV voicebank for URSID, need to re-do a lot of samples and clean OTO. Wanted to try out how he would sound as is. Have a few renders of him at a lower octave and it sounds a bit better. Will have to restart the cover from scratch however. Lost project files while moving operating systems.

UST- HUO

druid

[enterprisewired]

Moog Strikes Back with Messenger Synthesizer to Compete with Budget Clones

Source: rekkerd.org

Moog, the legendary name in analog synthesis, has unveiled its newest creation—the Moog Messenger, a compact monophonic analog synthesizer aimed at both honoring its rich heritage and pushing into a new era. This new model is designed to counter the rise of affordable clone synths that have flooded the market in recent years, offering users a genuine Moog experience at a more accessible price point.

The Messenger combines decades of analog expertise into a portable three-octave unit with 32 semi-weighted keys and a control-laden interface that invites real-time sonic exploration. With a focus on authentic analog sound design, the Messenger boasts a new array of filters and oscillators alongside classic circuitry, staying true to Moog’s iconic warmth and gritty texture.

Despite no longer being an all-American manufacturer—following its acquisition by inMusic and the shift of production facilities overseas—Moog aims to retain its soul with the Messenger, balancing heritage with innovation. Joe Richardson, President of Moog Music, described the instrument as “crafted for musicians and producers seeking a portable, powerful monosynth that delivers the iconic Moog sound.”

Built for Performance and Creativity

The Moog Messenger isn’t just about sound quality—it’s about hands-on performance. Unlike many modern synthesizers that rely on screens and complex menus, this new Moog model embraces simplicity. Each function has a dedicated knob or switch, allowing users to dive straight into sound sculpting without getting lost in submenus.

The synthesizer also comes loaded with 256 onboard presets, a 64-step sequencer, and a built-in arpeggiator with various patterns, giving users the tools to craft rhythmic and melodic patterns on the fly. The connectivity suite is equally impressive, featuring MIDI (both 5-pin and USB-C), control voltage (CV) inputs and outputs, and clock sync for integration with other gear.

Erik Norlander, Director of Keyboard Product Development at inMusic, noted that the Moog Messenger was designed to invite exploration. “Our goal was to create a synthesizer that welcomes first-time Moog players and offers the depth and expressiveness that experienced musicians expect,” he explained.

Balancing Legacy with Accessibility

Moog’s decision to move production to Asia has sparked some debate among fans who view the brand’s Asheville, North Carolina roots as integral to its identity. However, the shift is part of a larger strategy to remain competitive in a market saturated with low-cost clone synths. With devices mimicking Moog’s legendary Model D retailing for under $500, the company faced mounting pressure to create a high-quality yet affordable alternative.

The Messenger may prove to be Moog’s answer to this challenge—a genuine analog synth that bridges the gap between legacy craftsmanship and mass-market accessibility. While purists may lament the move from hand-built American instruments, the Messenger could extend Moog’s reach to a new generation of musicians, all without sacrificing the sonic character that made the brand iconic.

As Moog enters this new chapter, the Moog Messenger stands as both a defensive move against imitation and a bold step toward making analog synthesis more widely accessible.

[divinemercyvietnameseradio]

Thứ Bảy 26-4 Các con hãy đi khắp thế gian rao giảng Tin Mừng

 ĐOC KINH PHỤNG VỤ  link CGKPV Saturday in the Octave of Easter 26/04 – Thứ Bảy tuần BÁT NHẬT PHỤC SINH BÀI ĐỌC I: Cv 4, 13-21 “Chúng tôi không thể nào không nói lên những điều mắt thấy tai nghe”. Bài trích sách Tông đồ Công vụ. Trong những ngày ấy, các thủ lãnh, kỳ lão và luật sĩ nhận thấy Phêrô và Gioan kiên quyết, và biết hai ngài là những kẻ thất học và dốt nát, nên lấy làm lạ; và còn…

[benjamindehli]

Paraphonic setup with Therevox, Erebus and Dark Energy

Connected the Therevox ET-4.3 and the Dreadbox Erebus v2 together to create 4 note chords. The Doepfer Dark Energy creates the "drum" sounds and is triggered by its own LFO. The Envelope output on the Erebus is connected to the Expression input on the Therevox and controls its VCA. The Ring output on the Therevox is connected to the CV input on the Erebus and controls its pitch. The two oscillators on the Erebus are 2 octaves apart and the pitch is relative to the Ring position on the Therevox. The pitch of the two oscillators on the Therevox is tuned 19 semitones (1 octave plus a 5th) above and 24 semitones (2 octaves) above, relative to the lowest C on the keyboard controller. For example, if you play a D with the ring on the Therevox and a C and D# on the keyboard, you will get a D minor chord with the notes (from lowest to highest): D, A, D and F. The "drums" from the Dark Energy is a single track with EQ automation (mostly high-pass filter) to emulate different drum sounds. All the instruments are recorded live and no other instrument tracks were added, just effects (delay, reverb, etc.). Effects used on Therevox ET-4.3:

Hairball Audio FET/RACK Revision D

Roland Dimension D SDD-320

Electro-Harmonix Deluxe Memory Man

Chase Bliss Audio & Meris CXM 1978

DIY Recording Equipment G Bus VCA Compressor

Effects used on the Dreadbox Erebus v2:

Hairball Audio FET/RACK Revision D

Fulltone Tube Tape Echo

Chase Bliss Audio & Meris CXM 1978

DIY Recording Equipment G Bus VCA Compressor

Effects used on Doepfer Dark Energy:

Hairball Audio FET/RACK Revision D

Electro-Harmonix Deluxe Memory Man

Chase Bliss Audio & Meris CXM 1978

DIY Recording Equipment G Bus VCA Compressor

[rabid-orannge]

fun story from togay: i recorded a cv utau vb of myself (gosh, im such an egomaniac /j) and was testing it out on a ust i grabbed somewhere online. the resulting vocals already sounded robotic (because yknow, limitations and my amateur vb configuring) but then i shifted all the notes an octave down... and accidentally turned my own voice into something that sounds like if that singing ibm computer had a nephew

im totally going to take advantage of that :-)

[taperwolf]

Interesting hack to make a short loop of notes in Chaos/Marbles pretend to be a longer one: set up an analog sequencer to alternate between 0V and 1V and add that to the loop's CV, triggered to advance by one of the flip-a-coin modes of T1/T3. When that's sparse enough, you get a chain of your loop that periodically jumps up or down an octave.

(I really need to get things set up so I can make videos of this sort of thing rather than posting these cryptic instruction manuals for a machine that, in its full form, only I possess.)

[auberylis]

Also it's sort of nicely exponential, so a CV input can be tuned to track about 3 octaves 1V/Oct tuning. It's useless to make a dedicated V/Oct in because the thing is also a fine thermometer, but as a rudimentary SDIYer's side osc for a melodic patch, this will do!

figured out a saw/pulse VCO whose frequency goes from 0.015Hz to 15KHz... that's 20 octaves. It takes one TL074, five transistors and some passives to make :D

[synths-and-sensibility]

Me: "ugh, it's so annoying having to convert V/oct signals down to 0-5V for digital systems. It would be easier just to stick with 5 octaves and deal with that limitation"

Evil me: "Have you considered half-V/oct CVs?"

Me: ...

Evil me: ...

Me: "...what?"

[chasingvelocity]

hi i still have backlog i just forgot to post these bc i was playing frontiers! oh hey time for some random side characters saying incorrect quotes

Terra is a seedrian! she looks a bit different now bc for a while i wasn't sure how i wanted seedrians to look in CV whoops. my updated notes on her are also currently misplaced so i can't.. actually say much about her.. because everything i remember is out of date! hooray

meanwhile Octave is fairly straightforward: she's a minor antagonist, she's a petty jerk, and the only person she gets along with is.. maybe the only human oc in CV so far

[patchdotexe]

second comic successfully remade! will i make more of these? yeah probably.

somehow this is an average conversation between T1 and rocket. mostly because T1 has been around long enough to remember KG's old shames and remind her of them. (also including: cvtails questioning his choice in new friends.)