Joy of Synths #5
A non-musician’s guide to creating sounds for podcasts, videos, and sampling for music using analog synthesizers.
Synth-tember In Review
Synthtember is where one plays and records their synthesizer every day of the month of September. I haven’t been great about a daily schedule, but I’ve been good about playing and recording.
In the first half of September I received the Buchla Tip Top Audio Dual Oscillator module, tried to make sense of it, and what sounds were generated and recorded are a bit underwhelming. Given the last possible day to return, I submitted a request and was approved.
I also ordered a Model D for $99, and most importantly, I discovered a littleBits Electronic Music Inventor kit at a thrift store for $11. Like most second hand littleBits, this was in new condition. Let’s start with the littleBits!
littleBits Mania
The more I learn about synthesizers, the more I appreciate how you can mess with sound and voltage with littleBits. If you are unaware of littleBits, they’re a system of snap together circuits that enable you to build an instrument yourself.
I have a deep collection of littleBits kits, starting with the Synth Kit. Adding the Electronic Music Inventor kit adds more Bits to generate new sounds. By tinkering away, I wound up being able to sync up 2 sequencers and a proximity sensor to play the instrument by position of hand.
Recording littleBits is possible with a mini to 1/4” interconnect cable. The BIG SECRET about littleBits is managing power. The beautiful sounds I had off the 9 volt battery were sheared off when I plugged in a USB converter. So if you get a good sound, you must record immediately. Changes in battery life may result in annoying hums and interference. Once it gets noisy it’s time for a new battery and likely a reset of the instrument and its controls.
FOOL’S LUCK
The only thing better than a synthesizer is a fool’s luck deal on a synth.
That Model D clone synth was listed as an excellent condition TD-3 synth and priced $99 before shipping costs. Alas, something happened in shipping where it now has something loose rolling inside. Given the retailer’s hardline on shipping costs, they couldn’t refund shipping so they refunded the item cost of $99, which was mislabeled as a TD-3 to begin with. Synth-tember takes, Synth-tember gives.
Nevermind the $22 price, I would’ve been okay paying $99. I already owned 2 Model D clones, so now I own 3 for a grand investment of $222.
False Pride of Ownership
I’ve only owned one proper Moog product – the Werkstatt back in 2020. It was returned because it did not play well with my limited existing gear. All the expansion ideas of the Werkstatt were easily achieved with littleBits Synth Kit. Moog discontinued it in favor of the Mavis, which has the same issues of forced obsolescence.
I bought my first Model D clone for $199 new in Dec. 2021. It was based on a price drop down from $299. Alas, I requested a replacement due to shipping damage. That arrived four months later, and because of shipping damage on the first, they allowed me to keep both for no additional fees.
Rhythm Thief
Alas, I felt guilty. It’s a Model D clone. A clone of the Model D. This is zero sum, win or lose capitalism. I bought a clone and did NOT buy an authentic Moog Model D instrument. This is like the shuttering of bookstores due to Amazon’s rise of power and lower prices. You save money yet lose your community and its gathering spaces.
ARP GUILT
Mind you, I bought a clone ARP 2600 with Amazon’s generous return policy. My love for that instrument was curtailed when I realized I would be a fool to share my enthusiasm with the Alan R. Pearlman Foundation. Sure, I could buy their merch and say that everyone wins, but do they really win if they don’t get financial credit for licensed legacy instruments?
The only takeaway is to trial instruments off Amazon. It saves you so much money in owning instruments because you couldn’t return them. If you love it, return it all the same and buy it from anyone but Amazon. You know, in solidarity for all those shuttered bookstores.
In my defense, I bought a $199 synth that happened to be a Model D clone that sells for $299. I assumed I’d return it, but given the shipping damage and free item, I chose to keep it. Thoughts of resale have come up, but I just haven’t been motivated to play or list these 2 clones.
MOOG
At the end of Synth-tember, news came forth of Moog laying off staff. Moog is no longer Moog. It’s now owned by another corporation. Some products will be assembled in USA, most will likely be assembled elsewhere. Has Moog has become a clone of itself? Visit Synthanatomy.com and Synthtopia.com for a lively comments discussion.
This bad news coincided with the arrival of Model D clone #3. I was also gifted Sunset Synths patch cables that I connected to every input and output of that Model D clone. I listened to the instrument and recordings without prejudice. The Model D clone is magic! It can hit lower frequencies than the Buchla TipTop Audio Oscillator. And did I mention it was $22 due to quirks of customer service?
PLAY IT LIKE $22
The low price means I can treat it lower than a clone. Which is a good thing. It allows you to puzzle things out more and carry it around in a Fred Perry gym bag (Thanks Frank!) as the Model D clone is fairly compact compared to the much longer K2 synths. I control it with a Korg SQ-1 Step Sequencer, which is a small analog box. I haven’t used the MIDI IN and THRU Ports to triplicate the sound with the other two Model D clones, but recording three tracks should make for something I haven’t heard before.
(Or you could connect a Korg SQ-64 Step Sequencer to it and control all 3 instruments with unique CV and Gate signals. I bought the Korg SQ-64 a year ago because it was $129 new, down from $300. Now it’s finally fulfilling its promise.)
Synthtember Ends, OSCtober opens
Cheers!
End Note 10/1/2023
Joy #6 will arrive on 10/15/23 and really focus on Oscillators and Frequencies. This issue is sponsored by CoWolves. Buy vinyl at https://discogs.com/seller/cowolves.
All Content Copyright 2023 Anthony Torres, All Rights Reserved.