More PLL

 Last week the Doepfer A196 was integral to synthesizing a flute. Since that worked out well I wanted to dive deeper into the functions of this module. While recreating the Buchla 259 Complex Waveform Generator still eludes me, another cool voice came out of the A196 today. Behold a screeching cello!

Phantasie for Cello Patch by jeremiahfisher

This voice was pretty easy to create. Here is the barebones idea:

Osc 1 square wave into A196 input 2. A196 square wave out into filter. Filter output into VCA. VCA output into wavefolder. Wavefolder out to mixer/soundcard/etc.

The modules I used with the A196 were an Analogue Systems RS95e, Tiptop Audio Z2040, and a Toppobrillo Triple Wavefolder. The z2040 has a built in VCA. I used a Malekko Envelator to open the VCA. The Doepfer A149 Source of Uncertainty controls rise/fall time of the envelope and pitch of the RS95e.

Mess with knobs and switches until satisfied with the result. You could also add portamento with a slew limiter and vibrato with another vca.

The accompaniment in Phantasie for Cello Patch is two drones: one from my e350 and another from a bunch of oscillators through a matrix mixer.

Installation of the Vizier

I am currently infatuated with the Doepfer A196 Phase Locked Loop module. The A196 is a fairly esoteric module, even by modular synth standards. So forgive me if I cannot provide an accurate description of it's functions! There are three parts; a square wave oscillator, a phase comparator, and a low pass filter. The three elements create a feedback loop that can be tapped at different places for different purposes. My PLL arrived in the mail months ago and I've been trying to figure it out ever since... Most recently it's been used in a flute patch influenced by the youtube clip here:

PLL Arabesque

It's a tricky patch to get right, even the basics to get it running require a fair amount of careful fiddling. I should probably write the settings down! Here is my work with the "PLL Arabesque":

Installation of the Vizier by jeremiahfisher

After exploring the flute a bit more, I am going to see if I can emulate the Buchla 259 complex waveform generator. The PLL is an important part of the Buchla oscillator, although I don't know how it's implemented. Final exams are just around the corner and I love a good reason to procrastinate.