Thursday, 17 October 2013

Circuit Bent Modular Fusion

Another new track up on soundcloud...



All the modular and circuit bent voices, and their modulations, were synchronised with a midi clock from a Doepfer A190.

There's quite a lot of low end activity, so for your stereo enjoyement, I would recommend a decent set of speakers, or headphones!

Monday, 1 July 2013

Why we love Doepfer

On Saturday I spent another enjoyable and enlightening couple of hours at Scheneiders Test Salon in London. This time the event was hosted by Andreas Schneider himself loosely centring the theme 'Why we love Doepfer'.

Many strange noises were made and much modular banter was had.

Thanks to all the participants and organisers. I came away with lots of ideas and a fab poster, and would definitely recommend the next event to anyone with an interest.





Sunday, 23 June 2013

Doepfer A100 modulating circuit bent belcat




A self running patch was set up with a Doepfer A100 modulating a circuit bent Belcat Delay pedal using the A101.9 Universal Vactrol Module. Both sections of the module were used controlled by two LFO's on different cycle rates. Sound source was a Hin Hon EE.

There is a another post about the circuit bending the belcat here...

And photo below showing new added inputs for vactrol control.

Thursday, 20 June 2013

New NB Tracks on Soundcloud

Two new tracks up on Soundcloud...!





Both tracks made  with a Doepfer a100 played with hands and feet using foot switches and foot controller, various circuit bent toys being modulated by a combination of Midi (using highly liquids diy controllers) and 555 timed vactrols, EHX electric mitsress, and EHX Man. Mixed and aranged using an analog Mackie mixer and Logic Pro.

Recorded Portsmouth 2013.

Neal beard and his machines hope you enjoy listening to their musical collaborations.

Thursday, 13 June 2013

Doepfer A100 modulating Circuit Bent Barbie Karaoke


Several years ago I started circuit bending a Barbie Karaoke machine using schematics from the amazing casperelectronics.

Then I became a Dad again and the project was shelved! But having recently aquired a Doepfer A101.9 module it occurred to me I could use this to control all parameters of the Circuit Bent Barbie with my Doepfer A100 when I eventually get to finish it...

Here's a quick test of an LFO modulating tape speed.


Friday, 19 April 2013

Schneider's Buero Berlin

Whilst on a recent holiday in Berlin I made a pilgrimage to the legendary Schneider's Buero; but first I had to find it. Not an easy task!






Once inside the staff were all really friendly, knowledgeable and able to advise, whilst also allowing me space to experiment on my own. I went there with a shopping list, expecting to have to pick and choose depending on what was in stock. They had everything on it!






Could this be the hotline to the London test salon...?


You want hardware? They got it!




Even the ceiling is cool.


My daughter loved this Doepfer LMK2+ housed in an old piano.



Summing up: if you're into analog synths and you're in Berlin,  Germany, or even Europe, I'd definitely make a trip there. In fact I'd like to take another trip to Berlin, just go to Schneider's. It's a unique place with a fantastic vibe, great staff,  great gear, and an ethos that exudes enthusiasm and passion for what they do. Long live Schneiders!