Harald Bode Klangumwandler
A module consisting of three dome filters, four ring modulators, and several summing/differencing amplifiers (mixers). Each additional slave unit necessitates the addition of one dome filter, a pair of modulators, and mixers. The prototype was developed with one "master" and one "slave" unit. More modern circuits were utilized, primarily the dome filter designed by Jürgen Haible for his frequency shifters, along with the 1496-based ring modulator design by Yves Usson, known for its excellent signal nulling. One of the ring modulator outputs was inverted instead of swapping the sine and cosine inputs to facilitate switching between up and down shifting. The "squelch" feature was initially omitted, deemed unnecessary for synthesizer use, but may be included later. The prototype has only been tested with voltage-controlled oscillators (VCOs) producing sine and triangle waves as inputs, yielding impressive sound results. Despite the potential complexity of cross-modulating three oscillators, the output remains musically coherent due to the generation of single sidebands. Sound samples demonstrate the functionality, with a sequencer controlling the "program" oscillator, beginning with both "carrier" oscillators tuned to unison. The process involves manipulating the two carrier frequencies and switching between "up shift" and "down shift" midway. The sine output was used for all three oscillators, with both outputs routed through a voltage-controlled amplifier (VCA) featuring a short attack and medium decay envelope, without additional effects such as filters or reverb. Another sound sample illustrates a similar setup, where the two carrier oscillators are controlled via a split keyboard. The triangle wave outputs from the two carrier oscillators and the program oscillator were recorded on the left channel, while the Klangumwandler outputs were captured on the right channel. The same VCA envelope was applied to the Klangumwandler, with no further audio processing. Both shifts were set to "down shift," resulting in the Klangumwandler outputs being "retrograde" relative to the program input.
The described module integrates advanced audio processing elements, including dome filters and ring modulators, to facilitate complex sound synthesis. The dome filters serve as essential components for shaping the frequency response of the audio signals, while the ring modulators enable the creation of sideband frequencies through the interaction of carrier and modulating signals. The architecture allows for scalability, as each slave unit can be expanded with additional filters, modulators, and mixers, enhancing the module's versatility in various audio applications.
The selection of modern circuit designs, such as the dome filter from Jürgen Haible and the 1496-based ring modulator from Yves Usson, reflects a commitment to high-quality audio performance. The decision to invert one output of the ring modulator instead of swapping inputs is a strategic choice that facilitates intuitive control over frequency shifting, which is critical in sound design for musical applications.
The absence of the squelch feature may simplify the design for initial testing, focusing on the core functionalities of frequency modulation and audio mixing. However, the potential inclusion of this feature in future iterations indicates an openness to further refinement based on user feedback and practical experimentation.
The module's ability to produce musically coherent outputs from cross-modulating three oscillators showcases its effectiveness in generating rich and complex sound textures. The use of both sine and triangle waveforms provides a broad sonic palette, allowing for experimentation with timbral qualities. The VCA's envelope settings contribute to dynamic sound shaping, enhancing the expressiveness of the audio output.
Sound samples serve as practical demonstrations of the module's capabilities, illustrating the nuanced control over oscillators and the resulting audio characteristics. The integration of a sequencer to control the program oscillator adds a layer of rhythmic complexity, while the split keyboard control of the carrier oscillators allows for real-time performance manipulation. The recorded outputs on separate channels provide a clear representation of the module's functionality, enabling users to appreciate the sonic differences between the Klangumwandler outputs and the program oscillator.
Overall, this module represents a sophisticated approach to sound synthesis, combining established circuit designs with innovative functionality to cater to the needs of modern audio engineers and musicians.A module of modules: 3 dome filters, 4 ring modulators and some summing/differencing amps (mixers). Each additional slave requires an additional dome filter, pair of modulators, and mixers. I built my prototype as one "master" and one "slave". I used more modern circuits - mainly the dome filter that JG rgen Haible used in his frequency shifters, and the 1496 based ring-modulator design by Yves Usson, with its excellent signal nulling. I opted to invert one of the ring modulator outputs rather than swap the sine and cosine inputs, to switch between up and down shifting. I left out the "squelch" initially, and for strictly synth use I don`t think it`s that useful, but I may eventually throw it in.
I haven`t tried anything but VCOs (sine and triangle) as inputs yet, and the sounds I`m getting from it are amazing! You would think cross-modulating 3 oscillators would be a total mess, but it can be very musical since you only get the single sidebands Here is a Sound Sample with a sequencer controlling the "program" oscillator, starting with both "carrier" oscillators tuned to unison.
A lot of playing around with the 2 carrier frequencies, and swithching from "up shift" to "down" shift about halfway through. Sine output used for all 3 oscillators. Both outputs fed through a VCA with a short attack medium decay envelope. No filters, reverb or anything else in there. Here is another Sound Sample again with a sequencer controlling the "program" oscillator, starting with both "carrier" oscillators tuned to unison.
The 2 carrier oscillators are controlled from a split keyboard. The triangle wave outputs of the 2 carrier oscillators and the program oscillator were recorded on the left channel, the Klangumwandler outputs on the right channel. Same VCA envelope on the Klangumwandler, no other audio processing. Both shifts are set to "down Shift", so the Klangumwandler outputs are "retrograde" to the program input.
🔗 External reference
The described module integrates advanced audio processing elements, including dome filters and ring modulators, to facilitate complex sound synthesis. The dome filters serve as essential components for shaping the frequency response of the audio signals, while the ring modulators enable the creation of sideband frequencies through the interaction of carrier and modulating signals. The architecture allows for scalability, as each slave unit can be expanded with additional filters, modulators, and mixers, enhancing the module's versatility in various audio applications.
The selection of modern circuit designs, such as the dome filter from Jürgen Haible and the 1496-based ring modulator from Yves Usson, reflects a commitment to high-quality audio performance. The decision to invert one output of the ring modulator instead of swapping inputs is a strategic choice that facilitates intuitive control over frequency shifting, which is critical in sound design for musical applications.
The absence of the squelch feature may simplify the design for initial testing, focusing on the core functionalities of frequency modulation and audio mixing. However, the potential inclusion of this feature in future iterations indicates an openness to further refinement based on user feedback and practical experimentation.
The module's ability to produce musically coherent outputs from cross-modulating three oscillators showcases its effectiveness in generating rich and complex sound textures. The use of both sine and triangle waveforms provides a broad sonic palette, allowing for experimentation with timbral qualities. The VCA's envelope settings contribute to dynamic sound shaping, enhancing the expressiveness of the audio output.
Sound samples serve as practical demonstrations of the module's capabilities, illustrating the nuanced control over oscillators and the resulting audio characteristics. The integration of a sequencer to control the program oscillator adds a layer of rhythmic complexity, while the split keyboard control of the carrier oscillators allows for real-time performance manipulation. The recorded outputs on separate channels provide a clear representation of the module's functionality, enabling users to appreciate the sonic differences between the Klangumwandler outputs and the program oscillator.
Overall, this module represents a sophisticated approach to sound synthesis, combining established circuit designs with innovative functionality to cater to the needs of modern audio engineers and musicians.A module of modules: 3 dome filters, 4 ring modulators and some summing/differencing amps (mixers). Each additional slave requires an additional dome filter, pair of modulators, and mixers. I built my prototype as one "master" and one "slave". I used more modern circuits - mainly the dome filter that JG rgen Haible used in his frequency shifters, and the 1496 based ring-modulator design by Yves Usson, with its excellent signal nulling. I opted to invert one of the ring modulator outputs rather than swap the sine and cosine inputs, to switch between up and down shifting. I left out the "squelch" initially, and for strictly synth use I don`t think it`s that useful, but I may eventually throw it in.
I haven`t tried anything but VCOs (sine and triangle) as inputs yet, and the sounds I`m getting from it are amazing! You would think cross-modulating 3 oscillators would be a total mess, but it can be very musical since you only get the single sidebands Here is a Sound Sample with a sequencer controlling the "program" oscillator, starting with both "carrier" oscillators tuned to unison.
A lot of playing around with the 2 carrier frequencies, and swithching from "up shift" to "down" shift about halfway through. Sine output used for all 3 oscillators. Both outputs fed through a VCA with a short attack medium decay envelope. No filters, reverb or anything else in there. Here is another Sound Sample again with a sequencer controlling the "program" oscillator, starting with both "carrier" oscillators tuned to unison.
The 2 carrier oscillators are controlled from a split keyboard. The triangle wave outputs of the 2 carrier oscillators and the program oscillator were recorded on the left channel, the Klangumwandler outputs on the right channel. Same VCA envelope on the Klangumwandler, no other audio processing. Both shifts are set to "down Shift", so the Klangumwandler outputs are "retrograde" to the program input.
🔗 External reference
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