Weevils

We Three Weevils
Postcard // SYN1 // Board

SYN1 Batch

SYN1 Rear

BugModular PortaCase (proto) & new modules

Here's an initial view of the prototype PortaCase - slightly rough around the edges, but a good starting point for producing a few of these for the initial 12 system users.

This is a compact case (modified tool case) holding two rack frames + a utilty panel with internal PSU, interface multiples (banana to 1/4" jack), preamp, 3-channel output mixer + headphone amp.

[edit - from the comments - yes, the IEC power socket will be moving to the left-hand side of the case. This will also allow for some air vents in the panel where the IEC socket is currently. The panel will end up being similar PCB material to the module panels, but the proto was just DIY perspex with silver sticky printed covering]

The pic also shows some of the new modules I've been working on including:
CTL2 Joystick
PRC3A State Variable Filter
UTL4 Dual DC Mixer
PRC4 Dual LoPassGate

Workshops & WOMs

I just got back from a couple of workshop events in Spain - building the W.O.M. - now with new red PCBs with gold contacts...
The BIKE organisers in Bilbao were really on the case for documentation and have uploaded a great set of pictures from the workshop. Check the Flickr set here.
By the way, a few more of the kits are now available from the online bug-shop.

Klee Contra

New BugModular Porta-Case controlled by the Scott Stites / electro-music.com Klee Sequencer

I just completed a prototype compact case for travel playing (more details shortly). Playing last night I dug out the Klee Seq that I built a year or two ago - dusted it off and it started running rings around the room, a very fun machine.

The Klee outputs (CVs and Gates) control two simple voices - each voice has just a SYN2A VCO followed by a PRC3A SV Filter + control from an ENV1 Attack/Decay. I added a little osc->filter cross modulation between voices too. From this simple setup, with the speed and power of the Klee, come some thick and gnarled technoid wobbles. I recorded 45 minutes straight up, running with the flow and here are a few snippets (all live, single takes, no effects, straight recordings) - needs decent speakers or headphones.

KleeContra1 // KleeContra2 // KleeContra3 // KleeContra4 // KleeContra5 // KleeContra6 // KleeContra7 // KleeContra8 //

Racks filled for testing..

This is set for testing out some of the modules for forthcoming BugModular systems. While it wouldn't be a very suitable actual system (because it focuses on only a few module designs) the process of testing each module is great fun and very immersive.

13 LPGs, 12 DC Mixers, 9 VCOs, 8 Audio Mixers, 7 RingMods, 6 LFOs, 5 PTDelays, 2 envelopes and 1 SV Filter (yes, there are a few new bits within there).

Bug Cake

BEST THING EVER!
(Carrot cake - received 14th Feb, naturally)

Things that slip through the net...

I am constantly coming across things (tracks / designs / projects) that never really got documented or showcased properly (and, yes, I'm aware that I still haven't completed the transfer docs from my old site to the new one!). So here's a couple of things:

Interview with Tom Bugs in TapeOpBonuses - we did this interview early in 2008 and its amazing how much things have changed even since then.

3 short films for BBC Real Life Stories with music by Tom Bugs and directed by Esther May Campbell - On Ice // For Mum // In the Dark

I also helped with Esther's latest short film September which recently won a BAFTA for Best Short Film. Check this great little YouTube chop-up too. [If you're about in Bristol, there's a free celebratory party at the Cube on Weds night - 18th Feb - free! Inc. screening of the film]