no edit summary
No edit summary |
|||
| (47 intermediate revisions by 2 users not shown) | |||
Line 3:
== History ==
[[File:CGS photo jan 2002.jpg|thumb|right|500px|Ken Stone's synth as it was in Jan 2002]]
The CGS web page chronicled and supplied details of the construction of Ken's own modular synthesizer. The site itself was simply titled "Modular Synth". After other parties started referring to it as the "Catgirl Synth", Ken adopted the letters CGS as identifiers on his PCB designs.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20030407200638/http://cgs.synth.net/ 1999], CGS - archived</ref><ref name="ks">Information provided by Ken Stone.</ref>
The web page first came online in
== Format ==
CGS is based around the [[4U]] format, with +/-15 volts supplied via [[MTA connector|0.156 4 pin MTA]] connectors and either [[Connectors|banana sockets or 3.5mm jacks]].<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.elby-designs.com/webtek/cgs/parts_faq.html |title=CGS parts FAQ |accessdate=2018-10-07 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20161105181508/http://www.elby-designs.com/webtek/cgs/parts_faq.html |archivedate=2016-11-05 |
== Building a DIY synthesizer ==
Line 38:
== The CGS modules ==
[[File:cgs panel gate sequencer.jpg|thumb|right|The panel after which CGS was named.]]
These designs are for advanced builders and experimenters. They have been built and they have worked satisfactorily. Obviously only very few from the the variety of available component brands have been tried in each design. This is Ken's hobby and he has shared what he has done with other interested parties.<ref name="help">''[https://web.archive.org/web/20170420052751/http://www.cgs.synth.net/help.html Please read this before attempting to build anything from these pages.]''
=== CV processors ===
Line 46:
:Is three stages in length, duplicating the functionality of the Serge ASR, but doing it in a very different way. It is great for producing "arabesque-like" sequences, trills etc., when used with VCOs. Of course it's use is not limited to VCOs only.
* <!-- cgs98_busdriver.html -->CGS98 [[CGS bus driver|Bus Driver]]
:The Bus Driver is a buffered bus for distributing CVs, or even audio to several modules, or even to several cabinets. In the basic configuration, it has four buffers, each of which (through the use of a
* <!-- cgs43_cascade_mixer.html -->CGS43 [[CGS cascade mixer|Cascade Mixer]]
:The Cascade Mixer is an experimental mixer that can be built in one of several ways - a unity gain cascaded mixer, a binary weighted (or scaled) mixer, or as a staircase generator when coupled with a [[binary counter]].
Line 53:
* <!-- cgs23_cv_mega_mixer.html -->CGS23 [[CGS CV mega mixer|CV Mega Mixer]]
:This module is an enhanced version of the DC mixer designed for both audio and CV mixing. It has both non-inverting (adding) and inverting (subtracting) inputs, as well as a master level control. It also features two inverting outputs, one that is offset by the master level control, and the other which has independent offset and center inputs.
* <!-- cgs04_mix.html -->CGS04 [[CGS DC mixer|DC
:Mix synthesizer level audio signals or control voltages with this DC coupled mixer.
* <!-- cgs70_mix.html -->CGS70 [[CGS dev-mod mixer/inverter block|Dev-mod Mixer/Inverter block]]
Line 89:
* <!-- cgs56_gatecon.html -->CGS56 [[CGS gate converter|Gate Converter]]
:The purpose of the Gate Converter is to turn standard positive gate signals into negative to postitive going gate signal. This is particularly handy when interfacing to other manufacturer's modules that require a zero crossing singal to operate. It can also be used to convert assorted LFO or VCO signals to square or rectangular waves, to extract some form of gate signal from an envelope and so on.
* <!-- cgs122_matrix.html -->CGS122 [[CGS switched matrix|Switched Matrix]] and CGS123 [[CGS switched matrix Eurorack|Switched Matrix Eurorack]]
:8x8 switched mixing matrix. Eurorack format.
* <!-- cgs51_wrs.html -->CGS51 [[CGS weighted random switch|Weighted Random Switch]]
Line 121:
:The Serge noise module can be built in several ways. In it's simplest form, it contains three basic outputs, white noise, pink noise, and a random voltage suitable for use with sample and hold modules. An optional sample and hold circuit is included on the PCB. Alternatively, the basic version may be coupled with the [[CGS Serge smooth and stepped generator|CGS92 Serge Smooth and Stepped Generator]] to make the Random Voltage Generator module.
* <!-- cgs92_ssg.html -->CGS92 [[CGS Serge smooth and stepped generator|Serge Smooth and Stepped Generator]]
* <s><!-- cgsssg_ssg.html -->CGSSSG [[
:The Serge Smooth and Stepped Function Generator (SSG) is a complex multi-functional module to provide various slew and sample functions.
* <!-- cgs86_trk.html -->CGS86 [[CGS touch responsive keyboard|Touch Responsive Keyboard]]
Line 177:
* <!-- cgs30_bpf.html -->CGS30 [[CGS bandpass filter|Bandpass Filter]]
:A utility bandpass filter for creating artifical instrument resonant cavities etc.
* <!-- cgs57_bintic.html -->CGS57 [[CGS
:This is a strange mixture of a VCO and a switched capacitor filter based on the filter presented by Jan Hall in [[Electronotes]]. If you are after something different, this fits the bill. After all, how many filters have a sync input?
* <!-- cgs43_cascade_mixer.html -->CGS43 [[CGS cascade mixer|Cascade Mixer]]
Line 201:
* <!-- cgs77_vcf.html -->CGS77 [[CGS Serge 1973 voltage controlled filter|Serge 1973 Voltage Controlled Filter]]
:This is an adaptation of the original Serge VCF from the early "R" series PCBs. Produced under licence from Serge.
* <!--
:This module is a variation
* <!-- cgs101_dcsm.html -->CGS101 [[CGS Serge dual channel stereo mixer|Serge Dual Channel Stereo Mixer]] (DCSM).
:This module is a variation of the Serge Dual Channel Stereo Mixer, built using the CGS108 VCA and the CGS102 Equal Power Panner drivers. Produced under licence from Serge.
* <!-- cgs102_epp.html -->CGS102 [[CGS Serge equal power panner|Serge Equal Power Panner]]
:Serge Equal Power Panner driver. Produced under licence from Serge.
Line 224 ⟶ 226:
:This module is a "tribute" module, based on the awesome Steiner-Parker Synthacon VCF. Despite not being a big VCF fan this one really appealed to Ken Stone. Its sound is quite unlike the Moog ladder, and has a lot of character.
* <!-- cgs35_euro_vcf.html -->CGS35EURO [[CGS Steiner voltage controlled HP, LP and BP filter Eurorack|Steiner Voltage Controlled HP, LP and BP Filter Eurorack]]
:Like the above, this module is a "tribute" module, based on the awesome Steiner-Parker Synthacon VCF. Some circuit improvements such as input level controls and expanded response have been made, as well as a new set of PCBs designed for use in Eurorack and Frac
* <!-- cgs28_seq_switch.html -->CGS28 [[CGS sequential switch|Sequential Switch]]
:A basic switching/sequencing module with many uses.
Line 239 ⟶ 241:
* <!-- cgs09_vcd.html -->CGS09 [[CGS voltage controlled divider|Voltage Controlled Divider]]
:Use this as a timing accessory for sequencers, or with a VCO for frequency trills like those of the old 8-bit computer games. Unilke other voltage controlled dividers, this one preserves the pulse width of the incoming signal.
=== Signal generators ===
* <!-- cgs19_chime.html -->CGS19 [[CGS chime simulator|Chime Simulator]]
Line 264 ⟶ 267:
:Feed this module with a high frequency from a VCO or DCO for a range of selectable waveforms/tones. ROMs are available that contain 4 or 8 banks of eight waveforms per bank.
=== General and accessories ===
* <!-- cgsmult.html -->
:This is a tiny board allows easy wiring of banana jack multiples.
* <!-- cgs14_psu.html -->CGS14 [[CGS ±15V 7x15 power supply|±15V 7x15 Power Supply]]
:A simple PSU for use with modules that don't require a more expensive alternative. This is suitable for the gate sequencer, burst generator, V8 simulator and a number of other CGS projects.
* <!-- cgs66_psu.html -->CGS66 [[CGS ±15V LM3x7 power supply|±15V LM3x7 Power Supply]]
:A PSU suitable for use with both digital or analog modules. It can actually be varied to cover a fair range of voltages. It is suitable for use with Eurorack standard modules or Modcan and MOTM standard modules.
* <!-- cgs124_bread.html -->CGS124 [[CGS breadboard |Breadboard ]]
Line 275 ⟶ 278:
:This is a PCB based panel primarily intended for prototyping and testing of new designs, although there is nothing to stop it being used in a permanent set-up. Four of these panels will fit side by side, in a standard rack boat. The 8mm holes are suitable for banana sockets and Cliff-style insulated 3.5mm jacks.
* <!-- cgs98_busdriver.html -->CGS98 [[CGS bus driver|Bus Driver]]
:The Bus Driver is a buffered bus for distributing CVs, or even audio to several modules, or even to several cabinets. In the basic configuration, it has four buffers, each of which (through the use of a CGS99 [[CGS bus expansion port|bus expansion port]]) also offers inversions of these voltages. in the advanced configuration, input 1 is added to the signals of inputs 2, 3 and 4. as such, a root note can be fed into input 1, while sequencers are fed into the other inputs. changing the voltage on input 1 would then change the root of all three of the sequences, allowing them to follow the root pitch. This was developed due to the drastic shortage of CV inputs on many Eurorack VCO modules.
* <!-- cgs99_port.html -->CGS99 [[CGS bus expansion port|Bus Expansion Port]]
:The Bus Expansion Port is a simple PCB carrying three 16 pin (2x8) headers, two on one side, and one on the other, it's purpose being to provide connections between the inside and outside of case, for the distribution of Eurorack style power buses, or with CGS93 and CGS98 bus driver as a way to link them between cases.
Line 284 ⟶ 287:
* <!-- cgs12_displayadapter.html -->CGS12 [[CGS display adapter|Display Adapter]]
:This board was developed to go with the Wavetable project, allowing easy displaying of the bank and wave numbers.
* <!-- cgs73_bus.html -->CGS73 [[CGS Eurorack power distribution board|Eurorack
:Eurorack compatible power distribution bus board.
* <!-- cgs69_gtb.html -->CGS69 [[CGS dev-mod gate/trigger block|Dev-mod Gate/Trigger block]]
Line 305 ⟶ 308:
* <s><!-- cgs46_sba.html -->CGS46 [[CGS stomp box adapter|Stomp Box Adapter]]
:The Stomp Box Adapter has been designed to allow some of the regular CGS modules to be used as guitar effects. It has an integral power supply and provides two channels of amplification to bring guitar signal levels up to those used by synthesizers, and two attenuators to drop them again, post effect. It also provides the essential bypass circuit.</s>
* <!-- cgs91_mounting_rail.html -->CGS91 [[CGS
:These mounting rails are a convenient way of mounting CGS PCBs behind a Serge style panel.
* <!-- cgs93_trunk.html -->CGS93 [[CGS trunk lines/multiples|Trunk Lines/Multiples]]
Line 323 ⟶ 326:
* <!-- cgs25_keyscan.html -->CGS25 [[CGS keyboard scanner sub-module|Keyboard Scanner Sub-Module]]
:This board was really developed for Ken Stone's own use, to allow his 486 based sequencer to connect to various keyboards.
* <!-- paraport.html -->[[
:The adapter that Ken Stone used to interface to his DCOs and keyboard.
=== Other original designs ===
* <!-- comparator.html -->[[CGS gated comparator]]
* <!-- gate_sequencer.html -->[[CGS gate sequencer]]
* <!-- organ_interface.html -->[[CGS organ interface]]
* <!-- phaser.html -->[[CGS phaser]], this is the ETI 447 audio phaser in combination with a stereo phase adapter▼
* <!-- cgs208_wad.html -->CGS208 [[CGS Serge Wilson analog delay|Serge Wilson analog delay]]▼
* <!-- v8sim.html -->[[CGS V8 and diesel simulators]]
=== Modules from other sources ===
▲* <!-- phaser.html -->[[CGS
* <!-- 5band_eq.html -->[[CGS dual ETI 414 master mixer]]
* <!-- ts21.html --> [[Audio synthesis via vacuum tubes/Metasonix TS-21 hellfire modulator|Metasonix TS-21 hellfire modulator]]
* <!-- ts22.html --> [[Audio synthesis via vacuum tubes/Metasonix TS-22 pentode filterbank|Metasonix TS-22 pentode filterbank]]
* <!-- ts23.html --> [[Audio synthesis via vacuum tubes/Metasonix TS-23 dual VCO|Metasonix TS-23 dual VCO]]
* <!-- motm100.html -->[[CGS MOTM 101 noise, S&H and vibrato]]
* <!-- rhythm.html -->[[CGS Welson Festival 2000 drum simulator]]
▲* <!-- cgs208_wad.html -->CGS208 [[CGS Serge Wilson analog delay|Serge Wilson analog delay]]
=== Tube modules ===
* <!-- 6bn6.html -->[[CGS beam modulator]]
* <!-- programmer.html -->[[CGS vintage sequencer/programmer]]
* <!-- tubevcf.html -->[[CGS tube bandpass VCF]]
* <!-- tube_psu.html -->[[CGS tube module power supply]]
* <!-- noise.html -->[[CGS tube noise source]]
* <!-- tubevco.html -->[[CGS tube VCO]]
▲* <!-- tubevcf.html -->[[CGS tube bandpass VCF]]
▲* <!-- ../tube/beam.html -->[[CGS tube beam modulator]]
▲* <!-- 6bn6.html -->[[CGS beam modulator]]
▲* <!-- programmer.html -->[[CGS sequencer programmer]]
* [https://www.schmitzbits.de/vtvcf.html René Schmitz VCF]
<ref>''[https://web.archive.org/web/20180209234644fw_/http://www.cgs.synth.net:80/modules/index.html Modules and how to build them.]''
== See also ==
* [[CGS parts FAQ]]
* [[CGS simple transistor matching guide]]
* [[Audio synthesis via vacuum tubes]]
== References ==
Line 354 ⟶ 368:
== External links ==
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20170430151727/http://cgs.synth.net/ "Modular Synth", the CGS web site] on Archive.org
* [http://www.synthpanel.com/ "Modular Synth", the CGS web site] on synthpanel.com
* [http://electro-music.com/forum/index.php?f=165 Ken Stone designs - CGS] forum at electro-music.com
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20160608101311/http://www.serge.synth.net/ Serge Modular Music Systems], Ken Stone's historic Serge Modular web site
=== PCBs, kits and ready made CGS modules ===
* [http://www.elby-designs.com/ Elby-designs.com] - Kits and PCBS, CGS in [[Eurorack]] format.
* [http://www.metalbox.com/ Metalbox.com] - [[Frac
* [http://www.modularaddict.com/ Modular Addict] - Kits and PCBS, CGS in [[Eurorack]] format.
* [https://synthcube.com/cart/ Synthcube.com] - Stocks some CGS PCBS and kits, (has taken over [[Bridechamber]]).
| |||