I posted this on a forum in response to somebody with a Korg MS-20 and plans to add more modular stuff. I think it is a good quick primer. I’ll update this with more information when I get some time …

Be aware the MS-20 doesn’t play particularly nice with a lot of modular stuff, at least not without some coaxing.

The MS-20 uses S-triggers (closures) for gates, while the Eurorack world generally uses V-triggers (+5V). It is super easy to go from v-trig to s-trig using a simple adaptor, but going the other way requires a more costly conversion.

Also, the pitch CV output from the MS-20 is Hz/V (linear) while Eurorack is 1V/oct (exponential). This means that notes you play on the MS-20 will not translate to the same intervals on Eurorack. You can bring Eurorack V/oct into the MS-20’s modulation input and adjust the modulation amount and tuning – it will track quite well, but musically controlling Eurorack oscillators from the MS-20 again requires conversion.

There are modules that do all of these conversions quite well. But you need to know this stuff if you want to hook up your MS to anything else, including 0-coast.

Finally: the MS’s envelopes and LFO will work to modulate Eurorack stuff with no trouble.

More Synth Maintenance Completed

It’s been a busy week behind the scenes at Studio Nebula. Not a lot of creative stuff going on at the moment, but I’ve taken the time to give much-needed TLC to some vintage gear.

Continue reading

Moog Mother 32.

I love the fact that this is actually a thing.

Moog Mother 32 Sketch from Gearslutz

Check out the crazy thread on Gearslutz …. not a lot of detail, but it is always fun to read the rampant speculation.

The quick skinny:

  • Last weekend at Knobcon, Moog had a special “no photography” area where they were inviting people to look at a new product.
  • The new product may have similar lineage to the Werkstatt.
  • Eurorack compatible
  • 32 patch points
  • Complete synth voice with a single VCO
  • Step sequencer
  • MIDI in
  • MSRP: $599 USD
  • Available in mid-October 2015

Some thought the product would be announced yesterday, but so far there has been no announcement. The picture above was skteched from memory by a Gearslutz user.