Development of event-based processes in the EEGsynth have been slow. Although we have the sequencer and generateclock (formerly “synchronization”) module, with which many patches are possible, we have a long way to go toward truly creative, flexible and musical patching of events, based e.g. on ECG, EMG muscle-contractions, EOG from eye-blinks, and triggering events such as beats, lights, gunshots, etc. In fact, we still need to wrap our heads around all that’s possible, and converge on some overarching logic and consistent implementation as we now have for continuous control signals.
In any case, that’s the excuse I give myself – that it’s for EEGsynth research that I’ve ordered two DIY kits from Thonk: Befaco‘s new Muxlicer and Snazzy FX‘s Kick Me. There is nothing like spending a relaxing weekend hunched over for hours, breathing soldering fumes, drinking coffee to remain focused until your hands shake and you pray to the god of polarities that you haven’t made a mistake and wasted time and money on something better left to the nimble hands of children.
The Muxlicer I’ve been eyeing as soon as it was announced. It’s original and very multi-functional, creating a powerful and patchable way of playing with gates and CVs. Not unlike their Rampage module (based on Serge’s Dual Slope Generator), it retains a clear logic that jives with my brain. I’ve also wanted something from Snazzy FX for a while. I just love their funky psychedelic designs and nasty sound, and was curious about their DIY kits.
Assembling the Kick Me was a breeze thanks to very well-done instructions (pictures!). The Muxlicer was much more work, with a lot of components and pretty crowded, but it does give you a sense of how much functionality they were able to cramp into those 16 HP – no space was wasted. I made sure this time to triple check every component values, checking for cold solders and made clean work out of it. For the first time I was able to finish it without any problems – i’m getting the hang of it!
Sonically, the Kick Me has some tight sweet-spots, and quickly gets distorted, especially when flicking its clip switch. For my purpose, as a novice in ‘beats’, its range is plenty for a while, especially when paired with some filters with character. Everything interacts, so it’s rather unpredictable, but a lot of fun. Their philosophy feels very hands-on, so while you can only CV-control pitch, its fun to wiggle and explore, also thanks to well-spaced Davies 1900h clones.
Like all their modules, the Befaco module has a clear logical design with a lot of functionality while retaining a modular feeling. I really don’t like their tiny pot knobs though, and will replace them. The values of the sliders seem arbitrary (0-5 volts? What do the notches mean?), and the way the attenuators work while self-patching is not clear to me. But I still need to read the manual and start playing! As a module to control timing and the distribution of gates and CVs its insanely powerful and very well thought through. It even has it’s own pingable clock, which it can divider and multiply. Just imagine how powerful it is in combination with other modules such as Befaco’s Rampage which will add glide, envelopes, LFO’s and more logic. Once I have my new case they will snugly sit side-by-side.
I also took the opportunity to spray-paint my mini Doepfer case, and added the Doepfer wasp filter to add even more character and control. It turned out to be a very fun and remarkably balanced box. Time to play and get inspired!