Maybe this is obvious to a lot of you, but I thought id share..
Using any multitrack/sampler/looper and a simple sound source, the freqbox becomes a versatile cv recorder..
When this sinks in you realise that tremolos are lfos (with a ring modulator this gets very tasty).. Loop points and reversing samples can easily make rhythmical patterns.. Delays (especially dynamic/ducker delays) take on new significance..
No midi-cv required..
You can even patch the env out back into the freqbox for an audio controlled synth.. just add filter.. (id set the env amount and mix to 0/dry or things could get complicated)
A compressor allows you to change/record the depth of the control too.. attack/release can create rhythmical movement..
Depending on your setup you can expand on this idea in a lot of ways.. (A CP251 mult and attenuators/inverters are an instant starting point).
This is quite similar - I’ve recently been using the Freqbox for a side-chain compression sound. Here’s how:
Drum Machine (in my case a Korg Kaoss Pad KP3) into input of Freqbox, Output running into mixer/speakers.
Freqbox mix set to fully anti-clockwise (left).
Env. Out to CP-251 CV Mixer. CV Mixer offset set to fully anti-clockwise (negative).
Negative output of CV Mixer into Synthesizer Volume CV (in my case a Minitaur or through CP-251 Multiple into my Phatty Poly Chain).
Synthesizer output running into mixer/speakers.
Tweak Freqbox gain, output and CP-251 CV Mixer offset to suit.
The idea is that the beat (mainly the bass drum) should cut through the synth sound, by using the Freqbox envelope to reduce the volume of the synthesizer.
Add a bandpass filter after the drum machine.. you’ll be able to “tune” to selected frequencies (Kik, Snare, Hat).. your in Sherman restyler territory now…
Ah of course! Now I just need a filter that isn’t a Moog Low Pass! Although in the mean time I’ll experiment with using various EQ’s in place of a filter to accent different frequencies/drums.
I think the recorder word needs to be replaced with translator. You send music to the FreqBox, and the envelope follows the dynamics in the music, just like playing an instrument.
I could be wrong, but the FreqBox doesn’t have a memory, it’s more of an in the now kind of instrument.
Count me in! I would also love to hear the cv recorder explenation.
I got the popcorn ready and everything. Im counting on a spectacular explosive hollywood ending.
If you really want a cv recorder, and you can use an envelope follower or any cv, you can get an old instrumentation reel to reel (not computer data reel to reel) that was used by scientists for rocket trajectories and such. Records dc onto magnetic tape. Also would look extremely cool with a modular. Lots of them on ebay, though who knows if they still work.
This costs £800.. and is euro only.. you already have a freq box right? id love one (Its one of the few Asys modules I don’t have) But you need something (preferably lots of different things) to send cv to it.. with my idea all you need is audio..
You can do what Morton Subotnik did in the late 60’s/early 70’s and record audio onto tape, making sure that there are plenty of dynamic changes. Then play that tape back into an envelope follower and apply the EF control voltage to anything you like. This is in effect, ‘recording a CV’.
