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playing the FreqBox vco...

Posted: Sat Sep 24, 2016 6:48 am
by Liquid Guy
Hello, I'm pretty new to all this modular stuff, I'm a guitar player and now have 4 MF's (101,102,103,107).
I use them both with my guitar signal and as a small modular system. Right now i don't have any way of creating real notes and melodies with just the modular. I understand that the 107's vco works on a 1V/OCT range. What's the easiest and/or cheapest way to take control of the vco in order to "play" it?
I'm looking for something small, preferably not in a rack format, rather a pedal or desktop size.

Re: playing the FreqBox vco...

Posted: Sat Sep 24, 2016 1:21 pm
by weary
Liquid Guy wrote: What's the easiest and/or cheapest way to take control of the vco in order to "play" it?
I'm looking for something small, preferably not in a rack format, rather a pedal or desktop size.
KORG SQ-1 sequencer!
Plug CV Out of SQ-1 to FREQ IN of MF-107.

Re: playing the FreqBox vco...

Posted: Sat Sep 24, 2016 5:13 pm
by Liquid Guy
Was just checking this one out online!
It seems like an easy, cheap way to do a lot of what i want, and probably a lot more than i can think of :D
Anytging else on that price range? Might get it and try, see if i can find one easily....

Re: playing the FreqBox vco...

Posted: Sat Sep 24, 2016 6:01 pm
by weary
Liquid Guy wrote:
Anytging else on that price range? Might get it and try, see if i can find one easily....
For the price SQ-1 is uncompromising version :oops:

Re: playing the FreqBox vco...

Posted: Sat Sep 24, 2016 6:05 pm
by EricK
Arturia Beatstep is another alternative to the Korg sequencer, but make sure its outputs are compatible.
A CP-251 will open a lot of doors as well, and its attenuators will help with managing any hot voltage outs.

The only real problem with trying to use the Foogers as a modular is that Moog never made any VCA or envelope generators, so you need some kind of VCA to articulate the 107. Introducing a sequencer quickly illustrates the need for envelopes and VCAs. Since it takes an investment of a small power supply and a rack frame to hold the few modules you need, the dilemma easily pushes one to just jump in and build a small modular system.

A doepfer a-100 mini case might be the perfect solution for you and is small enough that the modular won't get out of hand.

Re: playing the FreqBox vco...

Posted: Thu Sep 29, 2016 10:09 pm
by MRNUTTY
I use my extra freqbox's as more OSC's for my Voyager.

Re: playing the FreqBox vco...

Posted: Sat Oct 01, 2016 5:36 am
by weary
EricK wrote:Arturia Beatstep is another alternative to the Korg sequencer, but make sure its outputs are compatible.
Only Beatstep PRO version will be compatible. It's 250$ vs 100$ For Korg SQ-1.
Another alternative way is EHX 8-Step Programm. It's about 150$.
As for me the best portable sequencer is Doepfer Dark Time. But it cost 400$.

As EricK say, if moogerfoogers doesn't have any ADSR modules, there's no reason to buy expensive sequencer for them.

I wish that BFAM manufacturing will start. :roll:

Re: playing the FreqBox vco...

Posted: Mon Oct 03, 2016 10:43 am
by weary
There is MF-107 plays "On the run" sequenced by Korg SQ-1:
https://youtu.be/CjHNPCVORq4

Re: playing the FreqBox vco...

Posted: Thu Oct 06, 2016 6:02 pm
by Liquid Guy
As EricK say, if moogerfoogers doesn't have any ADSR modules, there's no reason to buy expensive sequencer for them.
Care to elaborate on why? Noob as I said....

Re: playing the FreqBox vco...

Posted: Fri Oct 07, 2016 3:43 pm
by weary
Liquid Guy wrote: Care to elaborate on why?
Exclusive features of the expensive sequensers are non-functional without ADSR of the signal. For example, convenient control of the notes divisions, pulsewidth, etc.
Korg SQ-1, EHX 8-step or Beatstep Pro got all that moogerfoogers can eat.

Re: playing the FreqBox vco...

Posted: Sun Oct 30, 2016 3:53 pm
by Liquid Guy
DAMN! I just finished writing a well detailed post and then suddenly it was gone! I'll try to write it again...

I keep reading and watching videos of the Korg SQ-1, as it's my main candidate at the moment. What I just found out is that it quantizes to the key of C only. Does it mean that I won't be able to play in other keys? Or that it will be harder? Am I over reacting? Is it not a big issue?
I nearly pulled the trigger on one several times already, but I guess I don't have the confidence because it's something I don't know much about.

Also I started looking at DIY sequencer kits lately and thought maybe to take this route instead. I am an experienced effect pedal builder (check out www.liquid-elektronika.com to see my stuff) so it can be any level of kit. If anyone can recommend anything that would be great. I'm feeling a little lost in this new world I've stepped into. Not sure which features I should look for... I know I need CV out, 1V/oct and at least 8 steps, but beyond that not much. help?

Re: playing the FreqBox vco...

Posted: Mon Oct 31, 2016 10:32 am
by EricK
Because Oscillators are constantly....oscillating, you have to have a vca to silence them. When I got a q119 sequencer from dotcom, I had to turn the volume down on my mixer or mute the channel to silence it. Playing a sequence of pitches will get you some articulation of the note, but it's going to sound the entire time. It jumps so fast between pitches though it isn't like you notice any transition between them. This is suitable for a time but you really need at least 1 vca.

Eric

Re: playing the FreqBox vco...

Posted: Mon Oct 31, 2016 12:08 pm
by Liquid Guy
Ok, so is there any "off the shelf" product or kit that has a sequencer AND a vca?

Re: playing the FreqBox vco...

Posted: Sun Nov 27, 2016 7:10 am
by weary
Liquid Guy wrote:Ok, so is there any "off the shelf" product or kit that has a sequencer AND a vca?
Moog BFAM (Brother From Another Mother) I guess. But it's still not manufactered.

Re: playing the FreqBox vco...

Posted: Wed Dec 14, 2016 10:40 am
by Alien8
a Malekko Sneak Attack works okay as an AD envelope.

With some modding it might even work as an ASD, but I haven't figured that out yet...