Strange MF-102 behavior?

GoDrex · Post by **GoDrex** » Thu Jan 31, 2008 3:51 pm

I tried to find some info on this but haven't had any luck yet. I also used the contact form on the moog site but haven't heard anything back yet.

So I figured I'd join here and ask...

I recently acquired a MF-102 ring mod

I like it, but I've noticed something strange - or at least it seems strange to me.

I noticed that if when I'm using it I move my hand near it (say to make an adjustment) I can hear a change in the frequency setting. It's noticeable if I walk around my room and play - I can here it changing a little. It's more pronounced when I put my hand near it. It causes the frequency to dip down and then then if I move my hand back it goes back to normal. This makes dialing in a frequency kind of difficult sometimes. Like if I want it to resonate with a certain pitch - when I move my hand away it's now out of tune - so I have to try tuning a tad lower and then move my hand away and see what happens.

So is there something wrong with my Ring Mod or is this bug a feature?

EricK · Post by **EricK** » Thu Jan 31, 2008 4:42 pm

Man you got yourself a Theremin Ring Mod! hahah

Are you absolutely positive that its not the LFO that is cylicing at a low level?

Try when you notice the difference being absolutely still; try changing the rate of the lfo try switching the waveshape to pulse.

I can't see how your hand would interfere with the capicatance inside but then again im not an engineer.

Other than that, how do you like the Ring Mod?

GoDrex · Post by **GoDrex** » Thu Jan 31, 2008 4:54 pm

Yeah I've turned the LFO knobs all the way down and it does it right when I move my hand. I was playing with it and it makes a kind of cool effect, sort of like a whammy bar going down. I can hit a note and then move my hand to the effect and hear the pitch change downward.

It's a fun toy for me to play with. I haven't come up with a musical application yet but I enjoy playing with it. Growing up I loved Tomita's "Snowflakes Are Dancing" album and I can get sounds that remind me sounds from that.

ColorForm2113 · Post by **ColorForm2113** » Thu Jan 31, 2008 5:46 pm

...is your name Powder by any chance?... thats my only explaination...

GoDrex · Post by **GoDrex** » Thu Jan 31, 2008 5:51 pm

hahahaha yeah must be my electric personality