Is this different than what's in the Minimoog Voyager?

insomniyack · Post by **insomniyack** » Tue Oct 13, 2009 12:20 pm

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?Vi ... 407&_trksi d=p2759.l1259

Just wondering if this is any different from the noise source in the Minimoog Voyager synth. This says it's TRUE RANDOM and never repeats...does the Voyager repeat?

Is this something worth picking up for noise music or is it overpriced?

EMwhite · Post by **EMwhite** » Tue Oct 13, 2009 12:26 pm

I'm no expert but I read that the Voyager (I have an Old School) has only White noise (original MiniMoog had pink noise as well). It is a true analog source so no 'looping' of a sample, etc. I think it's used for the S&H source and also as audio for the mixer.

As for whether or not it's good for synth gear, this is where I'm lost as well. I think to be most useful, noise should be CV based, not just audio signal, but I could be wrong about that.

I though I read somewhere that the CP251 has a Noise source. Though there is a large spread between $80 and the cost of a 251 (have seen it for $359 free shipping); I'd save up and purchase one of these bad boys instead.

-Mike W. from NJ

Amos · Post by **Amos** » Tue Oct 13, 2009 12:36 pm

The Voyager and the CP-251 both use a "truly random" analog noise source. That wording is a reference to digitally-generated noise, which is never "truly" random... but specifically it's a reference to really outmoded stuff like the crappy digital noise chip on the Moog Source, which repeats in a short enough amount of time to create an audible rhythm.
A modern digital noise generation algorithm might use something like a 32-bit LFSR (linear feedback shift register) which generates a very-close-to-random output and would not repeat for several minutes at minimum.
In any case, analog noise sounds nicer for most applications, and is as random as you could want.

The only difference between noise "as audio" and noise "as CV" is signal level.

Edit: I checked out that eBay auction and if you want a standalone noise source, that does look pretty nifty. I see he used some pretty good-looking components (nice film caps, quality switch, etc.).

insomniyack · Post by **insomniyack** » Tue Oct 13, 2009 1:00 pm

But since I already have the Voyager this would be pretty much overlap right?

I should put money towards another little noise box?

CTRLSHFT · Post by **CTRLSHFT** » Tue Oct 13, 2009 1:15 pm

insomniyack wrote:But since I already have the Voyager this would be pretty much overlap right?

I should put money towards another little noise box?

get a cp-251 instead!

Just Me · Post by **Just Me** » Tue Oct 13, 2009 1:34 pm

I think you will be happy with a CP-251. (I have two of them and could use a third!)

insomniyack · Post by **insomniyack** » Tue Oct 13, 2009 1:40 pm

But I only have $100 to spend at the time...

CTRLSHFT · Post by **CTRLSHFT** » Tue Oct 13, 2009 3:41 pm

insomniyack wrote:But I only have $100 to spend at the time...

save it until you can afford a 251, it's so worth it and will make your Voyager an analog Incredible Hulk!

Portamental · Post by **Portamental** » Tue Oct 13, 2009 3:46 pm

The noise on the Voyager is a pink-white hybrid. It works on both audio out (mixer) and mod bus source. I would be surprised it would not be adequate for what you want to do.

From the specs of your device, it can not be used as is with the Voyager to generate a suitable sound level, it requires a preamp stage( mixer, audio card, passive box etc). Further costs and connections.

I don't see the point of it. If you want processing for the Voyager (and an extra noise source): CP-251.

If you can spend only 100$ for something REALLY REALLY useful (though a bit less gadgety) to augment the sonic capabilities of your Voyager, I would suggest a pair of expression pedals.

Just Me · Post by **Just Me** » Tue Oct 13, 2009 6:00 pm

And I've never paid over $200USD for a used CP-251 or $250 for a new one. Bargains are out there.

CTRLSHFT · Post by **CTRLSHFT** » Tue Oct 13, 2009 6:14 pm

Just Me wrote:And I've never paid over $200USD for a used CP-251 or $250 for a new one. Bargains are out there.

+1 on this idea, i actually checked ebay earlier to see if there was a good deal up there to reference, but they were all for full price pretty much. Needless to say though, you will find good deals up there. I got a NIB one for 269 a couple years back.

Otherwise, you could go to AmericanMusical.com, and get one of their installation plans and pay over 3 months. Makes stuff affordable without using credit or accruing interest.

EricK · Post by **EricK** » Tue Oct 13, 2009 6:53 pm

Let me add that You can use noise for different things...as a voltage or as an audio source. You can have one noise source for filter swooshing or phasing, while another noise source (as a voltage) dirties up an oscillator, while yet another noise source is being used with something like the MURF for percussion. So in essence, it won't be overkill to have more than one noise source.

If you only have 100 to spend at a time then layaway is your friend.

Eric

Sidewind · Post by **Sidewind** » Wed Oct 14, 2009 5:51 pm

I think it would be more economical to use a Vx-351 to patch the noise to the multiple. From there, you can route it to multiple locations (MURF, etc.).

Michael...

Just Me · Post by **Just Me** » Wed Oct 14, 2009 6:58 pm

Sidewind wrote:I think it would be more economical to use a Vx-351 to patch the noise to the multiple. From there, you can route it to multiple locations (MURF, etc.).

Michael...

Except it isn't an output on the VX-351

Sidewind · Post by **Sidewind** » Wed Oct 14, 2009 7:14 pm

Oops! Good catch there! I hadn't noticed that and always assumed it was there. I usually use either a CP-251 or a noise source from my modular.

In that case, I would have to agree that it would be money better spent to save towards a CP-251. Given the number of modules on it for the price, it is hard to beat.

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Is this different than what's in the Minimoog Voyager?

Is this different than what's in the Minimoog Voyager?

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