Grove Audio PM Resonator

JohnLRice · Post by **JohnLRice** » Sat Jul 17, 2010 6:42 pm

Happy Saturday!

Watch this thread in the coming weeks for a demo or two. (just porn pics for now . . .)

3vcos · Post by **3vcos** » Sat Jul 17, 2010 6:45 pm

the modules from this company look well built and seem rather inexpensive for the cash (kinda like dot com)

JohnLRice · Post by **JohnLRice** » Sat Jul 17, 2010 7:39 pm

I just gave it a quick test. 8_) Some initial observations:

The yellow color of the 'extended' markings is more subtle in real life than in the pictires and blends in nicely, no problems.

The pots feel nice, maybe half way inbetween the quick/loose feel of the MOTM pots and the slow/heavy feel of the DotCom pots.

The two toggle switches feel a little cheap but work fine. I guess I've gotten spoiled by the feel of the NKK toggles using in MOTM modules.

Sounds great!

At just over $200 this module is an excellent value IMHO!

Bryan B · Post by **Bryan B** » Sat Jul 17, 2010 9:28 pm

That module looks beautiful! I love the yellow too.

kindredlost · Post by **kindredlost** » Sat Jul 17, 2010 10:37 pm

I've had a time trying to figure out whether the size is closer to dotcom or MOTM. How does it fit?

Nice grab John. How was the delivery wait?

-David

russma · Post by **russma** » Sat Jul 17, 2010 10:43 pm

Doesn't say "Grove Audio" on the front panel, so I'm guessing it's a pre-release model?

JohnLRice · Post by **JohnLRice** » Sat Jul 17, 2010 10:50 pm

Thanks guys!

David:
It fits in perfect with COTK/DotCom etc modules. I'm sure a MOTM version should be possible.

I sent payment on June 22nd and received it today, July 17. While as far as modular synth manufacturers are concerned, this isn't too bad at all (less than a month) but he pretty much shipped me one as soon as he had one ready to ship. I think he was still doing additions and getting new panels etc after I piad him. (and he hasn't even collected my PayPal payment yet! Pinging John Burdick, grab yer cash please!

)

JohnLRice · Post by **JohnLRice** » Sat Jul 17, 2010 10:53 pm

idiotboy wrote:Doesn't say "Grove Audio" on the front panel, so I'm guessing it's a pre-release model?

Yeah, I'm not sure if that was an oversight or . . . he doesn't like to advertize?

I wish it did have the Grove Audio logo/name at the bottom of the panel! (the circuit board has the name though)

russma · Post by **russma** » Sat Jul 17, 2010 10:59 pm

This module is just begging for a CV input, no?

dude · Post by **dude** » Sat Jul 17, 2010 11:18 pm

idiotboy wrote:This module is just begging for a CV input, no?

that was my immediate reaction. it looks good though

pugix · Post by **pugix** » Sun Jul 18, 2010 2:06 am

Whoa, white heat shrink on black wire. Sexy.

slovo · Post by **slovo** » Sun Jul 18, 2010 4:09 am

pugix wrote:Whoa, white heat shrink on black wire. Sexy.

Ummm, I'm a big fan of your wiring jobs and all, too, but ummm... the door... to your home... have you gone out of it recently?

doctorvague · Post by **doctorvague** » Sun Jul 18, 2010 8:10 am

I've been saving for a Hordijk dual phaser but wow this is sure tempting!!
I could really see running my Andromeda or Juno 60 through it to 'hone the tones'. I really enjoyed Elhardt's demo of the original and how it could almost magically reshape timbres.

This is one module where writing down or trading settings will probably happen, like how to emulate cello or trumpet resonances and that sort of thing.

I'll post Elhardt's demo in case anyone missed it in the other thread:

[video][/video]

doctorvague · Post by **doctorvague** » Sun Jul 18, 2010 8:19 am

I just noticed Grove added a band notch mode that wasn't on the original.
I've never found notch modes all that useful in the past but on this module with 3 notches + resonance it could be interesting.

kindredlost · Post by **kindredlost** » Sun Jul 18, 2010 10:29 am

doctorvague wrote:I just noticed Grove added a band notch mode that wasn't on the original.
I've never found notch modes all that useful in the past but on this module with 3 notches + resonance it could be interesting.

To me most notch filters are lacking in a certain way. It is a useful tool like a band reject is for getting rid of certain obnoxious frequencies but why spend hundreds on a multi-mode filter when a good graphic or parametric (or my favorite - Fixed Filter Bank) can do the same?

The thing that is lacking to me is an emphasis or gain parameter. I know this seems like what the resonance would be for but that is more like the traditional "Q" peak is like on a parametric for me. If a notch filter is to be useful, it needs a way of making the band reject (cut) anywhere from mild to pronounced.

Most uses of the notch are better when there is very little to no resonance applied. But if the amount of attenuation is subtle it is hard to hear. I use the Q107 to manage notes that jump out in a sequence but only when I have enough filters left over for the task. I use it as a static filter device in notch mode. No CV or frequency movement, and no resonance so it is really not a VCF anymore in this mode.

The Grove Audio and PolyMoog filter design looks as if the notch would work much better due to control over both gain and emphasis. The latter being like resonance. It will be interesting to hear how the notch mode can emulate an instrument voice. My prediction is it will still be less useful than the band or low/high modes.

I am about 6 modules too big for my system right now. My goal was to get another cabinet and power supply before expanding any more, but the STG sequence suite and now, this filter are to be bought before I can get another cabinet on order. I'm sick with GAS.

-David

sduck · Post by **sduck** » Sun Jul 18, 2010 12:17 pm

Fitting that into a 2U motm format module wouldn't be a problem, as long as using the smaller knob size isn't an issue. I'm always concerned about size/functionality, and I don't know if this would be interesting to me in a 3U version unless it had a bunch more cv ins.

Ebolatone · Post by **Ebolatone** » Tue Jul 20, 2010 3:19 pm

Am I seeing correctly: LF13331 ICs? Hopefully not!

Great job Grove! Keep the modules coming!

JohnLRice · Post by **JohnLRice** » Tue Jul 20, 2010 3:47 pm

Peake wrote:Am I seeing correctly: LF13331 ICs? Hopefully not!

Great job Grove! Keep the modules coming!

Yup, good eyes!

What is the concern with them?

One thing I didn't mention is that included with my shipment was a "vintage mod' kit consisting of three LM348 opamps to substitute for the installed TL074 opamps. The LM348 chips are supposed to be similar to the ones used in the original Polymoog. Very nice touch!

Ebolatone · Post by **Ebolatone** » Tue Jul 20, 2010 4:24 pm

JohnLRice wrote:
Peake wrote:Am I seeing correctly: LF13331 ICs? Hopefully not!

Great job Grove! Keep the modules coming!
Yup, good eyes! What is the concern with them?

One thing I didn't mention is that included with my shipment was a "vintage mod' kit consisting of three LM348 opamps to substitute for the installed TL074 opamps. The LM348 chips are supposed to be similar to the ones used in the original Polymoog. Very nice touch!

(Some) Original ICs are Gooood 8_)

Anyone strongly invested in vintage gear eventually develops a tic regarding certain unobtainium. The LF13331 was used in arcade games but most famously in music AFAIK, the Buchla 292c quad dynamics manager. They do switching; something cheaper CMOS can do equally well...and the LFs go for around $10+ a pop. And are static sensitive.

It's sort of like in Brazil, how the repairman responds when asked if he has the requisite form 27b/6...

Glad you're liking it!

burdij · Post by **burdij** » Tue Jul 20, 2010 7:45 pm

I think I have a couple of hundred LF13331s in stock right now which should cover this first run of boards. Its a direct cross to a DG412, too (with even a bit better on channel resistance) so we should be good for a while.

I didn't know they are endangered. I guess I am blinded by excess. Maybe I should raise the price and claim that "vintage sound"? Makes every song run through it sound like "Anne Boleyn".

Ebolatone · Post by **Ebolatone** » Thu Jul 22, 2010 2:57 pm

"Vintage switching characteristics! You gotta hear it!"

Dang, if you've got a bunch of them, no problem. I've never been able to come across any for less than $10.00 each!

Best on the project!

jcn7 · Post by **jcn7** » Fri Jul 23, 2010 1:14 am

Does anyone know if this unit or their other modules can be powered by a Dot Com PSU? Thanks! Jaime

JohnLRice · Post by **JohnLRice** » Fri Jul 23, 2010 1:28 am

jcn7 wrote:Does anyone know if this unit or their other modules can be powered by a Dot Com PSU? Thanks! Jaime

Most definitely, Jaime!

If you look at the back of mine at the bottom you'll see the DotCom power connector (and below it there is also an empty space for a MOTM connector)

jcn7 · Post by **jcn7** » Fri Jul 23, 2010 1:41 am

Thanks John! Also, is this basically like the Dot Com Q127 fixed filter bank, or is it quite different? Thanks again! Jaime

JohnLRice · Post by **JohnLRice** » Fri Jul 23, 2010 2:19 am

jcn7 wrote:Thanks John! Also, is this basically like the Dot Com Q127 fixed filter bank, or is it quite different? Thanks again! Jaime

While they both share some similar capabilaties, they are different sorts of tools. If you are familiar with pro audio equipment think graphic EQ vs parametric EQ.

I'm sure John from Grove Audio will be able to explain it better than I! 8_)

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Grove Audio PM Resonator

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