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Paper-Synthesizer 100 - Hard-Sync-Oscillator

by Antti Pussinen and Wolfgang Spahn

Analogue sound synthesis is ““GOOD”” for sound art purposes because of its infinite resolution and natural way of sounding. Its technology also makes it easy to modify for added features. In a way one could see this form of sound generation as a way to sculpt electricity into waveforms. These waveforms can then be made audible by a speaker that transforms this waveform into movement in air.

In the workshops we build dedicated sound modules and give insight on how synthesizers function. The workshops start from beginner level. The aim of the series is to build a modular environment where one can pick the desired building blocks and builds ones own sound generator of choice.

In the first workshop of the series we build a hard synced oscillator consisting of two oscillators in master-slave configuration. This makes it possible to create waveforms with rich harmonic content. For both oscillators one has control over both frequency and pulse-width/ramp-width. The two oscillators are synced together so that the other one controls the base frequency of the other one. Added features like individual outputs for different waveforms and other methods of modulation are marked on the Paper-PCB.

The building system is based on working methods of both of the artists, in field of sound and visual art. The Basic building block is the stripboard/prototyping board and the circuit is laid on top of that as a printed paper sheet. One then assembles all the components per printed circuit design. In the era of copy-paste also synthesizer circuits can be produced in large numbers with a help of a printer and easily developed further.

All the tools and materials will be provided. The workshop will be held in German and English.

https://soundcloud.com/wolfgang-spahn/ps100-hard-sync-oscillator_audio-demo