Tell me about video synths 2.0 - the forbidden knowledge

[01010111]

Those software synths look crazy flexible, but I'm definitely not going to want to try and set that shit up after work. What would you need for a basic modular video synth system? A sync signal generator, a video source, and an output? Is the video generated using oscillators at different freqencies that translate to EM frequencies?

[ognoy]

Just bought a Panasonic WJ-AVE5 video mixer for 45$.
Where will this end?

[01010111]

Because I've always wanted to get into video synthesis, I've decided 2017 is the year I start my modular addiction. I'll start by dipping my toes in with the Mother 32, and follow it up with a case and the Visual Cortex.

This is my current plan, and it'll probably take me 2-3 years to put it all together. It's going to change a TON.

[resincum]

Just bought a Panasonic WJ-AVE5 video mixer for 45$.
Where will this end?

those fucking rule(built in TBC). the caps will probably die tho resulting in a green screen. very common thing for these. happened to mine and the caps for it were backordered till jan :'(

[MrNovember]

So happy this thread came back! Wish I had noticed a little sooner!

I was actually about to pull the trigger on an Opti-Glitch, but resincum to the rescue:

if you go the analog route like T+ or BPMC, you'll need a TBC (time base corrector) or else it will drop out all the time. you won't get much out of it unless you're running it into tube tvs. you'll also need an analog to digital converter. if you go the T+ route and want to start with one of the cheaper options, I recommend the vortex decoder vs opti glitch. opti glitch is kind of a bitch to use//better for complimenting a set up than standalone. took me a while to appreciate it.

I was really having trouble deciding between the two. Can you expand a little bit more between the two? Why is the Opti-Glitch a bitch to use? What are their layouts like?

But now I also have to consider this:

this is that dude, big pauper.
http://glitchart.com

What are people's opinions between the Opti-Glitch, Vortex Decoder, and Premium Cable?

There's also the Giekes 3TrinsRGB+1c...

Note, I'll be plugging whatever I end up getting into this little guy:

[MrNovember]

I was able to open V1.0 of this thread and got resincum's thread breaking response to my earlier question:

I have the vortex decoder / wj ave5 with a camera for feedback and vhs source. I also use my friends opti glitch and that bent drawing thing he offers with a few other analog things.. I honestly would try something else besides the opti. I hated my friends for a long time. it's super finicky and you cant really turn the fx off; its always bent. forget about being able to use it without a TBC unless its through a tube tv. the vortex decoder can be ran without any bends // just as an enhancer or degrader for that lofi/vhs vibe. not to knock it completely, but I think it shines in conjuction with other units than stand alone or a starting point unless you have a mixer

The Vortex Decoder does sound like it might be a better starting point just because I would be using it alone for awhile until I can afford expanding with another device + a mixer. I'm not sure if any of that with regards to the Opti-Glitch is a real deal breaker for me, but it would cost quite a bit more to start than going with the Vortex Decoder.

Now I just have to decide between the Vortex Decoder and the Premium Cable...

I'm kind of leaning towards the Vortex Decoder because I love the DIY/bent feel to it, but there's a lot more info available regarding the Premium Cable and it seems like something that would do exactly what I'd like.

[Ugly Nora]

I asked some questions to Tachyons Plus in November 2015 and he responded with the info below. I figured it might be helpful to have all info here in one place. He mentions he was working on his own synth called the lightlord, which I believe Resincum also mentioned. Breaking the message up into 2 posts because I can only post 10 URLs per post.




Currently we have:
VORTEX DECODER 222$8
glitch switches + 4 parameter knobs
http://youtu.be/FHqpYF7CvgI
http://youtu.be/p6OUHTbcRIM
http://youtu.be/sefWBCqsiME


OPTI-GLITCH 288$ 10
glitch knobs + 2 parameter knobs
http://youtu.be/93JipglOL-8
http://youtu.be/q555ishEYzkhttps://youtu.be/LWIOx5glNLg


PSYCHENIZER 388$ 14
glitch knobs + 2 parameter knobshttps://youtu.be/6Ji5sfoQ_uw
https://vimeo.com/130881670


FUN 21 444$ 20
glitch knobs + 2 parameter knobshttp://youtu.be/vKnjQa8MAsI
http://youtu.be/FXjM7jqv5dY
https://vimeo.com/123751460

All the machines above
are 110v.
NTSC. RCA composite In and
Out.

[Ugly Nora]

///////////////////
RAINBOWONIC II 488$ 3 Audio In's for audio
visualization13 switches + 1 parameter
knob9
sliders to control the color+
special paintbrush effect controlshas RCA
+ S-Video in and outs
Demo: https://youtu.be/IYKdTvSaJmIhttp://youtu.be/hvKGZJBAjmA
http://youtu.be/adjG5U5t95o

////////////////////////
One last video
demo.You can feed the video
gear above into each other for animation texture
patterns:https://vimeo.com/133302521
////////////////////
Coming soon! THE LIGHTLORDOur first from scratch audio
visualizer synth. STAY TUNED!
///////////////////
If you
want to use these machines with a Computer or
Projector, you
will need certain convertors to do so. Let me
know if you need help figuring out what is best for yr
set-up.
There
are many possibilities for capturing and using analog video
gear for art design.
We offer a long-time guarantee
that these will work over many years...and a free repair if issues do
occur.
Let me know if you have any
further questions!
-Logan

[MrNovember]

I got the same response from Logan at Tachyons+, but with a few more links. I'll post them later tonight/tomorrow if I get the chance. He also mentioned that he's working on something with CV control. Not sure if that'll be the Lightlord or not.

[popvulture]

I'm clueless about this realm, aside from the fact that Switched On (the local synth store here in Austin) has periodically had these very cool looking Atari Video Music consoles in stock over the years. I believe they're circuit bent by the folks at the store. Not sure if you've seen/heard of those, but probably worth a look... they seem right up our collective dweeby alley.

http://www.switchedonaustin.com/content/modified-atari-video-music

[MrNovember]

So Logan only had a few extra videos for the Vortex Decoder in the email that I received. Added below:

Currently we have:
VORTEX DECODER 222$8
glitch switches + 4 parameter knobs
http://youtu.be/FHqpYF7CvgI
http://youtu.be/p6OUHTbcRIM
http://youtu.be/sefWBCqsiME
http://youtu.be/iyWDTUf_koc
http://youtu.be/ktwIfHk4VGo
http://youtu.be/X2z1tDDBBMg

Edit: also, this is the video that was making me lean towards the Opti-Glitch. I pretty much want to be using all of these effects: