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Re: KNOBS - Sonicsmith // Squaver & ConVertor
Posted: Thu Jun 01, 2017 1:49 pm
by lordgalvar
Just to note: outside of diy, the alternative ways to do it I described will probably be more expensive than the sonicsmith thing...it's all a trade off. If basic synth guitar sounds are what you're after, it might not be bad (and sorry Knobs).
Re: KNOBS - Sonicsmith // Squaver & ConVertor
Posted: Thu Jun 01, 2017 2:00 pm
by yeatsvisitslincoln
Could you spectrum analyze (FFTs maybe?) and just take the largest peak as your root note?
From a modular perspective, could you not just get something like a Disting to do pitch tracking from a guitar? And then go crazy however you want?
Re: KNOBS - Sonicsmith // Squaver & ConVertor
Posted: Thu Jun 01, 2017 2:03 pm
by lordgalvar
That's why I mentioned it above haha. I haven't really tried it in a real world application though (was just resetting up my little eurorack to test it versus a pll and sync with/without pulse edge sharpening...I should probably throw a bandpass on there too...don't think I have one though unless you count the boogie). The tracking might be slower. Which, I guess, if your are after wild synth tones on guitar, you'd have to assume some trade-off.
But disting + osc + case + filter + env +interface is going to be at least 600 (more like 800 +)
Re: KNOBS - Sonicsmith // Squaver & ConVertor
Posted: Thu Jun 01, 2017 2:08 pm
by yeatsvisitslincoln
Fair, fair. I didn't think of it as expensive just given that I'm already planning on spending the money on a setup like that anyways. Haha.
Re: KNOBS - Sonicsmith // Squaver & ConVertor
Posted: Thu Jun 01, 2017 2:16 pm
by lordgalvar
I'm going to test disting at some point. Got sidetracked making the envelope delays and junk.
I still think the Roland gk setup is probably the best with a good midi convertor that splits chords into CV channels.
Re: KNOBS - Sonicsmith // Squaver & ConVertor
Posted: Thu Jun 01, 2017 5:30 pm
by MrNovember
Neat. I would try either of those out in my set-up. Not really for guitar synth. More so just for weird stuff like the Field Kit. But yeah, at that price, I think I'd just buy a new synth

Re: KNOBS - Sonicsmith // Squaver & ConVertor
Posted: Thu Jun 01, 2017 6:26 pm
by yeatsvisitslincoln
Ironically, at this price point, they should make eurorack modules. No one would bat an eye at the price.
Re: KNOBS - Sonicsmith // Squaver & ConVertor
Posted: Thu Jun 01, 2017 6:29 pm
by Jwar
So is there anything in a pedal format that does what this does? I saw you guys saying stuff about the PLL, but that thing sounds nothing like the PLL circuit's I've tried. Never tried the original and don't intend on doing so. I like the sounds of filters the most. Granted I have limited knowledge when it comes to non pedal form shit.
Re: KNOBS - Sonicsmith // Squaver & ConVertor
Posted: Thu Jun 01, 2017 6:40 pm
by lordgalvar
PLL is just a way for one oscillator to track another. You can tack a filter onto one if you want (and an envelope follower/trigger envelope generator for filter stuff). You've just gotta expect some lag and some glitches (which filtering out harmonics will help with).
The PLL will spit out a square/pulse based on the phase of an incoming oscillator like guitar. You just need something to change that waveshaper from square to something (or sync another full on oscillator to that). Use a vca to gate based on envelope and stuff (or an LPG for a simpler design).
I can't think of any all in one kind of design though. 4046-m comes close with it's mod potential (and ring mod waveshaping), but no filter....you could always add one after though. The CV controls won't really be there either.
Re: KNOBS - Sonicsmith // Squaver & ConVertor
Posted: Thu Jun 01, 2017 6:45 pm
by yeatsvisitslincoln
I mean, you could just get a nice square wave fuzz, a WMD Protostar, a ring mod, and a tremolo for about the same price and get close? Or just start a modular synth...
I think as lordgalvar said, it's not doing anything particularly weird to the guitar signal.
Re: KNOBS - Sonicsmith // Squaver & ConVertor
Posted: Thu Jun 01, 2017 6:50 pm
by lordgalvar
Also, ms-20 has a glitchy guitar/instrument interface. I'm sure if you make the incoming signal more simple (like a wah maybe or a bandpass filter with a pedal interface) you could improve it's performance and get a heck of a lot more synth.
Re: KNOBS - Sonicsmith // Squaver & ConVertor
Posted: Thu Jun 01, 2017 6:57 pm
by Jwar
I have the 4046 and just got a Guyatone Ultron. It has HP, BP, LP and Notch filters. You think I could get pretty far with that?
We have so derailed this thread. LOL
Re: KNOBS - Sonicsmith // Squaver & ConVertor
Posted: Thu Jun 01, 2017 7:08 pm
by yeatsvisitslincoln
Hey, knobs did the 4046-M. Tooooootally on topic.
4046-M -> (Envelope) Filter -> Flanger is just

Re: KNOBS - Sonicsmith // Squaver & ConVertor
Posted: Thu Jun 01, 2017 7:37 pm
by lordgalvar
Yeah, sorry about the derail. Haha.
I think 4046-m and that guyatone seems like it could be magic man. I've always wanted one of those guyatone and the 4046-m impressed the heck out of me at namm with its tracking. (Still waiting on mine)
Re: KNOBS - Sonicsmith // Squaver & ConVertor
Posted: Thu Jun 01, 2017 9:13 pm
by oldangelmidnight