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Yeah I like the modularity idea. My whole deal was that contact mics worked well in theory but in practice brought in a lot of unappealing frequencies and noise, so the gate/EQ thing helps a lot.

For a preamp I took a large stompbox enclosure and used these things:
https://a.co/d/9In04dT
RCA inputs and 1/4” outs. Took a few hours to make. (PM me if you want more details)

Then it’s a Behringer gate to a Behringer graphic EQ. I feel like if I really wanted to cheap out I could see what the EQs are set at and do simple R/C filters that mimic them. I get the idea of trying to modularize stuff and keep the per-channel cost down.

twelvepoint wrote: Sun Feb 05, 2023 6:03 am Yeah I like the modularity idea. My whole deal was that contact mics worked well in theory but in practice brought in a lot of unappealing frequencies and noise, so the gate/EQ thing helps a lot.

Right. Definitely an issue. Does the preamp and EQ combo fix the noise or is that what the gate is for. If I ever get a workspace again I want to wire up a little portable preamp in a stompbox to use out in the wild with a digital recorder diy field contact mics. I was going to clone a barcus barry circuit but...

twelvepoint wrote: Sun Feb 05, 2023 6:03 am For a preamp I took a large stompbox enclosure and used these things:
https://a.co/d/9In04dT
RCA inputs and 1/4” outs. Took a few hours to make. (PM me if you want more details)

That looks cool.

twelvepoint wrote: Sun Feb 05, 2023 6:03 am Then it’s a Behringer gate to a Behringer graphic EQ. I feel like if I really wanted to cheap out I could see what the EQs are set at and do simple R/C filters that mimic them. I get the idea of trying to modularize stuff and keep the per-channel cost down.

That sounds like a solid set up. The modularity is as much about cutting down on space and having flexibility as a matter of cost.

Honestly, I got the idea from a youtube video I just spent 20 minutes trying to find. I think it might have been about someone making custom instruments for Steve Reich or someone similar. The guy build a system into a portable case. He made it where you could attach the modules with little neodymium magnets. I think he used guitar pickups more than contact mics however. He also made a big zither with movable bridges. All made from basic lumber. I wish I could find it again. Search engines just aren't what they used to be.

VaticanShotglass wrote: Sun Feb 05, 2023 5:34 pm

Right. Definitely an issue. Does the preamp and EQ combo fix the noise or is that what the gate is for. If I ever get a workspace again I want to wire up a little portable preamp in a stompbox to use out in the wild with a digital recorder diy field contact mics. I was going to clone a barcus barry circuit but...

The gates typically are helpful in my application, as I have bandmates with typewriters on the same table making noise. I can see not needing them though, depending on the application.

I'm also doing the piezo discs inside little boxes with RCA outputs and magnets. With typewriters, they're mostly iron/steel so it's easy to move them around to optimal spots.

I have a new, modern recording computer, and I'm looking for compatible VST/AU synths. I'm looking for a Juno 60 style synth and a MiniMoog type of synth. The "good enough" free version that I have on my old Windows machine won't run on my M2 Mac. I'm willing to spend money for a know working plug-in, but I'd like to avoid the higest dollar ones. If I can get both for less than $100, I'd be thrilled!

benadrian wrote: Fri Jun 23, 2023 4:01 pm I have a new, modern recording computer, and I'm looking for compatible VST/AU synths. I'm looking for a Juno 60 style synth and a MiniMoog type of synth. The "good enough" free version that I have on my old Windows machine won't run on my M2 Mac. I'm willing to spend money for a know working plug-in, but I'd like to avoid the higest dollar ones. If I can get both for less than $100, I'd be thrilled!

Maybe Cherry Audio? They make a big Juno thing and a really good Mini moog. Not to mention the best Yammy CS IMO. Great Tape delay plug too. not sure of the MSRP, but they are pretty affordable and go on sale all the time. OOooooH tehy also make a RAD as hell Elka Synthex vst too!

https://cherryaudio.com/

If you’re looking for easy access to those sounds and not a 1:1-ish synth with which to tweak your own sounds, the samples from mars library and some sort of compatible sampler is a bonkers value.

Oh dang, a friend pointed me in the Moog model 15 direction, I realized I'd bought the Minimoog for my iPad a while back when I was considering an iPad for live synth stuff. Well, I can download this for my laptop and get AU/VST wrappers. So I already own the minimoog and it's already working!

benadrian wrote: Fri Jun 23, 2023 6:10 pm Oh dang, a friend pointed me in the Moog model 15 direction, I realized I'd bought the Minimoog for my iPad a while back when I was considering an iPad for live synth stuff. Well, I can download this for my laptop and get AU/VST wrappers. So I already own the minimoog and it's already working!

I’ve never used a real Juno 60 but a good friend had one and we both like the TAL-U-NO-IX. Looks like the plug in is around $60. I feel like I didn’t pay that much for my iPad version.

https://tal-software.com/products/tal-u-no-lx

https://apps.apple.com/us/app/tal-u-no-lx/id1505608326

VaticanShotglass wrote: Mon Jun 26, 2023 9:13 pm

benadrian wrote: Fri Jun 23, 2023 6:10 pm Oh dang, a friend pointed me in the Moog model 15 direction, I realized I'd bought the Minimoog for my iPad a while back when I was considering an iPad for live synth stuff. Well, I can download this for my laptop and get AU/VST wrappers. So I already own the minimoog and it's already working!

I’ve never used a real Juno 60 but a good friend had one and we both like the TAL-U-NO-IX. Looks like the plug in is around $60. I feel like I didn’t pay that much for my iPad version.

https://tal-software.com/products/tal-u-no-lx

https://apps.apple.com/us/app/tal-u-no-lx/id1505608326

I don't know that TAL version is pretty spot on to my ears. I think someone makes a controller for it.

Anyone play/own/have thoughts about newer vintage (2000s) Gibson Melody Maker 6-strings. Though I've never played one, I like the Gibson scale and I have always liked the look of them and the no frills design... and I am about to jump the gun on one that is priced-to-sell. Mostly curious about the quality: I have heard mixed reviews of Gibson quality control in recent times.