TIL Plaits Can Do DX7

First, install the 1.2 firmware from here: https://pichenettes.github.io/mutable-instruments-documentation/modules/plaits/firmware/

Important: Like me, you might not get the up/down and new orange modes unless you first do this:

You’ll have to press both A buttons simultaneously (not hold them but not tap them either; just a generic medium press) before you have the ability to scroll through the presets sideways. Then you’ll have to press left or right to get to the Orange models. — Toccata

Then, open this editor: https://pichenettes.github.io/plaits-editor/patch_bank.html

And drag and drop DX7 patches from here: https://yamahablackboxes.com/collection/yamaha-dx7-synthesizer/patches/ – for example, the original 32 patches that shipped with the DX7 are found in ROM1A and ROM1B – here’s a nice demo video of those – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F3rrjQtQe5A

Props Synth Dad for this demo: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y2fxCdsYkss

Take Me to Therian Church

Well, actually, I took myself… and a big pillow… and a favorite plushie. What a magical, inspirational night! So many furries, therians and trans folk. And modular synth! Sometimes sitting, sometimes lying, on the floor letting the sounds and poetry and storytelling wash over us in-between group howls. Rawr!

Modulove A-RYTH-MATIK + YM3812

I’m getting started with Modular Synthesis and the first module I built was Modulove’s A-RYTH-MATIK ( A•RYTH•MATIK – Modulove ). It’s a Euclidean rhythm generator built around an Arduino Nano.

I took the output of the A-RYTH-MATIK and used it to drive another Arduino controlling a YM3812 – one of the classic game synthesizers from the 80s – embedded in the OPL2 Audio Board from Cheerful Electronics ( OPL2 Audio Board from Cheerful Electronic on Tindie )

A wee bit of Arduino coding and I have a basic drum machine. You can find the source here: pandamusrex/modular-opl2-interface: Integrate the Cheerful Electronics OPL2 audio board with a Eurorack Modular Synthesizer Modulove A-RYTH-MATIK

Here’s a clip of it all working together:

Rawr!

 

Modular Seattle – 2025 August