about
This demo gives some insight into the various tones available when using the Makenoise Phonogene's "Broken Echo" feature. This allows for real-time delay effects to be achieved through continuous recording via the Phonogene's audio input, whilst simultaneously letting you mangle the results beyond recognition using the various parameters available (gene Size, Varispeed, Slide etc..). The result is not dissimilar to some of the sounds achievable via the Echophon, but maybe even more bizarre in places!
The sound source for this patch was the Harvestman Piston Honda, which was modulated (frequency/ wavetable morphing) by the Doepfer a149-1 "Source of Uncertainty" random voltage module, along with an "lfo" from Maths.
This was fed into an Oakley Classic VCA, which was controlled by a 4ms PEG - set to cycle, and provided with a random stream of gates to "ping" it (from the Doepfer a149-2, the expander for the a149-1). The PEG's "Curve" parameter was modulated by another a149-1 output, creating a wonky rhythmic pattern that constantly evolves.
The VCA feeds the Phonogene, which is in turn fed into a Makenoise MMG (Multimode Gate) in Lowpass mode. The Phonogene's Varispeed, Slide and Gene Size are all modulated by various lfos, coming from the Intellijel Dixie, WMD PDO mk.2 and Maths - which gives the "Broken Echo" an even more chaotic feel. It goes from a reversed feel to a granular edge, whilst swooping up and down in pitch. The MMG further modulates the result, with its cutoff and resonance being swept up and down by the lfos.
During the recording the following controls were manually tweaked: Phonogene's CV inputs, Varispeed, Gene Size, Splice and Mix controls; Maths' lfo/ envelope times, Cycle switches, and output attenuators; Piston Honda's main pitch, and cv attenuators; MMG's cutoff and resonance controls, along with its cv attenuators; and the Dixie/ PDO's lfo frequencies.
The Phonogene's output was recorded direct into Logic, and a tiny amount of EQ, Limiting and Reverb was applied during mixdown.
It's wild and unpredictable fun, and you can squeeze some real magic - with a capital "mad" - from it!
credits
released June 14, 2014
license
all rights reserved