SOLICITING ADVICE!! GIVE US YOUR OPINION!! TELL US WHAT TO DO!!
-yep, I truly AM asking you, the reader, to give me-the humble writer--your opinion on what YOU want to see from NVD in the future.

In the past (one month ago) I solicited advice on  a forum for the same reason:

After reading over 75 posts, a consensus arose and we decided that this year's "Semi-Commercial Product Run" from NVD would consist of 3 types of devices:
1.  Pedals : for guitar, vocals, bass, etc.  We've already promoted, released, and sold out (of the first 50) of "The Robot Assassin" (see photo below in last week's blog)

2. Modular Synth Modules : the overwhelming majority of suggestions was for Eurorack format, but if we make any PCB/Kits to sell, I plan to follow Barton Musical Circuits (www.bartonmusicalcircuits.com/‎) lead and make sure that MOTM and others can use the PCB for their formats as well

3. Stand Alone Synths : We've already done a run of the AEye (and sold almost all of them) and have another (hint hint) we'll be unveiling early next week.

However, now that we've decided on what TYPES of devices to create, we need to focus on a SMALL NUMBER of each..perhaps four (4) more of each of the three (3) categories for a total of five (5) of each.

**EDIT : Thus far we've gotten some notable suggestions:
       for Category 3 : a portable semimodular that could be used by itself or easily plugged into a modular
       system,
       for Category 1 : an Uber-Fuzz pedal combining many of the most popular fuzz pedal sounds/effects in
       one, and just as interesting- a sampler/looper to be controlled via a wah-type pedal
       for Category 2:  one idea was to make functional and inexpensive modules like tube amp/gain, another
      was to create a "Fibonacci Sequencer"

GIVE US YOUR IDEAS AND SUGGESTIONS AND IF WE USE THEM-THE PROTOTYPE WILL BE SHIPPED TO YOU FOR FREE!!

-simply email me  with your ideas-include pictures and examples if you can.  Sometimes it is hard for me to understand your idea without illustration.  Not because anyone in particular is a poor communicator, but because ideas and the like are extremely difficult to translate into terminology successfully.

      

 ALESIS VORTEX KEYTAR MIDI/USB CONTROLLER REVIEW
 -Great price, useability, ergonomics, design & function..and it looks cool too.

First of all, the Alesis Vortex Keytar retails for a FRACTION of the price of similar products by similar manufacturers (i.e. Roland, Yamaha, etc).

NOTE: I GOT MINE FOR LESS THAN $100 - GO HERE IF YOURE READING THIS REVIEW IN THE TEMPORAL VICINITY OF WHEN I POSTED IT

Second of all, if you are short on time, just read this much--its the best possible deal on a new piece of gear.  (<--"period"). Short form: its got everything you would expect from a controller and extra features as well, and does everything it does well..and is made well...and is a solid design..its ergonomics/accesibility are/is perfect.
I'm going to tackle the rest of this review in sections for ease of use by the (potential/imaginary) reader:

a) Design: Since its a keytar, actual useabilty can easily be an issue. Its not.  Once strapped on, you can easily access the keys,  buttons, and pads.  The pitch wheel (spring return/tactile touch covered), octave up/dwn, and ribbon controller are in the "neck" and are also easy to access and use.

B)Features:Has a FULL set:

- 8 solid, rubber/tactile drum pads w/variable response & velocity sensativity
- 3-osctave keyboard. Solid keys-plastic (it IS reasonably priced)but excellent response and feel.
- 3 digit LCD screen
- 3 assignable knobs & lights & pads for program/patch control
ON NECK
-3 tctile buttons to control ribbon modes
-large/easy to reach & use tactile sustain button
-ppx3" ribbon controller (almost intuitive placement for left hand use w/fingers)
-octave up,down,keyboard lower, upper & split tactile buttons within easy reach of left hand middle to pinky fingers.
-VERY solid tactile rubber-covered pitch wheel perfectly placed for thumb use & control
-an assignable slider that could be controlled by thumb or finger (this is the ONLY control I question the placement of.)

c)OPERATION & FUNCTION

-honestly, there's not a lot to say about this. It functions as you would expect it to. The keys work great and could only be improved by being weighted (not possible at this price point- the 150-250$ avg cost retail)

-Power CONTROL : this is NOT something you see often enough, and you SHOULD. The vortex (by the ins/outs) has a solid switch to toggle between "BATT"(battery), "OFF", "USB", and "DC" (adaptor).

D. USEABILITY:

  The vortex offers a near-complete set of options:  traditional MIDI cable as well as USB.  Either appears to function in an intuitive, 'plug-n-play' fashion.  I had no problems using the traditional MIDI cable with my Roland, Boss, Korg, Yamaha, Serge, Doepfer & Mee-blip synths.  I simply plugged it in and hit the keys.
(*-Note: to change channels/modes all you do is hit the key apropo marked, EASY)
W/USB & software-it comes w/& works perfectly w/Ableton. I only also used it w/Arturia's Moog & CS-80 & Reason.  It worked fine w/both, although I had to go into menus and assign it.

There are a number of other things here that are worth mentioning that I'll let you discover for yourself as I do notnormally use them or have the experience to rate them. (ex. Sustain pedal etc)However, overall-with the things I DO have experience with, its a WINNER. Go buy it, there's no possible way you will regret it!!


PS-IT LOOKS KILLER, TRULY.

REALLY REALLY USEFUL INFO, TOOLS (RES/CAP CALCULATORS, ETC) & PAGES:

I've decided it'd be helpful (big part of why im even bothering to do this blog nonsense is to help others out)..REALLY helpful-to put up the links, etc that I use ALL THE TIME when im DIY'ing (DIM'ing?).
Here it is:
1. If you are buying or using wire you will see things like "18AWG" & think to yourself : "What the Fuck does AWG mean?" And its important that you DO take a look because it is NOT common sense and is completely counterintuitive to a certain degree (**the sizes go down for larger wires for example).
Here's a chart I've found easy to read and understand:
AWG (American Wire Guage) Wire Size Chart ( http://diyaudioprojects.com/Technical/American-Wire-Gauge/ )

2. Resistors..these things can be INCREDIBLY small.  And who can remember or memorize all the combinations of %, ohms, and color/number of stripes?  Much easier to use a handy:

Graphic Res Calc

3,4 & 5 Band Graphic Resistor Value Calculator ( http://www.hobby-hour.com/electronics/resistorcalculator.php )

3. Capacitors, same thing-they can be TINY..and its hard enough just to find the code, let alone read the damn digits.  Well, if you haven't already bought some killer magnifying lighted headgear..then you need to.  In the meantime, use your roommate's coke-bottle glasses to magnify the cap & read the code and then use:
Capacitor Code Calculator ( http://www.electronics2000.co.uk/calc/capacitor-code-calculator.php  )  

4.  After that, you may have a schematic that says Mf instead of Uf (they;re the same, FYI) or that says "__n"  instead of " __uf" so you may need a :
Capacitance Converter Calculator ( http://www.calculator.org/property.aspx?name=capacitance  )

5. Speaking of datasheets (note rant below), here are 2 different sites which I often find the datasheets on. (**another source is any site, including the ones listed here, that SELLS components-they'll have the datasheets as well and are an EXCELLENT resource for data on current/not-discontinued components)
5a. Experimentalists Anonymous ( http://www.experimentalistsanonymous.com/ ) Excellent for dtasheets on IC's and semiconductors (diodes, voltage regulators, etc) of all kinds

5b. Frank's "electron tube database" ( http://frank.pocnet.net/ ) : Datasheets for thousands of Vacuum (electron) tubes

6. Transistor "pinouts"-here's a page with a quick, graphical reference to most of the transistors that you'll commonly be using and which lead is which ( http://www.beavisaudio.com/techpages/Transistor-Pinouts/index.htm )

7. LED Calculator ( http://led.linear1.org/1led.wiz ): this is a single LED series resistance calc, for when you have a single LED and need to know "what resistor should I use with my LED?" This calculator determines that for you.
7b.  LED series/parallel array wizard (  http://led.linear1.org/led.wiz  ) for calcs with more than one LED. will help with connections for any number of LEDs.

8. Filter Calculators :
   8a. Active Audio Filter Calculator ( http://www.sengpielaudio.com/calculator-filter.htm  ) This will not only calculate the values for you, it will also (*note the option) SHOW YOU THE SCHEMATIC!!
   8b. Simple Bandpass Filter Calculator/Designer ( http://www.changpuak.ch/electronics/Simple_Bandpass.php ) Similar to 8a, VERY COOL.

There are lots of other online tools I use, but those are the ones I use most often, Im sure there are lots more out there-take a look for yourself & explore! 


In closing, I thought I'd add some :
GENERAL AUDIO DIY/SDIY GENERALLY USEFUL HINTS:

1. Read the datasheet :  I can't tell you how many times I've spent hours online searching for a schematic, or looking through forums for information on where the VCC pin is or whether a chip will work on 5v instead of 7v, etc. Most of the time, I could have just read the datasheet!
(don't be as dumb as me, in other words)
Furthermore, you would be surprised how many of the "example of use" schematics included are the exact same circuit used by engineers/manufacturers in the device you are looking at (take a look at almost ANY "delay pedal" and then the Princeton PT2399 datasheet-you'll be surprised!)
Also, there are often multiple schematics/circuits in the datasheets for one IC, many times there are ones that closely approximate the use you have in mind. You may have to change only small things like the size of the output or the type.

2. Check Forums, Sign up for Forums, Read Forums, Contribute to Forums : This is THE best way to get answers to questions, find info, get advice, socialize, learn, etc from others who are motivated by their shared interest.
Here are a few I recommend:
Electro-Music ( http://www.electro-music.com/ )
DIYStomboxes (www.diystompboxes.com/‎ )
Muff Wiggler ( www.muffwiggler.com/‎ )
EEV Blog ( www.eevblog.com/forum/ )
Experimentalists Anonymous ( http://www.experimentalistsanonymous.com/ )

NEW VOODOO DESIGNS "AEYE PORTABLE MODULAR SYNTHESIZER, RANDOM SEQUENCE GENERATOR & DELAY MODULE/OSCILLATOR"

The first of our new line of portable "suitcase nuke" synthesizers.  All come in their own completely enclosed boxes, suitable for travel anywhere.  They are also completely modular, with their own power sources.

The Aeye, for example, can run on batteries or external power and all elements (oscillators, delay, melody gen) have in's and out's allowing connection to all other elements (in the Aeye's case these are 1/4" jacks, although other planned modules will have 3.5mm/ 1/8th" jacks to be completely compatible with eurorack synths).
The Aeye is a combination of a modded "Echo Rockit" by MFOS (see their  page http://www.musicfromouterspace.com) and a modded "One Song" by Barton Musical Circuits (see their page http://www.bartonmusicalcircuits.com).
The Echo Rockit section can self-oscillate for all kinds of crazy effects and sounds or be used as standard delay..or controlled via CV etc.  The One Song section can be used by itself (generates a random ..well actually chaotic..synthesizer melody) to generate sounds and melodies and speed them up, change their length, change the modlody or slow them down..etc..OR you can combine them.  Since they are modular, you can connect them to each other for TOTAL INSANITY.
Very cool.

Limited quantity, Handmade in RVA USA-<a href="http://www.newvoodoodesign.com/aeye-portable-modular-synthesizer--random-sequence-generator-delay.html">get yours today!!</a><BR><BR>

Simple Tools series
-a series of DIY/How-To articles concerning circuit bending tools that are both necessary and incredibly useful
 post 1:  Resistor Box (aka "Resistor Substitution Box")
Estimated time to complete: 1-1.5 Hours
Tools necessary to complete:  Soldering Iron, Drill, Pliers, Wire cutters
Materials:  Solder (small amount, electronics or 60/40), Wire (small amt or 1', 18-24awg , stranded or general "hook up"),  Potentiometers (100k, 10k, 1m, 1k), Multi-turn/Specialized potentiometer (1k, 10 turn, etc), Small plastic project box, SPST switch (toggle or otherwise), wire posts/hook points/clips etc (something to connect wires to repeatedly that you can remove them from easily)

example of finished box

 

This is a tool I use all the time, and anyone doing circuit bending, SDIY, Audio electronics, or just plain general electronics at home or in a workshop should have one.

-STEP 1: Preparing the Box
take your box, and drill 4 holes for potentiometers.

Remember to make SURE you have enough room between each, the sides, and ends, so that they can easily fit with their solder lugs and the eventual wires attached as well.  Remember the holes are a LOT smaller than the actual potentiometers and room you will need.

Then drill the holes for your switch and connections for the wires. As you can see in mine-I used some cheap alligator clip wires I got at the Dollar Tree and just stripped one end to connect to the pots and switch so keep in mind the choice youve made for making connections when drilling

- STEP 2: Wiring the potentiometers & switch

my cheap version. Handy though.

You will need 7 (seven) pieces of wire, each just 3 or so inches or less in length (depending on size of your box and distance between pots and so forth.
Strip the ends from each piece and connect as the photo shows (wire from last pot/connection to an outside solder lug on potentiometer, wire to the next on the inside/middle lug)
Solder each to the pots as described, and then solder the last to your switch so that you can use it to allow current to/deny current from the potentiometers.

AND YOU'RE DONE!!
Pretty easy, huh?
And now you can use this thing youve made to test connections while circuit bending or test potential potentiometer values for circuits you are working on.  Killer.

In an attempt to acquire some acculturation, I just saw Van Trier's Nymphomaniac.  I just don't get it.  I think it was kinda funny, but im sure it wasn't purposeful. For example, the whole story is told as a part narrative by the protagonist female, the "Nympho" in question, while she's staying at a man's apartment after he found her all beat up and took her inside to apply some aid.  While she's describing, for example. competing with another girl to see how many guys they can have sex with in the space of a train ride, the man helping her in the apartment says "oh, you're angling".  Which, apparently, is some kind of fishing terminology.

Typical scene.

This goes on throughout the story. She talks about having sex with strangers, he compares it to fishing.  Yes-hopefully you get why its 'laughable' more than funny.
Towards the end, I started doing other things so my time wouldnt have been totally wasted.
Im sure plenty of money will be made on this as its basically porn, and porn passed off as art or mainstream film always sells.
Overall, the whole thing, as with many "party" or "freak" movies, just reminds me of various people i've known or particular nights.  I just don't think its anything special, and, if you want-no matter what country you are in-Im pretty sure you can go out and find a prostitute and have some meaningless sex.
It's not impressive or worthy of artistic treatment as an observational phenomenon, which is how Trier treats it.  It's just blah. For example, there is a scene which consists of hundreds of penis's (penii?) being shown one after the other.  Point?
I suspect his ideaology concerns demonstrating how "Man" (note the capitol m) is a slave to his urges, biological in particular.  Not exactly news to any female over 8 years old, and not particularly true individually.
I guess i'm just too old to find it anything but porn with too much dialogue.
If your girl is watching your web history though or you otherwise are having problems finding masterbatory fodder-there it is.