Jump to content


Please note: You can easily log in to MPN using your Facebook account!

Favorite Crapulator? (i.e. Noise Toy)


Recommended Posts



My most evil and weird guitar effect was an accident - I had a Radio Shack Cartridge Preamplifier, intended for turntables. I couldn't find a photo of one.

Pedal sized rounded black steel box. 2 RCA inputs on one long side and 2 RCA outputs on the other. It had an AC power cord attached and ran off wall power.

 

Not intended for guitar. I was probably 15 or 16, I don't remember why I got it but it was just $3-4. Then, I had an idea and got a a couple of male RCA to female 1/4" adapters. I used one to plug into the left channel with my guitar.

Then I used an RCA to RCA cord to plug the output of that channel into the input of the right channel. The other adapter was used to connect the output to my guitar amp.

 

I fired it up and it went into self oscillation, creating a G note over the considerable noise. When I played my guitar it would interrupt the G note (but not the noise) and split the guitar note (it couldn't handle more than one note without going insane) into two notes. One note would ascend and one would descend, whether you played up the neck or down. The notes made no sense in context of the note being played and was constantly interrupted by the G note.

 

I think I might have made a ring modulator...

 

Of course, my parents hated it. I was quite proud of it and set forth to create a new kind of "music."

:cool: Well done, Sir. Well done. :clap:

 

One day, it mysteriously vanished - never to be seen again.

 

Doubtless, mission accomplished with no small degree of satisfaction, it flew back to its interdimensional home planet and rejoined its brethren...

Ask yourself- What Would Ren and Stimpy Do?

 

~ Caevan James-Michael Miller-O'Shite ~

_ ___ _ Leprechaun, Esquire _ ___ _

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Say, 'hugo, I really like that SolidGoldFX NU-33 Vinyl Engine, that's really nice- thanks!

 

I was VERY tempted to impulsively buy that - but then, the necessity to "pre order", and not have it available for immediate delivery, dampened my fervor, discount codes be damned. (See Prymaxe.)

 

Oh, well- it's the kind of money that I shouldn't be impulsively, frivolously burning a hole in my pocket with right now...

 

 

But maybe later... ! :D

Ask yourself- What Would Ren and Stimpy Do?

 

~ Caevan James-Michael Miller-O'Shite ~

_ ___ _ Leprechaun, Esquire _ ___ _

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I'm happy to see this thread back in action!

 

Don't want to bog down the thread with a bunch of videos, but my current run of fave Crapulators includes my Catalinbread Bicycle Delay (LSD-inspired Delay Pedal) and Catalinbread Heliotrope (Ring Mod w/Personality Disorder), my Malekko Scrutator (Bit Crusher) and Charlie Foxtrot (Granular Delay), all of which live on the 21st Century Pedalboard. The Heliotrope is the only one that's been discontinued, but there are still enough of them around.

 

If you want an intriguing effect that's not too crazy, check out Boss' Tera Echo; odd, Filtered Delay sounds, you'll either love it or wonder why they made it.

"Monsters are real, and Ghosts are real too. They live inside us, and sometimes, they win." Stephen King

 

http://www.novparolo.com

 

https://thewinstonpsmithproject.bandcamp.com

Link to comment
Share on other sites

@Dannyalcatraz - quick question about the Rainbow Machine. I had one for a short time, and there were some odd issues with it that I wonder if you'd encountered?

 

Any time I engaged the "Magic" switch, I heard a loud POP, like the earliest FX pedals used to put out. I notice that the fellow doing the MIKU + Rainbow demo always has his Magic switch engaged. Have you heard this noise, or was it just an issue with an earlier version? (I think they're on V2 or V3 now?) I gave up on the RM because of it, but I'd consider a new version if that wasn't an issue.

 

The other issue was a major volume boost if the RM was in the signal chain with my Messner OD!?!? The Messner is a VERY low-gain OD, but if it was On and I engaged the RM after it, it was like I'd hit a boost switch somewhere. A V1 Sea Machine 9 (the one in the big enclosure, like the RM) did the same thing, but the SM also had an unbearable LFO bleed-through when the effect was supposed to be Off; one argument for True Bypass, I suppose.

"Monsters are real, and Ghosts are real too. They live inside us, and sometimes, they win." Stephen King

 

http://www.novparolo.com

 

https://thewinstonpsmithproject.bandcamp.com

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 1 year later...

I like my Arpenoid, and its cousin, the Rainbow Machine.

 

My most recent craptulator purchase is a Third Man Plasma Pedal.*  The idea is it gives an “electrified distortion” tone to your signal.  Alas, I haven’t been able to play with it because of house repair issues- much of my gear is boxed up for its protection.  So here’s Mike Hermans demoing it:
 

 

 

 

 

* The original version of the device as opposed to the later modified Jack White “signature” version pedal that was rechristened the Plasma Coil.

  • Like 2

Sturgeon's 2nd Law, a.k.a. Sturgeon's Revelation: âNinety percent of everything is crapâ

 

My FLMS- Murphy's Music in Irving, Tx

 

http://murphysmusictx.com/

Link to comment
Share on other sites

1 hour ago, Dannyalcatraz said:

I like my Arpenoid, and its cousin, the Rainbow Machine.

 

My most recent craptulator purchase is a Third Man Plasma Pedal.*  The idea is it gives an “electrified distortion” tone to your signal.  Alas, I haven’t been able to play with it because of house repair issues- much of my gear is boxed up for its protection.  So here’s Mike Hermans demoing it:
 

 

 

 

 

* The original version of the device as opposed to the later modified Jack White “signature” version pedal that was rechristened the Plasma Coil.


Now, I would be pretty interested in putting that Gamechanger/Third Man Plasma Coil through its paces. You who know me, know that I really have a thing for octave-fuzz and the ring-mod like effects that can be had from it when playing oblique-bends and the like; therein lies much appeal for me in the Plasma Coil...

I wouldn't mind if the Plasma Coil included the Blend Control of the OG Plasma Pedal, but there are ways around that (pun intended ;) )...

Listening to some great demo-vids, I can so tantalizingly imagine kicking in my Sustainiac Feedback generator, then putting it through my ancient MXR Flanger- momentarily for swooping accents on some phrases and bits- and not too old Strymon El Capistan, full-time... !!
   

    
        

     
 

  • Like 1

Ask yourself- What Would Ren and Stimpy Do?

 

~ Caevan James-Michael Miller-O'Shite ~

_ ___ _ Leprechaun, Esquire _ ___ _

Link to comment
Share on other sites

The lack of a blend control is precisely what led me to choose the Plasma Pedal over the Plasma Coil.


That said, if the opportunity & $$$ arises to let me get a P-Coil, I will.

 

And of course, if I win the lottery anytime soon, I’ll get one to send to Winston so he could demo it with the Korg Miku.  🤪  Yeah, I know it probably wouldn’t sound good or even particularly amusing, but…I’d want to KNOW!

  • Like 2

Sturgeon's 2nd Law, a.k.a. Sturgeon's Revelation: âNinety percent of everything is crapâ

 

My FLMS- Murphy's Music in Irving, Tx

 

http://murphysmusictx.com/

Link to comment
Share on other sites

10 hours ago, Dannyalcatraz said:

The lack of a blend control is precisely what led me to choose the Plasma Pedal over the Plasma Coil.


That said, if the opportunity & $$$ arises to let me get a P-Coil, I will.

 

And of course, if I win the lottery anytime soon, I’ll get one to send to Winston so he could demo it with the Korg Miku.  🤪  Yeah, I know it probably wouldn’t sound good or even particularly amusing, but…I’d want to KNOW!


Indeed! And I have a sneaking suspicion that such a pairing could actually sound very good- if approached somewhat like an envelope-filter stacked into fuzz/distortion, or something like that. That could actually be great for some lead-lines.

Hell, I'd try it with my beloved Octron... ! Fed into my Gold Star Reverb's Flanged or Compressed Reverb; there ya go...
      
 

  • Like 2

Ask yourself- What Would Ren and Stimpy Do?

 

~ Caevan James-Michael Miller-O'Shite ~

_ ___ _ Leprechaun, Esquire _ ___ _

Link to comment
Share on other sites

6 hours ago, Dannyalcatraz said:

And of course, if I win the lottery anytime soon, I’ll get one to send to Winston so he could demo it with the Korg Miku.  🤪  Yeah, I know it probably wouldn’t sound good or even particularly amusing, but…I’d want to KNOW!

 

Thanks for the thought!

 

Funny thing, Jack White has a MIKU Stomp among his Third Man pedals! I saw it in a recent issue of GP.

 

Late edit - Most of the demo videos you see featuring the MIKU treat it as a novelty pedal at best, or an expensive joke at worst. It's not easy to use it in a Musical context, but I keep trying. I've posted a link in the "Post Your Music" thead, to give you an idea of how tend to use it.

  • Like 4

"Monsters are real, and Ghosts are real too. They live inside us, and sometimes, they win." Stephen King

 

http://www.novparolo.com

 

https://thewinstonpsmithproject.bandcamp.com

Link to comment
Share on other sites

4 hours ago, Winston Psmith said:

 

Thanks for the thought!

 

Funny thing, Jack White has a MIKU Stomp among his Third Man pedals! I saw it in a recent issue of GP.

 


I would not be surprised to find out that his has been modified in some way.

  • Like 1

Sturgeon's 2nd Law, a.k.a. Sturgeon's Revelation: âNinety percent of everything is crapâ

 

My FLMS- Murphy's Music in Irving, Tx

 

http://murphysmusictx.com/

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Just now, Dannyalcatraz said:


I would not be surprised to find out that his has been modified in some way.

No mention of it in the article, and it didn't appear so from the photo.

 

The only modification it really needs is the App, which allowed you to program phrases into it, via your iPhone. Of course, the App was only available through Japan's iTunes site . . .

  • Like 2

"Monsters are real, and Ghosts are real too. They live inside us, and sometimes, they win." Stephen King

 

http://www.novparolo.com

 

https://thewinstonpsmithproject.bandcamp.com

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I did a quick scan.  I'm surprised I never posted the Way Huge Pedals Atreides.  It's really cool.  I would never have a use for it in my gigs but if I did my own thing I would have one.

  • Like 1

"It doesn't have to be difficult to be cool" - Mitch Towne

 

"A great musician can bring tears to your eyes!!!

So can a auto Mechanic." - Stokes Hunt

 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

7 hours ago, Winston Psmith said:

No mention of it in the article, and it didn't appear so from the photo.

 

The only modification it really needs is the App, which allowed you to program phrases into it, via your iPhone. Of course, the App was only available through Japan's iTunes site . . .

I was thinking that’s what he’d do, but was unaware of the Japanese app.

  • Like 3

Sturgeon's 2nd Law, a.k.a. Sturgeon's Revelation: âNinety percent of everything is crapâ

 

My FLMS- Murphy's Music in Irving, Tx

 

http://murphysmusictx.com/

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 1 year later...

It may not sound like it has Crapulator intentions but I've been goofing around with a Boss ME-80 and there are some horrific possibilities if one is determined. 

It is important to turn all knobs all the way in both directions to find unacceptable weirdness, it is in there. 

The Comp/FX panel offers a Ring Modulator. By itself that is old school terrorism but you can then engage the Mod panel and bring in the Harmonist, which can harm the RM considerably but that's not all. Modulating the Delay panel with a nauseating rate and/or key and then setting the pedal to oscillate the delay can remove any semblance of musical intention and take you to another world. 

 

I'm certain it's not the only multi-effects that can be abused in this manner but it does offer a nice selection of over-the-top choices - especially when combined. 

  • Like 2
  • Love 1
It took a chunk of my life to get here and I am still not sure where "here" is.
Link to comment
Share on other sites

@KuruPrionz- Glad you're having fun with that!

 

Ring Mod into Phaser is a lot of fun. Try it with extreme settings on the Tera Echo, as well.

 

At risk of repeating myself, or telling you something you've already figured out, it's possible to "tune" the Ring Mod, sort of.  Play a note, and turn the Frequency control until the Ring Mod effect is more or less in tune with the note you're playing. Adjust the Mix to taste. Much of your scale will still be mutated Ring Mod tones, but every time you hit your Root, an maybe your Fifth, it'll fall into line.

 

If you want a truly anarchic sound, turn the Mix 100% Wet, then play the 11th fret on your 1st string, turning the Frequency knob until you get nearly sub-harmonic "steel drum" tones out of it. Now, go ahead and play yer Guitar, see what happens. What I call the "52 Pick-Up" approach. You're welcome.

  • Like 5

"Monsters are real, and Ghosts are real too. They live inside us, and sometimes, they win." Stephen King

 

http://www.novparolo.com

 

https://thewinstonpsmithproject.bandcamp.com

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Ring modulation has been my primary sonic destroyer since I got my first one in about 1971. The Maestro Ring Modulator, designed & built by Tom Oberheim. And though we're talking in terms that would suggest noisy ugliness, I find the results really beautiful. It just takes us out of the realm of clearly defined pitches into textures where the harmonics don't align with the overtone series, which is what a lot of percussion instruments are all about too.

  • Like 4
  • Love 1
Scott Fraser
Link to comment
Share on other sites

@Scott Fraser- Mine was the EHX Frequency Analyzer, back in '73 or '74?

 

I have to agree, a Ring Mod is capable of some truly beautiful, otherworldly tones. Very often, I will get sounds resembling a Steel Drum, or textures reminiscent of Gamelan ensembles.

  • Like 3

"Monsters are real, and Ghosts are real too. They live inside us, and sometimes, they win." Stephen King

 

http://www.novparolo.com

 

https://thewinstonpsmithproject.bandcamp.com

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 2 months later...

I think that I'll eventually hafta get around to scoring one of these, along with one or two or three of the others mentioned on this thread...
 

 

  • Like 3
  • Love 1

Ask yourself- What Would Ren and Stimpy Do?

 

~ Caevan James-Michael Miller-O'Shite ~

_ ___ _ Leprechaun, Esquire _ ___ _

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Picking up some parts at my FLMS the other day, I saw this - WARM Audio RingerBringer

 

If it looks familiar, it's supposed to . . . It's pretty much a clone of the original MoogerFooger MF-102 Ring Modulator, complete with extensive CV I/O's, in a slightly smaller enclosure.

 

This has a Behringer kind of vibe to it. Even the name seems like a big hint, or maybe a big middle finger to Behringer, who are supposed to be working on their own MF clone series. As happy as I am to see the product being made available again, I'm wary of anyone ripping off Bob Moog's legacy?

 

In spite of that, I'll probably wind up buying one. I already have an original Big Briar MF-103 12-Stage Phaser, and a mini-MF Ring Mod, but the MF-102 was practically an Instrument unto itself, and I first fell in love with the sound of a Ring Mod back in the mid-1970's, so it's hard to resist.

 

 

Sideways thought - AFAIK, as the only current manufacturer of BBD's, Behringer pretty well controls that market, and some of the most sought-after MoogerFooger models are the MF-104 Analog Delays. Unless WARM Audio and Behringer have come to some sort of arrangement or agreement regarding the MF clones, I could see where Behringer might hold back BBD's to release their own MF-104 clones, and keep WARM Audio waiting.

  • Like 4

"Monsters are real, and Ghosts are real too. They live inside us, and sometimes, they win." Stephen King

 

http://www.novparolo.com

 

https://thewinstonpsmithproject.bandcamp.com

Link to comment
Share on other sites

WARM Audio is in the biz of cloning successful vintage products. They started with clones of Neumann mics. They strike me as the somewhat less dishonest Chinese version of Behringer, since they make it very clear what product they are 'paying tribute to'. I have no interest in their product line since I have originals of all those Neumann mics & UREI compressors, but discontinued effects are a little different. I'm still rocking my original Maestro Music Modulator, Tom Oberheim's first product, which is a lovely analog ring modulator from the late 60s/early 70s. But it lacks the LFO & voltage control of the Moog ring modulator, which is mighty appealing.

  • Like 2
  • Cool 1
Scott Fraser
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Still waiting for someone, anyone, to give us a RI of the Roland Funny Cat, Distortion & Envelope Follower. That thing had a truly unique sound.

 

  • Like 1

"Monsters are real, and Ghosts are real too. They live inside us, and sometimes, they win." Stephen King

 

http://www.novparolo.com

 

https://thewinstonpsmithproject.bandcamp.com

Link to comment
Share on other sites

About 50 years ago, I bought 2 Radio Shack turntable preamps, little boxes with stereo RCA plugs for audio in and out and a 2 prong cord to plug into the wall.

I got 2 adapters, 1/4" input to RCA output. I put one on the input and plugged my guitar in. I took the output from that channel and plugged it into the input of channel 2. I put the other adapter on the second output, ran it to a little solid state Univox head that could not be blown up and a 12" speaker. Then I turned the amp up a bit and a loud, piercing G note was playing and would not stop. When I played the guitar it sounded sort of like a ring modulator, but with the G drone and then the sum and the difference (or something). It sounded like Martians, my mom hated it but I thought it was funny. I did tire of it pretty quickly, it wasn't beautiful but it was a beautiful accident. 

  • Like 5
It took a chunk of my life to get here and I am still not sure where "here" is.
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.

Guest
Unfortunately, your content contains terms that we do not allow. Please edit your content to remove the highlighted words below.
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Restore formatting

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

×
×
  • Create New...