Another New Oakley Module: Diode Superladder

Synthbuilder · Post by **Synthbuilder** » Thu Jan 06, 2011 9:56 am

PCBs now in stock for this new version of my very first module I ever sold in the 5U format.

More information on the project web page:

http://www.oakleysound.com/super-d.htm

I'll do some sound samples in the next day or so and get them uploaded to Soundcloud as soon as a I can.

Full documentation will be available in next few days too.

Tony

nerdware · Post by **nerdware** » Thu Jan 06, 2011 3:02 pm

Very tasty! I esp like the the pole switch.

BTW, I have the 3U version of the older diode ladder filter, and I love it. Thomas White made a great demo of that version, so until the demos of the new version are available, I recommend anyone curious about it should play that. It was enough to make me want to buy it, so I imagine the news of an improved version should have a similar effect on others.

I regret that I won't be able to buy this one just yet. I'll need a little more rack space before I can add any filter core modules to my synth, and this filter probably won't be the first one I want. Also, the old 3U diode ladder version is keeping me very happy for now.

Thanks!

pugix · Post by **pugix** » Thu Jan 06, 2011 9:25 pm

So many filters, so little cabinet space!

I wonder what sort of 'mini-MOTM' 1U panel I could make for this. I suppose I would have to purchase the PC board with schematic to understand all the panel options. I'd want something in between the 1U and 3U Oakley panels. My 'mini-MOTM' panels have space for 16 panel features (pots, jacks, switches, LEDs, etc.). Like this:

http://pugix.com/synth/dual-mixer/

Synthbuilder · Post by **Synthbuilder** » Fri Jan 07, 2011 4:28 am

Right I bunged some sound samples up on the Soundcloud page.

http://soundcloud.com/takla-makan/sets/ ... uperladder

Actually, I think I found the other catch with Soundcloud. Their compression algorithm is more than a little obvious on playback. Still it should give you some idea of what you can do with the filter.

Tony

Synthbuilder · Post by **Synthbuilder** » Fri Jan 07, 2011 4:33 am

pugix wrote:So many filters, so little cabinet space!

I wonder what sort of 'mini-MOTM' 1U panel I could make for this. I suppose I would have to purchase the PC board with schematic to understand all the panel options. I'd want something in between the 1U and 3U Oakley panels. My 'mini-MOTM' panels have space for 16 panel features (pots, jacks, switches, LEDs, etc.). Like this:

http://pugix.com/synth/dual-mixer/

Well the 3U version gives you an idea of all the possible connections you can make with the board. All the extra pots that the 3U has compared to the 1U are simply hand wired pots to the circuit board. So you can pick and chose which ones you want and ones you can live without.

One of the nice things about the single width filter core modules is that you can have a large number of filters in your system without taking too much room. The only proviso being that you must either have enough mixers to control them all, or like me, only use a few filters at any one time.

Using the small format knobs is certainly appealing though.

Tony

wyrtti · Post by **wyrtti** » Fri Jan 07, 2011 5:08 am

That sounds sweet!

Babaluma · Post by **Babaluma** » Fri Jan 07, 2011 5:16 am

sounds amazing! love it!

nerdware · Post by **nerdware** » Fri Jan 07, 2011 5:43 am

Oh, yes! That's the sound I love. Thanks.

TW makes a big deal of comparing it (the older version) to the 303 filter, which I think undervalues this filter. It isn't a "poor-persons 303", it has its own wonderfully unique character - like all your filters, Tony.

So it's great to hear some demos using the new version in ways similar to how I use mine.

Synthbuilder · Post by **Synthbuilder** » Fri Jan 07, 2011 9:48 am

Thanks guys!

And thanks to Babaluma I've now worked out how to make the files downloadable so you can hear them in all their mp3 glory...

Tony

kindredlost · Post by **kindredlost** » Fri Jan 07, 2011 10:44 am

I plan to get the supper ladder transistor 3U version soon. Other than the obvious input mixer etc., what is the audible differences? I have a triple diode filter from STG Soundlabs and a Q150 trans ladder filter from synthesizers.com.

It would be fun to hear a one-to-one comparison between the two Oakley designs.

Thanks for making this available again Tony. I'll watch for Paul at Krisp1 to have it for sale.

-David

Synthbuilder · Post by **Synthbuilder** » Fri Jan 07, 2011 11:13 am

kindredlost wrote:I plan to get the supper ladder transistor 3U version soon. Other than the obvious input mixer etc., what is the audible differences?

Both Superladders have the same functionality bar the option 4/5 stage switch on the new Diode Superladder. The panel designs are pretty much identical other that. So the 3U Transistor with do the same as the 3U Diode.

But because the filter core and feedback circuitry are very different in each one they will sound different - both in terms of the general sound and the way each behaves when overdriven.

Tony

nerdware · Post by **nerdware** » Fri Jan 07, 2011 11:42 am

Yes, overdrive makes the old diode ladder filter sound very different. I'd expect the new version to sound different too, but differently to the old version.

Still, I can hear a familiar character in these demos. You can hear some very big differences between Tony's demos and Thomas' demo. Note how the sound changes when Thomas changes the input level, shape, res, etc. All these variables interact in interesting ways. My diode ladder filter doesn't sound exactly like Thomas', but that could be due to a load of factors, not least the way I use mine. I tend to use 2 slightly detuned VCOs rather than a single VCO or 2 well tuned VCOs. I also like stacking filters. (See my "Diode Sandwich" demo for a fine example.)

So I think this filter's character will be shaped considerably by how you use it in your synth.

Heathfinnie · Post by **Heathfinnie** » Fri Jan 07, 2011 11:45 am

I wish these were pre-built for dotcom. I guess this would be a good chance to dig into DIY. I do have plenty of repair experience (did 50 hours on a CS-80!) but I need to learn about how to do the panels.

kindredlost · Post by **kindredlost** » Fri Jan 07, 2011 12:42 pm

Naturally it is subjective and all depends on the use, but it still would be nice if someone who has both could make an A/B comparison audio file. I've heard this done with several different vendor's filters but I'm not interested in vendor wars. I'd like to hear the difference (as subtle or pronounced) in the same vendor's inventory. If Tony is offering both then it seems likely there must be a difference otherwise there wouldn't be such a demand for both.

Sorry if it sounds like I'm harping needlessly. I just think it is pretty unusual and deserves a try for those of us considering one filter over the other (now that there is a choice). One of these is going to make it into my inventory but I just don't know which at this point.

-David (the confused synthesist)

krisp14u · Post by **krisp14u** » Fri Jan 07, 2011 2:46 pm

Heathfinnie wrote:I wish these were pre-built for dotcom.

Your wish is my command

IÃ¢â‚¬â„¢m ordering the panels for this first thing on Monday morning so should be ready to ship start of February

I have pre orders for this if you want in on the first batch Email me

kidtesla · Post by **kidtesla** » Fri Jan 07, 2011 3:25 pm

Synthbuilder wrote:Right I bunged some sound samples up on the Soundcloud page.

http://soundcloud.com/takla-makan/sets/ ... uperladder

Actually, I think I found the other catch with Soundcloud. Their compression algorithm is more than a little obvious on playback. Still it should give you some idea of what you can do with the filter.

Tony

Stunning Sound!!
(definitely download the mp3s)

Ebolatone · Post by **Ebolatone** » Fri Jan 07, 2011 3:41 pm

That first soundclip has some "acid" tone to it...really nice-sounding stuff at that 5-pole setting!

kindredlost · Post by **kindredlost** » Fri Jan 07, 2011 3:54 pm

krisp14u wrote:
Heathfinnie wrote:I wish these were pre-built for dotcom.
Your wish is my command

IÃ¢â‚¬â„¢m ordering the panels for this first thing on Monday morning so should be ready to ship start of February

I have pre orders for this if you want in on the first batch Email me

Email sent! Let us know of the price and availability as you can.

Synthbuilder · Post by **Synthbuilder** » Sat Jan 08, 2011 4:04 am

kindredlost wrote:Naturally it is subjective and all depends on the use, but it still would be nice if someone who has both could make an A/B comparison audio file.

At the moment there is only one person with the new DSL and that's me. But I now don't have a TSL since the DSL nicked its panel - that's why there's no switch on the picture of the prototype model. So A/B comparisons are not going to come from me just yet.

But there is a sound sample of the TSL on its page which uses a simple eight note sequence that you could compare the other samples too:

http://www.oakleysound.com/super.htm

I know it's not exactly the same sequence so it may be difficult to compare.

Tony

kindredlost · Post by **kindredlost** » Sat Jan 08, 2011 6:49 pm

Thanks Tony. The comparison is clear enough. The difference is relatively similar to the differences between the Sea Devils and the Q150. The super trans sounds more thick and the super diode sounds a bit more nasal and rounded.

I smile every time I listen to the 4 diode FX file. It's got me sold. I'd still love to have both. The 3U super trans that Paul at Krips1 has is very tempting.

-David

kidtesla · Post by **kidtesla** » Sat Jan 08, 2011 9:48 pm

kindredlost wrote:...I smile every time I listen to the 4 diode FX file...

...especially the "knutty" sweeps @ 0:42 thru 1:05.
I can't stop listening to them...

...great tone,Tony!!

Shy · Post by **Shy** » Thu Jan 13, 2011 4:52 am

Come on, it's out but no MU version. Make it, I want it.

krisp14u · Post by **krisp14u** » Thu Jan 13, 2011 5:00 am

Shy wrote:Come on, it's out but no MU version. Make it, I want it.

It is on Its way

I got the proofs back from the panel house this morning so I need to check them over then its go go go

Also anyone who sent me a PM to book your place in the first batch of MU-DSLÃ¢â‚¬â„¢s can you Email me as I have deleted all my PM's

Shy · Post by **Shy** » Thu Jan 13, 2011 5:33 am

Great

Shy · Post by **Shy** » Thu May 05, 2011 7:21 pm

Got my MU Diode Superladder from krisp1. I love it.
Here's a little demo.

MOD WIGGLER

MOD WIGGLER

Another New Oakley Module: Diode Superladder

Another New Oakley Module: Diode Superladder