Uploaded July 2023 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
My submission for the Hardware Jams “Tuning” Weekend Challenge.
This jam was based around 2 concepts to avoid traditional tuning and scales. Firstly, I used filter pinging and self resonation for the “Space Whale” sound which was using a slow chaos circuit to change the pitch. Secondly, rather than using the pitch output from the beatstep I patched the velocity output and used that to control the pitch of the lead. This resulted in some very random lead lines. I recorded a couple and jammed one live. It’s very difficult to control when how hard you press the key is controlling the pitch, not which key you press.
I have used the Space Whale technique in a 3 module challenge here: youtu.be/pCPRKx1A-k0
I also added some wonky drums using 5 and 7 step sequences and a delay on the kick to add to the weird feel of this track.
This week’s challenge prompt:
Often tuning and scales give a piece of music a certain flavour or feeling. I would like you to challenge what feels “in tune” to you.
Maybe you will pick a scale from another musical family or location.
Maybe you can create you own scale if your synth allows micro tuning (looking at you monologue and basstation ii).
Maybe your synth won’t allow you to micro tune, but maybe you can detune an oscillator or you can tweak the pitch with a modulation source.
Or maybe you just want to play something out of tune! Lets get pitchy!
So go wild with tuning, detuning, scales and microtones. Any genre, any synths, are up to you.
Always Learning
════════════
I'm a strong believer in continuous improvement and always trying to learn something new. While creating this video I experimented with using velocity output of the beatstep to control pitch, which was very interesting to play.
My DIY Synth Rules
════════════
I aim to meet the following criteria when adding modules to my synth:
◦ I must have constructed it.
This can be a kit or from scratch but I must have soldered it
◦ The audio signal path should be analog.
I'm trying to avoid digital modules so I can learn more about analog electronics
◦ Learn something new
Try to learn something while constructing the module. Learn about the circuits, experiment with different signal processing options. Be creative.
◦ Have fun
My submission for the Hardware Jams “Tuning” Weekend Challenge.
This jam was based around 2 concepts to avoid traditional tuning and scales. Firstly, I used filter pinging and self resonation for the “Space Whale” sound which was using a slow chaos circuit to change the pitch. Secondly, rather than using the pitch output from the beatstep I patched the velocity output and used that to control the pitch of the lead. This resulted in some very random lead lines. I recorded a couple and jammed one live. It’s very difficult to control when how hard you press the key is controlling the pitch, not which key you press.
I have used the Space Whale technique in a 3 module challenge here: youtu.be/pCPRKx1A-k0
I also added some wonky drums using 5 and 7 step sequences and a delay on the kick to add to the weird feel of this track.
This week’s challenge prompt:
Often tuning and scales give a piece of music a certain flavour or feeling. I would like you to challenge what feels “in tune” to you.
Maybe you will pick a scale from another musical family or location.
Maybe you can create you own scale if your synth allows micro tuning (looking at you monologue and basstation ii).
Maybe your synth won’t allow you to micro tune, but maybe you can detune an oscillator or you can tweak the pitch with a modulation source.
Or maybe you just want to play something out of tune! Lets get pitchy!
So go wild with tuning, detuning, scales and microtones. Any genre, any synths, are up to you.
Always Learning
════════════
I'm a strong believer in continuous improvement and always trying to learn something new. While creating this video I experimented with using velocity output of the beatstep to control pitch, which was very interesting to play.
My DIY Synth Rules
════════════
I aim to meet the following criteria when adding modules to my synth:
◦ I must have constructed it.
This can be a kit or from scratch but I must have soldered it
◦ The audio signal path should be analog.
I'm trying to avoid digital modules so I can learn more about analog electronics
◦ Learn something new
Try to learn something while constructing the module. Learn about the circuits, experiment with different signal processing options. Be creative.
◦ Have fun
