Midweek Modular: Time Machines, NTS-1 for Eurorack and Space Age Pop
4,8 / 5,0 | 
We step through eight delay lines on our way to retrofitting a Korg NTS-1 into Eurorack and relaxing into the filter of the master of Space Age Pop.
This week we’ve witnessed some of the more bizarre machines that offer modular functionality. The glorious spinning discs of the Star Song optical sequencer is an absolute joy to behold. And then the complexity of the Czochralski Cells had us giddy with percussive possibilities.
We also caught wind of SPICE, the Behringer clone of the Moog Subharmonicon. It lines up with Crave and Edge to make a merry collection of affordable desktop meanderings. I’m told we deserve cheap synths, and so here they are.
Midweek Modular
Otherwise, it’s still relatively slow out there in modular town, but new things are always bubbling away in the distant corners of Instagram. Here’s what caught my eye this week.
Olivia Artz Modular Time Machine
Time Machine takes a very tactile approach to the stereo delay. You have complete control over 8 delay lines and can mix them with the original signal to seek out the effect you’re after. It’s all about temporal exploration and playing with the expectations of delay.
You can pull it apart to several seconds and then only let the last couple of taps sound. Or you can wind it in close for flagging, comb filters and Karplus-Strong effects. It has a Reverb knob for setting the amount of temporal smearing between the delays. Delay time and Feedback can all be CV controlled, which will make this a very playful device.
OAM Time Machine · Source: OAM
The Time Machine is currently on Kickstarter and has already smashed the very conservative goal with only 33 backers. If you want to get in on the action the cost is $335, and delivery is expected by Christmas.
Korg NTS-1 Eurorack Conversion Kit
It’s been said many times that the useful little Korg NTS-1 could do with being mounted in Eurorack. Matt Lara and Melomatic have got together and designed a faceplate that does exactly that. All the ins and outs have been brought around to the front. They’ve also added a multiple, maybe because there was some room.
I’m unsure how the backend connections are made, but I imagine it’s all done with some short cables. That way, the NTS-1 wouldn’t have to be damaged in the process. I’m also wondering about how they are planning to power it. Maybe there’s more going on here than simply a faceplate. We shall see.
NTS-1 Faceplate · Source: Matt Lara
Bocuma Esquivel Filter
Esquivel is Bocuma’s homage to the master of space-age pop, Juan García Esquivel. It’s designed around a diode ladder topology and can give you low, high and bandpass outputs. There are also two modulation inputs for the cutoff knob and up to three audio inputs.
It’s a good-looking module with a really nice style to it. Designed and manufactured with love in Guadalajara, Mexico.
Bocuma Esquivel · Source: Bocuma
- Bocuma webpage.
Djupviks Elektronik Star Maker
Curiously inspired by a novel of the same name by Olaf Stapledon. Star Maker is a stereo panning mixer with an organic heart. You plug in four inputs, and you alternate between left and right depending on the clock, audio and modulation inputs. Undoubtedly very curious indeed.
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There’s no website to speak of, but you’ll find Djupviks Elektronik modules at all good DIY outlets and should also follow him on Instagram here.
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