The video uses only Behringer System 55 modules. I'm using the 960 sequencer in conjunction with the 921 Oscillator to do classic (e.g. Tangerine Dream) style ratcheting.
@Micheal Firman I've never used a 921 oscillator. I'm curious, if you set the 921 frequency to say 1000Hz, then input a 500Hz square wave into the V trigger Clamping input, would it work like a synced oscillator? If you manually swept the 921 frequency up to say 5000Hz, would you get the sync sweep sound?
That is the theory. I have to admit I've not experimented with the Clamping input aside from using it like a sync input. I believe it can do other things as well.
I see row two output going to the 921 VCO CV input. Is the 921 in LFO mode as the gate source? I also see the clock out going to the 921 Clamp input. That resets (syncs) the wave’ right? Do you have to adjust the 921 have to be close to the clock rate?
I'm using the 921 oscillator to do the racheting (the sound is produced by another oscillator entirely, sorry if that was confusing). The second row output is going to one of the 921's frequency control (CV) inputs, thus allowing the row to control the number of ratchets. The key is to run the 960s oscillator (internal clock) output into the V-trig input of the 921's Clamping Point section (which is like a controllable hard sync for the 921). The square wave output of the 921 will now be the gate for the patch (sent to a V-trig to S-trig converter so that the 911 envelope generator will accept it).
The trick here (I didn't come up with this, It's certainly been around for a long time) is to use the output of the 921 (set to square wave output) as the pulse to activate the envelope (used for the output VCA). You use the pulse out of the sequencer (the clock output) to sync the 921 (V trigger Clamping input on the 921, hard sync on other oscillators). The second row of the sequencer is used into the CV frequency control of the 921, with all the knobs on the sequencer initially off. You adjust the 921s initial frequency just so that, in this state, the clock and the output of the oscillator is in perfect sync (because of the hard sync). If you turn any particular knob in row two up the pulse (from the 921) at that stage increases (but is re-synced at the next stage).
I am seriously thinking of selling my Moog voyager and Sub 37 to buy the 55 clone, but I’m struggling with that decision. After owning one would that be a wise move? I know you can’t answer for me, i’m just trying to gather as much information before I make the leap one way or the other.
It depends, but probably not (a wise move). Will selling both leave you without a keyboard? If you are a keyboard player this would not be a good idea. Have you dealt with modulars before? It is a very different world than that of keyboard synths. If it is the modularity that you are after, there may be less expensive (and less complicated) solutions (one of the Behringer 2600s for example). The System 55 is fun and does have "the Moog sound" (but you have that already with the voyager and Sub37). If it is sequencing that you are after, you could also just get one of the 960s (a case and a couple other modules) and use it with your Voyager.
Over the years I've heard some of their material, but I haven't really given them a good listen. I have a friend who is really into them, and he gave me a recording. But, again, I haven't really given them a chance. Since you mentioned them, I will probably find the recording and listen to it.
