Make Noise Spectraphon

The Make Noise Spectraphon is a dual spectral oscillator programmed by coding mastermind Tom Erbe. The module uses real-time spectral analysis and resynthesis to create new sounds from existing ones. Technically, the Spectraphon is inspired by Buchla modules in general, but especially spectral processors (Buchla 296), additive synthesis, vocoders and resonators. Visually and in handling, there are clear parallels to Buchla 259 and Make Noise DPO. Due to the new digital hardware platform, higher parameter resolutions and even lower noise floor are achieved, which allowed Tom Erbe to create a DSP code of unprecedented quality.

The Spectraphon has two nearly identical sides (aka A and B) that oscillate in one of two ways: Spectral Amplitude Modulation (SAM) generates spectral oscillations based on continuous analysis of the audio signal at the input, Spectral Array Oscillation (SAO) generates spectral oscillations based on stored spectral sets (also called arrays) generated in SAM mode. Each of the two-tone generators operates independently in SAO or SAM mode. Thanks to the high-resolution internal FM bus, the two sides can modulate each other, and hardsync and follow can also be activated for oscillator B. The Slide and Focus controls function mode-dependently: In SAM they determine how the Spectraphon responds to the sound at the Spectral AM input, while in SAO they are used to modulate the array. In both modes (SAM or SAO), the Partials control works as a combined amplitude and timbre gate for the odd and even harmonics. The oscillators are equipped with outputs for the spectral waveform, subVCO and sine. A control voltage is also extracted from the spectral waveform which is the envelope follower of the main waveform.

With the Spectraphon, you get a powerful dual oscillator the likes of which have never been seen before. The complex, purely digital circuit enables sounds that, depending on the equipment, only an extensively equipped Buchla modular system is capable of.