Gleix Video Synth // The I.F.D. // A semi-modular analog video synthesizer
The I.F.D.
A self contained semi-modular audiovisual synthesizer for video feedback, digital glitches, drones and colorful experimentation
I feel like I’ve spent as much time documenting this build as I did making it, so I’m really excited to finally be sharing it with the world. This is what I might consider my “flagship” video synthesizer for the time being and it will serve as a reference point moving forward. Check out the page for this build here at gleix.net/ifd
Via the IFD page:
The I.F.D., or Industrial Feedback Device, is an audiovisual synthesizer based around a no-input video feedback loop, video RAM and buffer manipulations, simple oscillator functionality, audio reactivity and sound generation, and CV implementation to allow easy integration into an existing modular ecosystem (esp. eurorack).
The I/O includes two composite video outputs, a VGA output, an external audio input (1/8” and 1/4”), and a standard 2.1mm barrel jack for a 5v power supply.
The originally beige enclosure was painted with an industrial theme and intentionally weathered and the primary aluminum control panel was given a circular brushed look to fit the theme.
Making a more colorful oscilloscope // Modified CRT Television, DIY X-Y scope with video input
New device page with a full video here!
Via the crt scope page:
This is a variation on a fairly common build where audio is piped directly into the horizontal and vertical portions of the deflection yoke inside of a CRT Television. The additional features this one has are two internal audio amplifiers (very basic LM386 circuits), the ability to run audio to the TVs internal speaker (with adjustable volume), and the ability to send color video signals to the TV to “color” the waveform which I go over in the video here on this page.
This build can be replicated extremely easily - without the internal amplification circuit - and also made to run in different modes for a more standard horizontal wave display. Plenty of information on that can be found online with a little searching, but I’ve included the schematics for this particular build here.
If you do plan on recreating this thing for yourself BE CAREFUL. There are elements inside of CRT Televisions that hold enough charge to KILL YOU. Do not attempt if you are unfamiliar with electronics, and do your research beforehand on how to properly discharge the device and how to safety deal with this sort of device.
November, 2020.
Artwork being shown @ Shibuya Crossing in Tokyo as part of Neo Shibuya TV
As part of the “30 second museum” put on by Neo Shibuya TV on November 16 - 22.
Via @Neoshibuyatv on Instagram:
Premiering two audiovisual pieces @ Lightbox NYC, part of the Creative Code Art festival on the 12th through the 15th
Super excited to be a part of this event coming up on November 12 - 15th. I’ve got two pieces being debuted, “Ablation Cutie” and “Aurora (Migration)” this Thursday, the 12th between 8pm and 9pm.
Those in NY can come to the festival at Lightbox in Manhattan, and those outside of NY can take part virtually in Sansar & watch the pieces streamed on Twitch!
iku LIVE @ 909FEST w/ visuals by Gleix - - - Full set up on youtube
in visual
Drip // A sketch with the in-progress Gleix Video Modular
Via youtube description -
I've been quietly working on a DIY Modular Video Synthesizer. Here's a little sketch using the current working modules, a circuit bent Casio SK-1, and the Modbox 37. Lots to document on the modular! A lot has been done but I've not documented it just yet, hoping to get to that soon - more to come.
Casio SK-1 & MB37: http://gleix.net/modbox-37
Initial blogpost re: modular: http://gleix.net/updates/2020/9/25/beginning-the-gleix-video-modular
Footage from my installation @ The Cityfox Experience Halloween 2019
Put together some footage of my install at last years Cityfox Halloween festival.
Around this time last year I was given the opportunity to put together a themed composition with synchronized lighting for the "Lobby of the Lost" at the Cityfox Experience Halloween Festival at Avant Gardner here in Brooklyn.
The 30 minute piece moves through a series of dark atmospheres, anxiety driven percussive moments, ambient textures and (given the room's theme) some eerie circus-type melodies. The music is accompanied by a collection of sequenced strobe lights, chandeliers, wash lights, and glowing gowns that surround the room.
Both the music and the lighting sequence were written in Image-Line’s FL Studio. The lighting sequence, written in a series of 14-bit MIDI triggers and automation envelopes next to the music, is sent in real-time via a loopback into Derivative Touchdesigner where the data is processed and sent out as DMX values to each of the fixtures. A simple previz system was also built within Touchdesigner to visualize the lighting data during the sequencing process.
It was an absolute highlight of my year getting to dive into such a unique project and see it all come together. To everyone at the venue who helped in any way, Billy for the opportunity, and those who came by to check out what I went nuts working on for a couple weeks, thank you. Hope to do something like this again some day 🎃 Happy Halloween!
https://www.gleix.net https://www.instagram.com/gleix
Thank you to https://www.brendanzoltowski.com for helping capture footage during the event.
#cityfox #halloween #installation #synchronizedlighting #touchdesigner #flstudio
New build: Circuit bent Casio SA-8
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Model No. GSA8-03
A commissioned circuit bent Casio SA-8 build.
Hard on/off switch
1/8” switching audio output jack
Squealing feedback/distortion knob with on/off
Glitch trigger button with depth knob
Power indicator LED, lightly flashes to audio output
Five additional tone select buttons allowing access to an additional 75 voices
A switch for dropping the clock speed of the SA-8 allowing it to run in a much slower, pitched down mode
October, 2020.
Full visual set for Iku
in visual
I did visuals for @iku.picocore during the last @iochipmusicnyc stream, and the other day they reached out to commission some custom visuals for their 20 minute set during the @909worldwide event this past Saturday. This may go up on youtube at some point, but in the meantime here are a few clips on Instagram.
Full overview videos: Circuit Bent Hing Hon EK-001, Casio SA-2
Excited to have these done. The EK-001 below is one of the more advanced versions of this build I’ve ever done. I’ve been aiming to do proper VO overviews of things recently, despite the time it takes, and I’m pretty happy with how these came out.
And a very brief one for the SA-9:
Beginning the Gleix Video Modular
After building the VGS-35, VGS-FB, and eventually the 100PFB, I realized that I wanted to do a more fully-formed video synthesizer for myself.
I went back and forth on layout designs, enclosures, what to include, how to include it, and ultimately realized that the project was continuously expanding in scope as I learned more and more. I was removing features based on the size of the enclosures I could find, and limiting the functionality as a result.
So, after realizing that I don’t want to limit myself, and I want to be able to expand my video synth as I continue to learn, I’ve decided to go the modular route.
Panel Progress
I’ve been working first on designing a layout and building a few panels. None of these are functional yet, except for the LFO which I built based on Niklas Ronnberg’s design as I needed a module for testing purposes.
As things develop I hope to build out a dedicated spot in the Devices section for these modules so I can document their development and share resources.
For Sale: Circuit bent Hing Hon EK-001, Casio SA-2, Casio SA-9
in devices
I’ve got a few things for sale which you can check out here!
I’m in the process of making videos for each device, but I’ve linked to previous builds that are very similar to the ones for sale. Feel free to get in touch with any questions you might have!
Album Release: 'FM in the B4' by Broken Alias
'FM in the B4' by Broken Alias is out today on all streaming platforms. You can also pick up a limited edition cassette available on Bandcamp which featuring stills from a DIY video synthesizer.
[Links]
Album stream with analog visuals • Bandcamp • Spotify • Lagom Audio/Visual • Broken Alias Webpage
Broken Alias is a project that was conceived in an effort to keep music that I make on mobile platforms & consoles separate from the other music I produce, and this album is no exception. FM in the B4 is, like previous Broken Alias works, an album written entirely while traveling and commuting in NYC, using Caustic for Android. As a theme this album explores FM Synthesis as a primary tool. The album title is derived from this fact, and due to this album being written in 2019 - in what many of us might now consider the "before times.”
Released through Lagom Audio/Visual.
New build: A feedback-centric video synthesizer, the 100PFB
in devices
Check out the page here!
Via the 100PFB page:
The 100PFB, which stands for 100% Feedback, is a video synthesizer based around creating a no-input feedback loop by feeding two analog video signal converters into each other and exposing controls for manipulating the image.
The I/O includes two composite video outputs (one for the main mix, one for a mini monitor), a VGA output, an external signal/audio input with on/off, and a 5v power jack.
The main panel includes mix knobs for the red, green and blue channels, ‘pulse’ buttons for each channel, an LFO with on/off and controls for rate, shape, depth, switches to send the LFO to each color channel, image shift buttons, zoom/crop adjustment, basic menu controls, and switches for causing some visual glitches.
The device was built into an enclosure which was painted using a hydro-dipping marbling technique.
Custom built for Adam Kane who does visuals over at the 100% Electronica stream on Twitch.
August, 2020.
New chiptune & visuals during another chip music stream on the 29th!
IO Chip Music NYC is hosting a second international chiptune open mic! This time around I’ll be premiering a brand new song & music video off of an upcoming Broken Alias EP, and I’ll also be doing visuals for a few acts! Full lineup and info below.
Creative Code Visual Art Showcase in VR - August 15th!
in visual
I’ll have an audio/visual piece of mine, “Aurora”, shown at this event coming up on August 15th. This event takes place in two rooms on the VR platform Sansar which also has a desktop client.
Check out the event page here.
2020/08/23 EDIT: I have uploaded my visual performance from the showcase here.
Hosted by @neverknowsbetter and @creativecodeart
Updated Casio SA-2 Circuit Bending Schematics
in devices
I had some documentation on circuit bending the Casio SA series up, but while helping somebody work on their own I realized how shoddy, old, and ugly those old images were and decided to make a new one. This new diagram includes all information I’m currently aware of in regards to circuit bending the Casio SA-2 (and many others in the Casio SA family) based on personal experience and available information scattered across the internet.
Over at the schematics page
Variable speed Gameboy Clock Mod
in devices
Via the ‘Other Instruments & Toys’ page:
I stuck an LTC1799 oscillator module in a lil box which can be connected up to the gameboy via 1/8" stereo cable for variable speed under/overclocking. I really didn’t want to add any ugly controls to the Gameboy itself, so this worked out well. It runs like normal without it plugged in, but with it plugged in you're able to use coarse and fine control knobs to drop it to a near-stop at 100Khz, or speed it up to 7.12Mhz (original gameboys run at 4.19Mhz). It crashes any higher than that, so I capped the speed there (though the 1799 does go up to 33Mhz). Also added a switch to set the max speed at either 1x or 1.7x, so in a performance setting there's no need to fumble around for the proper speed after dropping it down. Fun for music, also a quality of life improvement for the Pokemon grind. This gameboy has been a nice restoration project, and has a few other mods as well (Backlight, bivert chip, internal pro-sound mod, internal speaker amplifier, glass screen cover).
Check the photo gallery for a wiring diagram! The 1799 module I used came from Amazon, though any will work.
August, 2020.
Music Video: Broken Alias - Meeting u
Finished up a reworked version of the video I debuted at I/O Chip Music NYC’s International Open Mic stream the other day!