Update from the ground

Non Space Update this time.

Quick update from last time, Darks suggestion to use the VT-4 and play the notes on the keyboard (so you do not have to hear my limited range) worked. So we have completed the first Christmas song.

Now for some ground updates. This is not fully for the group, but previously I had also purchased myself a Modal Skulpt. I consider it more of a true synthesizer than the OP-1 (not that the OP-1 is not a true synthesizer, but the controls and all are very different). I wanted one more standard for me to play with (I understand tone generation a bit and wanted to play with that for some personal growth).

However, after some playing, nothing from the Skulpt ever made it into one of our tracks (so it was really just for me, the OP-1 really did everything we wanted). Recently I have leant that out to another band to play with (Fencing Marlins). It is a bit out of character for them (as far as sound) but they get to play with it for awhile. I wanted to try some semi modular type fun for a little while, so I got myself a Moog Mavis. Note I was going to go with the Pluto. I have been waiting for over a year for this device, and decided to move on (and it came out after I ordered the Mavis).

I am sticking with the Mavis as the Pluto is hard to get still, and the Mavis is more a generic modular. If it ever gets into one of our tracks, I will be sure to let everyone know.

Now more important to the band, I have been having issues with Topper (the OP-1). First there was a key that did not want to work (the F# key). I have fixed that one (at least it seems to continue working). However, after that I have been having problems with the I/O board. Often plugging something into Topper (USB chord, speakers or mic) would cause it to shut off and reboot.

In and of itself that is not a huge deal, I put myself on the waiting list to get the replacement part. Also I think I might be able to just replace the switch (yes I have soldered onto boards before). However, I did not want to take it apart until I had the replacement board. Now I am concerned that the board may not come. It appears that Teenage Engineering has come out with a new OP-1 field and seem to be concentrating on that one (so hopefully they still manufacture the replacement parts for the OP-1). In any event if Topper does fail, I will still give it a try to fix the switch.

On a comical (but not really) note. When Dark heard about the new OP-1 field he sort of made a comment about all the nice effects and each member getting their own projects etc. This did not sit too well with Topper. I pictured the meme of the guy walking with his girlfriend checking out the other girl. I do not think this is too serious, but something for us to get over.