Ring Modulators...again

[Rodgre]

I inquired a while ago about which circuit is the ultimate Ring Modulator.

I'm wondering if I shouldn't just plan on investing in a built one, and therefore was wondering if anyone here had heard the E-H Frequency Analyzer in comparison with the Mooger Fooger.

Roger

[Paul Perry (Frostwave)]

I don't know what an original EH ringer costs today, but I think the Moog engineering would have it beat to hell  
Of course, I think it is hard to go past the one I manufacture (cough cough) but, if you can, try to make you own from any of the AD633 circuits out there.

[toneless]

Hi Rodgre.I have the EH Frequency Analyzer and I can tell that it sounds better than the Moogerfooger as long as you use it as a simple ring modulator.The Moog has a tremolo in front of the ring mod that can make a lot of interesting and unusual sounds that freq analyzer can't even imagine...

So i supposse a frequency analyzer with a separate tremolo will be the best option. EH uses the AD633 for the freq analyzer and I think the same happens with the Moog.
I think Moog uses a noise gate after the ring mod,too.

Anyway if you have patience(and the schematics) make the Moog because it cost a lot more than the EH ring mod.

[Rodgre]

Well the Moog doesn't have a tremolo, per se. It has an LFO which will vary the carrier frequency, and if you shut that off, and set the carrier frequency itself low enough, it beats against your signal and creates a great sounding tremolo effect. Kind of a happy by-product.

I suppose if I could get a good schematic for a ring modulator in the basic sense.... like a synth module, that does nothing but combine two signals to create a modulated output, then I could use something like an analog synth or a pre-recorded track from tape to be the carrier input, and run a guitar through the modulated input. That way, I can simulate the Moog's LFO by using an analog synth with it's own LFO, and if I can get a synth oscillator to go low enough, maybe I can get the tremolo of the Mooger Fooger.

It seems that if I didn't have to build the oscillator or any of that sort of gadgetry, but just the ring modulator circuit, it shouldn't be so tough.... I don't know.  

What do you call that part of the circuit? Is it technically a balanced modulator? Is that what the old Paia module did?

Roger

[freeradical24]

i think something worth mentioning, if your going to buy one. is the fact that the frequency analyzer does not have output  for expresion.which in my opinion is a must have for a ring mod.

[swt]

Hey paul!! I can't get ad633, do you think mc1496 is a good option. i had 2. Any idea how to sub it in the schems around the net?. Thanks a lot!

[Rodgre]

Thanks for the input everyone.

At the moment, I'm using the Line 6 Modulation modeler (whose ring mod is pretty good IMHO)

I'm just wishing that I had a standalone unit for the studio that I could use in all sorts of new ways. The mooger seems like the way to go, as well as the Frostwave. I like the sound of the E-H, but as was pointed out, it's not as tweakable...no expression pedal control.

Roger

[moosapotamus]

Black Cat makes a very nice ring mod (Maestro clone) that does have an expression pedal input.

Another one of my other favs (that hasn't been mentioned here, yet) is the Frantone Glacier.

Both of these ring mod pedals are very quiet, too - virtually no carrier bleedthrough.

~ Charlie

[Paul Perry (Frostwave)]

I can't get ad633, do you think mc1496 is a good option. i had 2. Any idea how to sub it in the schems around the net

An AD633 circuit can't really be converted to use a MC1496. Best to find a circuit that uses a MC1496 straight off. (there were a number of DIY and early commercial synths that had the MC1496).

[toneman]

Hey Lordofthe RingModulators,
Remember the PAiA 4710 RM??
No?
It also used a 1496.
Has overload LED, and trimmers.
The newest PAiA RM, the TripleVCA/RM, the 9710,
uses the same 1496 but looses the LED.
[www.paia.com]
For GeeTar U might have to add a preamp to get to the
synth input levels &/or an attenuator for the outputs
soz U don't hit your ap with 5Vpp synth levels.
Great starting point 4 RMs....
may your modulations B ringers!
staytuned
tone