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previous: Rob Mark, do you really think the Q-tro... -- 2/18/2000 8:40 PM

Re: I want to build an EH Zipper, but I have a question...

2/22/2000 9:53 PM
Mark Hammer	Re: I want to build an EH Zipper, but I have a question... Half of what makes an envelope-controlled filter make you want to keep using it is the dynamic responsiveness of it. Often, this is a function of the envelope detection circuitry, and any add-ons that can add some lag to the envelope. I'm not saying that lag is better, merely that having a choice of faster and slower response times can lend a better match to the particular hunk of music being played. This is one reason I always loved the MXR envelope filter: it has an attack time control. I added two decay-time settings to my Dr. Q, and that improves its usability noticeably. So where am I going with this? The Zipper (and remember, I haven't ever heard one) appears to have two major differences between itself and the Q-Tron. One is the control element being varied. In the Q-Tron it is optical. In the Zipper, it is FET's, which may introduce some distortion that adds a bit of character to the sound (more harmonics leads to a more pronounced filtering effect). The other major difference is that the Zipper has two attack-time settings, and that may be part of what seems to make it more playable to many users; i.e., better matching to the music through greater flexibility. Not to fret, it IS possible to add envelope variety to the Q-Tron (assuming it isn't too far removed from the Mutron design), and I gather someone with access to more technical info will tell us how. In the meantime, I suggest you check out the Craig Anderton Retro-Stereo that Stellan Lehrberg has posted at his site. Build one and plug your Q-Tron into it. You'll never go back to playing without one when you realize how great filters sound when combined with straight signal. Stereo effects ain't too shabby either.

2/22/2000 9:53 PM

Mark Hammer

Re: I want to build an EH Zipper, but I have a question...

Half of what makes an envelope-controlled filter make you want to keep using it is the dynamic responsiveness of it. Often, this is a function of the envelope detection circuitry, and any add-ons that can add some lag to the envelope. I'm not saying that lag is better, merely that having a choice of faster and slower response times can lend a better match to the particular hunk of music being played. This is one reason I always loved the MXR envelope filter: it has an attack time control. I added two decay-time settings to my Dr. Q, and that improves its usability noticeably.

So where am I going with this? The Zipper (and remember, I haven't ever heard one) appears to have two major differences between itself and the Q-Tron. One is the control element being varied. In the Q-Tron it is optical. In the Zipper, it is FET's, which may introduce some distortion that adds a bit of character to the sound (more harmonics leads to a more pronounced filtering effect). The other major difference is that the Zipper has two attack-time settings, and that may be part of what seems to make it more playable to many users; i.e., better matching to the music through greater flexibility.

Not to fret, it IS possible to add envelope variety to the Q-Tron (assuming it isn't too far removed from the Mutron design), and I gather someone with access to more technical info will tell us how.

In the meantime, I suggest you check out the Craig Anderton Retro-Stereo that Stellan Lehrberg has posted at his site. Build one and plug your Q-Tron into it. You'll never go back to playing without one when you realize how great filters sound when combined with straight signal. Stereo effects ain't too shabby either.

Replies:

Rob Mark,I appreciate all your ... -- 2/23/2000 3:18 PM