A few things to catch up on:
- My parents’ visit to the area to look at real estate was a bit of a bust. They weren’t prepared for the paperwork to get pre-approved for a mortgage so the realtors wouldn’t show them properties. They did look at some manufactured homes, and actually came kind of close to deciding on one of them but then changed their minds after a second look. And they got a feel for the various neighborhoods in the area. And they got to visit with us a bit, and finally meet Lady and Yankee. Yankee was surprisingly accepting of them after the first few minutes, and even sat next to them and let them pet him about as much as he ever lets me. So next time, they’ll be able to stay with us instead of a motel, if they like.
- I finished reading the Allen Strange reprint (Electronic Music: System, Techniques and Controls). To be honest, given the book’s reputation, there weren’t that many new insights for me. There were a few things that I had learned myself after getting into modular synthesis which the book would have accelerated, but it was all basically review for me. I’d still recommend it to a beginner or perhaps to someone not as deep into modular as I am.
I found a little bit of it was quaint — digital audio was in its infancy when the second edition of the book was written, and that has implications not just for control, oscillators, some synthesis methods, etc. but for delay lines and especially for recording and editing. But hey, some people even in 2023 are into tape. - Currently reading Heir to Uncertain Magic, sequel to Keeper of Enchanted Rooms. I really enjoyed the first book, but this one isn’t quite as engaging. Next up is Brandon Sanderson’s Secret Project #2, The Frugal Wizard’s Handbook for Surviving Medieval England.
- The Shapeshifter deep dive is just about done. I have a couple more notes to check on, then I’m ready to write it up. I’ve discovered a few more wave banks that I have good use for, created a couple more useful presets, and noted several patch ideas. My opinion of the module has only increased.
I think I’ll be covering Akemie’s Castle next. Whether that’ll just be simple confirmation that it’s worth its 38HP, or if this is the time I decide to sell it, or if I wind up documenting my findings as I have with Synchrodyne and Shapeshifter remains to be seen. - Intellijel Cascadia was announced a few days ago. Just the name was teased months ago, but it was delayed due to supply chain issues. It turns to be a premium semi-modular synth of the “East Coast meets West Coast” variety. If the Minibrute 2S is the Honda Civic of that category, this is the BMW. It doesn’t make sense for my rig, but there will be people who enjoy it.