the TeaspoonCAS | KINK edition
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price: $ 375
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'///. DESCRIPTION .\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\'
the teaspoonCAS [ creamandsugar ] can be called a window sampler, a granular sampling gate, a granular trigger or something along those lines. its main intention is as a handheld voltage controlled instant looping playback sampler. there have been a number of features added in an attempt to make it universally applicable. knobs cover gain, volume, storage size, granular window and feedback. toggles allow real time speed / pitch modulation, self triggering window, and window hold. then there is a larger set of controls inside the case featuring touch pads, circuit bends, range extensions, input conversions and feedback loops. the input / pre will accept anything from direct guitar input to lower synth level. the window input will take just about any active voltage you can feed it and together with the length and threshold knobs it allows control over the window with enough detail to respond to higher audio frequencies which can allow for options like voltage controlled wave shaping if the source is clean and loud enough. the SLF switch sends the main audio to the window input and uses it as the control source allowing you to walk away from rhythmically synced sample playback. this input can also be used with a common sustain pedal to allow remote use. the CV input gives remote control over the currently available size of the sampler which can reach roughly one second though at the expense of fidelity. like the window input it will accept both AC and DC sources [ 6vdc ~ +/-3v ] which means that those of you that do not yet understand CV don't really need to, you can use anything from standard modular control sources to DAW based audio editors to draw out shapes and just plug the audio out into the CV input and it will work, easy as can be, volume in your editor then become size. CV input sensitivity together with the huge size range allows for an effect not unlike ring modulation when in pitch mode, the modulation source needs to be rather loud though. you can also insert a passive expression pedal with no other changes needed allowing the CAS to operate hands free, but you can now just shake the CAS to trigger the window so it might spend more time in your hand
KINK edition extras .\\\\\\'
internal paint
black pcb with touch pads
CAS shirt - image and colors below
unicorn blood - do not consume
handmade bag - thanks mom and little sis
printed manual - clear blue plastic cover sheet - six pink pages - fits inside back panel
3 year warranty - 1 year standard
\\\\' SAMPLES '//////////////////////////////////////////////////////
SAMPLE |
synth track from cricklewood |
| SAMPLE |
no input, fdbk set to max, only touch pads used |
| some of these are nearly 20mg - please watch your volumes there are some very loud sections in these. the samples are just me cutting crude loops of mine and other peoples work, computer - teaspoon - mixer - computer, nothing else. at a few points i plug in the attenuated audio output of a summed pair of sine VCO’s set to low frequencies into the CV input to simulate the audio outputs of a standard sound card, no other outside control is used. i try to cover as much range as i can without stopping on anything for too long so you will have to use your imagination to pause things a bit, there is a lot to cover. most tracks have the right side clean so you can compare the two. most of the time is spent with the SZ, FDBK, LNGTH and THRSH controls, the push button is only used a few times, tilt disabled. SLF control is used about 90% of the time focusing on hit replacement. there is some touch pad stuff and a couple bends in there too but not much |
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GN .\\\\' this allows for up to 20db of gain from the pre amp. an additional 20db of gain can be had by flipping ISB #4 for approximately 40db total. pre amp is post SLF so gain does not effect the threshold. i know there are some out there pursuing destruction but overdriving the input will result in lose of detail in sampling results
THRSH .\\\\' adjusting the threshold when using an external window source or with it under SLF control is how you choose at which point in the sources volume / voltage you want the window to trigger. when using an external window footswitch this will need to be set above half. this control has a large range of use and can also be extended via ISB #2
LNGTH '/////. the length will stretch out all trigger info including the push button. useful when driving the window with an external audio source and the THRSH is set to trigger at just its peaks. approximately two seconds max
FDBK .\\\\\\\' this is a clean audio feedback loop wrapped around everything allowing for CV delay effects reaching nearly comb filter range and dropping down into sludgy crushy drones and it of course pushes far into aggressive self oscillation
OTPT '///. output volume
SZ .\\\\\\\\\\\' the sampler storage size is determined by this course control and the internal fine thumbwheel. when using CV they function as offsets
PTCH .\\\\\' this together with the SZ will yield slow down / speed up effects and pitch modulation. the effect is only available manually during the actual turn of the SZ knob, once you stop turning it the pitch will settle back to normal but the lower you set it the lower the sound quality. best when using CV
SLF .\\\' self control will allow you to send the audio input directly to the window input. loud dense audio sources will need to be attenuated in order for their peak info to trigger well. if you also plug an audio source into the window jack and flip the SLF switch it will allow you to mix that audio into the main audio path of the CAS giving you a second audio input though it will always be present at the trigger's input and the resulting audio will not be perfectly clean. all functions are available to both
PUSH .\\\\' light action manual window control. the corresponding led lights for all resulting window info so you can see the result of all of window changes and remote control. misfire is now impossible, the only time you will hear silence during sample playback is if you sample silence
HLD .\\\\' this will hold the window open and override all other window controls - far right toggle, not labeled
AUDIO INPUT '/////. this input will accept anything from a piezo to drum machine though some loud sources will need to be attenuated or they may cause loss of detail or distort [ +/-3v max with isolated *OVP ]
AUDIO OUTPUT / POWER JACK .\\\\\' the output is also the main power switch so you must use a TS cable. left led is a constant power indicator
CV INPUT .\\\\' labeled with a small circle, the control voltage input accepts both AC and DC sources [ 6vdc or +/-3v max with isolated *OVP ] though as one might expect with a pcb this dense loud audio freq AC sources can bleed into the main audio. this insert will also accept a passive expression pedal via internal switching [ current limiting present ]
WINDOW INPUT .\\\\\\\\' labeled with a small square, this input will accept just about any active voltage source you can plug into it, audio, CV, clocks... anything [ 6vdc or +/-3v max with isolated *OVP ]. together with the THRSH and LNGTH it allows control over the granular window. with the SLF switch to the right it can function as a second audio input though it will always be present at the trigger's input. you can also use ISB #10 to allow this input to accept a standard [N.O.] momentary footswitch, THRSH must be set above half
GATE OUTPUT .\\\' the resulting gate pulse from the 'anything to wndw' converter is present at this 3.5mm jack on the right side, though it is inverted. roughly 4.75vDC
INTERNAL SWITCH BANK .\\\\\'
1: tilt switch enable / disable
2: threshold range extension
3: bent distortion - only in pitch mode - crude response to CV
4: gain range extension - roughly +20db
5: noise generation bend - only in pitch mode - crude response to CV
6: pitch modulating bend - in all modes - response to CV
7: self oscillation bend - in all modes - response to CV
8: feedback bend - in all modes - response to CV but the audio input is ignored
9: feedback loop - in all modes - response to CV standalone or input is over powered
0: converts window input to momentary footswitch input - only functions with #2 up
default position for the switch bank is with all tabs up, away from the pcb
CLIMB CALIBRATION .\\\\' allows for control over the climb and fall of the sample playback rate, when using the FDBK control you will need to adjust this in order to keep the climb stable. if you do not then triggering the window with a high FDBK setting will send the feedback climbing or falling in volume, which of course can be used to great effect on its own
FINE SZ THUMBWHEEL .\\\\\\' this is the fine control over the window size. in order to achieve the full size range possible you have to adjust this control in conjunction with the top SZ knob. its positioned so that the average middle finger rests directly on it if the rest of your hand is in the normal button use position. when using CV they both function as an offset control
TILT SWITCH .\\\' there is an internal tilt switch attached to the window as well. the motion needed to activate it is vertical from the normal sitting position, so you can hold it in your hand with the cable falling straight to the floor and shake it in a left / right motion, or you can simple turn it upside down and it will work as a hold switch. ISB #1 will disable this
TOUCH PADS .\\\' there are three very sensitive bugs inspired touch pads on the bottom PCB available only with the back plate removed. from left to right its - feedback | crushy bent distortion | size - the pads can be used individually or together along with roughly seventy percent of the remaining solder tabs on that PCB yielding an enormous range of bent sound options
WARNING: only use touch pads with battery power
\\\ USE TOUCH PADS AT YOUR OWN RISK ///
*OVP [ over voltage protection ] = each input has its own over voltage protection so there is no need to be afraid to try weird voltage sources but you should try to stay under 6v or +/-3v for any period of time
*CLAP PROOF = if something is clap proof it means that there is no chance of it dropping to silence if you turn a knob too far or try something you are not familiar with |
.\\\\' NOTES '/////////.
it is widely considered a bad idea to ever use more then one hand at a time when conducting electricity through a human body so that nothing is sent across your heart. i ask you to please only use one hand and never under any circumstances use the touch pads with the CAS plugged into a wall supply. please
and be sure to wash your hands after using the touch pads on the PCB because lead is present just like it is in just about every other electronic device out there. oh and no licking. there is nothing to worry about with standard use though
by purchasing this device you give up the right to hold me responsible for any physical or mental harm you or anyone else may incur from ill advised use, for any reason, in any way, for ever and ever
the CAS is not *CLAP PROOF though only rarely when using bends or external controls, experience with the device can easily resolve this with a knob turn. things like sending it an LFO larger then 6vDC can result in silence during the shape’s peaks, common stuff
no SMD components were used - all pots are metal shaft
the bags are handmade and designed by my mother and little sister. some have the pink lining and some do not. those with pink will be sent out first. all have TSP logos poorly stamped on them by me
why no mix control? there is nothing i felt like sacrificing and you have a mixer with a send
to the rest of the world i hope you will accept my deepest and sincerest apology for allowing these potentials to enter the general public for profit. what the fuck would you do...
fun fact: it took about 3 weeks to convince myself to label the controls, i blame you
oh yeah DO NOT DRINK THE UNICORN BLOOD. not even a joke, you will die
i accidentally flipped the drill guide for the back panel and have made black plastic plates to cover the small gaps left behind after correcting this. number two and three have little aluminum plates
please understand that many of the decisions made were a result of space limitations
i'm probably forgetting a few things.......
.\\\\' DETAILS '/////////////////.
each is handmade and numbered internally |
extensively tested
before shipping |
internal power regulation accepting 6vDC to 15vDC - [ reverse polarity protection ] |
2.1mm DC wall
jack [ center negative - supply not included ] |
single 9V battery
operation - approx: 5ma / 120 hours of use [ battery included ] |
professionally
manufactured PCB set |
powder coated outside, spray painted inside, lacquer coated, then baked for scratch resistance |
graphics | waterproof vinyl decals coated with lacquer for extra protection |
aluminum enclosure
| dimensions - 4.3 in. x 2.3 in. |
approximate weight | 11 ounces |
four I/O ¼”
jacks ( mono ) |
one 3.5mm
jack ( mono ) |
3 year warranty | covering parts and labor. it does not cover the appearance or finish. all of my warranties travel to new owners and are valid from first recorded purchase date only. any attempt to circuit bend, alter or dismantle any part of this device in any way instantly voids the warranty. the final decision of this is entirely mine and is final. all shipping costs for anything not under warranty are your responsibly |
please feel free to contact me
if you have any questions or visit the forum here
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