Monorocket S9N and PEG (new case, new module)

I got a new case made for my by Monorocket. It’s the same depth as their skiff model, but instead of the single row I have 9u. I am powering it with 3 uZeus and a single 4.6A brick. I soldered the individual power supplies in series behind the board. It’s working quite nice but I will need to use my remaining Tip Top Audio powered bus board for the skiff.

This jungle of wires is the first complex single signal chain patch with the 4ms PEG (pingable envelope generator).. It’s pretty much the best addition to date.

Firing my envelope follower into the PING input on peg.. taking two peg envelopes across the patch. Very interesting results.

Patch is automatically switching between different syncopation schemes. A technique I plan on using often.

black rain vector scan

 

 

REscan: from the sock drawer

 

REscan: stache-guitar

 

a new series devoted to REscanning my old videos in new ways!

Vector rescanning workflow tests

 

working on how I move this footage in and out of the analog and digital worlds..

computers…..

always be aware of your surroundings

A long journey started this year. My life as a video artist?!? Who would’ve thought.

I’ve had both amazing experiences and nights that I wish I could replay.  Chicago has treated me  very well, providing a rich community of diverse artists. Many of which can think of one or two ways to collaborate with my video style.  This has made it all worth while.

In this first year I have come to one BIG conclusion. You always have to beware of your surroundings.. It’s the biggest task, tool, and rule of doing live improvised video.

My worst visuals of the year certainly came from shows that involved little or no setup time, and no prior knowledge of venue.  This didn’t guarantee bad visuals.. Just strongly influenced.

Taking the time to walk thru a gig in the venue before the actual date of said gig is tremendously helpful. What color are the walls? Are there any feedback subjects? Where do we project from? Where can I setup cameras? etc etc etc

That being said the video above was from last night at Lokal Lounge in Chicago. I play here at least 2 Tuesdays/month and sometimes every Tuesday. And since I have started we have played around with different configurations and projection paths. But last night once again I found a new camera angle that works amazingly for getting a silhouette of the dj.

Always be aware of your surroundings.

Can’t wait to expose all the tricks in one night with a 3 camera rig. soon… soon…..

poster manufacturing.

 

having fun with Casey Lentz making pretty things

Vector Rescan – Rutt Etra

Pretty excited to have a functional Tektronix 620 (that green screen oscilloscope looking box). It has granted me access to the world of vector re-scanning. This technique was historically used with Rutt Etra video synthesizer.

Here is my setup and two pictures. The first is a kaleidoscope image from the ipad and the second is my face.

Portishead _ adventures with the visual team

I had one of the most amazing experiences of my life this week. After some weeks of correspondence with John Minton, I was offered all access passes to come down to the Aragon Ballroom early in the day to see Portishead’s technical side. The main reason for my presence was to aid John in any questions he might have about the LZX video synth. He had obtained an LZX direct from Lars about 1.5 weeks before the tour started, and surely was too busy at that point getting ready to sit down properly and learn all the ins and outs. We chatted, patched, and played from 4-6 in the afternoon before doors opened at 6:30.

I got introduced to the entire video crew during setup and ate a nice meal with half the band. John and the rest of the Portishead team were extremely welcoming and kind.  I can’t thank them enough. I hope I was able to give John a few hints, because I certainly left with a large sense of inspiration.

Below are some pictures I snapped when I had the chance along with some descriptions.

When I first arrived to the venue, John and the rest of the team were just finishing their final tweaks of the video setup. Here I was acting as a stand in at the various spots on the stage while John adjusted his cameras. Pedal board, Beth’s mic, synths, and drums.

Here is the control station at stage left. Pretty impressive rig with a lot going on. I believe there were 8 camera feeds, 2 oscilloscopes, the LZX visionary, V-8 mixer, 2 macbook pros,  some other video switching hardware, and some software that acted as a video patch bay with presets.

Here is a monitor showing the various feeds available from the stage and stock footage.

VECTOR RESCANNING WITH THE LZX VISIONARY!!!! Seriously so much fun. We spent the better part of an  hour or more playing with this.  John’s primary focus of having the LZX is for this functionality. I was able to give him some good tips and insight on patching techniques. (or so I think)

Then the band came out and we got to start playing with audio and envelope following on the video setup. Everyone seemed in a very cheerful mood. Happy with the sound of the venue.

I got to watch the show from Al Capone’s booth.

Game Over

Sonoio @ Vic Theater

Had a blast this past week working with Alessandro Cortini again. Sonoio came through on tour with Ladytron and I was fortunate enough to get asked for round 2 of visuals.

Many Thanks