GLITCHY FUZZ & SUB OCTAVE SYNTH 

More fuzz, more glitch, more knobs!  FD.2 is an enhanced version of f division, adding pulse width modulation (PWM) control of a nasty fuzz.  The "f" here is for frequency and we're chopping your signal by 1 or 2 octaves lower, combined with octave up sizzle!  f division is a monophonic sub octave synthesizer with a digital fuzz that ranges from filtered square wave to mosquito buzz octave up!  

INSPIRATION:  To create sound extremes, combining multiple sub octaves with a base tone fuzz or even an octave higher.

CIRCUIT SCIENCE:  Input signals are amplified and introduced to a CMOS counter/divider that divides by 2 at each step, cutting the previous frequency in half.  There are 2 possible divisions, meaning 2 octaves down form the source.  Each toggle is a sub octave and can be on or off in any combination.  Two mixer knobs control the ratio and overall volume of the sub and fuzz sound.  The fuzz is derived from another CMOS chip that uses "exclusive or" logic gates to produce a frequency doubling effect.  The character of this fuzz is tuned by the PWM control mini-knob. 

SOUND:  A wide range of octaves in a wall of over-the-top fuzz!

The sub octaves alone sound like square wave bass fuzz and track all over the fretboard, with increasing glitchy-ness below the 5th fret.  One octave down is like having a bass player with you, and adding a 2nd cranks up the analog synth vibe.

The PWM control gives a range of filthy fuzz tones, from swept filter sounds to octave up screech.  All the way to the right the signal dies, choking out sputtering, shrill octave static cries that create outrageous synth-scapes when blending in the subs.

Note: The PWM function is a ridiculously high gain fuzz!  

Quick settings:  Here are some starter ideas!

• Wide octave range:  Octaves 1 & 2 on, PWM on edge of dying
• Synth attach:  Both sub octaves on, PWM to the left
• Needle ear: Subs off, PWM far to the right

VERSION HISTORY: f division (FD.1) is a 3 octaves down device with a subtle drive base tone.  FD.2 removes the 3rd octave and replaces it with PWM control of a glitchy synth fuzz.

There's a nifty book by Nicolas Collins called Handmade Electronic Music that uses CMOS chips to create sonic subdivisions.  That book and numerous DIY resources have encouraged CMOS abuse over the years- we thank you for the inspiration!  

Austere design, esoteric nomenclature.

 

 Tech

• 9V center negative power supply, no battery
• Current draw: 6mA
• Dimensions including jacks & knobs:  5.0 x 3.0 x 2.2 in
• PWM: controls pulse width of square wave fuzz
• SUB: all sub octave signal mix
• FUZZ: PWM fuzz signal mix
• -2, -1:  # of octaves down; "on" to the left, "off" to the right
• Nuetrik and Lumberg jacks
• Green swirl graphics and white/silver hammertone powder coat finish