Monday, February 2, 2015

Utopia Synth by Skychord Electronics (formerly King Capital Punishment)

First things first, Source sounds. They're very important (obviously), but they're going to be VERY important to this blog, so i'll start with the things that will be the basis for EVERY review i'll do.

since i record digitally, it's important set normals, so you have a great idea, what can be done with the pedals. to set the normals i turn the volume all the way up on the unit. then hit record. i aim to get the volume just below the clip line like so:


if the volume needs to be adjusted for the effect unit being used, i'll make notes about it in the comments on the soundcloud track. This is all an experiment, and i'm completely open to feedback on how i could make this better and clearer for everyone.

ok, enough of the "behind the curtain", onto the show:



THE DETAILS

The Utopia Synth has 4 squarewave oscillators, paired by 2 mains, and 2 modulators. Each oscillator has an on/off switch and a pitch range switch (modulators included), and a control knob. There is also a volume knob on the right side, and a single 1/4" mono output. The Utopia Synth is powered by a single standard boss style 9v connector only, no batteries and best of all, it's roughly the same size as your average boutique pedal.

THE HYPE

The Utopia Synth is a great compact little "Box Synth". Simple in construction, simple to use, with a wide range of sound. It's great for knob twiddlers and pedal mashers, as well as set and forget HNWallers and thats why i'll rely on this unit ALOT.

Thursday, January 15, 2015

INTENT

Welcome to HARSH HEAD GEAR REVIEW! the primary goal is to provide super in-depth reviews of gear as it pertains to all sorts noise and experimental music genre's. you are most likely NOT going to see (or hear) anything done with guitars around here, there are PLENTY of places on the internet for those folks.

WHAT MAKES ME QUALIFIED TO DO SUCH A BLOG?
nothing really, and everything at the same time. i am a gear head, and i've been making harsh noise going on 10 years now. If you head on over to GEARBUG, i'm probably STILL 2nd on the top reviewers list (man that Nkondi dude, seems unbeatable.. even though he's been out of the scene for QUITE a few years...)

OH YEAH GEARBUG, WHY NOT JUST LEAVE IT UP TO THEM?
GEARBUG is still an AMAZING resource, but i want to get quite a bit more in-depth. some sound samples, bigger pics,  and even some gut shots for you benders/modifiers so you know what your getting before you jump in...

i'm always looking for feedback/criticism so please let me know what you want to see...
LETS MAKE 2015 THE YEAR OF THE HARSH HEADS!