Re: Review: Jomox T-Resonator "Time Woven Filter Matrix"

[Rainer Straschill <moinsound@googlemail.com>]

Andy Butler asked:
"...but isn't a Moog type analog filter?
If you're familiar with the Moog, how do they compare."

The Moog filter is a circuit realized with (I believe Ge) diodes,
while the T-Resonator uses a transistor-based design. So no, it isn't
a moog-circuit for the filter.
I haven't taken the time to actually measure the complex frequency
response, but by inspection:
The filter seems much more correct by good circuit design standards -
which doesn't mean it sounds better. The most important difference is
that it's next to impossible to get the filter to distort in the
screaming moog-style way. However, including a distortion stompbox in
your setup can help with that.

"A moog filter can oscillate with a lovely delicate silvery tone, as
long as resonance is tweaked carefully.
Can the T-Res manage that? "

As above: no, because it won't distort the same way as a moog filter.
The filter oscillation (in negative feedback) is more theremin-like
(to stay with the metaphors). Positive feedback gives you really
aggressive low-frequency rumble.

"Another thing from the demos, was that guitar sounds gave me more the
impression of guitar *plus* weirdness, rather than the guitar
*becoming* weirdness such as I like to get from my Vortex.
If that makes sense, would you be able to comment?"

It's funny that you mention that comparison, because when I first
tried the T-Resonator I thought of something like "Vortex for
elektro/noise people". I cannot second that opinion regarding my
playing with the device. There is only a few settings that work for me
when using the T-Resonator on a guitar, but with these, it's more of a
guitar becoming weirdness as you phrased it.


Now that I had a few more days to play with it, here's some additional
comment to my first post:

The trick really is to not use it as a stereo device, but to patch the
output of channel 1 into the input of channel 2 and, if you like so,
to put a (analogue - 'cause of headroom you might require) distortion
box in between.
This does not only work great for working on rave-like synth lines (as
I mentioned in my last post), but also for no-input noise settings.
By careful combination of envelope, lfo, feedback and delay effect
settings, you can create really odd chaotic settings - like just the
T-Resonator delievering short low-frequency pulses at a constant
130bpm rate, and after a ever-changing, non-systematic number of
pulses generating a filter-sweeping scream (which, although it sounds
different, even you as a Moog filter lover would enjoy).

Again, perhaps I'll do some video - perhaps tomorrow will be a good day.

Yours,

            Rainer