Lockdown has provided a fair bit of time to build at home. A friend suggested a link to a builder/producer called Lomond Campbell and it sparked an idea for a variation on his theme, and a new build – The Turntable Modular.
The modular turntable creates a trigger pulse that can sync a clock pulse to other modular (and in time circuit bent) units. The beauty is that it still functions as a normal turntable, and records can be played underneath the magnet plate for interesting vinyl loops. Lomond was really helpful when I got in touch, he was keen to see me develop his idea further and I wanted to specifically add a few additional features in my own build of the modular turntable.
- A variable speed dial to dictate the rpm of the turntable beyond standard 33/45 turntable speeds.
- The ‘sensors’ for the system (reed switches) to be embedded into the turntable itself, rather than an additional module married up to the turntable – I was happy to sacrifice a turntable for the project!
- I also wanted to explore the notion of triggering various circuit bent objects I’d made using the turntable.
If you’re interested, check out the video above which details the build process and shares a couple of early tests. Have a go at building your own, or get in touch if you need some help or want one built for you.
There are plenty more videos of new jams with the Modular Turntable over at our Instagram.
Rusty Sheriff 