This week's Disquiet Junto involves creating a track using the 'zero-input mixer' method - which means that no overt sound sources are allowed - the noises are created using feedback loops form the mixer and any effects that are applied to the loops. 

I have done some ZIM work  before (https://soundcloud.com/ikjoyce/zero-input-mixer), so know just how important it is to be careful with levels! You have to really be ready with the kill switch / faders when feedback ramps up! It is usually advised to add a hard limiter to the end of the chain to prevent massive volume spikes. 

I did mine in my modular - using an A-138-m matrix mixer - this allows me to route four inputs into four outputs in various levels. It also allows me to send the signals either right-way up or inverted, which can help tame the feedback a little by letting me add in the inverted signal to the chain. I ran the loops through a few filters, a BBD delay module, and a Springray reverb unit (on large tank). The output went via a filter to the mixer, and had a large reverb added courtesy of the Strymon BigSky.  I then recorded as I played around with the various mixer knobs, filter cut-offs , tone controls on the springray, and delay length on the BBD.   The resonance controls on the filters was was turned down to avoid putting the filters in self-oscillation, which would have been contrary to the idea of a ZIM I feel!

A related idea is to use no patch cables between modules- just to play with the self-oscillations that can be created in individual modules:  -  and also a similar concept of using no patch cables: https://soundcloud.com/ikjoyce/self-oscilation 

Zero Input Mixer - (Disquiet0232)

This will be my place for Naviar Haiku and Disquiet Junto entries.
-Experiments may appear on YouTube from time to time: 
https://www.youtube.com/user/ikjoyce
-Albums will be released on Bandcamp: 
https://ikjoyce.bandcamp.com/

New album "The Endless Solitude Of A Skylark's Song" now available:
https://ikjoyce.bandcamp.com/album/the-endless-solitude-of-a-skylarks-song

Album 'Selene' now available on Cassette / Download from Naviar Records: 
https://naviarrecords.bandcamp.com/album/selene 

**Albums now available on iTunes, Amazon, Deezer, Spotify, and Google Play**  

I make electronic ambient and drone music using modular synthesis to explore themes of nature, space, isolation, man/machine interaction, and the borders of the sleep/wake cycle.