Mad Science Lab Archives/ReAnimator

Mad Science Lab ReAnimator

The ReAnimator is no longer in production

ReAnimator2

Above is the ReAnimator rev 2.2

Features

The ReAnimator 2.2 is a 24 bit multi effects processor that is used to process audio signals. The ReAnimator has stereo line level in and out using 1/4 inch jacks. The new ReAnimator has all of the same great effects in the ReAnimator version 1, but now way cooler

Stereo Delays new low pass filters on each delay, Delay Time knob smoothly transitions to specified delay times in bpm values, long 60 mm faders adjust the amount of Delay 1 and Delay 2, and the Filter 1 and Filter 2 knobs set the frequency cutoff of a stereo 4 pole low pass filter for each delay.

Stereo Reverbs new Reverb Room Size control knob, now can adjust the size of Reverb 1 (room) and Reverb 2 (hall) with the Reverb room size knob, and control the amount of Reverb 1 and Reverb 2 with two 60 mm faders.

Output Section new output section takes the best of the Sonic Deconstruction ideas from version 1 and is used to sweeten the filter outputs. This allows the filter resonance to interact with the Output section, and by adjusting the Drive knob, you can get unique tones... and it's just too cool.

Preset Memory brand spankin' new, now can save all knobs and sliders as a preset and recall as needed

ReAnimator Second Generation

The ReAnimator is based on several years of research. The second generation ReAnimator is a greatly improved version and incorporates many new ideas that are the direct result of feedback from users and testers.

The ReAnimator is designed to be intuitively easy to operate, yet yield a large range of varying effects. The interface is laid out such that real time dramatic changes in sound are easily accomplished. This allows musicians to easily change effects live while performing or improvising. The ReAnimator boots in 2 seconds and is rock solid. (no crashes, lock ups or audio hiccups here) The controls are analog voltages that are processed by a separate microprocessor so the controls act and feel like analog controls.

Think 7 Effects at your fingertips

The ReAnimator is best understood as 7 independent effects that are combined to create a unique audio processing environment. There are two independent stereo delays, two different stereo reverbs, two 4 pole low pass filters, and a drive section with separate low and high frequency controls.

The effect settings can be saved and recalled as a preset. The new settings are smoothly transitioned from the old setting to avoid any audio glitches. Also, each setting on the LCD displays if it is in a preset setting or the actual knob setting. Once in a preset, moving a knob takes that knob out of preset mode to its actual value.

Section 1. -> 2 Stereo Delays  
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The audio input to the ReAnimator is first processed by the Stereo Delays section.

This section adds a delayed version of the audio to the original signal. The delay time is adjusted by the Delay Time knob. The range is 60-150 bpm.

The Delay 1 slider mixes in audio that is delayed one beat from the original. The Delay 2 slider mixes in audio that is delayed 2 beats from the original.

For example when set to 60 bpm.

Delay 1 is one second delayed version of the input. Delay 2 is a two second delayed version of the input.

The sliders control how much of the delayed signal is mixed with the original signal. If the sliders are all the way down, no delay is mixed with the signal.

Each of the delayed signals can also be filtered with a stereo 4 pole low pass filter. Filter 1 knob adjusts the frequency of the filter for Delay 1. A setting of 99 means the filter is fully open and no filtering is occurring.

 

Section 2. -> 2 Stereo Reverbs  
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The Room and Hall sliders add reverb to the audio signal.

The Room reverb is a medium size room with light diffusion.

The Hall reverb is a larger room with more diffusion and a longer reverb tail.

The sliders control how much of the reverb signal is mixed with the original signal. If the sliders are all the way down, no reverb is mixed with the signal. The two Reverbs can be blended to taste.

The Room Size knob controls the size of the room the reverb is occurring in. A setting of 99 corresponds to a larger room with longer reverb time and more diffusion.

Section 3. -> 2 Low Pass Filters  
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This section has a left and a right 4 pole low pass filter with resonance.

The Frequency knob controls the filter cut off of the low pass filter. The frequency is variable from 100Hz to 23000Hz and the highest setting completely bypasses the filter for a clean setting.

Rez1 knob controls the amount of resonance added to the signal at the cut off frequency.(variable from 0 to 99)

This filter is designed to be similar to a classic 4-pole analog filter with not as much loss in signal when adding resonance. The filter does not resonate at low frequencies like a classic analog filter.

Also, like an analog filter high resonance settings can be irritating to the ear

Section 4. -> Drive Section  
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This final section adds light distortion to the signal. This is a light distortion which complements the filter in producing the sound of over driving an analog filter.

The Drive knob controls how drive is added to the signal. A setting of 0 corresponds to no distortion added and the Lo and High knobs have no effect. A setting of higher then 0 adds light distortion to the signal based on the setting of the Lo and High knobs.

The Lo and Hi knobs add more distortion in those frequencies.

Stereo volume control  
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The volume control sets the volume of audio going out the left and right Out jacks.

The volume knob is the only control that is not saved as part of a preset.

The switch to the left turns on and off the ReAnimator. A blue LED in the switch indicates power.

Preset Section  
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The Preset Memory section is where the settings of the ReAnimator can be saved. The volume knob is the only control not saved.

Press the Save or Recall switch and the light under the Preset # will light and the LCD will prompt you to chose a preset # 1 to 8

In recall you can also choose to go to live mode to clear the preset and return to the current knob settings.

Once a preset is recalled or saved the first line of the LCD indicates the current preset number. Each control on the LCD indicates that it is in preset with an arrow before the number. Once a control is changed from the preset position the arrow goes to a line indicating that is is not the preset value but the actual control value.

   
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A large 4 row by 20 character LCD allows for real time continuous display of all sliders and knobs.

The LCD contrast knob adjusts the viewing angle of the LCD.

 

Pictures

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Above the ReAnimator version 2.2 released in December 2011

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Above- The Mad Science Lab ReAnimator 1.3 version (Unit #5) is shown above.

limited run of 10 units in 2010 with Redwood side panels

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ReAnimator 2.2 Specs

dimensions: 14 inches Wide, 13 inches deep, and 5 inches high

weight: about 6 pounds

A/D and D/A 24 bit 48000

rugged Switchcraft 1/4" jacks

High quality smooth 60 mm faders

All audio cables are Mogami

Beautiful Blue LCD 4 lines x 20 characters

Stereo line level audio in, Stereo line level audio out

all audio jacks are 1/4

Energy Star universal power supply

Technology

The ReAnimator uses some of the latest technology to achieve professional audio quality results. At the heart of the ReAnimator is a 32 bit Sharc DSP processor from Analog Devices. This is amazing chip has the power to do large amounts of processing in real time with amazing fidelity. A 32 bit PIC micro processor is used to read the knobs, sliders, and buttons and also communicate to the Sharc chip and the LCD.

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Above - The main Circuit board the does all the audio processing. Sharc DSP chip in the middle
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Above - The microprocessor board. This board reads the controls, sends the data to the main

board, and outputs to LCD at top

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Above - Back side of main board, where the pots, buttons and sliders mount

 

The ReAnimator is no longer in production

 

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