NEWS, UPDATES & OCCASIONAL BLOG - ARCHIVE 2017
TG ONE is a special edition of the Tiptop Audio ONE module designed to commemorate the 40th anniversary of Throbbing Gristle’s groundbreaking ‘Second Annual Report’. Few bands have staked out such on original space in music that proved not only immediately provocative and illuminating, but filtered into almost every corner of electronic and popular music in the succeeding decades.
Collaborating with the band and MUTE records, the Tiptop Audio team tailored the features of the popular ONE to the sound and aesthetic of Throbbing Gristle.
Decked out in a TG color scheme of red and white on black, the design incorporates the iconic TG ‘flash’. Even the packaging sports classic cover art from ’20 Jazz Funk Greats’.
TG ONE is a special edition of the Tiptop Audio ONE module designed to commemorate the 40th anniversary of Throbbing Gristle’s groundbreaking ‘Second Annual Report’. Few bands have staked out such on original space in music that proved not only immediately provocative and illuminating, but filtered into almost every corner of electronic and popular music in the succeeding decades.
Collaborating with the band and MUTE records, the Tiptop Audio team tailored the features of the popular ONE to the sound and aesthetic of Throbbing Gristle.
Decked out in a TG color scheme of red and white on black, the design incorporates the iconic TG ‘flash’. Even the packaging sports classic cover art from ’20 Jazz Funk Greats’.
Working with long time beta-tester Chris Carter, the Tiptop R&D tweaked the ONE firmware creating two new modes: the first a random file selection on each trigger input; and the second, looping playback that randomly seeks in a sound file with each trigger. Both of these functions take TG ONE into new sonic territory.
TG ONE includes two exclusive cards of Throbbing Gristle samples curated by Chris Carter from his archive of the original Throbbing Gristle recording sessions. The files have been further reworked and revised, modified and mangled by Carter to give the user a unique Throbbing Gristle sonic palette to work wonders with while retaining the spirit of the original sources. Card one consists of 128 percussive sounds and audio snippets with the second card featuring 128 longer samples, pads and loops.
Tightly coupled with the firmware these cards are only available with the TG module.
Tiptop Audio would like to thank Paul Taylor, Daniel Miller and all at Mute for their support; and Chris Carter, Cosey Fanni Tutti, Genesis Breyer P-Orridge and the late Peter ‘Sleazy’ Christopherson for their inspiration.
Click here for further details, specifications and dealer locations.
Chris Carter modular live performance at the Rough Trade East using the forthcoming special edition TG ONE Eurorack Module, created by Tiptop Audio and featuring sound libraries on cards newly created by Chris.
THE ALL NEW GRISTLEIZER
now available in Eurorack format!
Future Sounds Systems (FSS) announced a new range of Eurorack modules at ModularMeets Leeds in August. Working with Chris Carter of Throbbing Gristle and Roy Gwinn, the original designer of The Gristleizer guitar effects unit, they’ve adapted the circuit and the sound into four Eurorack modules.
The Gristleizer Eurorack
The latest evolution of the Gristleizer is into Eurorack format working with Future Sound Systems. As well as a single Gristleizer Eurorack panel they have also broken it down into four components. There’s the TG2 Generator, the TG3 Filter and TG4 Modulator and a fourth module, the TG5 Pre-Amplfier, which is inspired by Jonny Reckless’ discrete FET-based designs.
TG1 Gristleizer
The TG1 Gristleizer module brings together the functionality of the Gristleizer range behind one single panel. Normalised connections between the modules allows for simplified patching and instantaneous use. This workflow recalls the original Gristleizer, where audio was fed either into the Filter or VCA sections, both of which being modulated by the LFO. In the TG1, the Master Output from the Pre-Amplifier is normalised to the Input of the Filter. The Output of the Filter is then normalised to the Input of the Modulator, extending the functionality of the original Gristleizer where the Filter and VCA functionality was switched between. The Filter and Modulator sections are controlled by the Fold output of the Generator section, allowing for complex modulation effects to be easily set up.
FSS is producing a limited run of 50 units of the TG1 module, 40 of which will be available to the public to celebrate the 40th anniversary of Throbbing Gristle's Second Annual Report. The panel of the TG1 features etched autographs from Roy Gwinn and Chris Carter, and is also hand-numbered on the rear. Pre-orders are strictly one per customer - any payments for extra units will be refunded - though customers can still add extra TG2, TG3, TG4 or TG5 modules to their TG1. more information
TG2 Generator
This is designed to replicate the original functionality of the oscillator section, with some interesting additions. Roy Gwinn’s redesign has stabilised the oscillator and features 1V/oct tracking. It can range from LFO frequencies all the way up into the audible range making for “a killer bass oscillator as well as a fully-featured LFO”.
The oscillator is based on a shape-variable ramp generator with similar functionality to the Korg MS. The shape moves from descending saw through triangle to ascending saw. It then goes into a wave folder which outputs both fold and pulse waveforms. The ramp is finally fed into a comparator for the clock output, the pulsewidth of which is set with the shape control. more information
TG3 Filter
It’s a JFET-controller multi-feedback band-pass filter. Originally used mostly for some wah-wah effect the module adds Resonance and Register controls to the original circuit. The Register shifts the resonant frequency of the core itself. Push the resonance and it will start to self-oscillate. At the end of the circuit there’s a bit of drive to keep things meaty. more information
TG4 Modulator
This is a JFET controlled, voltage-controlled amplifier. It was originally controlled by the oscillator to create tremolo effects. The TG4 can be controlled by anything so is really a regular VCA with some added features. The Bias control sets the initial control point, whilst an attenuverter allows for full control over how the amplitude is modulated. And there’s a Dirt control which balances the mix between the VCA’s clean output and the output of the JFET. This can bring in some really nice audio character. more information
TG 5 Pre-Amplifier
Chris suggested that a pre-amp is a good thing to use in front of the other Gristleizer modules, and so the TG5 came into being. Based upon Jonny Reckless’ FET-based discrete amplifier circuitry, Roy Gwinn reworked it into a rep-amp with a high-quality VCA back-end which allows any external audio source to flow into your Eurorack. There are guitar and line inputs which go through the pre-amp and into a THAT VCA. There’a “Clean” output taken directly from this point. Otherwise, the signal goes through 2 more FET amplification stages and tone section, with Bite and Boost controls to give it some wellie. An RMS detector with sensitivity control is used as an envelope follower and gate detector. Access to the THAT VCA’s Gain control input allows the two Envelope outputs to be used as control sources for the pre-amplifier itself, turning the module into a dynamic compressor (Inverted Envelope) or expander (Normal Envelope). more information
AVAILABLE NOW ORDER HERE
The Gristleizer Eurorack
The latest evolution of the Gristleizer is into Eurorack format working with Future Sound Systems. As well as a single Gristleizer Eurorack panel they have also broken it down into four components. There’s the TG2 Generator, the TG3 Filter and TG4 Modulator and a fourth module, the TG5 Pre-Amplfier, which is inspired by Jonny Reckless’ discrete FET-based designs.
TG1 Gristleizer
The TG1 Gristleizer module brings together the functionality of the Gristleizer range behind one single panel. Normalised connections between the modules allows for simplified patching and instantaneous use. This workflow recalls the original Gristleizer, where audio was fed either into the Filter or VCA sections, both of which being modulated by the LFO. In the TG1, the Master Output from the Pre-Amplifier is normalised to the Input of the Filter. The Output of the Filter is then normalised to the Input of the Modulator, extending the functionality of the original Gristleizer where the Filter and VCA functionality was switched between. The Filter and Modulator sections are controlled by the Fold output of the Generator section, allowing for complex modulation effects to be easily set up.
FSS is producing a limited run of 50 units of the TG1 module, 40 of which will be available to the public to celebrate the 40th anniversary of Throbbing Gristle's Second Annual Report. The panel of the TG1 features etched autographs from Roy Gwinn and Chris Carter, and is also hand-numbered on the rear. Pre-orders are strictly one per customer - any payments for extra units will be refunded - though customers can still add extra TG2, TG3, TG4 or TG5 modules to their TG1. more information
TG2 Generator
This is designed to replicate the original functionality of the oscillator section, with some interesting additions. Roy Gwinn’s redesign has stabilised the oscillator and features 1V/oct tracking. It can range from LFO frequencies all the way up into the audible range making for “a killer bass oscillator as well as a fully-featured LFO”.
The oscillator is based on a shape-variable ramp generator with similar functionality to the Korg MS. The shape moves from descending saw through triangle to ascending saw. It then goes into a wave folder which outputs both fold and pulse waveforms. The ramp is finally fed into a comparator for the clock output, the pulsewidth of which is set with the shape control. more information
TG3 Filter
It’s a JFET-controller multi-feedback band-pass filter. Originally used mostly for some wah-wah effect the module adds Resonance and Register controls to the original circuit. The Register shifts the resonant frequency of the core itself. Push the resonance and it will start to self-oscillate. At the end of the circuit there’s a bit of drive to keep things meaty. more information
TG4 Modulator
This is a JFET controlled, voltage-controlled amplifier. It was originally controlled by the oscillator to create tremolo effects. The TG4 can be controlled by anything so is really a regular VCA with some added features. The Bias control sets the initial control point, whilst an attenuverter allows for full control over how the amplitude is modulated. And there’s a Dirt control which balances the mix between the VCA’s clean output and the output of the JFET. This can bring in some really nice audio character. more information
TG 5 Pre-Amplifier
Chris suggested that a pre-amp is a good thing to use in front of the other Gristleizer modules, and so the TG5 came into being. Based upon Jonny Reckless’ FET-based discrete amplifier circuitry, Roy Gwinn reworked it into a rep-amp with a high-quality VCA back-end which allows any external audio source to flow into your Eurorack. There are guitar and line inputs which go through the pre-amp and into a THAT VCA. There’a “Clean” output taken directly from this point. Otherwise, the signal goes through 2 more FET amplification stages and tone section, with Bite and Boost controls to give it some wellie. An RMS detector with sensitivity control is used as an envelope follower and gate detector. Access to the THAT VCA’s Gain control input allows the two Envelope outputs to be used as control sources for the pre-amplifier itself, turning the module into a dynamic compressor (Inverted Envelope) or expander (Normal Envelope). more information
AVAILABLE NOW ORDER HERE
+ live TG modular performance by Chris Carter
Throbbing Gristle in association with Industrial Records, Mute, Tiptop Audio and Rough Trade are pleased to announce a TG 40th Anniversary Q&A + signing + live TG modular performance by Chris Carter on Wednesday, 1st November 2017, from 7:00pm at Rough Trade East, London. Chris Carter and Cosey Fanni Tutti from Throbbing Gristle will be appearing in person at the Rough Trade East to celebrate the vinyl release of the 40th Anniversary edition of their debut album The Second Annual Report Of Throbbing Gristle, released 3rd November on Mute. Chris Carter will be starting the evening off with a performance using the forthcoming special edition TG-ONE Eurorack Module, created by Tiptop Audio and featuring sound libraries on cards newly created by Chris.
Chris Carter will be starting the evening off with an improvised performance using a modular setup consisting of prototypes of a brand new collaboration with Tiptop Audio. Chris has been working with Tiptop Audio on the forthcoming special edition TG-ONE Eurorack module, which includes two exclusive cards of Throbbing Gristle samples. Chris Carter has curated the sounds from his personal sonic archive that spans some 40 years. Card one consists of 128 percussive sounds and audio snippets with a second card of 128 longer samples, pads and loops. The sounds have been reworked and revised, modified and mangled by Carter to give the user a unique Throbbing Gristle sounding palette to work wonders with. In addition to the TG themed front panel graphics, the module features customised code developed in collaboration with Chris Carter.
The performance will be followed by an ‘in conversation’ and Q&A session with Daniel Miller, Cosey Fanni Tutti and Chris Carter. A signing session will end the evening.
As you can read in the Mute press announcement (below) I have a new solo album coming out in the Autumn. It’s an LP of totally new material and my first in 18 years.
I began recording this new album (working title: Chemistry Lessons ’Volume One’) in 2010 thinking it would take about a year… then Sleazy passed away and I shelved it. A year later I picked up from where I’d abandoned it and began recording when I could. Which turned out to be in the spaces between dozens of live shows, countless remixes, recording as Carter Tutti and Carter Tutti Void and remastering and re-presenting our first five classic TG albums for vinyl. By late 2016 I had a complete and finished album which, at that point, no one other than Cosey had heard (endlessly as it happened (sorry Cosey)) and in a form I was finally willing to share… in this case with Mute.
My previous solo album for Mute was The Space Between in 1991, which itself was a re-release from 1980… some 37 years ago! To date, and not including the odd solo tracks, collaboration album, reissued or remixed LP I have only released four solo albums: Small Moon (1999) Disobedient (1998), Mondo Beat (1985) and The Space Between (1980). So considering how much recording I do - which is a lot, it might seem odd that I haven’t released more solo albums - a question I’m frequently asked. Naturally (obviously) I have accumulated dozens of hours of unreleased solo studio material over the years but due to the ever present and often concurrent and overlapping projects of TG, C&C, Carter Tutti and Carter Tutti Void (somewhere in the region of 100 albums!) I’ve never found the time to go through all those audio files and compile an album from them - even when I was recording for my new album - which I wanted to be a completely new project in its own right. In the past I have put a few experimental solo tracks up on Soundcloud but I’m pretty sure there may enough unreleased material for at least one other album in my archive - if only I had the time to compile it all. Now maybe that should be my next project?
UPDATE (posted Aug 2017)
My new album CCCL VOLUME ONE will be released on Mute March 2018.
THROBBING GRISTLE AND MUTE RE-IGINITE THEIR
WORLDWIDE PARTNERSHIP
LISTEN TO THE THROBBING GRISTLE CATALOGUE ON STREAMING SERVICES
FOR THE FIRST TIME
Mute is pleased and proud to announce the re-ignition of its worldwide partnership with Throbbing Gristle. The first stage of this partnership sees the Throbbing Gristle catalogue available on streaming services for the first time. Over the course of the next three years, Mute will make all of the band’s classic catalogue available both physically and digitally whilst also making available long out of print and important pieces of work. The release pattern will also see some new box sets of previous unreleased material and imagery.
Listen to Throbbing Gristle on Spotify now: open.spotify.com/artist/1UYhxPY1oqFUg1HfF8nV3k
Throbbing Gristle, one of the most politically and sonically antagonistic bands of all time, have left an impact on music, culture and the arts that is immeasurable and still felt today.
Throbbing Gristle are Chris Carter, Peter 'Sleazy' Christopherson (who sadly passed away on 25 November 2010),
Cosey Fanni Tutti and Genesis Breyer P-Orridge.
Chris Carter releases a new solo on Mute in autumn 2017, his first solo album in 18 years.
Cosey Fanni Tutti releases her autobiography, Art Sex Music, published by Faber on 6 April 2017.
Genesis Breyer P-Orridge (PTV3) performs a reinterpretation of the soundtrack to Derek Jarman’s In The Shadow Of The Sun (originally performed by Throbbing Gristle) at Café Oto in May 2017.
COUM Transmissions were recently honoured with a retrospective of their work for Hull City of Culture 2017 proposed and co-curated by Cosey Fanni Tutti. The exhibition traced the radical art collective’s work from their formation in Hull to their termination at the ICA Prostitution show, which marked the beginnings of Throbbing Gristle.
