I took it upon myself to interview Cwejman because I need a little bit more information about his products. Well, that was one of the reasons. The other reasons were that I felt that there is not enough coverage about these products and their creators. There are a lot of synth companies out there now making new and interesting analog synthesizers that have their own sound and bring something new to the table. Cwejman makes a full synth and Modules for the Eurorack(doepfer) modular systems. I wanted to pick his brain on a few subjects regarding his products. I seriously am fed up with most magazines that cover this gear. I wanted an even more in depth form of covering and asking questions about this gear that true synth-nerds will understand. I cannot thank him enough for answering my questions.

BE: What sets your oscillators apart from the others?
Wowa Cwejman: I don’t know. It’s actually up to users opinion. My constructions are not “copy and paste” from older products (more about it later).

BE:What are the main differences between the Vco-6 and the VCO-2RM.
Wowa Cwejman: All my oscillators (S1 MK2, VCO-2RM and VCO-6, so far) have the same stable oscillator core. The VCO-2RM is more a standard oscillator (OK, two in one module + a ring modulator). The VCO-6 has a very different solution for the sine wave (much cleaner as result) and different set of PW modulated waveforms: PWM saw tooth gives a true dual saw detuned effect (for low speed modulation) and a ring modulated effect with modulation with another oscillator in audio range. Pulses are symmetrical in the whole range of pulse width and they are different from the “classic” variable pulse whichis asymmetrical when the pulse width is not equal to 50% (square waveform). The Pulse1 contain more even harmonics (as saw tooth waveform) and the Pulse2 contain more even harmonics (as square waveform) which results in different sounding signals.
PWM pulse 1 with even content of harmonics
PWM pulse 2 with odd content of harmonics (like square wave and even with very narrow pulse width, my favorite) ..and, of course a regular saw tooth and triangle.

BE:Do they sound similar or are they completely different?
Wowa Cwejman: I already answered to this question…and yes, the VCO-6 sounds very different (sine wave + all PWM waveforms).

BE:How do the Cwejman Eurorock modules compare in sound and function to your S1 MK2?
My ambition was (and still is) to make modules as a compliment to the S1 MK2 (no exact copy of different modules inside the S1). The cores of oscillators are the same (for tracking and stability reason). Filters have also the same “engine”. However, the complexity of my two (so far) filter modules offer much more functions and patching (modulation) possibilities. The transient generators are very different (solution for electronic circuits). Voltage controlled amps are also different; all my vca modules are build around “the-state-of-the-art” integrated circuits for very low noise (dynamics) , low distortion (THD) and almost non-existing DC offset. All vcas are also DC coupled for controlling of DC and audio signals. Below the list of modules where I used those circuits:
VCA-2P
VCA-4MX
INS-2MX
MX-4S
RES-4
VC-FC
and soon VC-FCS (stereo version of VC-FC) and VCEQ-4.

BE:Did you make your systems and modules to cover all the analog ground from the strange sci-fi sound fx to bread and butter synth bass and leads?

Wowa Cwejman: I don’t know exactly how to answer. My ambition is to offer the best I can make and with no focus on a specific “sound”. I’ll here quote Gordon Read from Sound-On-Sound magazine and what he wrote and what also reflect my concept; “The difference is hard to quantify, but seems to me to be one of precision. This is a weird concept, and hard to put into words, but the S1 does exactly what you ask of it, neither coloring nor enhancing the sound beyond what you ask it to do. Curiously, this means that it is equally at home producing the sounds of a vintage American synth as it is the fizzy, squelchy sounds of many Japanese instruments.”
BE:I have read that your oscillators track the best for true analog modules. What is your take on this?
Wowa Cwejman: All my products/concepts are simulated in computer simulation software. Already om this early stage I can predict the performance of circuits, such as temperature stability, waveforms shapes, frequency, amplitudes..and all other qualities. I usually don’t make any breadboard but “jump” directly to production units. Exception are S1s oscillators; I tested/confirmed the stability in my climate oven from -10degC to +60 degC and which confirmed the result of my simulated temperature behavior of oscillators. The tracking (and especially in the high region of frequency) is a result of a careful calibration and nothing else. I’m a perfectionist and I strive to make perfect calibrated products.

BE:What is your favorite old school synthesizer?
Wowa Cwejman: Moog modular, at least back in the 70-th. They are so musical.

BE:Who do you admire most in the synth industry past and present?
Wowa Cwejman: Bob Moog (of course) and Wendy Carlos, as his musical adviser back in the 60-th. I’ve no prefered synth-maker right now…well, maybe Modcan guy.

BE:Where do you see the future of analog synthesizers heading?
Wowa Cwejman: Integration between analogue and digital (DSP) techniques but still with “analogue” interface. We can already see this process..and MIDI should be replaced by other control interface.

BE:I have been struggling with oscillators in the eurorack format. My main gripe is tracking stability, and tuning stability. I still want growly animated oscillators, but I want them in key and musical as well. I use a kenton pro solo, will these work with the Cwejman oscillators well? Have you tried these, and what do you recommend for midi to CV? I sequence with computers. (I have done extensive midi timing test on PCs and macs and have found that Logic 8 with a AMT8 has the least amount of midi jitter, as you might tell, I am a bit OCD about calibration and tightness as well).

Wowa Cwejman: I’m not an expert in MIDI matters but Kenton products should make the perfect job, as long all gears match (1 Volt/octave). I don’t own any MIDI to CV converter. I use my own from S1 for calibration. I’ve no experience with computer based MIDI stuff, sorry.

BE:What old gear do you own, You spoke so highly of the old moog modulars, Do you have one?
Wowa Cwejman: Nothing! I even don’t have my own gear because all I produce is ordered. I’m not a musician.

BE:So, for a Cwejman marketing slogan, would this be a good way to sum up what your company and your products are about? “Stability, Calibration, Perfection” ?
Wowa Cwejman: I’ve already one; sound for demanding musicians.

with best regards
Wowa

I suggest, if this is new to you and you are in the market for a new synth go check out http://www.cwejman.net. There are sound examples of the s1 mk2. I think it sounds pretty cool and unique. He also has many great modules in the doepfer a-100 modular format. Check it out. If you want to buy any of this stuff, head over to http://www.analoguehaven.com. In particular the Cwejman Section of AH. AND PLEASE, Tell Analog Haven that you found out about it from Velvet Acid Christ and make him feel guilty for not giving me better deals, JUST KIDDING. LOL. To listen to the sound of Cwejman Click Here.

The above map is the TV station map that comes with the new Call Of Duty 4 Map pack that you can download via the newly redesigned Playstation Network. It will set you back about 10 US dollars. Is it worth it? HELL YES. This games is already near perfect. Simply the best first person shooter controls on any console. I play this more than any game I own. I don’t think anything will beat this game out in the fun factor, rpg elements, and ease of use and perfect game mechanics. My only gripe still is that the games end if the host quits. They really need to fix this and transfer the game to another player with out the game dying. So the above map is great. The tv station is huge, lots of cool rooms and places to snipe. You can get on the roof and there are some buildings across the parking lot that are great for sniping as well. This is a really nice addition.

The above map is Creek. This is breathtakingly pretty, especially the water fall and the creek bed area of the map. This is cool as well, up top the ridge of the ravine there is like a mountain path on one side, and on the other there are houses and a burb like area. Very well designed. This is sniper heaven. This is a game of try to run from sniper fire in al most all cases. Game modes like sabotage and search and destroy really are a bitch to do on this map, and poses a real challenge.

Above is a picture of the Killhouse map, which usually only shows up in private matches and cage matches. They added cage match which is a 1 on 1 battle, and I simply own all 1 on 1 usually so I absolutely love this map. The VAC klan usually has private matched where we play the shipment map that is small. This map is small like shipment but a tad bigger. Perfect for big private matches of free for all and 1 on 1 cage matches. Nice to have another map like shipment. I like the small maps best for private matches. A very welcome edition. They also added some new game modes to select from: Variety Pack Team Death Match(new maps team death match), Variety Team Objective(new maps like team tactical with more players), Variety Hardcore, Mercenary Team Death Match, Hardcore Team Death Match, Hardcore Search and Destroy, Old School Free For All. So a lot of new modes to play online!

Above is China Town. This map is pretty cool, Looks nice, but it is confusing because a lot of it looks the same and it’s hard to figure out where you are on the map at first. I eventually got used to it, but it honestly took me the longest to adjust to. I would say this is my least favorite of all the maps but do not think for a second that it is not worth it. It really is a great edition and adds a welcome variance to the cod4 maps. These maps do nothing to the single play part of the game, they are for online multiplayer. So if you do not play this game online then do not bother buying this map pack. But if you play this online like I do(I’m addicted to this hardcore, almost as bad as the smoking addiction I had in my 20s) this is worth every single cent you pay. I highly recommend this. I have raised COD4 with this map pack to an over all score of 9.9. I’m sorry, but no other game on the ps3 has held my attention like cod4. In fact this may turn out to be my favorite game of all time after playing it hard core since it’s release. BUY THIS!

Dig the atari 520 ST!:

Good old union pissed off industrial:

Al had such cool hair back then, dig the michael jackson style vox:

Oh hell yeah, good old nitzer ebb!

Now this is what I call EBM industrial music!! DONT FORGET THE FUCKING ROOTS!

Rotund For Success All Saints Day Triangle Triangle Tango Bad Times Too Midget Sings Greater Reward Big Car Intro Big Car First Steps Rotund for Success Lovesick Fascist Meathead Chasing skirt All Saints Day Original Bad Times Three Miles

One of my favorite 80s electronic pre industrial bands. I picked this LP because of the song All Saints Day which to me as good as any new order hit. I know a lot of you might think I am crazy, but seriously. I’m not. I really think Severed Heads is over looked. In fact these guys had a huge influence on Skinny Puppy when they first formed. This is probably my 2nd or 3rd favorite Severed Heads LP, but I wanted to introduce new people to this band via all saints day.

I still listen to this LP pretty often, It has good replay for me, reminds me of being younger. I think this still holds up over all this time. It sounds a tad dated, but that is it’s charm I think. I see Severed Heads as the avant guard australian version of NEW ORDER. I prefer the lp version of greater reward to the 2005 remix that is featured in the video below.

My favorite track is All Saints Day, this song reminds me of New Order. I love the production of this LP. Some analog, But a lot of yamaha DX synths too. I think his melodies are super cheesy in the way that I love. Other notable tracks: Greater Reward, Bad Times Too, Big Car, First Steps, Lovesick Fascist Meathead, Bad Times Three. I prefer the original Big CAR to the remix video version below.

I think this is a classic record. I love it. I still listen to it a lot. If you like New Order, and quirky weird music, This CD is for you. I give this a 4 out of 5. Buy now! Click Here to download Rotund For Success by Severed Heads DRM FREE 256 mp3.

Right Click HERE to save the Modular Brain Bubbles MFB into Polivoks into Frequensteiner.

I love this modular I have built. This demo shows me what I love about both filters, the bubbly resonance of the harvestman polivoks, into the aggressive cutting sound of the livewire frequensteiner. I recorded this into my mackie onyx, out into the rme fireface 800 into logic, I used a limiter on it, 6db only. The mfb osc is a pwm sound. I could never make this sound on a Future Retro XS. The more I mess with this thing, the more I realize how great the doepfer rack is, how many great custom boutique third party modules are available for this format. Thanks to Analog Haven and the advice of Shawn I have been able to slowly build up a system that really fits my needs and gives me a solid mono synth that is capable of making alien soundscapes and rhythms. No digital synth gave me the bite and juicy resonance on filters like these have. It almost sounds like real water bubbling. Turn this up loud!

Quartier Macabre has done a lot for me over the years. Unfortunately I could never pay him enough. He did the pretty toy music video, I could not afford to pay him for it because I just don’t make enough money to pay for anything like that. It sucks. I really like his art. He has his own style. A lot of people didn’t know that the hex angel lp art was a set, he built a little city scape for that. He makes masks that are really cool. I was thinking about taking him on my tour and having him do our make up and set design. But again, lack of money plagues me so I doubt that will ever come to fruition but who knows. Whatever the future I really hope that we work together again.

Here are my favorite pieces of art from Quartier Macabre:

one.

two.

three. This library is cool.

four. This library is cool as well.

Lets not forget His short film that won awards!(not work safe)(not for kids)

He also has shirts for sale:

Click Here to goto his Web Site!