Nov. 1st, 2008 - Some additional information on GK2... Due to complexity and budgeting issues there will only be one GK2 model. This model will have all the "expanded" features and will be priced a little higher than the previous basic model. The enclosure is 16 gauge steel with polished/welded seams, white powdercoat, baked on screenprint and laser-cut lexan rear panel. There are still a few things that need to be corrected before the remainder of the parts are ordered and the boards are assembled. Availability is unknown... hopefully soon, but please don't count on it being before the end of the year.
Oct. 9th, 2008 - I'll be away from email for the next two weeks. I will respond to all emails when I get back.
Sep. 2nd, 2008 - Small update; the enclosures are being stripped, recoated and reprinted due to some quality issues. This might go on forever. I know it seems like it is.
Aug. 8th, 2008 - I'll be working on Lightfoot Labs full-time for the next 2 months. The additional time will hopefully get this project to where it should've been a year ago. Goatkeeper will be available at Analogue Haven and 2nd Staff in Japan. Availability at 2nd Staff will be a couple months after Analogue Haven. This is just a precaution, as any unforeseen hiccups will be much easier to correct.
I'm looking into either a mailing list or setting up the website with an RSS feed. In the meantime, if you are waiting for the new GK, check back here every couple weeks.
I received a copy of the very cool new Batcomputer album from Justin Lloyd and company. It's very effect heavy with loads of interesting textures and super nice playing. Check out their myspace page and also their unmastered version of "Comic Sans MS" below.
May 20th, 2008 - Justin Lloyd from Batcomputer sent me this unmastered version of a track off their forthcoming album. Goatkeeper in intro.
Apr. 22nd, 2008 - Project is slowly progressing. Enclosures are being built now. Sorry it's taken so long. There will be two versions built: Basic and Expanded. Basic is essentially the same as the original GK. Expanded will have an input for CV controlled rate, LFO CV output, and input for external audio sync.
Jan. 13th, 2008 - First, there is still no projected availability date. The good news is that due to numerous requests, I've added an expression (Control Voltage) input for rate control on GK2.
Nov. 26th, 2007 - Unfortunately, GK2 will not be available until sometime next year. Hopefully sometime this Winter, but there is no concrete date (edit: Winter, not Spring).
Sep. 23rd, 2007 - New goatkeepers (GK2) have been delayed a few months while undergoing significant redesign. Preview:
Sep. 20th, 2007 - This is nice shot of Lilu Dallas guitarist, Justin Lloyd, taken during their Summer 2007 tour. These guys are the only band I'm aware of with two guitarists both using goatkeepers.
Jun. 24th, 2007 - Melt-Banana & Lightfoot Labs. Quite possibly my favorite band to see live, Melt-Banana consistently put on the most jaw-dropping, crazy live music shows on planet earth. Go see them if they haven't already played your area. Thanks to Jana Miller (click for complete photo set) for taking some excellent photos.
Jun. 23rd, 2007 - First run of Goatkeeper is sold out. Thanks to everyone that purchased one. New units should be available late summer/early fall.
Apr. 21st, 2007 - New Goatkeeper review and video demo courtesy of Dave from Lilu Dallas. Much thanks!
Apr. 14th, 2007 - Goatkeeper pdf manual download.
Mar. 31st, 2007 - Goatkeeper is now available only through ANALOGUE HAVEN. If you're in the Southern California area, be sure to check it out.
Goatkeeper is an advanced tremolo (amplitude modulation) effect consisting of two major pieces: the analog Voltage Controlled Amplifier (VCA) section and the digital Low Frequency Oscillator (LFO) section. The VCA is simlar to one that would be found in an analog synthesizer and simply varies the amplitude of the audio with the LFO signal as the control. The digital LFO is what makes Goatkeeper unique. It has eleven waveforms with five having the capability of being generated by the Wave Shaping function. Wave shapes are constructed using the Depth/Wave knob to record the amplitude level over a period of up to six seconds. A wave shape can be recorded for less than six seconds and Goatkeeper will automatically time stretch and fill the wave shape so that it will function correctly. A four step sequencer multiplies the LFO's rate by either 1,2,3,4,6,8, or 16. A step can also be set to Full amplitude, Minimum Amplitude or Randomized. Inital LFO rate is set by tap tempo, requiring two or more taps.
Huge thanks to Yudy Chen (Click for sample descriptions) and Gabriel Clark-Leach for these recordings.
planet_telex.mp3 - YC
2_stage_stutter.mp3 - YC
pinched.mp3 - YC
ramped_up_rambling.mp3 - YC
screechingswells.mp3 - YC
fuzz_pitched.mp3 - YC
ultra_short_staccatto.mp3 - YC
tremsample1.mp3 - GCL
tremsample2.mp3 - GCL
trem-doom.mp3 - YC
trem-harmony.mp3 - YC
