The Keys To Huge Synthesizer Bass [Tonus VCF Demo #4]

Today in this demo I show some of the keys to getting huge bass sounds. I’m doing this on the Eurorack, but these ideas should work on most any synthesizer.
#1 Choose a quality low pass filter. I’m using my Tonus VCF module, a clone of the ARP 2600 filter. It’s a 4-pole low pass bass that uses a transistor ladder design similar to Moog.
#2 Cobble together as many oscillators as you can. Here, the Pittsburgh Synth Box wields a Tri, Saw, and Pulse along with a Sub-oscillato. Then I add another saw and square wave from the DNA Symbiotic Waves.
#3 For short basses use a punchy VCA/decay combo like the Bastl Skis. If you’re using a hardware synth, route a single envelope to affect the filter amount AND the amplitude at the same time.
#4 Modulate the filter with negative key tracking so that as you play higher on the keys, the higher notes will have reduced frequency cutoff. To do this I am sending the pitch CV to the signal inverter on my Pittsburgh Toolbox. Remember, a signal inverter just mirrors your signal across zero volts. For example, pitch CV goes from 0v to 5v. If you run that through an inverter, the output goes from 0v to -5v.
#5 Modulate the filter with a small amount of LFO to make your bass sound growl.
#6 Bass pads need a longer/slower Attack-Decay-Release envelope to evolve over time.
No effects used, audio recorded direct to Tascam DR-05

Happy Holidays from the studio

Quick update. Just added a couple more units of my Tonus VCF euro module adaptation of the ARP 2600 filter (4012 module) to my Reverb Store. They are now having the waterjet cut panels.

My Delta VCF module is sold out currently, I am taking this opportunity to re-visit the panel layout. I would like the jacks to be all at the bottom of the module like on the Tonus VCF. Using surface mount would make the builds go quicker as well. Hoping the Delta VCF will be available again before the year is out, we'll see. There will be a more official announcement and panel render when time comes.

Tonus VCF (X3) Filter Gets An Onslaught of CVs Eurorack Synthesizer

This being my THIRD video of my new Tonus VCF module, and therefore I must punish THREE of them, in a line up, with an onslaught of control voltages. For those living under a rock, Tonus VCF is my all-analog Eurorack adaptation of the righteous ARP 2600 filter - the early version 4012. Module #1 (left) is belting out a big ol' kick drum using self-resonance only. Module #2 (middle) is being grass fed whole grain digital bliss from the DNA Symbiotic Waves. Module #3 (right) is squeaking out stupid little astrodroid noises using only self-resonance. Varigate 4 and Beatstep Pro are micro-managing other things: Bastl Skis dual VCA, Pittsburgh Synthesizer Box, Toolbox Sample/Hold, 4MS RCD, sequential switch. All 3 filters mixed using my Infusor module. No filters were harmed in making this demo.

Tonus VCF Now Available on Reverb

My Tonus VCF Eurorack Module Adaptation of the ARP 2600 Filter is now available on Reverb.com.