Thursday, December 3, 2020

Feed External VCOs into the Korg MS-20 Synth using KVP [Quick Tip]

Quick Tip using the KVP to send external VCOs into the MS-20.
KVP stands for Korg Voltage Processor, and is derived from the vintage
MS-02 voltage processor no longer in production. As you're already aware, you can use KVP to convert eurorack pitch (v/oct) to the Korg standard (hz/v). And use your sequencer to control the MS-20....

But what about the other (Korg hz/v)-to-(Euro v/oct) pitch converter?
Sure! Use the MS-20 to control your eurorack VCOs.
Take it only one step further to send the external VCO output INTO the MS-20 external input.
To add more VCOs to the MS-20 oscillators for big fat sound.
I will show you how to patch it up.
It works for the vintage MS-20, the MS-20 Mini reissue as well as the Behringer K-2.
And any manufacturer synth using the Hz/v standard.

Some shaky cam footage, I threw this one together in haste...but don't hate :D Hit that LIKE, COMMENT & SUBSCRIBE now.

Some fx added
Delay: Timefactor
Reverb: Big Sky

KVP and many other cool eurorack modules are available in my Reverb Store
Recorded direct to Tascam DR-05.

Wednesday, November 25, 2020

Modbap Per4mer Performance FX [USER REVIEW + Demos] Eurorack


Today I am giving a user review of the Per4mer FX module by Modbap Modular.
The Per4mer is a DJ-Style Quad FX module designed with Hip-Hop, Trip-Hop, and Glitch music in mind.
But it also dishes up well for Trap, experiemental, and ambient excursions for sure.
But is Per4mer worth the coin?
Is it the right module for you?
I will be giving some quick thoughts about the build, and dig into some beat and loop mangling.
At the end I give some concluding remarks weighing the pros and cons.
My videos are not sponsored by anyone.
I purchased this product with my own moolah.
So you can expect my own objective opinions and observations.

Timestamps
0:00 Opening Demo - Ambient Bass Drone
0:27 Introduction
1:47 Demo - Chillout Loop
2:31 What is Per4mer?
3:25 Demo - Drum Machine
3:51 What's in the Box, and Construction
5:01 Concluding Summary Remarks

Recorded direct to Tascam DR-05.
No additional mastering or processing.

Tuesday, November 10, 2020

Behringer RD-6 [USER REVIEW] Analog Drum Machine


Today I am giving a user review of the new Behringer RD-6 Analog Drum Machine.
The RD-6 is an affordable re-issue of the Roland TR-606 all-analog circuitry.
With some updated functionality.
While I have a TR-606, this is not another typical audio comparison video.
Is the RD-6 a good value and sound for the money?
How well does it really work for eurorack modular systems?
Has anything been improved over the original?
How does it compare to other analog drum machines available?
I'll break it all down for you right here, right now.

0:00 Opening Demo
0:59 Introduction
1:38 Build Quality + Connections Overview
2:48 Sounds + Features Overview
4:16 What's in a Clap? vs. DR-110
5:41 MIDI: External Sound Trigger
6:31 USB: Data Transfer + Individual Outputs
7:13 Summary of Final Thoughts

Recorded direct to Tascam DR-05.

Monday, November 9, 2020

GSE Now Taking Orders Again Following Extended Power Outages

The GSE Reverb Store is now open!
OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA - USA The GSE Reverb Store was closed for orders 2 weeks ago today out an abundance of caution during the onset of a menacing ice storm. Power went out the following day in the area, and it would be a total of 11 days before power would return again. The latest assessment by the local power authority deemed it the most damaging ice event with respect to widespread power outages. According to local news outlets it would take 3000 crews from a total of 18 different states to help get the power restored. As of today many other customers remain without power here. Strong winds continue to hamper efforts to restore power to remaining customers. Thank you for your patience during these trying times. Now GSE is ready to process orders and continue building some awesome Eurorack modules with mojo. Be sure to grab your favorite G-Storm modules while supplies last.

Tuesday, November 3, 2020

GSE Temporarily Closed Due to Lingering Power Outage Following Recent Ice Storms

A week after recent ice storms knocked out power for hundreds of thousands of Oklahomans, G-Storm Electro is yet in the affected areas. This has been the 2nd most damaging ice storm in Oklahoma history, according to the local power authurity. The most recent estimates say power may be restored sometime this week. Some residents and business have been experiencing ongoing interruptions in power following the return of power. GSE will await until the power disruptions are stable, before re-opening for business. All clients reaching out will have their inquiries responded as a priority. Thank you for your kind patience during the delay. Hope all has been well with you during this improtant US election day.

Tuesday, October 20, 2020

Fun With Noise - Static by Feedback Versatile Noise Source [USER REVIEW + Demo] DIY SMD Eurorack



It's back to the synthesis basics: NOISE!
User review of the DIY Static versatile noise source by Feedback electronics.
I'll demo some sounds, give some sound design tips,
And conclude with some brief objective opinions about the module.
I am not affiliated w/ Feedback Modules.

Timestamps
0:00 Introduction
3:33 Patch: Snare
5:54 Patch: Wind Machine - S/H + Key Track
9:08 Patch: Noisy Bass
11:16 Patch: Roland-y Percussion
13:23 Concluding Remarks

Recorded direct to Tascam DR-05.
No additional mastering or processing.

Monday, October 12, 2020

GSE Announces Existing Modules w/ New Panel Looks


G-Storm is proud to introduce Aluminum Panel versions of the 4023-VCF, DC571 Dual Compressor, and the Spring Tank Reverb Driver Module. The 4023 VCF is also now offered in Black Panel version. Modules are currently available exclusively in my Reverb Store.

Tuesday, September 29, 2020

CP3- Audio Mixer [USER REVIEW + Demo] by Feedback DIY SMD Eurorack


This is the second video in a series of user reviews.
I am focusing on DIY eurorack modules by the maker Feedback.
In other videos I have covered their Static and Squeeze modules.
Today I am looking at the DIY CP3- Mixer derived from the Moog modular.
I will be giving some quick thoughts about the build.
But focus more on demo-ing some sounds.
The CP3-type mixer uses all discrete components, there are no IC chips inside!
At the end I give some concluding remarks.
But don't take my word for it.
In this video I will run all sorts of sounds through the CP3- so you can judge for yourself.

Timestamps
0:00 Introduction
0:52 Quick Notes About Assembly
1:12 The Format of the Audio Demos
1:47 Audio: 101-VCO Raw Oscillators
3:38 Audio: 4027 VCO Raw Oscillators
3:38 Audio: DNA Symbiotic Waves
5:50 Audio: 101-VCO Bassline, Arpeggio
6:10 Concluding Remarks

Recorded direct to Tascam DR-05.
No additional mastering or processing.
Find more info about CP3- Mixer at Modular Grid

Tuesday, September 15, 2020

Squeeze Audio Compressor by Feedback [USER REVIEW + Demo] DIY SMD Eurorack


User review of the DIY Squeeze Audio Compressor by Feedback electronics.
I'll demo some sounds, give some audio compression tips,
and make a Future Sound of London Big Breakbeat patch.
You don't want to miss that one!
Give some thoughts about building the DIY version.
And conclude with some brief remarks.
I am not affiliated w/ Feedback Modules.

Timestamps
0:00 Cold Open Sounds
0:34 Introduction
2:09 Assembly Notes
4:33 Audio: Drumbrute Impact + Reverb
5:28 Audio: Parallel Compression Trick
6:41 Audio: Arpeggio + Reverb
8:10 Audio: Gluing A Mix Together with Compression
9:48 Patch: Future Sound of London Big Breakbeat
11:43 Concluding Remarks

Recorded direct to Tascam DR-05.
No additional mastering or processing.

Tuesday, September 8, 2020

GYRINX VCF Eurorack Module Overview


GYRINX VCF is now available in my Reverb Store
My GYRINX VCF eurorack module is a topology of the mythical Synton Syrinx formant filter using AS3350 Alfa re-issue chips.
In this video I describe the features, demonstrate various kinds of audio input, and describe how to make a few patches.

Timestamps
0:00 Cold Open Sounds
0:33 Introduction
1:08 Front Panel Tour
2:48 Basic Filter Sounds
9:02 YII-YII and WOW-WOW Patch
10:35 Input: Using Samples
11:55 Input: DNA Symbiotic Waves - Rave Bass Patch
12:57 Female Solo Voice Patch

Signals/Modulation/FX:
Oscillators: GSE 101-VCO, Pittsburgh DNA Symbiotic Waves,
Sample Playback: Erica Sample Drum
VCA: GSE 2xVCA
Envelope: 2xADSR
LFO: Batumi
Control: Arturia Keystep Pro
Sub-mixer: GSE Infusor-X
Mixer: Mackie 802-VLZ3
Also: GSE Tonus VCF + 4027 VCO
Minor use of Eventide Timefactor Delay.
Recorded direct to Tascam DR-05
No mastering, eq, nor additional post-effects added.

Monday, August 17, 2020

GYRINX VCF First Look Synton Syrinx Topology Filter


I am proud to announce my upcoming GYRINX VCF module.
A eurorack topology of the mythical Synton Syrinx formant filter using AS3350 Alfa re-issue chips.
3 Filters, 4 audio inputs, 3 CV inputs.
And 4 audio path configurations.
Details and specs as they come available at https://www.modulargrid.net/e/g-storm-electro-gyrinx-vcf

Headphones recommended. BUT!...
Watch your levels, formant peak resonance ahead!

Timestamps
0:00 Get your I-YI-yayas
0:19 Super-transient Res Bass
0:29 Super Stack Res Bass Sweeps + LFO mod
1:42 Barking Bass
2:08 Formant Bass Acid Sequence
2:33 Formant Arpeggio
3:40 Short Decay Bass Sequence + Mods/Delay/Noise

Signals/Modulation/FX:
101-VCO Square, PWM, Saw, Sub, noise
Dannysound Timbre wavefolder
GSE 2xVCA, 2xADSR
Batumi LFO
Some delay from Timefactor now and again.
Sequencing, arpeggio from Keystep Pro.
No mastering, eq, nor additional post-effects added.

Tuesday, May 19, 2020

GSE Announces 4027 VCO Eurorack Adaptation of the ARP 2600 VCO-2


Today I am giving an introduction to my new 4027 VCO. The 4027 VCO is a Eurorack adaptation the ARP 2600 VCO-2. Watch your audio levels, especially when the full range of the waveforms are demonstrated.

Timestamps
0:00 Opening Sounds
0:25 Introduction
1:12 Audio
1:31 Euro Adaptation: Bringing That Special Tone To Life
2:09 Front Panel
3:03 Waveforms Audio
5:38 Doubling VCOs, FM
7:25 Outro Sounds: Bass, Lead, Arpeggio

4027 VCO full details at Modular Grid

Recorded direct to Tascam DR-05.
KBD control + Sequencing: Beatstep Pro
**Ending Track**
Bass: 4027 VCO | Tonus VCF
Lead/Arpeggio: 4027 VCO | 4023 VCF
Delay: Timefactor

Thursday, April 23, 2020

XaVCF Times Two Eurorack Filter Oberheim OB-Xa [Demo #2]



No talking today. Only jamming on two of my gorgeous XaVCF filters today for demonstration purposes. Taking a tour through all the various modes and different settings. The black panel version on bass, the aluminum panel on arpeggio. Headphones recommended.

More info at Modular Grid

Audio recorded direct to Tascam DR-05.

Oscillators: GSE 101-VCO, Pittsburgh Synthesizer Box
LFOs: Batumi
Panning: EMW VC Pan
ADSR: GSE 2xADSR
Sequencing - Arturia Beatstep Pro Pitch CV + gate
Delay: Eventide Timefactor
Reverb: Strymon Big Sky 'Hall' set just below 50% mix.
Mixer: Mackie 802-VLZ3

Thursday, March 5, 2020

XaVCF Eurorack OB-Xa Filter Adaptation Now Available


The XaVCF is a faithful adaptation of the OB-Xa filter in Eurorack with added features. As with the original, the XaVCF has two filter circuits to choose from! The heart of both designs having each its own Alfa reissue AS3320 chip. The XaVCF has the original Modes: a 4-Pole standard Lowpass circuit, and a 2-Pole Lowpass derived from a State-Variable circuit. Additionally there are 1-Pole Bandpass and Lowpass modes not available on the original!

Caution! Aggressive resonant peaks ahead, watch your levels.

Timestamps
0:00 Opening
0:54 Intro & Architecture
3:04 Mode I w/ Basic Sawtooth Demos
6:27 Mode II w/ Basic Sawtooth Demos
10:00 Uses for V/Oct Tracking + Self-Ocillation (All Modes)
14:49 Audio Demos w/ Patches

More info at Modular Grid
Check out my Reverb store for availability.

Audio recorded direct to Tascam DR-05.
No added effects.

Oscillators: GSE 101-VCO, Pittsburgh Synthesizer Box
LFOs: Batumi
ADSR: GSE 2xADSR
Sequencing - Arturia Beatstep Pro Pitch CV + gate
Delay: Eventide Timefactor

PS - YT flagged my video ineligible for ads by sounding exactly like Chemical Brothers.
This module must be doing something right!

Sunday, February 16, 2020

XaVCF Test Filter Circuit [Audio Only Demo]

I've been getting requests for demos of my upcoming XaVCF module.
It will be a eurorack adaptation of the OB-Xa filter.
More info at Modular Grid
You know this sound from Rush Tom Sawyer and Van Halen's album 1984.
While we're all eagerly awaiting the module prototype I thought
I would share a brief sampling from a mini-lab test circuit.
A more thorough overview of the module will happen when it gets built.
So be on the lookout for that one in the near future.

The XaVCF will sound pretty far out.
We're talking about full on intergalactic blast off here.
Headphones recommended. BUT!...
Watch your levels, thick resonant sweeps ahead!
Prepare for ignition...
3...
2...
1...

Timestamps
0:00 Classic 2-Pole resonant drop sweep
0:16 4-Pole Resonant Riser
0:41 2-Pole pure self-oscillation sweep w/ tracking
0:56 ...add both VCOs back in, slow sweep through sweet spots
1:40 2-Pole pure self-oscillation musical sequence
2:05 1-Pole Bandpass LFO modulated

VCOs: 101-VCF, Pittsburgh Synthesizer Box
LFO: Batumi
Delay: Timefactor
Sequencing/Control: Beatstep Pro
No mastering, no eq, nor additional post-effects added.

Tuesday, February 11, 2020

Makeshift VHS Tape Ribbon Controller In 3-Minutes


Haven't had any synth repairs or DIY hacks in a while.
A buddy sent a FB video link and asked what's up with this.
Somebody was using a videotape as a makeshift ribbon controller.
Using the tape to send a control voltage to their modular gear.
You may have seen something like this, but wondered about the details required.

Does it actually work?
If so what are the necessary steps?
Let's find out.

Tuesday, January 28, 2020

GSE - Clear Sky [Relaxing Downtempo Music]


Starting 2020 w/ lo-fi sugary sweet ear candy.
Chillin' things way down w/ a TR-606.
Recorded Live w/ overdubbed synth elements.
Post production in Cubase 7.