My SH5-VCF revision 2 is now here!

The SH5-VCF Eurorack filter is back baby! Revision 2 has all the phat, but none of the chaff. What's different than version 1? What's the same? How to use it, and oh - how does it sound? Let's go!

Full specs and details on Modular Grid Check my Reverb Store for module pricing and availability

Akai VX600 Synthesizer Demo [no talking]

This is a six voice analog Akai VX600 synthesizer. Two oscillators per voice, and it takes minimum 30 minutes to stabilize tuning enough to play. Even so, it also wants 3 or 4 autotune sessions. Basses, pads, leads, arpeggios. Please enjoy. While this demo features my original patches, alas - there's no way to backup patches to computer or share them w/ others in that way. It only accepts Roland style Memory Cards. Be sure to check out my patches for other synths available at Gumroad. I also make Eurorack modules with mojo, available in my Reverb Store.

Recorded direct via EPM6 mixer to GO-Mixer Pro-X interface to iPhone, no added effects. The synth output is very hot, so any clipping you hear was overloading the input at the mixer.

I'm Moving Synth Patch Downloads to Gumroad

I'm in the process of migrating my synthesizer patch downloads to Gumroad. As before, the sound sets that were originally offered for nothing is still available for no contribution. If you like and enjoy the patches a small contribution is definitely encouraged. The new sound sets however will be around a meager $5USD, buy me a cuppa for my efforts :D But feel free to contribute more if moved to do so!

The first new release is GSE Sound Set 01 for Kawai K1/K1m
...coming on the horizon soon: Roland JX-8P Patch Set 02, Akai AX-80 so be on the lookout.

Behringer MS-5 Synthesizer User Review [Demo 01]

Today I am giving a user review of the new Behringer MS-5. My personal thoughts and opinions. I bought this synth with my own money. So nobody has input into what I'm posting here today. The MS-5 is touted as a faithful reproduction of the Roland SH-5 all-analog circuitry. With a touch of some modern feature additions. While I have tried a friend's original SH-5, this is not a comparison to the original. Nor is this an exhaustive how-to, nor covering all features. Is the MS-5 right for you? What makes the MS-5 stand out from other synths? Is the MS-5 a good value for the money? Can I recommend the MS-5 to others?

0:00 Introduction and Brief Overview
1:03 Build Quality
3:09 Demo
3:34 Features, Sound and Quirky Design Oddities
7:51 Demo
8:08 Computer and MIDI Interconnectivity
9:18 Final Thoughts

Be sure to check out my Reverb Store for my cool Eurorack modules and gently pre-owned music gear.

GODSPEar | Detailed Overview | Oxford OSCar Eurorack Filter Translation ...

GODSPEar is my homage to the Oxford OSCar filter in Eurorack format. In this video I present a walkthrough detailed explanation what all the features do while auditioning the audio. And make a few weird sound patches along the way. Recorded direct to Pittsburgh Modular Outs to iPhone via Roland Go Mixer Pro-X. Some gain normalization used. While this demo isn't very musical, let me know in the comments if you would be interested in something more of musical exemplar.

0:00 Intro - Inputs and Output
0:47 Two Filters, One Frequency
1:41 Filter CV
2:37 Q (Res) and Filter Tracking
4:19 Q (Res) CV
5:01 Filter Modes
6:38 Separation
9:04 Separation CV and the Full-Wave Rectifier
11:04 Audio Rate Modulation

Full Specs on Modular Grid
Check my Reverb store for GODSPEar and other module availability

G-Storm Electro | Modules With Mojo

SEMSVF Eurorack SEM Filter Walkthrough of Basic Features [Demo 2]

SEMSVF is my Eurorack Tribute adaptation to the Oberheim SEM State Variable Filter. All hand made in limited quantities. Today I am talking through some basic features and patching some sounds via my 101-VCO feeding in. No mastering or effects. Recorded direct via my Feedback CP- Mixer to Pittsburgh Modular Outs to Mackie mixer to Tascam DR-05.

Check my Reverb store for SEMSVF, 101-VCO availability

Delta VCF [VS] Delta VCF Eurorack Filter [quick comparison]

Quick no frills comparison demo. The left Delta VCF has the LM13600 chip. The right one has the LM13700 chip. Is there a difference between them? Caution!: full resonance at the end of the clip. Recorded direct to Tascam DR-05, no other mastering or effects. For Delta VCF availability check my Reverb Store now.

Nord Electro 6D Can Do Vintage & Lofi Synth [Sounds Only Demo] |No Talking|

The Nord Electro 6D. It's not just for organ/piano/EP sounds. There's a plethora of sick vintage + esoteric + obscure + lofi synth sounds in the Synthesizer Engine. Yes, it's not actually synthesis but rather samples. But IMHO very very nice samples very well done. A lot of these samples aren't even assigned in the factory presets! It's up to you to load them up and give them a whirl. And there's even more to download into the synth on the Nord website. Today my playing is not really up to par for me, but hopefuly you'll still enjoy auditioning these tasty sounds.

0:00 PPG Choir
0:25 Polychrome Choir
0:50 Yamaha CP80 + Ditial Air Pad
1:14 Massive Pad from the Nord Lead 2X
1:49 Polymoog Pad
2:24 Mellotron Guitar 2:39 Chamberlin Solo Violin
3:13 Polychrome Piano
3:42 Mellotron Guitar
4:09 ELKA Rhapsody
4:40 Hohner/Logan String Melody II
5:07 Optigan Strings
5:35 Chamberlin 3-Violins

Recorded direct to Tascam DR-05, no additional mastering or effects.

JU60-VCF Eurorack Filter Adaptation Roland Juno-6/60 Jupiter-8 Now Available

JU60-VCF is an analog 4-pole low pass filter adaptation of Roland Juno-6/60 using a vintage IR3109 chip with a BA662 OTA chip in the resonance feedback loop. This topology was also used on the Jupiter-8, with a switch for tapping the 2-pole mode. Resonance will self-oscillate and produces a nice sine wave alone. JU60-VCF won’t turn your system into a polyphonic synth, but it has a classic sound at a sweet price. Time to get out your favorite stereo chorus modules and pedals!
Full details on Modular Grid
Check my Reverb store for JU60-VCF availability

Re-introducing Tonus VCF r3 Eurorack Filter Demo ARP 2600 4012

Tonus VCF is back by popular demand.
Still that faithful Eurorack filter adaptation of the early MKI ARP 2600 synthesizers that you know and love w/ some minor improvements.
Sound sources | Capt'n Big-O + Pittsburgh Primary Oscillator B
Recorded direct, no other mastering or effects.

Tonus VCF is a eurorack modular adapation of the ARP 2600 mk1 filter (4012).
Check my Reverb store for availability and other cool modules

Sketchy Labs Freak Shift Eurorack Module [Demo #1]

Today I am auditioning the Sketchy Labs Freak Shift module.
The design is specially derived from the Bode Frequency Shifter.
There are literally sweet spots at every turn of the pots on this one.
In this video I'll briefly discuss this module and patch up some wierd sounds.
The focus is on demonstrating a range of evolving sounds of the frequency shifter.
I'll endeavor to make something more musical using the Freak Shift in a future video.
This video is not sponsored or endorsed by the Doc Sketchy.

0:00 Intro and brief discussion of patching
0:54 LFO as Mod input for phaser type sounds
1:24 Using 2 LFOs for Sine/Cosine modulation
2:55 VCO as Mod input for Frequency Shift sounds
4:48 Sum/Diff outputs for Stereo Spread
8:48 LFO modulating the AUX

Audio VCO | Pittsburgh Primary Oscillator
Modulation VCO | Cre8audio Capt'n Big-O
LFO Modulation | XAOC Batumi

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

G-Storm Electro Patches for Roland Jupiter-6 [Demo #4]

Auditioning some original Roland Jupiter-6 patches available for download. I had the good fortune of getting another Jupe in the studio. The previous one that had Europa was sold. This one is an earlier model, and was purchased dead. After bringing it back to life and calibration... Soon I had quickly re-programmed all my favorite sounds.

This video is un-rehearsed, so lots of noodling. Not dwelling too long on any one sound, to save your time. So if you skip around, you might miss something. Just sayin' :D Chord stabs, sweeps, bass, apreggio, sound fx, leads. Patch F7 is my template (default, or blank) patch. Patch F8 is my scratch patch, for when I can't remember what location I wanted to over-write.

The Roland Jupiter-6 has only rudimentary midi capability: simple note on/off and patch change midi message only. So, these patches can only be dumped all at once using the cassette interface. BE SURE TO BACK UP YOUR OWN PATCHES BEFORE OVER-WRITING THEM!

Download the patches as an mp3 audio file on my DOWNLOAD PAGE. I have used the JP-6 VERIFY function and confirm the audio file is good.

No additional effects or processing was used, aside from some normalization. Video was made in great haste - so it's un-edited, some audio levels are clipping. And sometimes scratchy volume pot.

GSE 101-VCO vs SH-101 + 101-VCO Tuning Mod [Demo 4]

Today, I am comparing my 101-VCO to the original Roland SH-101 synthesizer.
How close to the original is my 101-VCO?
Saw, Pulse, Pulse Width Modulation, Sub, and Noise waveforms.
The SH-101 did not have the Triangle waveform.
At the end of the video I'll play both of them together, just for fun.

I'll also show you an easy mod for the 101-VCO so that it's pitch CV can
match the tuning of the original SH-101.
It involves adding a 1206 470K resistor to R19 previously denoted "DNP".
All 101-VCOs I make and sell henceforth will have the resistor already installed.
And tuned to match the SH-101 as it should be.

Left Channel = 101-VCO
Right Channel = SH-101

0:00 Introduction
0:26 A Simple Mod to match the 101-VCO pitch CV with the SH-101
1:45 Audio Comparisons
4:25 Both at the same time, just for fun

JP6-VCF Eurorack Filter Bandpass + Notch Patch Trick

Today I show you a modular patch on the JP6-VCF. By inverting a bandpass signal, and mixing it with the original un-processed signal - you can get a notch filter.

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.

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

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.

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.

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

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