Introduction into Modular Synthesis 101 | Part 5 | Modulators

Continuing my introductory series of videos on Modular Synthesis 101. Today we'll look at some classic modulator utility modules in Modular synthesis with some simple examples. You already know about 2 modulators: Envelopes and LFOs. Along the way we'll be changing any Lowpass filter to a Highpass. From the last video we also know that a VCA can be used as a Modulator. So it probably won't surprise you there is a special Modulator can behave similar a VCA.

0:00 | Intro
0:20 | Modulator Recap - Mind Your Ins and Outs
0:54 | Glide
1:21 | Sample + Hold
3:14 | Inverter Circuit
3:51 | Inverting Filter Types + Multiples
5:33 | Ring Mod - somewhere between Modulator and Effect
6:32 | The Function Generator

Be sure to to check out my Reverb Store for cool Eurorack module availability.

G-Storm Electro - A Demo, Nothing Special on Eurorack Modular

I performed this little demo patch at the DFW Synth Headz Synth Meet over a week ago joined by MOTS.DFW at The Creatives Factory. We didn't get direct audio afaik, so I'm redoing a little session of it here now just for you. Recorded direct with no addititional mastering. Patch details are on the video page description.

Pittsburgh Modular Taiga [Sounds Only Demo] |No Talking|

The anticipated new Pittsburgh Modular Taiga synth just rolled in the door. I knew I was going to be messing with it all day, so I figured may as well film it and share some curated noise with you. Patched some bass sounds and one clip making weird sound effects. Sounds really good, looking forward to using it in some new tracks.

This video was not sponsored by Pittsburgh Modular, nor Cre8audio. Paid for this unit with my own money. After all, I'm just another synth enthusiast just like you :D

A small amount of delay coming from Behringer DD400 for stereo widening only. Otherwise recorded direct to Tascam DR-05, no additional mastering or effects.

Introducing Influx 8-Channel Eurorack Audio Sub-mixer

Introducing Influx, an audio sub-mixer for eurorack. A streamlined design taking 16HP. Six channels having LED mutes, level, and pan. A stereo input pair having level control. Stereo mix output.

In this video I'm putting the Influx mixer though it's paces.
I put together an elegant live performance patch using all 3 of my cases.
Be sure to listen on headphones or quality monitors to hear all the sub-bass frequencies.
Drum Modules | Pittsburgh (PGH) modular Safari
Snare | PGH Polar Bear | PGH Local Florist | PGH Analog Delay Unit | Feedback Squeez compressor
Bass | Cre8audio Capt'n Big-O | G-Storm 101-VCF
Lead | PGH Primary Oscillator | G-Storm SH5-VCF | Happy Nerding FX Aid - Clouds Reverb Algo
Sample | Erica Sample Drum | G-Storm Pro-VCF | Mutable Clouds | Shakmat Gemini Path
Percussion Gates | Malekko Varigate 4
Bass/Lead Sequencing | Keystep Pro
Recorded direct, no other mastering or effects.

Check my Reverb store for availability Influx and other cool modules I build by hand. For full details on Influx Mixer on Modular Grid

Polychrome Phaser Eurorack Effect Demo [Farfisa]

Introducing the Polychrome Phaser.
A 4HP analog circuit adaptation of the 6-stage phaser section from the Italian stallion - Farfisa Polychrome.
Recorded direct, no other mastering or effects.

0:00 | Intro
0:27 | G-Storm 101-VCO and Functions
2:22 | Erica Sample Drum
2:57 | Pittsburgh DNA Symbiotic Waves
4:00 | Juno-106

Check my Reverb store for availability and other cool modules

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

GSE 2xVCA Comparison of versions 1, 2, and 3 Eurorack

Introducing 2xVCA version 3.
This time using BA662F chips.
Version 1 used BA6110.
Version 2 used openlabs BA662 clones.
Is there any difference in sound between these versions?
This is a simple comparison showing all 3.
Recorded direct, no other mastering or effects.

Check my Reverb store for 2xVCA version 3 availability

Pittsburgh Modular Flamingo [Safari] Patching [Demo #1]

Just got the new Pittsburgh Modular Safari Flamingo module in.
It's a harmonic interpolation device using a previously unrealized method known as center clipping.
Flamingo can deform and undulate your audio sources in new and interesting ways.
In this video I'll discuss Flamingo and make some patches.
The last section will show how well Flamingo processes control voltages.

0:00 Cold Open Sounds
0:20 Introduction
1:14 Patch Explorations
11:15 Using Flamingo for Control Voltages

Flamingo is a limited edition module
Check the Pittsburgh Modular store for availability while supplies last.

Gyrinx VCF + Pittsburgh Primary Oscillator Audio [Demo #3]

Today I am running the Pittsburgh Modular Primary Oscillator through the Gyrinx VCF.
And throwing a bunch of LFOs and short triggers at them.
Expect more saturated noise and a few harsh tones in this one.
As well as strange bass sounds and fx bleeps.
The sequenced stuff is going through my 2xVCA

Gyrinx VCF is a eurorack topology of the Synton Syrinx Filter section.
Check my Reverb store for Gyrinx VCF, 2xVCA, 2xADSR availability
http://reverb.com/shop/gstormelectro
0:00 Strange Drone I
1:06 Even Stranger Drone II
3:14 Quick Sequence
3:31 Sequence I
4:59 Sequence II

Modulations from Batumi, 2xADSR
Control + Sequencing from Keystep Pro
Some fx from Timefactor and Big Sky

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.

Pittsburgh Modular Crow [Safari] First Patches Eurorack Filter [Demo #1]

Just got a couple of new Pittsburgh Modular Safari Crow filters in.
Running them through some percussion patches, sounds nice :D

Part I 0:00
Dropped the first Crow into my 2-row percussion rack.
The first demo showing it being used in classic Nicol fashion...
Crow is used in highpass mode on the Feedback Static noise source for high-hat duty.
Hats: Static | Crow HP | Bastl Skis II | Pittsburgh Analog Delay Unit
Kick: Pittsburgh Synth Box LPF self res
Snareish thing: Basimilus | Local Florist
Misc Percussion: Gibbon CV | FR Transient (Sequenced by Varigate 4) | DC571
A pair of Feedback Squeeze compressors strapped on the outputs.
Digitakt sequenced via Erica Midi To Trigger

Part II 3:26
2nd Crow went into the 3-row synth rack.
All sound: G-Storm Transistor-82 | Crow LP
Pitch mod: Pittsburgh Primary Osc B
Noise Type mod: Batumi
Osc/Noise mod: Pittsburgh Toolbox S/H
Crow mod: G-Storm 2xADSR
FX: Timefactor and Big Sky Room setting
Sequenced by Keystep Pro

G-Storm Electro 3x Delta VCF Eurorack Filter [Demo #4]

My Delta VCF is now available in black panel.
To commemorate the occasion I made a little demo using three of them.
Delta VCF is a eurorack adaptation of the Korg Poly-61 + Delta synthesizer filter.
Check my Reverb store for module availability

Bass
Pittsburgh Primary Osc | Delta VCF #1 | Timefactor
Arpeggio
GSE 101-VCO | Delta VCF #2| FX Aid Delay
Lead
2x 4027 VCO | Delta VCF #3 | FX Aid Reverb
LFOs | Batumi
Percussion | Digitakt

Mixed on Mackie 802VLZ, recorded straight to Tascam DR-05.
No additional mastering fx or eq.

Pittsburgh Modular DNA Symbiotic Waves More Tips-N-Tricks [Demo 3]

Once again we are looking at the DNA Symbiotic Waves dual oscillator: a cornucopia of naked digital synthesis anarchy. Today I will drill down on some more tips for edgy and gritty sounds.

Topics
Supersaw! + Detuned Oscillators - Layer Processor
Trying Other Processors with these settings
Small Processing Amounts
Using DNA with a Filter Module
Oscillator #2 Tuning
Modulating Oscillator Mix Balance
The Bizarre FM Delay Processor
Maxxing Out Processor Amounts - FM Reduce
Setting the Mix fully to One Oscillator
Reduce Processor
Switch Processor - Dubstep Wobble

Recorded Direct to Tascam DR-05, no effects.
VCA - Bastl Skis
LFO - Pittsburgh Synthesizer Box
Filter - my SH2-VCF
Note Triggering - Arturia Beatstep Pro

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

Basimilus x Disting x Juno-1 x Synth Box x JV-2080

In this video the Eurorack is patched for a noir future tech workout. Think Blade Runner meets Air Liquide meets Blue Room Project. Basimilus and Disting team up for filthy glitch beat detail under command of the Varigate 4. Then darkened up by the JP-6 VCF. Disting is loaded w/ TR-606 sounds, but mangled by pitch modulation. Bastl Little Nerd is spitting out gates in all directions. Pittsburgh Modular Synthbox simmers a nice PWM bass pad. Ere there be JV-2080 Mellotron Choir getting the chop-chop from Bastl Skis. Soaring leads and swells are the Juno-1, my Aurora Pad 1 patch. Timefactor Delay on the Juno-1. Mixed on a Mackie 802-VLZ3, recorded direct to Tascam DR-05.

Acid Tech House MS-20 Juno-1 Eurorack Modular [Heavy Duty]

In this video I jam the MS-20 going through the DBX 160A on kick, Juno-1 on synth sequence and eurorack modular for all else. That kick! I tweak the MS-20 release time for those massive booms and Env2 to LP amount for more crunch. I'm pretty happy w/ those hats too - hats were synthesized using DNA Symbiotic Waves and Deflector Shield Ring Mod. The cracking snare is coming from a Disting sample of the Linndrum clap, with the initial transient clipped off. Bass is a square wave from the Synth Box going through the JP-6 VCF module. Juno-1 uses the classic factory patch 1-1 PolySynth1, has some Timefactor delay. Beatstep Pro sequences the kick, bass + synth. Varigate 4 + sequential switch + Little Nerd gates other percussion. Mixed on a Mackie 802-VLZ recorded direct to Tascam DR-5.

Eurorack Synthesizer Jam Mutable Rings + Roland TR-606 [Fracture]

In this video I jam on the Eurorack, a bit of chill electro house.
Arpeggios: Mutable Instruments Rings to JP-6 Filter BP Mode + Timefactor delay
Drums: Roland TR-606 + small amount of Big Sky Room reverb
Bass: Pittsburgh Modular Synthesizer Box
Sequencer: Arturia Beatstep Pro
Mixer: Mackie 802-VLZ3
Recorded direct to Tascam DR-05

Evolving Chords Eurorack Synthesizer Performance Demo

Performance using evolving chord changes with my custom DRE4MTR4CK Euro module. It has 4 independent tracks of polyphonic pitch control:
Track 1: Pittsburgh Synth Box, internal filter
Track 2: DNA Symbiotic Waves, JP-6 Filter clone
Track 3: Disting MK3, Doepfer SEM filter
Track 4: Rings, no filter.

Clocking direct to envelopes, triggering pitch changes manually. Track 1 pitch CV is going through a PM Toolbox slew limiter. Mix is going to Timefactor delay. Recorded direct through a Mackie 802 to a Tascam DR-05.

DRE4MTR4CK Eurorack Sequencer User Guide

The DRE4MTR4CK is a simple and intuitive Pitch CV sequencer. It has 4 steps, and it has 4 Individual tracks. Each track has its own clock input, clock output, and Pitch CV output. In this way, it can behave like 4 completely independent sequencers.

In this video I show how to use the DRE4MTR4CK in more detail.
0:00 Introduction
1:23 Installation Options
Correction: the graphics say -5v when it should say +5v (positive 5v).
3:06 Boot-Up Defaults
3:32 Connections and Operations

DRE4MTR4CK is a custom module built by hand. Full specs available on my previous post.

Intro to Creative Mid-Side Audio Processing in Eurorack Modular

What is Mid-Side Processing? How can you use Mid-Side in your Eurorack musical endeavors? In this video I'll show you how. Using the Worng LRMSMSLR module I provide some interesting patch examples of Mid-Side in action.

HEADPHONES OR A SET OF QUALITY AUDIO MONITORS ARE REQUIRED to hear the full effect of Mid-Side processing of stereo audio. My sound source today is a Roland Alpha Juno-1 w/ the chorus turned on. Remember, if the chorus is turned off, the synth only provides a monaural signal which is no bueno for Mid-Side processing. The Roland VP-03 Boutique Vocoder also provides an interesting ensemble choir sound that is useful.

Audio was recorded direct to Tascam DR-05 through a Mackie Mixer. No other effects were added to the sound other than the modules explained in this demo.

Other modules used in this video:
- Pittsburgh Synthesizer Box, MIDI3 module (clock)
- Pittsburgh Mix Mult (attenuators), Toolbox (S&H), Outs
- 4MS Rotating Clock Divider RCD
- Doepfer A-106-5 SEM Filter