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

Roland Juno-106 VS Juno-106 Gravitational Slingshot Synthesizer Comparison

On the bottom tier is the wonderful Roland Juno-106 in all its original glory. No mods, no apologies. Going against the upper tier Juno, not only are the Gravitational Slingshot chips installed but also having the Analogue Renaissance waveform chips as well. I'm auditioning the same patches as loaded on both. Are you ready for a showdown? Which one comes out on top?

These patches are available for download at GUMROAD Audio recorded direct to iPhone via Roland GO:Mixer Pro-X via Soundcraft EPM6 Mixer. Aside from some normalization, no additional effects or processing were used.

Be sure to check out my REVERB STORE for gently owned gear and cool Eurorack modules for sale

Roland Juno-106 Synthesizer - That Juno Sound (no talking)

Today I'm auditioning some of my original patches the Roland Juno-106. I just love the 106 for those plucky arps, sweepy portamento pads, classic chorus circuit, weird resonance chops, and not forgetting those basses. The range of sounds inside the simple architecture is littered with sweet spots. I've lovingly crafted a bank of patches to harness these attributes, now these patches are available at Gumroad. Audio recorded direct to iPhone via Roland GO:Mixer Pro-X via Soundcraft EPM6 Mixer. No additional effects or processing were used.

Be sure to check out my cool pre-owned gear and hand-made eurorack modules in my Reverb Store.

Roland SH-101 VS My 101-VCF Noise Floor (and What to Do About It)

Today a quick noise floor comparison of the Roland SH-101 versus my 101-VCF under no-input conditions. I've boosted the no-input signal condition by +6dB to emphasize what is happening. And what you can do silence the noise when you don't want it there. I'm hoping that in making this video that it will help discern what is normal behavior to be expected for the modules, and what is not.

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.

Decadent Atmospheric Pads & Soundscapes on Roland XP-30

The Roland XP-30. Loaded w/ tons of decadent atmospheric pads and soundscape presets. Still relevant after all this time. Yes, yes, I hear using presets = bad. But sometimes you just want to kick back and let the imagination ride and give the left brain much needed rest. Headphones, dim lighting and candles recommended.

0:00 | XP-A-015 | Silky Filter
0:30 | XP-A-070 | Nylon + Str
0:52 | XP-A-017 | Slow Str Sect
1:34 | XP-A-050 | Legato Flute
2:03 | XP-C-147 | Dense Floor
2:41 | XP-C-146 | Liquid Sky
3:18 | PR-E-097 | Analog Drama
3:48 | PR-E-099 | Silky Way
4:12 | PR-C-091 | Dawn to Dusk
4:51 | XP-A-058 | Cosmic Flute

I make some sweet Eurorack Synth Modules! Check out my inventory in my Reverb Store.

Roland RS-09 Synthesizer Repair

Today I am going to service a Roland RS-09 having some issues. I'm going to
- address the tactile button actuator assembly
- troubleshooting the dead button panel circuit
- address some metal panel rust
- replace some felt dust filters for fader pots
- deal with the rickety plastic rivet fasteners for the front panel.
Lots of fun stuff.

0:00 Introduction and Symptoms
0:57 Teardown
2:40 Dead Button Diagnosis
4:31 Tests
5:12 Button Actuator Assembly
6:23 New Felt Dust Filters for Slide Pots
7:33 Rivets, Chassis Rust, Final Test

Be sure to check out my cool eurorack modules for sale in my Reverb Store

Alfa AS3109 VS IR3109N Quick Comparison

Many have commented about my last video why I fool around w/ reclaiming the old chips when Alfa has some remakes on the market. So here's a quick comparison of the Alfa AS3109 remakes vs. IR3109N OTA chips in my 101-VCF tester module. For me the Alfa behaves quite differently with regard to signal clipping and output magnitude. Enough as to not recommend them as a 1-to-1 replacement in vintage synths and the reason I don't use them in my own modules. It's too bad, I enjoy using other kinds of Alfa chips 3320/3340/3350 in other filters and my 101-VCO.

Be sure to check out my cool Eurorack Modules available in my Reverb Store.

Time-Saving Methods of Rescuing IR3109N OTAs from 80017A Wafers

Today I am sharing spilling the beans on my 80017A wafer-stripping and chip reclamation methods. Over time I have developed my own system for improving the speed and success of reclaiming coveted IR3109N SMD OTAs in decent quantities. These OTAs are used in my 101-VCF, JP6-VCF, and JU60-VCF eurorack modules. Even with time-saving measures, I easily spend way more time reclaiming the chips than actually building these modules. And the main reason I call my endeavors a labor of love, it's all for you my friend.

0:00 | Intro
0:31 | The 80017A Wafer Encapsulation
1:52 | My Method for Removing the Black Resin
4:21 | Extracting Chips from the Wafer
6:26 | Mounting the Chip to a DIP ADAPTER

To purchase a 101-VCF, JP6-VCF or JU60-VCF and other cool eurorack modules visit my Reverb Store to check availability.

So I Tried the Akai MPC 3.4 OS Update

The Akai MPC 3.4 software operating system. A simplification of the MPC workflow with a few new features. Why did I upgrade? Am I digging it? What still needs improvement? Am I going back to version 2? Just my honest opinions and experiences with my MPC One+.

0:00 | Intro
0:49 | Going into the MPC world from Cubase
1:52 | Why I upgraded to MPC 3
2:50 | Main Page
3:44 | Arranger and Grid Windows
6:20 | In Summary, and Will I Use MPC 3?

Be sure to check out my cool eurorack modules I make in my Reverb Store!

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.

ELI SL-5050 Tape Delay [FX w/ Synthesizers #17] Demo

This is the ELI SL-5050 New Space Echo. Single delay line and playback head that uses a dictaphone endless tape cartridge. Very similar to Unicord EC-100, or the Univox EC80A Echo Chamber, or any various clones and incarnations. Playing my Roland SH-101 through it. Recorded direct, no other mastering or effects. Be sure to check out my Spring Tank Reverb Driver Eurorack module available in my Reverb Store.

Roland Juno-106 Synthesizer Troubleshooting/Repair Quiet Voice

Today I'm investigating an issue with a Roland Juno-106. Voice #4 is a lot quieter than the others. And it's not a calibration issue. 99% certain it is NOT the brand new voice chips I put in as seen in a previous video. Troubleshooting will confirm that statement. So what else could it be? Maybe something EVERY 106 owner will want to be pro-active about mitigating?

This video is posted for general information about my experiences. Always observe safety working on electronics, and never tinker around inside power supplies without first unplugging the power cord. De-soldering components on the Juno-106 must be done VERY CAUTIOUSLY to avoid lifting very tiny delicate traces. If you're not sure about anything, there's no shame in taking your instrument to a qualified service technician.

Timestamps
0:00 Intro + Symptoms
0:35 Voice Chip Swap Test
1:06 Looking at the Wave Chip output
1:56 Waveform Chip replacement
2:23 Testing
2:51 Voice Board inspection and Remedy
3:19 Re-testing, did it work?

Be sure to check out my cool eurorack modules in my Reverb Store :D

Behringer System 100 Demo

Got around to patching the Behringer System 100 today. Plays well with Arturia Keystep Pro. Give the 172 module phaser and chorus effects a spin. And that 182 sequencer, I love how it is not pitch quantized and gives a weird Stranger Things vibe. Let's do this! No additional mastering or post-effects. This video was not sponsored.

Be sure to check out my own cool eurorack modules in my Reverb Store

G-Storm Electro Spring Tank Shootout Reverb Driver Version 2-1

Quick Comparison of 3 Spring Tank Reverbs using my Reverb Driver version 2-1. I saw that many users were wanting to experiment with a variety of tank sizes, myself included. Now in my driver module version 2-1 I have added a jumper setting which makes it fast and easy to change the driver optimization for short tanks, medium tanks, or long tanks. Audio has been recorded direct, no other mastering or posts effects. 0:00 Quick Intro 0:12 Ruby Tube 2EB2C1B Short size tank 0:55 Vintage Folded Line, Medium size tank like those in a Roland Space Echo 1:53 Accutronics 4AB3C1B Long size 16" tank Check my Reverb store for Spring Tank Reverb Driver availability.

Korg SDD-1200 Dual Delay Rack FX w/ a Synthesizer Demo

This is the Korg SDD-1200 vintage effects unit. Featuring two completely independent digital delay lines. You can patch up the delays any way you like: In series, parallel, internal or external feedback loops. Today I'll be auditioning a few selected patches with some sounds with my Korg Poly-61 Synthesizer.

0:00 | Intro
0:54 | Stereo Flange
2:20 | Stereo Chorus
3:01 | Rhythmic Stereo Delay
4:09 | Feedback Loop
5:25 | Stereo Chorus + FX Feedback Loop

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

G-Storm Electro Introduces Spring Tank Reverb Driver Version 2

Introducing my Spring Tank Reverb Driver version 2. Same great sound and features as before. But now in 4HP with added Feedback knob. The Drive setting is now a trimmer on the PCB Set-and-forget. In today's video I will be auditioning the module with a few different spring tanks and various patch scenarios. Like pairing the reverb with Synthrotek DLY. While my driver module is optimized for Medium length tanks, it can easily be modded to handle long and short size tanks well. Which one is your favorite? Special thanks to my friend Seth, for contributing Behringer System 2500 sounds and footage for this episode!

On the 2500 patches, the dry signal was mult-ed such that the wet/dry mix was handled by a mixer off camera. Audio has been recorded direct, no other mastering or posts effects.

Vintage Folded Line, Medium size tank like those in a Roland Space Echo
0:00 Drone I
0:36 Drone II
1:00 Monotone Bass staccato
Accutronics 4AB3C1B Long size 16" tank
1:22 Massive Kick
2:09 Sample-n-hold
Accutronics BAB3C1B tank like those found in a Fender Sidekick Amp
2:50 Behringer 2500 patch
Ruby Tube 2EB2C1B Short size tank
3:33 Behringer 2500 patch

Check my Reverb store for Spring Tank Reverb Driver availability.

Arion DDS-1 Delay [Pedals w/ Synthesizers #15] Demo No Talk

Arion DDS-1 is a vintage digital delay pedal. Recorded direct, no other mastering or effects. Just the Arion Pedal and various synths one at a time.

0:00 Roland Jupiter-6
2:03 Cheetah MS6
3:40 Korg Poly-61

Be sure to check out my cool eurorack modules available in my Reverb Store.