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.

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.

101-VCO Version 2 Roland SH-101 Oscillator Adaptation + RD-6 [Demo 1 No ...

101-VCO has returned to the fold: the same great sound, simplified and improved tuning, and having all the individual outputs without need for an expander module. All in 12HP. Headphones or good monitors recommended.

Check my Reverb store for 101-VCO availability

Behringer RD-9 Doing Slower Tempo

The Behringer RD-9 Rhythm Designer drum machine just rolled in the door. Today I'm showing 3 little vignettes of what it sounds like doing slower tempo stuff w/ SH-101, TD-3 and some eurorack stuff.

3 parts:
0:00 90 bpm w/ Roland SH-101 andfx processing on some of the individual outs. You might like headphones or monitors to get the full sound.
1:18 80 bpm w/ Eurorack + Keystep Pro. RD-9 through Big Sky then DBX 160A compressor
3:01 100 bpm w/ TD-3. RD-9 low tom getting lo-shelf at mixer then Reverb + Delay. Some use of Probability and note-repeat (ratchet) on the closed hats.

The wave designer features were not used.
No mastering or post processing. This recording could have used some. The RD-9 definitely has punchy transients, I kept turning my record level down but still peaking my Tascam DR-05. So the average level sounds kinda low to me.

GSE Six 8HP Filter Modules Shoot-Out [comparison] [vs]

Today it's the battle of the 8HP filter modules!
Six of 'em, says the squinty-eyed man with no name.
101-VCF, SH2-VCF, JP6-VCF, Delta VCF, Pro VCF, and 4023 VCF.
You know them, but what are some of the sonic differences?
Watch out, some skreechy resonance ahead. They're filters after all :D

0:00 Intro
0:40 Bassline sequenced
3:24 Arpeggio sequenced + Reverb + Delay
6:09 Bass Sweeps, various res settings

Details
Osc | 101-VCO square + saw + sub
Buffered Multiple | My one-off Buffy Bot is used in 1-into-6 config.
The buffered osc signal is going to each of the 6 filters.
Envelope | 2xADSR is stack-cabled to the various CV inputs.
The CVs are zero'd out until each filter gets dialed up.
Delay | Timefactor
Reverb | Big Sky

Check my Reverb store for module availability

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

Behringer VC340 Vocoder + 101-VCO [Demo #1]

Today the gorgeous sounds of the Behringer VC340 Vocoder
Strings and Choir paired with my 101-VCO on arpeggio.
101-VCO going to my 101-VCF for that classic SH-101 sound.
Future Retro Transient is going to the vocoder mic input.
Transient is modulated by Batumi to result in those
shifting vocoder effects - almost chanting/talking?
Arturia Drumbrute Impact is clocked to the Beatstep Pro.
Some Big Sky reverb and Timefactor Delay.

Recorded direct to Tascam DR-05.
More info on my 101-VCO

SH2-VCF IS BACK! Version 2 using BA662 clones

I am happy to announce the SH2-VCF is available once again.
It was very important that Version 2 had all the same glory.
And the BA662 clones this one uses can definitely deliver the goods.
For more details visit Modular Grid
Be sure to check this out and my other cool modules in my Reverb Store

101E Output Expander for 101-VCO Now Available

Introducing my 101E Output Expander for the 101-VCO.
101E adds buffered, individual wave outputs from the 101-VCO.
I will show how to interconnect them.
And just a few things you can do with the expansion.

Links for more information...
101E
101-VCO
Buy

GSE 101-VCO Audio Only [Demo 3] (Roland SH-101) (No Talking)

Audio only demo of my new 101-VCO with the 101-VCF. The 101-VCO is Eurorack adaptation the Roland SH-101 voltage controlled oscillator. Feeding it various sequences and CVs while changing the settings. At the end I mix an envelope signal with the pitch CV to get a nice PWM Hoover sound, then plug a second oscillator into the Hard Sync.

101-VCO full details at Modular Grid

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

GSE 101-VCO Complete Overview [Demo 2] (Roland SH-101)

Today I am giving a full overview of my new 101-VCO. The 101-VCO is a Eurorack adaptation the Roland SH-101 voltage controlled oscillator.
While I tune and calibrate the 101-VCO before send them out, your module may require fine Tuning adjustment to suit your system.
Only very small adjustments to TR1 and possibly TR2 should be required.
However the Tuning section of this overview covers the full tune calibration procedure.

Timestamps
0:00 Audio - FM on Pulse + Sub w/ PWM
0:36 Waveforms
1:52 Audio - FM on Triangle
2:06 Tune, Range, FM and FM Type
3:01 Audio - Sequenced Pulse + Sub
3:31 Sync
4:02 Complete Tune Calibration Procedure
6:30 Audio

101-VCO full details at Modular Grid

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

101-VCO First Look Eurorack Oscillator [Demo 1] (Roland SH-101)

Quick 1-minute demo sounding off some waveforms of my new 101-VCO.
101-VCO is a eurorack adaptation of the SH-101 oscillator section.
Including sub-octave generator, octave range switch, and PWM.
Plus FM, Hard and Soft Sync I'll show in a future video.

Filter: GSE 101-VCF
Envelope: GSE 2xADSR
Kick Drum: GSE Pro-VCF in self oscillation + Bastl Skis.
Sequencing: Arturia Beatstep Pro

A more thorough overview is coming soon.
101-VCO full details at Modular Grid

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

GSE Announces the 101-VCO in Red and Blue Panel

GSE is pleased to announce my first VCO module. There are many 3340 VCOs out there, but none like this. The 101- VCO is an authentic realization of the Roland SH-101 voltage controlled oscillator adapted to Eurorack. The 101-VCO packs a dizzying array of the original circuit features sorely lacking from other modules: that lovely Sub-Octave Generator, that snowy Noise Generator, an integrated Mixer section to bring all the waves together, and a dedicated octave Range switch. Most of all - that sound you’ve been wanting. Needing. Waiting.

101-VCO also expands the original features to reveal the full potential of the CEM3340 chip: Triangle wave, Hard and Soft sync, Exponential FM. And 2 flavors of Linear FM: Lo Range to find those vibrato sweet spots, and Hi Range for full-on Linear FM madness. Expand the palette of original sounds using an external CV signal for Pulse Width Modulation that is summed against the initial Pulse Width amount. While the initial PW amount can go right up to the edge of vanishing, PWM can take the Width right down to 0% up to 100% for complete cancellation.

Great care was taken to keep the 101-VCO fully analog circuit as close to the original as possible. Featuring an OnChip CEM3340 re-issue at the core of the design, surrounded by nine 20mm slide pot controls. When this well-calibrated beauty drops into your rack, the CEM3340 pitch tracking might become the standard by which you track your other oscillators. You will always be close to the correct center frequency when you boot your system, there is a fine range +/- 3 semitone Tune slide pot that can get you there. There’s even a 5-pin header on the back panel: it’s for a future planned expansion module (sold separately) providing all buffered, DC-coupled individual wave outputs. Every 101-VCO is meticulously hand-crafted in limited quantities, not mass-produced, and ready to rock your world.

Watch Modular Grid for pricing and Availability.
Be sure to check out my other cool modules available in my Reverb store.

SH2-VCF Eurorack Filter Module Demo #3

Today I demo my SH2-VCF with more basslines, melodic leads, and a few arpeggios.
I'll keep the talking to a minimum, but explain how I'm setting up the sounds in general.
Audio recorded direct to Tascam DR-05.
I've kept the Timefactor Delay and Big Sky Reverb to a bare minimum.
But you'll hear them from time to time.

0:00 Opening
0:25 Talking
1:55 Audio demos

Oscillators - Pittsburgh Synth Box + Synthesis Technology E352
Envelope Contours - 2xADSR dual envelope
VCA - 2xVCA
MIDI Controller - M-Audio Venom

Roland Juno-106 + Eurorack DEMO [Tesla Coil]

The Juno-106 has landed once again in the studio. I put together a little sequence on the BSP. And a warm saturation bassline in Eurorack.

Juno-106 | Timefactor | Big Sky: Arpeggio and swells
2xADSR | 4023 VCF (self resonance): Kick
Synth Box | JP6-VCF | 2xVCA | 106 Chorus module: bass line
Transistor-82 | Spring Tank Reverb | EMW VC Pan: Percussion
Modulations/Triggers: Batumi, Varigate4

Recorded live in 1 shot to Tascam DR-05
Some post processing in Cubase 7.

101-VCF Red + Delta VCF 8HP Eurorack Modules

I am proud to introduce two Eurorack modules. The first is my 101-VCF now available in Red panel, and it looks as stunning as it sounds. And the other...the Delta VCF is back! Now in 8HP, draped in a space-age white aluminum panel.
Available exclusively in my Reverb Store.

Update from the Studio/Lab January 2019

January is normally D-E-D....dead. So slow. Not this year! So much happening: modules are getting sold out, a couple of great modules getting makeovers, and recently released a new and awesome module - but totally slipped under your radar. Shame on you, starting with that one then...

If you haven't seen it yet, be sure to check out my 6HP 2xVCA dual VCA in my Reverb store. It uses BA6110 chips just like those used in my amazing SH2-VCF filter. So many fun tricks to do w/ that one - I'll have to make a video of those things soon so keep an eye out for that one.

The Tonus VCF is sold out at the moment, as it very well should be - it's the MK1 infringement filter virtually plucked from an ARP 2600. I should have more of those ready to go very soon, just been a little tricky to keep up with the demand.

Lastly. TWO awesome things are getting a killer makeover and should be hitting the road in a week or two. The first is my 101-VCF coming soon in a RED Panel. It looks every bit as tough as the original synth. The other is my 8HP Delta VCF coming in a space-age White panel. Not to worry, I'm keeping those funky green LED sliders for extra vibe.

SH2-VCF Reporting For Duty! Eurorack Filter Module Demo #2

Following up on my prototype demo, the SH2-VCF is finished and reporting for duty. My SH2-VCF is a filter adaptation of the Roland SH-2 analog synthesizer filter using BA6110 op amps in place of the extinct BA662 chips of the original.

In this video I'll keep the talking to a minimum and explain how I resolved the BA6110 issue. And then put the filter through some paces including a massive kick drum, and an example track using TWO of these filters.

Be warned - some huge resonant kick drums ahead!
Audio recorded direct to Tascam DR-05 except the last part which has some delay.

0:00 Bass pad w/ two VCOs.
0:27 How I resolved the BA6110 issue.
1:35 Hand crafting these beautiful modules.
1:48 Bass pad + LFO + Resonance
2:04 Brutal Self-Osc Kick Drums (Filter Only)
2:50 Brutal Self-Osc Kicks through VCA (Bastl Skis)
3:25 Two filter Simple Track example, Bass: DNA Symbiotic Waves Delay: Timefactor, Kick: Tonus VCF

Oscillators - Pittsburgh Synth Box + Rozendall CEM3340 VCO
Envelope Contours - 2xADSR dual envelope
VCA - Bastl Skis
Sequencing - Arturia Beatstep Pro Pitch CV + gate

Check out my SH2-VCF and other cool modules available in my Reverb Store

Roland Tr-707 / Juno-1 / 101-VCF / JP6-VCF DEMO [Effortless]

Some downtempo on this demo.
Roland TR-707 on drums.
Alpha Juno-1 on pads and leads + Strymon Big Sky.
The 101-VCF arpeggio from Pittsburgh Synthesizer Box plus
...Rozendal CEM3340 VCO
JP6-VCF getting a digital bass from Symbiotic Waves.
Timefactor on delay.
707 snare has Spring Tank Reverb.
Beatstep Pro on sequencing duty.

Some audio post-processing in Cubase 7.

Three 101-VCF Modules Polyphonic Filter Demo 03 (Roland SH-101)

Today I deploy THREE 101-VCF modules for some polyphonic synth music.
The three filters are getting their CVs round-robin much like a polyphonic synthesizer distributes their voices.
To do this I use the sequential switch to rotate the firing of envelope contours going to each 101-VCF.

Pittsburgh Synth Box - 101-VCF #1
DNA Symbiotic Waves - 101-VCF #2
Rozendall CEM3340 VCO - 101-VCF #3
Bass - Behringer Model D
Pads - Roland Juno-1
Envelope Contours - 2xADSR dual envelope
Sequencing - Arturia Beatstep Pro Pitch CV and clock
Kick - Future Retro Transient
Hats - Tiptop Hats909
Additional percussion - Roland TR-606
Delay - Timefactor
Small amount of Reverb - Strymon Big Sky

Recorded live in one shot.
Some post-processing in Cubase 7.