Modular Synthesis 101 | Part 4 | VCAs

Continuing my introductory series of videos on Modular Synthesis 101. It's time to discover the sheer power of VCAs with some simple examples. In the end you'll learn THE BIG SECRET about VCAs and why you can never have too many VCAs in your system. Along the way you'll also get a proper introduction to a dynamics modulation called Envelopes, a perfect companion to VCAs.

0:00 | Intro and VCA Quick Recap
0:47 | Simple Gate
1:30 | Audio Dynamics: Envelopes
3:42 | Tremolo Using an LFO
4:26 | Linear and Exponential Response
5:28 | Using VCAs on Not Audio

Check out my cool Eurorack modules currently available in my Reverb Store

Modular Synthesis 101 | Part 3 | Filters

Continuing my introductory series of videos on Modular Synthesis 101. We enter the realm of Filters, what they do, how to patch them, and a few tips and tricks.

0:00 | Intro and VCF Quick Recap
0:34 | Frequency Analysis and Harmonic Content
1:13 | Lowpass Filter Mode, Frequency Cutoff, and Slope
2:33 | Highpass and Bandpass (Peak) Filter Modes
3:27 | Resonance (Q)
4:08 | Resonant Self-Oscillation
5:18 | Modulation: VCF FREQUENCY
7:12 | Modulation: VCF RESONANCE
Be sure to check out my Reverb Store for Pro VCF, XaVCF, JP6-VCF and other module availability.

T2K-VCF Transcendent 2000 Eurorack Filter Adaptation Demo No Talking

T2K-VCF is a Eurorack modular adaptation of the Powertran Transcendent 2000 analog filter. Wavefolded material sounds phenomenal on this, coming from Capt'n Big-O. Op Amp gain compensation means no loss of bass frequencies even at extreme resonance settings. Resonance will self-oscillate and produces a nice aggressive sinewave alone. With some coaxing you can track the self-osc w/ v/oct. At the end you'll hear the filter output going into a phaser and delay.

Sound sources | Capt'n Big-O + GSE 101-VCO
Envelope | GSE 2xADSR
Phaser | GSE Polychrome Phaser
Delay | FX Aid
Recorded direct, no other mastering or effects.

Check my Reverb store for T2K-VCF availability and other cool modules

SH5-VCF Dual Filter Patches + Sounds [Demo #2]

In this video I will show some cool patches with SH5-VCF Dual Filter.
As per usual, listening w/ headphones or quality monitors is the best audio experience.
Watch your levels, this is a filter demo w/ some resonance ahead.

Check my Reverb store for SH5-VCF, 101-VCO, 2xVCA, 2xADSR availability

Timestamps
0:00 Sounds and Intro
0:16 Patch 1 | Fat Liquid Bass
2:44 Patch 2 | Series Cascading the Dual Filters
3:01 Patch 3 | Evolving Sequence
3:47 Patch 4 | Analog Percussion
5:20 Patch 5 | Supersaw! Unison Stack
6:33 Patch 6 | Complex Analog Thing

Oscillator | 101-VCO
Modulations | Batumi, 2xADSR
Control + Sequencing | Keystep Pro
No added effects, EQ, Compression, nor other post-processing.

Introducing SH5-VCF Dual Filter Eurorack Adaption (Roland SH-5) [Demo #1]

Introducing the SH5-VCF.
An all-analog eurorack adaptation of the Roland SH-5 Synthesizer Filter and Mixer.
The Lowpass filter is a diode ladder configuration using open-collector matched transistor pairs.
No filter-on-a-chip here :D
Similar Lowpass configuration was used in the Roland SH-1000 and the earlier System 100 (not 100m).
The dedicated Bandpass section introduces voltage control modulation not found on the original.
While the two filter sections are routed in parallel, that doesn't stop you from being able to re-route them in series configuration.
What you can expect from the SH5-VCF is the quintessential Roland modular filter experience.
These are all reasons I say it is time to get a little more serious.

Check my Reverb store for SH5-VCF, 101-VCO, 2xVCA, 2xADSR availability
As per usual, listening w/ headphones or quality monitors is the best audio experience.
Watch your levels, this is a filter demo w/ some resonance ahead.
Be sure to check out SH5-VCF Demo 02 to see how I made the patches in this video!

Oscillator | 101-VCO
Modulations | Batumi, 2xADSR
Control + Sequencing | Keystep Pro
No added effects, EQ, Compression, nor other post-processing.

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.

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.

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

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.

Pro VCF Eurorack Filter First Look [Demo #1]

The Pro VCF is a faithful adaptation of a well-known 4-pole synthesizer filter in Eurorack.
The core of this design lies an Alfa AS3320 filter chip based on the original Curtis.
Let's put the Pro VCF through some paces.

Timestamps
0:00 Opening
0:23 Intro
1:01 Audio
0:19 Features
1:49 Audio
2:04 Input: analog PWM, Saw (Pittsburgh Synth Box)
2:43 Input: Digital Wavetable (E352) (PPG anyone?)
3:22 FM of Cutoff

More info at Modular Grid
Now available in my Reverb Store.
Audio recorded direct to Tascam DR-05.
No added effects.

Sequencing - Arturia Beatstep Pro Pitch CV + gate

GSE 4023-VCF Demo #2 Lovely Saturation

Darkwave, deep house, tribal and Carpenter-esque sounds ahead.
Of the filters I'm offering, 4023-VCF has the most lovely saturation to me.
In most cases, when the input slider is above 60% the filter input will start to become overdriven.
Resulting in a warm and fuzzy distortion.
Audio recorded direct to Tascam DR-05.
Some use of the Timefactor Delay and Big Sky Reverb.

0:00 Opening
0:14 Talking
1:01 Audio demos w/ talking intros

Kick Drum - Future Retro Transient+
Oscillators - Pittsburgh Synth Box + Rozendall CEM3340
Envelope Contours - 2xADSR dual envelope
Ring Mod - Mutable Warps
LFO - Batumi
MIDI Sequence - Beatstep Pro

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

Timeout w/ 4x SH2-VCF + Oberheim Matrix-12 Eurorack DEMO

Taking a much needed break from building modules, to actually play them! Some downtempo/chillout/ambient textures. Four of my SH2-VCF filters are getting fed with:
1) Pittsburgh Synth box, arpeggio
2) DNA Symbiotic Waves, bass sweeps
3) Low Tom Drone using self-osc sine, Bastl Skis VCA
4) Rozendall CEM3340 VCO, arpeggio

Some Delay using Timefactor.
Matrix-12 going through Big Sky.
Recorded live in 1 shot to Tascam DR-05
Some post processing, comp, EQ, etc in Cubase 7.

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

SH2-VCF EURORACK PROTOTYPE AND STUDIO UPDATE AUDIO+TALKING

Today I wanted to make sure to update you what's been happening around the studio and my SH2-VCF prototype module. Been busy organizing a big garage sale, re-organinzing the studio, hanging synth shelves, trying to source a 4-foot wood table, and working for about 2 months on my SH-2 filter prototype.

This SH-2 filter came about as I had a few BA6110 chips laying around and wanted to do something with them. First I built the filter on a breadboard and it wasn't working. Turns out 1/2 my new old stock chips were not doing their job for some reason. No biggie, I designed/ordered some pcb/panels and some more BA6110 chips from ebay.

As luck would have it these chips would be the bane of my existence. I ordered some more BA6110 from activeparts and none of those worked. I also adapted my board to accept the different pinouts for some BA662 Open Labs clones...those caught fire. On the forums these clones are highly admired and used in X0XB0X apparently. It's all good, I just wasn't able to get them to work in this circuit.

So until I get this BA6110/662 issue figured out I won't be able to build any more modules to sell. Time to move on to some other projects and, forbid, make any music :)

Be warned - some harsh resonance acid house squealing ahead!

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.

Breaking Down Jupiter-6 Sounds w/ JP6-VCF Eurorack Module Demo 3

Today I'm breaking down some of the sounds from my Jupiter-6 Synthesizer demo Critical Mass.
Time was, I had a real Jupiter-6 but later sold it.
So today I will be showing you how to do these sounds on my JP6-VCF Eurorack module.

Big Bass Stab 0:42
Bandpass Meyhem 2:52
Note: in the video I use high pass mode but still good results.
Bass Pad 3:45
Note Flurry 4:44
Arpeggio Phrase 5:32

More info on my modules
JP6-VCF
2xADSR Dual Envelope

Modules: Bastl Skis, Pittsburgh Synthesizer Box and DNA Symbiotic Waves
Other Gear: Strymon Big Sky, Eventide Time Factor, Arturia Beatstep Pro

JP6-VCF Version 3! [SNEAK PEEK]

Coming very soon.
Black panel, white lettering.
8HP.
Skiff-friendly.
More information HERE

101-VCF Filter Higher Pitch Sequence Demo 02 (Roland SH-101)

In my last demo of the 101-VCF 8HP Eurorack module we heard some big phat bass sounds.
So what does higher-pitch sequences sound like going through it?
Answer: Sugary sweet, like a dream.
Take my word for it but watch the video anyway it's a bit repetitious but fun.
Be warned - some delicious high-end pitch resonance ahead!

Oscillators - Pittsburgh Synth Box PWM + Saw, CEM3340 VCO Saw
Envelope Contours - 2xADSR dual envelope
Sequencing - Arturia Beatstep Pro Pitch CV + gate
Kick - Noise Engineering Basimilus Iteritas Alter
Hats - Tiptop Hats909
Delay - Timefactor
Small amount of Reverb - Strymon Big Sky

G-Storm Jupiter-6 VCF vs. Jove vs. SE 8106 modules

I get asked quite a bit what makes the Jupiter-6 VCF different from modules like the Jove by System-80, and the the Studio Electronics 8106. The Jove and 8106 circuits are a similar topology using readily available OTA chips, their PCBs are mass-produced, their boards are probably automated assembly for SMT parts. Mine uses the expensive/rare/original Roland OTAs, my PCBs are currently copper etched and tinned by hand, and fully assembled by hand as well. I'd love to build a Jove for myself, alas - no time (and PCBs are currently sold out). The demos of the Jove sound nice. I haven't checked out any demos of the 8106 yet, but everything SE makes is fantastic. I also suppose this is as good a time to announce my Jupiter-6 VCF is also undergoing a front panel re-design and will be very similar to my Delta VCF version 2.