GSE KVP Pitch Calibration Procedure w/ Korg MS-20 + Keystep Pro

In this video I will be showing how to calibrate my KVP (Korg Voltage Processor) module.
While I test and calibrate the tuning of all modules, re-calibration may become necessary when the settings get too far out of whack.
I will give some helpful tips as well as a detailed step-by-step explanation of the calibration process.

This video is of a technical nature.
If you're wanting basic information about the KVP and its uses, be sure to check out my other video
and on ModularGrid

Timestamps
0:00 Intro, Helpful Tips, Setting Up the Keystep Pro
KEYSTEP PRO: Global Setting CV Base Note = C-2
2:28 V/OCT to Hz/V Calibration
Be sure to trim FREQ with the "low C" note
And trim WIDTH with the "high C" note.
7:01 Hz/V to V/OCT Calibration
Be sure to trim FREQ with the 'A' note
And trim WIDTH with the "high C" note

Keep in mind the KVP is an analog signal converter, controlling an analog MS-20 synthesizer. And when converting Hz/V to V/OCT, we may be also using the MS-20 to control yet another analog VCO device. Given these things, the pitch won't be absolutely perfect - but the base frequency and tracking should be well within musically acceptable margins.

Korg MS-20 Controlled By Eurorack

ime to kick back and let this play in the background.

Been wanting to try the MS-20 w/ Temps Utile and Ornament and Crime. Using the KVP to achieve that. Beats from Basimilus Iteritas Alter. Kick from FR Transient. Some delay and reverb used.

Recorded direct to Tascam DR-05.

Introducing KVP - A Pitch CV + Gate Processor for Korg MS-20

Today I am introducing my new module - the KVP.
KVP is a pitch and gate CV processor that makes the MS-20 compatable w/ Eurorack (v/oct).
It works for the vintage MS-20, the MS-20 Mini reissue as well as the Behringer K-2.
And any manufacturer synth using the Hz/v standard.

Percussion: Basimilus Iteritas Alter
Sequencing: Arturia Beatstep Pro
Delay: Timefactor
Reverb: Big Sky

KVP details at Modular Grid
KVP is available exclusively in my Reverb store.

Infusor-X Eurorack First Look / VC FX Bus / 10-CH Mixer [No Talking]

Taking the new Infusor-X for a spin.
Switcher mode jumps between your effects modules on the fly – in timing w/ your groove.
MIXER mode is a straightforward 10-Channel Audio Sub-Mixer.

0:00 Switcher Mode: Manual
0:35 Switcher Mode: CV using Beatstep Pro
1:27 Mixer Mode Jam

Switcher Mode Effects:
ch1 / Dry
ch2 / JP6-VCF
ch3 / 2HP Freez
ch4 / Mutable Instruments Warps
ch5 / Mutable Instruments Clouds (uBurst)
ch6 / Synthrotek 308 Distortion
ch7 / Pittsburgh Analog Replicator
ch8 / GSE Spring Tank Reverb

Mixer Mode
ch1 / Arturia Drumbrute Impact
ch2 / Behringer Model D
ch3-4 / Roland Juno-1 Stereo / uBurst
ch5 / 3340 VCO / GSE 101-VCF / Analog Replicator
ch6 / Pittsburgh Synthesizer Box / GSE SH2-VCF / GSE 2xVCA
ch7 / Synthesis Technology E352 Out 1 / GSE 2xVCA
ch8 / E352 Out 2 / Bastl Skis

A more in-depth overview coming in a future video.
To learn more about Infusor-X visit Modular Grid

GSE 4023-VCF Filter Demo #3 Saturated Drums

In a previous video I showed how the 4023-VCF has some lovely saturation with synthesizer sounds.
Today I will be running some percussion though the filter. 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.
I'll be using control voltages to use the saturated filter as a gate,which can change-up the grooves.

Audio recorded direct to Tascam DR-05.
No additional effects other than what you see.

0:00 Opening
0:15 Talking
Audio Demos
0:52 Roland Tr-8
3:33 Drumbrute Impact
5:43 Future Retro Transient+

Modulations
Envelope Contours - 2xADSR dual envelope
LFO - Batumi
Reverb - GSE Spring Tank Reverb Driver
Sequencing - Beatstep Pro

Announcing 2xVCA Dual Voltage Controlled Amplifier 6HP

Hello 2019. Hope everyone had a good holiday. I've already been hard at work to bring you my first module of the New Year, the 2xVCA. It's a dual envelope based on BA6110 chips, and the test circuit is sounding pretty good. Should be ready to go mid-January. More details can be found at Modular Grid.

JP6-VCF Eurorack Adaptation [Roland Jupiter-6 Filter] Demo 1

This is no emulation, this is the JP6- VCF:
A faithful adaptation of the Roland Jupiter-6 synthesizer filter circuit in a slim, skiff/boat-friendly, 8HP Eurorack format module.
Great care was taken to keep the JP6-VCF fully analog circuit as close to the original as possible including 2 rare OTA filter chips and and thermistor frequency stabilization.

Mode switches are configured to give 4-pole LP, 4-pole HP, and 2-pole BP.
The JP6-VCF wields two audio INPUT jacks with a MIX pot.
Two CV IN jacks w/ signal attenuation pots allow you to modulate frequency with any two polar/bi-polar signals, low Hz up to audio rates.
Every module is hand-assembled and ready to rock your world.

Be warned - some sharp resonance sounds ahead!

For more info on my JP6-VCF https://www.modulargrid.net/e/other-unknown-jp6-vcf

Oscillators - Pittsburgh Synth Box, Timo Rozendal CEM3340 VCO
Envelope Contours - Bastl Skis
Other Modulation - Pittburgh Toolbox S/H
Sequencing - Arturia Beatstep Pro Pitch CV + gate

Spring Tank Reverb Eurorack Prototype Module

Today I am showing my prototype Spring Tank Reverb module. It's a driver for old school spring tanks like those found in vintage mixers and guitar amplifiers. The driver module has controls for Drive, Tone brightness and darkness, wet/dry mix, and an input for sending CVs to control the wet/dry mix. I'm using an envelope for CV, Beatstep Pro for trigger sequencing, and beats are coming from the Future Retro Transient. I also run the signal through my dual channel compressor, using a trick where both channels are cascaded for additional compression. I also briefly punch in some delay from Timefactor. Audio was recorded direct to Tascam through a Mackie mixer. EDIT: I noticed some users are connecting this to things that are not eurorack systems. To assist you w/ your efforts here are the active pins on the power input.

Tonus VCF (X3) Filter Gets An Onslaught of CVs Eurorack Synthesizer

This being my THIRD video of my new Tonus VCF module, and therefore I must punish THREE of them, in a line up, with an onslaught of control voltages. For those living under a rock, Tonus VCF is my all-analog Eurorack adaptation of the righteous ARP 2600 filter - the early version 4012. Module #1 (left) is belting out a big ol' kick drum using self-resonance only. Module #2 (middle) is being grass fed whole grain digital bliss from the DNA Symbiotic Waves. Module #3 (right) is squeaking out stupid little astrodroid noises using only self-resonance. Varigate 4 and Beatstep Pro are micro-managing other things: Bastl Skis dual VCA, Pittsburgh Synthesizer Box, Toolbox Sample/Hold, 4MS RCD, sequential switch. All 3 filters mixed using my Infusor module. No filters were harmed in making this demo.

Classic Synthesizer Filter Breadboard

My first video in HD 1080p! Today I am demonstrating a classic lowpass filter circuit study on a breadboard. Shrill audio alert! - Self-oscillation audio tests are performed here. All I can say at this time this circuit is not exactly Moog per se, and the self-oscillation droid sounds are another BIG clue. I run a pulse from my Pittsburgh Synth Box, sweep the frequency cutoff, then use CV modulations with an LFO and then sample/hold. I am planning a glorious eurorack module of this circuit so stay tuned.

Delta VCF Eurorack Filter Module Korg Clone Demo (Poly-61)

The Delta VCF is my faithful eurorack clone of the Korg Delta synthesizer filter. The lowpass filter circuit was also found in the Poly-61. In this video I demonstrate the features and sound of the filter by running various signals, control voltages, and sequencing through it.

Features: Illuminated Frequency and Resonance Slider pots. Mix together two different input oscillators at the input jacks w/ signal attenuation/gain pots. These inputs can overdrive the filter. Modulate the filter cutoff with two different input control voltages w/ signal attenuation pots. Two select-able filter slopes: original 4-pole, and 2-pole. Two select-able filter modes: lowpass or bandpass. The filter is all analog, using the same OTA chips and dual transistor design of the original Delta.

Listening w/ headphones or quality monitors is recommended. Watch your levels, some resonance and filter overdrive settings may cause discomfort or strain your monitors. This demo was recorded direct to Tascam DR-05 through a Mackie mixer. No effects, no EQ, just some normalization on video edit.

More details and availability can be found at Modular Grid.

Stay up-to-the-minute on all my endeavors.

Mystery Module

I've got a very interesting eurorack module brewing, and it's not messing around. What could it be? Announcement coming very soon.

Jupiter-6 VCF Eurorack Filter In-Depth Demo Roland Clone

In this video I do a more in-depth demo with my Jupiter-6 VCF multi-mode filter clone eurorack module. It's a very colorful filter that gets more interesting with more complex signals you feed into it. It also has an aggressive nature that comes out when the inputs are overdriven.

Two different oscillators can then be mixed together. A sawtooth oscillator is used, a square/PWM wave is used. Different filter modes can be selected: 4-pole lowpass, 2-pole bandpass, 4-pole highpass. Also, two different control voltage modulations can be mixed together to change the frequency. I run a decay envelope from the Bastl Skis along with a triangle LFO, then I use Sample-and-hold. The oscillators are coming from my Pittsburgh Modular Synthesizer Box. Recorded direct to Tascam DR-05 from my Mackie mixer, no effects, no normalization. Beware some low and high frequencies, so watch your levels while listening to the demo.

More information about this module can be found at https://www.modulargrid.net/e/other-unknown-jupiter-6-vcf

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.

Day DRE4M In Electric Space: New DRE4MTR4CK Eurorack Module 1/3

This track is called Day DRE4M In Electric Space, video is a teaser of a Eurorack module that I designed. The module is in the top row obscured by other things, where a bundle of patch cords are going. I am using a Timefactor delay also in this one. Recorded direct to Tascam DR-05.

Something Wicked Fun This Way Comes

For the past two months I have been designing something mysterious and interesting. In this somewhat misleading teaser video I am tweaking its extreme aspects, a series of acid tests meant to discover its limits. The design intent is quite different from what you see here. It will still do these things if that's the sort of things you are into. I hope to have more to show very soon. Stay tuned.

EHX Stereo Polyphase Pedal Demo w/ A Synthesizer #7

The Electro Harmonix Stereo Polyphase is not your usual Phaser pedal. It has a lot of controls that many others do not. It is designed to accept either guitar or keyboard line level inputs. It also has a VERY interesting expression pedal input that can be used as a Control Voltage input to directly control the phase shift frequency. So this way you can match the frequency sweep timing to your song tempo using a synthesizer clock! In this demo I use the ARP Solina String Ensemble synthesizer. This has a very familiar sound similar to running an Eminent 310 through a phaser like Jean Michel Jarre.