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

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.

Makeshift VHS Tape Ribbon Controller In 3-Minutes

Haven't had any synth repairs or DIY hacks in a while.
A buddy sent a FB video link and asked what's up with this.
Somebody was using a videotape as a makeshift ribbon controller.
Using the tape to send a control voltage to their modular gear.
You may have seen something like this, but wondered about the details required.

Does it actually work?
If so what are the necessary steps?
Let's find out.

Sequencing a Univox Minikorg 700S [Demo #3] Using KVP + Beatstep Pro

Third video on the Univox Minikorg.
This Minikorg has been modified to take an external pitch CV + gate signal.
It expects pitch in hz/v and lo-active gates.
While the Beatstep Pro can do it - it's a global setting.
Using my KVP module to convert the signals, it means I don't need to mess w/ the BSP globals whenever I hook up a Korg product.

Timestamp
0:00 Pt 1: Delay- Timefactor
1:36 Pt 2: Percussion - Basimilus Iteritas Alter, FR Transient (hats)
3:13 Pt 3: Percussion - Basimilus Iteritas Alter
Bass Pad - 101-VCO/101-VCF/106-Chorus
Delay - Timefactor
Reverb - Big Sky

KVP details at Modular Grid.

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.

Tweaking Sounds on a Korg MS20 While Sequenced [Demo #5]

Tweaking sounds on an Korg MS-20 while getting sequenced by Beatstep Pro. I'm using a little circuit that converts the eurorack standard to pitch CV and gate triggers the MS-20 can understand.

Infusor-X [Comprehensive Overview] Eurorack VC FX Bus Switch / 10-Ch Mixer

This is a comprehensive overview of my new Infusor-X Eurorack module.
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 Quick Overview / Front + Back Layout
1:50 SWITCHER mode
2:50 PROGRAM mode for user CV Breakpoints
5:35 MIXER mode

To learn more about Infusor-X
and for module availability visit Modular Grid

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.

UNIVOX MINIKORG SYNTHESIZER REDUX

Today a follow-up demo of my Uniox Minikorg w/ a Pitch CV + Gate mod controlled by the Arturia Beatstep, this time sans the annoying percussion. This synth is one big continuous sweet spot! Some delay by Timefactor, a touch of Big Sky reverb, recorded directly via Mackie mixer to a Tascam DR-05. Press play, kick back and let it ride.

Spring Tank Reverb Breadboard Eurorack Demo

Try not to let your heads explode when this sickness fondles your eardrums. Got my hands on an O.C. Electronics Spring Tank Reverb. On the breadboard I've built a driver circuit with voltage control of the wet/dry crossfader. Who does that???!!....

I do that. And today's demo shows you why. The Future Retro Transient+ is going through the spring tank. The mix is set mostly dry, but I'm using a short envelope to send a burst of reverb wet mix when the snare hits. Using the Beatstep Pro for that. That's what I'm talking about. That. Is what it's all about.

How did I do this? I've frankenstein'd a couple of circuits/ideas together to make this happen. At its core is a Tombolas DIY Spring Reverb Circuit w/ EQ and Drive Control to accommodate a wide variety of tanks. It worked very well, but I was not yet satisfied. For the Voltage Control, I've slapped away the final amp mix stage and replaced it w/ the VC Crossfader circuit by Thomas Henry. I dumped his VCA control, that's another project for another day, and to made some minor changes so it would play nice w/ the Tombolas circuit.

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.

DRE4MTR4CK Eurorack Sequencer Module

The DRE4MTR4CK is my custom Eurorack module that has been two months in development. DRE4MTR4CK is a simple and intuitive Polyrhythmic Organic Melody Progression Sequencer in a mere 12HP.

It has 4 independent, externally clocked tracks with 4 steps each. Each track sends pitch CV to one of your VCO modules. With external clocking, you decide if timing is slow and dreamy, bouncy and up-tempo, or all out fury going into audio rates.

Unused clock inputs are multiples from input 1. Clocking can be interrupted for a track by inserting a floating patchcord. Manually trigger a track step using the TRIG buttons. Intuitively build evolving chords or poly-rhythmic note progressions.

Simple pattern modes and Octave transpose for each track provide seemingly endless note progression. Mix things up with Step reset and track data Rotate to re-circulate CVs among your VCOs. 16 memories are provided for program note data storage. Recall of programs during performance provides changes in melodic or chord structures on-the-fly.

***** SPECS ******
4-tracks
4-steps per track
Chromatic Scale Note Quantization
4x4 LED Matrix

EACH TRACK has
- 1 external clock input.
- 1 duplicated, unbuffered clock out signal for clocking other devices
- Independent Pattern selection: Forward/Reverse/Forward-Reverse/ZIGZAG
- pitch CV output 1v/oct over 5v range
- Octave Transpose +/- 2 octaves selection
- Store/Recall 16 non-volitile memories in EEPROM
- Note programming on a per-step basis

Clocking Behaviour Options
- Unused clock inputs are duplicated from input #1
- Interrupt clocking by inserting a floating patchcord
- Manual trigger sent to clock out using the TRIG buttons

Programmer Interface
- 1 Data Pot
- 12 Momentary Buttons
- 16 LEDs

Memory and Processing
- 16 non-volatile memories in EEPROM for note data
- Processing Speed: 20MHz

INPUT 1/8" MINIJACKS
- 4 clock inputs
- 1 control input for RESET
- 1 control input for ROTATE

OUTPUT 1/8" MINIJACKS
- 4 unbuffered clock outputs (multed from inputs) + manual trigger
- 4 buffered 1V/oct pitch CV outputs, each 0-5v

Internal Clocking: none
External Clocking: 4 inputs

SIZE: 12 HP (60.60mm) Eurorack format, 3U high

POWER OPTIONS
Accepts standard keyed 2x8 (16-pin) eurorack ribbon cable (included)
Jumper/Shunt Setting:
- Option #1. (default) uses 5v input from your system power supply (if provided)
- Option #2. Draws power from +12v line. Requires Maxim Integrated
700-REF02CP 5v regulator (sold separately)

MEASURED CURRENT DRAW
Option #1 (default): 5v from Euro Power
+12v @ 3 mA
-12v @ 3 mA
+5v @ 103 mA Peak, 5 mA typical
Option #2: 5v from REF02 chip
+12v @ 64 mA Peak, 8 mA typical
-12v @ 3 mA


The DRE4MTR4CK module has no affiliation with any persons with similar name.

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.

Synthesis Technology E560 Deflector Shield Demo Eurorack Module

Today I demonstrate the Synthesis Technology E560 Deflector Shield module. It is a digital effects module that has Frequency Shifting, Ring Modulation, and Phase Shifting. There's not as much talking in this one. I read the documentation and still don't fully understand everything that is going on. But it sounds absolutely wicked.

I show what effect all controls have on the sound. This demo uses a simple sawtooth from my Pittsburgh Modular Synthesizer Box as the sound input. Each knob has its own dedicated CV input, as demonstrated by passing a triangle LFO also from the Synth Box to each CV input as an example.

There are a tonnage of little sweet spots. Paul Schreiber has done an amazing job on this one. This module stereo outputs were sent to my Mackie mixer and panned hard left/right, and recorded direct to a Tascam DR-05 w/ no other effects or production so the E560 can shine in all its glory.

Contents: 0:22 Frequency Shifter
5:04 Ring Modulation
6:23 Phase Shifter