Behringer RD-9 [User Review] Rhythm Designer Analog Drum Machine

Today I am giving a user review of the new Behringer RD-9 Analog Drum Machine. The RD-9 is an affordable re-issue of the Roland TR-909 all-analog circuitry. With some updated functionality. This is not another typical audio comparison video, nor tutorial. How does it sound? Whats the design, construction quality and workflow like? Do I like the features? How does it compare to other analog drum machines currently available? I'll break it all down for you right here, right now.

0:00 Introduction
0:42 Build Quality + Connections Overview
2:52 Sounds + Features Overview
6:25 Other Similar Drum Machines
7:25 Summary of Final Thoughts

Recorded direct to Tascam DR-05.

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 Eurorack OB-Xa Filter Adaptation Now Available

The XaVCF is a faithful adaptation of the OB-Xa filter in Eurorack with added features. As with the original, the XaVCF has two filter circuits to choose from! The heart of both designs having each its own Alfa reissue AS3320 chip. The XaVCF has the original Modes: a 4-Pole standard Lowpass circuit, and a 2-Pole Lowpass derived from a State-Variable circuit. Additionally there are 1-Pole Bandpass and Lowpass modes not available on the original!

Caution! Aggressive resonant peaks ahead, watch your levels.

Timestamps
0:00 Opening
0:54 Intro & Architecture
3:04 Mode I w/ Basic Sawtooth Demos
6:27 Mode II w/ Basic Sawtooth Demos
10:00 Uses for V/Oct Tracking + Self-Ocillation (All Modes)
14:49 Audio Demos w/ Patches

More info at Modular Grid
Check out my Reverb store for availability.

Audio recorded direct to Tascam DR-05.
No added effects.

Oscillators: GSE 101-VCO, Pittsburgh Synthesizer Box
LFOs: Batumi
ADSR: GSE 2xADSR
Sequencing - Arturia Beatstep Pro Pitch CV + gate
Delay: Eventide Timefactor

PS - YT flagged my video ineligible for ads by sounding exactly like Chemical Brothers.
This module must be doing something right!

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

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!

Downtempo Electro w/ JP6-VCF Eurorack Module [Roland Jupiter-6 Filter] Demo 2

For more info on my JP6-VCF

Today I'm doing a little electro jam with my JP6-VCF module.
A bit of a deep house vibe, what I call the poor mans Jupiter-6 trick...
On the M-Audio Venom I've made a filter-bypassed polyphonic sawtooth patch.
The Venom dry output goes into the JP6-VCF.
JP6-VCF gets CV from the 2xADSR, going to the VCA on Bastl Skis.
The 2xADSR gets its trigger from Varigate4.

Arturia Beatstep Pro is providing the Bass Pitch CV + gate.
As well as the master clock for Varigate4.
The bass is the Pittsburgh Synth Box going to 101-VCF module.
101-VCF gets CV from the other channel of Bastl Skis.
And processed by the Skis VCA.

Hats are coming from Basimilus Iteritas Alter.
Also triggered by Varigate4.
At first it is dry, then mixed through my Spring Tank Reverb Driver.
Tank Reverb picks up a CV signal from the other channel of 2xADSR.
To keep it interesting the Tank Reverb out goes to EMW VC Pan module.
Which is having pan modulated by the Pittburgh Toolbox S/H.

Kick sounds mighty fine coming from Future Retro Transient+, no effects.
Going directly to the Mackie mixer, kick muting happens there.

All euro stuff is going through the Timefactor Delay.
Audio recorded direct to Tascam DR-05, no post processing.

More info on my modules
101-VCF
2xADSR Dual Envelope
Spring Reverb Driver

Check out my modules for sale in my Reverb store!

EDIT: I posted a video how I produced the chords on my Venom HERE.

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

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

I Auditioned the Roland SH-01A Synthesizer Today

I had a brief audition with the new Roland SH-01A boutique synthesizer today. It's a DSP simulation of one of the classics from the 80s: the original SH-101 analog monosynth. How does it sound? Is it worth the money? Did I buy one today? Patience young grasshoppa, all will be revealed.

While Roland's proprietary DSP has gotten the surname ACB it means nothing more than Analog Circuit Behavior. This has given Roland a string of hits lately including the TR-09, which many agree is a superb emulation of the coveted TR-909 drum machine. Sitting down with the SH-01A for the first time I brought some high expectations for the sound - having recently owned and then sold, a real SH-101. And I must say the sound does not disappoint. I really go for the filter on this one, so classic, so Roland. The SH-101 is one of my favorites with pulse width modulation and sub-octave added. The portamento sounds really nice with the sequencer sequencer. I had the LFO modulating the filter w/ the random waveform. Roland really has gotten so close to the sound of their counterparts. Honestly, I only used mono mode. For me, POLY mode on this one is a bit of a sacrilege. Is it worth the moeny? I should say so! A fully working SH-101 would cost $1000 and still may require periodic mainenance, so that makes this one a no-brainer. Especially since the sound is so darn close. Did I buy it today? Well, let me answer that with a statement. Make that two statements...

The first: the SH-01A does NOT have INPUTS for CV/Gate - it does have the OUTPUTS - but not the inputs. If you're looking for something that can play nice w/ my Eurorack like I am, you would need a CV/gate-to-MIDI converter. Probably something costly by Kenton costing over $300. That puts you in the ballpark of getting a real, perhaps disgraced, SH-101 unit needing work. And second: there is NO external input for the filter. There IS a mix input for chaining audio between multiple units, but NO filter INPUT. It would have been nice, but the original SH-101 didn't have one either. But that filter is so nice! Did I buy it anyway? While I was content to stroll out empty handed I still yearn for that sound. I do have a birthday coming up, perhaps it could still make it to the studio. IF not, next year I can get one used for cheap. We'll see. Oh, and not to forget Behringer did tease something interesting recently. -g PS - I went back the next day and got it. Perhaps a proper review is coming on?

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

Roland VP-03 Vocoder Synthesizer User Review VP-330 Boutique

I usually demo synth products, but today I'm going to give my review of the Roland VP-03 Vocoder. I have some experience having owned an original VP-330 MK1 and studying its synthesizer process. It inspired me to author my own VST plugin version that emulated the VP-330 sound, only it did not have the Vocoder. So check out this review and see what I think about this interesting product.

My Thoughts On the Roland VP-03 vs VP-330 Battle

Well, 909 Day has come and gone. We got a peek at some promising gear, but left wondering again when we can catch our first glimpses of these animals in the wild. YouTube user RetroSound has once again gotten first dibs on a new piece. It's the VP-03, the Boutique version of the rare and almost extinct VP-330 Vocoder with Human Voices and String Synthesizer. It's the one perhaps most notably used in the Blade Runner soundtrack by Vangelis. I was ecstatic about hearing this news of the VP-03, nobody wants the VP-03 to live up the hype more than me...it's like a dream come true. Take a look and listen...
Before I give my thoughts on this piece I should note two things. First I am a string synthesizer nerd, and used to use and own a real Roland VP-330 MK-I. I used it lovingly on a few tracks. The VP-330 is a special sound near and dear to my heart, however for financial reasons had to sell it to a lucky friend. Secondly, I have studied its voice and string synthesizer section intimately. I also studied the famed quad-BBD choir ensemble circuit and know exactly what makes it tick. I have used this information to author my own plug-in emulation VST, that uses NO samples BTW, called VSP-330. This VST has gotten many raves and high remarks, despite not reaching a wide audience and I didn't make a version for Mac. DOH! But that is not what we are doing today.

Today we are looking at the VP-03. How does it sound compared to the original? Can users go out and make a fortune selling their own real VP-330 now? If you liked what you heard, and are perfectly content with that - there's no need to read more. My opinion is unnecessary and you'll be perfectly happy.

The VP-03 has A LOT going for it. Out of this world...the Human Voice filters sound wonderful, the string filter - perfect, the quad-BBD Chorus Ensemble effect - perfect! Those of you that want this just for the vocoder will probably LOVE this thing, and may not care for the other features. The VP-03 sounds to me one of the better emulations out there, I applaud what Roland is trying to do but it could sound PERFECT if a couple of issues were addressed with a software update.

If you'll notice in the demo, the release time is cranked all the way up on the VP-03. But it just can't maintain a creamy and smooth note release like the real VP-330 can. The notes should hang, and linger a bit longer. Listen to them both again and you will hear this. Maybe it's because the envelope is re-triggering from zero. Or maybe the attack/release curves are not logarithmic like on the original. I'm not sure, but I know something is going on there.

At 3:49 you hear the grating buzz of non-phase-locked oscillators. "What is non-phase-locked oscillators???" you are probably wondering, and "that buzz, my God what is making that buzz?" The VP-330 is a direct descendant of organ technology. Synthesizers from the era were capable mostly of a single note polyphony. So Roland, among others, adopted the divide down organ voice technology to a synthesizer format. Heck, the ARP Solina String Ensemble IS the string circuitry ripped straight out of an Eminent organ. So the way the organ voice worked for some, use a single - Master Oscillator - to produce the waveform needed for the very top note in the organ. Another circuit, called the frequency divider, copies that note 11 times and divides it into the other 11 notes in the Top Octave. Subsequent circuitry then divides each note in that Top Octave for all the other octaves. This is why on these machines if an F# goes out, often all the other F# octave keys go dead at the same time.

Why am I telling you all of this? The whole point is, ALL notes in this circuit are directly derived IN PERFECT SYNCHRONIZATION from the master oscillator. C1 is exactly 1/2 the frequency of C2 and in PERFECT PHASE WITH IT. So what's the big deal if 6 days of the week the ear can't pick up on these things anyway. The ONE day of the week we CAN hear this problem amplified greatly is when we run it through a quad BBD Chorus Ensemble. Yes, the quad BBD Chorus Ensemble AMPLIFIES phase discrepancies between two notes played an octave apart. And it doesn't do it just now and then, it does it 99% of the time.

If Roland could just take care of those two things it would be a perfect unit. I am so serious. Just fix the release time thing and the phase problems and it would otherwise be as close to a perfect emulation as it could ever be. Just modeling the voicing for proper divide down organ behavior might actually save some of the CPU overhead, although it might take more man-hours to see the job through. I know firsthand, this is what I had to do for my own plug-in VST.