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.

Time-Saving Methods of Rescuing IR3109N OTAs from 80017A Wafers

Today I am sharing spilling the beans on my 80017A wafer-stripping and chip reclamation methods. Over time I have developed my own system for improving the speed and success of reclaiming coveted IR3109N SMD OTAs in decent quantities. These OTAs are used in my 101-VCF, JP6-VCF, and JU60-VCF eurorack modules. Even with time-saving measures, I easily spend way more time reclaiming the chips than actually building these modules. And the main reason I call my endeavors a labor of love, it's all for you my friend.

0:00 | Intro
0:31 | The 80017A Wafer Encapsulation
1:52 | My Method for Removing the Black Resin
4:21 | Extracting Chips from the Wafer
6:26 | Mounting the Chip to a DIP ADAPTER

To purchase a 101-VCF, JP6-VCF or JU60-VCF and other cool eurorack modules visit my Reverb Store to check availability.

Introduction into Modular Synthesis 101 | Part 5 | Modulators

Continuing my introductory series of videos on Modular Synthesis 101. Today we'll look at some classic modulator utility modules in Modular synthesis with some simple examples. You already know about 2 modulators: Envelopes and LFOs. Along the way we'll be changing any Lowpass filter to a Highpass. From the last video we also know that a VCA can be used as a Modulator. So it probably won't surprise you there is a special Modulator can behave similar a VCA.

0:00 | Intro
0:20 | Modulator Recap - Mind Your Ins and Outs
0:54 | Glide
1:21 | Sample + Hold
3:14 | Inverter Circuit
3:51 | Inverting Filter Types + Multiples
5:33 | Ring Mod - somewhere between Modulator and Effect
6:32 | The Function Generator

Be sure to to check out my Reverb Store for cool Eurorack module availability.

GODSPEar | Detailed Overview | Oxford OSCar Eurorack Filter Translation ...

GODSPEar is my homage to the Oxford OSCar filter in Eurorack format. In this video I present a walkthrough detailed explanation what all the features do while auditioning the audio. And make a few weird sound patches along the way. Recorded direct to Pittsburgh Modular Outs to iPhone via Roland Go Mixer Pro-X. Some gain normalization used. While this demo isn't very musical, let me know in the comments if you would be interested in something more of musical exemplar.

0:00 Intro - Inputs and Output
0:47 Two Filters, One Frequency
1:41 Filter CV
2:37 Q (Res) and Filter Tracking
4:19 Q (Res) CV
5:01 Filter Modes
6:38 Separation
9:04 Separation CV and the Full-Wave Rectifier
11:04 Audio Rate Modulation

Full Specs on Modular Grid
Check my Reverb store for GODSPEar and other module availability

G-Storm Electro | Modules With Mojo

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.

Modular Synthesis 101 | Part 2 | Oscillators

Continuing my introductory series of videos on Modular Synthesis 101. Let's dive into the world of Oscillators, what they do, how to patch them, and a few tips and tricks.

Check my Reverb Store for 101-VCO and other cool modules I make :D

0:00 | Intro and VCO Quick Recap
0:30 | Analog VCO - Typical Waveforms
1:36 | Pulse Wave and Pulse Width
2:35 | VCO Warm-up, Pitch CV and Oscillator Tuning
3:46 | Sub Octave Generator and V/Oct
5:04 | PWM - Pulse Width Modulation
6:52 | FM - Frequency Modulation
7:56 | Digital Oscillator

Modular Synthesis 101: Introduction

Today I give you an introductory series of videos covering Modular Synthesis 101. This course is for anyone who's been mildly curious about modular synthesizers. Maybe you've seen your favorite musician like Johnny Greenwood using a modular synthesizer at a show. And always wondered what does all this stuff do? I'm here to demystify it for you. Today we'll start with some basic terminology and a typical synth patch. What is a typical synthesis setup? What are the kinds of modules in that setup? What will we learn moving forward?

Be sure to check out my sweet Eurorack modules in my Reverb Store.

SEMSVF Eurorack SEM Filter Walkthrough of Basic Features [Demo 2]

SEMSVF is my Eurorack Tribute adaptation to the Oberheim SEM State Variable Filter. All hand made in limited quantities. Today I am talking through some basic features and patching some sounds via my 101-VCO feeding in. No mastering or effects. Recorded direct via my Feedback CP- Mixer to Pittsburgh Modular Outs to Mackie mixer to Tascam DR-05.

Check my Reverb store for SEMSVF, 101-VCO availability

Pittsburgh Modular Flamingo [Safari] Patching [Demo #1]

Just got the new Pittsburgh Modular Safari Flamingo module in.
It's a harmonic interpolation device using a previously unrealized method known as center clipping.
Flamingo can deform and undulate your audio sources in new and interesting ways.
In this video I'll discuss Flamingo and make some patches.
The last section will show how well Flamingo processes control voltages.

0:00 Cold Open Sounds
0:20 Introduction
1:14 Patch Explorations
11:15 Using Flamingo for Control Voltages

Flamingo is a limited edition module
Check the Pittsburgh Modular store for availability while supplies last.

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

Converting a Boss PH-2 Phaser Pedal to Eurorack + Audio Demo

Today, the title says it all what I am doing.
Link to Hexinverter step flashing video https://youtu.be/n-ugh8sbHw4

0:00 Introduction
0:50 Teardown
1:42 Planning
3:56 Notes on Assembly
4:24 Audio Demo

JP6-VCF Eurorack Filter Bandpass + Notch Patch Trick

Today I show you a modular patch on the JP6-VCF. By inverting a bandpass signal, and mixing it with the original un-processed signal - you can get a notch filter.

Announcing 2xADSR r1-2 Dual Eurorack Envelope Demo

Today a quick un-edited video announcing the 2xADSR version 1-2 dual envelope. Available as a DIY project or assembled version. Check my Reverb Store for availability. More specs and details at ModularGrid. DIY build info at Muffwiggler.

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.

Fun With Noise - Static by Feedback Versatile Noise Source [USER REVIEW + Demo] DIY SMD Eurorack

It's back to the synthesis basics: NOISE!
User review of the DIY Static versatile noise source by Feedback electronics.
I'll demo some sounds, give some sound design tips,
And conclude with some brief objective opinions about the module.
I am not affiliated w/ Feedback Modules.

Timestamps
0:00 Introduction
3:33 Patch: Snare
5:54 Patch: Wind Machine - S/H + Key Track
9:08 Patch: Noisy Bass
11:16 Patch: Roland-y Percussion
13:23 Concluding Remarks

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

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.

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.

Cascading Two Filters Tips/Tricks Delta VCF Eurorack Synth [Demo #4]

Today we've got a good one.
I'm going to show you some fun to be had running two filters in series and parallel.
You can do these things with any filters w/ lowpass and bandpass.
This time using two of my Delta VCF modules.

0:00 Opening
0:38 Cascading Filters (2 Filters in Series)
4:20 Parallel Filters

The Delta VCF is an adaptation of the Korg Delta/Poly-61 filter.
Per usual, my sound source will be the Pittsburgh Synthesizer Box.
LFOs are coming from Batumi.

Audio recorded direct to Tascam DR-05.
Some normalization, otherwise no effects.

Be sure to check out the Delta VCF and my other cool modules available in my Reverb store.

2xVCA Dual VCA Eurorack Synth Tips/Tricks Demo #2

Today I'm looking at some tips/tricks using a dual VCA.
First I'll briefly go over what is a VCA,
then the features of my dual VCA module.
And lastly, show you some cool things you can do with VCAs.

0:00 Intro
0:16 What is a Voltage Controlled Amplifier?
N:48 A Quick Tour of the 2xVCA
2:21 Volume Knob
2:39 Envelope Amp
3:09 For Percussion Sounds
3:33 Amplitude Key Tracking
4:23 Ducking (sidechain style)
5:22 Audio Amplitude Modulation
6:07 Tremolo
7:02 Gated LFO
7:37 Wave-mixing

Be sure to check out the 2xVCA and my other cool modules available in my Reverb store.