The Coin Battery Situation on the Siel DK80 Is A Bit Unusual

In my previous video you saw me tear down a Siel DK80. Today I am going to replace the lithium coin battery. Be sure to backup your patches to the cartridge before proceeding.

I make Eurorack modules with Mojo, Shop NOW on Reverb :D

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.

Roland RS-09 Synthesizer Repair

Today I am going to service a Roland RS-09 having some issues. I'm going to
- address the tactile button actuator assembly
- troubleshooting the dead button panel circuit
- address some metal panel rust
- replace some felt dust filters for fader pots
- deal with the rickety plastic rivet fasteners for the front panel.
Lots of fun stuff.

0:00 Introduction and Symptoms
0:57 Teardown
2:40 Dead Button Diagnosis
4:31 Tests
5:12 Button Actuator Assembly
6:23 New Felt Dust Filters for Slide Pots
7:33 Rivets, Chassis Rust, Final Test

Be sure to check out my cool eurorack modules for sale in my Reverb Store

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.

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

2xVCA Exploration of Audio Rates Amplitude Modulation

Want to spice up your ordinary analog VCOs?
In my previous VCA Tips and Tricks video I showed you how to do audio rate modulation using a VCA. It's basically a tremolo, only the control signal is another audio signal.
The result ends up sounding similar to ring mod or FM.
Today I'll show you exactly how to patch it up. And explore the cornucopia of interesting AM sounds using various input and control signals possible using a VCA.

Check my Reverb store for 2xVCA version 3 availability

0:00 Intro
0:26 Patching It Up
1:26 Exploring Various Source and Modulation Waveforms
5:47 Adding a Filter and Envelope

Can I Revive Kenwood DX-7030 DAT Machine Recorder?

Today I'm investigating issues with a Kenwood DX-7030 DAT Recorder.
The door opens and closes, but doesn't play the tape.
There's not a lot of mech service video content on this model.
And I have no service manual.
Can I get this thing working?

This is just a summary of about 10 hours of inspection, fiddling, proding, and poking.
Not including watching a load of DAT mech cleaning content.
Big shout out to 12voltvids
There you can see more detailed tips for cleaning DAT mechanisms.

Timestamps
0:00 Intro and Symptoms
0:37 Tape Mech Breakdown
2:25 Take-up Rollers
3:10 Switch cleaning
4:14 Results?

Be sure to check out my cool eurorack synthesizer modules in my Reverb store.

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.

CP3- Audio Mixer [USER REVIEW + Demo] by Feedback DIY SMD Eurorack

This is the second video in a series of user reviews.
I am focusing on DIY eurorack modules by the maker Feedback.
In other videos I have covered their Static and Squeeze modules.
Today I am looking at the DIY CP3- Mixer derived from the Moog modular.
I will be giving some quick thoughts about the build.
But focus more on demo-ing some sounds.
The CP3-type mixer uses all discrete components, there are no IC chips inside!
At the end I give some concluding remarks.
But don't take my word for it.
In this video I will run all sorts of sounds through the CP3- so you can judge for yourself.

Timestamps
0:00 Introduction
0:52 Quick Notes About Assembly
1:12 The Format of the Audio Demos
1:47 Audio: 101-VCO Raw Oscillators
3:38 Audio: 4027 VCO Raw Oscillators
3:38 Audio: DNA Symbiotic Waves
5:50 Audio: 101-VCO Bassline, Arpeggio
6:10 Concluding Remarks

Recorded direct to Tascam DR-05.
No additional mastering or processing.
Find more info about CP3- Mixer at Modular Grid