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

101-VCO Version 2 Roland SH-101 Oscillator Adaptation + RD-6 [Demo 1 No ...

101-VCO has returned to the fold: the same great sound, simplified and improved tuning, and having all the individual outputs without need for an expander module. All in 12HP. Headphones or good monitors recommended.

Check my Reverb store for 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

GSE Announces 4027 VCO Eurorack Adaptation of the ARP 2600 VCO-2

Today I am giving an introduction to my new 4027 VCO. The 4027 VCO is a Eurorack adaptation the ARP 2600 VCO-2. Watch your audio levels, especially when the full range of the waveforms are demonstrated.

Timestamps
0:00 Opening Sounds
0:25 Introduction
1:12 Audio
1:31 Euro Adaptation: Bringing That Special Tone To Life
2:09 Front Panel
3:03 Waveforms Audio
5:38 Doubling VCOs, FM
7:25 Outro Sounds: Bass, Lead, Arpeggio

4027 VCO full details at Modular Grid

Recorded direct to Tascam DR-05.
KBD control + Sequencing: Beatstep Pro
**Ending Track**
Bass: 4027 VCO | Tonus VCF
Lead/Arpeggio: 4027 VCO | 4023 VCF
Delay: Timefactor

101E Output Expander for 101-VCO Now Available

Introducing my 101E Output Expander for the 101-VCO.
101E adds buffered, individual wave outputs from the 101-VCO.
I will show how to interconnect them.
And just a few things you can do with the expansion.

Links for more information...
101E
101-VCO
Buy

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.

101-VCO First Look Eurorack Oscillator [Demo 1] (Roland SH-101)

Quick 1-minute demo sounding off some waveforms of my new 101-VCO.
101-VCO is a eurorack adaptation of the SH-101 oscillator section.
Including sub-octave generator, octave range switch, and PWM.
Plus FM, Hard and Soft Sync I'll show in a future video.

Filter: GSE 101-VCF
Envelope: GSE 2xADSR
Kick Drum: GSE Pro-VCF in self oscillation + Bastl Skis.
Sequencing: Arturia Beatstep Pro

A more thorough overview is coming soon.
101-VCO full details at Modular Grid

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

GSE Announces the 101-VCO in Red and Blue Panel

GSE is pleased to announce my first VCO module. There are many 3340 VCOs out there, but none like this. The 101- VCO is an authentic realization of the Roland SH-101 voltage controlled oscillator adapted to Eurorack. The 101-VCO packs a dizzying array of the original circuit features sorely lacking from other modules: that lovely Sub-Octave Generator, that snowy Noise Generator, an integrated Mixer section to bring all the waves together, and a dedicated octave Range switch. Most of all - that sound you’ve been wanting. Needing. Waiting.

101-VCO also expands the original features to reveal the full potential of the CEM3340 chip: Triangle wave, Hard and Soft sync, Exponential FM. And 2 flavors of Linear FM: Lo Range to find those vibrato sweet spots, and Hi Range for full-on Linear FM madness. Expand the palette of original sounds using an external CV signal for Pulse Width Modulation that is summed against the initial Pulse Width amount. While the initial PW amount can go right up to the edge of vanishing, PWM can take the Width right down to 0% up to 100% for complete cancellation.

Great care was taken to keep the 101-VCO fully analog circuit as close to the original as possible. Featuring an OnChip CEM3340 re-issue at the core of the design, surrounded by nine 20mm slide pot controls. When this well-calibrated beauty drops into your rack, the CEM3340 pitch tracking might become the standard by which you track your other oscillators. You will always be close to the correct center frequency when you boot your system, there is a fine range +/- 3 semitone Tune slide pot that can get you there. There’s even a 5-pin header on the back panel: it’s for a future planned expansion module (sold separately) providing all buffered, DC-coupled individual wave outputs. Every 101-VCO is meticulously hand-crafted in limited quantities, not mass-produced, and ready to rock your world.

Watch Modular Grid for pricing and Availability.
Be sure to check out my other cool modules available in my Reverb store.

Announcing the Transistor-82 Lo-Fi Analog Percussion Module

Thump, hiss, whack, booooom. Transistor-82 is a highly tweakable, retro percussion synthesizer in 14HP Eurorack format. This time around the Transistor-82 is different circuitry than its predecessor. But still has the same vintage charm + adds a ton of features and input CV control over many parameters. I have found this single voice, with this extent of control, can sound like 4 or 5 voices.
The Transistor-82 combines an oscillator with a noise source, along with an optional click transient. The noise source comprises two types: hat and snare (more filtered). With extensive control over decay, pitch, and the Oscillator/Noise Mix – you’ll never run out of old school percussion action.

FEATURES:
Sensitivity Trimmer – controls input trigger response
Decay Knob – controls overall decay
Decay Type Switch – Choose Normal/CV or Short. In Normal position, incoming CV can toggle Norm/Short. Approx 3V is the breakpoint of the toggle.
Oscillator Decay Knob – adds decay time to the Oscillator
Noise Type Switch – Choose Hat/CV or Snare noise types. In Hat position, incoming CV can toggle Hat/Snare. Approx 3V is the breakpoint of the toggle.
Pitch Knob – Initial frequency of the Oscillator.
Pitch CV Jack/Trimmer – control voltage for Oscillator Pitch
Bend Knob – The Decay envelope can affect Oscillator Pitch. 12-o’clock has no effect. CW from 12-o’clock adds to the initial pitch, CCW from 12-o’clock subtracts from initial pitch.
Click Switch – additional attack transient
Mix Knob – controls balance between noise and oscillator
Mix CV Jack/Trimmer – control voltage for Mix

Available mid-march. Be sure to check out my other cool modules available in my Reverb store.
More details on Modular Grid.

Pittsburgh Modular DNA Symbiotic Waves More Tips-N-Tricks [Demo 3]

Once again we are looking at the DNA Symbiotic Waves dual oscillator: a cornucopia of naked digital synthesis anarchy. Today I will drill down on some more tips for edgy and gritty sounds.

Topics
Supersaw! + Detuned Oscillators - Layer Processor
Trying Other Processors with these settings
Small Processing Amounts
Using DNA with a Filter Module
Oscillator #2 Tuning
Modulating Oscillator Mix Balance
The Bizarre FM Delay Processor
Maxxing Out Processor Amounts - FM Reduce
Setting the Mix fully to One Oscillator
Reduce Processor
Switch Processor - Dubstep Wobble

Recorded Direct to Tascam DR-05, no effects.
VCA - Bastl Skis
LFO - Pittsburgh Synthesizer Box
Filter - my SH2-VCF
Note Triggering - Arturia Beatstep Pro