Behringer RD-9 Doing Slower Tempo

The Behringer RD-9 Rhythm Designer drum machine just rolled in the door. Today I'm showing 3 little vignettes of what it sounds like doing slower tempo stuff w/ SH-101, TD-3 and some eurorack stuff.

3 parts:
0:00 90 bpm w/ Roland SH-101 andfx processing on some of the individual outs. You might like headphones or monitors to get the full sound.
1:18 80 bpm w/ Eurorack + Keystep Pro. RD-9 through Big Sky then DBX 160A compressor
3:01 100 bpm w/ TD-3. RD-9 low tom getting lo-shelf at mixer then Reverb + Delay. Some use of Probability and note-repeat (ratchet) on the closed hats.

The wave designer features were not used.
No mastering or post processing. This recording could have used some. The RD-9 definitely has punchy transients, I kept turning my record level down but still peaking my Tascam DR-05. So the average level sounds kinda low to me.

Pittsburgh Modular Crow [Safari] First Patches Eurorack Filter [Demo #1]

Just got a couple of new Pittsburgh Modular Safari Crow filters in.
Running them through some percussion patches, sounds nice :D

Part I 0:00
Dropped the first Crow into my 2-row percussion rack.
The first demo showing it being used in classic Nicol fashion...
Crow is used in highpass mode on the Feedback Static noise source for high-hat duty.
Hats: Static | Crow HP | Bastl Skis II | Pittsburgh Analog Delay Unit
Kick: Pittsburgh Synth Box LPF self res
Snareish thing: Basimilus | Local Florist
Misc Percussion: Gibbon CV | FR Transient (Sequenced by Varigate 4) | DC571
A pair of Feedback Squeeze compressors strapped on the outputs.
Digitakt sequenced via Erica Midi To Trigger

Part II 3:26
2nd Crow went into the 3-row synth rack.
All sound: G-Storm Transistor-82 | Crow LP
Pitch mod: Pittsburgh Primary Osc B
Noise Type mod: Batumi
Osc/Noise mod: Pittsburgh Toolbox S/H
Crow mod: G-Storm 2xADSR
FX: Timefactor and Big Sky Room setting
Sequenced by Keystep Pro

Electro Beats - Eurorack Percussion Jam ft. Transistor-82

Transistor-82 lo-fi analog is back!
And this time brought along some friends.
Gettin' down with a nice electro jam. Crank that.

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

Patchnotes : timestamps where each layer is best heard.

| Bass sweep + Noise | 0:00, 1:45 dry
GSE Transistor-82 to Pittsburgh Florist
2xADSR to OSC pitch

| Kick | 0:08
Pittsburgh Synth Box [ping LPF] to Feedback CP3-

| Snare | 0:16
Future Retro Transient+ 808 Snare to GSE DC571 to Big Sky

| Hats | 0:00
Tiptop Hats 909 to Feedback CP3-

| Metallic Noises | 3:10
Noise Engineering Basimilus Iteritas Alter

| Additional Noises | 3:34
Pittsburgh Synth Box Tri Out to OSC2 Dannysound Timbre
GSE Pro VCF self-osc to OSC1 Timbre
GSE SH2-VCF self-osc to Timbre CV

For more info on Transistor-82
https://www.modulargrid.net/e/g-storm-electro-transistor-82

Transistor-82 is now available again, check my Reverb store for availability
http://reverb.com/shop/gstormelectro

Behringer RD-6 [USER REVIEW] Analog Drum Machine

Today I am giving a user review of the new Behringer RD-6 Analog Drum Machine.
The RD-6 is an affordable re-issue of the Roland TR-606 all-analog circuitry.
With some updated functionality.
While I have a TR-606, this is not another typical audio comparison video.
Is the RD-6 a good value and sound for the money?
How well does it really work for eurorack modular systems?
Has anything been improved over the original?
How does it compare to other analog drum machines available?
I'll break it all down for you right here, right now.

0:00 Opening Demo
0:59 Introduction
1:38 Build Quality + Connections Overview
2:48 Sounds + Features Overview
4:16 What's in a Clap? vs. DR-110
5:41 MIDI: External Sound Trigger
6:31 USB: Data Transfer + Individual Outputs
7:13 Summary of Final Thoughts

Recorded direct to Tascam DR-05.

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.

Transistor-82 Lo-Fi Oscillator FM Demo #2

I was contacted by Frederic on Reverb about my Transistor-82 analog percussion module.
He was wondering about the range of the oscillator pitch CV input.
And what it sounds like with oscillator FM.
Be warned, there are some pretty rough sounds ahead.
Audio recorded direct to Tascam DR-05, no added effects.

Erica Synths Sample Drum USER REVIEW Eurorack [Pt. 2/2]

Today I am continuing my user review of the Erica Synths Sample Drum. I will be covering the On-Board Effects, CV Mapping, Performance Mode, Saving Projects, and global settings. Along the way I'll try a couple of interesting experiments using the features covered. Be sure to hang around for the end of the video where I'll share my final thoughts.

Audio samples were recorded and processed in ocenaudio.

0:00 Opening Intro
0:52 On Board Effects
1:35 CV Mapping
3:18 Sample Drum as an Oscillator?
4:44 Performance Mode
5:26 Saving Projects
6:21 Mult-sampled Instrument Project
7:45 Global Settings
9:04 Final Thoughts

Recorded direct to Tascam DR-05.
No outboard effects nor processing of any kind.

Erica Synths Sample Drum USER REVIEW Eurorack [Pt. 1/2]

Today I am giving another new product user review, this time the Erica Synths Sample Drum Eurorack Module. The Sample Drum is described as an easy-to-use, two voice, modular sample player designed with percussion and loops in mind. So how does the Sample Drum perform as a loop playback sampler? Can it be as crunchy as your Akais or Emus? Let's see.

Recorded direct to Tascam DR-05. No outboard effects nor processing of any kind.

GSE 4023-VCF Filter Demo #3 Saturated Drums

In a previous video I showed how the 4023-VCF has some lovely saturation with synthesizer sounds.
Today I will be running some percussion though the filter. In most cases, when the input slider is above 60% the filter input will start to become overdriven. Resulting in a warm and fuzzy distortion.
I'll be using control voltages to use the saturated filter as a gate,which can change-up the grooves.

Audio recorded direct to Tascam DR-05.
No additional effects other than what you see.

0:00 Opening
0:15 Talking
Audio Demos
0:52 Roland Tr-8
3:33 Drumbrute Impact
5:43 Future Retro Transient+

Modulations
Envelope Contours - 2xADSR dual envelope
LFO - Batumi
Reverb - GSE Spring Tank Reverb Driver
Sequencing - Beatstep Pro

Roland Juno-106 + Eurorack DEMO [Tesla Coil]

The Juno-106 has landed once again in the studio. I put together a little sequence on the BSP. And a warm saturation bassline in Eurorack.

Juno-106 | Timefactor | Big Sky: Arpeggio and swells
2xADSR | 4023 VCF (self resonance): Kick
Synth Box | JP6-VCF | 2xVCA | 106 Chorus module: bass line
Transistor-82 | Spring Tank Reverb | EMW VC Pan: Percussion
Modulations/Triggers: Batumi, Varigate4

Recorded live in 1 shot to Tascam DR-05
Some post processing in Cubase 7.

Transistor-82 Lo-Fi Analog Percussion Synthesizer Overview Demo #1

Today I am proud to introduce my Transistor-82:
a low tech analog percussion synthesizer Eurorack module.
It's been in the works over a year.
Circuit testing has been well...quite addictive!
First I explain the concept of Transistor-82 and how it came about.
Then take a quick tour of the front panel features/controls.
And close out with some audio demos.

Timestamps
0:00 Opening Demo
0:10 Intro, Development, and Lo-Fi Drum Brains
1:22 Opening Demo Continued
1:28 A Quick Tour of Transistor-82!
3:15 Audio Demos

Trigger shots coming from Varigate4.
CV modulations from S/H and Batumi LFOs.
Audio recorded direct to Tascam DR-05, no added effects.
Transistor-82 is now available in my Reverb Store.

Transistor-82 Percussion Synthesizer Now Available

Say hello to your new addiction! After a year in the works, Transistor-82 is finally here.
Available exclusively 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.

Transistor-82 Lo-Fi Analog Percussion Synthesizer Test (in progress)

You may remember my discontinued Transistor-80,
it was a retro analog percussion Eurorack module.
Simple, quirky, fun. But it just begged for more.
I've been working on an advanced version, today I am giving a sneak preview.
I'm calling it the Transistor-82.
It's been a long time coming, testing sessions have been well...
...quite addictive!

The Transistor-82 will have all different circuitry compared to the predecessor.
But retains that special early 80s Lo-Fi Synsonics / Cynare / Drumfire vibe.
Along with many proper drum synthesis controls.
And welcome additions including CV input control over many parameters.
More will be announced soon as progress and design concludes.

WARNING - loud analog percussion chirps bleeps chaos, watch your levels!
Trigger shots coming from Varigate4.
CV modulations from S/H and Batumi LFOs.
Audio recorded direct to Tascam DR-05, no effects. None.

Check out my Eurorack modules currently available in my Reverb store.

The Wild Side of the Delta VCF 8HP Eurorack Synth Demo #3

This is my Delta VCF 8HP analog filter module.
It's an adaptation of the Korg Delta/Poly-61 filter.
The Delta VCF 8HP is exactly the same circuit as my previous versions.
Today I'm patching into the wilder side of this filter.
I bumped the resonance trimpot a bit for this one.
So be warned, there's a bit of wonderful resonant squaling ahead.
There's a variety of sound sources and CV modulations being fed in.

Arturia Drumbrute Impact, Pittsburgh Synthesizer Box, Synthesis Technology E352 Cloud Terrarium, CEM3340 VCO, Batumi, 2xVCA, 2xADSR, Basimilus Iteritas Alter, Varigate4, Temps Utile.

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

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

Behringer Model D Patches #1

Today I am auditioning some original patches on the Behringer Model D Synthesizer.
Patches show the versatility of this intrument.
From basses, arpeggios, percussion, and more.
Recorded Direct to Tascam DR-05.
All auditions are heard dry, no effects.
Selected auditions are then used with the Timefactor Delay.

If you are interested in trying out some of these patches, I made the patch sheets available for download right here on this blog.
Look over on the sidebar where it says Featured Post Download Links, click it!
That will take you to my download page.
That is where I manage the patch downloads for various synthesizers.

Oberheim Matrix-12 Synthesizer Percussion Demo

OMG that Snare sounds familiar. No drum machines or samplers were used in this demo. No, today you're getting a full dose of Oberheim Matrix-12 percussion sounds. Watch as I corral a group of freshly programmed percussion sounds together using MIDI assignments in multi-mode. The Beatstep Pro is in full trigger control. Muting tracks is done on the M12 channel volume page. Recorded direct to Tascam DR-05 via Mackie mixer. No effects mucking about whatsoever. I should be making the patches available sometime soon. Thanks for watching!

Spring Tank Reverb Eurorack Prototype Module

Today I am showing my prototype Spring Tank Reverb module. It's a driver for old school spring tanks like those found in vintage mixers and guitar amplifiers. The driver module has controls for Drive, Tone brightness and darkness, wet/dry mix, and an input for sending CVs to control the wet/dry mix. I'm using an envelope for CV, Beatstep Pro for trigger sequencing, and beats are coming from the Future Retro Transient. I also run the signal through my dual channel compressor, using a trick where both channels are cascaded for additional compression. I also briefly punch in some delay from Timefactor. Audio was recorded direct to Tascam through a Mackie mixer. EDIT: I noticed some users are connecting this to things that are not eurorack systems. To assist you w/ your efforts here are the active pins on the power input.

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.

My DC571 Dual Compressor for Eurorack is Now Available

My DC571 Dual Compressor for Eurorack is now available in my Reverb Store. To operate the DC571:
1) plug in the audio input and output, making sure some sounds are present
2) set the switch up (compress) to activate the effect
3) turn the input knob until you hear clicks/pops (clipping) and then back it down a little
4) set the switch down (bypass) to compare the volume of the original signal
5) set the switch back up and turn the output make-up gain knob until the volume is the same as when you started. You may need to repeat steps 4 & 5, and it’s definitely ok to increase the output a little bit more if so desired! For even more compression, the channels can be cascaded in series. Do this by patching the output of channel 1 into the input of channel 2.