My SH5-VCF revision 2 is now here!

The SH5-VCF Eurorack filter is back baby! Revision 2 has all the phat, but none of the chaff. What's different than version 1? What's the same? How to use it, and oh - how does it sound? Let's go!

Full specs and details on Modular Grid Check my Reverb Store for module pricing and availability

Roland Juno-106 VS Juno-106 Gravitational Slingshot Synthesizer Comparison

On the bottom tier is the wonderful Roland Juno-106 in all its original glory. No mods, no apologies. Going against the upper tier Juno, not only are the Gravitational Slingshot chips installed but also having the Analogue Renaissance waveform chips as well. I'm auditioning the same patches as loaded on both. Are you ready for a showdown? Which one comes out on top?

These patches are available for download at GUMROAD Audio recorded direct to iPhone via Roland GO:Mixer Pro-X via Soundcraft EPM6 Mixer. Aside from some normalization, no additional effects or processing were used.

Be sure to check out my REVERB STORE for gently owned gear and cool Eurorack modules for sale

Roland Juno-106 Synthesizer - That Juno Sound (no talking)

Today I'm auditioning some of my original patches the Roland Juno-106. I just love the 106 for those plucky arps, sweepy portamento pads, classic chorus circuit, weird resonance chops, and not forgetting those basses. The range of sounds inside the simple architecture is littered with sweet spots. I've lovingly crafted a bank of patches to harness these attributes, now these patches are available at Gumroad. Audio recorded direct to iPhone via Roland GO:Mixer Pro-X via Soundcraft EPM6 Mixer. No additional effects or processing were used.

Be sure to check out my cool pre-owned gear and hand-made eurorack modules in my Reverb Store.

JHS Colour Box v2 Lovely Saturation [FX w/ Synthesizers #19] Demo

Today I am exploring various synth and percussion elements through the JHS Colour Box v2 for that lovely vintage console saturation. A/B comparison effect on/bypass except the last section, got lost in the moment on that one. Tried my best to mind the levels, but now and then the volume is a bit inconsistent. Some normalization applied to remedy some of that, you understand. The EQ applied some nice touches, really helps pick out some sweet spots here and there. Recorded direct on iPhone via EPM6 mixer via Go:Mixer:Pro-X.

0:00 Novation Bass Station II
0:44 Bass Station II
1:22 Bass Station II
2:01 Oberheim DX
3:10 Behringer 2600
3:45 Eurorack 208HP Percussion System
5:15 Pittsburgh Modular Taiga
6:06 Roland JX-3P via Big Sky on Hall reverb

Be sure to check out my cool Eurorack modules and gently pre-owned gear in my Reverb Store

Auditioning Akai Samples on the Vintage 12-Bit X7000

Today I am exploring selected standard library samples on Akai X7000. The sounds came w/ my Gotek USB floppy emulator. Recorded direct on iPhone via EPM6 mixer via Go:Mixer:Pro-X. Industrial basses, strings, synths, plucky things, a couple of weird sound fx. This sampler, other gently pre-owned gear, and my hand-made eurorack modules are all currently available for sale in my Reverb store.

AKAI SOUND LIBRARY
0:00 Electric Bass
0:08 Hi String
0:23 Haunting Fifths
0:37 EMS
AKAI VARIOS
0:47 BBrass
0:54 Big Anna (+Eutopic glitched loading)
1:15 CMI Atmosphere
1:29 CMI Choir
1:37 CMI Sararr
1:42 D50 Fantasia
1:56 Depeche
2:05 DX7 Funk Bass
2:13 Eminent
2:23 Eutopic
2:35 Juno Max
2:45 Mega Bass
2:54 PPG Bass
LA STUDIO
3:03 Classical Guitar I
3:15 Double Bass
3:23 Armageddon

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

G-Storm Electro Announces ProADSR 3310 Dual Envelope Eurorack Module

Today I am introducing my ProADSR eurorack module, a 3310-based dual envelope generator. It has that special je ne sais quoi you didn't know your sound was missing.

Check out my Reverb Store for ProADSR availability and other cool eurorack modules I make.

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.

G-Storm Electro Spring Tank Shootout Reverb Driver Version 2-1

Quick Comparison of 3 Spring Tank Reverbs using my Reverb Driver version 2-1. I saw that many users were wanting to experiment with a variety of tank sizes, myself included. Now in my driver module version 2-1 I have added a jumper setting which makes it fast and easy to change the driver optimization for short tanks, medium tanks, or long tanks. Audio has been recorded direct, no other mastering or posts effects. 0:00 Quick Intro 0:12 Ruby Tube 2EB2C1B Short size tank 0:55 Vintage Folded Line, Medium size tank like those in a Roland Space Echo 1:53 Accutronics 4AB3C1B Long size 16" tank Check my Reverb store for Spring Tank Reverb Driver availability.

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.

Behringer VC340 Vocoder + 101-VCO [Demo #1]

Today the gorgeous sounds of the Behringer VC340 Vocoder
Strings and Choir paired with my 101-VCO on arpeggio.
101-VCO going to my 101-VCF for that classic SH-101 sound.
Future Retro Transient is going to the vocoder mic input.
Transient is modulated by Batumi to result in those
shifting vocoder effects - almost chanting/talking?
Arturia Drumbrute Impact is clocked to the Beatstep Pro.
Some Big Sky reverb and Timefactor Delay.

Recorded direct to Tascam DR-05.
More info on my 101-VCO

GSE 4023-VCF Demo #2 Lovely Saturation

Darkwave, deep house, tribal and Carpenter-esque sounds ahead.
Of the filters I'm offering, 4023-VCF has the most lovely saturation to me.
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.
Audio recorded direct to Tascam DR-05.
Some use of the Timefactor Delay and Big Sky Reverb.

0:00 Opening
0:14 Talking
1:01 Audio demos w/ talking intros

Kick Drum - Future Retro Transient+
Oscillators - Pittsburgh Synth Box + Rozendall CEM3340
Envelope Contours - 2xADSR dual envelope
Ring Mod - Mutable Warps
LFO - Batumi
MIDI Sequence - Beatstep Pro

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.

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.

Akai S900 Sampler Floppy Disk Drive Cleaning [No Soldering]

Floppy Drive on your S900 not working?
Does it take a while to warm up before the floppy starts working right?

You may be able to bring your disk drive back to life and/or improve its performance with a little cleaning and maintenance. In this video I show how the S900 floppy drive can be removed and cleaned with some simple tips.

Why would anyone want to mess w/ archaic floppy disk drives? While USB drive emulators are available which greatly increase the convenience and storage capacity of sample banks...
For me it's nostalgia. I just like floppies, you can still find boxes of blank floppies at thrift stores and garage sales. I also still use cassette tapes, some vinyl, and still buy CDs as well.

These tips may not guarantee results in every situation. The S950 and other samplers may differ in design/construction. However, these tips may possibly help you with other devices like E-mu, Ensoniq, Kawai, etc.

Beware! If you're not confident or experienced in electronic disassembly or repair, there's no shame in taking your sampler to a qualified technician. Floppy drives are delicate and have easily broken parts and bezels. You MUST unplug your sampler before attempting any service inside. Take all necessary precautions regarding static electricity discharge so as to not damage any sensitive electronics inside.

Testing Univox Minikorg CV+Gate Analog Synthesizer Mod

Testing out a Pitch CV + Gate mod for the Univox Minikorg, AKA Korg 700/700S. The arpeggio gets faster and ends up sounding inspired by Pink Floyd On The Run. The circuit one the breadboard is from E-Labs, Japan as shared by Cykong.com. I added a buffer on the gate since the Beatstep Pro trigger did not push enough current to make it happen. Strangely, the gate does work w/ the original MS-20. Beatstep Pro can do Hz/Volt, this setting can be made in the Arturia Midi Control Center software. Recorded direct to Tascam DR-05, no additional processing. Here's the lowdown:
Synth - Minikorg
Percussion - Basilimus Iteritas Alter
Percussion Trigger - Varigate4
Delay - Timefactor
Reverb - Big Sky, Hall setting

Happy Holidays from the studio

Quick update. Just added a couple more units of my Tonus VCF euro module adaptation of the ARP 2600 filter (4012 module) to my Reverb Store. They are now having the waterjet cut panels.

My Delta VCF module is sold out currently, I am taking this opportunity to re-visit the panel layout. I would like the jacks to be all at the bottom of the module like on the Tonus VCF. Using surface mount would make the builds go quicker as well. Hoping the Delta VCF will be available again before the year is out, we'll see. There will be a more official announcement and panel render when time comes.

ARP Solina String Synthesizer On Ensoniq EPS 16 Plus [2/2]

This is a quick follow up to the last Ensoniq EPS 16+ Sampler demo. In my previous EPS 16 Plus demo it was suggested I use a phaser to help give the sound some movement. After all it worked for Jean Michel Jarre on his Eminent. I'm in luck! I happen to have a Boss PH-2 Super Phaser. I also use my delay trick from my previous PH-2 demo to help widen the stereo image a bit.

Sampling ARP Solina String Synthesizer On Ensoniq EPS 16 Plus

Today I am messing around with a vintage Ensoniq EPS 16 Plus sampler. These were made around 1990 (27 years ago!) and are an excellent crunchy sampler alternative to Akai S-900 and E-mu Emulator. For this video I sampled an ARP Solina String Ensemble. This is less of a tutorial and more of a comparison. Does the sampler do the Solina any justice? Check it out and see. Be sure to click 'LIKE' and thanks for watching.