Behringer 2-XM Four Voice Poly Action Using CV.OCD [Demo 01]

Today I'm employing a Sixty Four Pixels CV.OCD to distribute CV/gate amongst two Behringer 2-XM synths for proper Four Voice allocation. As of today the 2-XM firmware on its own does not support individual voice allocation this way. And THIS is very much what I signed up for: stereo panning each voice however I want, pulling out notes of a sequence/chord using filter and envelope controls per voice, and slight variations in the voicings giving rise to an analog sound that is very much alive. Even when the sequence is just arpeggiating a single note value, the variations suggest movement as you will hear.

All audio recorded direct to iPhone via Roland GO:MIXER Pro-X. No sound effects are applied, some normalization in post processing. Signals were sub-mixed on a Soundcraft EPM6 mixer, no added EQ. Sequencing by Arturia Keystep Pro.

0:00 Chords and Bass Sequence I
2:32 Chords and Bass Sequence II
4:14 Single Note Arpeggiation

I make Eurorack Modules with Mojo. Check out my Reverb Store for module availability and gently pre-owned gear.

My Quintessential OB-6 Synthesizer Sound Set Now Available on Gumroad

Today I introduce my Quintessential OB-6 Synthesizer Sound Set. This audio demo is a selection from my original Sequential/Oberheim OB6 patches. The bank download includes 100 patches can be purchased at Gumroad. The patches come from a variety of influences: Arena Rock, Pop, Trance, Darkwave, Freestyle, Dub, Classic Hits, New Wave, Electro. As well as some funky weird stuff the OB-6 has coaxed from my imagination. Hope you'll enjoy these awe-inspiring sonics coming from the OB-6 as much as I do. All audio recorded direct to iPhone via Roland GO:MIXER Pro-X. Only on-board synth fx used, no additional effects. Some normalization in post processing.

PATCH TIMESTAMPS
0:00 | 000 Sawyer Stab
0:17 | 001 Cosmic Interval
0:26 | 002 X-Mod Pad I
0:33 | 003 Reso Arp I
0:39 | 004 Ominous Pad Sweep
0:54 | 006 Cosmic Trance Stab
1:15 | 009 Dub Stab I
1:20 | 010 Thrilla Bass
1:24 | 011 Daylight Pad
1:31 | 014 Staccato Arp w/ Delay
1:46 | 018 Falling Star
1:56 | 020 Breakdown Stab
2:06 | 021 Timeless I
2:18 | 022 Timeless II
2:31 | 023 Shock Value
2:43 | 024 Choir Pad
2:51 | 026 Detroit
2:59 | 027 Soft Power
3:09 | 030 Bionic Break
3:18 | 031 Memorymoog Bass
3:24 | 032 String Artifacts
3:39 | 033 Float Away
3:49 | 035 X-Mod Lead
3:58 | 036 Big Obie Pad
4:07 | 038 Freestyle Bass I
4:14 | 039 Pulsing Chord Sweep
4:27 | 040 4th Dimension
4:36 | 041 Notch Sweep
4:47 | 042 Notch Dream Pad
5:01 | 044 Freestyle Bass II
5:07 | 045 Dub House Bass
5:16 | 046 Dream Stab
5:31 | 047 Good Life
5:39 | 048 Fanfare
5:44 | 049 Soft Brass
5:50 | 050 80s Poly
6:01 | 051 Strange World
6:27 | 053 Dream Chops
6:41 | 054 Eminent Strings
6:50 | 055 October Love
7:04 | 056 Burning House
7:18 | 057 Strange Lead
7:30 | 059 Soft Stab
7:39 | 060 Beauty Arp
7:41 | 061 Stringer Phase
7:57 | 062 Stringer Phase Full
8:04 | 063 Tuned TR Cowbell
8:17 | 065 Eden Arp
8:30 | 066 Delta Organ Cheese
8:42 | 067 The Drop
8:51 | 068 Fantasy World
9:04 | 069 Big Yay
9:13 | 070 X-Mod Stab
9:22 | 071 Encore
9:31 | 072 D-Fifths
9:38 | 073 Weird Strings
9:47 | 075 VHS Theme
9:59 | 077 2099
10:07 | 079 Dessert Pie Arp
10:23 | 080 Jetlag
10:35 | 081 Liguids
10:45 | 082 X-Mod Pad II
11:01 | 083 Glamour Pad
11:09 | 084 Bionic Arp
11:20 | 085 Seq Groove
11:33 | 086 Cosmic Texture
11:44 | 087 Stereo Gallop
11:57 | 089 Death Bed
12:18 | 091 Angry Arco
12:31 | 092 Squeegee Groove
12:43 | 096 Broken Toy
12:53 | 097 EDM Bass Pad
13:06 | 098 Full String Section
13:18 | 099 Outro Glide

I'm Moving Synth Patch Downloads to Gumroad

I'm in the process of migrating my synthesizer patch downloads to Gumroad. As before, the sound sets that were originally offered for nothing is still available for no contribution. If you like and enjoy the patches a small contribution is definitely encouraged. The new sound sets however will be around a meager $5USD, buy me a cuppa for my efforts :D But feel free to contribute more if moved to do so!

The first new release is GSE Sound Set 01 for Kawai K1/K1m
...coming on the horizon soon: Roland JX-8P Patch Set 02, Akai AX-80 so be on the lookout.

Behringer Wave Digital Synthesizer User Review [Demo 01]

Today I am giving a user review of the new Behringer Wave. My personal thoughts and opinions. I bought this synth with my own tax refund money. So nobody has input into what I'm posting here today. The Wave is promoted as a faithful reproduction of the PPG Wave 2.3 digital synthesizer in all its lo-fi glory. With a touch of some modern feature additions. While I have tried a friend's original PPG, this is not a comparison to the original. Nor is this an exhaustive how-to, nor covering all features.
Is the Behringer Wave right for you?
What makes the Wave stand out from other synths?
Is the Wave a good value for the money?
Can I recommend the Wave to others?

0:00 Introduction and Brief Overview
1:01 Build Quality
2:23 Features, Sound
4:39 User Interface and the Synthtribe App
6:10 Final Thoughts
7:59 One more thing

Be sure to check out my cool Eurorack modules I make in my Reverb Store

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.

Casio CZ-1000 Synthesizer Demo

Today the Casio CZ-1000 is giving me the feels with an Eventide Timefactor. Original patches, recorded direct via Roland GO:Mixer Pro-X. Be sure to check out my Reverb Store for gently pre-owned gear and the cool Eurorack modules I offer.

Kawai K1m Retro Digital Synth Euphoria Desktop Module

Today I'm auditioning my original patches made for the Kawai K1m. A very limited digital synth from the 90s. And yet after digging into the architecture was able to harness some very powerful and unique features that are really, I mean, REALLY surprising. You'll hear some cheesy things, some pads, basses. And then there's fat poly action, swirling digital synth soundscapes. And alive motion things that are frankly astounding for such an unassuming little black box. Try to keep in mind when you hear the Mesmerized patch - the K1m has no sequencer nor arpeggiator. No freely assignable LFOs, just a fixed vibrato and that's it. And NO filter ha! Be sure to watch the whole video, lots of my favorites are on the 2nd half starting @3:19. My favorites are Head East, LA Sunset, Liquide and Mesmerized...which ones did you like?

0:00 Steamy
0:22 StringSyn
0:32 MicroMacro
0:45 Meekly
1:04 Spokes
1:18 Bedtime
1:39 SynViolin
1:49 Deep State
1:58 ChordLock
2:08 Sunrays
2:21 StringPad2
2:40 Sine Tones
2:51 ReedyBass
2:57 LectroKeys
3:18 TreeOfLife
3:45 Worn Tape
4:09 Ramp Me!
4:27 Italio
4:42 Hunter Bass
4:52 FlrscntBass
5:02 LA Sunset
5:43 Liquide
6:27 FuturChopz
6:42 Big Chill
7:10 Digipad
7:22 Fat Poly
7:43 Fat Punch
7:50 Head East
8:21 Night Sky
8:37 Artifakt
9:10 Mesmerized

Recorded direct, only the onboard effects are used. No other mastering or effects have been added.
Be sure to check out my Reverb Store for cool eurorack modules and gently owned gear for sale.

Behringer MS-5 Synthesizer User Review [Demo 01]

Today I am giving a user review of the new Behringer MS-5. My personal thoughts and opinions. I bought this synth with my own money. So nobody has input into what I'm posting here today. The MS-5 is touted as a faithful reproduction of the Roland SH-5 all-analog circuitry. With a touch of some modern feature additions. While I have tried a friend's original SH-5, this is not a comparison to the original. Nor is this an exhaustive how-to, nor covering all features. Is the MS-5 right for you? What makes the MS-5 stand out from other synths? Is the MS-5 a good value for the money? Can I recommend the MS-5 to others?

0:00 Introduction and Brief Overview
1:03 Build Quality
3:09 Demo
3:34 Features, Sound and Quirky Design Oddities
7:51 Demo
8:08 Computer and MIDI Interconnectivity
9:18 Final Thoughts

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

GSE Patches for ASM Hydrasynth Set 01 is NOW AVAILABLE

You've waited long enough young grasshoppa. My original Hydrasynth patches/presets Set #01 is finally here! 50 glorious sounds, and I decided to make them free to download. Dark atmosphere, fat basses, lush pads, 80s synth. And some really bent sounds coming from a place of pure imagination. Zip file containing 50 original presets in *.hydra file format. Use Hydrasynth Manager to upload the presets to your Hydrasynth.

Download the patches HERE.

The above video auditions the last ten sounds.
You do not want to miss that last patch, it's bonkers.

Timestamps
0:00 041 Strings JX | Super JX Strings
0:13 042 Lo-Fi Mutes | Guitar Mutes
0:28 043 Event Horizon | Lush Pad w/ Sequenced Progression
1:01 044 OK Hydra | Lead w/ Weird Delay Modulation
1:33 045 No Dancing | Cheesy Percussion Thing
1:56 046 TRS Horizons | Bright and Shiny Arpeggio
2:16 047 BrassSynChorus | Brass Lead the way you like it
2:40 048 106 Bass | For all your 80s needs
3:12 049 Breaking Saws | Saws w/ Release that breaks in the low range
3:36 050 Max Altitude | Vocal Pad w/ Saturation

Sorry about the ceiling fan in that video, it's another hot one today :D
Be sure to check out my Eurorack modules available in my Reverb Store.

GSE Patches for ASM Hydrasynth [Demo04:Patches031-040]

Auditioning more of my original ASM Hydrasynth patches available soon.
Stay tuned.

Timestamps
0:00 031 Futurescape | Sci-Fi Atmosphere
0:31 032 Wave Bass | 90s Digital Bass Synth
0:52 033 Strat of Mind | 80s Retro Strat
1:25 034 Undercurrent | Growling, Moody Pad
1:55 035 Think Tank | Slightly Pulsing Pad
2:26 036 Requiem | Dark Choir
3:00 037 Datastream Pad | Percolating Modulated Pad
3:41 038 Hydrastation | Wavestation Steam Pad
4:11 039 Next Gen | Stabby Pad w/ Movement
4:45 040 Mellotronix | Mellotron Strings + Ahhs

G-Storm Electro Patches for Roland Jupiter-6 [Demo #4]

Auditioning some original Roland Jupiter-6 patches available for download. I had the good fortune of getting another Jupe in the studio. The previous one that had Europa was sold. This one is an earlier model, and was purchased dead. After bringing it back to life and calibration... Soon I had quickly re-programmed all my favorite sounds.

This video is un-rehearsed, so lots of noodling. Not dwelling too long on any one sound, to save your time. So if you skip around, you might miss something. Just sayin' :D Chord stabs, sweeps, bass, apreggio, sound fx, leads. Patch F7 is my template (default, or blank) patch. Patch F8 is my scratch patch, for when I can't remember what location I wanted to over-write.

The Roland Jupiter-6 has only rudimentary midi capability: simple note on/off and patch change midi message only. So, these patches can only be dumped all at once using the cassette interface. BE SURE TO BACK UP YOUR OWN PATCHES BEFORE OVER-WRITING THEM!

Download the patches as an mp3 audio file on my DOWNLOAD PAGE. I have used the JP-6 VERIFY function and confirm the audio file is good.

No additional effects or processing was used, aside from some normalization. Video was made in great haste - so it's un-edited, some audio levels are clipping. And sometimes scratchy volume pot.

Gyrinx VCF + Pittsburgh Primary Oscillator Audio [Demo #3]

Today I am running the Pittsburgh Modular Primary Oscillator through the Gyrinx VCF.
And throwing a bunch of LFOs and short triggers at them.
Expect more saturated noise and a few harsh tones in this one.
As well as strange bass sounds and fx bleeps.
The sequenced stuff is going through my 2xVCA

Gyrinx VCF is a eurorack topology of the Synton Syrinx Filter section.
Check my Reverb store for Gyrinx VCF, 2xVCA, 2xADSR availability
http://reverb.com/shop/gstormelectro
0:00 Strange Drone I
1:06 Even Stranger Drone II
3:14 Quick Sequence
3:31 Sequence I
4:59 Sequence II

Modulations from Batumi, 2xADSR
Control + Sequencing from Keystep Pro
Some fx from Timefactor and Big Sky

GSE Patches for ASM Hydrasynth [Demo03:Patches021-030]

Auditioning more of my original ASM Hydrasynth patches available soon.

Timestamps
0:00 021 Diginoise | Lo-Fi Tones + Atmosphere
0:28 022 Blades | Edgy Synth
0:53 023 Sine Tones | Pure + Smooth the way you like it
1:14 024 Voices + Chimes | Choir + Morricone Chimes
1:40 025 Hackspander | Obie Sweep
2:00 026 Ghosted | Dissonant + Creepy Choir
2:22 027 Pulsing | Sawtooth Synth Arp
2:44 028 Hydrix-8 | Another Obie Sweep
3:10 029 Darkscape | Sci-Fi Noir FX
3:43 030 Tickin' Clock | Modulated Delay Percussion

GSE Patches for ASM Hydrasynth [Demo02:Patches011-020]

Auditioning more of my original ASM Hydrasynth patches.
This synth is only limited by your imagination.
What shall we hear today?
The entire bank is still in progress, so not yet available at this time.
Please stay tuned.

Timestamps
0:00 011 PerkySyn | dreamy upbeat arpeggio
1:17 012 Negative Space | swirling audio space folded inside-out
1:54 013 Glider | liquid sweep pad
2:31 014 BP Nexus | heavy bandpass pad
3:02 015 Dominion X | dark pad
3:37 016 Arco Heavy | Emulator-style bass/cello attack stroke
3:54 017 At Rest | Tranquil Pad
4:22 018 Space Chimes | big windchime thing + reverb
5:07 019 Symbiotic | chill note order arpeggio
5:28 020 Funky Reality | altered reality guitar

GSE Patches for ASM Hydrasynth [Demo01:Patches001-010]

Auditioning the first block of my original ASM Hydrasynth patches.
You'll never know... the hours requred to meticulously sculpt each sound
from the initialized patch. That's just how I roll.
Especially getting #003 Stringer dialed in.
The entire bank is still in progress, so not yet available at this time.
Please stay tuned.

Timestamps
0:00 001 Expanse - intergalactic pad sweep
0:33 002 Tech Stab - tech house
1:03 003 Stringer - 70s String Synthesizer
1:58 004 Pepsi Float - juno-ish 80s Synthwave
2:24 005 Rubarb - lo-fi stab + reverb
2:41 006 Urbanite - delayed stabby thing w/ AT
3:22 007 Digital Rain - 90s digital pad
3:57 008 Glasswave - wavetable pad sweep
4:30 009 Plinko - game sounds, decent for arpeggio
5:13 010 Poly Sweep Res - 70s synth sweep, try the chord mode!

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.

Behringer Neutron First Patch [Demo #1]

Today a first patch soundscape/sequence on my new muse,
the Behringer Neutron. Listen that on headphones. No, really.

I haven't come across any compelling demos on the Neutron.
It has great specs, but not much attention was given.
Until I had a chance to play one last weekend at the Dallas Synth Meet.
HOLY SHNITZEL. This thing blew me away.
The analog BBD delay section is one of the nicest.
So responsive, expressive,
...and lovely thick feedback harmonics.
You can ride the feedback right up to pure chaos, then
back away. It will abide your every move.
And every time I tweaked something it got better and better.
I am really looking forward to getting more cutting edge
sound design with this one!

Sequencing: Beatstep Pro
Recorded Direct to Tascam DR-05.
Additional delay using Timefactor Delay.

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.

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.

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