On counterpoint, cross-FM, and analog+digital timbres | Studio no. 5 performance & patch breakdown

video upload by Frap Tools

Today Francesco explores one of the harshest timbres ever created by mankind: the cross-FM. And if that wasn't enough, he will use both digital AND analog FM at the same time, blending Brenso and Hertz Donut mk. 1. How can we tame such wild beasts? Through a careful composition in the spirit of the great counterpoint masters.

Original track 'Studio No.5' composed by ‪@francescogennarimusic‬"

Time stamps:
00:00 Introduction
00:22 Modular performance
03:14 On counterpoint
03:55 Track structure overview
04:24 First voice: Brenso + Doepfer LPG + QSC
05:39 Layering the first voice
07:16 Second voice: Hertz Donut MKI + Optomix + QSC
09:33 Third voice: Falistri + SEM VCF + QSC
10:24 Usta clocking Sapel, Bagai, and Empress Zoia Delay
10:52 Disting EX: Ping Pong Delay and Reverb
11:33 Desmodus Versio: Final Reverb
11:51 Mute Hack with Usta and 411 VCA

Introducing Behringer BM-12 RING MODULATOR

video upload by Behringer

"Adam walks us through the BM-12 RING MODULATOR, a revival of a classic 2000s-era pedal known for its wild, unworldly tones. With extensive I/O, detailed controls, and a vibrant preamp that stays active even when bypassed, BM-12 offers powerful sound-shaping versatility—essentially two pedals in one. Perfect for adventurous musicians seeking bold, experimental textures." Chapters:
00:00 Welcome to BM-12
00:59 Ring Modulation
01:32 Paranoid-ish
02:22 The joy of Ring Modulation
03:00 Demo time
03:47 Controls
05:33 LFO demo
06:09 IO

The Behringer BM-12 RING MODULATOR is a vintage fully analog unit that delivers rich and otherworldly textures in a compact, pedalboard friendly format. From shimmering harmonic shifts to wild metallic clangs, BM-12 opens a portal to untamed soundscapes.

Deep Control, Endless Possibilities
At the heart of BM-12 is a versatile carrier oscillator with a sweeping frequency range that can dial in everything from slow-motion tremolo to piercing robotic tones. An onboard LFO lets you animate the effect in subtle or extreme ways, with independent controls for Rate and Amount. The Mix knob gives you precise control over how much of the modulated signal blends in with your dry tone, while the Drive control let you adjust gain to fit perfectly in a mix.

From Studio Experiments to Live Chaos
Whether you’re a guitarist looking to add eerie textures to ambient passages, a synth player pushing into experimental territory, or a producer craving unpredictable modulation in the studio, BM-12 delivers. Use it to make bell-like arpeggios shimmer or turn simple riffs into alien transmissions. With CV I/O on the rear panel, it’s also ready to patch into your modular or semi-modular setup for even deeper exploration.

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ARTURIA Introduces MicroBrute UFO | Limited-edition analog monosynth

video upload by Arturia

"Introducing MicroBrute UFO: a limited-edition analog monosynth with extraterrestrial attitude. Reborn in a deep space-black design with Martian green highlights, this pocket-sized powerhouse delivers snarling analog tone, wild modulation, and hands-on sequencing - raw Brute sound out-of-this-world."

Tutorial | MicroBrute UFO - Overview
video upload by Arturia

"Join Matt Paull as he introduces the MicroBrute UFO, a raw, compact analog synthesizer that delivers massive sound with a hands-on workflow. Explore its single-oscillator architecture, Steiner-Parker filter, unique overtone generator, and semi-modular mod matrix. Whether you're sculpting classic basses or bending waveforms in unconventional ways, learn how to unlock MicroBrute UFO’s extraterrestrial analog energy.

Discover MicroBrute UFO → bit.ly/4kuZAhb

_CHAPTERS
00:04 - Intro
00:25 - What it's all about
00:53 - Oscillator and Overtone Generator
03:46 - Steiner-Parker Filter
05:31 - Mod Matrix
05:54 - LFO & Envelope
07:40 - Step Sequencer
08:35 - Connectivity
08:51 - Outro"

Click the pics for the full size shots.

CLICK FOR MORE »

Making Nuclear Music with Hainbach

video upload by Anthony Marinelli Music

"Join me for a rare opportunity to step into the incredible world of Hainbach at his studio in Berlin—filled with vintage nuclear test equipment he’s brilliantly turned into musical instruments… and plenty of other wild synthesizers!

Hainbach is known for making haunting, immersive soundscapes using everything from lab gear to tape loops to modular synths. His music feels like it's from another dimension—organic, rich, hypnotic and totally captivating. In this video, I explore his unique setup and we dive into a completely new palette of sounds together. It was inspiring to see how he breathes life into machines that were never meant to make music… and to try my hand at making "nuclear music" myself.

If you're into experimental sound design, synths, or just curious how scientific gear from the Cold War can become part of modern composition—this is something you’ve got to see (and hear)."

https://anthonymarinellimusic.com

Dreadbox Artemis Walkthrough

video upload by Dreadbox

"Unleash the Wild with the Dreadbox Artemis – a hands-on walkthrough of this powerful analog synthesizer built for bold sound design and modular exploration.

► Chapters
0:00 – VCO
2:33 – VCF
5:05 – ENV
6:32 – LFO
8:33 – FX"

Synthetic Sound Labs - Geo-Grüvn and Lowpass Gate

video upload by NOISEBUG

"Two new releases from Synthetic Sound Labs that happen to play very well together. The SSL-1015 Lowpass Gate and, the Model 1655 - Geo-GrüVN
Add some Euclidean variation and snappy west coast percussive melodies to your 5U/MU systems. Head to noisebug for more info
#umodular #synth #modularsynth #synthesizer

https://www.noisebug.net/collections/..."

CLICK FOR MORE »

ROLAND SYSTEM 100 + MXR Pitch Transposer/Digital Delay (Restored By Synth Tailor Electronics)

video upload by Synth Tailor Electronics

"Heres a demo of some units we restored , the ROLAND SYSTEM 100 (Model 101, Model 102, Model 103, Model 104) + MXR Pitch Transposer + MXR Digital Delay.

The MXR Pitch Transposer M-129, and the Digital Delay M-113 (both of these units are FOR SALE, if you're interested reach out through our website contact form or email)

HISTORY: The Roland System 100 is a semi-modular analog synth from the mid-1970s, a classic piece of gear that’s still got a cult following. It’s got a gritty, warm sound, perfect for everything from deep basses to wild, experimental noises. The setup includes five main modules: the 101 synthesizer, 102 expander, 103 mixer, 104 sequencer, and 109 speakers. Each module’s got its own vibe, but they’re designed to work together, letting you patch cables to create custom signal paths. The 101’s the core, with a single oscillator, a meaty low-pass filter, and a built-in keyboard. The 102 doubles down, adding another oscillator for fatter sounds. The sequencer’s a standout, letting you craft repetitive patterns that were huge in early electronic music. It’s not as complex as a Moog modular but way more portable and user-friendly for live tweaking. People love it for its hands-on feel and raw, vintage tone.

Video shot and edited by Rakim Escobar

If you have a vintage synth, drum machine, outboard gear or tape machine that needs restored or repaired, please reach out to us or ship in your item to our repair shop, Synth Tailor Electronics. Visit www.synthtailorelectronics.com/contact or send us an email: info@synthtailorelectronics.com for more details!"

Live Modular Synth Jam - In Nature - Modulating Landscapes No.5 - The Fully Automatic Model

video upload by The Fully Automatic Model

"🎛 Live Modular Synth Performance in Nature | Modulating Landscapes No.5 – The Fully Automatic Model
📍 Wild Atlantic Way, Ireland [55.2244° N, 7.9822° W 2025, Horn Head - Co. Donegal]

Experience a unique fusion of ambient modular synth music and the raw beauty of Ireland's Wild Atlantic coastline. In this live outdoor performance, I use a battery-powered Eurorack modular system to create evolving soundscapes right on a stunning cliff top—no studio, just nature and pure analog signals."

Why & How PTNSHIFT Breaks All The Rules: Beginner's Guide

video upload by Tim Exile

"I launched PTNSHIFT a couple of months ago but the launch video left some people confused. In this vid I walk it right back from the start - including why and how it breaks some core rules about how we make music today.

PTNSHIFT is a generative music performance instrument that combines the deep sonic universe of a modular synth with DJ-style interactions like pattern-launching, mixing, blending and FX.

▶︎ Get PTNSHIFT https://www.timexile.com/ptnshift
▶︎ Get Scapeshift https://www.timexile.com/scapeshift
▶︎ Get Shift Bundle (PTNSHIFT + Scapeshift) https://shop.timexile.com/buy/fad1936..."

Follow-up to Introducing PTNSHIFT - NEW Generative Music System Is Wild Mashup of Modular Synths & DJing

Tobinski [Interpolating Scanner + Harmonic Timing Generator]

video upload by NOISEBUG

"A very surface-level overview of the genius new designs from Tobinski. Though the two modules here are sold separately (and can function independently) they are truly patch-mates. When linked by a simple ribbon connection in the back, these two modules combine to offer an immense amount of modular tools. The feature lists are too long to type here. But a few highlights are (scanning mixer with 8 independent VCAs, harmonic oscillator with wild options for modulation, clock generation, printable vco/lfo, ability to isolate individual harmonics) Head to Nosiebug to learn more about these exciting new modules. And be sure to check out some of Nosiebug’s other Tobinski offerings."

https://www.noisebug.net/search?q=Tobinski

Introducing PTNSHIFT - NEW Generative Music System Is Wild Mashup of Modular Synths & DJing

video upload by Tim Exile

"PTNSHIFT is a generative music performance instrument that combines the deep sonic universe of a modular synth with DJ-style interactions like pattern-launching, mixing, blending and FX.

▶︎ Get PTNSHIFT / ptnshift-1300717

COMPATIBILITY UPDATE: The companion app now fully supports Windows and MacOS. If you have an Ableton Push 3, Niklas and I would love to hear from you so we can test support! Please DM me on Patreon."

PTNSHIFT Generative Music Performer: First Look and Deep Dive

video upload by Tim Exile

00:00 Intro & Overview
02:34 Background
04:08 Compatibility & Setup
07:23 Layout & Control
08:52 Controlling Parameters
11:54 Navigating & Creating Patterns
14:12 Creating & Editing Collections

CLICK FOR MORE »

Beyond Phaser: Djupviks The Qu's Wild Sonic Mutation

video upload by Lesjamusic

"Welcome to the semi-official guide for Djupviks The Qu — a Eurorack modular phaser inspired by the legendary Lovetone Doppelganger but expanded for deep audio experimentation.

✅ Optical Phaser Technology: Organic, throbbing modulation via LEDs and light-dependent resistors (LDRs).
✅ Dual CV Inputs: Easy stereo modulation or complex, independent control.
✅ Distorted Output: Diode clipping adds gritty, wavefolded textures.
✅ Dry Signal Bypass: Switch from phaser to vibrato and glitchy experimental textures.
✅ "The Qu" Mode: Inspired by an obsolete telephone tracking chip (LM567), it creates chaotic, unpredictable soundscapes, blurring modulation and synthesis.

Named after the alien species from C. M. Kosemen’s speculative evolution book, All Tomorrows, The Qu module embodies radical audio transformation—visually enhanced by Kosemen's own front-panel artwork."

00:00 Welcome and introduction to phasers
00:57 How The Qu is different, feature rundown
03:20 CM Koseman, naming and design
04:26 Basic phaser setup
07:05 Audio Rate Modulation
08:50 Engaging "Qu" mode
11:05 Chaotic modulation featuring Beneath the Bush of Ghosts
12:09 Experimenting with the 'Distortion" output
15:49 Twin phaser attack and outro

Noise Engineering Batverb - Experimental Reverb, Delay, and Infinite-Tail Generator

Sound Study // Noise Engineering - Batverb video upload by collector//emitter

Listen to Batverb stereo reverb pedal with modular and hardware synths
video upload by Noise Engineering

0:00 Intro
0:21 Doom and Shimmer
1:04 General Reverb
1:59 Ducking (with Arturia MicroFreak)
2:57 Focus and Ducking switches (with Tasty Chips GR-1)
3:53 Grit switch
4:40 Desmodus Versio and Batverb

Get your Batverb here: https://noiseengineering.us/products/...

Batverb is the stereo reverb that dreams are made of: less of a room simulator and more of a tail generating pedal, Batverb is an instrument in its own right.

Taking inspiration from our popular tail-generating modules, Batverb brings reverberation and delay to a whole new level with extensive control of timbre, echoes, and dynamics.

Start by setting a predelay time and adjusting Regen to set the length of the tail, from a short slapback-style echo to an infinite wall of reverberation. A variety of unique controls make Batverb sing in any signal chain:

Doom adds in chaotic suboctaves, and Shimmer brings in haunting overtones. With each on its own control, go wild and have both at the same time!

Low and high damping settings for the reverb tank

Add filtering and harmonics to reverb tails

Built-in saturation can apply to only the wet signal or the whole output
Includes onboard dry/wet Blend control and input- and output-gain parameters

Unique Duck switch controls the reverb’s behavior: duck out of the way of an input signal, or match the dynamics of your playing, similar to a gated reverb

Create instant atmospheres with reverb-freezing Hold footswitch
Route the expression input can to any parameter on the pedal

Store and recall 16 different presets and recall them in response to MIDI program-change messages.

.-- .... .- - - .... . ..-. ..- .-. -. .. ... .. - . .-. .. - .- ...

Exploring and sharing engaging ideas in sound, music, and synthesis
• Eurorack, 5U
• Guitar Pedals
• VST, AU, AAX plugins
• Reason Rack Extensions"

Press release follows:


Noise Engineering announces Batverb, an experimental reverb, delay, and infinite-tail generator

Los Angeles, CA — Noise Engineering, known for their expansive selection of synthesizer effects and sound sources, announces Batverb, a distinctive stereo reverb with a twist.

Noise Engineering’s take on reverb has always been innovative, creating effects that are as much instruments as they are processors. Batverb is no exception: parameters allow the resulting effects to morph organically from slapback delays to infinite reverb tails.

“Batverb was inspired by our Desmodus Versio module, but when we tried to bring the Desmodus experience to guitar, we realized quickly that we would need to rethink the approach. Batverb shares concepts with Desmodus but shares zero code: the entire thing was redesigned from the ground up, with the dynamics and tonality of guitar at the forefront,” said Stephen McCaul, Chief Noisemaker at Noise Engineering. Kris Kaiser who is the Doer of Many Things at the small company added, “Working with guitar was key, but what sounds great on guitar also works really well for loads of other instruments.” Indeed, Batverb’s stereo I/O and MIDI integration make it a perfect choice for a multitude of instruments.

Kaiser continued, “I like to say Batverb isn’t your father’s reverb because it has such unique features.” She’s not wrong. Along with predelay/delay Time and Regen controls, Batverb includes a number of parameters for shaping the tone of the reverb itself. The Grit switch adds a unique harmonic distortion to the tail or the whole mix, and the Doom and Shimmer controls add in subharmonics and overtones. Batverb also has onboard adjustable highpass and lowpass filters to shape the tone to taste.

Batverb’s configurable Bypass footswitch can cut the reverb tail immediately, or simply mute the input to the reverb processor, allowing the tail to ring out while you play. The Infinite footswitch mutes the input to the reverb tank while maximizing the feedback for an infinite atmosphere.

The innovative Duck switch uses the dynamics of your playing to shape the reverb tail. Use the right setting to duck the reverb out of the way of your guitar’s tone, or the left setting to make the reverb’s dynamics match your guitar’s.

Batverb also stores/recalls up to 16 presets with MIDI Program Change messages. Batverb features a convenient MIDI thru jack, so it’s easy to patch into your MIDI control chain. In addition, all parameters can also be controlled via MIDI for automation and remote control from a DAW or configurable controllers.

Noise Engineering is a member of 1% for the Planet and has been donating a percentage of all sales to environmental conservation. Proceeds from Batverb will benefit the organization Bat Conservation International.

Batverb is available for preorder with MSRP of $499. It starts shipping March 13 from noiseengineering.us and retailers worldwide.

Batverb was designed and built in sunny Southern California.

CLICK FOR MORE »

SCJS#41 - TREPANATOR: 1RST DATE

video upload by FL3SHB4CK

"**BEWARE OF BLOOD AND BONE FRAGMENTS PROJECTION**

Freshly built kit. Zlob Modular TREPANATOR is a 'bent by design' module, inspired by the great Benjolin from Rob Hordijk, but quite different.
First encounter with this thing, with just a bit of white noise into the filter, it was WILD!

‪@zlobmodular‬"

CES Electronics ED-LAB Circuits Laboratory Systems

Note: Auction links are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.

via this listing

"2x Original vintage CES Electronics educational analog modular ED-Lab units, cool wackadoo circuit lab units with speaker and wave generators, cool modular synthesizer possibilities. Very cool looking, very wild, both units power on, otherwise very much untested. Dr. Who vibes abound."

CLICK FOR MORE »

BUCHLA & FRIENDS: THE SYNTH MAKER SHOWCASE Event Set for LA Next Weekend Jan 25 & 26

Tickets available at Eventbrite

"We’re gathering over 70 boutique synth makers in one awesome Silverlake spot so you can learn, listen, and live the latest in electronic music sound production. This hands-on, headphones-only gathering gives you a chance to hear the best sounds science has ever created. From additive to subtractive, analog to digital, keyboards to breath, audio to visual (yes- some video synths will be here too!), modular to full-size polyphonic, eurorack to Serge to Buchla, you’ll meet synth makers and synth enthusiasts alike. This will be January’s biggest two-day collection of hands-on synths on the West Coast! If you love creative sound, you need to be here."

Delicious food (including vegan) from Moby Rick’s fish tacos, incredible carbonated beverages from United Wild Brew. Exhibitors: 1010music • 4ms • After Later Audio • AIAIAI • AJH • ALM Busy Circuits • Animal Factory • Ashton Research • ASM • Bastl Instruments • Bitwig • Black Corporation • Bored Brain • Buchla • Catalyst • Circuit Happy • Crosspatch • Days of Yore • Rain City Modular • Doepfer • Dogbotic Labs • Dreadbox • Drift DJ • Elektron • Endorphines • eowave • Eternal Research • Five12 • Flame • Frap Tools • Future Retro • Genki Instruments • Groove Synthesis • Jomox • LA Synth Club • Mega Modular Corp • Melbourne instruments • MEMS project • Meris • Modbap • Moog Foundation • Mystic Circuits • Netherblade • New Systems Instruments • Noise Engineering • Noisebug • Novation • Null Modular • OXI Instruments • Polyend • Prism Circuits • Roger Linn • Schlappi Engineering • Sleepy Circuits • SoCal Synth Society • SOMA • Soundwork Shop • Studio Electronics • Supercritical • SynthRISE • TipTop • Tobinski • Touellskouarn • U.D.O. • Vermona • Wavea • Waveform Magazine • Wavesequencer • Weston Precision Audio • WMD ... & more!

Buchla organizes this event to make a stronger synthesizer community. We make it free to attend and affordable for exhibitors. This makes the vibes great - after all, we are all making our own waves!"

JAMUARY 2025 #14 - FEEDBACK HERO!

video upload by FL3SHB4CK

Listen in stereo.

"Happy new modular year!

Heavy Feedback literally played by hand, thanks to a simple, custom made passive opto sensor, WILD! Crazy stereo from NLC diff-rect

100 GRIT
Fixed filter bank
Mini drive
QAM
diff-rect, Quadratt, Line out

4U 50hp recorded live into Syntakt reverb and delay"

Unleashing the Quanalog Boubou: Heavy Industrial Eurorack Patch Tutorial

video upload by Quanalog Modular

"In this patch, I’m going to show you a totally unexpected way to use the Boubou as part of a synth voice setup to create a heavier industrial vibe. This is perfect for anyone who wants more than just a solid drum sound from the Boubou. Each section, with its ability to process external signals, transforms into a waveform-processing beast like no other.

I recently discovered that if you run a square or saw waveform through the Hi Tom section, then chain it into the Hats (and somehow involve the Snare because of the delightful analog cross-talk magic), you get something truly wild. The result? Cooler (or crazier 😉)—depending on your perspective."

Unleash Your Creativity with Dual Morphing Filters – Swords is Here

video upload by Behringer

"Unleash the full potential of your sound with Swords, the dual filter module inspired by Mutable Instruments Blades. From subtle tonal shaping to wild sonic textures, Swords delivers unparalleled control with analog circuitry, morphing filters, and customizable routing. Ready to transform your modular rig?"

Also see the After Later Audio Razor.

Smashing Sounds With Nuclear Maths: HAINBACH's new Plugin Audiothing Arguments

video upload by HAINBACH

"Arguments, my new plugin with AudioThing is a vintage style test tone generator, a wild processor and a unique combiner of signals. From gentle analog shaping to old school oscillation to absolute signal annihilation, it is a true sound design toolkit Its core idea comes from multiplication modules in the Nuclear Instrumentation format NIM BIN. I have used these for a long to time turn simple signals into heavy beats and basses. With Arguments you can combine any two signals and lock them in a dance for headroom. Or you can use the integrated tone generator for lush 1960s sounding waveforms and pseudo-random noise. Or do both at same time. Arguments is meant to inspire you in your search for the sounds in between.

GET ARGUMENTS: https://www.audiothing.net/effects/ar..."



"Arguments is a vintage-style test equipment plugin for tone generation and dual audio processing. It takes two signals and smashes them together using math derived from analog nuclear research processors. The results are dynamic, often unpredictable but always unique. Since each part of Arguments can run independently, it also works as a sonically rich test tone generator, as a complex distortion unit, or as a multimode filter. Arguments open nature rewards exploration, the presets are a mere suggestion for you to jump off from.

At its core Arguments is an analog computing-based combiner and integrator of signals, re-tuned from science to musical use. These instruments were used in analog nuclear instrumentation modular racks (NIM BIN) to allow for quick calculations without employing a dedicated computer. Arguments takes two signals A and B (B is either external via side-chain or from the internal generator) and puts them together using the argument block. The result is then put through a function block that processes it. This creates a wide range of tones, from simple boosting to high-passed industrial grit, from rhythmic modulations to raw textures. A multi-mode filter stage then allows for exact shaping and modulation. We employed analog modeling at every stage to make Arguments sound not like a calculator but like the rare vintage units that inspired it. " Arguments is available for macOS, Windows, and Linux (VST, VST3, AU, AAX, CLAP, 64-bit only), and also as AUv3 and Standalone on the App Store for iOS and iPadOS.