MATRIXSYNTH: How to use Gated Slew with a Sequencer - Gate signals explained + Sample Hold & Slew module tips



Sunday, May 29, 2022

How to use Gated Slew with a Sequencer - Gate signals explained + Sample Hold & Slew module tips


video upload by AJH Synth Official

"Slew allows you to slide/glide between notes in a sequence, like those famous TB-303 Acid House tracks and a whole range of other electronic music styles, but if it's not built into your synthesizer it might be confusing how to achieve it, particularly as there are so many sequencer options available, many of which function differently from each other. This video shows how 3 popular desktop step-sequencers can work with the Sample Hold & Slew module - the Doepfer Dark Time, Korg SQ-1, which are both akin to vintage analogue step sequencers, and the Arturia Beatstep, which functions more like a Roland SH-101. I used just one MiniMod VCO going into the Sonic XV Diode Ladder Filter, since the TB-303 also has a diode ladder VCF, and here I've used it in just 6dB mode for extra squelch! However, I'm also using the Sonic XV's built-in wave folder to significantly change the timbre of the incoming triangle wave. The Sample Hold & Slew can function as a separate gated slew module, with selection of up or down slew only, whilst the sample & hold part of it can be used independently, serving as 2 individual modules in 1. Or both functions can be combined, so that random voltages can slide from one to the next, even at very slow speeds, which is great for modulating gradually evolving drone sounds. The Colour and Restrict controls can be used to fine-tune a more desirable range of random frequencies from the noise source. An external clock can be used to sync the random voltages with other modules, sequencers or keyboard gates.

Additionally, audio can be passed through it to use as a noise source for the sample & hold or track & hold. At high clock speeds this feature can be used a very lo-fi bit-crusher, and slowing the rate down will gradually mangle the audio further, eventually reducing it to random beeps!

Check out the AJH Synth playlists for more 'Patch of The Week' videos, which will be either performances or 'how to' guides detailing a range of sounds, some familiar, some less so, and each containing a patch sheet at the end to show you how to construct it for yourself.

Video by DreamsOfWires

More Videos:
Blade Runner & Vangelis CS-80 Patch [posted here] 'Destination Not Berlin' Performance: [below] Index:
00:00 Intro
00:27 How it works
02:42 Using Doepfer Dark Time
03:35 Using the Korg SQ-1
04:15 Using the Arturia Keystep
08:15 Using CV to control Slew
10:26 Example usage with Sample & Hold"

Performance: Destination Not Berlin - All-analogue Melodic Set using AJH Synth Eurorack Modular rig.

video upload by AJH Synth Official

"This live melodic modular set by 'tomorrow the cure' was originally intended for Superbooth 22 in Berlin, but had to be cancelled due to hearing problems. Since the set was ready to go I thought I'd record it to share with you as another example of what a Mini Mod system can do, and what it can sound like. If this appeals to people there'll be more performance videos in the future, showing AJH Synth modules being used as they're intended - to make music. Hopefully these videos will be an inspiration to people, and compliment the 'User guides' and 'Patch of The Week' videos, which will continue to serve as more practical, or instructional videos.

I've dedicated this performance to Klaus Schulze, who passed away recently. His approach to making music and the sounds he created were a great influence of mine personally. Since then Vangelis has also passed. Fortunately we will always have the gift of their music, both to listen to, and be inspired by.

Performance breakdown:
The synth rig used is based around two voices from just 3 VCO's, 1 of which is paired with a Ring SM, which serves as a waveform mixer, and provides a -1 sub-octave. This then feeds the Gemini 2412 filter, whilst the VCO's triangle goes to the Sonic XV for processing by it's wave folder. All of this is mixed in the Muting Mixer & VCA on the top row. This is responsible for the melodic notes and sequence of the first 8 minutes, the drone in the following section, and then the final sequence.

The other 2 VCO's are going to the Ladder Filter, or the Wave Swarm, which is then passed to both the Ladder Filter and the Fixed Filter Bank 914. These are mixed in the middle row's VCA, and the intervals between the pitch of the 2 VCA's in controlled by the Precision Voltages module. This provides the drone in the first 8 minutes, the played notes/chords thereafter, and the choir-like drone during the final section.

Through the sequencer I switch the keyboard control from one voice to the other. I edited out the re-patching between parts to shorten the video - I took my time over the process as my hearing was still not 100%.

Tracks in this performance:
00:00 Intro
00:31 Part 1 - Opening piece
02:15 Part 2 - 'Monotherapy' from 'Grey Days & Old Ways', 2019
07:47 Part 3 - 'Miserere' from 'Two Voices', 2022
17:33 Part 4 - Untitled...
Parts 2 & 3 are available at https://tomorrowthecure.bandcamp.com

'Two Voices' was recorded entirely using the AJH Synth Mini Mod system - the same modules used in this performance. As was 'One System', and the majority of both 'Grey Days...' and 'Lost Soundtracks'."

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