Mini System 'Berlin School' Performance - 2 Monosynths in 1 Case | AJH Synth Analog Eurorack Modular

video upload by AJH Synth Official

"A demonstration of a modest 6U 84hp Eurorack modular system by AJH Synth, incorporating a 3-VCO MiniMod voice based on the R.A. Moog Minimoog, Gemini 2412 dual VCF based on the Oberheim SEM filter, and a couple of very useful utility modules, particularly the Ring SM. This setup can be used as 2 separate synth voices, demonstrated here in this 'Berlin school- inspired performance.

The complete MiniMod voice is a combination of 7 modules directly based on the first, more sought-after version of the Minimoog, along with it's characteristic behaviours. The Transistor Ladder Filter behaves in the same way, 'Emphasis' (resonance) robbing a little of the low frequencies at higher levels, the Contour Generators having a cumulative/stacking level behaviour when triggered rapidly, and the Discrete Cascaded VCA (also the VCF input levels) driving and distorting the signals when pushed.

Here the MiniMod is used as a 2-voice monosynth, with one of it's VCO's being donated to the lower voice, filtered by the Gemini multi-mode filter. It sounds much bigger than a single VCO voice thanks to the Ring SM. The Ring SM provides a Moog CP3-based 5-channel mixer, a 3-axis analogue ring modulator based on that from the vintage EMS Synthi/VCS3, and particularly useful in this patch - 2 sub-bass generators, providing -1 and -2 sub-octaves to an incoming signal. This produces shaped sine waves, as opposed to more hollow-sounding square waves often used by other synths or modules, so they sound warmer, fuller and fatter.

The Muting Mixer is used as a second VCA here for the Gemini voice. However, it has a 'Distort' feature that emulates the old Minimoog trick of sending the headphone output to the VCF input to create a feedback loop and some additional overdrive/distortion. As a result it can make a good alternative to the Discrete Cascaded VCA, but even the latter can add significant drive to the signal. This module could also be used to simulate the Minimoog's VCO and noise switches, but for 5 signals of your choice, as it features illuminated 'Mute' switches, allowing sound sources to be instantly switched in and out of a patch, and at their own volume levels.

The Dual LFO + VCA is especially useful here, as it gives plenty of modulation, without having to sacrifice a VCO for that purpose. It also has a built-in VCA, allowing it's level to be controlled externally, perhaps with an envelope or Mod wheel for delayed or expression-controlled vibrato.

This rig also has a third envelope in the powerful DH-ADSR, but it's not used in this patch, along with the Precision Voltages, which among other uses allows pitch intervals of 2 VCOs to be controlled accurately and conveniently, selecting between octaves and semitones set by the rotary pots and switches. This is super useful for live performances.

The AJH SYNTH Eurorack range consists of high-end modules, all hand-made in the UK, most of which are based on classic, vintage designs, authentically recreating the circuitry of much sought-after analogue instruments and technologies of the past, whilst greatly expanding them, and bringing them to modern Eurorack levels of convenience, limitless flexibility, and reliability.

Meet us and the modules in person this year at Superbooth 23, Berlin, on May 11th to 13th.

Video by @DreamsOfWires"