Roland RS-09 Synthesizer Repair

video upload by gstormelectro

"Audio + Video by G-Storm Electro c. 2025

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 I make in my Reverb Store
REVERB https://reverb.com/shop/gstormelectro
MUSIC https://gstormelectro.bandcamp.com/
BLOG http://gstormelectronica.blogspot.com/
LISTEN/DOWNLOAD http://soundcloud.com/gstormelectro

Behringer Wave Digital Synthesizer User Review [Demo 01]

video upload by gstormelectro

"Audio + Video by G-Storm Electro c. 2025

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"

G-Storm Electro Introduces ProADSR 3310 Dual Envelope Eurorack Module

video upload by gstormelectro

"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 all the other cool eurorack modules I make https://reverb.com/shop/gstormelectro"

ProADSR is a 3310-based dual envelope generator with that special je ne sais quoi you didn't know your sound was missing.

Colorfully exponential Attack-Decay-Sustain-Release contours.
Decay goes from very snappy (1ms) to slow as molasses (130s).
Lots of short-range decay adjustment
Metal shaft potentiometers and Mini-Contempo knobs

Each envelope has:

GATE input w/ red LED indicator + trimmer dimming
2 buffered positive-voltage output contours
a DC inverted contour

Contour Measurements

minimum GATE signal required | 4.2v
ATTACK range | 1ms to 10s
DECAY range | 2ms to 130s
RELEASE range | 2ms to 40s
positive contour magnitude | 10v peak
inverted contour magnitude | -10v peak

RE-GATING BEHAVIOR | At gate off the envelope proceeds to the RELEASE stage. If RELEASE is still sounding off when a new gate is received, the envelope picks up again at the ATTACK stage at the extant voltage position.

CLICK FOR MORE »

Alfa AS3109 VS IR3109N Quick Comparison

video upload by gstormelectro

"Audio + Video by G-Storm Electro c. 2025

Many have commented about my last video [posted here] why I fool around w/ reclaiming the old chips when Alfa has some remakes on the market. So here's a quick comparison of the Alfa AS3109 remakes vs. IR3109N OTA chips in my 101-VCF tester module. For me the Alfa behaves quite differently with regard to signal clipping and output magnitude. Enough as to not recommend them as a 1-to-1 replacement in vintage synths and the reason I don't use them in my own modules. It's too bad, I enjoy using other kinds of Alfa chips 3320/3340/3350 in other filters and my 101-VCO.

G-Storm Electro:


MUSIC https://gstormelectro.bandcamp.com/
BLOG http://gstormelectronica.blogspot.com/
LISTEN/DOWNLOAD http://soundcloud.com/gstormelectro
REVERB https://reverb.com/shop/gstormelectro"

Time-Saving Methods of Rescuing IR3109N OTAs from 80017A Wafers

video upload by gstormelectro

"Audio + Video by G-Storm Electro c. 2025

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

MUSIC https://gstormelectro.bandcamp.com/
BLOG http://gstormelectronica.blogspot.com/
LISTEN/DOWNLOAD http://soundcloud.com/gstormelectro
REVERB https://reverb.com/shop/gstormelectro"

Sons of the Arpy: Roland SH-2, System-500, Deckard's Voice, FX Aid Pro, Mimeophon, G-Storm Electro

video upload by thesrabbit

"The SH-2 has some kind of power over me. I can't get away from it. Not that I want to!

This is the first time I've tried adding a 3rd oscillator to the SH-2 by running a single Roland System-500 512 square with PWM into the external audio input. I thought this would naturally lead to making a massive 3 detuned osc + sub monosynth sound, but instead I gravitated to something much more melodic, by setting up each oscillator at a different pitch, making chords with nice intervals. With the ability to set the bender to VCO 2 only, I can change the interval of one of the notes easily, either up or down, without disrupting the vibe at all. The T-Rex Replicator tape delay adds some echo and gritty texture, and then the Make Noise Mimeophon delay fans it out into the stereo field. The sequence of notes is a simple 4 note arp that I transpose with the NiftyKeyz. The mod wheel is assigned to tape delay time, and the arp clock output is fed into a 2HP clock divider, which drives the kick, though half a beat behind because that's how clock dividers work I guess. The kick is a simple decay envelope routed to the G-Storm Electro SH-2 VCF with a moderate amount of resonance and saturation. There's an additional percussive element with some noise going to the G-Storm SH-5 VCF, through the LP first and then the dedicated bandpass which is being swept by an LFO.

The Blade Runner-ish lead sound is of course the Black Corporation Deckard's Voice, paired with the Rachael ring modulator, though it's not being used as a ring-mod, but rather a second sawtooth oscillator. 2 saws are essential to the BR sound, and therefore the Rachael is a required addition to Deckard's Voice. The output runs into the Happy Nerding FX Aid Pro set to the Black Cloud reverb algorithm, which completes the sound.

There's just a tiny dash of master reverb in post that serves as the final glue to hold it all together."

DIY Eurorack SH-2 vs Actual Roland SH-2: comparison and patch explorations (no talking)

video upload by thesrabbit

"It's horribly long yes, feel free to skip around using the chapters

0:00:00 Vangelis Spiral Sequence (Eurorack)
0:02:40 Vangelis Spiral Sequence (SH-2)
0:05:27 Sine + Noise (SH-2)
0:08:49 Sine + Noise (Eurorack)
0:12:11 Sequenced Gated Bass
0:37:39 Vintage Fifths
0:47:03 Acid with ext audio feedback (SH-2)
0:57:31 Acid with ext audio feedback (Eurorack)
1:07:01 Acid with TS mini overdrive (Eurorack)
1:10:59 Acid with TS mini overdrive (SH-2)
1:16:19 Spacey Pad (SH-2)
1:19:17 Spacey Pad (Eurorack)
1:22:24 Drone with Lyra-8
2:03:13 Filter Comparison
2:08:51 Pulse Width Comparison

'By the time I was done with it, I was so involved, I didn't know what to think.'

This long video of explorations feels like a non-verbal documentary that concludes the journey, and is the culmination of my SH-2 Eurorack quest. If you've been following along, you already know that I caved in and bought the real deal. As far as Eurorack goes, my overall impression is that it's pretty doable given what I have, but if you want authenticity, then a more accurate filter clone is needed. Mind you, the G-Storm SH-2 VCF doesn't claim to be a clone, but rather an adaptation. However, since it's missing 25% of the top end, I can't really get close at all on some of these patch explorations. If you want aggressive basses that can be pushed into saturation with more grit than the original, then the G-Storm filter will do that for you without hesitation. The Erica Synths Black VCO2 does a great job of covering the SH-2's VCO1 duties, and the System-500's 540 envelopes can get pretty close, though they can be a bit fiddly and require toggling between the slow and fast modes.

To summarize: This SH-2 will be going with me to my grave. I already know it's THAT good. The only "monosynth" that could ever top it for me is the System-700, which is simply not obtainable, unless there's a raffle, and I win said raffle, which never happens."

Eurorack SEM filter comparisons

video upload by John Schussler

"Looking at several eurorack clones of the Oberheim SEM filter, including:

Doepfer A-106-5 SEM type VCF
God's Box Humpback
Studio Electronics SEM
Plankton Electronics Spice VCF
Bubblesound Dual SEM20"

Eurorack SEM Filter comparison - session 2

video upload by John Schussler

"This comparison is low pass only. It would take far too long to compare (in what I view as a useful way) every output and mode, so this is it for now.

In theory they're all based on the SEM circuitry, but some do have alterations.
I'm less concerned with "purity" or adherence to the "original" sound as I am with how good they sound period.

Source VCO is an Acid Rain chainsaw. Envelope is Zadar. Sequencer is Pittsburgh Modular microSequence.

00:00 Intro
00:20 Dry
02:57 Resonance
07:43 Input gain
15:57 Knobbage"

Also see SEM vs SEM - November 2023 edition

Modular Synthesis 101 | Part 5 | Modulators

video upload by gstormelectro

"Audio + Video by G-Storm Electro c. 2025

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

MUSIC https://gstormelectro.bandcamp.com/
BLOG http://gstormelectronica.blogspot.com/
LISTEN/DOWNLOAD http://soundcloud.com/gstormelectro
REVERB https://reverb.com/shop/gstormelectro"

g-storm electro jp6-vcf demo

video upload by impurfekt

"black wood dreamscape available now: https://impurfekt.bandcamp.com

timestamps:
filter sweeps 0:14
patch examples 8:46

patch notes:
verbos electronics foundation oscillator thru g-storm electro jp6-vcf
supercritical synthesizers demon core oscillator + expander thru g-storm electro jp6-vcf thru soma lyra8-fx or valhalla vintageverb and valhalla delay

sequencing/tracking - cubase

featured equipment was purchased out of pocket for music production purposes"

http://gstormelectronica.blogspot.com

G-Storm Electro:
MUSIC https://gstormelectro.bandcamp.com/
BLOG http://gstormelectronica.blogspot.com/
LISTEN/DOWNLOAD http://soundcloud.com/gstormelectro
REVERB via The Malcolm Cecil Reverb Shop

Casio CZ-1000 Synthesizer Demo

video upload by gstormelectro

"Audio + Video by G-Storm Electro c. 2024

Today the Casio CZ-1000 is giving me the feels with an Eventide Timefactor. Original patches, recorded direct via Roland GO:Mixer Pro-X."

G-Storm Electro:
MUSIC https://gstormelectro.bandcamp.com/
BLOG http://gstormelectronica.blogspot.com/
LISTEN/DOWNLOAD http://soundcloud.com/gstormelectro
REVERB via The Malcolm Cecil Reverb Shop

JP6-VCF IR3109 vs IR3109N ICs

video upload by gstormelectro

"Was asked to do a comparison of the socketed IR3109 vs the SMD 3109N chips currently used in my JP6-VCF. Is there a difference between these? Can you guess which is which?"

GODSPEar OSCar Filter Translation | British Tribute Riffs [Demo #3]

video upload by gstormelectro

"Audio + Video produced by G-Storm Electro c. 2024

GODSPEar is my homage to the Oxford OSCar filter in Eurorack format. Time to enjoy a dual voice setup w/ musical contexts featuring a few riffs inspired by British synth royalty.

Check my Reverb store for GODSPEar and other module availability
http://reverb.com/shop/gstormelectro"

G-Storm Electro:
*BLOG* http://gstormelectronica.blogspot.com/
*LISTEN/DOWNLOAD* http://soundcloud.com/gstormelectro
**REVERB** http://reverb.com/shop/gstormelectro

GODSPEar | Detailed Overview | Oxford OSCar Eurorack Filter Translation [Demo #2]

video upload by gstormelectro

Part 1 here

"Audio + Video by G-Storm Electro c. 2024

GODSPEar is my homage to the Oxford OSCar filter in Eurorack format. In this video I present a walkthrough detailed explanation what all the features do while auditioning the audio. And make a few weird sound patches along the way. Recorded direct to Pittsburgh Modular Outs to iPhone via Roland Go Mixer Pro-X. Some gain normalization used. While this demo isn't very musical, let me know in the comments if you would be interested in something more of musical exemplar.

0:00 Intro - Inputs and Output
0:47 Two Filters, One Frequency
1:41 Filter CV
2:37 Q (Res) and Filter Tracking
4:19 Q (Res) CV
5:01 Filter Modes
6:38 Separation
9:04 Separation CV and the Full-Wave Rectifier
11:04 Audio Rate Modulation

Check my Reverb store for GODSPEar and other module availability
http://reverb.com/shop/gstormelectro

*BLOG* http://gstormelectronica.blogspot.com/
*LISTEN/DOWNLOAD* http://soundcloud.com/gstormelectro"

G-Storm Electro Introduces GODSPEar | Oxford OSCar Eurorack Filter Translation

[Demo #1] video upload by gstormelectro

"Audio + Video by G-Storm Electro c. 2024

Today I am introducing GODSPEar, my homage to the Oxford OSCar filter in Eurorack format. GODSPEar is the only filter used in these audio recordings. Detailed explanation of the module and patch examples will be in a forthcoming Demo #2. Audio recorded direct to Tascam DR-05, some additional compression and normalization used in the making of this audio.

Check my Reverb store for GODSPEar and other module availability
http://reverb.com/shop/gstormelectro

These audio demos from this video can be heard on their entirety on my Soundcloud page. http://soundcloud.com/gstormelectro"



via Reverb

"As Oscar translates from Celtic to God’s Spear, now GODSPEar is my translation Oxford OSCar Synthesizer filter for the Eurorack format. GODSPEar has a special look and sound that pays special homage to OSCar designer Chris Huggett’s creation. The Oxford OSCar would inherit some of the funky DNA from EDP WASP as it was discontinued at the time. Hailed as Europe’s answer to the Minimoog, sets itself apart from Bob’s hardware with some curious technical wizardry all its own.

The OSCar, and now with my GODSPEar filter were already interesting to start. It is actually TWO FILTERS each w/ 2-Pole cutoff slope. The cutoff frequencies of the two filters can diverge from each other by an adjustable SEPARATION control. The “Q” resonance control behaves as one would expect when no SEPARATION is used. But in BANDPASS mode, with higher Q settings as well as SEPARATION impart vocal formant sounds.

Divorced of any CPU control prowess as it was implemented on the original. GODSPEar filter control has been designed from the ground up to work well w/ the Euro standard. And to meet the stringent requirements that discerning modular synth enthusiasts have come to expect. Yet retains the original core topology, a full analog signal path, NOS NJM13600 OTAs, as well as V/Oct filter tracking. Logic assisted Filter MODE selection button toggle. Two external CV inputs for control of Frequency. And now the additional features of CV control over Q, and yes CV control of Separation.

Beware - CV control over Separation is serious business.These signals were only meant to diverge in one direction. Sending the cutoff frequencies in the other directions yield vanishing Bandpass audio and unintended consequences for Low/HighPass modes. Thus on GODSPEar, I’ve added an active Full Wave Rectifier circuit to govern the Separation CV input as gate-keeper and peace maker. Go ahead and send your bi-polar LFO signals etc. Just know in doing so, any negative voltage components will be flipped over to the positive realm. You’re welcome.

FREQUENCY | the initial Cutoff Frequency of the filter

Q | the depth of the peak frequency resonant feedback.Res will self-oscillate without an input signal present.

Q CV | Modulate the Q Resonance w/ any polar/bi-polar mod signal. This signal is summed against the Initial Q amount knob.

IN 1 & IN 2 | Mix together 2 different audio signals, each w/ their own mix pot.

Freq CV | Modulate the Cutoff Frequency w/ any polar/bi-polar signal. At 12 o’clock, the pot has no modulation. In the Counter-Clockwise direction it can invert the incoming control signal.

KB | Modulate the Cutoff Frequency w/ a V/oct signal or any other polar/bi-polar mod. Self-oscillation resonance will loosely track v/oct when KB is set to 100%, allowing the self-oscillation Q sinewave to be played in a musical fashion.

TYPE | Toggle switch for choosing the filter MODE: Lowpass, Bandpass, Highpass.

SEPARATION | Initial amount that diverges the frequency cutoff spread between the two filters.

SEP CV | Control Voltage Input with attenuator knob for modulating the Initial Separation amount. Input CV Signal is passed through a Full Wave Rectifier so that Separation behaves in a prescribed manner as expected, thereby preserving audio integrity.

OUT | the mono audio output jack.

Spearhead your own analog filter trajectory by racking up something a bit outside the usual fare. GODSPEar is made in limited quantities, not mass produced – so don’t wait and get yours whenever available. Includes a 10-pin to 16-pin Eurorack ribbon connector. Rack screws are not included as it’s presumptuous that one fastener spec suits everybody. Fasteners are possibly available upon request if you let me know your specs I’ll see what I can do. I highly recommend After Later Audio Rack Screws sold separately here on Reverb."

Source Audio Artifakt [FX w/ Synthesizers #18] No Talk Audio Demo

video upload by gstormelectro

"Audio + Video by G-Storm Electro c. 2024

Artifakt by Source Audio. Lo-fi, low grade reverb, bit-reduction, tape hissy, AM Radio goodess. Today I'm running some synths and electro gear through the Artifakt pedal, see what modes I've been vibing with. Pedal was edited all manually - on computer. No presets were used - So you'll see a pic of pedal starting point settings w/ each audition. Dry audio preceeds FX auditions...well usually. Recorded direct to Tascam DR-05, no other effects or mastering beyond routine normalization.

*Time* *Equipment* *Artifakt Mode*
0:00 | Sequential Multitrak | uVerb
0:45 | E-Mu Drumulator | Glitch
1:29 | Sequential Multitrak | Tape
2:07 | Behringer Poly800 | uVerb
3:42 | E-Mu Drumulator | uVerb
4:27 | Sequential Multitrak | Radio
5:03 | Tascam Porta One Ministudio | Radio
6:05 | Nord Electro 6D | Crush

And be sure to check out my cool eurorack modules available in my Reverb store https://reverb.com/shop/gstormelectro

G-Storm Electro:
*BLOG* http://gstormelectronica.blogspot.com/
*LISTEN/DOWNLOAD* http://soundcloud.com/gstormelectro
**REVERB** http://reverb.com/shop/gstormelectro"

Modular Synthesis 101 | Part 4 | VCAs

video upload by gstormelectro

You can find additional parts in the series here.

"Audio + Video by G-Storm Electro c. 2024

Continuing my introductory series of videos on Modular Synthesis 101. It's time to discover the sheer power of VCAs with some simple examples. In the end you'll learn THE BIG SECRET about VCAs and why you can never have too many VCAs in your system. Along the way you'll also get a proper introduction to a dynamics modulation called Envelopes, a perfect companion to VCAs.

0:00 | Intro and VCA Quick Recap
0:47 | Simple Gate
1:30 | Audio Dynamics: Envelopes
3:42 | Tremolo Using an LFO
4:26 | Linear and Exponential Response
5:28 | Using VCAs on Not Audio"

*BLOG* http://gstormelectronica.blogspot.com/
*LISTEN/DOWNLOAD* http://soundcloud.com/gstormelectro
**REVERB** http://reverb.com/shop/gstormelectro

Modular Synthesis 101 | Part 3 | Filters

video upload by gstormelectro

You can find additional parts in the series here.

"Audio + Video by G-Storm Electro c. 2024

Continuing my introductory series of videos on Modular Synthesis 101. We enter the realm of Filters, what they do, how to patch them, and a few tips and tricks.

0:00 | Intro and VCF Quick Recap
0:34 | Frequency Analysis and Harmonic Content
1:13 | Lowpass Filter Mode, Frequency Cutoff, and Slope
2:33 | Highpass and Bandpass (Peak) Filter Modes
3:27 | Resonance (Q)
4:08 | Resonant Self-Oscillation
5:18 | Modulation: VCF FREQUENCY
7:12 | Modulation: VCF RESONANCE

*BLOG* http://gstormelectronica.blogspot.com/
*LISTEN/DOWNLOAD* http://soundcloud.com/gstormelectro
**REVERB** http://reverb.com/shop/gstormelectro"

Modular Synthesis 101 | Part 2 | Oscillators

video upload by gstormelectro

You can find additional parts in the series here.

"Audio + Video by G-Storm Electro c. 2024

Continuing my introductory series of videos on Modular Synthesis 101. Let's dive into the world of Oscillators, what they do, how to patch them, and a few tips and tricks.

0:00 | Intro and VCO Quick Recap
0:30 | Analog VCO - Typical Waveforms
1:36 | Pulse Wave and Pulse Width
2:35 | VCO Warm-up, Pitch CV and Oscillator Tuning
3:46 | Sub Octave Generator and V/Oct
5:04 | PWM - Pulse Width Modulation
6:52 | FM - Frequency Modulation
7:56 | Digital Oscillator

*BLOG* http://gstormelectronica.blogspot.com/
*LISTEN/DOWNLOAD* http://soundcloud.com/gstormelectro
**REVERB** http://reverb.com/shop/gstormelectro"

Modular Synthesis 101: Introduction

video upload by gstormelectro

You can find additional parts in the series here.

"Audio + Video by G-Storm Electro c. 2024

Today I give you an introductory series of videos covering Modular Synthesis 101. This course is for anyone who's been mildly curious about modular synthesizers. Maybe you've seen your favorite musician like Johnny Greenwood using a modular synthesizer at a show. And always wondered what does all this stuff do? I'm here to demystify it for you. Today we'll start with some basic terminology and a typical synth patch. What is a typical synthesis setup? What are the kinds of modules in that setup? What will we learn moving forward?"

G-Storm Electro:
*BLOG* http://gstormelectronica.blogspot.com/
*LISTEN/DOWNLOAD* http://soundcloud.com/gstormelectro
**REVERB** http://reverb.com/shop/gstormelectro