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

ELI SL-5050 Tape Delay [FX w/ Synthesizers #17] Demo

video upload by gstormelectro

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

This is the ELI SL-5050 New Space Echo. Single delay line and playback head that uses a dictaphone endless tape cartridge. Very similar to Unicord EC-100, or the Univox EC80A Echo Chamber, or any various clones and incarnations. Playing my Roland SH-101 through it. Recorded direct, no other mastering or effects.

0:00 Intro
0:50 Medium
2:13 Slow
3:05 Fast
4:09 Slow w/ Long Spring Tank Reverb"

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

Studio/Lab Update - Ushering in a New Era with In-House Production Automation

video upload by gstormelectro

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

Really excited to share this big change in the way I'm producing Eurorack modules. Last week I took delivery of a desktop SMT Pick-and-Place machine. It's an assembly robot that will help me greatly, in lieu of stuffing hundreds of boards a year all by hand using tweezers. Having spent almost a week getting up to speed I'm happy to share my thoughts about my foray with in-house production automation.

Full disclosure | This video was not sponsored by any equipment manufacturers. This machine was bought and paid for out-of-pocket for business use. All observations and opinions are my own.

Check my sweet Reverb store for module availability.
https://reverb.com/shop/gstormelectro"

Chillin' to Blank Slate on Akai MPC One + Roland JX-08

video upload by gstormelectro

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

Freestyle chill vibes in the studio lab. Akai MPC One + Roland JX-08. Blank Slate comes from my album Superior Mirage out now on Bandcamp
https://gstormelectro.bandcamp.com/"

Behringer System 100 Demo

video upload by gstormelectro

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

Got around to patching the Behringer System 100 today. Plays well with Arturia Keystep Pro. Give the 172 module phaser and chorus effects a spin. And that 182 sequencer, I love how it is not pitch quantized and gives a weird Stranger Things vibe. Let's do this! No additional mastering or post-effects. This video was not sponsored.

0:00 Three Osc Voice structure plus (filter res) Kick and (white noise) Hats.
1:37 172 module | Phaser
2:17 172 module | Using the short delay for chorus/flanger stuff
2:47 Dual Two-Osc structure
3:51 Stereo Syncopated 182 Sequencer Patch"

Eurorack Phasers

volume 3 video upload by John Schussler

"I got a Pittsburgh Modular Toad not long ago, and realized I'd not compared the WMD Orion to anything either. Figured I'd put them both together, and throw in the G-Storm Polychrome to help join this video with earlier comparisons of eurorack phasers.

The Orion is now discontinued, and the Toad is a limited edition that will sell out. Only the Polychrome is in continued production. Not that there aren't other phasers, mind you, just saying if you like these....

VCO is a Befaco Pony. Little bit of reverb to make it not so harsh, but not too much. That's about it. Enjoy.

00:00 Intro
00:20 Drone
11:32 Sequence"

Eurorack Phasers - Take 2

video upload by John Schussler

"(This is a 'headphones required' video. You won't hear half of what's going on if you don't listen in headphones.)

This is my second attempt at a video on eurorack Phasers. The first (linked here but not otherwise listed in my channel: Eurorack Phasers) contained a number of mistakes. I'm keeping it around because I actually find those mistakes interesting, and want to be able to remind myself.

In particular, I didn't understand a couple things:

1) The SynthTech E560 input isn't set up for Eurorack levels, it's set up for line levels. If you don't attenuate the input, it distorts rather badly.
2) You have to use BOTH outputs of any module (that has them) if you want to hear stereo phasing. It's the contrast between the source audio and the phased audio that makes the effect, and you need two outputs to make that happen.

So. Once again into the breach, I attempt to compare some eurorack phasers. I think somewhat more successfully this time.

00:00 Intro
00:20 Next Phase
08:19 E560
17:15 Kamieniec"

Previously posted: Eurorack phasers - two new additions

G-Storm Electro Spring Tank Shootout Reverb Driver Version 2-1

video upload by gstormelectro

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

Quick Comparison of 3 Spring Tank Reverbs using my Reverb Driver version 2-1. I saw that many users were wanting to experiment with a variety of tank sizes, myself included. Now in my driver module version 2-1 I have added a jumper setting which makes it fast and easy to change the driver optimization for short tanks, medium tanks, or long tanks. Audio has been recorded direct, no other mastering or posts effects.

0:00 Quick Intro
0:12 Ruby Tube 2EB2C1B Short size tank
0:55 Vintage Folded Line, Medium size tank like those in a Roland Space Echo
1:53 Accutronics 4AB3C1B Long size 16" tank

Check my Reverb store for Spring Tank Reverb Driver availability.
https://reverb.com/shop/gstormelectro"

Towering Bass Patches | Gyrinx VCF Filter [Demo 5]

video upload by gstormelectro

"Audio + Video by G-Storm Electro c. 2023

Today I'm auditioning a few humongous bass patches featuring the Gyrinx VCF, no effects. Feeding only a couple of 101-VCOs and Pittsburgh DNA Symbiotic Waves. Modulation by 2xADSR and Feedback Modules LFO, Sequenced by Keystep Pro. Headphones or good monitors recommended. Recorded direct to Tascam DR-05, no other mastering just a little normalization.

Gyrinx VCF is a eurorack filter inspired by the vintage Synton Syrinx filter section using Alfa AS3350 chips. Check my Reverb store for Gyrinx-VCF availability" *BLOG* http://gstormelectronica.blogspot.com/
*LISTEN/DOWNLOAD* http://soundcloud.com/gstormelectro
*REVERB* http://reverb.com/shop/gstormelectro

Note Reverb links are affiliate links. See the site's privacy policy for more info.

Who becomes silverware first? - 10 minute LFO filter sweep and semi-generative Eurorack jam

video upload by thesrabbit

"This sonic experiment was inspired by the Dreadbox Erebus LFO having a whopping 10-minute long cycle time. Therefore, I thought it might be fun to run that LFO into every single filter I have with a CV input, including big analog polys with a VCF control input on the back intended for expression pedals. The honorary VCFs include: 2x Roland System-500 521, G-Storm Electro SH-2 and SH-5, Dreadbox Erebus, Oberheim OB-X8 (OB-X SEM LP mode), Sequential/Oberheim OB-6, Roland Juno-6.

Interestingly the filters on the big polys don't open all the way. I assume this has something to do with the inputs being calibrated for expression pedals rather than Eurorack CV. According to my oscilloscope, the Erebus LFO range is -5v and +5v. This is pretty typical for Eurorack. I set the cutoff at about 50% for all the filter modules. This seemed to work perfectly. But I was not able to do that with the polys. With the cutoff at 50%, the filters would open up all the way, but they wouldn't close nearly enough. I had to bring the cutoff completely down, and as a result, the filters on the polys wouldn't open up all the way. I did alternate takes where I walked around and tried to smoothly nudge each one up in order to get the filters fully open, but that was a disaster. In retrospect, I could have set up a one-shot MIDI LFO to do this and triggered it once at the right moment, but I already had enough things to worry about.

One of my audio interfaces is dead or dying, and it keeps ruining takes and sometimes crashes Logic. I finally turned it off and went with my lone Focusrite Scarlett 8i6, which has always been solid. But now I had an extra synth without an input and I wanted to have the polys on their own tracks so that I could blend them in with the Eurorack stuff to taste. And there's no possible way I could overdub since the whole point is to have one LFO sweeping all of the filters at the same time. I ended up resorting to an old 1989 JVC cassette deck to record the OB-6. So that shot at the opening of the video is legit. There's such a big wall of sound here that it's impossible to tell if it ended up adding any saturation. It definitely added some hiss and crackles but that's fine in this context. The cassette itself is ancient, cheap consumer grade, 60 minutes per side. I ended up recording over some 90's black metal that had been there since, well, the 90's.

To add to the grit and grime, I intentionally ran the filters from the Eurorack straight into the audio interface, bypassing the typical flow through VCAs. Ok, fine, I totally forgot about the VCAs, but it sounded extra dirty, so I didn't stress out too much. I certainly wasn't going to power everything back on, tune everything up and do another take because of it.

Obviously when the filters are closed or nearly closed for several minutes, there needs to be something to fill that gap. That's where the generative stuff comes in. There's 3 different sample and hold circuits feeding different things, including back into themselves in one case. Some voltage is running through different logic gates in conjunction with other, steady LFOs. Since I'm out of filters, the sound consists of pink noise through a VCA, triggered at random by a very short decay envelope. This runs into a recovery tape delay module, that gives sort of a slapback effect.Then there's a single oscillator, pitch controlled by another S/H circuit run through a quantizer and then running into the spring reverb tank. It's also triggered by the same random voltages triggering the noise hits. Then there's the Mutable Instruments Plaits, making the plinky plonky sounds, again everything triggered at random. It's running into the majestic Calsynth Typhoon.

The last thing to note is that the Erebus LFO also acts like an automated fader to increase and decrease the level of the VCA where all the rhythmic sounds are running through. I simply inverted the signal of the LFO output to do this. As the filters open up, the VCA level diminishes. When the filters fully close, the VCA level increases to maximum.

Last last thing. That knob twisting near the beginning isn't for sci-fi FX, though that's an added bonus. I was simply trying to get the LFO back to its "starting position." I didn't quite succeed. I don't believe the Erebus has any sort of LFO triggering mechanism to help with this. All good though.

FX: Audiothingies DoctorA delay and reverb, Boss DM-101 delay

No post processing other than a 30Hz low cut and slight limiting on the master"

G-Storm Electro - A Demo, Nothing Special on Eurorack Modular

video upload by gstormelectro

"I performed this little demo patch at the DFW Synth Headz Synth Meet over a week ago joined by MOTS.DFW at The Creatives Factory. We didn't get direct audio afaik, so I'm redoing a little session of it here now just for you. Recorded direct with no addititional mastering.

Main Synth part/sequence
Filter | SEMSVF
Reverb | G-Storm Spring Tank Reverb
Frequency Shifter | Sketchy Labs Freak Shift
OSC1 | Capt'n Big-O wavefold out
OSC2 | Pittsburgh Primary Oscillator, Flamingo
VCA | G-Storm 2xVCA

Monotonal Bass
OSC| Jollin Labs Tabor
Filter | G-Storm ProVCF
Delay | Synthrotek DLY

Kick
Pinging G-Storm JU60-VCF with env on self-res oscillation

Weird Snare
Noise from 101-VCO into Pittsburgh Crow, taking HP output
Running that into G-Storm JP6-VCF gated by envelope
Into Delay (Karplus Strong Algo) Happy Nerding FX Aid #1
Into Reverb (Shimmer Input Variable Algo) Happy Nerding FX Aid #2"

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

Roland Juno Chorus eurorack comparison

video upload by John Schussler

"I'm a big chorus fan, and am continually surprised there aren't more of them as stand alone modules in Eurorack. The most famous chorus was originally shipped in the Roland Juno line (6, 60, and 106), and is what's replicated in these two modules I'm looking at today.

The Feedback Chorus 106 has been out for a while, and is now discontinued because they can no longer get some of the NOS (new old stock) parts they use.

The SoundForce uChorus is brand new, and has substituted an STM and some other new bits to make up for the MN3101 driver IC that's no longer available.

Both are following the original circuit behavior as closely as possible.

I compare them here to see if one is better than the other.
Spoiler: I can't hear the difference. Can you? Let me know in the comments.

00:00 Intro
00:20 The basics
01:40 uChorus I+II mode
03:03 106 Chorus overdrive"

The G-Storm electro Feedback Chorus made it's first appearance here in 2019, and the SoundForce uChorus in May, 2023 this year.

SEM vs SEM - November 2023 edition

video upload by John Schussler

"The G-Storm Electro SEM VCF arrived the other day, and I figured I'd give it a listen in comparison to what, up to this point, I think is the best SEM eurorack module: the Studio Electronics SEM VCF.

(Spoiler alert: The G-Storm gives the SE a serious run for its money)

I've also thrown in the Bubblesound SEM20 and an AMSynths Obie XA. The Bubblesound is mostly SEM, but with some MS-10 bits grafted on that makes it more aggro. The Obie XA isn't a SEM at all, different chip, but is also modeled after an Oberheim filter so I figured I'd toss it in for contrast.

VCO is a Befaco Pony, first on saw then on square. Sequencer is a Clank Chaos. Envelope is Zadar.

Be forewarned: a lot of this video is me going back, and forth, and back, and forth, and back and forth between modules. Don't get seasick.

00:00 Intro
00:20 Standard gain
03:43 Gain up
06:46 Resonance up
08:56 Tight envelope
16:00 Square wave"