Modular Synthesis 101: Introduction

video upload by gstormelectro

"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"

Sequential Drumtraks Drum Machine Repair

video upload by gstormelectro

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

Today I'm investigating issues with a Sequential Drumtraks. While it is making sounds, the display is glitching out and the control functions are not working. In the end it was only incidental I was able to get it working again, for reasons I don't fully understand. The same phenomenon happens with my Drumulator, that's how I knew what to check for. It's my hope posting this video, that someone more knowledgable will be able to comment about this phenomenon.

This video is posted for general information about my experiences. Always observe safety working on electronics, and never tinker around inside power supplies without first unplugging the power cord. If you're not sure about anything, there's no shame in taking your instrument to a qualified service technician.

Since filming the video, I've discovered the batteries are still made in Japan. Also, the numbers on the battery may or may not necessarily be a date code. My new battery says 2132, so maybe it was made in 2021? Since the manufacture date and date installed may differ by a couple of years, I now write a date on the battery with a sharpie when I install it."

Timestamps
0:00 Intro & Symptoms
0:28 Power Supply investigation
2:10 Battery
2:28 Data Bus Check
4:08 About Cleaning IC pins
4:28 Last ditch effort and suddenly it's working???
5:38 Short demo

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

SEMSVF Noir Edition - Danse Macabre [Demo 3] Eurorack Filter

video upload by gstormelectro

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

SEMSVF Noir Edition is my black panel version adaptation to the Oberheim SEM State Variable Filter. Same exact module as the Tribute edition white panel version. All hand made in limited quantities. Today I am just doing a creepy little darkwave jam in the spirit of the season. Two 101-VCOs feeding in, one of those VCOs getting a very slow vibrato from LFO. No mastering or additional effects. Recorded direct to Mackie mixer to Tascam DR-05.

Check my Reverb store for SEMSVF, 101-VCO availability"

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

SEMSVF Eurorack SEM Filter Walkthrough of Basic Features [Demo 2]

video upload by gstormelectro

"SEMSVF is my Eurorack Tribute adaptation to the Oberheim SEM State Variable Filter. All hand made in limited quantities. Today I am talking through some basic features and patching some sounds via my 101-VCO feeding in. No mastering or effects. Recorded direct via my Feedback CP- Mixer to Pittsburgh Modular Outs to Mackie mixer to Tascam DR-05.

Check my Reverb store for SEMSVF, 101-VCO availability
http://reverb.com/shop/gstormelectro"

New G-STORM ELECTRO SEMSVF Eurorack Tribute Adaptation Oberheim SEM Filter

video upload by gstormelectro

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

SEMSVF is my Eurorack Tribute adaptation to the Oberheim SEM State Variable Filter. All hand made in limited quantities. Today I am auditioning some sounds via a pair of my 101-VCOs feeding in. I use a Happy Nerding FX Aid for some delay at times, no other mastering or effects. Headphones or good monitors recommended but watch your levels, aggressive resonance and lovely saturation ahead. Recorded direct via my Influx mixer to Pittsburgh Modular Outs to Mackie mixer to Tascam DR-05.

0:00 Reso Sweep | Delay
0:23 Lowpass Sweeps | Dry
1:06 Frequency Mod | Inverted Envelope
1:26 Notch | Highpass
1:54 LP|HP mix | LFO modulated
3:37 Bandpass Output
4:02 Bandpass | Envelope Modulated
4:23 More Notch Stuff | Delay
5:19 Lowpass Lead
5:38 Plucky Bass
6:01 Octave Lead

Check my Reverb store for SEMSVF, 101-VCO, Influx availability
*REVERB* http://reverb.com/shop/gstormelectro

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



via G-STORM ELECTRO

The Solina Comparison Nobody Asked For [ARP Behringer Synth Face Off]

video upload by gstormelectro

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

Actually my buddy Seth suggested this. So yep I kinda lied in the title there. These synths: one of them is a lightweight new kid straight out of a box with more sassy highs, the other is a disc crushing bohemoth piece of furniture with mellow disposition. The brand new Behringer Solina in the left channel, the crusty vintage ARP/Eminent in the right channel. I replaced the ARP mains capacitors, but left all the tropical fish alone. Some of those freshwater angels are janky and cracked but still representin'. Whaddaya think? I know best synth performance ever! Talk amongst yourselves.

Recorded direct. No other mastering or effects have been added."

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

Short Size Spring Tank Electro Jams - Reverb Driver Version 2 [Demo 02]

video upload by gstormelectro

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

Today I made a couple of demo songs featuring my Spring Tank Reverb Driver version 2. The module has been optimized for Ruby Tube 2EB2C1B Short size tank by changing R8 to 3K value resistor. I'm quite taken with this tank, it's nice and drippy. I will be offering some module/short-tank optimized combos for sale in my reverb store - see link below.

0:00 60 BPM Dub | Spring Tank on Drumbrute Impact Snare
1:56 90 BPM | Spring Tank on the 101-VCO/VCF
Take note in this second jam I am using CV control over the Spring Tank wet/dry mix using a Sample-and-hold with portamento.

Check my Reverb store for the combo Spring Tank Reverb Driver and the Ruby Tubes short tank.
*REVERB* http://reverb.com/shop/gstormelectro

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



MUSIC https://gstormelectro.bandcamp.com/

G-Storm Electro Introduces Spring Tank Reverb Driver Version 2

video upload by gstormelectro

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

Introducing my Spring Tank Reverb Driver version 2. Same great sound and features as before. But now in 4HP with added Feedback knob. The Drive setting is now a trimmer on the PCB Set-and-forget. In today's video I will be auditioning the module with a few different spring tanks and various patch scenarios. Like pairing the reverb with Synthrotek DLY. While my driver module is optimized for Medium length tanks, it can easily be modded to handle long and short size tanks well. Which one is your favorite? Special thanks to my friend Seth, for contributing Behringer System 2500 sounds and footage for this episode!

On the 2500 patches, the dry signal was mult-ed such that the wet/dry mix was handled by a mixer off camera. Audio has been recorded direct, no other mastering or posts effects.

Vintage Folded Line, Medium size tank like those in a Roland Space Echo
0:00 Drone I
0:36 Drone II
1:00 Monotone Bass staccato
Accutronics 4AB3C1B Long size 16" tank
1:22 Massive Kick
2:09 Sample-n-hold
Accutronics BAB3C1B tank like those found in a Fender Sidekick Amp
2:50 Behringer 2500 patch
Ruby Tube 2EB2C1B Short size tank
3:33 Behringer 2500 patch

Check my Reverb store for Spring Tank Reverb Driver availability.

*REVERB* http://reverb.com/shop/gstormelectro

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

"Spring Tank Reverb is an 4HP wide Eurorack driver module for use with a variety of spring tanks. Features a CV control of the wet/dry mix. NEW in version 2: 4HP, Added Feedback pot, Drive is now a set-and-forget trimmer on the PCB.

FEATURES

Pots: Tone, Feedback, CV of wet/dry amount, Initial Wet/Dry amount. Drive trimmer for accommodating various spring tanks. Signal strength LED indicator. RCA jacks on the back of the module for mounting tank internally in the case. Included: 10-to-16 pin ribbon cable. Not included: Reverb tank and RCA cables (sold separately)

CHOOSING A TANK

GROUNDING CONNECTORS (5TH character in tank model #) Type A or C is best. SIZE & NUMBER OF SPRINGS | Short length and Medium Length is best. Long length (approx. 16”) may need resistor R8 decreased to 100-ohms for a boost in power. I am happy to switch the resistor for you based on your needs, just let me know before I ship your order out. 2 or 3 number of springs are known to work well. INPUT IMPEDANCE | (2ND character in tank model #) | any except “F” (1475 ohms, has not been tested). OUTPUT IMPEDANCE | (3RD character in tank model #) |“B” known to work best, all others untested. TANKS THAT WERE TESTED AND KNOWN TO WORK WELL | Vintage Folded Line, Medium size, 3-spring, as those used in a Roland Space Echo | Accutronics BAB3C1B Medium size, as taken from a Fender Sidekick Amp | Accutronics 4AB3C1B Long size 16”, 2-spring (R8 to be changed to 100-ohms for best performance). MOST RECOMMENDED | Ruby Tubes 2EB2C1B short size 9”, 2-spring, has plenty of drip and feedback with a size to fit many different case scenarios.

SPECs

Module Depth: 50mm | Current Demand: +12V 39mA, -12V 34mA, 5V not used

Note: due to RCA jack placement and chunkiness of some RCA plugs, it may not be feasible to mount this module on the bottom row of your system rack. Please refer photos. A workaround that might work is to try a cable with 90-degree RCA plug ends."

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Arion DDS-1 Delay [Pedals w/ Synthesizers #15] Demo No Talk

video upload by gstormelectro

"Arion DDS-1 is a vintage digital delay pedal. Recorded direct, no other mastering or effects. Just the Arion Pedal and various synths one at a time."

0:00 Roland Jupiter-6
2:03 Cheetah MS6
3:40 Korg Polysix

G-Storm Electro:
*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.