The Serge Random Source Variable Slope VCF Part 1 - Building | Tutorial

Published on Jan 18, 2019 Under the Big Tree

Audio demo below.

"In this first of a two-part series on the Serge Random Source Variable Slope Voltage Controlled Filter, we build the module from the ground up. If you are interested in building this module as a DIY kit rather than purchasing it pre-built, then this is the video for you. We go through the entire build process, discussing soldering techniques, showing general tips and tricks, as well as aspects of this specific module. We get into testing the module, using oscilloscopes, function generators, and bench power supplies, and even what to do when something goes wrong.

If you want to hear the module in action and have a tutorial on how it works, then watch part two:

http://www.randomsource.net

Under the Big Tree is Nick Peck's YouTube channel, focused on music and sound design equipment and techniques, composition, production and performance of music, modular synthesizers and electronic music in general, and tabletop board games.

http://www.underthebigtree.com"

Update:

The Serge Random Source Variable Slope VCF Part 2 - Listening | Tutorial

Published on Jan 18, 2019 Under the Big Tree

"In this second of a two-part series on the Serge Random Source Variable Slope Voltage Controlled Filter, we listen to the fruits of our labors. We put a sawtooth wave and some white noise into the audio inputs, add some control voltages, and magic ensues! We go through every knob on the unit in detail, listening to the lowpass, bandpass, and highpass filter outputs.

By the time we are done, you may very well put this fantastic-sounding Eurorack module on your short list. Don't say I didn't warn you."

Knobcon 2024 Videos by Under the Big Tree

video uploads by Under the Big Tree

Playlist:

1. Knobcon 2024 Walkthrough

For those who didn't make the journey to Schaumberg, Illinois, but wanted a bit of the flavor, I shot a walkthrough video. The show was full of energy, interesting products, great performances and lectures and, most of all, great people. If you've never been, it's truly the best synthesizer convention in the United States.

2. Bjooks - The Minimoog Book | Knobcon 2024

Bjooks, the world's finest publisher of synthesizer books, has released an in-depth book on the world's most famous synthesizer. We talk to Kim Bjorne at Knobcon 2024 to find out about it. https://bjooks.com/

3. Hite Studios - Amazing Synth Cases | Knobcon 2024

At Knobcon I came across a very special Eurorack case. Terrible and beautiful at the same time, it would have looked right at home in an H.R. Giger painting. We talk to Jason Hite, the artist who created this amazing work. https://www.hitestudios.com/

4. Sleepy Circuits - Video Synth | Knobcon 2024

We talk to Ron Sardarian of Sleepy Circuits, about their innovative devices to aid in audiovisual performance. Ron is a visionary engineer, a performer, and a friend. His stuff is great. https://sleepycircuits.com/

5. 1010 Music - Nanobox Tangerine | Knobcon 2024

1010 Music has done it again, releasing a sampler in their small Nanobox format. Steve Joslin tells us about it, as well as their new Nanobox storage case/charger.

"Under the Big Tree is Nicolas Peck's YouTube channel, focused on esoteric electronic music, modular and vintage synthesizers, sound design equipment and techniques, and the composition, production and performance of music. http://www.underthebigtree.com"

Dr. John Chowning -Keynote Address | Knobcon 2019

Published on Sep 10, 2019 Under the Big Tree

"I first met Dr. John Chowning, the discoverer of frequency modulation as a powerful algorithm for synthesis, at the Center for Computer Research in Music and Acoustics (CCRMA) at Stanford in the early 90's. He was a brilliant, kind gentleman then, and nothing has changed in the subsequent decades. I thought it important to document his address, and subsequent lecture on the history of FM synthesis, for the future. Apologies for the sound quality - there was an enormous air conditioner running full blast behind him. But the substance is what counts, and hearing the words of this giant of the synthesizer realm."

Also see: MMTA SYNTHFEST 2013: Dave Bristow & The History of Yamaha FM Synthesis

Update:

Dr. John Chowning - The History of FM Synthesis | Knobcon 2019

Published on Sep 11, 2019 Under the Big Tree

"Dr. John Chowning is a legendary scientist, musician, and composer best known for the discovery of frequency modulation (FM) synthesis for musical applications. He did not invent the Yamaha DX7 synthesizer, but he discovered the principles underlying the technology, and worked tirelessly to get it into the hands of a company that would develop it into a product. That product, the DX7, became one of the best selling synthesizers of all time.

Dr. Chowning's lecture at Knobcon 2019 delves into the history of the discovery of FM, as well as detailed information on how it works, ending with the creation of the DX7. This discussion is dense and scholarly, but has charts and animations to help explain the principles of the topic. It is a long lecture, but will bear fruit to the student of electronic music that is willing to delve in.

My apologies for the quality of the camera work - it was hand held for two hours. But I hope that the quality of the content transcends the quality of the recording."

A Visit to Noisebug - Synth Store | Interview

Published on Jan 4, 2019 Under the Big Tree

"I had a day left for my Christmas vacation before having to go back to work, and decided to spend it visiting a store that I had wanted to see for a long time: Noisebug in Pomona, California. Blake, the general manager and I chatted for a long time about all manner of esoteric synths and recording equipment, and then he was kind enough to give us a tour of the space. The results are a deep dive into a retail store that specializes in the finest quality synthesizers, whether Eurorack, 5U, Buchla, desktop, or keyboard. This is a must-see interview for the devotees of truly esoteric electronic music devices.

www.noisebug.net

Under the Big Tree is Nick Peck's YouTube channel, focused on music and sound design equipment and techniques, composition, production and performance of music, modular synthesizers and electronic music in general, and tabletop board games.

http://www.underthebigtree.com"

---
Some notes from watching the video: Elby Designs Pixie (EDP WASP synth - note Tinkerbell in place of a wasp) on the obscure front. BTW, Serge paperface refers to the original Serge panels from the 70s that had printed paper on the front panels. Radiohead used Analogue Systems. The power buss differs from Doepfer based eurorack. Ran out of label space with Moon Modular! 10 Year anniversary system featured. The Kilpatrick Audio K4815 Pattern Generator in Buchla format exclusive to Noisebug is featured.

Knobcon 2022 Videos by Under the Big Tree

video uploads by Under the Big Tree
Looks like I missed these when they initially went up.

Playlist:
1. 1010 Music Fireball and Lemondrop Nanoboxes | Knobcon 2022

Steve Joslin of 1010 Music takes us on a test drive of the amazing Fireball and Lemondrop Nanobox synthesizers. Small but mighty, these synths take up very little room while delivering a lot of bang for the buck.

2. New Buchla Music Easel | Knobcon 2022

Nick Kwas of Buchla shows us the brand new and improved Music Easel, slated for release by the end of the year.

3. Knobcon 2022 Walkthrough

I'm in Chicago for Knobcon 2022, one of the finest synth conventions in North America. For those who are interested but could not attend, I did a simple walkthrough of the exhibit hall.

4. Therevox ET-5 | Knobcon 2022

We talk to Mike Beauchamp of Therevox about their new model ET-5.

Based on the Ondes Martenot, the ET-5 is an exotic and beautiful instrument, capable of vocal-sounding melody lines, as well as ambient drones and even noisy sounds. Truly fascinating.

5. Five12 QV-L Quad Variable LFO | Knobcon 2022

We talk to Five12 founder Jim Coker at Knobcon 2022 about his upcoming Eurorack quad LFO. The QV-L is an incredibly feature-rich module with four LFO's. Two OLED displays and in-depth configurability with a streamlined user interface make this module a true LFO powerhouse.

The Future of Synthesis - Physical Modeling and Expressive Musical Instruments | NAMM 2020

Published on Feb 7, 2020 Under the Big Tree

"This panel on physical modeling at NAMM was a fascinating talk, with luminaries from the industry: Jordan Rudess, Roger Linn, and Dr. Julius Schwartz from CCRMA, among others.

Each of the five panelists delivers a presentation on their approach to physical modeling, expressive musical instruments, or the intersection of the two. Hilarious hijinks ensue.

www.audiomodeling.com
www.rogerlinndesign.com
ccrma.stanford.edu
nonlinear-labs.de

Under the Big Tree is Nick Peck's YouTube channel, focused on music and sound design equipment and techniques, composition, production and performance of music, modular synthesizers and electronic music in general, and tabletop board games.

http://www.underthebigtree.com"

Jim Coker of Numerology - Live Rig/Compositional Process

video upload by Under the Big Tree

"Jim Coker, founder of Five12 and the inventor of the Numerology and Vector sequencers, is also a performing electronic musician. We catch up with Jim at Knobcon 22, and talk about his latest work, "Meridian Alpha From the Distant Shores of Cygnus X1". We gain insight into both his compositional process and his elaborate live rig, which uses both Numerology and Vector.

This video is best seen after seeing Jim's piece [video below]

• Meridian Alpha --...

And for more information about Jim's fine products, please go to: http://five12.net

Under the Big Tree is Nicolas Peck's YouTube channel, focused on esoteric electronic music, modular and vintage synthesizers, sound design equipment and techniques, and the composition, production and performance of music.

http://www.underthebigtree.com"

Meridian Alpha -- From The Distant Shores of Cygnus X-1

video upload by Five12 Inc.

Synthesizers.com | NAMM 2025

video upload by Under the Big Tree

"We discuss the mighty 5U modular paradigm with Mike Graham of Synthesizers.com. This company has been around for 25 years, providing affordable, expandable, beautiful modules and systems inspired by the synthesizer that started it all: The Moog Modular.

synthesizers.com

Under the Big Tree is Nicolas Peck's YouTube channel, focused on esoteric electronic music, modular and vintage synthesizers, sound design equipment and techniques, and the composition, production and performance of music.

http://www.underthebigtree.com"

Buchla Easel and 200E - Todd Barton | NAMM 2019

Published on Jan 27, 2019 Under the Big Tree

"We talk to legendary electronic music composer and performer Todd Barton at the Buchla booth at NAMM 2019. He shows us the marvelous Buchla Easel and several fascinating modules from the 200E.

www.toddbarton.com
www.buchla.com

Under the Big Tree is Nick Peck's YouTube channel, focused on music and sound design equipment and techniques, composition, production and performance of music, modular synthesizers and electronic music in general, and tabletop board games.

http://www.underthebigtree.com"

Groove Synthesis 3rd Wave | NAMM 2025

video upload by Under the Big Tree

"We talk once again to Bob Coover, enthusiastic audio engineer extraordinaire, about the latest features and updates to the Groove Synthesis 3rd Wave synthesizer. In addition to PPG-style wavetable synthesis and superb analog emulation, 3rd Wave now features Prophet VS-style synthesis, as well as sampling. An excellent synth just keeps on getting better.

https://www.groovesynthesis.com/

Under the Big Tree is Nicolas Peck's YouTube channel, focused on esoteric electronic music, modular and vintage synthesizers, sound design equipment and techniques, and the composition, production and performance of music."

3rd Wave Advanced Wavetable Synth - How Does it Sound?

video upload by Under the Big Tree

"The moment I found out that a modernized version of the famed PPG Wave was being produced, I knew I had to take the plunge and buy one.

And so I did, and have been rewarded with an extremely flexible and performative synth, festooned with knobs and buttons for on-the-fly sound manipulation.

Although the 3rd Wave is primarily thought of as a modern-day replica of the PPG Wave, it has far more capabilities under the hood. I found the analog synthesis simulations to be shockingly good, with thick 80's brass sounds right in the ballpark of the classic synths of that era. There are endless ambient pad sounds, experimental noise sounds, and a flexible, musical arpeggiator that can be used for pitched or percussive sounds.

The 3rd Wave comes loaded with 500 factory patches. I went through them all, and picked about 80 that were representative of what the machine is capable of. I've organized the sounds by type, so you can go right to the analog synths, PPG factory patches, or ambient pads as you like.

The 3rd Wave is a remarkable synthesizer, and I hope you enjoy getting a better idea of how it sounds from this video."

Warm Star Electronics | Knobcon 2019

Published on Sep 11, 2019 Under the Big Tree

"Bradford from Warm Star Electronics takes us through his company's range of Eurorack modules: Fragment, The Bends, and the upcoming Orbit module. Warm Star's line is currently about getting a lot of density and options out of your control voltage signals, at a modest price and HP size.

https://warmstarelectronics.com

Under the Big Tree is Nick Peck's YouTube channel, focused on music and sound design equipment and techniques, composition, production and performance of music, modular synthesizers and electronic music in general, and tabletop board games.

http://www.underthebigtree.com"

Dina Pearlman - ARP Foundation | NAMM 2025

video upload by Under the Big Tree

"Dina Pearlman, daughter of legendary synth designer Alan R. Pearlman, discusses the foundation created to honor his legacy, and further electronic music education and art.

https://alanrpearlmanfoundation.org/

Under the Big Tree is Nicolas Peck's YouTube channel, focused on esoteric electronic music, modular and vintage synthesizers, sound design equipment and techniques, and the composition, production and performance of music.

http://www.underthebigtree.com"

Exhibit Hall Walkthrough - Knobcon 2019

Published on Sep 10, 2019 Under the Big Tree

"For those synth enthusiasts that would have liked to attend Knobcon 2019 but couldn't, here's a quick walkthrough of the exhibit hall.

Under the Big Tree is Nick Peck's YouTube channel, focused on music and sound design equipment and techniques, composition, production and performance of music, modular synthesizers and electronic music in general, and tabletop board games.

http://www.underthebigtree.com"

See the Knobcon label below for more Knobcon coverage!

Todd Barton - Wavefolding is Like a Rainbow | Knobcon 2019

Published on Sep 11, 2019 Under the Big Tree

"There are no words that can adequately express my esteem for this remarkable man. Composer, thinker, synthesist, communicator, human. Todd Barton plays all of those parts exquisitely. He has taught me so much about synthesis and the art of tiny movements. And I was utterly unsurprised to learn that Pauline Oliveros loomed large in both of our backgrounds, teaching us how to listen.

Here Todd is delivering a lecture at Knobcon 2019, and it was a wonderful opportunity to zoom in close on his hands as he performed on his Buchla Easel. A fascinating talk on listening, synthesis, and life. Just watch this whole video. Right now. See what I'm talking about.

http://www.toddbarton.com

Under the Big Tree is Nick Peck's YouTube channel, focused on music and sound design equipment and techniques, composition, production and performance of music, modular synthesizers and electronic music in general, and tabletop board games.

http://www.underthebigtree.com"

Johannes Schmoelling - From Tangerine Dream to S-A-W | NAMM 2020

Published on Jan 26, 2020 Under the Big Tree

"Here is a panel discussion with Johannes Schmoelling of Tangerine Dream, Kurt Ader, and Robert Waters on a synth trio they have put together called S-A-W. They discuss various aspects of their new project Iconic, which was put together using a bevy of vintage synthesizers. Video footage of them in performance is included as well. An interesting discussion for fans of Tangerine Dream and/or vintage synths.

Under the Big Tree is Nick Peck's YouTube channel, focused on music and sound design equipment and techniques, composition, production and performance of music, modular synthesizers and electronic music in general, and tabletop board games."

History of the Mellotron | NAMM 2020

Published on Jan 20, 2020 Under the Big Tree

"Richard Chamberlin, son of Harry Chamberlin, inventor of the Mellotron, tells us stories about the early days of the Chamberlin (predecessor to the Mellotron). We discuss the impact of the instrument on rock and pop music in the 60's and 70's, and the original intended audience for the instrument.

As an added bonus, a French musician named Frederic plays the intro to the seminal Genesis song "Watcher of the Skies" on the Mellotron."

STG Sound Labs - Suit and Tie Guy | NAMM 2019

Published on Jan 31, 2019 Under the Big Tree

"Welcome to 25 minutes of Bubba. He is hilarious, entertaining, energetic...and happens to know an awful lot about modular.

Bubba does a deep dive on the STG (Suit and Tie Guy) Sound Labs line of Eurorack modules. He shows us their newest products, including some still in the prototype stage. And he throws down the gauntlet to our viewers: which collection of modules do you like better to be included in a complete synthesizer product? I'm hoping the comments are going to be flowing like water.

So watch this video. Marvel at Bubba. Ignore the obnoxious rave music happening across the way at the same time. Come to Knobcon '19 in September.

And remember: bug music is the folk music of our people."

The Verbos Complex Oscillator - In Depth | Tutorial

Published on Nov 13, 2018 Under the Big Tree

"The Complex Oscillator from Verbos Electronics is a masterpiece of high quality analog design. It follows the west coast tradition of synthesis, by starting with a simple waveform and then adding color through FM, AM, and wave shaping.

In this in-depth tutorial, we delve deeply into the oscillator, exploring each knob and jack separately and with each other. I recorded the output to an oscilloscope at the same time, so you can see the waveform change as I talk about it."

Under The Big Tree At Park

YouTube Published on May 10, 2012 by MMTAKEDA55

"Gadget session under the sky."