The mighty Tobinski Sequencer: pure analogue joy

video upload by Tom Churchill

"The Tobinski Sequencer is a four-channel analogue sequencing powerhouse with a unique and highly playable design that lends itself to complex and experimental patching. This video is a taste of what I’ve been doing with it."

Chapters:
00:00 Intro & patch previews
02:08 Sequencer overview
08:25 2 voices with 4 sequences
15:08 Loop scanning via CV
18:57 Complex polymetric patterns
24:08 Patching a graphic VCO
29:17 Complex ratcheting effects
33:29 Percussive atonal FM sequences

u-He Wiretap | Cool stuff to do with a slope detector!

video upload by Tom Churchill

"Wiretap is a 2-channel slope detector, or motion detector, which is a pretty rare type of utility in Eurorack. The basic idea is that you feed in a control voltage, like a pitch CV sequence or an LFO, and Wiretap will generate various triggers or gates based on whether that signal is changing, and which direction it’s moving in. It’s quite a simple concept, but it opens up a world of patching that’s quite hard to achieve otherwise without using fairly complex combinations of slew, comparators and logic. In this video, I walk through various patch ideas."

See the introduction post with additional videos here.

Patching Panda Blast & Hatz V3 | Killer kick and hi-hat modules for Eurorack

video upload by Tom Churchill

"This is the second of a pair of videos I’m making about drums in Eurorack. In this one, I’m looking at two great-sounding analogue drum modules from Patching Panda: the Blast kick drum and Hatz V3 hi-hats.

In this video, I give a detailed overview of both modules and walk through all their parameters, then I build a couple of jams to let you hear them in context. As usual, you should find a few ideas for things to try no matter which modules you’re using."

Eurorack drum tips feat. Winter Plankton Dassbrum & Zaps

video upload by Tom Churchill

"This is the first of two videos that I’m making about drums in Eurorack. In them, I’m going to combine some demos of specific modules with more general patching tips and techniques.

In this one, I'm focusing on two modules from Winter Plankton - a collaboration between Winter Modular and Plankton Electronics. I’m using Dassbrum, which is their all-new kick drum module, and Zaps, which has been around for a couple of years now.

I met the guys behind these modules at Machina Bristronica last year, and they’re kindly sponsoring this video. But rather than just doing straight-up sound demos, I thought this would be a good opportunity to dive a bit deeper into various approaches to making beats in a modular synth context."

Breaking down my first patch with the Tobinski system

video upload by Tom Churchill

"This is a jam and patch breakdown using a new Eurorack case I’ve assembled for 2025, designed as a standalone instrument and based around the range of modules from Tobinski (fka Dannysound). I’ll be doing more in-depth videos on the Sequencer, Harmonic Timing Generator and Interpolating Scanner, so here’s a little taste which will hopefully whet your appetite."

Joranalogue x Hainbach Collide 4 | Making music with a Quadrature Spectral Computer

video upload by Tom Churchill

"Collide 4 was one of the most talked-about modules of 2024. It’s a collaboration between Joranalogue and the musician and YouTuber Hainbach, and it’s inspired by the lock-in amplifiers used in vintage nuclear test equipment. In this video, I build some patches to show how I’ve been using Collide 4 both a sound source and as a processor for external signals. There are some ‘softer’ musical applications alongside some grittier stuff."

Beanie Bunnie Moo Moo | A very clever dual VCO!

video upload by Tom Churchill

"The Beanie Bunnie Moo Moo is a Eurorack dual oscillator made by the Chinese designer and musician Jeanie. It consists of two identical analogue VCOs with through-zero FM, plus a noise source and a bunch of other smart features that open up a huge sound palette. It's a fantastic analogue patching playground!

You can order one at Perfect Circuit: https://www.perfectcircuit.com/beanie...
Or contact Beanie Bunnie directly: beaniebunnie.info@gmail.com"

Signal Sounds favourite music gear of 2024

video upload by Signal Sounds

"To round off a cracking 2024 in the world of music tech, we asked a few of our staff and some good friends of the store to pick their favourite pieces of gear of the year.

All the gear mentioned is available to buy or pre-order here:

https://www.signalsounds.com/teenage-...

https://www.signalsounds.com/soundfor...

https://www.signalsounds.com/arturia-...

https://www.signalsounds.com/joranalo...

https://www.signalsounds.com/melbourn...

https://www.signalsounds.com/expert-s...

https://www.signalsounds.com/future-s...

https://www.signalsounds.com/ryk-modu...

Chapters
00:00 Luke
01:54 DivKid
03:21 Michael Manning
04:53 Tom Churchill
06:42 Molly
07:52 Kyle
09:22 Aleks
10:46 The Unperson"

ALM Busy Circuits MCO MkII | The ultimate compact modular voice?

video upload by Tom Churchill

"The MCO MkII from ALM Busy Circuits is a new version of the compact digital oscillator originally released back in 2018. But it’s so much more powerful that the ‘MkII’ tag doesn’t really do it justice.

The original MCO is a great-sounding digital wavetable oscillator. The MkII adapts this sound engine and adds six more, along with an internal envelope, VCA, three LFOs, chord modes and user presets. This all means that it can operate as a complete voice while still only taking up 6HP.

In this video, I explore each of the synth engines in context with some musical patches. Big thanks to ALM for sponsoring this video and sending me the unit ahead of release."

See the announcement post here.

See the dealers on the right for availability.

Xaoc Devices Lublin

video upload by Xaoc Devices

"Lublin [ˈlublin] is a dual, DC-coupled, high-quality VCA module with exponential control characteristics. It features a gain control circuit that prevents distortion from excessive amplification, which is common with traditional VCAs.

Besides audio and CV inputs, it features additional pinging inputs that use an elaborate analog circuit to model the dynamic behavior of vactrols, allowing you to trigger a carefully crafted gain response that mimics the natural decay of plucked and struck acoustic instruments.

Note that despite this emulation, Lublin is not a lowpass gate type module as it retains the full frequency bandwidth when reducing gain. Unlike many modules that use vactrols, Lublin's dynamic profile can be varied within a wide range.

Dual Voltage-Controlled Amplifier ∙ High quality, low noise and distortion, DC-coupled signal path ∙ Ping inputs for emulating vactrol response ∙ Three variants of ping response ∙ Exponential CV response with adjustable sensitivity ∙ Gain limiting circuit for protection against signal clipping

Timeline:
00:00 - Intro
00:29 - Ping response controls
00:43 - Bass!
00:54 - Combine CV & ping
01:37 - Generate envelopes"

Xaoc Devices Lublin | Dual VCA with vactrol-style envelopes

video upload by Tom Churchill

Chapters:
00:00 Intro & patch previews
01:24 Lublin overview
02:46 Twin VCA with pinged envelopes
07:56 Patching a low pass gate
12:07 Dialling in the perfect kick drum
16:34 Creating vintage hi-hats
19:08 Stereo plucked chords

Xaoc Devices Lublin: pinging for the new era, or strike your VCA!

They say you can never have too many VCAs. So we decided to make another one, actually two in one. After our modern classic that is Tallin, lauded for its inimitable saturation circuit, it's time for Lublin [ˈlublin]! Lublin is a high-quality dual VCA module with exponential CV inputs. On top of that, its two identical channels feature additional inputs for pinging. These inputs use an elaborate analog circuit to model the dynamic behavior of vactrols, allowing you to trigger a carefully crafted gain response that mimics the natural decay of plucked and struck acoustic instruments. Unlike lowpass gate modules though, Lublin reduces gain while retaining the full frequency bandwidth, so it is perfect for harmonically rich signals, like our Odessa additive VCO. The vactrol-like behavior is just a starting point as the envelope may be varied within a wide range using a switch (natural, shortened and prolonged response) and a potentiometer, so you are not stuck with one decay characteristic. Therefore, you can use it not only to create bongos, but also for fat compressed kicks! The built-in gain control circuit (saturating CV instead of the audio signal) prevents distortion from excessive amplification. Lublin is DC-coupled, so you can use it to process CV as well as audio signals.

Notable features:
- Dual Voltage-Controlled Amplifier
- High quality, low noise and distortion, DC-coupled signal path
- Ping inputs for emulating vactrol response
- Three variants of ping response
- Exponential CV response with adjustable sensitivity
- Gain limiting circuit for protection against signal clipping

- width 6HP
- depth 33mm (including cable bracket)
- +40mA/-20mA

PRICE: 170 EUR MSRP, available now!

Check with dealers on the right for details.

A deep dive with the Erica Synths Graphic Resonant Filterbank!

video upload by Tom Churchill

"The Erica Synths Graphic Resonant Filterbank (FB) is a modern take on a cult classic of modular synthesis: the Serge Resonant EQ. The original design dates back to the late 70s, and it’s pretty simple - a bank of 10 manually controlled filter bands that can process sound sources in subtle or extreme ways. It can self-oscillate for complex drones, or you can ping it with pulses to create organic-sounding percussion. For the Graphic Resonant Filterbank, Erica Synths took this basic idea but added a bunch of digital control, bringing it right up to date and massively expanding the range of potential applications.

This video is sponsored by Erica Synths, and in it I build some patches that explore what the Graphic Resonant Filterbank can do, from complex spectral animation to pinging and feedback."

Atov : lx euclid

Playlist (starting with supporting member Audiorial - click CC on the bottom of the player for subtitles):

1. Atov : lx euclid - A truly fun, easy and powerful euclidean sequenceur. - Audiorial
2. Euclidean rhythms made easy | AtoVproject lx-euclid - Tom Churchill
3. LX-Euclid play the Tiptop & Buchla rig - Stazma

"lx-euclid by AtoVproject & Lucas Bonvin

The AtoVproject lx-euclid is a 4-channel trigger sequencer with a standout feature: two touch-sensitive rings that redefine hands-on control. These rings, paired with full colour circular display, offer an unparalleled, intuitive interface designed for fast, real-time performance. The touch rings make it incredibly easy to interact with your sequences, allowing you to apply mutes, fills, and resets on the fly. This immediate tactile response puts creative control directly at your fingertips, making it perfect for both live improvisation and studio work.

In addition to its touch-sensitive rings, the lx-euclid boasts 4 assignable CV inputs, probability settings, and 8 save slots, offering endless possibilities for pattern creation and variation. The module also introduces new twists on traditional Euclidean rhythms, with Exponential, Inverse Exponential, and Mirrored Exponential algorithms for even more flexibility and evolving beats. Whether you're looking to unlock new creative possibilities or elevate your live set, the lx-euclid’s touch rings bring a whole new level of expression to your modular rig.

Stay weird and wired,

Lucas, Arthur & Chris"

8 patch ideas for 8-step sequencers feat. Glasgow Synth Guild Oct Tone

video upload by Tom Churchill

"Two and a half years ago I made a video about 8-step sequencer techniques which ended up being one of the most popular things on my channel. So when the Glasgow Synth Guild asked if I fancied making a video about their Oct Tone sequencer, I thought it would be a good opportunity to revisit the topic with 8 more patch ideas.

A lot of the things I’m going to show you can be applied to any 8-step sequencer, so you’ll hopefully get some ideas for things to try no matter what you’re using."

Chapters:
00:00 Intro
01:09 Playing with step triggers and pattern length
05:07 Deriving two parts from one sequence
07:09 Splitting a sequence between two voices
09:43 Switching clock speeds with step gates
11:26 303-style accents and slides
16:16 One-finger pattern playback
18:28 Switchable per-step flourishes
20:36 Advancing sequences with a tap

3 cool Eurorack modules you might not know about

video upload by Tom Churchill

"This video features three of my favourite modules that I think have flown under the radar a bit: the Altered State Machines Aristotle, which is a two-channel non-linear analogue ‘additive sequencer’; the Beers DAC, which is a voltage-controllable transposer/adder; and the AtoV Project cDVCA, which is a unique kind of waveshaping, distorting, VCA, filter, combo.

What they have in common is that they’re affordable; they're the only modules of their kind, as far as I can tell; and I hardly ever see them in other people’s racks. NB: This isn’t a sponsored video, I’m just a fan!

More info on the modules:
https://alteredstatemachines.net/aris...
https://isaacbeers.square.site/produc...
https://atovproject.de/products/cdvca"

Chapters:
00:00 Preview & intro
01:37 Patch overview & Aristotle
03:53 First sequence: Plaits
06:56 Second voice: CDVCA
12:03 Transposing with DAC| 14:10 Adding drums & final patch

Putting synths and drum machines through the MFX Pedal from ALM Busy Circuits

video upload by Tom Churchill

"The MFX Pedal from ALM Busy Circuits is a standalone version of the MFX Eurorack multi-effects module, and it’s designed to work with guitars as well as line-level sources. I’m definitely not a guitarist, but I do have a few synths and drum machines in my studio, so for this video I thought it might be fun to try putting them through it. I don’t go through all 18 programs or demonstrate every parameter, but I pick six of my favourite effects and offer some real-world examples that hopefully show off some of its range. Thanks to ALM for sending it over!"

Chapters:
00:00 Intro & patch previews
01:53 Controls overview
03:14 Almicon Reverb on Super 6
06:05 2051 Bit Corrupter on DRM1
09:24 Digi-PCM Echo on Model D
12:26 Slinky Reverb on Mort’s Barge
15:03 TH-30 Distortion on Volca Beats
17:49 Crumbular Echo on Elmyra 2

Exploring vactrol filters and modular utilities with Nekyia Circuits Mezcal, Muzzle & Cadence

video upload by Tom Churchill

"In this video I’m checking out three modules from Nekyia Circuits. Muzzle is a vactrol-based filter; Mezcal is a compact multi-utility that includes a mult, rectifier, mixer and comparator; and Cadence is a triple decay envelope generator. Between them they provide lots of really useful analogue tools for a modular synth setup, and they all have some interesting twists.

I build a few patches that not only show what these modules can do but also provide some more general patching tips and tricks for modular synths. Hopefully they’ll give you some ideas for things to try with your own setup if you have modules that can do similar things."

Chapters:
00:00 Intro and patch previews
01:23 Modules overview
03:08 Using 2 trigger patterns for filter animation
10:03 Using a rectifier & comparator to expand a vco
15:43 Using envelope bursts to make drum sounds
18:57 Using a comparator for sequence accents

Pulsar Synthesis | A Microsound recipe by Curtis Roads

video upload by Cinematic Laboratory

"Before anything else I'd like to stress that this video was triggered by the Plume from Hieroglyphic, but doesn't feature it. It's NOT intended as click-bait, it's an educational video. If you took the bait, go watch DivKid [posted here] or Tom Churchill's walkthrough [posted here].

The concept is from Curtis Roads Microsound book. I read about the subject and tried to patch a few experiments with various results. Some good, some bad, and some turned out to be amazing. This video also fits my goals for 2024, where it's not always necessary to get yourself a new module when your existing modules still have plenty to offer. Happy patching!"

Patching a modular sequencer from basic building blocks

video upload by Tom Churchill

"This is a patch with two voices playing relatively complex complementary melodies - but I’m not using a dedicated sequencer module to drive them. Instead, I’ve patched up a sequencer from scratch using a couple of voltage-controlled switches, a couple of clock dividers, a matrix mixer and a quantiser. All I need to feed in are a simple steady clock and a fixed offset voltage, and I get loveliness out. Find out how in this video!"

Chapters:
00:00 Intro jam
01:45 Patch concept
07:51 Basic patterns
09:26 Gate patterns
13:07 Final touches

Exploring pulsar synthesis with Hieroglyphic Plume

video upload by Tom Churchill

"Plume is the debut module from Hieroglyphic. It’s a digital oscillator based around pulsar synthesis, which is a fairly obscure technique devised by Curtis Roads in 2001, inspired by astronomical observations of neutron stars. In this video I build a few patches to explore the range of sounds it can produce - from complex stereo leads to West Coast-style wavefolded tones to rich, modulated drones.

Thanks to Hieroglyphic for supplying the module."

Chapters:
00:00 Patch previews
01:01 Introduction
02:16 A guided tour of Plume
11:37 Adding a sub-oscillator
16:11 Simulating Sofia-style synthesis
22:01 Plume as a complex LFO
25:45 West Coast wavefolded tones
27:46 Evolving ambient pads

Xaoc Devices Berlin

video upload by Xaoc Devices

Xaoc Devices Berlin: the oscillator that opens up the Leibniz Binary Subsystem

video upload by Tom Churchill

"On the surface, Xaoc Devices Berlin is a simple compact VCO offering square and saw waves with hard sync, FM input and octave switching. The most interesting part lies behind the panel and that is the Leibniz Binary Subsystem interface, namely LBZ out and LBZ in. The frontpanel LBZ LINK button and its corresponding gate input switch between the default saw wave and a signal that has been passed through any Leibniz module (or a combination of Leibniz modules) connected to Berlin. Add Xaoc Devices Jena for wave processing and the output is no longer a simple saw wave – you now have a vintage-style wavetable oscillator with a penchant for the experimental due to its open, hackable nature. Berlin operates in a way similar to the classic PPG Wave and Fairlight CMI synths and employs a variable sample rate of an extremely widerange internal clock. As the sample rate changes with the oscillator frequency, Berlin's internal square and saw waves exhibit no aliasing effect. The whole frequency range spans from 30 seconds in LFO mode up to 250 kHz (!) with the clock reaching an astounding 20 MHz. Add to that voltage control over all parameters and the result is a highly versatile module capable of creating a significantly diverse palette of unusual waveforms.

Xaoc Devices Berlin notable features:

– wide-range VCO with LFO mode (over 20 octaves of tracking);
– Leibniz Binary Subsystem interface;
– extremely widerange clock source;
– manual and voltage control over all parameters (including octave switching and LBZ LINK!);
– simultaneous Square and Saw/Leibniz wave outputs;
– extensive waveshaping potential when combined with Xaoc Devices Leibniz Subsystem modules, e.g., Jena or Rostock"