Guidance | Conducting an Orchestra with Voltage and Feedback Noise

video upload by Cinematic Laboratory

"I've been experimenting a lot this week and this video will focus on feedback patching, with two twists. It's not just circuit noise, I added a delay and a reverb to the chain. But more important, I added a ring modulator, modulated by a sinewave. So the feedback path is constantly flipping, cancelling waves or amplifying them. The idea is not mine, I got it from La Synthese Humaine who got the idea from Jaap Vink (synth & sonology pioneer, NL, 1970's) , linked in the video.

OK so it's mosty sculpted noise with no VCO and no frequency or pitch. I guess we can call it an atonal spectrum, a sum of sines that doesn't harmonize or add up to a note. Then I was wondering, what if we'd use a symphony orchestra to try and align with the tone/cluster, using the noise as a guide? In the early days, one would arrange a score for the orchestra to mimic frequency sweeps, and Xenakis made it a legendary technique using graphical scores. But this is the other way around. The source is my modular feedback exploration, so the score is voltage and audio. There are no notes, no scale, no 440 Hz concert pitch, so the orchestra would need to improvise and approximate whatever pitch is perceived. Will it be messy? Or will we always gravitate to order and balance? Spoiler. We'd do both.

How did I pull this off? I can't tell you. Not yet. Not now. And there's no 'best part' in this video. It's all good. Or all bad.

00:00 Introduction
02:30 Forbidden Planets again
06:00 'Guidance'"

How Solidtrax Built a Synth Track Using Martinic Prodigy Alone

video upload by Solidtrax

"An unedited look inside the production process.

While composing a few demo tracks for Insurgent Circuits for ‪@MartinicCom‬ Prodigy, I decided to make a screen recording of one of the tracks while I was creating it: Prodigy Pulse.

At the end, you’ll hear the finished result. I don’t usually record my production sessions, so this is a rare behind-the-scenes look at how I put a track together. Hopefully, you’ll pick up a thing or two along the way.

https://martinic.com/prodigy
https://solidtrax.nl/product/insurgen..."

Dutch STEIM Zwarte Dozen Systeem - Sound Demo with Novanex Delay.

video upload by Acid Solder Club

"Short jam of patching with the rare Dutch modular synth system that started out around 1974 within the STEIM Studio for Electro-Instrumental music.

Since 2022 Veerle (Elektortek) got her hands one this system, in total consisting out of 4 rows of "cassettes"/modules (34 total modules, 4x patch matrices). It needs quite some servicing and repair, but als a lot of cassettes survived the forces of time.

Since last year the system is based at Acid Solder Club Utrecht, Veerle's creative electronics/ DIY and synth workshop and experimental sound studio based in Utrecht, the Netherlands. Together with a small team (herself, Rob vd Poel and Sybren Danz) we are searching for documentation, video materials, schematics and all kinds of doodled and sketched info, that most unfortunately, is lost in time.

We are currently also working on a digital archive with stories, patch ideas, a new service manual and repair blog.The process is slow, since a lot of information is lost and we are looking at similar circuits at the time, and digital and book references to help the build.

Follow Acid Solder Club insta and socials for quick updates!
@acidsolderclub
/ acidsolderclub

No post processing anything, and also no filter (yet, in service) or envelopes so it was quite challenging and not really all volume levelled out and such but meh, that's not the point of this video :)

Casettes used in this patch:
V.C Quadrature Oscillator
3x VCO/LFO
ProductModulator
Dual amplifier divider
Inverter
Dual VCA
2x Matrix patchpanels
NOVANEX Sound Shifter SS12000.
that was in the workspace for servicing for the Re:vive Studio, based inside the Instituut of Image and Sound in Hilversum.

https://revivethis.org
https://www.beeldengeluid.nl"

Arturia Memory V Jam | Synth Only + Kick

video upload by Solidtrax

"Been playing with ‪@ArturiaOfficial‬ Memory V in ‪@bitwig‬ Studio 6 for a couple of hours and I’m already hooked. I think it sounds absolutely massive. Arturia really nailed that “six Minimoogs in one” vibe while adding modern workflow features that make it way more usable for modern day production.

More info on Memory V: https://www.arturia.com/products/soft...

Shop sounds:
https://www.solidtrax.nl/shop"

A Demo of mods driving the TastyChips Integral dual convolver pedal

video upload by ParadisoModular

"As I recently finished modifying my 'Integral' dual convolver pedal by TastyChips (https://www.tastychips.nl/) to accept control from multiple external CVs and gates, here's a quick demo video. After a few minutes of showing the Integral's front panel being driven by my external CVs, I switch to showing more detail on my mods and the patch that runs it. This patch also gave me a chance to explore my TipTop Matrix Sequencer, where you dial in 16 pitches from which you can extract 10 sequences that traverse the note matrix in different ways. I crossfade periodically between these 10 lines driving different tone sources (reversing them occasionally to give a bit of variety) - this provides a dynamic and harmonically-rich base upon which to run the Convolver, which produces all of the effects that you hear.

My mods let me turn essentially all of the knobs with external voltages (I also have a gate input for the 'shift' button so I can get at the secondary functions of these knobs too), and indeed, I do that here. All of the knobs are being turned constantly by different LFOs. This pedal sports two convolvers - the panel's knobs affect the one that's displayed, but also I provide a periodic pulse to the 'select' knob (which I gated in the pedal so it doesn't hit when 'shift' is active to avoid going into a menu), which toggles control to the other convolver. So this patch, simple as it is, spans a lot of sonic space...

The Integral is a wonderful box - it sports two convolver chains, and you can select from circa 100 different impulse responses (plus add your own via a USB stick). Convolution is a general operation that spans across reverb, echo, filtering, etc. - you essentially inherit the character of the chosen impulse in the driving waveform. It's not a real-time operation in principle (the convolution integral for each sample goes across the entire impulse) although there are ways of speeding and breaking the operation up to approach real time (plus this pedal allows you to window the integration over the stored impulse). It's a very deep pedal - and in using it, I saw right away how turning several of the knobs at once can get you to interesting modulations and textures while they are moving (the expression input gives access to only one parameter - I use it now for the convolution cross-fade, as I couldn't get to that input with my mods). TastyChips used to make a Eurorack module giving some of this flexibility, but it only included one convolver. The Integral pedal has 2 and is a current product, hence reinforcing my decision to acquire one and essentially 'turn' it into a versatile synth module.

My sequences here are a bit major-key/unsophisticated (all notes have to work potentially on top of each other and in whatever sequence it picks), and the pedal occasionally gets briefly into strange territory - hence this demo only hints at where this beast can go (every impulse response has a different character too). And turning all of the knobs can occasionally push it into instability - I will probably use fewer when I take it out for a real spin. More coming with this one in future patches, but in the interim, here's this trial demo..."

Distopian CyberFuture for Baby Audio Atoms (new custom presets)

video upload by NatLife Sounds

"Product Link: https://natlifesounds.com/product/dis...

Distopian CyberFuture for Baby Audio Atoms synthesizer - it's a collection of another dimension sounds from NatLife.

Even if it's still physical modeling synth, I tried to make something different and musical.

With a 64 distopian future presets, you can bring your music with fully unusual scene. This sounds can fit such genres like Synthwave, Cyberpunk, Game & Cinema sound design, Ambient, Space music and Chill Out. Of course, this doesn't stop you from using these presets in other styles.

The library contains 64 Baby Audio Atoms presets & patches, which are:

ARP - 4
Bassline - 8
FX - 5
Key - 1
Lead - 9
NL - 1
Pad - 12
Pluck - 3
Sequence - 7
Synth - 14

With this collection of sounds, find something completely unique and unlike anything else."

TAL Introduces TAL-J8X - Roland JX-8P Based Soft Synth

video upload by TAL Software

"This video shows some original JX-8P factory sounds. It compares the plug-in with the hardware device (revision 2 / OS v3.1). For the test, we imported the factory presets with sysex. A MIDI sequence is played alternately between the plugin and the hardware. Sometimes it clicks when the output switches and…

The demo was recorded in one take without any modifications or cuts. Don't expect identical results. DCO, LFO, and Chorus phases are freely running on both devices. The cutoff frequencies vary slightly for each voice."

5 things to like about TAL-J8X

video upload by Solidtrax and TAL Software

"For more info about TAL-J8X, point your browser here: https://tal-software.com/products/tal...
For more info about sounds I’ve made for other TAL products, please visit: https://www.solidtrax.nl/shop

My soundbank for TAL-J8X is still in the works…"

0:00 Intro
0:24 1. The Oscillator Section.
03:20 2. The Filter Section.
05:28 3. The Modulation Options.
09:20 4. Individual Voice Tuning.
10:36 5. The Effects.

"TAL-J8X is an instrument plug-in that emulates the sound of the analog 80's synthesizer with additional features that add a fresh touch to this synth.

Emulation of the 80's hardware synthesizer (rev 2 / OS 3.1).
Modern filter mode that allows self-oscillation.
Create and play chords.
Arpeggiator with different modes.
High Quality EQ, Delay and Reverb FX.
Aftertouch and MPE support.
Microtuning support (tun file import and MTS Client).
Original factory banks included.
More than 600 presets by Electric Himalaya, Saif Sameer, Sound Author, Empty Vessel, VIC-20, TAL, Heat Audio, FMR and others.
Individual tuning for every voice converts the synths DCO into a VCO.
Reads Sysex files and Sysex MIDI from the hardware device (tone data from JX-8P, JX-10, MKS-70).
Can also control a hardware device. If enabled, it sends Sysex through the plug-in MIDI output (only possible when supported by the DAW)."

Inside the Studio of Dutch Synth Legend Allert Aalders // Modulogue

video upload by Optoproductions

"We visited Dutch synth legend Allert Aalders in his studio in the woods near Utrecht. Part of iconic synthesizer act 'Human Beings' and founder of Modular Synth event: 'Modulation' and part of the Dutch Modular Fest crew.

Under the name of Sonar Traffic, Allert creates presets for both hardware and software synthesizers such as Arturia, Native Instruments, Korg, Steinberg, Fabfilter and Kilohearts.

Sonar Traffic
http://www.sonartraffic.nl/

Human Beings
https://humanbeings.bandcamp.com/"

Update: re-uploaded as The Story of a Dutch Synth Legend: Allert Aalders (Sonar Traffic) on Optoproductions channel. Previously on Modulogue.

MAXED OUT - 160 Fresh sounds for PolyMAX by Solidtrax

video upload by Solidtrax

"160 New and fresh #presets for ‪@UniversalAudio‬ #PolyMAX - These #sounds are suitable for ambient, documentary, EDM, house, IDM, techno, trance and various sorts of electronic dance music genres.

All sounds in this video are sourced directly from UADx PolyMAX - recorded dry, using only the onboard effects of the synth. No external EQ, compression or other processing has been applied. Even the drums come straight from PolyMAX.

Get the sounds here: https://www.solidtrax.nl/product/maxe...

Read my full review of PolyMAX (includes 10 free patches!): https://solidtrax.nl/universal-audio-..."

Yamaha CS70M with Kenton MIDI

Note: links to listings are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.

via this VEMIA listing

"Yamaha CS70m. European plug 220V, 6 (dual) voice synth. It has the Kenton midi mod. All voice cards have been checked and tuned. It has received final calibration by artefacts.nl . I'm not keen on shipping it, so ideally this would be collected from Belgium or possibly Netherlands. VEMIA may be able to organise this if necessary, given time."

Pics of the inside below.

CLICK FOR MORE »

Gligli's Overcycler first custom patches

video upload by coyotesynth

"Here the Gligli's Overcycler, a new 6 voice hybrid synthesizer.

The oscillator section is the strong point of this synth, very flexible with 6 ways to deeply modulate the 2 oscillators. Then the SSM filters comes and the envelopes with several curves to choose ends up this simple but very efficient synth.

No FX, EQ or Comp has been added to the raw sound of the synth. Only normalizing (the output level is not very high).

Check out the Gligli's online shop, the synth is available sometimes, but every batch is sold out very fast: https://gligli.store/fr/

Also check out the very good review of the SolidTrax website, with many other audio demos: https://solidtrax.nl/gliglis-overcycler-review/"

You can find additional Overcycler posts here.

Can BabyAudio Tekno Rumble? 🔥 5 Things to Love + 3 I Wish It Had

video upload by Solidtrax

"Can it? Well, let’s find out in this video. I #demo one of my factory presets for ‪@BABYAudio-official‬ Tekno, called 'Get Tekno To Rumble.'

I also share 5 things I love about the plugin and 3 features I’d love to see in a future update.

Get #BabyAudio #Tekno here: https://babyaud.io/tekno - Intro offer available.

Get quality custom #sounds and read reviews at: https://www.solidtrax.nl"

Tekno - Baby Audio - Official Tutorial

video upload by Baby Audio





PRODUCE DRUMS WITHOUT SAMPLES
Stop browsing for the perfect sample and create your own infectious electronic drum sounds instead – with total control.

Tekno offers 18 fully synthesized drum engines, spanning kicks, snares, clap, hats, percussion and more. Craft unique drum kits full of punch and analog flavor to suit any musical genre.

Use MIDI to sequence Tekno directly. Or simply drag and drop your sounds into any DAW or folder for external sequencing.

NEXT-GENERATION DRUM SYNTHESIS
To build Tekno we teamed up with Jatin Chowdhury, one of the leading engineers in analog circuit modeling. Our goal was to create a modern spiritual successor to the legendary drum machines of the 20th century. Not an emulation, but more.

Tekno stands on the shoulders of classic drum machines but hits deeper and harder. It utilizes a combination of circuit-modeling and cutting edge DSP to deliver the punchiest synthesized drums ever put in a plugin.

DEEP TWEAKING OR FAST INSPIRATION
Click the ‘Gear’ icons next to any synth voice or FX section to unlock deep calibration and circuit-bending options.

Or hit the onboard ‘Dice’ icons to let Tekno’s smart random-algorithm generate all-new drums with every click.

You can also start from the 73 global presets and 1314 individual voice presets by leading sound designers such as Richard Devine, Mr. Bill, Virtual Riot and Yoad Nevo.

DUTCH MODULAR FEST 2025 Set for Next Weekend WORM ROTTERDAM

Highlights via https://worm.org/

WORM is delighted to welcome Dutch Modular Fest to Rotterdam! This hugely successful and forward-looking festival normally takes place in Utrecht. This will be a day full of surprises, showcasing the incredibly and enlightening world of modular synths!

Music
DMF have created a wide-ranging music programme to enjoy. Every artist is carefully selected and presents a certain genre, or aspect of modular synth music. And we are delighted to present: Julian Edwardes, Skander Jaïbi & Ines Kooli, Chebedahja, Maj Rachel, Cinematic Laboratory, and, returning to WORM, Animistic Beliefs. You can watch the gigs in WORM’s main concert space.

CLICK FOR MORE »

Jam #4 // Arturia MicroFreak & Roland TR 8 // Some Effects

video upload by Solidtrax

"I was building some sounds for the Arturia MicroFreak, testing a preset alongside the Roland TR-8, and, well, before I knew it, it kind of took on a life of its own.

Gear used:
‪@ArturiaOfficial‬ MicroFreak
‪@rolandglobal‬ TR-8
‪@BOSSinfoglobal‬ DD-7
‪@nobelsofficial5766‬ ODR-1
‪@alesis_drums‬ nanocompressor
‪@motuTV‬ M4 and
‪@bitwig‬ Studio for recording

Looking for fresh sounds for your synth? Check out: https://solidtrax.nl/shop - lots to explore, with free options too!"

YAMAHA TQ5 | FM Synthesizer Bass

video upload by Akihiko Matsumoto

"Link: https://akihikomatsumoto.sellfy.store...

25 OldDubstep Bass Loops
17 Lately Bass Loops
28 FM Warp Bass Loops
10 FM Reese Bass Loops
15 Donk Bass Loops
14 DNB90 Bass Loops
10 5xSine Reese Bass Loops
27 TriRave Reese Bass Loops
3 OctSine Reese Bass Loops
12 FM Drum Loops
64 Drum Oneshots
11 Bass Oneshots
7 Drones
11 Ambient Long Oneshots
Total
93 Oneshots / 161 Loops


Pure FM grit with digital soul
This pack captures the raw, glassy textures and punchy transients of the YAMAHA TQ5, a late 80s FM synth with a character all its own. From sharp metallic stabs to warm pads and quirky percussive hits, these sounds bring a distinctly digital flavor perfect for modern productions with a retro edge.
Reference
YAMAHA TX81Z Factory Preset Patch
https://refacedx.martintarenskeen.nl/..."

Solid Jam 3 with Roland MC-707, SH-01A, KORG Volca Bass & OTO BAM + BOUM

video upload by Solidtrax

"I slowly started making music again and took some time after designing 64 new patches for the SH-01A to play around with some of my cool tools. #dawless #mc707 #sh01a #volcabass #jam

Tools used:
‪@rolandglobal‬ MC-707 / SH-01A
‪@KorgOfficial‬ Volca Bass
‪@OTOMACHINES‬ BAM & BOUM
‪@motuTV‬ M4 and ‪@bitwig‬ Studio for recording

Do you fancy some new sounds for your synth - consider supporting and purchasing them here: https://solidtrax.nl/shop"

TQ5 FM Synth (Sample Pack) Oneshots & Loops Demo

video upload by Akihiko Matsumoto

"Link: https://akihikomatsumoto.sellfy.store...

25 OldDubstep Bass Loops
17 Lately Bass Loops
28 FM Warp Bass Loops
10 FM Reese Bass Loops
15 Donk Bass Loops
14 DNB90 Bass Loops
10 5xSine Reese Bass Loops
27 TriRave Reese Bass Loops
3 OctSine Reese Bass Loops
12 FM Drum Loops
64 Drum Oneshots
11 Bass Oneshots
7 Drones
11 Ambient Long Oneshots
Total
93 Oneshots / 161 Loops


Pure FM grit with digital soul
This pack captures the raw, glassy textures and punchy transients of the YAMAHA TQ5, a late 80s FM synth with a character all its own. From sharp metallic stabs to warm pads and quirky percussive hits, these sounds bring a distinctly digital flavor perfect for modern productions with a retro edge.
Reference
YAMAHA TX81Z Factory Preset Patch
https://refacedx.martintarenskeen.nl/..."

Introducing TŒRN - A Standalone Arduino-Based Sequencer & Sampler

TŒRN - track building demo: Camping Love video upload by TŒRN

"Short demo of building a track with TOERN with the new effects firmware while camping in NL"

"TŒRN is a standalone Arduino-based sequencer & sampler — designed for fun, and live performances. Developed by Jan from SP_ctrl in Hamburg, it’s the evolution of the NI404: a groovebox with Teensy-powered synths, live recording, and a playful 16x16 RGB interface. Perfect for kids, couch producers, and live performers alike."

via https://toern.live

"Hi, I'm Jan! TŒRN is my evolution of the NI404, my first DIY sampler-sequencer prototype. As the sole developer, I've poured my heart into creating something special: a device that's both a fun toy AND a serious music tool.

My vision was simple: create an instrument that's easy to learn but deep enough to grow with you. Whether you're a kid discovering electronic music or a seasoned performer, TŒRN adapts to your style - choose your own colors for the enclosure as well! Its portable design and intuitive interface make it perfect for both: beginners and pros.

All components mounted on the PCB—no extra cables

USB-C, battery support, pro-grade audio & MIDI TRS ports
Designed for kids, couch musicians, live performers, and synth tinkerers"

CLICK FOR MORE »

Razer Blade for u-he Diva by Solidtrax & hkmr.sdg - Chrono Rift Demo

video upload by Solidtrax

"For this cinematic sound set I've teamed up with ‪@minkokalsbeek‬ from @hikimorimusic (hkmr.sdg). This cinematic sound set for ‪@uheplugins‬ Diva contains 127 expertly crafted presets, showcasing the remarkable versatility and analog warmth that #Diva is celebrated for.

These patches are crafted with inspiration from some of our favorite science fiction films and scores. This collection of patches offers a compelling foundation for creating atmospheric science fiction and thriller cues. Each patch has been meticulously designed to deliver unique and inspiring sounds, perfect for production music, game soundtracks and film scoring. Whether you are building immersive layers or seeking fresh ideas, Razer Blade provides the tools to elevate your compositions.

Diva excels at delivering rich, authentic tones by emulating legendary synth components inspired by icons like the Moog Minimoog, Roland Alpha Juno, Jupiter-8(000), Korg MS-20, and Oberheim synths. With two LFOs, an arpeggiator and a suite of sound-shaping tools, it’s a playground for sound designers.

Each preset is equipped with velocity, mod wheel, pitch bend and aftertouch controls. We've also configured Control A and B - mapped to CC #2 (breath) and CC #11 (expression) - to provide even more expressive movement.

While these sounds are optimized for ambient and cinematic genres, they are equally suited for synthwave and various electronic dance music styles. Designed with Diva v1.4.8, these presets are ready to bring your music to life.

Explore this diverse palette of sounds and unlock new creative possibilities with Razer Blade for #uhe Diva.

Intro Offer: Use coupon RBINTRO at checkout to get 10% discount at until the end of March 2025

Consider purchasing the sounds here: https://www.solidtrax.nl/shop/razer-b..."

GliGli’s Overcycler, an affordable and ‘cycle-over-the-top’ synthesizer?

Supporting member Solidtrax wrote in to let us know he has a review up on GliGli’s Overcycler. You can find it on his site here: https://solidtrax.nl/gliglis-overcycler-review/. You can a couple of video in previous posts here.

From the review:

"The Overcycler is available as a DIY and pre-assembled kit. The DIY kit consists of parts and a pre-assembled circuit board, you only have to do some soldering for the panel, but it’s only through-hole (ie. all the surface mounted parts are soldered already), which isn’t that difficult even if you aren’t a solder-head.

At the moment of writing the price is around €264 for the DIY kit and €314 for the pre-assembled version (ex. shipping). Fabrice and I got in contact and after some discussion, I quickly decided to go for the pre-assembled version so I could help Fabrice with tasks like writing the manual and adding some new factory patches...

But what makes this synth so special and why did Fabrice wanted to create this synthesizer? Well, the manual gives a bit of history, as apparently this project has been a long time in the making:

Quote from the manual: 'This project started about 10 years ago, when I wanted to make use of spare SSM2044 voltage controlled low pass filters I had laying around. The goal was to make a synthesizer that had a very strong character, while staying focused on polyphonic sounds, and the SSM2044 was perfect for that because even when strongly over-driven, it never sounds aggressive. It went through 3 major revisions until it became the full-fledged retail synthesizer it is now. As new SSM2044 are becoming rare, the synthesizer uses SSI2144, which are modern surface-mounted clones, and also embarks LM13700-based voltage controlled amplifiers.'"

Check out the full review here.