The Finish Line

video upload by davidryle

"Having a little fun with the Q960 sequencers and the Moog Matriarch.

The Q960 pair are set up for index sequencing on the bass line. This is a fun way to mangle the bass line but keep it steady in time with the drum pattern. The gate duty was handed to the Dotcom Q172 quantizer for only sending gates when there is a change of pitch voltage. This helped to avoid the typical pulse rhythm.

The bass voice is a pair of Synthetic Sound Labs TZ-VC Oscillators in FM coupling. There is a third VCO from SSL for a sine wave sub-oscillator. These are mixed through the Corsynth C114 transistor drive mixer to the Oakley Voltage Controlled State Variable Filter in low pass mode. The signal is split and sent through the Modcan 73B stereo echo delay and also a dry signal is driven by a second Corsynth T-Mixer for added saturation.

The drum sounds are from the Delptronics LDB-2E and the TipTop SD808 snare. There is a Mutable Instruments Grids and the Moon Modular 563 trigger sequencer coupled to trigger the modules. The snare is sent through the MakeNoise Echophon delay and produces the raspy pulse voice heard throughout.

A hollow wood/metal block percussive sound is generated by a pair of Dotcom Q106's, a Mega Ohm Audio CdS LPG and an SSL Digital Delay. This is triggered by the STG Trigger Mini Store and reset by the Moon 554 Octal Clock Divider.

The IN-YER-FACE lead line is the Moog Matriarch through a T.C.Electronics D-Two delay unit.

Clock source was from Cubase through the STG Time Divider.

A pair of Dotcom Q962 Sequential Switches were used to route the various step gates from the lower Q960 Sequencer to the upper Q960. Routing and pitch values were pre-determined after hours of rehearsal to set up a particular scale or mode that determined what I should play on the Matriarch.

It should be noted that certain happenstance values of the sequence pattern produced passing tones that lead to the typical blues scale in C. I just had to go with it."

Meet You At The Top

video upload by davidryle

"A two part piece. Both are pitch voltage quantization controlled from the ACL Sinfonion. I switch presets through the first part from preset 1 - 4 and in the second half I leave it on preset 5.

The Sinfonion chord section is sending pitch quantization to the Doepfer A-111-4 quad VCO and A-105-4 quad SSI filter. The mixer is the Corsynth T-Mixer. The Empress reverb in Ambient Swell green mode is used.

The opening voice is Channel 2 of the Sinfonion and is sent to the Dotcom Q206 with the Dove D502 in BP mode P1, then an SSL Serge Resonant EQ and finally the Strymon Blue Sky.

A counter voice is the Channel 3 quantizer to a pair of Synthetic Sound Labs TZ-VC Oscillators to the Oakley VC-SVF in BP mode. The audio is routed through a Moon 517S high pass filter to roll of the lower mid tones. I used an instance of Relab Development's LX480 classic Lexicon reverb. This same voice is used for the main melodic part in the second section.

The Channel 1 of the Sinfonion is to the bass voice which is the Dotcom Q169 Oscillator++ and Grove Audio G294A ladder filter.

The Sinfonion arpeggiator part is to the STG oscillator duet and the Dove D501 2069 filter. The signal is sent through the Modcan 73B dual delay. In the first section this voice is solo, but in the second section I added in a duplicated run of the MosLab 901/904A through a different envelope which is timed a bit more sparse and sent through the second section of the 73B delay.

Most of my time was spent mixing levels and changing the timing of the SSL Hagiwo Geo-Gruvn euclidean sequencer. The clock timing was controlled by row 3 of the Moon 563 trigger seq. I used two different memory presets on the Geo-Gruvn for each section. These timings were used for the gate controls to the SSL Octal VCA, CV-8 Breakout and AD/AR Expander. The eight channel vca handled four of the voices. Very cool array of modules.

I also sent and effort to control the timing of the STG Voltage Mini Store's timing with row 2 of the 563. The right VMS is used for the Root control to the Sinfonion. The faster moving left VMS is to the arpeggiator of the Sinfonion.

The Sinfonion is using various cv's from the Q960 step sequencers to affect the chord spread and note selections. Also an LFO is used to affect the pre-transpose of the chord section.

A convoluted patch using the Lower West Side Studios CGS88 triple switch, the Dove D900 sequencer and three voltage sources to send control voltage to the transpose on the Sinfonion. I used the Moon 564 trigger stage 1 to turn this on and off by hand when needed.

The final clangorous opening and ending patch voice was the Mutable Instruments Rings through the Behringer Bode Frequency Shifter clone and the Encore Frequency Shifter, and on through the Tip Top Z-DSP signal processor running Halls of Valhalla reverb (Niflheim preset). It was also the midway noise rush background sound where the sections changed. These were added later in Cubase and triggered by hand.

The sections were performed at once live to Cubase and video edited in Final Cut Pro."

Behind The Drums Ep 16 - The Cars "Drive" Linndrum

video upload by Controlled Voltage Sound Labs

"An in depth look at the making of The Cars' classic single 'Drive.' Video includes a re-creation of the drum beat + synthesizer arrangement using a Linndrum, Roland Juno 106, and Roland JX-8P."

Drum Processing
Kick - Teletronix LA-2A + Lexicon 224 (Room Setting)
Snare - Teletronix LA-2A + Lexicon 224 (Plate Setting)
Hat + Crash - Teletronix LA-2A + Lexicon 224 (Hall Setting)
Clave - Teletronix LA-2A + Lexicon 224 (Hall Setting)
Tambourine - Teletronix LA-2A + AMS DMX + Lexicon 224 (Hall Setting)

Behind The Drums Ep 15 - Flashdance "Maniac" - Michael Sembello Linndrum

video upload by Controlled Voltage Sound Labs

"An in depth look at the making of Michael Sembello's number one hit 'Maniac,' from the Flashdance movie soundtrack. Video includes a re-cretion of the drum beat using a Linndrum."

Drum Processing
Kick - Teletronix LA-2A (No Reverb)
Snare + Tamb - Teletronix LA-2A + Lexicon 224 (Plate Setting)
Cowbell - Teletronix LA-2A (No Reverb)
Clap - AMS Reverb (Non Lin Short decay)
Stick - Teletronix LA-2A (No Reverb)
Hat - Teletronix LA-2A + Lexicon 224 (Room Setting)

Behind The Drums Ep 14 - Tom Petty "Don't Come Around Here No More" Oberheim DMX

video upload by Controlled Voltage Sound Labs

"An in depth look at the making of Tom Petty's "Don't Come Around Here No More." Video includes a re-creation of the drum beat using an Oberheim DMX drum machine.

Join us on Patreon! - / cvsoundlabs
INSTAGRAM - @CVSoundLabs

Drum Processing...
Kick - Teletronix LA-2A + Lexicon 224
Snare - Teletronix LA-2A + AMS Reverb
Hat + Cabasa - Teletronix LA-2A + Lexicon 224
Toms - Teletronix LA-2A + AMS DMX Delay + AMS Reverb"

Behind The Drums Ep 13 - Berlin "Take My Breath Away" Linndrum with Yamaha DX7

video upload by Controlled Voltage Sound Labs

Additional Behind The Drums episodes

"An in depth look at the making of Berlin's international number one hit, 'Take My Breath Away.' Video includes a re-creation of the drum beat using a Linndrum and bass line using a Yamaha DX7."

Drum Processing...
Kick - Teletronix LA-2A + AMS Reverb
Snare - Teletronix LA-2A + AMS Reverb
Hat - Teletronix LA-2A + Lexicon 224
Conga - Teletronix LA-2A + Lexicon 224
Tambourine - Teletronix LA-2A + Lexicon 224

Behind The Drums Ep 12 - Pat Benatar "Love Is A Battlefield" Linndrum

video upload by Controlled Voltage Sound Labs

Additional Behind The Drums episodes

"An in depth look at the making of Pat Benatar's highest charting hit 'Love Is A Battlefield.' Episode includes a remake of the beat using a Linndrum."

Drum Processing
Hat - Teletronix LA-2A + Lexicon 224
Cabasa - Teletronix LA-2A + Lexicon 224
Kick - Teletronix LA-2A (No Reverb)
Snare - Teletronix LA-2A + AMS RMX Verb
Toms - Teletronix LA-2A + Lexicon 224

Behind The Drums Ep 11 - New Order "Blue Monday" Oberheim DMX

video upload by Controlled Voltage Sound Labs

"An in depth look at the making of New Order's best selling single of all time 'Blue Monday.' Episode includes a remake of the drum beat using an Oberheim DMX drum machine."

Drum Processing
Hat - Teletronix LA-2A + Lexicon 224 Hall Setting
Snare - Teletronix LA-2A + Lexicon 224
Clap - Teletronix LA-2A + Lexicon 224 Plate Setting
Kick - Teletronix LA-2A + Lexicon Hall Setting

Behind The Drums Ep 10 - Madonna "Into The Groove" Oberheim DMX

video upload by Controlled Voltage Sound Labs

Additional Behind The Drums episodes

"An in depth look at the making of Madonna's best selling song of all time 'Into the Groove.' Episode includes a remake of the beat using an Oberheim DMX along with a Roland TR 727 to incorporate percussion elements heard in the Shep Pettibone remix.

Drum Processing...
Hat - Teletronix LA-2A + Lexicon 224
Kick - Teletronix LA-2A
Snare - Teletronix LA-2A + AMS non linear
Clap - Teletronix LA-2A + AMS non linear

Roland TR 626
All percussion - Teletronix LA-2A +Lexicon 224 Hall Setting
Timbale - AMS DMX 1/8 delay

INSTAGRAM - @CVsoundlabs"

Behind The Drums Ep 09 - Paula Abdul "Straight Up" Linn 9000

video upload by Controlled Voltage Sound Labs

Additional Behind The Drums episodes

"An in depth look at the making of Paula Abdul's hit single 'Straight Up.' Video includes a re-creation of the drum beat using a Linn 9000 with alternate sounds from an authentic 1980's era floppy disc collection.

Drum Processing...
Hat, Cabasa, Cowbell - Teletronix LA-2A + Lexicon 224 Room setting
Snare - Teletronix LA-2A + AMS short gate
Kick - Dry
Crash - Lexicon 224 Hall setting"

Behind The Drums Ep 08 - Tears For Fears "Everybody Wants To Rule The World" Linndrum with Fairlight

video upload by Controlled Voltage Sound Labs

Additional Behind The Drums episodes

"A deep dive into how the drums were made on Tears For Fears' hit single 'Everybody Wants To Rule The World.' Video includes a re-creation of the drum beat using a Linndrum with sounds from the Fairlight CMI.

Processing
Hi Hat + Cabasa - Teletronix LA-2A + Lexicon 224 Hall Setting
Kick - Teletronix LA-2A
Snare - Teletronix LA-2A + AMS Reverb Short Gate"

Behind The Drums Ep 07 - Dead Or Alive "You Spin Me Round (Like A Record)" Linn 9000

video upload by Controlled Voltage Sound Labs

Additional Behind The Drums episodes

"An in depth look at the making of Dead Or Alive's international hit "You Spin Me Round (Like A Record)." Episode includes a remake of the beat using the Linn 9000 drum machine, and takes a look at the creative process of legendary hitmakers Stock, Aitken, and Waterman."

Five Famous Oberheim DMX Patterns (Hip Hop Edition)

video upload by Controlled Voltage Sound Labs

"Programming 5 famous patterns on the Oberheim DMX drum machine. An homage to the early pioneers of hip hop.

Grandmaster Flash - 'The Message'
Davy DMX - 'One For The Treble (Fresh)'
Slick Rick - 'Children's Story'
Kurtis Blow - 'AJ Meets Davy DMX'
Slick Rick - 'Mona Lisa'

Processing
Teletronix LA-2A + Lexicon 224

INSTAGRAM - ​@CVsoundlabs"

Behind The Drums Ep 06 - A-ha "Take On Me" Linndrum with Yamaha DX7

video upload by Controlled Voltage Sound Labs

Additional Behind The Drums episodes

"An in depth look at the making of A-ha's international hit 'Take On Me.' Video includes a re-creation of the drum beat using a Linndrum and Yamaha DX7."

Behind The Drums Ep 05 - Cameo "Word Up" Linn 9000 with special guest Sammy Merendino

video upload by Controlled Voltage Sound Labs

Additional Behind The Drums episodes

"An in depth look at the making of Cameo's 'Word Up.' Video includes an interview with drum programmer Sammy Merendino and a recreation of the drum beat using a Linn 9000.

Follow Sammy on Instagram - @ Sammymerendino

Drum Processing...
Teletronix LA-2A compression on everything
No Reverb
Ping Pong delay on tambourine"

You can find episodes 1 through 4 here.

Behind The Drums

video uploads by Controlled Voltage Sound Labs

Additional Behind The Drums episodes

Playlist:

1. Behind The Drums - Tears For Fears "Shout" Linndrum with Drumulator Digirock Eproms

A deep dive into how the drums were made on Tears For Fears' hit single "Shout." Video includes a recreation of the beat using a Linndrum with the Digidrums "Digi Rock Drums" and 3 alternate eproms made by Linn Electronics. Drums are processed through Teletronix LA-2A compressor + AMS Reverb.

2. Behind The Drums Ep 02 - Billy Idol "Eyes Without A Face" Linndrum

An in depth look at the making of Billy Idol's "Eyes Without A Face." Video includes a recreation of the drum beat using a Linndrum with all stock sounds. Drums are processed through Teletronix LA-2A compressor + AMS Reverb.

3. Behind The Drums Ep 03 - Madonna "Holiday" Oberheim DMX

An in depth look at the making of Madonna's "Holiday." Video includes a recreation of the drum beat using an Oberheim DMX and live cowbell.

Drum Processing...
Hat, Cowbell, Tamborine - Teletronix LA-2A + Lexicon 224 Hall Setting
Snare and Clap - Teletronix LA-2A + Lexicon 224 Short Gate Setting
Kick - Teletronix LA-2A (No Reverb)

4. Behind The Drums Ep 04 - Wham! "Everything She Wants" Linndrum

An in depth look at the making of Wham's "Everything She Wants." Video includes a recreation of the drum beat using a Linndrum.

Drum processing...
Kick, Snare, Clap - Teletronix LA-2A + Lexicon 224 Plate
Congas, Toms, Cowbell - Teletronix LA-2A + Lexicon 224 Plate
Hat, Cabasa, Tamborine - Teletronix LA-2A + Lexicon 224 Hall

Machina Bristronica 2024

video uploads by sonicstate

Playlist:

1. Bristronica 24: MyVolts The Silent Alchemist Nears Shipping

We caught up with Caroline who gave us the latest update to the *Silent Alchemist*, a versatile power hub designed for musicians. Featuring five isolated USB-C outputs and a high-wattage sixth output capable of delivering 100 watts, the device can power a Mac with the remaining outputs providing 20 watts each. Its independent circuits ensure noise-free operation, catering to a variety of devices including the Dreadbox module and Sysmo slope generator.

The Silent Alchemist uses innovative step-up power tips to convert USB-C input to the correct voltage for various devices. There's also new feature: an uninterruptible power supply allowing seamless transition between wall and power bank sources. Also introduced were updated cables, such as silver candy cords and floating ring TRS to TS cables, expanding connection flexibility. The Silent Alchemist is expected to be available in December with a competitive pricing strategy.

More Info:
https://myvolts.com/

2. Bristronica 24: Circuit Happy ML2M Clock Sync module updates

At Bristronica 2024, we caught up with the creator of the *ML2M*, who introduced us to the latest version. The ML2M is a compact Eurorack module with Wi-Fi capabilities, allowing seamless synchronization with Ableton Live, Bitwig Studio, and iOS music apps using Ableton Link without the need for cables. It either connects to an existing network or creates its own, ensuring robust sync even in environments with unreliable Wi-Fi. The module, which retains its 2HP size, now features MIDI integration through TRS jacks. Users can access a web interface to configure each output for different clock divisions and reset triggers, making setup straightforward and flexible.

Alongside the ML2M, there's also the Missing Link Junior. This desktop version offers the same functionality but in a box format, complete with MIDI and CV clock outputs. Both products are now accessible, with a starting price of $250.

3. Bristronica 24: Archaea Exchange Patching Module

At Machina Bristronica 2024, we caught up with Arran from ‪@archaea_modular_synthesis‬ who presented the *Exchange Module*. This programmable patcher, a year in the making, evolved from its early prototype stage to a fully functional module. Arran explained how the Exchange can route synth voices via a beam controller and three exchange modules installed within the skiff, allowing for versatile patching. Operating like a matrix patchbay, it enables users to select inputs and outputs with the push of a button, create presets, and chain multiple modules for synchronized patching.

Communication between the modules occurs over the Eurorack power bus as well as over MIDI via the USB-C connection. The Exchange maintains analog integrity, ensuring there’s no conversion latency. The forthcoming release expected in late November 2024, includes a USB-driven editor for enhanced control capabilities.

CLICK FOR MORE »

The Eternal Now

video upload by davidryle

"American Format (5U) modular synthesizer performance in real time to a stereo track in Cubase.
For an atonal wash I used the Dove Audio Waveplane and WTF vco's through an Oakley Sound Systems Ring Modulator. I then sent it through A dotcom Q150 transistor ladder filter and a Lower West Side Studio Multimode Filter/Resonator and on to a fixed filter bank and a Frequency Central Stasis Leak digital delay. This drone wash comes in at the final section and ending.
The opening reed sound and accompanying organ sounds were derived from the Synthetic Sound Labs/Mutable Instruments (Braids) Woven Spirits module.
The initial reed sound is from the AUX output of the Woven Spirits through an SSL/Ian Fritz 5 Pulser and Oakley Sound Systems State Variable Filter. The filter is stepped with a random S&H from JNP Electronics.
The secondary organ chord sound is the Main direct output of the Woven Spirits in Chord mode. The combination of both elements are sent to an Electro-Harmonix Grand Canyon in DMM mode. Feedback is applied as needed for the drone sustain throughout the piece.
The bass line comes in next with a pair of STG Soundlabs Oscillators through a Dove Audio D502 Multimode filter in -24dB LP mode. The pitch voltage is from the upper Q960 step sequencer. It's timing is from a Catgirl Synth Master Divider, clocked from a custom Dual LFO/Analog Shift Register of Ken Stone (Catgirl Synth) design. An additional tap from the STG oscillator through a Corsynth C103 Frequency Divider/Multiplier module for a sub-octave feed.
The melodic line blended into the latter section is from a pair of Q106 dotcom vco's which are pitch controlled by the lower Q960 sequencer. Each vco pitch is from a separate row of the Q960. The Q960's shift timing is from the CGS Master Divider module. The output is routed through an Empress Reverb pedal in Blue Ghost mode. Panning is from the LWSS/Yusynth Panning Mixer.
All pitch quantitization is through a Moon Modular 565 series setup.
Additional voltage modulation to the Woven Spirits module are from the STG Soundlabs voltage mini stores, and vaious LFO's etc. Timing for the additional sequencers is also managed by the Moster Divider."

Synthetic Sound Labs Announces Soleil String Synth Pod & Modulation Orgy 2.0

Details on each follow. Check with the dealers on the right for availability.

TABLE-TOP MIDI STRING SYNTH POD ANNOUNCED

Inspired by the early vintage synths of the ‘70s such as the Elka Rhapsody and ARP Solina, the Soleil POD is a tiny low-cost Lo-Fi MIDI String Synth table-top box.

Capable of playing 4 paraphonic notes with 2 oscillator ranks per note. Waveforms are continuously variable from thick sawtooth thru variable pulse widths for more reedy sounds. The second rank is detunable for lush pads and honky-tonk riffs.

The Soleil contains built-in modulation / vibrato LFO, the depth of which can be controlled by MIDI. Attack and release envelope times are individually adjustable and share a single VCA making this a “paraphonic” instrument. A gate output jack allows convenient triggering of external effects and synth equipment, and its state is displayed by an LED.

MIDI is input via a 3.5mm TRS Type “A” jack, and responds to keyboard running status as well as pitch bend and modulation. An LED MIDI displays MIDI activity.

MIDI channel defaults to channel 1 but can be easily reset to other channels using a unique sequence from your controller keyboard at power-up, which is retained in non- volatile memory.

A fine tune control allows accurate tuning to other instruments, and an output volume control is provided. MIDI, Gate Out and Audio Out are standard 3.5mm (1/8”) jacks.


Power is supplied from a user provided +8 to +18 VDC 2.1mm coaxial jack, center positive power source, and draws extremely low current.

Quality, solder masked, fiberglass-epoxy printed circuit boards and meticulous hand- crafted assembly assure years of trouble-free service.

Synthetic Sound Labs has been in the analog synthesizer business since 1973. The Soleil Pod is the newest in SSL’s continuing line of outstanding analog synthesizer devices.

Pricing is $179.95 US and is available off-the-shelf from SSL and Distributors Worldwide.

UPDATED LFO MODULE ANNOUNCED

Just over 10 years after the release of its popular original 2260 Modulation Orgy LFO, Synthetic Sound Labs have recently released an updated and improved version.

The new 2261 Modulation Orgy has completely reimagined firmware that includes improvements such as waveform morphing and random wave slew. The new module width is now only 8 HP (half the width of its 16 HP predecessor) and is available with either black or silver faced panels.

DETAILS

The 2261 Modulation Orgy is a unique Low Frequency Oscillator (LFO) that offers unmatched modulation flexibility. It features both manual and external voltage control over LFO Tempo (speed), tempo Multiplier, Waveform and Waveform Distortion.

Eight Waveforms are produced, including Sawtooth, Ramp, Rectangle, Triangle, Sine, Sweep, Lumps and Random with morphing between adjacent waves. Waveforms may be further modified using the Wave Distort controls.

A front panel button or external Sync input allow synchronization to precise multiples of the musical beat permitting timed vibratos, tremolos, and clocking of external sequencers and sample & hold type devices. Multiple 2261s may also be cascaded to provide complex polyrhythmic modulation patterns, which is aided by use of the Clock output jack. The Clock output also serves as a powerful input clock multiplier.

In conjunction with the Multiplier controls, LFO Tempo (frequency) is adjustable from approximately 0.1Hz to about 50Hz in six overlapping tempo ranges.

The external Level CV input responds linearly and is normalled internally to +5V so that with no input, the 2261 outputs are at maximum. This convenient input can frequently save a separate VCA when doing voltage-controlled modulation depth.


A panel LED / push button shows the LFO output rate. Knobs are conveniently placed and top quality 1/8” jacks permit smooth, effortless patching.

Quality, solder masked, fiberglass-epoxy printed circuit boards and meticulous hand- crafted assembly assure years of trouble-free service.

Synthetic Sound Labs has been in the analog synthesizer business since 1973. The 2261 is the newest in SSL’s continuing line of outstanding analog synthesizer modules.

Pricing is $250 US and is available off-the-shelf from SSL and Distributors Worldwide. Silver panel – Model 2261S. Black panel – Model 2261B

New Synthetic Sound Labs SEGWENCER 2.0 – MODEL 2521 & V-GATES 2.0 – MODEL 2611

via @noisebug

https://www.noisebug.net

The SSL 2521 Segwencer™ 2.0 Euro module is an updated version of our popular 2520 with improved circuitry, simple panel graphics and only 8 HP width – and is indeed in a class of its own. The name derives from the audio term “segue” (fading from one sound to another), and the synth term “sequence” (moving from one point / sound to another), and once combined, there is a synergy that blasts these concepts into a totally new way of morphing sounds, textures and even control voltages.

V-GATES 2.0 – MODEL 2611 -

The SSL 2611 V-Gates 2.0 is an updated version of our popular 2610 with improved circuitry, simple panel graphics and only 8 HP width. It sports a powerful combination of features for your clocking and gating pleasure. In fact, there are well over 300 variations of gates, functions and modes. And many of these functions can be voltage controlled!

ANALOG KNOBS ON A DIGITAL GATE?
Absolutely! You bet! Although knobs might seem to make more sense for analog, with digital functions the knobs actually allow very versatile selections of what we call “Sub-Functions”. These sub-functions allow you to adjust how the gate outputs react with the input clock, among other things.