Discrete Map first explorations

video upload by Todd Barton

"Just scratching the surface of this versatile module. More to come. . . For a complete unfolding see Divkid’s deep dive • Bend & Twist Time with Voltage Addressed S..." [2nd video here]

Crossing the threshold: New Systems Instruments’ “discrete map”

video upload by Electrum Modular

"New Systems Instruments sent me their new module, Discrete Map. It’s a deep module, with lots of potential uses, so I’ll be dedicating the next few videos to it. This first, introductory video uses it as a generative sequencer, extracting an evolving melody from a Lorenz chaos trajectory."

"Novum! New Systems Instruments has created a unique and innovative approach to generating sequences with Discrete Map.

New Systems Instruments consistently surprises with innovative designs! Discrete Map fits right in, taking a simple concept and turning it on its head. At its core, it’s an 8-step sequencer that can output a traditional step-by-step sequence. The pitch values are set using the eight upper faders, but what makes it truly special are the eight lower faders, which determine which step is played at any given moment.

The sequencer’s X input accepts any signal, a clock, an LFO, or even another sequence. The lower faders set threshold values, and the switches below them define whether they react to a rising or falling edge. This means the sequence jumps to different steps based on the incoming signal, creating a highly controllable form of randomness! The results are striking! Complex rhythms and surprising melodies that become even more dynamic when paired with the expander for voltage-controlled step selection.

Discrete Map also includes an onboard oscillator. A switch toggles between a slow and fast frequency range. When slow, it functions as a standard step sequencer. Another switch changes from Position mode (explained above) to Length mode, where the lower faders control step duration. When switched to the fast mode tho, it becomes a graphic oscillator that tracks V/Oct.

To round out the package, Discrete Map includes additional utilities for better integration with other modules. The precision adder for example allows an external voltage to transpose the entire sequence.

The A/B/C Expander further enhances functionality, adding three assignable groups for the steps. Each group gains CV-controllable threshold values and dedicated gate outputs for active steps. And because that´s not enough there's also a sequential switch. Several discrete maps and A/B/C expanders can be linked together!

Overall, an incredibly well-thought-out and entirely fresh approach to sequence generation!

Features:

8-step sequencer for a single track
Generates sequences based on any input signal
8 lower faders to position steps in time
8 upper faders to set step values
One-shot mode
Oscillator mode with V/Oct tracking
Adjustable output voltage range (-5V to 5V / 0V to 5V / 0V to 2.5V)
Precision adder for transposing sequences
Gate output
Ramp output for internal clock signal"

And an overview from DivKid:

Bend & Twist Time with Voltage Addressed Sequencing // Discrete Map from New Systems Instruments
video upload by DivKid

"Here’s the new Discrete Map and expander from New Systems Instruments. Deeply routed in influence from the Buchla MARF & a Serge Modular style approach to sequencing, coupled with a heady mix of physics and electronics (as New Systems Instruments do so well) the Discrete Map allows you to use voltages to bend and manipulate a time map across 8 stages of voltages. From basic to more advanced sequencing, unique time and rhythm creation to some bonkers graphic VCO applications there’s a lot we get into in the video."

Testing patch, from DivKid - Part 2: VASTLY IMPROVED FAKE REVERB FROM RING MOD

video upload by LARIX ELEKTRO

Follow-up to this post.

"This time, I'm not testing the DivKid patch, but my own humble idea.
It's sure, you can improve my idea. I didn't have time to do a better video, because I have to launch a new module this week...

At first, I'll using my Random*Source / SERGE modules.
And then, with my Dual Undula Oscillator. Because the VCO can work like a VCF, and th frequency can go very low.

Hope you will enjoy it :)"

VASTLY IMPROVED FAKE REVERB FROM RING MOD // an extension of the last BETTER BLEEPS

video upload by DivKid

Previous video posted here.

"VCV PATCH & PDF DOWNLOAD (free or pay what you want) // https://divkid.gumroad.com/l/fake-rev..."

*TIMING INDEX // CHAPTERS*
00:00 Intro
01:17 The AHA moment
01:59 Original technique + my set up
03:29 A better technique to improve this
06:25 Extended elements - first gate delayed ADSR
07:58 Extended elements - Richer tones duller fake reflections
09:27 Extra ambient layering (unrelated, but nice!)

Clever Mutating Melodic Patterns with Patience // PROTEUS from Seaside Modular (Generative Eurorack)

video upload by DivKid

"Here we have the fantastically musical, generative Eurorack pattern maker PROTEUS. It’s the first module from Seaside Modular and is an impressive melody maker with lots of controls to go from simple rhythmic riffs and hooks through to complex melodies. With unique parameters like sleep and patience Proteus offers lots of ways to make, store, recall and vary patterns. Proteus has been fun as a smart band mate (that doesn’t turn up late and hungover) and as the centrepiece and main element on a patch or in a more supporting role. Loads of patches, loads of music, ace!"



Check with dealers on the right for availability.

Priced at $325.00

"Proteus is an algorithmic sequencer with a short attention span.

Proteus creates a melody, then repeats that melody over and over again. Each time the melody is played, there’s some chance that Proteus will get bored and scrap the melody in favor of a brand new one. How fast it gets bored is up to you, and depends upon the PATIENCE parameter.

Proteus’s melodies aren’t simply random; they are generated by an algorithm designed to make sequences that are more humanlike and musical. You can save and recall melodies that you like using the Pattern Bank.

Play with Proteus to explore the balance between repetition and variation, to inspire you and accompany you in your own musical improvisations."

CLICK FOR MORE »

DIVKID MUTES MK2 // Flick those switches and perform with Eurorack triggers, modulation & audio!

video upload by DivKid

*TIMING INDEX // CHAPTERS*
00:00 Hello & patch previews
00:52 What are we doing here?
01:18 All about Mutes mk2
03:35 2 of my favourite Mutes patches
     Performance modulation changes
     Adding Mutes & dub send FX to mixers
06:45 Trigger muting + mega playable burst & fill controls
09:36 Physical pings! - momentary triggers, manual gates & latching voltages
11:13 Classic Mutes response & feel - click free muting & slewing
12:36 Dub FX sends with perform-able FX send routings

"From it's February 2019 original release fast forward to 2025 here we have the new mk2 version of the DivKid Mutes Eurorack module. Made in collaboration with Befaco Mutes mk2 has a new VCA based mute circuit design with improved signal integrity and accuracy all with the same classic feel, click free muting and 3 way momentary - off - on mechanical switches. It now comes with a 1U panel so you can choose whether to mount in 3U Eurorack style or into an 1U row sideways if you like. The switches beg to be played and Mutes continues to work almost like a 'patch-able-expander' for many other modules.

FEATURES
LEDs to visualise signals
3 way momentary – off – on switching
Buffered and cascading normalising of inputs
VCA based muting
Interchangeable panel to 1U"

Check with dealers on the right for availability.

Classic Beats & Expanded Modular Approaches with Analog 808 Drums // OCTA from NANO MODULES

video upload by DivKid

"Here we have OCTA from NANO Modules. A set of 4 classic analog drum circuits, authentically taken from the Roland TR-808. We have the kick, snare and both closed & open hi hats. There's added controls, modular volume/drive per track and added section of compression, EQ and side chain envelope following. In this video I take them through classic 808 beats and sounds, expand them with modular mixing and we even turn it into one big pitch tracking (despite lack of pitch CV) bass oscillator ... I don't think anyone will be expecting the doom-laden ambient soundscapes from 808 drums. As always give these patches and ideas a go with your drum modules and enjoy OCTA!"

CLICK FOR MORE »

Testing patch, from DivKid, from Rob Hordijks FAKE Reverb with Ring Modulation.

video upload by LARIX ELEKTRO

"‪@DivKid‬ 's releasing a very interesting video (as usual).
from an idea of Rob Hordijks.
I let you seeing all the explanations here:[below]

So, why not testing it by myself ?
At first, I'll using my Random*Source / SERGE modules.
And stupidly, I was forgetting that my DUAL UNDULA OSCILLATOR has all functions to test the idea ! So I'm testing the idea with it.
And after that, I'm digressing around the stereo possibilities of my module and the MS (mid/side) option.

Ok, I didn't have a lot of time (busy after SuperBooth...) so it's a bit "from scratch"... Hope you will enjoy it :)"

How to FAKE Reverb with Ring Modulation // Rob Hordijks ‘Poor Mans Delays’ [BETTER BLEEPS]

video upload by DivKid

"So here's a bit of story and the first BETTER BLEEPS video in a long time!

With Chris from Moog sharing Rob Hordijk's trick to emulate reverb wth Ring Modulation in the recent Superbooth video, that of course sparked questions. So strap in with a brew for a time travel trip back to 2017 where Rob Hordijk gave a tutorial with his "poor mans delay" technique and stay tuned for going through the technique and method with us in the video. Grab the free PDF and VCV Rack patch for further material on the technique. Links below.

This is applicable to many modules and bits of gear, to that point after the main demo with Manic (DivKid & Apollo View) I go through it with 4 more modules (Instruo VinCA, cLFO from AtoV, Ouija from Nekyia and A*B+C by Befaco)."

An introduction to SEASHELL // Instruo's semi modular analogue synthesiser with digital control

video upload by DivKid

See the announcement post here.

"Wow ... that's Seashell in a single word, really impressive ... there it is in two. That might sound like a ridiculous way to start a description but I think Instruo have really knocked it out of the park with this one. Seashell is a sort of 'best of' from Instruo's analogue Eurorack modular range that's extended out into a full semi modular analogue synth voice in a neat package. But they've elevated it with smart digital control, a standalone controller app, VST plug in for DAW use and even class compliant MIDI and audio allowing it to be used like an analogue plug in. The potential is frankly ridiculous.

This video is an introduction to Seashell with my time with it so far. Split into 3 chapters where it's used standalone and with modular gear (a default state for many of us here I imagine), then we look at the extended software functions and then I highlight some cherry picked things that I think make it special.

Watch out for the OG DivBaby as she's in this one too!"

32 analogue filter modes! The Matrix VCF from AJH Synth // "Eurorack's most versatile filter"?

video upload by DivKid

"Here's the new Matrix VCF from AJH Synth that presents a pretty wild 32 filter modes (or 16x2) and a hugely versatile tonal range all built on the foundation circuit of the filter section from the Oberheim Matrix 12. Additional modes and features were added and the option to self oscillate everything with an overdrive circuit in the resonance path inspired by the Formanta Polivoks synthesiser. Coupling the 16 modes with the option for two distinct resonance characters, along with all the modulation options and on board VCA offers a wealth of patch potential and we explore plenty of uses cases for unique and more advanced options in the video."

See the announcement post here.

*TIMING INDEX // CHAPTERS*

NT patches are no talking examples for musical interludes and further sonic exploration

00:00 Hello & patch previews

02:28 What is the Matrix VCF?

03:38 Feature run down

05:53 Raw filter sweeps - lots of them!!!

10:20 KILLER SQUELCH! Wet chewy acid + bonus choppy rhythmic action

13:02 NT Have 2 triangles ever sounded so good?

13:24 Super stepped random filter motion

15:52 Filter sequencing as a ‘riff maker’

18:06 NT Making Polivoks resonance even nastier!

18:34 A trip to the west coast with dynamic filter pings

21:20 NT PWM on steroids - notch filter emphasis

21:50 Fantastic formants - throaty vocal tones from audio rate modulation

23:55 Making audio rate modulation musical

27:13 NT Super chewy band pass filtering

27:36 All pass your way to analogue DX FM

31:36 NT PWM mode distortion

31:56 Phaser & tremolo FX

35:23 NT Face gurning Sherman style high pass

35:45 Bonkers mode modulation - fascinating!

38:09 Crazy sound design to turn beats into synths

40:35 NT Self patched insanity

40:59 Advanced ‘beyond basic’ kick drums

Creating HUGE oscillator tones with OCCULT (+ Ouija & Wand) & the Nekyia Circuits Eurorack range

video upload by DivKid

"Here we have the 3 new Nekyia Circuits Eurorack modules - Occult, Ouija and Wand. We'll focus on the star of the show here, the TZFM, sub octave generating, Ian Fritz double pulser wave shaping and external crossfading oscillator OCCULT! However we use Wand to crossfade at audio rates into new tones and Ouija for some musical ring mod too.

It's been a pleasure to check out the existing modules and to use those alongside the new ones here. As always the focus is to provide ideas and techniques while demonstrating how things work. So I hope you can take some of the patches to try out.

Info, manuals etc // https://nekyiacircuits.com"

*TIMING INDEX // CHAPTERS*
00:00 Hello & patch previews
01:31 Occult feature run down
04:09 Wand & Ouija feature run down
05:35 Pulser harmonic shaping - big drones ahoy!
08:41 Aggressive Pulser harmonics
11:21 Expand your VCOs with OUIJA
14:48 Stereo PWM sub mega stacks
16:59 Crossfade your way to HUGE waveforms with Wand
20:35 Occult LFOs - sub audio modulated modulation
22:35 Diving into the CLANG! Exploring TZFM
24:56 Animated sub octave feedback TZFM
27:59 Soft sync & TZM - musical alternative tones
31:55 Occult Shaping - harmonics & fade
36:21 Creatively embed ambience in your oscillator
39:15 For the ULTRA SYNTH NERDS - Occult + Ouija F**K YEAH

Occult is an analogue TZFM Triangle-core VCO/LFO with a wide frequency range and unique waveshaping capabilities! It features nine simultaneously available wave outputs: Sine, Triangle, Square and Pulse, a PWM Saw, Sub -1 and Sub -2, plus the outputs of Shaper and an interesting Pulser waveshaper circuit. Pulser is a waveshaper based on the “double pulser” circuit by Ian Fritz, able to produce exotic, rich sounding waveforms. The Shaper section adds a crossfader which can mix between the normalized Sine wave or any other external input and the Pulser or the also includes a TZFM input with an attenuator control, capable of producing more musical and complex FM tones than for every parameter as well as FM options make Occult a very versatile oscillator for sonic exploration!

An Experimental “Bent by Design” Synth Voice // 3 Patches with the Trepenator from ZLOB

video upload by DivKid

"Here we have the TREPANATOR from ZLOB, which is an experimental "bent by design" synth voice. It's inspired by Rob Hordijk's Benjolin and ZLOB remaking similar ideas with their own modules and circuits. There's two oscillators, a multimode filter, many feedback points, oscillating 3 band EQ and more in this highly interactive and wide ranging abstract voice and instrument.

Like the Benjolin that inspires it, the Trepanator excels and abstract, organic and interactive self influencing textures, sounds and rhythmic ever evolving loops. In this video there's mud burping, swamps in space caves, aquatic bubbles, harsh noise, unique techno percussion and FX and plenty more.

Info, manual and more // https://zlobmodular.com"

"The Trepanator is a 14hp analog “Bent by Design” experimental instrument featuring a Dual VCO, Difference Rectifier, 3-band EQ, Sample/Track and Hold, and SVF(state variable filter) all built into one nonlinear module. Its origins trace back to a love for Rob Hordijk’s Benjolin and patching a similar pseudo chaotic feedback-based instrument from scratch using all Zlob modules.

Although not based on Hordijk’s circuit or signal flow, it uses a similar architecture of dual voltage controlled oscillators, an “interference pattern generator,” a state variable filter, and internalized cross-patched feedback. Instead of a Rungler and comparator the Trepanator uses a sample/track and hold with slew, a difference/rectifier circuit(based on NLC), and a self-oscillating 3-band EQ. Utilizing this excessive feedback between the VCO’s, EQ, S/H, and SVF, creates a completely new instrument for discovering abstract electronic sounds. The Trepanator is a highly interactive, unpredictable, and an immediate instrument capable of a huge range of organic and sounds from: snarling, plucking, bubbling, screaming, gurgling, hissing, grunting, pinging, and quacking, to machine like rhythmic loops, circuit bent broken modem sounds, no-input mixer screeching, intermittent short wave radio fizzling, and full on Harsh Noise Wall all within the touch of a fader or a small knob turn without any external audio or any control voltage in."

The past, present & future of AJH Synth // Celebrating 10 years of the MiniMod Eurorack range

video upload by DivKid

"I recently learnt that AJH Synth were celebrating 10 years since the release of their first modules with the MiniMod Eurorack range. Back then I was immediately taken by the quality of sound, vintage tone and open modular architecture capable of taking things way beyond the classic Moog MiniMoog Model D sound. I've got to know Allan over this past decade and we've worked together loads on modules that utterly nail that lush vintage analogue sound and also modern forward thinking new ideas ... so I jumped at the idea of making a celebration video!"

CLICK FOR MORE »

Powerhouse Eurorack Quad Delay & Looping // 3 Patches with Samarkanda from XAOC Devices

video upload by DivKid

"Here’s Samarkanda from XAOC Devices which is a real powerhouse, monster (insert other big buzz words) delay and looper in a whopping 42hp Eurorack module. Each channel offers from 0.5ms up to 15 seconds of delay or looping, with various behaviours, reverse options, lots of CV modulation and you have options to link channels to extend up to 60 seconds of buffer time. Whether working in quad series or parallel chains, create ping pongs, short delay chorus, flanger or karplus strong pitch tracking resonators there’s truly LOADS of ways to use this."

*TIMING INDEX // CHAPTERS*

00:00 Hello & previews

01:23 What is Samarkanda?

02:12 Feature run down

PATCH 1
04:20 A playground of delay FX!
05:49 Mono to stereo ping pong delay
07:03 Characterful dub echo
09:10 Scattering modulated delay critters
11:11 Building 3 delay layers & textures

PATCH 2
12:16 Two approaches to stereo looping beat FX
13:01 Pitch down crusty loops
14:55 Beat repeat stutter glitch FX
16:00 Keeping extreme glitches ‘musical’

PATCH 3 - Tom Churchills Serge patch!
17:12 Short delays are ace!
17:45 Chorus & flanger FX
18:25 Pitch tracking resonator / karplus strong
19:32 Stereo grain clouds (delay meets granular)

Rides in the Storm discusses discrete circuits & affordable Eurorack // Machina Bristronica

video upload by DivKid

"Here's a video from Machina Bristronica where Uwe George from Rides in the Storm joins me on the DivKid Discussion stage for a demo/presentation of his modules and a chat. We discuss origins in MFB, why BBDs are too dark for synths, discrete circuits, making Eurorack modules that are affordable yet feature packed and various "in the works" things to come in the future.

Rides in the Storm // https://rides-in-the-storm.de

Tickets & info for the upcoming Machina Bristronica // https://machinabristronica.uk"

Announcing PATH an analog morphing router for audio & CV by DivKid & Vostok Instruments

video upload by DivKid

"Come and meet PATH the new DivKid & Vostok Instruments analog morphing router that is OUT NOW as assembled modules and DIY kits. Path builds on the interpolating scanner technology of Trace and performs the opposite function, rather than Trace doing 4 input scanning to 1 output, Path takes 1 input and morphs it across 4 outputs. Like a quad panner, open for creative audio and CV routing."

*TIMING INDEX // CHAPTERS*
00:00 Hello & previews
01:37 What is Path? Feature run down
03:08 Advanced FX sends with trails
06:19 Powerful modulation (+Trace combo!)
11:42 Unique panning FX (alternative to a quadrophonic panner)
14:39 Distributing triggers for filter ping riffs!"

Check with dealers on the right for availability.

"Path is a four-channel Interpolating Router created in collaboration between Vostok Instruments & DivKid.

Born from the roots of our previous module, Trace, Path picks its central concept and does something relatively simple yet powerful: it flips it.

The circuit routes one signal to four possible outputs, fading from one to the next following a soft slope response to ensure smooth transitions.

Path counts with Trace’s best features. It shares the same DC-coupled interpolating circuit at its heart, making it perfect for experimenting with any signal on any of its inputs.

Thanks to the fixed voltage normalled at its main input, Path is also a versatile and unique modulation source out of the box.

Its compact size and layout make Path a very performative and handy tool for adding an organic layer of movement and experimentation to every patch."

Elevate your Modular Synthesis with Utilities! // The new Befaco Eurorack utilities range

video upload by DivKid

"Welcome to this new video on not just the 5 new Befaco modules but on elevating your existing modules and synthesis options with utilities. Utilities are what makes modular synthesis great, they allow you do more with the modules you have, exploring ways to bend and twist audio and modulation leading to new unique sounds and textures. These 8 patches explore using utilities to do just that, while also demoing the new Slew, Mixer, Attenuverter, A*B+C and MuDi."

Check with dealers on the right for availability.

CLICK FOR MORE »

Synth East 2025 // a walking talking tour of a UK synthesizer event

video upload by DivKid

"Here's walking talking tour of Synth East 2025. A recent event here in the UK based in Norwich held by Robin Vincent (Molten Modular), Electronic Sound Magazine and the Norwich Arts Centre. There's a Friday evening film and talk (this time comedian Adam Buxton talking to John Foxx), a synth expo through Saturday with improvised collaborative performances then a Saturday evening of performances from Robin Vincent, Paulee Bow, Loula Yorke and See Feel then finally on Sunday a series of DIY workshops and kit building sessions.

https://syntheast.com

Thanks to Robin Vincent and Get Jervis for sharing some footage with me to fill in some gaps in the video. Cheers mates!"

Rebranding a Eurorack Modular Synthesizer Company // THE NEW DPW!!

video upload by DivKid

"Here's something a little different which is sharing in the process of rebranding a Eurorack Modular Synthesizer company. In this case ... DPW Design from Sweden. Dan (DPW) has become a good friend and colleague over the years and I've really wanted a visual identity that stands out as strong as the engineering and electronics design, especially in support of new things coming for DPW in the future. Bringing in Matthew Shaw to the process has been great and led to the rebranding we have here."

DPW // https://dpw.se
Matthew Shaw // https://www.matthewdavidshaw.com

A Colourful Modular Synthesizer // Who & What is BugBrand?

video upload by DivKid

"Some time ago around a visit down to Bristol I got the chance to go and see Tom from BugBrand (again, first visit linked below). The then new Phase standalone box and Phaser module were out on show so we had a listen and chat about them but spoke more generally about who and what BugBrand is, how Tom works and the development of the equipment he builds."

Bananas, Synths & Studio FX - An interview with Tom Bugs of Bug Brand [posted here]

**TIMING INDEX // CHAPTERS **

00:00 Intro
01:15 Who & what is BugBrand?
09:11 Modular synths as limited creative instruments
14:47 Phaser & product development
23:25 How BugBrand operate (differently)