CV/gate for EMS Synthi or VCS3 = instant MIDI fun

video upload by analogia pl

"This is one of many videos I've been uploading on IG that feature Papa's CV/gate card - an absolutely indispensable tool for any EMS owner. Add a MIDI-CV converter and you're now in MIDI heaven.

What's happening in this video: CVs and gate are supplied from 2oh2 - Tubbutec modded Roland MC-202. I'm sending CV on channel 1 of 2oh2 to oscillator 1 of the Synthi and another CV channel of the 2oh2 to oscillator 2. Gate comes from channel 1 of the 2oh2.

You can order the CV/gate card here: https://www.portabellabz.be/cvgate.html"

Roland MC-202 with MC-2oh2 Hi-Rez Upgrade

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

via this Reverb listing

"Excellent condition MC-202 with Tubbutec MC-2oh2 Hi-Rez upgrade. Even adds a cool 8-bit sampler /drum machine that can load 12 of your own samples via MIDI dump.

Professionally installed by Tubbutec authorized installer Borish Electronics, not a cheap job to have done at $500 labor due to complexity involved with tiny CPU removal and replacement + $400 for actual mod kit itself. Overlay can be removed easily if you prefer.

Comes with rare original bag, Roland/Boss power adapter, and manuals (in Japanese)."

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Alchemical by MSTRBLSTR

Also on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/album/68lqZLDB2ip4ZOfEg4SsmB?si=m3ba1VD-SSO_CLr4j7OIMg

"The electricity of live manipulation breathes through every sequence as MSTRBLSTR transmutes the raw essence of the TR-606, MC-202, and TB-303 into a sonic incantation. Alchemical is transformation in motion: analog breakbeats pulse with crackling percussion, acid squelches growl and evolve, and rhythms dissolve and reassemble like matter through fire. The bassline becomes the bedrock of energy, conjured live in real time.

Credits
Released May 29, 2025
Programmed, performed, mixed, and mastered by MSTRBLSTR at Ill Acid
Additional drum programming: Severed Machines (https://severedmachines.com)

Hardware:

Modified Roland TR-606 (Robin Whittle mods)

Din Sync RE-303

MC-202 w/ Tubbutec 2oh2 mod

Mixers: Boss BX-8, Alice 1228, Boss KM-4

FX: Tapco 4400 spring reverb, TC Nova Reverb & Delay, Korg SDD-1000/1200

Compression: BSS DPR-402, DOD SR-866

DAW: Ableton Live

This is the same setup I used on From Deep.

Backstory
I brought my TR-606 to Ramiro at Severed Machines to install a few long-desired mods: switch replacements, a louder BD via resistor change, and Robin Whittle’s Accent Trigger and post-volume individual outs. He left in a few patterns, including a breakbeat variation that really hit me. That inspired the synth parts. Next thing I knew, I was performing and recording the full track.

Recording Notes
I treat mixers as modular routers. For Alchemical, the Alice mixer’s direct outs went straight into my interface, while the Boss BX-8 worked as a submixer for overdrive and tone shaping. I panned certain tracks hard L/R into separate buses, then re-centered them on different mixer channels. I have owned many delays while the Korg units are among my favorites, the TC Nova is often a go-to for synths: it sounds great, has nice filters, tap tempo, and my favorite feature, easily accessible time divisions Protip: a buffered pedal in front helps them sound better. The Nova reverb is also very playable and has a dynamic ducking mode that helps it get out of the way, if that's what I need.

In post, I swapped the TR-606 kick for a TR-808 sample in Ableton - it just gave the track the weight it needed. There’s also a lone TR-808 clap halfway through. Other than that, what you hear is live with only some minor edits and additional processing.

__________________________________________________________________

For TR-606 lovers: I highly recommend Robin Whittle’s mods: https://www.firstpr.com.au/rwi/tr-606/

The Accent Trigger mod alone is worth it - it adds great performance potential. Robin credited the fix to me, but Ramiro deserves most of the credit. Robin's individual outs (post-volume pot) offer superior performance control and gain staging flexibility compared to the more common pre-pot version."

Tubbutec MC-2oh2 Modded Roland MC-202

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

via this Reverb listing

Pics of the inside below.

"Classic machine, newly and comprehensively pro restored and serviced, upgraded with the top-of-the-line Tubbutec MC-2oh2 High Res Mod, and in perfect working order. The Tubbutec 2oh2 Mod stretches the capabilities of the machine vastly beyond what the original machine is capable of, and also integrates MIDI I/O, while retaining the original sound. See listing video below for more details. Compatible power supply included.

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MC-202: The Awkward Sibling

video upload by Alex Ball

"A look at Roland's MC-202 from 1983."

0:00 Intro
1:12 History
3:31 Demo 1
4:30 The difference between a 101 and 202
6:38 Demo 2
7:30 Tubbutec 2oh2 / Demo 3
8:52 Legacy of the 202
10:10 Sample pack and Summary
10:42 Outro Jam

Tubbutec MC-2oh2 new features !

video upload by Tubbutec

"Firmware 1.1 brings recording from keyboard or arpeggiator, per-step probability for gates and note modifiers, a swing generator, quick start/stop for channels, a screensaver and more.
https://tubbutec.de/mc-2oh2/"

Superbooth 24 jam

video upload by Tubbutec

"Early morning jam at Superbooth 24, day 3 with MC-2oh2, Brainstep and 6m0d6.
Pretty much the first one here at 8:30 enjoying the quietness before the big storm of the last day.
Would have been even better if I had checked the focus of the camera ;)"

Mc-2oh2 jaaaaaam

video upload by Tubbutec

"Nice little jam with MC-2oh2 arpeggiator and drums"

MC-2oh2-HACK tutorial

video upload by Tubbutec

"Showing the capabilities of the software MC-2oh2-Hack by Defective Records:
https://defectiverecords.com/portfoli...

we show how to modiy and create patterns and songs, change modulation parameters and create our own sample kit.

The MC-2oh2 mod is an upgrade for the Roland MC-202 synthesizer."

Tubbutec MC-2oh2 tutorial and demo (Roland MC-202 mod)

video upload by Tubbutec

"In this demo we demonstrate some of the features and the workflow of the Tubbutec Mc-2oh2 modification for the Roland MC-202 synthesizer.
MC-2oh2 adds a lot of additional features, such as MIDI, an pattern based sequencer, arpeggiatior extra modulations and more...
https://tubbutec.de/mc-2oh2/"

202-DAY jam with 2x MC-2oh2

video upload by Tubbutec

"HAPPY 202 DAY!
The two MC-2oh2 modded Roland MC-202 synths and the Roland Juno-66 are fed the same MIDI notes.
The 2oh2s are each running an arpeggiator with different settings and MIDI clock dividers.
The synths are accompanied by the Tubbutec & LPZW.modules 6m0d6 drum module sequenced by Tubbutec 6equencer."

Modded MC-202 meets SH-5 inna raw dub (Tubbutec MC-2oh2)

video upload by Soon Come

"I let my old MC-202 go a very long time ago for rent money. Regret!

But recently, Tubbutec modded this beloved monophonic synthesizer, and I had to get my hands on one. Here's my first try after reading the manual. Always RTFM"

MC-2oh2 VCF LFO demo

video upload by studio snippets

MC-2oh2

Roland MC-2oh2 with High Res Tubbutec Mod SN 338900

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

via this auction

"This has the Hi Res Tubbutec board installed to to turn this simple monosynth into s work horse. This was installed by a pro tech who worked with Tubbutec on the first batch of beta installs."

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mc-2oh2

video upload by studio snippets

"mc-202 Tubbutec mod"

Tubbutec Introduces the MC-2oh2 Upgrade for the Roland MC-202

video upload by Tubbutec

via Tubbutec

MC-2oh2 is an upgrade and feature extension for the Roland MC-202 synthesizer / composer.

It replaces the original CPU, keyboard PCB and display of an MC-202.

MC-2oh2 introduces a completely new control scheme for MC-202 synthesizers.

The sound however stays the same and many additional features are added.

Also compatible with the ‘DIN-SYNC RE-202’ project

Features

Optimized for live performance, turns your 202 into a ‘groove box’.

Three completely independent synthesizer control channels:

The internal synth, the 2nd CV/gate output and a 3rd MIDI out or DRUM channel. Each channel has its own clock divider and MIDI input and output.

Can be clocked via MIDI, DIN-sync or trigger using the TAPE-input

Versatile sequencer with 32 patterns, chainable in song mode, edit patterns and songs while playing, shortcuts for quick live arrangement. Seven sequencer play directions.

Sequence editor with copy, paste, insert and delete options, can modify note pitch, length and note-modifiers on the fly

Arpeggiator with multiple octaves, seven direction modes including ‘order of key press’. Can inherit the ‘chemistry’ of existing sequences, optional euclidian mode and live shortcuts.

Additional modulations: Accent, Filter and PW envelopes

Additional noise sound with envelope.

8-bit LOFI drum sample output with various sound modifiers, sample packs can be uploaded via MIDI

Save and recall up to 8 sets containing sequencer and modulation parameters. No batteries needed

MIDI CC control of all additional parameters, filter cutoff, pulse width, clock dividers and more.

Midi velocity can be linked to various sound parameters.

Various CV-input modes including a ‘direct’ mode.

Optional HiRes version of MC-2oh2 allows pitch bend control and microtonal tunings.

High quality OLED display

Firmware update via MIDI sysex

You can find addtional details at Tubbutec here.