Comp/Sat experimentation with Dual Processor V2 - Low-gain Electronics | 4U Modular Serge

video upload by LowgainElectronics

"Running two stage gates (stacked) from gate sequencer into channel 1, squarewave into bandwidth filter into channel 3. Output is fed bad into channel 2 with Q filter in series for gain/tambre control. Playing with channel levels, bias and phase while switching saturation/compression switch in and out. It can be subtle but in feedback patches it can be essential!"

A GUIDE TO MANIC & voltages, synthesis and modular sound design in general // DivKid & Apollo View

video upload by DivKid

"In this 'guide to Manic' video I've taken the approach of not just showcasing the capabilities (and how to use them) of the DivKid & Apollo View Modular Eurorack module 'Manic' ... but rather to step back, look at how these functions work and make a tutorial that's applicable to lots of other gear, modules, hardware, software etc.

These are voltages, sounds, it's how sound design and synthesis comes together from these building blocks. So if you have, or are curious about, VCAs, Ring Modulation, Wavefolders, Clippers, Distortion, Bipolar TZAM ... join us for this video and I hope it inspires some new sounds and patching with Manic or other gear.

*Manic is out now in all good modular stores*"

Check with dealers on the right for availability.

CLICK FOR MORE »

Enter the Moog Labyrinth

video upload by Moog Music

Labyrinth | Moog Demo Library
video uploads by Moog Music

User videos:



Playlist (use the player controls to skip around):

1. Perfect Circuit: Moog Semi-Modular Comparison 2024: Labyrinth, Mother-32, & More (feat. Sarah Belle Reid)
2. Sarah Belle Reid: Moog Labyrinth Semi-Modular Synth: Overview + Explorations
3. Loopop: Moog Labyrinth // A Synth that’s a Generative Idea Machine // 13 patch ideas, review & tutorial
4. mylarmelodies: Moog Labyrinth Demo: Explanation & Generative Techno Jams
5. Reverb: Exploring Generative Synthesis with the Moog Labyrinth
6. Jorb: Moog Labyrinth // Generative Synthesis At It's Best
7. SUTURE SOUND: A ton of Moog Labyrinth sounds (no talking)
8. Bonedo Synthesizers: MOOG Labyrinth Sound Demo (no talking) - Preset Sheets
9. Limbic Bits: MOOG Labyrinth Sound Demo (no talking): 6 Improvisations on the Labyrinth
10. Starsky Carr: Moog Labyrinth // 3 Minute Manual + Full Review & Demo

AN UNEXPECTED PATH FORWARD

Labyrinth introduces a classic West Coast sound into the Mother Ecosystem experience rich analog synthesizer history in both surprising and recognizable sonic textures. Two generative sequencers bring to life sounds that bloom over time, letting you control their evolution and scale, then play them off of each other for striking polymetric melodies.

With parallel analog signal paths, this adventurous instrument shines when adding color to the steady backdrop of a drum pattern or bassline.

GENERATIVE SEQUENCER
The beating heart of Labyrinth is a robust dual sequencer, which uses chance calculations to generate two unique eight-step paths which twist and curve around one another.

SONIC WANDERING
A parallel voice processing path with a voltage-controlled blending allows you to morph sounds over time.

VOLTAGE-CONTROLLED WAVEFOLDER
A fresh interpretation of the Moog sound via a voltage-controlled wavefolder. Two oscillators drive duophonic melodic counterpoints, metallic FM tones, and analog synthetic drums.

Moog's semi-modular lineup expands to include the Labyrinth, a generative synthesizer that brings you two parallel sequencers, two oscillators, and endless possibilities. Based around a core sine VCO and a triangle Mod VCO, these sound sources have independent level controls, as well as a Ring Mod and Noise level control that all feed a saturating mixer that can add a touch or grit. From the mixer, we have the switchable option to go into a voltage controllable wave folder then into a classic Moog filter, the opposite with our filter going into the wave folder, or have both of these run in parallel.

The heart of the Labyrinth is the sequencer section. A dual 8-step sequencer gives you interactive quantized melodies that can affect various parameters, based on the labeled trimmers. These sequencers send out both notes CV and triggers and with a Trig Mix you can get rhythmic interplay that is quite satisfying. Each sequencer has a Length settings and a Bit Shift when adjusts the position of activated steps. The Bit Flip and Corrupt parameters present gives you more randomness and serendipity allowing you to create evolving patterns.

As with all of their semi-modular synths, Moog gives you access to 32 patch point patchbay with 12 outputs and 20 inputs. This gives you the option to self-patch and integrate it into your existing Eurorack ecosystem. Moog's Labyrinth is the perfect expansion to your existing system or a great starting point as an entry to modular synthesis, especially for those who are looking to get expressive rhythmic patterns quickly.

LABYRINTH FEATURES

- Parallel generative analog synthesizer

- Two oscillators, a sine-based and triangle-based

- Switchable wave folder to filter, filter to wave folder, or parallel processing

- Diode-transistor hybrid wavefolder with smooth Fold and Bias control

- Morphable Low pass to Band pass 2-pole filter

- Adjustable decay time for both decay envelopes

- Blend Sequence 1 and Sequence 2 triggers for complex rhythms

- Each sequencers has options to adjust length, per-step adjustments, adjustable randomness (Corrupt), and shifting the pattern on-the-fly

- Quantizable pitches to 16 different scales

- 32-Point patch bay, 12 outs 20 ins

CLICK FOR MORE »

San Bias Synth Explosion Event Set for January 28th

||| Synth & Food |||

On this Sunday at the beginning of the year, analogue synth enthusiasts will meet at the Trattoria San Biagio to share polenta and synths.

During the day, Lombard producers will exhibit and illustrate their creations. The following will be present at this synth meeting:

LepLoop
NONO Modular
Jolin

The event is supported by Milano Modulare (community of modular pickers) and 51beats independent record label

https://linktr.ee/milanomodulare
https://www.51beats.net

The event will begin with the classic Sunday lunch within the walls of San Biagio, we recommend booking your table on 031 631047.

From h. 4.00 pm it will be possible to visit small exhibition tables with the instruments and attend the presentation of the various manufacturers with descriptions of them.

Around aperitif time, a spontaneous and improvised performance will come to life. We are waiting for you! Enjoy your Synth Experience!"

Dianzi Qin (电子琴) Chinese synth from 1978

video upload by Robotussin Vintage Synths

"Look at these strange synths produced by Cold War-era China. This is a Dianzi Qin (电子琴).

The synth came about following a cultural exchange in the early 1970s when composer Bernie Krause visited China to demonstrate a Moog modular system. It was part of Richard Nixon’s attempt to build up relations with China to counterbalance Soviet influence in the region – a program known as “Ping-pong diplomacy”.

Krause demo’ed his Moog to Communist officials who were apparently very impressed, after which the Party declared that electronic music 'had no cultural bias', meaning it was not intrinsically Western and decadent, and so there was no problem for Chinese people to explore it and incorporate it into their compositions.

This led inventor Tian Jin Qin to develop this instrument, as a modern, electronic synthesizer with Chinese characteristics – it’s loosely based on traditional Chinese string instruments such as the Erhu.

The Dian Zi Qin is controlled with four ribbons, which power an additive synth engine. There seem to have been two versions, one that looks like an upright stringed instrument, the other that looks more like a desktop synth but with a vertical neck sticking out of it with the ribbon controls to finger. The second type has additional touch controls on the main unit that have some ability to bend and accent the note.

I’ve read that very few were made and it didn’t get out of the prototype stage, but in this video I see at least three playing in concert, as well as what looks like a more conventional organs. I’ve uploaded the full film to my YouTube channel as it was not available anywhere on the Western internet."

Knobcon 11 - Show Floor Walkthrough

video upload by Modular Bias

"Walk the main Knobcon 11 show floor with us! Modular creators, manufacturers, and synthesists of all kinds sharing ideas and techniques

One of the best synth events in recent memory and can’t wait to head to Schaumburg, IL next year 🎛️📸"

Beyond the Basic Sample & Hold

video upload by Chris Meyer: Learning Modular + Alias Zone

"Sample & Hold modules are a lot of fun. However, there are variations on the basic sample & hold available that give you a lot more control – from sounding more 'human' to creating sequences to providing you with an expressive performance control. Here are three of my favorites.

00:00 - Normal Sample & Hold
01:09 - RND STEP - overview
01:32 - RND STEP - bipolar output
02:24 - RND STEP - unipolar output
03:36 - Marbles - overview
04:34 - Marbles - initial settings
05:14 - Marbles - Y (smooth) output
05:41 - Marbles - Steps
07:14 - Marbles - Spread
09:01 - Marbles - Bias
10:06 - Marbles - Deja Vu + Steps
12:48 - Marbles - review
14:33 - Sapel - overview
15:27 - Sapel - initial settings
16:01 - Sapel - smooth random output
16:36 - Sapel - sample & hold output
16:55 - Sapel - 2n stepped random (semitones)
17:17 - Sapel - n+1 stepped random output (octaves)
17:34 - Sapel - Probabilty Distribution
19:00 - Sapel - "n" value controls
22:44 - conclusion

An article that fleshes out more of the background behind sample & hold modules is available to my Patreon subscribers: https://www.patreon.com/posts/88103012"

Jouranalogue Introduces Bias 2

Joranalogue Audio Design BIAS 2 / quick but extensive playthrough / offset, mix, average, scale, ...

video upload by BRiES

"In this video about BIAS 2 by Joranalogue Audio Design I showcase how the module operates and how you can use it for precision mixing, dividing or averaging, offsetting, amplification, scaling, etc. I added 2 pratical use cases to demonstrate BIAS 2s usefulness."

"Voltage control is the basic tenant of modular synthesis: parameters may be modulated by changing control voltages (CVs), simply by plugging in a patch cable. However, during patching it's common to encounter incompatible voltage ranges, with signal outputs and inputs having different amplitudes and sensitivities.

An indispensable utility module, Bias 2 provides a compact yet precise solution to quickly interface signals between modules within a Eurorack modular system, without interrupting your creativity.

Comprising of two independent sections, each with dual inputs and dual outputs, its carefully selected combination of normalised reference voltages and amplification/attenuation factors makes it a breeze to convert between the most common signal ranges: –5 to +5 V, 0 to +5 V and 0 to +10 V.

Precision comes standard on Bias 2, with meticulously engineered analogue signal paths providing absolutely transparent performance for any Eurorack signal: CV, audio or gates/triggers.

Beyond the voltage conversion application, Bias 2 is a true all-rounder, capable of functioning as a pair of dual input unity gain mixers, –6 and +6 dB audio gain stages or a multi-output fixed voltage source."

New Eurorack Modules by Joranalogue Come to SUPERBOOTH

via Joranalogue

We've designed the circuits, made the prototypes, ran the tests... And now, with the entire synth world gathered in Berlin to celebrate Superbooth 2023, it's time to present our latest Eurorack developments!

A routing monster, a slender signal utility, and even some lights thrown into the mix: this year, we've got something for everyone. Read on below to learn more.

Can't wait to try them for yourself? Come find us at booth W435!

Route 4

Flexible Eurorack signal paths under gate or trigger control: that is the basic principle behind Route 4. Consisting of a pair of complementary routing sections, it grants access to a new level of signal routing options.

The module's top section is a 4-to-1 router. Any of the four signal inputs may be selected to be mixed into the section's output, as determined by the control inputs.

Control can either be gate or latch driven—in the latter case, the signal inputs are toggled on and off by received trigger pulses. Meanwhile, the solo/multi switch determines whether the inputs are exclusive, or if multiple may be active at the same time.

On the bottom, the 1-to-4 router provides the same feature set, with a single input being routed to up to four outputs and normalisation between the sections adding some patching convenience.

CLICK FOR MORE »

MODULAR SYNTH PREAMP | ADDAC System - ADDAC712 Vintage Pre

video upload by DANIELE

"ADDAC712 by ADDAC System is a dual channel discrete gain staging amplifier, based on a famous discrete preamp board from the 70’s used in some legendary equipment!

0:00 Intro
0:15 Gain and output knobs
0:20 Bypass switches
0:29 Using it together with ADDAC711
0:36 Adding character to a clean guitar sound
1:18 Max. Gain trimmers"

ADDAC712 is a dual channel discrete gain staging ampli- fier, based on a famous discrete preamp board from the 70’s used in some legendary equipment.
What caught our attention was the character of it’s clipping and resulting saturation/distortion.

The module can be used with modular signals to add a distortion/fuzz character or as a preamp for an external source such as a line source, keyboard, guitar...
It’s also a great side companion for our ADDAC711 Balanced Inputs.

At the top an On/Off [BYPASS] switch routes the signal into the Effect (Up: Active) or to the bottom output gain stage (Down: Bypassed).

The ammount of amplification is set by the [GAIN] control, the maximum ammount of amplification can be set by the user using the [MAX GAIN] trimmer.

Up to ±5.5v the incoming signal will keep it’s integrity, beyond this point saturation will start to increase.
At aprox. ±6v a hard clipping will start to occur, this clipping also has a particular quality that at extreme levels it drifts the audio 0v bias reference, moving it upwards which results are similar to a Gate effect.

In the middle, an x2 opamp based output gain stage with a clipping led, which monitors the clipping at the output, and an [OUTPUT] control to set the output volume.

Having the top and middle gain stages provides flexibili- ty allowing the user to completelly distort the signal on the top stage and tame it’s output level with the second stage.

At the bottom, Input and Output for both channels (Left input is normalled into Right input).

This module will also be available as a full DIY kit.

Tech Specs:
6HP
4 cm deep
40mA +12V
40mA -12V

Dave Smith Was an Ironman Triathlete

In case you missed it in this post, Roger Linn noted Dave Smith was "an avid athelete, cyclist and triathlete. He actually participated in the Hawaii Ironman Triathlon in his younger years..."

@birdkids reminded me of an article on the development of the Prophet VS archived on the WaybackMachine. In it, Chris Meyer mentions Dave was in Hawaii prepping for the tournament during that time. I thought it was interesting and worth sharing. I captured it below.

"Date: Wed, 15 Jan 1997 07:55:41 -0800
From: Xrystal
MIME-Version: 1.0
Subject: Birth of the Prophet VS

I thought the following might be of interest to you. Xrystal
_____________________________________________________________________


The Birth of the Prophet VS

By Chris Meyer, ex-employee of Sequential Circuits

reprinted from the VS WaveWrangler User Guide by permission of Interval Music Systems,
©1991 Interval Music Systems.

It all started somewhere in 1985. We were still working on the Prophet 2000 sampler,
and as resident historian (in other words, I had the most magazines and manuals) another
engineer was asking me to explain how various instruments performed crossfades. I had
finished discussing the Fairlight, and had moved on the PPG - explaining its wavetables,
and the ability for it to scan a group of waves first in one direction and then back again,
While I was scrawling this back and forth motion in my notebook, suddenly a little twinge
went off in the back of my head, and myhand drew the next line arcing down the page.. and the
concept of crossfading beween waves in two dimension, not just one, was born.

CLICK FOR MORE »

AI022 Eurorack Harmonic Mixer First Look

video upload by AI Synthesis

"A demo video for the AI Synthesis AI022 Eurorack Harmonic Mixer.

The AI022 Harmonic Mixer Eurorack Module is a discreet mixer, using no Integrated circuit chips, and increasing gain will add harmonics to incoming audio.

It can be purchased as a module, or DIY Kit and PCB/Panel Set.

The Bias knob adjusts voltage of the circuit, and adjusts how well or poorly the transistors replicate incoming audio. Adjusting the bias will add or decrease harmonic distortion."

Update:

AI022 DIY Harmonic Mixer Eurorack Module Build Guide Video

video upload by AI Synthesis

Update: pics and press release:

Portland, OR, USA 4/12/2022 – AI Synthesis has released the AI022 Harmonic Mixer in both a built and guaranteed version, as well as in kit and PCB/Panel format.

The AI022 Harmonic CP3 Style Mixer is a discreet mixer using no ICs. As gain increases harmonics and analog warmth are added. As gain increases more, distortion and phasing is added, creating new waveforms from old ones.

The AI022 takes inspiration from the legendary Moog Modular CP3 style mixer, but updates it for eurorack and allows for user customization of the circuit. Many Moog Modular users attribute the CP3 mixer module to providing much of the warmth of the Moog Modular sound.

An exposed Bias knob allows abuse of the circuit, and allows for faithful replication of incoming audio, or radical analog wave shaping and distortion. It is also possible to use the Bias knob to adjust a +/- 5V signal into a 0/+ or 0/- signal.

It comes in both Silver Aluminum versions and Black PCB FR4 versions.

“In the year 2000, I was in college and obsessed with modular synths, but could barely afford to eat. I knew it was possible to build your own synth, but there wasn’t anyone, or anywhere to turn to for advice. In the past decade, much more information has been published online, and in 2013 I started down my path to DIY modular. Even with all of the information online, there still lacked a single, simple, comprehensive guide for those looking to build their own synthesizer. I want AI Synthesis to be that guide. Prior to building my own synth, I was a dreamer, after building my modular, I felt I had awoken. I want to help others do the same.”
-Abraham Ingle
Founder, AI Synthesis In addition to providing step by step build instructions, schematics, and circuit explanations, the site also includes a guide for getting started in modular synthesis, and a series of DIY Guides, with information regarding how Resistors actually work, and how to integrate a $26 scope into your Eurorack system.

BIAS ROCK AKU-KUN EXD II Drum Synth

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

via this auction

There's a Coron Rockaku-kun featured in this video.

"BIAS ROCKAKU-KUN EXD II Electronic 5 Voice Module Brain.

This unit is very very RARE.

Great Analog Drum Synthesizer Brain. Very Fat Tone.

This unit can make Kick, Snare, Tom, Hi-Hat, even long fat bass tone sound and so on.

It can be triggered by electric trigger pad, trigger signal and short sound signal.

Very friendly with EURORACK Modular synthesizers.

This unit is working perfectly.

CLICK FOR MORE »

Forms

videos upload by Forms

CLICK FOR MORE »

Erica Synths Introduces BLACK RING XFADE Eurorack Module

video by Monotrail Tech Talk

"Today we go in-depth with the brand new Erica Synths Black Ring-Fade, a eurorack module with two ring modulators, build in crossfader, and VCA. Both the ring modulators as well as the crossfader can be used as independent modules, but the internal routing makes it very suitable for advanced creative sound shaping.

In the video we start with an overview of the Black Ring-Fade, and then we dive into a series of patches in three sections. We look at ring modulation patches, crossfader patches, and finally a few patches utilizing all sections of the Ring-Fade.

Timetable:
00:00 – Intro
00:41 – Black Ring-Fade
03:29 – Ring modulation
07:41 – Crossfading
09:23 – Combined patches"

The Erica Synths Black Ring-Xfade is an extremely versatile module for sound shaping. It consists of two unconventional ringmodulators/waveshapers, a crossfader that works both for audio and CV and a VCA. Unlike conventional ringmodulator that works only with a signal present on both signal and carrier inputs, the Black Ring-Xfade passes through the signal without alteration, if no carrier is present, but low level signals on the carrier input result in unique waveshaping. Add the crossfader between two ringmodulators (or for an external signals) topped up with the VCA, and you have an amplitude modulation powerplant for your modular system.

FEATURES:
Dual ringmodulaotr/waveshaper
Carrier level adjustment
Voltage controlled crossfader
Manual and CV control over crossfade
Selectable AC (audio) or DC (control voltage) coupling
VCA with selectable bias

RRP: 150 EUR (VAT excl.)
MAP USA: 189 USD"

Hampshire Electronics HamEl Eurorack Modules

I beleive this is the first Hampshire Electronics aka HamEl post on the site.

Playlist:
3340 VCO Synth Module // Eurorack Analogue Oscillator Overview // Hampshire Electronics
Amazing Modular Synth Jam by 13 Year Old // Hampshire Electronics
Quad VCA Synth Module // Eurorack Voltage Controlled Amplifier Overview // Hampshire Electronics
Analogue Sequencer Modular Synth Jam // Eurorack Modules // Hampshire Electronics
Delay (Delay, Delay, Delay) Modular Synth Jam // Eurorack Modules // Hampshire Electronics

via this auction



Modules include:

3340 VCO Synth Module
ADSR Envelope Generator
Ring Modulator
Quad VCA
LP VCF Filter
Dual VCF
8 Step Sequencer

CLICK FOR MORE »

LA Circuits, Inc. Buchla Styled Eurorack Systems

Playlist:

1. Attaché Demo ft. Echoes + Sunless City

Brendan demoing the Attaché Eurorack System featuring modules: Echoes BBD Delay and Sunless City Transistor Ladder Filter.
Attaché is a complete eurorack system with a built in power supply and 88 HP rails mounted in a handheld hardshell briefcase-- modeled after vintage Samsonite briefcases of the 1970's.

2. LA Circuits EM-404 Hallogallo Audio Fx Demo

Audio visualizer of the EM-404 Hallogallo VCF/Envelope Follower eurorack module. Available for purchase this November 2020, order now: www.circuits.la/shop.

3. EM-601 Technicolor Reverb Audio Fx Demo

Audio demo of Model EM-601 | Technicolor Dynamic Reverb eurorack module. Visuals of the Orion Nebula provided by Nasa Hubble Space Telescope.

4. LA Circuits Atomic Meddle & Clocks

Atomic Meddle Stereo VCF Processing Station and Clocks Sequencer | Summer 2020

5. Attaché Briefcase System Demo

Compact synthesizer in a vintage style briefcase. Coming this Winter 2020.

6. LA Circuits Modular Teaser
7. LA Circuits Lab System Teaser

Current modules via https://www.circuits.la:

EM-801 | MACHINIS$T

$300.00

EM-802 Machinist Sample Track + Hold & Noise consists of 3 individual circuits: a highly stable voltage-controlled sample / track & hold, a noise generator, and a voltage-controlled clock generator. The sample / track & hold section can be manually engaged using the Manual Trigger push button.

The noise generator provides five independent colors of noise. The spectrum specifically consists of Violet, Blue, White, Pink and Red noise. The clock generator’s frequency rate is visualized using the onboard LED indicator, and the sample / track + hold polarity is displayed with corresponding LED indicators.

The onboard slew limiter provides further sound sculpting functionality, wherein the user may select the slew limiter circuit direction and control the slew rate via CV input.

Specifications:

Model: EM-802

Product SKU: 800-0802

Dimensions: 12 HP (3U)

Panel: 2.00 mm Anodized Aluminum

Power: +/- 12V | 8 mA

CLICK FOR MORE »

PAIA 2700/4700 MODULAR ANALOG SYNTHESIZER

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

via this auction

"A few years ago I decide to take my 1974ish PAiA synthesizer and rebuild it. I researched components by consulting with Scott Lee of PAiA. I designed custom panels through Front Panel Express. To keep the engraving costs down I went with a minimalistic look that was reminiscent of PAiA yet totally original with a vintage vibe, especially the knobs.

I had Steve Wood, a former PAiA Tech from back in the day, do all the module refurbishing. Most of the major components on the boards were replaced & all ICs socketed. The audio path has upgraded caps and Burr-Brown op-amps. All front panel parts and hardware are new. Taking Marvin Jones’ advice, I replaced all the control voltage “pin jacks” with 3.5mm audio jacks. These are grounded so I could interface the PAiA with my other modular gear.

Multi-turn pots are used for VCO frequency tuning (they look like the pots on the old “Putney” synth!). The “bouncy” push button switches are replaced by momentary toggle switches and all of the switches are now toggle switches with vintage looking paddles.

CLICK FOR MORE »

VSL Eurorack analog modular synth demo JAWS theme wavefolder AWM-3, env gen D-ENV, filter VCF-74

Vintage Synthlab

"JAWS theme on Eurorack modular synth.

Here we have an AWM-3 wavefolding, while a D-ENV drives the front end (input) of the AWM-3 first stage to created dynamic wave folding (as opposed to static wavefold). Each stage has modulation injected to it's bias / threshold / offset CV input, allowing for a big, chorus-like sound.
The VCF-74 mk2 is our LP filter also being driven by independent D-ENV for both filter cutoff and VCA. The VCO-81 is our synth voice--being driven by the Beatstep Pro Sequencer #2 (yellow)."

Noise Engineering Blog: Per4mer jam

Noise Engineering

"From the blog: https://www.noiseengineering.us/blog/...
Here, we're using the Modbap Modular Per4mer to apply effects to a patch. Two BIAs are the bass and lead, sequenced by the Mimetic Digitalis, and an Analog Rytm supplies percussion off camera. "