Erica Synths Pico System III - Desktop Modular Synthesizer

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MicroRack - Modular For The Masses? | Starterkits Ep. 14

video upload by Cinematic Laboratory

"I think I can safely say that the world now has a true low budget modular platform. I don't think it can get more affordable than this, without sacrificing the power of a big modular system. The only difference between a full size modular setup and this is... the size. And the beauty of it all, is that it can also exist as a 'regular' eurorack module.

MicroRack is definitely a boutique niche synth ecosystem that sits somewhere between VCV and eurorack. It's a bit too powerful to be a just a toy, and maybe it's too cheap to be taken seriously at first glance. And yet, this is a wonderful starter synth that's just perfect for learning modular for real. It supports many, many synthesis recipes (eastcoast, westcoast), it's analog, it feels like DIY but it doesn't need soldering. It's modular lego that can be mounted in a eurorack case, or travel with you with USB-C power. For more info, check out the https://microrack.org website.

I bought this kit at Dutch Modular Fest 2025 and many of these modules are pre-production prototypes. It's not perfected yet, but even in this state it's a lot of fun to work with. It's already entertaining when it's powered up, just doing nothing else but leds.
I'd love to follow the MicroRack team over the next few years and see how this evolves. It's rumoured that Erica Synths will also contribute a few 'Pico' module ports, so who knows where this all may lead."

Emute uSeq - Live Coding & Modular Mashup - LSPXPO 2025

video upload by sonicstate

"Emute Lab Instruments is a new project, based at the University of Sussex, and coming out of the Experimental Music Technologies Lab research group.

Nick spoke to Dimitris about their first creation, the uSeq module, which bridges live coding and modular synthesis.

Rather than relying on laptops, uSeq uses a Raspberry Pi Pico to handle code expressions, translating them into control voltage (CV) and gate signals. Its design emphasizes accessibility, featuring an open-source platform that's DIY and budget-friendly.

The module has three CV and three gate outputs, coupled with a user-friendly coding language called *ModuLisp*. This setup allows you to manage multiple code patches and switch between them using onboard controls. Aiming to move beyond traditional code interaction, Dimitris is exploring vocal control methods, aligning with live coding's evolving narrative.

Available both as a DIY kit and a ready-made module"

via Emute Lab Instruments

"uSEQ is a eurorack module that brings livecoding into your modular system. Fundamentally, it’s an extremely flexible voltage generator and processor. It has a set of CV and pulse inputs and outputs, but instead of having a fixed set of controls and functions, you can choose how voltages are generated by livecoding them. This means that you can control uSEQ’s behaviour with the vast possibilities of creative coding, using a simplified programming language specialised for music. uSEQ is great for sequencing, waveform generation, and waveform processing. You can use it as a live performance tool, or configure it for specific functions.

To use uSEQ, hook up a computer via the USB port, load up the editor in your browser and start playing."

Rauhnacht²

video upload by Ebotronix

"Make Noise System with Strymon Big Sky MX !
Make Noise: Contour, 2x Erbe Verb, Function, LXD, 2x Maths V1, Maths V2,
2x Mimeophone, 2x MMG, 4x Moddemix, Morphagene , Mysteron,
2x Optomix, 2x Pressure Points / Brains, 2x QMMG v1 & v 2, QPAS,
Rene , RXMX, Spectraphone, 5x STO, 2x Telharmonic (Shepard Generator) ,
Tempi, 5 x Xpan, XPO, 2x Wiard Wogglebug!
the others:
Tunefish Modular 3x 1u Ornament and Crime with Phaserville
Calibr8or with Malkauns number of notes: 6
notes (in cents): 0, 203.9, 407.8, 497.7, 792.2, 996.1
Temps Util, µYarns, Twiigs, µVeils.
Mutable Intruments Shades.
4ms Peg
Flame Memory Slider
Doepfer 2x R2m Ribbon Controller, A 138n, A 156, 2x A 177-2 with 2x Boss EV 30
Befaco Stereo Mixer,
XAOC 3x Batumi
Erica Synths Pico Drum ( Rim )
ATO Faderbank 16 n Midi CC to Strymon Big Sky MX!
27.12.2024
vid # 2448"

Mellotron and Eurorack Modular October 10 2024

video upload by John L Rice

Mellotron Micro
Happy Nerding HM VCO
Erica Synths Black VCO 2 and Pico MODulator
Industrial Music Electronics Polivoks VCF
2hp Verb
ADDAC System ADDAC812A meter
Behringer 182 Sequencer
4ms POD64x
Tendrils Cables

JLRs Modular Synthesizers - System Breakdown #13 -

video upload by John L Rice

JLRs Modular Synthesizers - System Breakdown posts

"This is my thirteenth video breakdown/rundown, this time for one of my very smallest Eurorack systems, just a single 4ms Pod40x case!

Index:
0:00 Beginning
0:20 Introduction
0:55 Module Rundown
2:15 Modifications
2:23 Final Words
2:44 Demo: 'Boil The Noodles, Winter Is Coming'
8:25 End

List of the modules in this system
Erica Synths: Black MIDI-CV v2, Black VCO2, Pico MODulator
Happy Nerding: HM VCO
2hp: LFO
The Harvestman: Polivoks VCF (2013)
4ms Company: Pod40x
Tendrils Cables: patch cables
Arturia: Keystep keyboard used for demo

Note that additional reverb came from an external device for the audio sample. Otherwise all sounds were from the displayed system.

As always, thank you for watching, rating, following, subscribing, and commenting! 🥳 If you found the content of this video helpful, interesting, or entertaining, please consider showing your support so I can stay stocked up on coffee and cookies. 😋 https://buymeacoffee.com/johnlrice"

Erica Synths - Hexinverter Mutant Hot Glue sound demo

video upload by Erica Synths

"The Mutant Hot Glue is a versatile bus mixer for analog effects chain design. The included analog compressor offers series or parallel compression and a sidechain input, making it particularly well suited to drum processing. The distortion can be used in its default position, normalized to the effects send, or like every other part of the module, broken out and used elsewhere in your modular system. Mutant Hot Glue has been faithfully re-designed, paying homage to the original design, with an improved compressor developed in collaboration with Hexinverter Electronique

Timeline:

00:00 - Patch 1 / Glued Drums - Sample Drum, Bassdrum and Pico Drums mixed together. Stereo FX used as Send FX.
01:46 - Patch 2 / Self oscillation patch. Mixer module patched in feedback with itself and modulated with the Octasource.
02:49 - Patch 3 / Glued Drums 2 - Sample Drum, Bassdrum and Pico Drums mixed together. Built in distortion used as send effect.
04:08 - Patch 4 / Glued Drums 3 - Sample Drum, Bassdrum and Pico Drums mixed together. Stereo FX used as Send FX.
05:40 - Patch 5 / Drone Mixer - Waveforms from Black VCO 2 mixed together and sent through the built in distortion."

Live synth pub/demo - Alesis Metavox Vocoder & Erica Synths Pico System III

video upload by SynthAddict

#jamuary2024 13 Make Noise 0-Coast & Erica Synths Pico System 3 - more Buchla-style fun

video upload by SynthAddict

"More Buchla-type wild and strange timbres and patterns.

The Pico bucket brigade delay always provides some cool and unpredictable patterns and frequencies, under full manual control.

Pico System 3 even includes factory and "programmable" voice cards like the real Buchla Music Easel had, so you can avoid all the usual manual cable patching... Buchla was way ahead of its time in this and other ways."

Generative Drum Machine sneak preview

video upload by SPHERICAL SOUND SOCIETY

"So I was trying to check if I could port BRAIDS to the PI PICO. It took me near 3 months of studing and tweaking and adapt the code and finally I got it running

PICO is like 6 times more capable than the original stm32f103 of braids so it left me with a ton of power to experiement and tweak. The first logical step was to replace the 7 segments screen with a 128x64 pixels OLED screen.

Then I added a generative sequencer. And a second envelope. And an LFO. BOOM, it starts to look like a generative drum machine. I fucking love generative drum machines and most of my projects ends looking like one, but they all came from a totally different perspective, sounds totally different and has a unique archhitecture tailored to that system

Currently this one has parameter locks, per step saving and I will be adding probability probabily too :D

Another branch of the project would be to add MIDI (currently working on it) and turn it into a polysynth. Kind of Microfreak, but with the braids oscillators. But that one if ever, will be quite in the future yet.

The Drum machine, is near ready to lauch, and maybe ready to appear as build units, kits and PCBs in my Tindie and Etsy stores, as always

https://www.tindie.com/stores/jc2046/
https://www.etsy.com/es/shop/Spherica..."

Massive Eurorack Setup for Sale

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via this auction

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Build your own synthesizer module with PICO ADK!

video upload by Floyd Steinberg

"PICO ADK is an integrated system that can run VULT DSP code, and it comes equipped with a high quality digital audio converter and 8 analog inputs for connecting controllers. Building your own hardware synth never has been so easy! Table of contents:

00:00 intro
00:10 hello
00:35 board overview / features
01:19 hardware needed
02:11 downloading and installing the software development kit
04:02 installing your firmware / dsp code
04:26 example 1: a simple synth
05:09 (simple audio example)
05:42 a more complex example (with some hardware controllers)
06:09 how to create and compile your own DSP code / folder & project structure
06:48 how to try some demo scripts from the VULT page
07:33 outlook
08:06 conclusion
08:42 important things to consider!
09:06 full audio demo
11:12 bye bye

Links:
PICO ADK https://schneidersladen.de/de/datanoi..., https://www.tindie.com/products/datan...
Potentiometers: https://amzn.to/3Rxkcc2
Breadboard & cables https://amzn.to/3YsB3Pd
3.5mm stereo sockets https://amzn.to/3I0vT7G
VULT language https://vult-dsp.github.io/vult/overv...
PICO SDK https://www.raspberrypi.com/documenta...
PICO ADK on GitHub https://github.com/DatanoiseTV/PicoAD...

Shell script commands needed:
sudo apt-get update
sudo apt-get upgrade
sudo apt-get install npm
sudo npm install vult -g
wget https://raw.githubusercontent.com/raspberrypi/pico-setup/master/pico_setup.sh
chmod +x pico_setup.sh
./pico_setup.sh
cd pico
rm -rf pico-sdk
git clone https://github.com/raspberrypi/pico-sdk --branch master --recursive
git clone --recursive https://github.com/DatanoiseTV/PicoADK-Firmware-Template

cd PicoADK-FreeRTOS-Template
export PICO_SDK_FETCH_FROM_GIT=1

mkdir build &&cdbuild
cmake ..
make

HÄLP ZIS CHANNEL
https://www.patreon.com/floyd_steinberg
https://floydsteinberg.gumroad.com/
https://floydsteinberg.bandcamp.com/"

22 06 19 Scrotum Lab - M Class Pico VCO / Gate Sequencer [AUDIO RATE]

video upload by batchas

"Testing the Gate sequencer in audio rate."

22 06 19 Serge M-Class 10-step Gate Sequencer + VCO


"M-Class panel for Serge Modular System made by Scrotum Lab: 10-step Gate Sequencer (CGS89) + Stroh Pico VCO as very slow LFO or as VCO.

A switch allows the Gate Sequencer to be externally clocked or internally (Pico VCO rate becoming the main clock)."

Arturia Keystep Pro & Erica Synths Pico System 2 Arpregio improvisation (no talk )

video upload by Dziam Bass

"Today I have new movie with Arturia Keystep Pro & Erica Synths Pico System 2 Arpregio improvisation (no talk ) .. total improvisation for fun with the use of the arpeggiator by hand in Keystep Pro.
the main voice is a Pico Voice module - a wavetable synthesis
but I don't want to bore you with descriptions .. just listen
Best"

Erika 10:10 - A Modular Synthesizer Exploration with Erica Synths Pico System 3

video upload by Chief Thomson Music

"I just recently got myself the wonderful Erica Synths Pico System 3 and I am currently exploring ideas around this system.
It's quite fun to patch and gives you these playful moments.
Hope you enjoy this 10 minutes and 10 seconds track :-)"

Erica Synths Pico System III

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

via this auction

"Includes synth, power supply, original patch cables, original blank patch cards, and original preset patch cards!"

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New Erica Synths K-Phaser Krautrock Eurorack Module

video upload by Erica Synths

"The Erica Synths Black K-Phaser is our take on a classical, genre defining FX unit – the Krautrock Phaser.

Timeline:
00:02 - Square Wave through Phaser
02:17 - FM radio through Phaser
02:30 - Pico Drums to Pico EF through Phaser with Phase being modulated with the extracted envelope
06:30 - Saw wave through Phaser. FM of the VCO and LFO speed of the phaser is being modulatred wiht S&H from Octasource
04:40 - Breakbeat through Phaser
07:01 - Breakbeat 2 through Phaser. S&HJ is modulating the slice selection and phase offset
06:36 - Guitar through Phaser
06:04 - Cymbals through Phaser
06:40 - Black VCO to Black LPG and then to Phaser and then to DSP 2"

"The Erica Synths Black K-Phaser is our take on a classical, genre defining FX unit – the Krautrock Phaser.

It retains the original concept of 8 all-pass filters with photoresistors, but we redesigned the filters and modulation circuit and added several unique features. A dip switch allows for selecting the number of filter stages involved in the resonance path, while the resonance attenuverter brings in never-heard-before feedback artefacts, and most importantly – the SPREAD mode detunes the all-pass filters for even more distinct behaviour. A built-in voltage controlled LFO with selectable waveforms expands the modulation possibilities of the phaser and can be used as an independent modulation source for your modular system as well.

The Black K-Phaser is our tribute to the German electronic music pioneers that largely shaped the sound of electronic music worldwide.

Features:

8 all-pass filters with photo-resistor control
Classic and Spread (filter detune) mode
Resonance attenuverter
Selectable resonance path
Built in VC LFO with a dedicated output
Wet output
RRP: 190 EUR (VAT excl.)
MAP: 229 USD"

Polyphonic Eurorack: First Try and Walkthrough

video by thesrabbit

"Here's my first attempt at polyphony within a modular system. I've got 4 distinct voices, each with its own oscillator, filter, amp, and envelope. To make things more interesting, I added a sort of sub-oscillator to the first voice, though it can sound quite dissonant depending upon when that voice is triggered.

There is a very detailed rundown after the demo "performance", but to summarize:
Each voice is a single sawtooth wave, with the addition of a square wave sub-oscillator on voice 1. All 4 oscillators run through their own low pass filter. The first 2 run through filters 1 and 2 on the System-500 521 dual VCF module. The 3rd oscillator runs through the LPF on the System-500 505 module. The 4th oscillator runs through the LPF on the MS-20 Mini. From there, each voice has its own VCA, and then the output of those VCAs are routed to the System-500 530 module, which acts as a stereo mixer. Voices 1 and 3 are panned to the left, 2 and 4 are panned to the right. This produces an effect similar to auto-panning. All four voices run through a BBD and spring reverb tank, which adds a ton of extra grit. Each voice has its own dedicated envelope generator. The first 2 have the System-500 540's envelopes. The 3rd voice uses a single ADSR from the Dreadbox Ataxia. The 4th voice simply uses EG2 on the MS-20 Mini.

I did my best to get a similar sound out of each voice, though it's far from perfect. However, that's really the whole point of this experiment: to do something that no standard polysynth can do.

In the demo, I've got aux sends setup in Logic to the Audiothingies Dr. A for delay, and for reverb I've got my favorite Alesis MIDIVerb II and Quadraverb combo. These effects run in parallel and were recorded in real time along with the dry output of my mixer. I tried to mix in the effects so that they're about 55/45 dry/wet.

Modules used:
Roland System-500: 512, 521, 505, 530, 540
2HP VCO (x2)
Polyend Poly 2
Arcus Audio buffered mult
Pittsburgh Modular Giraffe (x2)
Blue Lantern Subharmonics
Manhattan Analog DTM
Doepfer Dual VCA (x2)
Dreadbox Ataxia
Erica Synths PICO BBD
G-Storm Electro Spring Reverb Tank Driver
Korg MS-20 Mini"

Starter Kits | Episodes 03 - 05

Starter Kits | Episode 03 | Production Value
video by Cinematic Laboratory

"In this episode I'll give Plaits a final run, teaming up with Frames, Blades and Beads. I wanted to try and create a full track using Beatstep Pro & Ableton Live with Plaits as the only oscillator (and Beads for some effects). It's a weird futuristic track, but hey, it must sound 'minimal modular'. Uploaded earlier today, but I wanted to take out some things I am not sure about yet."

Starter Kits | Episode 04 | Bloom, Pico System III, Desmodus Versio

video by Cinematic Laboratory

"After three episode of Plaits it's time to go analog with the 'westcoast' inspired Erica Synths Pico System III, Qu-Bit Bloom sequencer and the insane Desmodus Versio reverb. The workflow is completely different and you'll have to make your sounds from scratch. It sounds completely different too! Technically, it's three modules, but Pico System III has 13 'pico' modules stacked away under one faceplate. So it's definitely a mini-modular with huge potential, but you have to discover it yourself!"

Starter Kits | Episode 05 | VPME Quad Drums & friends
video by Cinematic Laboratory

"In this episode I've joined Pamela's new workout and Mimetic Digitalis with the 'canned fun' Quad Drums module from VPME. If you have to start small, this is a great module to get totally eurorack addicted. I also makes it very easy to explain why modular synths are so cool.

There's a snippet of WMD Metron in the video to explain the difference between Pam's clock magic and a full rhythm sequencer. If making beats is your true love, then Metron will help you to build your ultimate modular drum machine patterns."

All episodes here

Erica Synths Black Joystick 2

video by Erica Synths

"Erica Synths Black Joystick2 is 4 channel multi functional CV and sound source – joystick, movement recorder, distinct LFO and drone/noise oscillator. It provides great interaction with the modular system and allows to develop unconventional modulation patterns easily.

Timeline:

00:00​ Patch 1 - Ripper bass - Joystick CH1 set to audio rate sine modulating the Stereo Delay from CH2 which is also set to work as audio rate sine

00:33​ Patch 2 - Much Techno - Controlling the Cymbals Ride tune & decay with Joystick CH1, Crash decay with CH2 and BHDSP 2 rate and fx parameter with CH3

01:46​ Patch 3 - Wave Surfer - Controlling Graphic VCO wavetable matrix with Joysticks CH1, delay time, dry/wet mix and feedback with CH2 to CH4

02:55​ Patch 4 - Slice Master - Controlling Sample Drum slice index, sample select and sample tune with X axis of first three Joystick channels

04:53​ Patch 5 - Bleep Bloop - Joystick in audio rate mode through the Stereo Delay which delay time parameters is also modulated with the Joystick

05:16​ Patch 6 - Drone Zone - Droning with Black VCO, LPG and Stereo Delay. Joystick is controlling VCO FM & PWM, LPG offset and delay time

06:26​ Patch 7 - Wave Drummer - Graphic VCO in Drum and Black Stereo Delay are triggered and controlled with Joystick in S&H mode

08:15​ Patch 8 - S&H Everything! - Pico Drums, Pico Drums 2 and BHDSP 2 are controlled and triggered with Joystick in S&H mode

09:21​ Patch 9 - Sine drone - First three channels of the Joystick are used as audio sources and CH4 is used to control the BHDSP2 crush setting"