Analog oscillators hit different: exploring the SED-CSM and QSQ

video upload by SynthDad

"I dive deep into the raw sounds and harmonic richness of the SED-CSM, a complete analog synth voice from Rides in the Storm. With its dual oscillators, sub-octave generator, ring modulator, and a dedicated noise source, this module provides a massive foundation for everything from earth-shaking bass to evolving drones.
SED-CSM has two LFOs which can go into audio-rate, reaching up to 6.6 kHz and a VCF equipped with a dedicated overdrive switch. The SED-CSM offers endless possibilities for aggressive textures and squelchy, acid-inspired leads.
Complementing this is the QSQ; an 8-channel performance sequencer and MIDI-to-CV interface that serves as the brain of the operation. I show how the QSQ’s 16 analog-style rotary encoders allow for intuitive, hands-on melodic creation. Leveraging features like Euclidean rhythms, per-step probability, and integrated LFO/envelope generation, the QSQ compliments SED-CSM’s raw oscillators.

Timeline:
00:00 Sound demo
00:48 Overview of SED-CSM
04:50 Making a gritty bassline
08:11 Dub-techno chords
10:56 Doombient drones
16:46 Percussive sounds and hihats
17:56 Use LFOs to add hihat ratchets
19:23 Metallic tones and wavefolding
24:41 QSQ sequencer overview
25:34 Adding probability to notes
29:34 Using a sequencer for modulation
30:48 Adjusting a track's playback speed
31:28 MODulation amount
32:23 Using nudge to vary melodies
33:37 QSQ as a MIDI to CV converter
35:22 Mapping velocity from keyboard
36:34 QSQ is a MIDI recorder
38:48 Wrapping up"

MPC Sample: Deep hypnotic techno. First attempt at a live jam

video upload by SynthDad

"I bought an MPC Sample for fun jamming so after a few hours of playing with it this is my first attempt at a deep hypnotic techno jam. Little rough around the edges in places, but hey that's live music for you!

Thinking about how I might pair it with a small portable modular setup. It's lacking some key features (step sequencer being one of them) but if I combine it with my Oxi One that's not an issue."

This 12HP Module Might Be the Only Voice You Need

video upload by SynthDad

"The Ballista Blast is Shakmat Modular's hybrid digital/analog modular voice, squeezing a remarkably deep feature set into just 12HP. In this video, I walk through all three engines — Classic, Wavetable, and FM — and show you what this module is really capable of.

The Classic engine layers saw and square waves through two switchable analog VCFs (acid or bubbly, your call), a VCA, and an onboard distortion unit. The Wavetable engine runs a customisable wavetable set through that same analog chain, bridging digital texture with analog warmth. And the FM engine brings original multi-operator algorithms — up to four operators per patch — controlled via three macro knobs that keep complex FM territory surprisingly playable.

CORRECTION: The FM engine is actually a lot more complex than I describe in the video, and can do more than 2-op FM depending on the algorithm you choose.

Tying it all together: an onboard envelope, an assignable random generator, velocity and gate inputs, and nearly parameter-wide modulation assignment.

Timeline:
00:00 Introduction
00:50 Walk through of Ballista Blast
03:46 Pitch locking
04:31 Filter and Distortion modes
05:12 Built-in VCA
06:17 Wavetable oscillator
08:33 FM engine
09:52 Dubby FM chords example
10:55 Drone example
11:42 Modulation matrix
13:50 LFO mode on Expander
16:21 Randomising to change up sounds
18:59 Generate random patches for inspiration
21:01 Conclusions
21:45 Closing jam"

Erica Synths Steampipe | Oberheim OB-X8 | Midicake ARP — Palisades (9 Jamuary 2025)

video upload by Moonbass Alpha

"Inspired by ‪@SynthDad‬ , I broke out my Midicake ARP to drive the Erica Synths Steampipe (not as intended) and an OB-X8 (borrowed from a friend)."

Diving into FIRE and TAKT w/ Trovarsi, Synthdad & Rick Batyr

video upload by Trovarsi

"Join me and my guests Synthdad and Rick Batyr, as we dive into the FIRE and TAKT by Flame Instruments. We'll open the show with a performance from Rick Batyr. Then we'll all share some patch ideas, approaches to live performance, drum kits on the FIRE, and MORE!"

OXI One Tutorial - CV Trigger Envelopes & Modulations

video upload by OXI Instruments

"Unlock the secrets of CV Trigger Envelopes and Modulation Lanes in this tutorial, designed to swiftly broaden your understanding of the OXI One CV Modulation features.

Explore practical applications, creative tips on using the Modulation Lanes for CV modulation, Random Generator, and insights into the Velocity and Gate columns Views, all packed in a concise yet comprehensive guide.

Explore another take on the topics we've covered in our video by checking out this tutorial by @SynthDad :"

Oxi One - the brain for your modular setup. What you need to know to get started

video upload by SynthDad

"The Oxi One is perfect for controlling your modular setup, but configuring it can be overwhelming at first. In this tutorial I show you how to use your Oxi One to control your modular synth; I’ll explain how the CV/gate mapping page works, how to send envelopes, how modulation using LFOs and automation lanes works, and how to set up a polyphonic patch using the Oxi One as the brain. Best of all we'll get to draw waveforms by hand on the grid to modulate our patches - cool!

This video builds on my previous one. (below) and if you've watched that you'll feel right at home here. Even if you're not an Oxi wizard just yet you'll find this video easy to understand as I've broken it down into themes:

1. Understanding the CV/gate mapping page
2. Creating a one-voice monophonic patch
3. Sending envelopes from Oxi One
4. Adding complex modulation to patches
5. Drum sequencing in modular
6. Polyphonic modules"

Oxi One - 5 Quick Tips to start making music fast

video upload by SynthDad

"The Oxi One is a powerful MIDI sequencer but when you first sit down it can be tough to understand how it works. This is the first in a series of videos where I explain how to use the Oxi One, get to grips with its features, and how use it to make music fast.

In this first episode I will give you 5 quick tips to get started making music with the Oxi One and your synths. This isn’t meant to be an exhaustive deep-dive into every feature, or a review of the device. Instead these are the top five things I think you need to know to get going quickly."

Farbfilter and Stolperbeats in 7/8 time - Transistor Ladder Lowpass with Drive

video upload by Making Sound Machines

"For this one we channelled our inner Radiohead and made a beat with a 7/8 rhythm.

Come to @superboothberlin 11-13 May 2023 to chat to us and test our modules - we'll be in a beach tent together with all our friends @thisisnotrocketscience3942 @paultasbeeb @knobula6211 @apolloview9305 @vaskiembedded and Swampflux!! We are going to have a really good time and you are all invited to come and play!

Plus they are all debuting new modules we are really excited about!

In this video we are using #Farbfilter, an analog transistor ladder filter for Eurorack with a wicked overdrive stage and CV controlled resonance. We're still putting the finishing touches on this one, tweaking a resistor value here or there and taming the ranges a bit, but we love how it sounds already. A huge thankyou to @DivKid and @SynthDad for providing feedback on this one!

In this patch, #Stolperbeats is sending a MIDI sequence to the @WeAreElektron Model:Samples, playing Samples from the @GoldbabySamples Silverdrum Machinedrum pack for modelsamples. The bass is a PWM saw wave from Apollo View Modular's Allscillator complex VCO.

Both signals are filtered using the Farbfilter, with Stolperbeats sending a CV ramp to the filter cutoff of one lowpass filter and @Befacosynth Rampage being triggered to modulate the other. Enrica is controlling the offset for cutoff and attenuating the incoming resonance modulation. Kits will become available after Superbooth via our friends at @ThonkSynthDIY and @explodingshed5542.

Join our #superbooth workshop to solder with us:

Saturday 13.05.2023,
11:00 am – 3:00 pm
Superbooth DIY Area
Berlin

https://www.superbooth.com/en/events/

Or join us on Sunday for the DIY afterparty:

Sunday 14.05.2023,
ca 5:00 pm
DIY Kit Day
Klunkerkranich
Berlin

@berlinmodularsociety will be playing modular synthesizer tracks live!"

Build a hybrid setup with PWM Malevolent. TUTORIAL + MODULAR PATCH IDEAS

video upload by SynthDad

"This is the first in a series of videos showing how to use the PWM Malevolent semi-modular synth with Eurorack modular to get the best of both worlds; the Malevolent's wild oscillators paired with more advanced filters and effects from Eurorack world.

For my first video I'm using the TB3PO applet in Ornament and Crime to sequence the two oscillators on the Malevolent to make that classic 303-style acid sound. I'll also show you how to use external filters and effects with the Malevolent, and add more modulation using your existing modules.

Disclaimer: PWM sent me this demo unit to make these videos but they do not have final say in the content nor am I getting paid for these videos. I make them for fun!

00:00 Introduction
00:53 TB3PO applet
01:11 Quick tour of the PWM Malevolent features
02:44 Making our first patch - basic wiring
03:40 Getting the sound from the Malevolent into the modular
05:35 How to send pitch information to both oscillators in the Malevolent
07:19 Adding more modulation with Stages
08:58 Conclusions and outro jam"