How to Make & Sequence Modular Synth Drum Sounds With Patterning 3 : Drum Machine

video upload by Olympia Noise Co.

"In this video, Patterning : Drum Machine developer Ben Kamen demonstrates using Patterning 3 as a MIDI sequencer to control a Eurorack modular synthesizer and builds drum and percussive sounds from the ground up. Starting from basic kick and tom patches, learn how to shape hi-hats with noise sources, add punch with pitch envelopes, and introduce melodic variations using MIDI.

Download this drumkit (and 700+ more) inside Patterning 3: Drum Machine :
http://patterning.app

Modules used include:
• Mutable Instruments Yarns (MIDI to CV)
• Intellijel Dixie (Oscillator)
• Tiptop Audio Low Pass Gate (VCA + Filter)
• Intellijel Quadra (Envelope Generator)
• Plonk (Digital Percussion Module)
and more....

If you love modular synth sound design, this one’s for you.

⸻

⏱️ Timestamps:

00:00 — Introduction: Using Patterning 3 with Modular Synths
00:35 — Oscillator + VCA Basics
00:50 — The Tiptop Low Pass Gate Setup
01:02 — Envelopes and Volume Control (Quadra)
01:12 — Making Drum and Tom Sounds
01:26 — Creating Hi-Hat Sounds with Noise Sources
06:57 — Adding Punch with Pitch Envelopes
07:20 — Shaping Kick Drum Dynamics
07:37 — Experimenting with Attack and Decay
08:04 — Modulating Hi-Hat Envelopes for Variation
09:10 — Exploring Plonk and Cowbell Sounds
10:41 — Randomized Melodies from MIDI Pitch Data
11:38 — Building a Complete Modular Pattern
12:28 — Wrapping Up and Final Jam"

After October - Panharmonium/Metropolix

video upload by davidryle

"The Intellijel Metropolix sequencer making a dual pattern to a pair of Q206 VCO's. The filters were the Dove D502 Multi-Mode VCF and the Corsynth C110 2044 VCF. They go into the Lower West Side Studios (Yusynth) Panning Mixer then into the Rossum Electro-Music Panharmonium Mutating Spectral Resynthesizer.

The Panharmonium splits the signal to two destinations. The main voice is sent to the TipTop Audio Z-DSP with the Halls of Valhalla plate reverb. The FX voice is sent to the Make Noise Soundhack Erbe Verb reverb.

The Bass part is the Q960 sequential Controller into a pair of Q106 VCO's and The Oakley Sound Systems Diode Super Ladder filter. The on to the Synthetic Sound Labs Digital Delay and Tube VCA.

The fluttering noise effect is the Dove Audio WTF Oscillator in noise mode to the Moon Modular 517S in High Pass on to the Modcan 73B Dual Delay and the Echo Fix tape echo/reverb."

Another great vintage goes Eurorack, TTA Resonator Module

video upload by Tiptop Audio

Check with dealer on the right for availability and price.

"With the Resonator , we were able to recreate one of the most legendary resonator designs of all time — and make it affordable. This module recreates the resonator section of the iconic 1975 Polymoog, now enhanced with voltage control over every parameter, selectable frequency ranges for each resonator, multiple gain stages, an emphasis CV with limiter, and a bypass switch. It is strictly analog, with no LEDs or digital circuitry that could contaminate the grounding with hiss, ensuring a pure, clean analog sound — the dreamy, resonating tones at their finest.

Originally designed as an end-of-chain effect for our polyphonic modules, the Resonator also excels with a wide range of audio sources, including samples, drums, and even full mixes. Despite its extensive feature set, the design occupies only 16HP and remains highly affordable.

Check out the Resonator at:
https://tiptopaudio.com/resonator/

A note about video sound quality:
YouTube plays compressed audio, which significantly affects sound quality. Compared to the original recording, the audio will generally sound muddier and harsher in the highs. However, it still provides a good sense of the character and tone of the demoed device.

Patch Overview for this video:
The first few scenes feature a polyphonic sound generated by Triax8 through Octopass , then through Octogain (not shown in the frame), and finally into the Resonator . From the Resonator, the signal goes into the Z5000 Multi-Effect module , with a bit of processing applied via the mix knob. The sound is output in stereo, either directly to an audio recorder or routed through the Z-DSP for extra reverb.

In the final scene, Tiptop Audio drum modules generate hi-hats and snare, which are mixed using the MIX7 module and then sent into the Resonator. The bass drum comes from the Tiptop Audio ONE sample player. Octolfo , the module on the left, provides multiple fully independent LFOs to modulate the many CV inputs available on the Resonator."

The Florian Schneider Collection to Be Auctioned at JULIEN*S November 19

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

via JULIEN*S

"THE FLORIAN SCHNEIDER COLLECTION

Auction to be held at Musician's Hall of Fame & Museum, Nashville, on November 19

An incredible collection of more than 450 artifacts from the life and career of Florian Schneider, co-founder of the pioneer electronic band Kraftwerk."

Pics and videos featuring some of the gear below, and his Lederhosen for good measure (thanks greg!).

Update: the post has been fully updated with all the synth related gear. This may just well be the longest post to be featured on the site. I wanted to capture all the pics for all of the details including notes, scuffs, and of course serial numbers. It's an interesting look into what he used, the condition he keped his gear, in some cases, how he actually used his gear. Note the phonetics on the keys of the Casio CZ-101 and DX-100. Note the Midi Switch Box with a built-in speaker? What's that about? Note the camouflage key strap on the Korg RK-100 Remote Keyboard. Did he pick it out himself or did the keytar just come with it? Note the repeat midi controllers and the MIDI saxaphones. Wind was his primary instrument. You'll find a ton of the acoustic gear he used in the other listings. This is a fascinating insight into both what and how he used his gear.

Side note: there is no affiliate compensation for this post. The note at the top automatically shows for all posts with the Auction label.


Rack Mount Sennheiser VSM-201 Vocoder

Starting Bid $5,000

Estimate $20,000 - $40,000 USD

A late 1970s Sennheiser VSM 201 Vocoder with no serial number from the personal studio and collection of Florian Schneider of Kraftwerk (see images). While it’s said that only a few dozen of these Vocoders were produced, a few examples made it into the hands of forward-thinking musical artists including Herbie Hancock, Daft Punk, and of course, Kraftwerk, who used a VSM-201 like this on their albums Man Machine (1978) and Computerworld (1981). The VSM-201 has an intelligible sound that has not yet been bested by modern gear. Includes power cable. This VSM-201 has been removed from its wooden enclosure (which bears the serial number plate) and modified with a metal rack mount casing, presumably for live use. Requires 240v, IEC power cable not included.

Dimensions: 19 x 9 x 9 inches

Category: Kraftwerk, Equipment

Provenance: PROVENANCE From the Estate of Florian Schneider

CLICK FOR MORE »

Buchla & Tiptop Audio 200t Essential System

video upload by Stazma

"Today we are going to check out a selection of three modules from the 200t lines by Tiptop Audio & Buchla that to me are the three essential building block to form a small and portable system:
The 259t, 281t and 292t.

I'm going to explore different setup with these three modules, different ways to control & play them."

Tiptop Audio 230t & a Simmons Pad - First Patch [No Talk]

video upload by Stazma

"More infos and affiliate links in the description // Support on Patreon to get samples from this session: / stazma

This was the very first patch I did when I got the 230t from Tiptop. I wanted to check if I could use my Simmons drum pads with it. I also wanted to know how it would behave as an envelope generator using pulses from the 200t system itself so I used the 245t to trigger it and act on a droning 259t.

Then I just played around and that's the result."

Also see New Tiptop Audio & Buchla 230t Tips and Tricks by Todd Barton aka vgermuse.

The Finish Line

video upload by davidryle

"Having a little fun with the Q960 sequencers and the Moog Matriarch.

The Q960 pair are set up for index sequencing on the bass line. This is a fun way to mangle the bass line but keep it steady in time with the drum pattern. The gate duty was handed to the Dotcom Q172 quantizer for only sending gates when there is a change of pitch voltage. This helped to avoid the typical pulse rhythm.

The bass voice is a pair of Synthetic Sound Labs TZ-VC Oscillators in FM coupling. There is a third VCO from SSL for a sine wave sub-oscillator. These are mixed through the Corsynth C114 transistor drive mixer to the Oakley Voltage Controlled State Variable Filter in low pass mode. The signal is split and sent through the Modcan 73B stereo echo delay and also a dry signal is driven by a second Corsynth T-Mixer for added saturation.

The drum sounds are from the Delptronics LDB-2E and the TipTop SD808 snare. There is a Mutable Instruments Grids and the Moon Modular 563 trigger sequencer coupled to trigger the modules. The snare is sent through the MakeNoise Echophon delay and produces the raspy pulse voice heard throughout.

A hollow wood/metal block percussive sound is generated by a pair of Dotcom Q106's, a Mega Ohm Audio CdS LPG and an SSL Digital Delay. This is triggered by the STG Trigger Mini Store and reset by the Moon 554 Octal Clock Divider.

The IN-YER-FACE lead line is the Moog Matriarch through a T.C.Electronics D-Two delay unit.

Clock source was from Cubase through the STG Time Divider.

A pair of Dotcom Q962 Sequential Switches were used to route the various step gates from the lower Q960 Sequencer to the upper Q960. Routing and pitch values were pre-determined after hours of rehearsal to set up a particular scale or mode that determined what I should play on the Matriarch.

It should be noted that certain happenstance values of the sequence pattern produced passing tones that lead to the typical blues scale in C. I just had to go with it."

New Tiptop Audio & Buchla 230t Tips and Tricks

video upload by Todd Barton

"Just a few ideas for patches with the Tiptop Buchla 230t Triple Envelope Follower. Also, checkout Stazma's video on the 230t:"

[The new Tiptop Audio & Buchla 230t announced in May is now out. Check with dealers on the right for availability.]

Tiptop Audio & Buchla 230t Demo

video upload by Stazma

"Today we are going to check out the new module from the Tiptop & Buchla 200t serie: the Triple Envelope Follower Model 230t.

It's a fantastic addition to the 200t echosystem, that will let you control dynamic or timing with external audio such as, microphone, samples, drum pads, electric instruments, field recording or anything in that spirit. It can also be used as an decay envelope in the system or in compression / expansion patches."

TipTop Buchla 230t – Triple Envelope Follower // Interact with your patches!

video upload by Dexba

"The Buchla 230 is here, and while it might not be the shiniest module (I know you're lusting after the tenth granular effect or the twelfth tape-inspired contraption), it's quite a useful and FUN one!
Not only does it stop the modular from being this separated entity, and it gives it back the ability to listen and interact with the real world, but analysing the internal signals can be a productive endeavour too.
In this video, I'll show you some cool patches, and I will introduce the concept of sidechain in the Buchla system, which in this case was used in the most common way we associate with the term, but it can also be a powerful tool to swell reverbs, make multiple voices arise in a sea of notes, and, in general, make more lively patches :)"

Check with dealers on the right for availability.

Additional 230t posts

early morning Tea & Tones / an ambient Buchla ritual

video upload by Daniel Mana - sound designer & composer

"A slow and gentle morning ritual.
Live ambient modular improvisation using a full TipTop Audio / Buchla 200 system.

In this performance, I prepare and drink tea while weaving textures of sound—no spoken words, just subtitles guiding you through the gestures, patching, and flow.
The everyday act of having a cup of tea becomes part of the composition, blurring the lines between routine and performance, noise and tone, silence and signal.

This is a space to slow down. A meditative patch. A Buchla morning.

Performed live – no overdubs
Genre: Ambient / Experimental / Modular Synth
Gear: TipTop Audio Buchla 200t system - Strymon El Capistan

☕ Bring your own cup and drift with me."

Ancient Passage

video upload by davidryle

"This basis of this project was between the new Synthetic Sound Labs 1655 Geo-Gruvn euclidean sequencer and a few different Low Pass Filter modules. The new SSL 1015 LPG with the cadmium sulfide CdS element, the Mega Ohm Audio CdS VCF/A module and the Cyndustries Quad Low Pass Gates module. The Cyndustries module was enhanced by Phil from Mega Ohm Audio to be much more responsive. A big change and very useful.

The Geo-Gruvn module from SSL is an adaption of the Hagiwo board and was also enhanced to provide a more efficient response all the way to audio rate clocking.

The main orchestration automation module in this piece was with the synthesizers.com Q170 Midi Gates module. The use of eight channels of midi gate streams from Cubase were the way each section were enabled on and off. My hands-on modulation was simplified to allow me to change timbre, filter settings and delay rates with ease.

The center section featured the Dove Mu-Seq D900 sequencer for a pattern which began by me running the sequencer in reverse and recording the track to Cubase, then reversing it back into the mix. I started with the Woven Spirits (MI Plaits) at a higher octave and drew it down until it matched the timbre for the rest of the midsection.

The last part was the dual Matrix run into a pair of quantizer modules in which I timed the pitch voltage outputs with the Geo-Gruvn gate outs. These voices were the Dotcom Q206 and Q206A modules through the Frequency Central X Series Low Pass Filter and an Empress Reverb pedal.

Other delays included the Modcan 73B dual delay with loads of modulation, and the SSL 1310 Digital Delay.

The opening drone is a feedback from the TipTop Audio Z-DSP VC-Digital Signal Processor with the Halls of Valhalla chipset in Plate Reverb mode. This drone also arose in the center section.

A pair of frequency shifter modules (Encore Electronics and Behringer Bode Clone) were used for the Snare and Hi Hats enhancement. The kit drums were the LDB-2E Analog Drums from Delptronics and the TipTop SD808. They were sequenced from the Mutable Instruments Grids module and a pair of Turing Machines and an MI Marbles module."

TipTop Polyphonic Modular + ASM Hydrasynth : "Entangled State" by gattobus

video upload by gattobus

"This track came out of the blue while I was playing and experimenting with TipTop Audio Poly Modular System and my ASM Hydrasynth.

This patch sounds organic and deep, a perfect blend between analog and digital!

I loaded a custom wavetable on TTA Vortex 6 then I set up a classic signal path going through the poly filter (TTA Octopass) and the poly vca (TTA Octogain). Then I added some external modulations coming from Hydrasynth CV outs, which turned out to be the best keyboard controller for this incredible system!

Star of the show is TTA Resonator that adds a very organic and ethereal texture to the entire patch!

These are the modules in my system:

Vortex 6 Oscillator
ATX-1 VCO
Octopass Poly Filter
Octostages Poly Envelope x2
Octogain VCA
Octopus USB/MIDI interface
Octo I/O
Octovert
Resonator
Z-DSP 'ZVRB 80' Card.
Mantis Case (black)"

SUPERBOOTH 25: Tiptop Audio New Modules

video upload by Sound On Sound magazine

"Tiptop Audio return to Superbooth for another year, bringing with them a multitude of new modules and updates that join their ranges of Buchla recreations and 200 Series."

Tiptop Audio booth tour - SUPERBOOTH 2025

video upload by Bonedo Synthesizers

New OCTOLFO, Multipass, & Resonator Eurorack Modules From Tiptop Audio

Also see Buchla & Tiptop Audio 248t and 230t Incoming for new details. As always, check with dealers on the right for availability.

Details on the OCTOLFO, Multipass, & Resonator follow.

OCTOLFO – Eight-Voice Voltage-Controlled LFOs

For all Eurorack users, here comes your mega LFO. And for those of you who have already joined us on our journey into polyphonic patching heaven, this is the one you've been waiting for. The Octolfo consists of eight fully independent LFOs with plenty of controls, lots of waveforms, and the ability to load your own waveshapes. Clock-sync it or let it free-run. Use one-shot cycles of waveforms to create unique envelopes, and reset LFO cycles from your notes. All eight LFOs are available simultaneously on regular jacks and Polytip jacks—both outputs and CV control inputs. CV is mappable to parameters, and the entire setup can be saved as a “preset.” This module brings polyphonic modulation into our new world of polyphonic patching.

Multipass – Eight-Voice Multimode Filter

Please welcome the second filter in our polyphonic series: the Multipass. This one carefully recreates the rare OB-X filter design (not the later CEM-based OB-Xa), delivering the sound of the ’80s and early techno.

It features extended signal levels on inputs and outputs for an even broader tone range. LP, BP, and HP modes are poly-voltage controlled and simultaneously available per voice through Polytip, and via a mixed output jack. Each filter mode has manual gain control via dedicated faders. Frequency control is polyphonic and can be over-modulated by a mono signal with adjustable scaling. With all its poly mod inputs, this filter goes far beyond its classic roots.

Where and how much?

The first batch is ready, and we expect to begin shipping to shops soon. Price will be in the $500–$600 range.

Resonator

An extended design based on the analog resonator from the 1975 Polymoog synthesizer. This classic beauty works with everything from drums to polyphonic audio, adding lush resonating swirls.

There are three resonators, each with a selectable band. Each has voltage control for every parameter, nine CV inputs in total. Multiple gain stages (master input, resonator gain, and mix output) allow fine control and help manage clipping. Emphasis CV range boundaries prevent runaway self-oscillation. A true-bypass switch makes it easy to compare processed and dry signals—perfect for leaving it patched in and engaging only when needed.

Where and how much?

The first batch is ready, and we expect to start shipping soon. Price will be about $245.

Eurorack Modular - Post Rearrangement Test May 6 2025

video upload by John L Rice

"Testing the lid of my briefcase Eurorack synth after recent changes. The following brands and modules are used:

Five12 Vector sequencer
Synth Tech E352 VCO and E440 VCF
Bubblesound VCA4p
Erica Synths Black Octasource LFO
CalSynth uPeaks for EGs (clone of Mutable Instruments Peaks)
Tiptop Audio Z5000 for delay and reverb
Circuit Abbey Unify mixer"

Buchla & Tiptop Audio 248t and 230t Incoming

via Tiptop Audio

Multiple Arbitrary Function Generator Model 248t

Status: TBA
Price: TBA

Update:

248 Boommm!

Yes yes, the MARF is here and alive! At Superbooth, we’re showing the first prototype, and it’s already 80% functional. What a monster. The range of possibilities here is truly outstanding. This thing can literally mutate based on how it’s programmed. It’s wild and often unpredictable. Is it a sequencer? A curve generator? For notes or modulation?

Well, it’s a function generator, an arbitrary one at that, and in practice, it’s more complex than we could’ve imagined.

We were unsure about this module. There’s no fully functional original unit we could test, and all the data comes from Don’s 22-page user manual from 1977, along with insights from Kyle Swisher and Todd Barton, who’ve been investigating this for years. Exciting times!

Where and how much?

Wish us luck—we hope to release it this winter. Pricing is expected to be in the $650–$950 range. As always, we’ll do our best to keep it affordable and give you plenty of time to save up.

Triple Envelope Follower Model 230t

Status: TBA
Price: TBA

Update:

Triple Envelope Follower Model 230t

Here’s another wonderful vintage design: three AC amplitude followers with excellent sensitivity and highly accurate CV reproduction of the incoming signal. Both sensitivity and decay time are adjustable across a wide range. The circuit is so sensitive, it can even produce output from the noise generated by rotating the sensitivity knob—pretty cool.

The pulse output can generate either a transient (trigger) or a sustained gate signal, depending on the switch setting. We’ve been using it extensively in our systems and discovering tons of creative patch ideas. Where and how much?

It’s heading into production, with the first batch expected in July 2025. Pricing will be in the $200+ range.

TipTop Polyphonic Modular Synthesizer - Presentation/Tutorial by gattobus

video upload by gattobus

"In this video I'm showing you my new TipTop Audio Modular Synth, that will be a permanent part of my studio setup for my music production and sound creation activity.

Many thanks to TitpTop Audio for the support and for sponsoring this video.


00:00 Intro
01:06 Octopus
02:06 Vortex 6
02:39 PolyTip Cable
03:04 Octopass Poly Filter
03:32 Octogain
03:51 Poly Envelopes
04:55 Polyphonic Modular VS Classic Synth
05:45 Let's Jam!!!

Thanks for watching!"

Polyphony Without Spaghetti: TipTop Audio ART Modular

video upload by HAINBACH

"I love new music technology. When I heard about TipTop Audio's new ART system that allows for polyphonic pitch, gate and velocity information to be transferred via regular patch cables and their own multi-tip USB style cables, I was intrigued. I never thought of Eurorack as being a fun tool for polyphony, as it requires a lot of modules and a spaghetti mess of connections. Can this tech change that?"

The Buchla Series - Demos by synthemodulaire

video upload by synthemodulaire

Playlist:

1. [The Buchla Series] #0 introduction

"Here is the introduction to a new series of videos about Buchla synthesizers.
I will try to create comprehensive videos on the Buchla 200 series modules"

2. [The Buchla Series] #1 Differences between eurorack and Buchla

Edit. I forgot to mention that Buchla audio levels are line levels, they don't need to be attenuated to be used with external gears like eurorack. Moreover the CV doesn't use the same standards by default, Buchla uses 1.2 V/Oct tracking and 10V Gates.

3. [The Buchla Series] #2 - Buchla 245 Sequential Voltage Source

In this episode, we will focus on the Buchla 245.

00:00 Overview
06:20 Simple sequence
07:40 Random sequence
09:13 Gate sequence
10:49 Analog groove
12:20 Analog preset manager
14:02 One shot mayhem

4. [The Buchla Series] #3 - Buchla 281 Quad Function Generator

In this episode, we will focus on the Buchla 281 (and briefly compare to the Tiptop Audio version features).

00:00 Overview
02:06 Self Cycling Mode
04:08 Trigger Mode
05:00 Gate Mode
05:55 Chaining Functions
08:22 Modulating the Modulator
09:22 Or's
11:45 Quadrature Mode
13:35 Conclusion, a few words about the Tiptop Audio version
14:27 Bonus ! Let's listen to the 281

5. [The Buchla Series] #4 - Buchla 266 Source of Uncertainty

In this episode, we will focus on the Buchla 266, the random generator that inspired so many others (Wogglebug, Noisering, etc.).

00:00 Introduction
01:01 Noise Source
01:43 Fluctuating Random Voltages
03:10 Quantized Random Voltages
08:49 Stored Random Voltages
13:53 Integrator
16:23 Sample and Hold

6. [The Buchla Series] #5 - Buchla 296 Programmable Spectral Processor

In this episode, we will focus on the Buchla 296, Programmable Spectral Processor.

00:00 Introduction
00:41 Manual Mode
04:16 Comb Filter
06:26 Bandpass Filter
10:30 CV Controlled EQ
12:49 Enveloppe Followers
15:15 Vocoder
18:30 Patches Examples

Buchla/Tiptop 292T RoHS | Buchla 200 series | Episode 13

video upload by Cinematic Laboratory

"This week, the 292t quad lo-pass gate finally arrived at the EU and the UK, but without the toxic vactrol components. As you may know, vactrols require the use of cadmium, which is mildly radio active and it should not end up in the environment. The 292t RoHS can safely be disposed when it turns out it ain't no Buchla anymore.

In this video I'll do a quick test using both versions but as always, TipTop Audio did a truly amazing job. It still has the magic of the original 292c, but it's a bit quicker because there's no vactrol memory effect. The bad news is that you can't strike it with a short blip, ping or trigger. The good news is that it sounds as tight as a doornail and when you use envelopes, you will not get the feeling it's not a 292.

Still, it's impossble they will respond in the exact same way. Even the original vactrol 292 would expose tiny differences from unit to unit, where the RoHS version will be consistent. I am a huge fan of LPG's and I always assumed you can't have a decent LPG without vactrols. The excellent Natural Gate from Rabid Elephant already proved me wrong a long time ago, and the 292t RoHS confirms it. There's no need to get yourself an 'original' 292t with an illegal import. The EU/UK version is fine!"