Wednesday, January 21, 2026
Mother Lode synth meetup #3 Pics
A few pics from the latest Mother Lode Synth Meetup sent my way via Brian Comnes.
You can find the full set here.
That's Brian Comnes with the Buchla Music Easel.
Below is Mark Vail, author of Vintage Synthesizers and The Synthesizer with the Beetlecrab Tempura.
Small group shot further below. Be sure to see the full set for more.
P.S. Brian also had an iPad with the following to say: "Had fun showing Textquencer app , it converts text to midi notes, quite the sequencer, the letter A is the root note. I used our mailing list as the source text 😁. It’s also good with foreign languages with a lot of vowels like Hawaiian or Native American sources.
I also think Igor Vasiliev’s GLITCHSCAPER app for percussion is great, certainly not an 808/909 cliche"
Also: "in that picture I did an a/b comparison between the $5k Easel and the $200 KORG [Volca] modular with midi hack, and IMHO the KORG did pretty good😛"
See the Mother Lode label for additional posts.
Bastl Introduces CITADEL Alchemist Eurorack Module
video upload by Bastl Instruments
Check with dealers on the right for availability and price.
Playlist:
1. CITADEL ALCHEMIST & Kastle 2+Citadel DIY Kits & more NEWS from Bastl!
We built a fantasy world of magical music machines with the FX Wizard multi-effect, the Wave Bard sample player and the Alchemist synth that live in battery powered Kastle 2 format and the Citadel eurorack version. We are excited to not only announce the late arrival of the Citadel Alchemist Eurorack module to the party, but to let everyone know that all the instruments are now available as DIY kits and that we are partially open-sourcing it so the world we started could be expanded by many others."2. Bastl CITADEL Alchemist - All Synth Modes preview
"A complete preview of Alchemist's Synth Modes with a quick preview of the Dual FX and a small jam."3. Hello Alchemist ! Bastl Citadel synth engine rave to experimental - Stazma and Bastl Instruments
Chapters:
00:00 Filter
00:44 FM
01:32 Supersaw
02:25 Hypersine
03:24 GlitchNoise
03:41 Dual FX
04:27 Small Jam and patching
Alchemist is now EURORACK... into the CITADEL!!!!!
So here we go checking out how this synth engine will play out with his other citadel friend the Wave Bard in breakbeat torture mode.
Also a cool oportunity to play around the Diktaat from Mzourack to trigger both units in a performative way.
Citadel Alchemist is a patchable hybrid-synthesis based eurorack module that empowers you in discovering melodies and even harmonies despite being monophonic.
Patch programmable sequencing via the control signals into the two PITCH MOD inputs opens up a world of melodic inspiration beyond classic arpeggios while staying in your preferred SCALE.
5 synthesis modes
The Alchemist has a carefully tuned wide timbral range spanning across 5 synthesis modes (FILTER, FM, HYPERSINE, SUPERSAW and GLITCHNOISE) accessed by main TIMBRE sweep that is refined by the RATIO control.
The ENV macro knob affects different parts of the synth and sequencing engine to maximize musicality and it even lets you continually morph between the synthesis modes and access truly unique sounds.
The timbral palette is further extended by the dual FX section which offers either a wide delay that will smear the arpeggios into echoed harmonies or a chorus-flanger-distortion-combfilter macro custom tuned for each synth mode.
You can also access gliding rubber textures with the PITCH SLIDE macro that applies pitch envelope and portamento.
You can customize its rhythms and scales with the web-based editor.
Modulate anything
All main parameters can be modulated and tightly sequenced by the surprisingly powerful CV and GATE pattern generator. Create groovy off-grid beats using the built-in LFO, which can be synced, reset, or left to run freely.
Wednesday, January 14, 2026
Chompi: a Complete Walkthrough | Tape 2.0
video upload by Sonic Cartography
"A complete walkthrough of Chompi and its recently released Tape 2.0 firmware, providing an in-depth demo and tutorial on all its features. Following the structure of Chompi's manual, it’s organized like a video game that gradually builds up your understanding of Chompi, starting at level 0 and going to level 8 (plus a bonus level). If you already have a Chompi, you can use this video as a reference guide/video manual. If you don't have one, you can use it to learn about this chromatic sampler from Chase Bliss and Chompi Club.
Table of contents:
0:00 - Intro / Preview
1:24 - Level 00: Hardware
1. Summarize Chompi in one sentence
2. Identify the external parts
3. Connect cables
4. Power up
Tuesday, December 30, 2025
OP-X PRO-3: Official Tutorial | Programmer's Edition
video upload by SonicProjects
"Official tutorial for the SonicProjects OP-X PRO-3 virtual analog VST AU plugin featuring its new Programmer's Edition.
Table of contents:
00:00:00 Intro
00:00:14 Features Overview
00:03:56 Changes in the Programmer's Edition
00:07:26 Switch Interface Size and Color
00:08:20 Tooltips
00:09:52 Patch Manager / Comparison to OP-X PRO-II
01:34:08 Voices Engine / Voice Boards Tuning
02:39:32 Pan Controls / Panning Modulation
02:49:47 Filters Section
03:23:55 Oscillators Section
03:37:29 LFO Section / Modulation Matrix
04:14:46 Pitchbend Modwheel / Master Section
04:30:01 Envelopes Section
04:36:42 Effects Section
04:48:22 MIDI Learn / Remote Program Change
04:58:43 Arpeggiator / MIDI Processor
To navigate within the Tutorial either click these time markers or use the YouTube generated chapter sections in the timeline of the video. When you click the arrow on the right side of the chapter name below the timeline the chapters will open in the right pane for direct selection.
Related links:
Root product site for all versions:
https://www.sonicprojects.ch/opxpro3/
Learn more about the Programmer's Edition here: https://www.sonicprojects.ch/opxpro3/...
Monday, December 29, 2025
Nexus - New Generative Sequencer for Norns // Nymphes // Oto Bim & Boum // Chase Bliss Onward
video upload by Lesjamusic
"Nexus is here. A generative chord-based sequencer for monome Norns that I've been teasing in recent videos.
In this demo, Nexus is driving a Dreadbox Nymphes via MIDI. The signal chain: Nymphes → Oto Bim → Oto Boum → Chase Bliss Onward → Chase Bliss CXM 1978.
Nexus lets you select from a 15-chord diatonic palette while a probabilistic engine triggers notes from within each chord. Two rows on the Grid let you play along in the current scale. There's also bass and sub-bass sequencers that fire root notes on chord changes.
The script outputs MIDI and Crow CV/Gate - so it'll work with pretty much any setup.
Download: https://github.com/lesjamusic/nexus
Full documentation in the README.
Built entirely with Claude Code.
Gear in this video:
monome Norns
monome Grid 128
Dreadbox Nymphes
Oto Machines Bim
Oto Machines Boum
Chase Bliss Onward
Chase Bliss CXM 1978"
Tuesday, December 09, 2025
The Fancyyyyy K-Accumulator - A Complex Oscillator Made of Complex Oscillators 👽
K-ACCUMULATOR - 21st Century Complex Oscillator video upload by Fancyyyyy Synthesis
Note, this appears to be the first Fancyyyyy post on the site. :)
Currently exclusive to Perfect Circuit

"The Fancyyyyy K-Accumulator is a revolutionary stereo complex oscillator that combines cutting-edge synthesis techniques in an intuitive, hands-on architecture inspired by classic complex oscillators. Designed in collaboration with Grrrwaaa aka Graham Wakefield, creator of Max/MSP's gen~ platform, fans of experimental timbres and novel synthesis techniques are right to celebrate K-Accumulator's emergence into the Eurorack landscape. Seamlessly combining pulsar synthesis, phase modulation, and complex 3D waveshaping, K-Accumulator pairs its modulation and carrier oscillator pairs with an onboard function generator, pattern generator, and flexible root frequency quantization and manipulation, providing fruitful terrain for exploring captivating timbres in systems of any size.
Starting from a core sine and cosine wave, K-Accumulator provides an innovative morphing matrix architecture which progressively remaps panel controls to waveshaping positions for the carrier and modulator oscillator section. Expand tones with complex harmonic wavefolding, blended frequency shifting, and harmonic stretching. Shape tones into newly mangled forms with formant synthesis, sync damping, and asymmetric phase modulation, or invite chaotic movement and surprise with damped cross phase modulation and damped self-feedback. Even the onboard function generator can sing, enabling audio rates for pulsar synthesis that can be operated independently from the main oscillator. Despite the PhD in DSP you might need to fully understand K-Accumulator's synthesis engine, the morphing matrix architecture allows these many manipulations to be smoothly and seamlessly explored through intuitive manual control.
Even further possibilities abound when employing K-Accumulators twenty-three patchable points of external signal integration, with most primary CV inputs featuring dedicated attenuverters for precision control. In addition to CV control over the frequency, shift, depth, morph, and shape controls, the primary oscillator in K-Accumulator offers CV inputs for thru-zero phase modulation, damped/pulsar control, and an external input which can be used as an external sync source or for pitch-tracking an external source to use K-Accumulator to harmonize with external sources. Its outputs offer both the sine and cosine waves, creating unique stereo space through the phase differences on each output as it is manipulated by the waveshaping engine. Control root frequency for the oscillator section, function generator, or both, with both 12-TET and Just Intonated quantization, multiple scales of frequency control, and a dedicated detune control in the modulation oscillator for inharmonic applications.
At the left side of K-Accumulator, a highly flexible function generator is onboard for additional modulation or audio sources. Multiple unique internal trigger modes, looping capability for LFO and audio rate oscillation, thru-zero FM, and onboard waveshaping make this a potent source of signal manipulation for either K-Accumulator itself or anywhere in your system. To the right of the function generator, a Delta-Sigma pattern generator enables stepped and smooth pseudo-random pattern modulation, providing an onboard sequencer for root frequency, or any other parameter. With its immensely capable and unique synthesis engine alongside flexible and creative onboard modulation sources, Fancyyyy's K-Accumulator offers a new vision of complex oscillation for contemporary modular synthesis, translating vanguard digital signal processing into a familiar form factor for deep sonic exploration, intuitive skronking, and new musical forms yet unheard."
Available at Perfect Circuit
Monday, December 08, 2025
Oberheim FPV-1 Filter Pedal Demo
Note: links to listings are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.
video upload by a-root
via this Reverb listing
Pics of the inside below.
"From my testing I gathered the following: the two pole switch turns the filter control on (down position) or off (up position). When the filter control is on, the pedal acts like intensity or swell, and the speed is controlled by the knob. When the pole switch is off, the signal passes through with the option to either bypass for a clean signal or act as a swell pedal depending on whether the pushbutton switch is pressed (located at maximum pedal depression). This is the limit of what I could test. Please keep in mind, the pedal is sold as is.
SN 0073
I have installed two new 9V batteries, which have only been used for testing the pedal during the demo video filmed on 12/07/25. The unit has remained off since testing."
video upload by a-root
via this Reverb listing
Pics of the inside below.
"From my testing I gathered the following: the two pole switch turns the filter control on (down position) or off (up position). When the filter control is on, the pedal acts like intensity or swell, and the speed is controlled by the knob. When the pole switch is off, the signal passes through with the option to either bypass for a clean signal or act as a swell pedal depending on whether the pushbutton switch is pressed (located at maximum pedal depression). This is the limit of what I could test. Please keep in mind, the pedal is sold as is.
SN 0073
I have installed two new 9V batteries, which have only been used for testing the pedal during the demo video filmed on 12/07/25. The unit has remained off since testing."
Friday, December 05, 2025
LinnStrument 200 Bumpy Surface
video upload by Sound Workshop
"our Bumpy #LinnStrument Surface makes it easier to play by feel instead of by sight. We’ve shipped over 150 surfaces for LinnStrument 128, and preorders are now open for LinnStrumenf 200. Shipping in Feb 2026. Order before Dec 8 for a 15% discount.
Http://www.soundwork.shop/linnstrument"
"One BLACK aftermarket silicone surface for LinnStrument 128. LinnStrument not included.
This surface makes it easier to play LinnStrument by feel instead of by sight. Each row is shaped like a long speedbump, which has three benefits:
Guides fingers to stay on target during long pitch slides
Provides confident tactile feedback when shifting a finger up/down between rows or hitting a double stop
Allows more intentional Y expression by feeling for the front, back, or crest of the bump
The grooves are centered over the top of the notes, instead of on the boundaries. The way the finger can feel when it's on target.
The root note bumps or dots have been removed to make alternate tunings easier.
This surface is great for playing LinnStrument with eyes closed or playing with two hands.
International Customers: prices listed do not include import taxes or fees. Please note that you may need to pay an additional custom when importing.
Black Surface Back Side Cosmetic Issue (Oct 22, 2025): the remaining 8 black surfaces have unintended paint application on the back side. After installation this is not visible to the user, and it has no functional impact. Some examples are shown here. We apologize for the suboptimal appearance. The price has been reduced %10 for the remaining stock. Thank you."
Wednesday, November 26, 2025
Prismatci Spray II
video upload by Arman Bohn
"My devices can be purchased here:
https://distropolisgoods.com/
Prismatic Spray II should be out in a few days!
Let's take a look at some more of the new features in the Prismatic Spray II.
I have the new web serial visualization feature running on a Mac this time. I did a screen recording and comped it into this video to demonstrate the possibilities of web serial display & visualizations.
I start by showing how the DETUNE knob works and can create a "chorus" type effect between the two bytebeat engines.
I move on to the SLOW DOWN knob and show how you can slow the bytebeats down and even freeze time - allowing for wavetable-ish type control over the sound. (You can also accomplish this by creating very small loops with the looping feature).
MIDI PITCH BEND is shown with the help the Phantasmal Force micro MIDI controller.
GLIDE allows for some portamento action between notes.
The analog FILTER runs in stereo and is also MIDI controllable.
I finish up with an explanation of the PITCH SCALING feature, which can stretch bytebeat playback determined by a user-specified root note.
Whew!"
Friday, October 17, 2025
Similis - self sequenced
video upload by DecadeBridge
"Similis is a lo-fi synth that has several different patches. Here it is set to run a random sequence over a major or minor scale. This preset can be switched between 1 or 2 oscillators, each playing a random note independent of each other.
Pot A/CV in A sets the root note.
Pot B/CV in B sets the range of notes of the chosen scale.
Pot C/CV in C sets the rate of the sequencer (controlled using an envelope generator in this example)
Switch A sets the waveform (Sine, Saw or Square)
Switch B has 3 different settings (Stop the sequencer playback on its current note, run the sequencer, run the sequencer and add an additional synth voice.)
Switch C sets the scale."
https://decadebridge.etsy.com/uk/
Similis - Detune
video upload by DecadeBridge
"Similis is a lo-fi/chiptune style synth consisting of several different presets.
This Similis patch stacks 3 oscillators and detunes them against each other.
Pot A/CV in A controls the root note.
Pot B/CV in B controls the detune of the other 2 oscillators.
Pot C/CV in C controls the level of the 2 additional oscillators.
The root note pitch is being controlled by a random scale from Pam's Pro Workout.
Here an envelope generator is controlling the level of the detuned oscillators through CV in C.
Switches A B and C change each oscillators waveform (sine, saw, square)"
Tuesday, October 14, 2025
Introducing Ghosts by Kintone
video upload by Kinotone
"Ghosts is a 6-voice physical modeling effect and instrument."

via Kintone
Ghosts
$399
Chordal Resonator
Ghosts is a 6-voice physical modeling effect and instrument.
Excite high-fidelity strings, tubes, and bars to conjure resonant objects and acoustic environments: a blooming cello, a playful xylophone. From organic realism to spectral fantasy.
Retune the voices to preset chords — including custom chords and microtonal scales. Connect a MIDI keyboard for polyphonic play and the full spectrum of its synthesis engine.
Monday, October 13, 2025
Similis - Chords
video upload by DecadeBridge
"Similis is a lofi synthesiser that has 6 different presets.
This is an example of the 'chord' preset.
The first control sets the root note of the chord. The second selects 1 of the 10 chords available (5 major variations and 5 minor). The third control sets the volume of the notes that make up the chord except the root. Each of these controls has a CV input.
Here the root note is controlled by the keystep pitch. The VCA is being gated by the keysteps gate out. The volume of the chord notes are controlled using the mod wheel."
https://decadebridge.etsy.com/

"Similis is a lofi chip tune synthesiser that uses basic waveforms to generate it's sound.
Features:-
6 different settings (TYPE) from stacked oscillators to chords to self sequencing.
The setting selection can also be stepped using a trigger/gate signal for some odd patch skipping.
Each control can also has a CV input for connecting external gear.
Settings 1-3 deal with stacked oscillators.
3 oscillators with independent pitch. Sine, Saw and Triangle waves.
3 stacked oscillators. The first sets the root note and the other two are detuned plus and minus from the root.
The two detuned oscillators can be faded in.
Chords. The first oscillator sets the root note. The second control sets the chord (5 major chord variations and 5 minor) The amount of voices in the chord can be altered using switch C. The chord notes can be faded in to give a swell effect.
Settings 4-6. Simple sequencing.
The last three patches are random sequencers. The first is free running. Select between, chromatic, major and minor scales. The range and rate of the sequence can be altered and a second oscillator can also be brought into the sound.
The last two patches substitute the rate control as a mix for other voices. A short trigger signal is needed to tell Similis to choose a new random note/s within it’s selected scale.
The output is run through a 3 position passive LPF which turns into a Low pass gate when the VCA switch is down and a CV signal is connected to the VCA input."
Sunday, October 12, 2025
MDScaler Machinedrum Tonal Quantizer for Monome Norns #elektron #machinedrum #monome
video upload by HANJŌ
"Check out MDScaler — a Monome Norns script I developed to bring tonal pitch control and creative randomness to the Elektron Machinedrum (or any CC-controllable synth).
With MDScaler, you can:
Quantize any incoming CC to a musical scale of your choice
Randomize notes within the active scale for generative ideas
Map to Machinedrum’s pitch parameter (using Tonal mode in X firmware)
Use parameter-lock compatible CC control so each step can evolve melodically
Switch encoder modes: channel select, CC number, note stepping, octave cycling
In this demo video, I walk through the interface, show it in action on a pattern, and explore how randomness + scale constraints can yield interesting melodic/rhythmic results.
Controls (via Norns / MDScaler):
Element Function
E1 Change Scale Mode
E2 Adjust Root Note (C, C#, D, etc.)
E3 Toggle between Channel / CC / Note modes
K2 Send a Random Note from current scale
K3 Mode Select (toggling E3 behavior)
K3 + K2 Cycle Octave
Pitch mapping / defaults:
By default, MDScaler maps to Machinedrum tracks via CCs using a consistent offset pattern across groups of 4 tracks (16, 40, 72, 96) per channel. You can reassign or explore as desired.
Links & Resources:
Project & source code: https://github.com/hanjo-synth/MDScaler"
Friday, October 10, 2025
Ocean Swift Launches “Sample Tester” - A Free, Instant Tool for Sonic Curation and Auditioning
Grab a FREE copy here: https://oceanswift.net/product-category/sample-packs/oscillators/
Press release follows:
Ocean Swift Launches “Sample Tester” - A Free, Instant Tool for Sonic Curation and Auditioning
Ocean Swift announces the release of Sample Tester, a compact, zero-friction instrument designed for rapid auditioning, tuning checks, and curation of oscillator-style samples. Sample Tester is available now as a free Kontakt Player-compatible tool, empowering producers, sound designers, and sample library creators to streamline their workflow.
A Tool That Speeds Up the Process
With Sample Tester, users can drag and drop a sample file and immediately hear it played polyphonically, allowing quick assessment of tuning, harmonic behavior, and musical context. The instrument:
Automatically detects or permits manual setting of the root note
Displays MIR-derived metrics such as pitch, peak, RMS, and loudness at a glance
Offers an engine toggle to compare Direct-From-Disk streaming versus Time Machine Pro sample stretching
Provides one-click amplitude envelope shapes (Perc, Bell, Piano, Lead, Pad)
Supports NKS / NKS2 mappings, compatible with hardware control surfaces
Works fully in the free Kontakt Player—no full Kontakt license required
In modern production environments, sound designers and producers often sift through large volumes of raw samples. Determining which ones will behave musically, tune correctly, or integrate well into a kit or melodic instrument can be time-consuming. Sample Tester accelerates that decision-making:
Instant feedback: No waiting for heavy DAW setup
Precise metrics: MIR data gives insight beyond the ear alone
Real-time auditioning: Hear the sample in chords or context, not just as a solo note
Flexible workflow: Works for tonal, looped, oscillator-style materials
These features combine to let creators “decide faster, tune with confidence, and build better libraries.”
Ocean Swift positions Sample Tester as a perfect companion to its Spectral Oscillators Toolkits, but the tool is equally useful for any user working with tonal or looped sample material.
Thursday, October 02, 2025
Intuitive Instruments Improves Exquis MPE Controller with Firmware 2.2.0 Update
video uploads by Intuitive Instruments
Exquis - Ableton Live integration (feat Primo Taut)
video upload by Intuitive Instruments
Press release follows:
Intuitive Instruments improves Exquis MPE controller with firmware 2.2.0 update alongside Ableton Live, Bitwig Studio, and Cockos Reaper workflow-merging scripts
SAINT-CYPRIEN, FRANCE: Intuitive Instruments is proud to announce improvements to the award-winning Exquis MPE (MIDI Polyphonic Expression) controller with major updates coming courtesy of introducing firmware 2.2.0 alongside software scripts to merge its workflow with Ableton Live, Bitwig Studio, and Cockos Reaper DAWs (Digital Audio Workstations) — wholeheartedly representing several simultaneous steps towards the inspirational solutions for music lovers creator’s goal of ultimately making music-making seamless by turning the flagship instrument itself into the ultimate lightweight and compact creative hub — as of September 8…
Exquis enables seamless and natural interaction with all DAW software, MIDI synthesizers, and modular systems by becoming a direct extension of its user’s creativity as an expressive and intuitive MPE controller comprising a hexagonal matrix of 61 backlit soft silicon keys arranged as consecutive notes (semitones) horizontally and harmonious notes (thirds) vertically — from the lowest at the bottom to the highest at the top — that provide independent gestural control over four different dimensions: velocity (strike force), horizontal tilt (X axis — pitch bend), vertical tilt (Y axis — CC#74), and pressure (Z axis — channel pressure or polyphonic aftertouch). Alongside a namesake companion app — itself optionally offering an experience akin to traditional composition software — available on macOS and Windows with support for VST, VST3, and AUv3 audio plug-in formats, Intuitive Instruments’ flagship instrument is intended to provide musicians of all levels with a fun and intuitive way of creating melodies and progressions, fully exploiting sonic potential in the process of doing so — whether working with third-party software over the USB (Type-C) connection, third-party software or hardware synthesizers through the MIDI IN and OUT (minijack) connections, and modular synthesizers via CV (control voltage) with dedicated 0-5V (minijack) connections for GATE (V-Trigger), PITCH (V/Oct), and MOD (pressure or velocity). These top out a lightweight (600g) and compact — 36 mm (H) x 146 mm (W) x 317 mm (D) — desktop design that also incorporates four rotary/push encoders and a six-zone capacitive touch slider, plus a series of selection, undo/redo, and action buttons, providing precise and intuitive control collectively over any user’s sound while enhancing interaction with the app.
Wednesday, September 24, 2025
Metropolix 1.6 Update: What's New?
video upload by Intellijel
"A brief overview of the new Metropolix 1.6 firmware update.
New features include:
• MIDI Program Change
• MIDI Root Note
• RUN-C Reset Mode
• plus Tweaks & Bug Fixes
Update now with our web updater tool: https://intellijel.github.io/firmware/
Other gear featured in this video:
• Intellijel Cascadia - Bass Synth
• Elektron Digitone MkII - MIDI, Drums and FX
#metropolix #eurorack #sequencer #firmwareupdate"
Monday, September 22, 2025
4ms Ensemble Oscillator (sound.report jam/sounds only + english)
video upload by The Green Man(TGM) + sound.report by Heiner Kruse
"timestamps:
00:00-03:30 Soundintro with a free scale (see how to program it at the end int hte Learn Mode part)
03:30-07:28 Function Overview
07:40-08:40 Root Note (and Pitch Note Modulation) Modulation via Qu Bit Bloom v2
08:40-10:05 Some Sounddesign tweaks (see more later, sorry, the sound is a bit low here)
10:05-11:00 Why is it flickering? + some details (Stereo Spread)
11:00-14:00 Explanation of more basics
14:00-15:20 Sequencer Modulation again including Freeze
15:27-20:24 Learn Mode + Jam"
Additional 4ms Ensemble Oscillator posts
Tuesday, September 02, 2025
DIY USB MIDI adaptor solves dropped note problems
video upload by MIDI IN
"An issue of dropped notes when sending MIDI from Logic Pro to external MIDI instruments, a workaround, a diagnosis, a beautiful DIY solution and a piece of music rendered in 6 voices on 2 SID chips with no dropped notes!
Kevin's blog post about his design
https://diyelectromusic.com/2024/06/1...
0:00 intro
0:41 the problem
1:05 simple but time-consuming workaround
1:47 diagnosing the problem
3:22 the root of the problem
3:56 a prototype solution
4:29 a more permanent build
6:03 some music. Eastern Promise (6 SID voices)"
Monday, September 01, 2025
Meet You At The Top
video upload by davidryle
"A two part piece. Both are pitch voltage quantization controlled from the ACL Sinfonion. I switch presets through the first part from preset 1 - 4 and in the second half I leave it on preset 5.
The Sinfonion chord section is sending pitch quantization to the Doepfer A-111-4 quad VCO and A-105-4 quad SSI filter. The mixer is the Corsynth T-Mixer. The Empress reverb in Ambient Swell green mode is used.
The opening voice is Channel 2 of the Sinfonion and is sent to the Dotcom Q206 with the Dove D502 in BP mode P1, then an SSL Serge Resonant EQ and finally the Strymon Blue Sky.
A counter voice is the Channel 3 quantizer to a pair of Synthetic Sound Labs TZ-VC Oscillators to the Oakley VC-SVF in BP mode. The audio is routed through a Moon 517S high pass filter to roll of the lower mid tones. I used an instance of Relab Development's LX480 classic Lexicon reverb. This same voice is used for the main melodic part in the second section.
The Channel 1 of the Sinfonion is to the bass voice which is the Dotcom Q169 Oscillator++ and Grove Audio G294A ladder filter.
The Sinfonion arpeggiator part is to the STG oscillator duet and the Dove D501 2069 filter. The signal is sent through the Modcan 73B dual delay. In the first section this voice is solo, but in the second section I added in a duplicated run of the MosLab 901/904A through a different envelope which is timed a bit more sparse and sent through the second section of the 73B delay.
Most of my time was spent mixing levels and changing the timing of the SSL Hagiwo Geo-Gruvn euclidean sequencer. The clock timing was controlled by row 3 of the Moon 563 trigger seq. I used two different memory presets on the Geo-Gruvn for each section. These timings were used for the gate controls to the SSL Octal VCA, CV-8 Breakout and AD/AR Expander. The eight channel vca handled four of the voices. Very cool array of modules.
I also sent and effort to control the timing of the STG Voltage Mini Store's timing with row 2 of the 563. The right VMS is used for the Root control to the Sinfonion. The faster moving left VMS is to the arpeggiator of the Sinfonion.
The Sinfonion is using various cv's from the Q960 step sequencers to affect the chord spread and note selections. Also an LFO is used to affect the pre-transpose of the chord section.
A convoluted patch using the Lower West Side Studios CGS88 triple switch, the Dove D900 sequencer and three voltage sources to send control voltage to the transpose on the Sinfonion. I used the Moon 564 trigger stage 1 to turn this on and off by hand when needed.
The final clangorous opening and ending patch voice was the Mutable Instruments Rings through the Behringer Bode Frequency Shifter clone and the Encore Frequency Shifter, and on through the Tip Top Z-DSP signal processor running Halls of Valhalla reverb (Niflheim preset). It was also the midway noise rush background sound where the sections changed. These were added later in Cubase and triggered by hand.
The sections were performed at once live to Cubase and video edited in Final Cut Pro."
LABELS/MORE:
5U,
ACL,
Behringer,
Bode,
Doepfer,
Dove Audio,
Encore,
Grove Audio,
Lexicon,
Lower West Side Studio,
Moon Modular,
Native Instruments,
Oakley,
Relab,
SSL,
STG,
synthesizers.com
Wednesday, August 20, 2025
Roland TR-808 Rhythm Composer SN 25918
Note: links to listings are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.
via this Reverb listing
"OG Japanese Roland TR-808, fully converted to US voltage and recently serviced to original Roland factory procedure by Retro Pro Audio, with zero hours usage since service.
As bulletproof an 808 as you will find on Reverb today, with Start/Stop and Tap switches now rated to 50 million key presses.
Full servicing details:
Disassembled, visually inspected interior PCBs and wiring.
Updated PSU: Converted unit from Japanese 100V to US 120V power. Removed existing transformer, replaced with new transformers.
Replaced transformer wiring to PSU PCB.
Replaced PSU capacitors with new.
Replaced original power cord with new 3-prong grounded IEC power cord.
Removed battery holder and cleaned. Replaced batteries.
Removed Start/Stop button and Tap buttons. Replaced both with custom 3D-printed button/adapter PCB and mechanical Cherry MX key-switch assemblies for improved performance—each switch rated to 50 million key presses. No more having Start/Stop or Tap buttons fail on you during live performance or while banging the box in the studio.
Diagnosed poor maraca sound quality to incorrect voltage level at noise generator. Identified root cause of voltage issue to dirty VR trimmer. Removed trimmer, cleaned and replaced. Adjusted trimmer to recommended level.
Removed step switch board. Cleaned module. Four step switches were not triggering smoothly & consistently, Identified a broken step switch actuator, replaced with new.
Replaced 4 poorly performing tact switches with new. Improved tactile feel of step switches by raising height of switch actuators.
Tested step switch ribbon cable as working properly and cleaned the contacts.
Calibrated unit to factory procedure. Cleaned all output & trigger jacks.
This is an 808 ready to go the distance with you in the studio and on tour!"
via this Reverb listing
"OG Japanese Roland TR-808, fully converted to US voltage and recently serviced to original Roland factory procedure by Retro Pro Audio, with zero hours usage since service.As bulletproof an 808 as you will find on Reverb today, with Start/Stop and Tap switches now rated to 50 million key presses.
Full servicing details:
Disassembled, visually inspected interior PCBs and wiring.
Updated PSU: Converted unit from Japanese 100V to US 120V power. Removed existing transformer, replaced with new transformers.
Replaced transformer wiring to PSU PCB.
Replaced PSU capacitors with new.
Replaced original power cord with new 3-prong grounded IEC power cord.
Removed battery holder and cleaned. Replaced batteries.
Removed Start/Stop button and Tap buttons. Replaced both with custom 3D-printed button/adapter PCB and mechanical Cherry MX key-switch assemblies for improved performance—each switch rated to 50 million key presses. No more having Start/Stop or Tap buttons fail on you during live performance or while banging the box in the studio.
Diagnosed poor maraca sound quality to incorrect voltage level at noise generator. Identified root cause of voltage issue to dirty VR trimmer. Removed trimmer, cleaned and replaced. Adjusted trimmer to recommended level.
Removed step switch board. Cleaned module. Four step switches were not triggering smoothly & consistently, Identified a broken step switch actuator, replaced with new.
Replaced 4 poorly performing tact switches with new. Improved tactile feel of step switches by raising height of switch actuators.
Tested step switch ribbon cable as working properly and cleaned the contacts.
Calibrated unit to factory procedure. Cleaned all output & trigger jacks.
This is an 808 ready to go the distance with you in the studio and on tour!"
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© Matrixsynth - All posts are presented here for informative, historical and educative purposes as applicable within fair use.
MATRIXSYNTH is supported by affiliate links that use cookies to track clickthroughs and sales. See the privacy policy for details.
MATRIXSYNTH - EVERYTHING SYNTH































