Eurorack Performance Mixer Techniques // After Later Audio Nightlife Mixer Series (Bartender & more)

video upload by DivKid

"Join me for lots of patches going from the basics of mixing techniques (applicable to audio in general, but specifically Eurorack modular synthesizers) through to more advanced audio routing and creative options for audio processing.

While this video is a demo on the Nightlife Mixer Series from After Later Audio (Eurorack modules, Bartender, Barback, Cast Iron, Mingles, USB 2 Channel Interface & the SEND VCA) the techniques are applicable to lots of modules, so give the patches a go with things you have too.

SUPPORT //
If you'd like to support work like this and the wider range of what I do, considering heading over to Patreon at https://bit.ly/DK-patreon and supporting for as little as $1 a month to gain access to the DivKid Discord community, plus lots of exclusives such as PDF patchbooks, videos and more. https://bit.ly/DK-patreon

*TIMING INDEX // CHAPTERS*

INTRO & FEATURES
00:00 Hello & patch previews
01:20 What are we doing here?
01:49 Bartender features
03:24 Barback features
03:36 Send VCA features
04:09 Mingles, Cast Iron & USB 2 Channel interface

PATCHES
05:09 Modulating mixer controls - ambient drifts & FX
06:38 Input crossfading with mono mixing
09:36 Advantages of FX returns on channels
12:22 “Better” FX routings with CV control & Cast Iron
14:55 Channel overdrive for bass
16:44 4 levels of destruction
18:58 USB interfacing - a powerful FX software send & return
21:23 USB audio inputs to modular
22:19 Flamingo dubstep - live safari trail cams!
23:12 Audio rate modulation, AM, pan & making dry/wet blends"

Make the most of LFOs & Ring Modulation // with the cLFO from AtoVproject

video upload by DivKid

"Here we have the cLFO (complex low frequency oscillator) from AtoVproject and while making this a demo of the module I also wanted to make a tutorial for making the most of LFOs and Ring Modulation in a modular system. We've got patches showing LFO uses, multiple modulation destinations, ring modulating LFOs, ring mod as a VCA, ring mod for massive bass sounds ... give the patches a go!"

Modular Multi-Tap Delays // OAM Time Machine (FIRST PATCH EXPLORATION)

video upload by DivKid

"Here's my raw, unedited and literal first patch and experience with the Time Machine Eurorack module from OAM (Olivia Artz Modular). I've been excited for this one since I first saw it, I'm a huge delay fan and a multi-tap delay with loads of control was bound to have me interested!"

via OAM

Time Machine is a tactile interface for mixing together 8 delay lines with an input signal. At least that was the plan. We made a prototype and got like 300% funded on kickstarter, so we got to work.

As the DSP engine was refined a sonic character emerged that howls like guitar feedback while granulizing like the grey goo at the end of the universe. We leaned into this. The resulting module can create clocked rhythmic glitch effects, reverbs, chaos, and ego-death.

22 HP
25 mm deep
122 mA +12V, 8 mA -12V
24-bit audio in/out (-5V to +5V)
16-bit CV control (-5V to +5V)

Befaco - Pony VCF

video upload by Befacosynth

"Space-conscious lowpass filter and volume processor.
A combination of VCF + VCA + Mixer that lets you mix three different sound sources, and shape their tone, and levels in a breeze.
The Pony Filter is built around the SSI2144 FATKEYS™ Chip. Has the elegant sound of the classic transistor filter without the associated distortions, due to Dave Rossum’s 'improved ladder' topology."

Update:

Also see DivKid's video here, and mylarmelody's Molten Music Technology video here.

Befaco - Octaves VCO

video upload by Befacosynth

"A harsh and funky take of an additive Oscillator.
Pile up multiplications of your frequency to get a lo-fi-retro wall of squared sound!
You get six doubled frequency pulses, or octaves, with common PWM and volume control for each of them.
The output of each is cascaded to the next one, so you can either have one output with all frequencies or break the chain and get several sums and modulate each independently!"

Update: and video from Divkid directly below. Also see mylarmelodies' Molten Music Technology video here.

A harsh & funky take on an additive oscillator // Octaves VCO from Befaco

video upload by DivKid

"Here we have what Befaco say is "a harsh and funky take on an additive oscillator" as it has individual harmonics or partials and VCAs to modulate them. However the idea of harmonics here is replaced with 6 octaves of square waves. It's an analog design with a triangle core oscillator that through frequency doublers give 6 octaves to work with, each turned into squares that respond to PWM. An onboard mixer allows for blending these squares, you can break out into new tones with self patching, or make multi-layered wide frequency spanning voices from the individual outs."

*TIMING INDEX // CHAPTERS*
00:00 Hello & patch previews
01:10 Feature run down
02:44 Raw sound demo
03:43 Polymetric percussive octave riffs! (my favourite thing)
06:05 Self patched additive synth style sounds
08:13 Huge stereo drones
10:11 PWM at audiorate - tearing additive octaves
11:51 Exploring sync tones + upper octave overtones
13:42 Sub octaves, not just higher octaves
16:01 Noisy FM percussion
18:09 Randomised additives - modulating octave blends per note
19:24 Alarms, pacman & phone chirps - Octaves VCO as a modulator

A compact yet fully featured Eurorack filter // Pony VCF by Befaco

video upload by DivKid

"Here's the new PONY VCF from Befaco. It's a compact yet fully featured Eurorack filter that's 6HP with good hands on control and modulation. It's a Dave Rossum based filter design (the SSI FATKEYS chip), 3 channel mixer (with feedback) and VCA. An impressive trio of functions for many uses in Eurorack ... as usual I will explore lots of this in the video."

**TIMING INDEX // CHAPTERS**
00:00 Hello & patch previews
01:07 Pony VCF feature run down
02:27 Raw sound demo - filter sweeps and feedback
03:39 Dancing filters with mixed modulation - Moog inspired!
05:11 Audiorate overtones for a DNB ditty
07:16 A simple Pony voice
08:47 A mixer/processor for beats
- high end excitement, VCA compressor & feedback saturation
11:07 Beautiful feedback loops
13:18 LPPGs - low pass pony gates
15:23 Pony kick drums
16:31 Two voice paraphonic articulation - fun times!

New Befaco Modules Launch Party! // Live from Elevator Sound EU (Barcelona)

video upload by DivKid

"Join us on Saturday the 23rd of March at 4pm CET (Spain) for the launch party with 3 new Befaco modules on show at the EU Elevator Sound store in Barcelona.

I'll be in person with Befaco to talk about new modules, patch, make music and sounds and hangout both in the stream and in person for the event."

A Sonic Playground! // Dual Harmonic Oscillator by AtoVproject - more sounds & music

video upload by DivKid

You can find the first video previously posted here.

"The Dual Harmonic Oscillator from AtoVproject is one hell of a sonic playground for all sorts of synthesis, sound and musical approaches to working with a dual or 'complex' oscillator. When I made the main demo (watch that first, link above) I ended up making so many patches with it that I wanted to put together a second video that revisited the module. So here it is."

Asking synth manufacturers to say the F word...at London Synth & Pedal Expo

video upload by mylarmelodies

"Being a collection of interviews I shot at the London Synth & Pedal Expo '24, after they hired me to cover the event. The format was up to me. So I put the SAME two questions to industry folks at the show: 1️⃣ What is your favourite thing you sell? 2️⃣ What your favourite thing you DON'T sell?"

CHAPTERS
00:00 The Journey Begins
00:41 Divkid
02:44 Endorphines
03:53 Knobula
06:07 Lord Morts Thoughts
08:29 Nick Batt - Sonic State
11:29 Signal Sounds
14:35 ASM/Arturia
16:52 Scanner & Daniel Troberg
18:12 KMR Audio
19:51 ALM Busycircuits
24:05 RYK Modular
26:14 Enjoy Electronics
27:41 Erica Synths
29:04 PWM Synths
31:08 Journey's End

Good people make for good events and good gear, so lets meet them // London Synth & Pedal Expo 2024

video upload by DivKid

"What an amazing weekend we've just had! Here's a video with some of the people at the London Synth & Pedal Expo 2024. Held over this past weekend (Saturday and Sunday the 16th+17th of March 2024) in Studio 9294 in Hackney Wick, the London Synth & Pedal Expo is a free to attend show with plenty of synths, modular and pedal FX on show for people to come and play with.

As it takes good people to make good events (and the good gear we love) I wanted to focus on the people, asking who they are and what they do, more specifically how would they explain what they do to someone with no idea about synths, pedals and music tech. That led to some funny answers, all spread around various bits of b roll and footage from the event."

What is the Oct Tone & who are the Glasgow Synth Guild?

video upload by DivKid

"Here's something a little different ... a 'remaster' of an older design and a new synthesiser guild that act as a crack team super group of modular builders who are handling this exclusively.

The Oct Tone is a remaster of an early design by Jason Lim (Instruo) that has been brought back to life by the Glasgow Synthesiser Guild. In this video I'll demo the Oct Tone, in my usual style with musical approaches to the features and uses. But we'll also have a little story time looking and who and what the guild are and why they exist.

You can purchase an Oct Tone exclusively from the Guild here // https://www.glasgowsynthguild.com"

Lush FX for Synth & Studios // Echo Fix Spring Reverb & Chorus Vibrato Pedals (EF-P2 & EF-P3)

video upload by DivKid

"Of course these are great plugging guitars straight in (I do a bit of that in the video) but playing with the Echo Fix EF-P2 Spring Reverb & EF-P3 Chorus Vibrato pedals has shown how they really shine on synths, modular and in studio settings.

This is a Pedals & Patches series video where I explore pedal FX with modular gear, synths and in the studio for creative use cases and musical applications. With these we have spring reverb on fifthy synths, on claps for dub style beats, creating ghoulish metallic drones and retro organ stabs. The Chorus Vibrato creates some ridiculous thick synth tones for a bass guitar, adds some tasty wonk to modular synth riffs and gives warm cuddly nostalgia flavour to a guitar. All the examples are in the timing index below, skip around as you like.

More info from Echo Fix here // https://echofix.com/collections/pedals"

Lo-Pass Gates (LPG) | From the Buchla 292 to Mutable Streams

video upload by Cinematic Laboratory

"I've been using a lot of LPG models, including a few that don't use vactrols. However, I use the Buchla 292 as a reference because it represents the original design. If it doesn't (at least) sound like a 292, it's not a LPG in the classic sense. But it can still be something better or cooler. Manufacturers have the freedom and creativity to build on it, and make it their own, like the QMMG, Streams and the Steady State Gate.

The MakeNoise modules are strongly represented, because it's cool to see all the subtle (and not so subtle) differences between modules. They're all unique signs of the times.

I wish I could include the Rabid Elephant Natural Gate because it may be the most natural gate around, and seriously missing in this collection. It is advertised to be 'strike speed aware', and it also knows that a high note rings shorter. I managed to find a reasonably priced one in Germany and it's on its way to the Lab. It also seems the Rabid Elephant website came back to life, so hopefully they're producing again.

It's funny, but I got Mutable Streams about six years ago and couldn't position it next to the Veils VCA. I remember buying it for the compressor. At the time I had no idea what a LPG was. The manual talked about Buchla, but what the hell did I know. I remember watching DivKid's video, but at the time it sounded like Russian poetry.

Now I know what an LPG is, but my encounter with Streams is about 24 hours young. I remembered a little vactrol symbol on Streams (I am blessed with photographic memory), so I looked it up in my box of forgotten modules, read the manual and was surprised to read it's a dedicated LPG module. All modes have something to do with a low pass gate. I patched it up and was blown away by the possibilities you probably already know about. But I need to learn too, especially stuff I have lying around unused for many years.

00:00 Introduction
00:21 Plaits 2 OP FM as a source and the built in LPG.
01:27 Buchla/TTA 292T - The Reference
03:32 MN Optomix LPG
04:26 MN Dynamix VCFA
05:46 MN LxD
07:29 MN DXG
08:51 MN QMMG
10:18 SSF Steady State Gate
12:39 Noise Engineering Sinc Bucina
13:28 Endorphines Sqwk Dirty
14:14 Mutable Instruments Streams"

Your Oscillators New Best Friend! // VCO's Little Helper (VLH) by Takaab (SIAM Modular)

video upload by DivKid

"Here we're checking out VCO's Little Helper (the VLH) by Takaab (who are SIAM Modular too). It's a small 2hp module that can work like an expander for any oscillator you want to use it with. There's two inputs giving you two octaves of sub oscillators (-1 and -2), ring modulation, a noise source and thru outputs to save multiples or stacking cables to keep patching with your inputs.

Here's what Takaab have to say 'VCO’s Little Helper is a eurorack module that supercharges your existing oscillators by adding a ring mod, sub and noise. The VLH was designed in collaboration with journalist and musician Steve O'Hear following a conversation asking how we could squeeze the features found in the VCO section of many vintage synthesizers into a eurorack system.'

VLH is also a affordable addition to a Eurorack system priced around £/€/$100 (it's 4040 Thai Baht). It's available direct here // https://www.siammodular.com/takaab-vl...

Here's the mini documentary on how the VLH came to life"

Takaab VLH : VCO's Little Helper: The making of ... euroack ring mod | sub oscillator | noise

video upload by Adventures in sound

VCO's Little Helper made its first apearance on the site back on JULY 27, 2021.

What if VCV Rack was real? // VCV Random by NANO Modules

video upload by DivKid

"In an interesting full circle turn of events, VCV Rack that emulates Eurorack hardware how now come to life as Eurorack hardware in the new VCV Random module from NANO Modules.

VCV Random is a Eurorack hardware version of the VCV Rack Random software module. It's a flexible and modulate-able multi output random generator with some novel features, namely, a step shape control that adds increasing numbers of steps between random values and a 'RND' crossfade control that crossfades the sampling of internal noise and the output. The latter resulting in a unique way to control voltage changes per step and one that can modulate over time.

Info, manual and more // https://nano-modules.com/vcv-random/

Download the VCV patch for free (or pay what you want) here // https://divkid.gumroad.com/l/vcvrandom"

A Eurorack Mix & Output Problem Solver // The NEW! Output Bus from DivKid & Befaco

video upload by DivKid

"Introducing the new OUTPUT BUS module from me (DivKid) and Befaco. It's an 8HP summing mixer, output stage, soft clip limiter, line level integrator, LED meter visualiser, headphone monitor and more ... it has many features that aimed to solve typical mix and output problems you'll find yourself working with in a Eurorack modular system."

A 5 minute rave on the Divkid Output Bus.

video upload by mylarmelodies

"Weirdly Ben has made almost exactly the module I need right now, as I'm building a modular mixer in my latest live system, and I need to sum and 'vibe up' the Roland TR-8. My pal Ben @DivKid sent me one for free - so here's me starting to use it! (Video update on this case coming soon!) 🙌 "

via DivKid

"The Output Bus is your ultimate output module: Presented by DivKid and Befaco, meant to be the last link in your modular chain!

Inspired by pro audio and studio summing units the Output Bus allows for summing style mixing, external gear integration, soft clip limiting, flexible output types, headphone monitoring and level visualization.

The module works great mixing all your other mixers in your setup, to return mono or stereo FX into the master bus and for bringing in external stereo line level gear with ease. All of this in just 8HP while also being able to visualize your final levels, output appropriate signals on the right cable type and monitor in headphones.

FEATURES

Six stereo inputs.

Line/synth selector in input six.

Modular level minijack out.

6,5” Jack balanced out.

3.5mm and 1/4″ headphone outs.

Led VU-meter.

Soft clipping circuit at main output."

The Return of a Eurorack Classic // Ultra Random Redux by Steady State Fate

video upload by DivKid

"Here we have the return of what I think is fair to say a Eurorack classic. The Ultra Random Redux is a new version of the 2014 release, the Ultra Random Analog. It’s a powerful and flexible random voltage generator and processor for both audio and CV applications.

Throughout the video I’ll go through each section and feature with musical examples that will show you how you can use these features and apply these things to your systems, whether specifically with the Ultra Random Redux or just applying these patch ideas with things you already have. Give them a try and let me know how you get on in the comments."

Multi Output Flexible Wobbly Modulation // Expert Sleepers Otterley (Eurorack LFO Demo)

video upload by DivKid

"Here we have the latest in the line of analogue Eurorack modules from Expert Sleepers ... Otterley. It's a multi output (5 to be specific) LFO with a flexible feature set for varied modulation across your patches.

The first 4 outputs can be sines or squares and feature global controls and modulation for speed (frequency) and also the spread of rates between the LFOs. You can scale these from -10V to 0V, -5V to +5V or 0V to +10V outputs. There's then a final fifth LFO that's individually speed controlled and always a sine wave."

Instruō Introduces dåpf Dual All-Pass Filter Effects Processor Eurorack Module

via Instruō

"Introducing dåpf, the first dedicated effects processor in the Instruō product line. The Instruō dåpf is a set of two analogue all-pass filters.

You might be asking yourself, “What is the point of a filter that passes everything?” All-pass filters don’t actually attenuate frequency amplitudes directly, but rather alter the phase relationship of frequencies across the spectrum. All-pass filter stages appear in the vast majority of voltage-controlled filter topologies as well as serving as a core building block within DSP.

The normalled I/O of dåpf allows for cascaded or independent use of the two all-pass filter circuits, offering everything from classic phase-shifting to psychoacoustic stereo enhancement and synthetic Doppler effect.

• Two parallel all-pass filters
• Independent attenuverters for voltage control
• 1-Pole/2-Pole configuration for left channel
• Cascaded normalisation
• Global 1 volt per octave tracking"


Instruō - dåpf Overview

video upload by Instruō

"This video is long... But the second half is very much optional expansion and deep dive into some theory of all-pass filters.
The first few examples are much quicker, more practical examples of dåpf patched.
Thanks for watching :)"
~Jason
---
00:00:00 Instruōduction
00:03:24 Overview | Stereo Enhancement
00:04:19 Stereo Enhancement - Subtractive patch sound source
00:04:55 Stereo Enhancement - Traditional stereo panning
00:06:13 Stereo Enhancement - Spectrally transparent waveshaping
00:07:22 Stereo Enhancement - dåpf inputs/outputs
00:09:42 Stereo Enhancement - Controls and CV inputs
00:10:14 Stereo Enhancement - 6dB/12dB pole switch
00:11:18 Stereo Enhancement - Mono to Stereo patching
00:15:41 Stereo Enhancement - Static phase shift
00:17:32 Stereo Enhancement - Level 1: modulation
00:19:40 Stereo Enhancement - Level 2: modulation + waveshaping
00:25:02 Stereo Enhancement - Level 3: modulation + timbre
00:27:50 Vibrato Everything
00:28:17 Vibrato Everything - What is vibrato?
00:29:35 Vibrato Everything - Non-FM vibrato
00:30:22 Vibrato Everything - (tangent: sine phase)
00:31:34 Vibrato Everything - (tangent: sine spatialisation)
00:32:37 Vibrato Everything - Non-FM vibrato (sine wave)
00:34:11 Vibrato Everything - Non-FM vibrato (sawtooth wave)
00:38:42 Vibrato Everything - Non-FM vibrato (complex audio)
00:40:46 Vibrato Everything - Non-FM... FM? ...PM! (Phase Modulation)
00:43:47 Feedback Processing |"Doppler"
00:44:33 Feedback Processing |"Doppler" - Lúbadh feedback patch
00:46:38 Feedback Processing |"Doppler" - Doppler shift description
00:48:08 Feedback Processing |"Doppler" - Doppler dåpf 1pole/2-pole
00:49:20 Feedback Processing |"Doppler" - Doppler dåpf 3-pole/-4pole
00:51:28 Feedback Processing |"Doppler" - Doppler dåpf in stereo!
00:52:02 Feedback Processing |"Doppler" - Delay feedback
00:54:54 Feedback Processing |"Doppler" - Audio rate modulation
00:56:32 Building a phaser - Deep dive into all-pass filters
00:58:44 Building a phaser - Phase shift of a fundamental
00:59:41 Building a phaser - Quadrature: sine | cosine
01:00:43 Building a phaser - Drawing perfect circles
01:01:41 Building a phaser - Drawing (non-)perfect circles
01:02:16 Building a phaser - Frequency dependent phase shift
01:04:22 Building a phaser - 1V/octave tracking
01:07:40 Building a phaser - More than one sine wave
01:08:58 Building a phaser - The harmonic overtone series
01:10:19 Building a phaser - Sawtooth wave low-pass filtered (reference)
01:11:15 Building a phaser - Phase shifting harmonic overtones
01:15:42 Building a phaser - Inside a phaser
01:18:00 Building a phaser - Stereo Phaser
01:22:19 Building a phaser - uPhaser Befaco FXBoy
01:23:46 Building filters - Any-pass filter?
01:25:05 Building filters - RC low-pass filter
01:26:03 Building filters - Spectral cancellation principles
01:28:35 Building filters - APF to LPF
01:30:10 Building filters - APF to HPF
01:32:03 Building filters - Parallel dual all-pass filters
01:37:41 Building filters - Resonant filters"

And a video from Divkid:

Wow! I didn't know All Pass Filters could do this // 3 Patches with dapf from Instruo
video upload by DivKid

"I'm always striving to learn and explore with sound and music and dapf (the new Eurorack module from Instruo) certainly brought a big slap of school day into DivKid HQ. I was aware of all pass filters, getting past the funny idea that "all" frequencies pass (so what's the point?) and knowing they were use for phase shifts. What I didn't know is how core and important to filter topologies they were and how creatively useful they could be.

Some exploring later and here we are, with 3 patches that really show the power of phase manipulation. While dapf makes a fantastically chewy phaser FX unit I didn't expect it would be such a great stereo expander for a single VCO nor did I know I could be MUSICAL and totally analogue 3 operator FM/PM (like the digital Yamaha DX and Casio CZ phase/FM methods) synth."

A Mastering Toolbox for Your Sounds & Music // Golden Master Pedal from Endorphines

video upload by DivKid

"The idea of some live mix polish, simple hardware mastering for modular/dawless/live set ups or simple a characterful parallel processor and DI box is certainly an exciting one. The Golden Master from Endorphines builds on inspiration from classic ‘90s mastering rack units and their experiences with live performances with synths & modular and puts together a box of multi band compression, EQ and multi band stereo mid/side based stereo enhancement.

This pedal version offers presets, sidechain or expression pedal inputs, stereo ins and outs, per band mutes (handy for setting up each band but also as a performative frequency dependent set of mutes!) and parallel processing (i.e. dry/wet mixing) options.

Info, manual etc // https://www.endorphin.es/modules/p/go..."

A "forgettable" Buchla Filter Circuit is Reborn // 3 Patches with Pas-Isel from Dwyfor Tech

video upload by DivKid

"Pas-Isel is Welsh for Low Pass, handy that when this is a Eurorack filter module.

Dwyfor Tech are a new company who have taken inspiration from what has been said to be a "forgettable" Buchla filter circuit, smashed that into a Korg MS-50 diode ring for a resonance path and masses of lovely guitar pedal style overdrive and they've made that a Eurorack filter with bags of character, and a different tone and circuit design (it's really multiple high shelf EQs).

In the video we share some of the key points in the story of what this circuit was based on and a bit about the company. You can read more about it all on my website in this interview // https://divkidvideo.com/story-time-dw...

'3 Patches with ... ' is a video series where I pull focus on just 3 things with a piece of gear, set of functions or techniques. More of these to come alongside the larger in depth demos in the future.

You can grab a DIY kit from Pas-Isel (and request and assembled one directly) here // https://reverb.com/shop/dwyfortech

*TIMING INDEX // CHAPTERS*
00:00 Hello & patch previews
00:35 What makes this filter special?
01:47 Feature run down
2:20 Raw filter sounds
03:46 Pitch relative tones & a warm fuzzy jumper
04:56 Drums NUKED! Heavy saturation & modulation injections
06:52 Creating excitement with mixed modulation"

"Pas-Isel is a four-pole lowpass filter for Eurorack modular systems, with an architecture unlike any other. Combining design elements from Buchla and Korg, this diode-based VCF uses highpass filters in op-amp negative feedback loops to generate its signature 'wooly jumper' -24dB lowpass response.

Pas-Isel is entirely realised with through-hole components for ease of assembly. This listing is for the full kit version, which includes all components necessary for you to solder together straight away at home. All our front panels are high-quality anodised CMYK prints on chunky, quality brushed aluminium sheet stock, made in the UK. We also offer a panel and PCB set, if you'd rather source your own components, in a separate listing.

8hp wide, 3U high.
Conforms to Eurorack (Doepfer A-100) standards.
33mm depth required for mounting.
Idle power consumption 25mA on both rails.
25kHz self-oscillation power consumption 45mA on both rails.

You can find the build/user manual at tinyurl.com/pasisel - We highly recommend giving it a read before buying, to make sure it's the right kit for you. I can assemble kits to order to provide you with a completed module, dependent on my free time. I charge £50 for my time and labour in this case."