Modular Jam 3

Published on Nov 8, 2019 George Benton

"Custom synthesizers.com system.

Four voices. (7 oscillators and 4 filters.) Alesis Q2 for delay & verb.

Drone, 2 Q106 oscillators tuned to a fifth through a Q107A SV Filter driven with a Q157 SH++ (used as LFO).

Sequencer Q960 driving a Q167 LFO++ (usede as audio osc) through a Q150 Ladder Filter.

Arpeggio, upper kybd 2 Q106 oscillators thru a Q150 Ladder Filter. Q174/175 MIDI interfaces create the ARP.

Lower kybd 2 Q106 osc's through a Q107A SV Filter. Osc's setup as FM, carrier + modulator."

Modular Jam

Published on Sep 27, 2019 George Benton

"Short jam on my synthesizers.com custom modular (in progress)
With my Korg Kronos providing the pad sound."

Note seeing part 2. You can find more of George Benton's modular videos posted here.

Synthesizers.com Modular Power Supply, Oscillator, MIDI Interface, Envelope Generator

video uploads by George Benton

New synthesizers.com modular tutorial videos by George Benton. You can find more here.

Playlist:
Modular Power Supply
Modular Oscillator
Modular MIDI Interface
Modular Envelope Generator

Modular Jam 4

Published on Dec 16, 2019 George Benton

Synthesizers.com system. George Benton modular videos.

Synthesizers.com Composition Contest Videos

Use the player controls on bottom to skip around.
You can find descriptions for each video below. You can find additional Synthesizers.com contest posts here.

Playlist:

1. O Z Hall: Zebra Synth

Dive into the enthralling world of synthesizers and witness O Z Hall's outstanding entry, "Zebra Synth", in the Synthesizers.com Composition Contest. Crafted with unparalleled precision and technique, this remarkable composition combines an array of captivating sounds that will take you on a breathtaking sonic journey.

Hall masterfully utilizes three distinctive patches in "Zebra Synth" to create an immersive soundscape. The first patch features a drone made using a Q106A oscillator, which is meticulously processed by a wave folder. Another oscillator, intertwined with linear FM from the wavefolder output, results in a fascinating "clang tone" that is beautifully amplified by a digital reverb.

In the second patch, a sequenced voice is artfully produced by employing two re-paneled Q106 oscillators. One output is channeled into the input of the linear FM, which subsequently provides intriguing timbral variations. The Q119A sequencer's 3rd row masterfully controls a Ratchet effect, adding even further depth to the composition. An expertly-applied digital delay effect enriches the output of this patch.

Lastly, the lead voice is ingeniously designed using the Q169 Dual Oscillator with Pulse Width modulation. O Z Hall skillfully manipulates the 24db/oct low pass filter in real-time to deliver an electrifying performance. The extended digital delay effect ties the entire sonic experience together.
O Z Hall's "Zebra Synth" draws its arsenal of modular synthesis tools from the Synthesizers.com catalog, including Q106, Q106A, Q119A, Q171, Q148, Q127, Q169, Q168, Q167, Q114, Q174, and Q175A modules. The creative process has been meticulously executed, showcasing how these modules can be combined to engineer a rich and dynamic sound adventure.

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Timeless

Published on May 24, 2020 George Benton

"It's funny...I started with a totally different idea that morphed into this!

At the key change I pressed a key on the lower keyboard to move the pitches up and also used a Q128 switch with a footswitch attached that allowed me to switch from sawtooth waves to square waves on the lead sound.

Drone - two oscillators tuned a fifth apart
Wind - noise run through a filter with LFO sweeping
ARP - two oscillators with different seq notes
Lead - tow oscillators slightly detuned and driven with LFO
Drums - noise through a bandpass filter being controlled with seq. Check out the video below on how that's done."

Analog Drums on a Modular Synthesizer

Published on Sep 16, 2019 George Benton

"Using a sequencer and bandpass filter to create drum sounds.
The Modular is a custom built synthesizers.com system. Although the video says just a sequencer and a filter, (meaning no oscillators) it does require a noise source, VCA and ADSR.

The two voltages from the sequencer drive the frequency cutoff and resonance. The clock out from the sequencer goes to the ADSR gate in.

The frequency of the filter determines the 'pitch range' Higher range for cymbals, brushes etc. Lower range for toms, bass etc.

The resonance affects the "drum head" effect. More resonance for pronounced pitch like wood block or toms etc. Lower resonance for a more pitched noise effect."

Modular Synthesizer Envelope Generator

video upload by George Benton

You can click on the George Benton link directly above for additonal posts.

"This is an overview of ADSR envelope generators using the Q109 from Synthesizers.com. As we build this modular, each added module is installed and described. Next episode will be the Q108 Voltage controlled amplifier."

George Benton's Journey to Owning a Modular Synthesizer

Published on Oct 7, 2019 George Benton

"Recalling some of the events leading me to finally acquiring a modular synthesizer. I started with a 22-space portable and expanded it by buying more modules and building a custom cabinet.
Thanks to synthesizers.com for the excellent products and service!"

Modular Fourth by George Benton

George Benton

"A one take ambient experiment with a tune for the fourth celebration at about 4:00. Lots of bass!"

Modular Penny Lane

Published on Dec 23, 2019 George Benton

"Playing a song using only a Modular Synthesizer. My custom synthesizers.com system recording one track at a time into Sonar X2.
19 tracks of audio. I wanted to try the old school method of recording like when modulars were first coming on the scene. Of course they had analog tape recorders with not nearly the number of tracks todays DAW's provide.
Penny Lane is one of my favorite Beatle songs. Thanks for visiting."

Modular Synthesizer Power Supply

video upload by George Benton

"This is the first of a series of how to and explanation videos pertaining to the large format 5U/MU size synthesizer. I have owned one since 2019. It grew over time and I'm hoping to make the modular synthesizer less intimidating for those interested in one but put off by the size and apparent complexity of it all.

My equipment is all from Synthesizers.com. These are great folks and have provided great products and service. There are other manufacturers as well and I invite you to explore all possibilities. Synthesizers.com, or DOTCOM did provide me with some parts to get this project off the ground. The majority though is my stuff. I love this synth and enjoy any opportunity to share it with others."

Analog Drums on a Modular Synthesizer

Published on Sep 16, 2019 George Benton

"Using a sequencer and bandpass filter to create drum sounds.
The Modular is a custom built synthesizers.com system. Although the video says just a sequencer and a filter, (meaning no oscillators) it does require a noise source, VCA and ADSR.

The two voltages from the sequencer drive the frequency cutoff and resonance. The clock out from the sequencer goes to the ADSR gate in.

The frequency of the filter determines the "pitch range" Higher range for cymbals, brushes etc. Lower range for toms, bass etc.

The resonance affects the "drum head" effect. More resonance for pronounced pitch like wood block or toms etc. Lower resonance for a more pitched noise effect."

Modular Ambience

video by George Benton

"First try at an unattended (mostly) ambient generator. 7 oscillators, several filters and VCA's. Three LFO's unsync'd driving the VCA's and misc items like filter tuning and resonance settings, Oscillator tuning. A slow moving sequencer 3x8 for pitch changes. Great to go to sleep by since it's boring. :)"

Synthesizers.com modular system

Electronic Dreams

video upload by George Benton

"So I've been moving away from focusing on video, and more on the music since I got rid of my drone. But, it's YouTube so video is sort of needed.

This music grew out of a sequence on the modular. I'm beginning as of late to add more digital sounds from the computer and Korg to the modular.

If you like this please give it a thumbs up. It was a happy accident of sorts and went in a totally different direction than first thought."

Highlighting the Q146 Normalization Module

video upload by synthesizersdotcom

"The Q146 Normalization Module is a game-changer for modular synth enthusiasts, offering unparalleled control and possibilities. George Benton, of Benton Electronics, is exploring its features, demonstrating its capabilities, and sharing some insider tips to help you get the most out of this versatile piece of equipment."

Modular Synthesizer live

video upload by George Benton

An impromptu live jam on the Modular.
Synthesizers.com
Moog MF-104M SD
Eventide H-9
Alesis Q2

Modular Drums part 2

Published on Sep 30, 2019 George Benton

"Creating a snare by layering a drum sound with a noise sound in the same fashion that was typical in the 70's drum machines."

http://synthesizers.com/ system

Part 1 here

Modular Ad-Lib

video upload by George Benton

Modular Pulse

Published on May 3, 2020 George Benton

"So I tend to use sawtooth waves all the time. This time it's all pulses. The drone is 2 oscillators tuned a fifth apart with a sweeping filter. The low pattern is 2 oscillators tuned to unison. The fast high pattern is a single oscillator running through a Moog Delay. Lead sound is three oscillators, 2 at unison and one an octave higher. All pulse waves. Some reverb added."

http://www.synthesizers.com/

Modular Voltage Controlled filter

video upload by George Benton

"An overview of the Q107a State Variable Filter from Synthesizers.com.
Additional Specs located at synthesizers.com. Filters are fun!"

Modular Synthesizer Voltage Controlled Amplifier

video upload by George Benton

"Continuing the build by adding the Voltage Controlled Amplifier and tying it in with the ADSR and GATE. The Q108 and Q158 are both listed on the synthesizers.com website with specs etc."