Endorphines Queen of Pentacles Review

video upload by Molten Music Technology

"The Queen of Pentacles is a 7-channel drum module mixing analogue circuits with samples and a very performable interface. I didn't gel with it when I bought it a couple of years ago, but I've come back to give it another go and I'm so glad I did."

Index:
Intro - 0:00
Overview - 11:24
Analogue Section - 11:46
Sample Section - 16:21
Some Sample Library Examples - 20:03
The Filter - 21:03
Effects Section - 24:09
Other bits and pieces - 28:41
Sticking in your own samples - 31:25
Some other examples - 44:05
Conclusions - 49:01

RYK Modular ALGO Quad Complex Oscillator Bank Review

video upload by Molten Music Technology

"ALGO is a bank of oscillators that creates complexity through cross-modulation via uncomplicated interaction. In other words, it's four beautiful sine wave oscillators that you can warp, fold and jam into each other for some fabulously easy-going FM timbres. Here's my review.

RYK sent me the module for review, therefore I have to tick the "Paid Promotion" box, but they haven't paid me to do anything with it or have any say in the content."

Index:
First impressions - 0:00
Introduction - 3:21
Overview - 7:05
Oscillators - 14:50
Wavefolding - 21:39
Detuning and Stereo Chorus - 22:43
Panning - 23:23
Frequency fine-tuning - 24:32
Algorithms and FM - 26:21
Modulation - 33:08
Routing through a filter - 38:10
Conclusion - 43:06

Glasgow Synth Guild Oct Tone Sequencer Review

video upload by Molten Music Technology

"Oct Tone is 8 steps of Eurorack cyclic sequencing. Who would ever need more? It's a delightfully musical module with a great front end, some snazzy features and can cook up a storm in more ways than you'd think.

GSG did not send me the module; I bought it myself, and they have no idea I'm making a video review.

https://www.glasgowsynthguild.com/

Index:
Intro - 0:00
Overview - 9:08
Quantization - 14:09
Steps - 17:31
Direction - 19:16
Rate - 24:07
Tune Mode - 25:57
Pulse Mode - 28:30
Step Gate Outputs - 37:22
Extended Jam - 38:49
Conclusion - 47:49"

Oct Tone, Plasma Voice, Algo and friends

video upload by Molten Music Technology

"I'm working towards my review of the Oct Tone and thought I'd capture this little sequence. It features the Plasma Voice and Algo competing on the melody, plus the Mandrake kick, Crust snare and something of my own fiddling with the effects."

Patching Panda Particles Revisited

video upload by Molten Music Technology

"One year ago, I bought and built the Particles kit, thinking I understood what it did. I was wrong. Now I've got the hang of it, I wanted to show you what it does with a bit more certainty and point out that it's pretty awesome and is starting to become a permanent feature in my case."

Index:
Intro 0:00
Patch overview - 7:40
Ratcheting or trigger repeats - 11:32
Muting - 14:23
Intro to functions - 15:29
Probability - 16:36
Absorption - 21:21
Bypass - 24:46
Gater - 25:40
No Triplets - 27:04
Triggering envelopes - 28:28
Shifting Inputs - 29:40
Modulation - 31:34
Let's fiddle - 32:29
Conclusions - 35:20

Gamechanger Audio Plasma Voice - First Play (Holy Crap!)

video upload by Molten Music Technology

"Wow, this thing is epic. It arrived this morning, and this is the first time I've plugged it in. After a few minutes I turned on my cameras and here we are. I haven't looked in the manual or anything but I believe I went through the first bank of preset bass sounds. The video also features the BlaknBlu Foxtrot filter, XO drums, Panda Particles and Chroma Console for some delay."

Arturia Introduces MiniBrute V | Ferocious Analog Softsynth

video upload by Arturia

"Introducing MiniBrute V: a softsynth that not only recreates the distinctive analog grit of its hardware predecessor, but elevates it with modern flexibility, expanded polyphony and a built-in FX rack. Add the Brute spirit to your production."


video upload by Arturia

"Join Lena as she takes us through a detailed exploration of MiniBrute V: a software emulation of the original MiniBrute hardware. Learn how to create rich and dynamic sounds with a no-nonsense interface and discover MiniBrute V's expanded FX options and polyphonic voicing - that go far beyond its monosynth DNA.

Discover MiniBrute V → https://bit.ly/3WQQPG5

_CHAPTERS
00:00 Intro
01:06 Sound Generation
02:02 Saw
02:51 Square
04:08 Triangle
06:07 Sub Osc
06:49 Noise Generator
07:19 Filter
12:55 Unison
14:07 LFO
15:05 Arpeggiator
15:39 Velocity
16:53 Aftertouch
17:12 Vibrato
18:13 Mod Wheel
18:30 Pitch Glide
18:59 Dispersion
19:55 Effects
21:33 Outro"


Arturia MiniBrute V: A detailed demo & tutorial + hardware comparison

video upload by CatSynth TV

"We take a detailed look at the new MiniBrute V from Arturia. A recreation of their very own MiniBrute monophonic analog synthesizer. We go over all the features emulated from the original, as well as the addition features introduced for this software version. We also do a brief comparison with our MiniBrute 2 here at CatSynth HQ.

For more information, please visit arturia.com

00:00 Introduction
00:30 Overview
00:51 Oscillator
05:06 Filter
10:24 Arpeggiator
12:50 Comparison with the MiniBrute 2 hardware
15:41 Unison Mode
16:53 Polyphonic Mode
17:27 Dispersion Parameters
17:59 Effects section
21:24 Factory Presets
23:22 Conclusion"

Arturia Minibrute V | No Talking | @ArturiaOfficial

video upload by DKS SYNTH LAB

Timeline:
0:00 Intro
0:10 Dark Atmos
1:15 Abyssal Horn
2:17 Brute Saw
3:43 Sonic Crunch
4:45 Kiki Keys
5:48 PH 0
6:09 Evolving Stutters
6:42 Dark Unison
7:33 Vaisseau Mere
8:41 Pluck Pad Pulse
10:03 Dirty Harry
10:58 Arp And Octave Seq
11:32 Bass Movements
12:09 Berlin Snowfall
12:58 Brute Solina

Arturia MiniBrute V Review

video upload by Molten Music Technology

Index:
Intro - 0:00
Selection of presets - 7:16
Basic Waveforms - 21:06
Filter - 25:44
Vintage knob - 29:39
Effects - 30:41
LFO - 38:54
Aftertouch - 40:22
Other bits and pieces - 41:32
More sounds - 42:45
Conclusions - 46:02

Introducing the Pittsburgh Modular Voltage Lab 2

video upload by Pittsburgh Modular Synthesizers

"Standalone Modern Analog Synthesis Laboratory
Pittsburgh Modular Synthesizers’ long-anticipated successor to the Voltage Research Laboratory is filled to the brim with interesting new inventions, such as several new wave-shaping technologies, an addictive tactile performance controller, and more…"

The New, Experimental Synthesis of the Voltage Lab 2

video upload by Jorb

0:00 Intro
2:27 Hands on Begins
4:58 Oscillator One
11:01 Oscillator Two
16:29 Quick Look at Function Generators
18:26 Quick Look at Dynamics Controllers
19:04 FX
21:02 Chance Sequencer
22:37 Touch Controller Begins
26:56 Step Conditions
28:10 Step Jump Explained

Geek Chic // Sonic Experiments from the Voltage Lab2

video upload by Starsky Carr

"Dusting the cobwebs from my vintage 1950's lab coat - it was all the rage once honest.

Going into lab rat research mode and seeing where the maze takes me..

... and here's the results.

Just a little taster while I open the lab book to record apparatus, method, results, discussion and conclusion.

0:00 Bunsen Burner Big Beats
2:15 Plucking Pipettes (no pipettes were harmed)
3:06 Test Tube Techno (it's not techno)
5:59 She's Alive
7:44 Naked Flame
10:00 Medical Skeleton (its the Bare Bones)"

Pittsburgh Modular Voltage Lab 2 - Just Jammin'

video upload by Molten Music Technology

"Fascinating new modular system from Pittsburgh with a decidedly West Coast bent. Too soon for a review, but here's half an hour of playing with the rather remarkable sequencer, the timbre of the oscillators and other bits and pieces. I added some reverb via the Chroma Console but otherwise it's all the VL2."

The Sweet Spot: Voltage Lab 2 Semi-Modular Synthesizer
video upload by HAINBACH

"As anyone who has ever tried to assemble a modular synthesizer, it is not easy to create a cohesive instrument, especially if you try to narrow it down to a portable case. In comes The Voltage Lab 2 that Pittsburgh Modular send me to play with (thanks for that!) - it is a semi-modular self contained synthesizer, and to me it hits the sweet spot between functionality and musicality."

Also see The Lab Report Episodes for audio demos.



Press release follows:

May 14th, 2024 - Pittsburgh, PA Pittsburgh Modular Synthesizers today announced Voltage Lab 2, a standalone dual oscillator analog synthesizer synthesis laboratory with a unique integrated touch-sensitive performance controller.

CLICK FOR MORE »

Hologram Chroma Console (mostly modular) Review

video upload by Molten Music Technology

"Fabulously gooey, satisfyingly vintage and full of fun time - that is the Chroma Console. In this video I take you through the pedal with a chunk of modular and a bit of guitar. Probably the most fun I've had making a video in ages - it's proper good. And just so you know - Hologram sent me the Chroma Console for review but has no say over the content of this video."

Index:
Intro - 0:00
Overview - 9:36
Character - 12:52
Movement - 15:38
Drift - 17:46
Diffusion - 21:55
Texture - 30:25
Gesture recording - 39:01
Capture - 42:06
Presets - 45:49
Dual Bypass - 48:58
Conclusions - 52:56
The Guitar Demo - 57:34

RYK Introduces ALGO - Complex Oscillator Eurorack Module

RYK ALGO Demo - eurorack Complex Oscillator module
video upload by RYK Modular

User videos below.

"All knobs and no menus, an FM synth engine with hands-on control

Introducing ALGO, from RYK Modular

ALGO's four oscillators can be configured in series or parallel combinations, to create Complex FM or additive sound textures.
A unique Algorithm Display indicates the signal flow from one oscillator to another - easy to understand FM with pretty twinkly lights !

CHAPTERS:

00:00 -- ALGO !

00:04 – The Algorithms of ALGO

00:11 – Drone with FM and Global Detune

00:36 – M185 Sequencing ALGO. Tweaking the Harmonic Frequency of the oscillators for various levels of wildness !

01:16 – Drone demo showcasing built in Chorus effect

01:30 – Alien Torture sounds ! Batumi modulating oscillator harmonics, and cross modulation amount

01:53 – Dual ALGO Dub action. RHS playing the chords with various tweaks to the amount of cross-mod and harmonics. LHS used for the bassline. Sequenced by split seq on M185, 3xFEG envelopes modulating the internal VCAs of the ALGOs

02:45 – String/Pad chord setup on ALGO. Batumi modulating Wave Warp. Gliss used for modulating cross modulation amount

03:17 – Dual ALGO Pam's sequence. Pam sequencing pitch and harmonic offsets on RHS ALGO, also slower melody notes from LHS ALGO. 3xFEG envelopes modulating the internal VCAs of the ALGOs

04:14 – Conclusion Drone !!"

"ALGO's four oscillators can be configured in series or parallel combinations, to create Complex FM or additive sound textures.

A unique Algorithm Display indicates the signal flow from one oscillator to another - easy to understand FM with pretty twinkly lights !

Each oscillator has controls for Level and Frequency, allowing easy adjustment of FM timbres, no menu diving snorkels needed.

Modulation inputs for Frequency or Level for each oscillator - patch in a couple of Envelopes, and you have an instant FM synth voice.

Bored of Sine waves ? A generous Wave Warp control bends things through Triangle to Pulse wave and back again.
Wave Warp can be applied to Carrier, Modulator or both types of oscillator.

For the more discerning mangler, Wave Folding is also available in three delicious flavours; Symmetric, Asymmetric and Soft Clip !

A Global Detune spread control with CV input is great for creating Netflix apocalypse drones that descend into the abys.

Lastly an onboard Stereo Chorus can add a vivacious 1980's shimmer to all your FM creations.

Oh, nearly forgot. It's Stereo !"

FM synths can be easy and fun: RYK ALGO Eurorack Module Demo

video upload by mylarmelodies

"This is a demo of the RYK ALGO: A 4-oscillator stereo FM eurorack synth module with waveshaping and wavefolding, stereo chorus, and with a bunch of algorithms to interconnect the VCOs with. FM & PANEL EXPLANATION: 1:55 / SOUND DEMOS: 14:06 Onwards."

CHAPTERS
00:00 A taste of what's to come
00:43 What is this?!
01:55 Algo (and FM) Explained
14:06 Jams: Fast Footwork
17:35 Aphex Bass
19:35 Plinktown
20:44 Low n Slow
23:49 Woof!
25:18 The Righteous Chord
29:13 Hellscape Acid

RYK Modular Algo improvised play with friends

video upload by Molten Music Technology

"My first play with the RYK Algo FM module. Using an 8-step loop from the Oct Tone, a bit of delay from the Milky Way, some reverb and cassette saturation from the Chroma Console. I then foolishly threw in a VCO from the Batumi II through the Sqwk Dirty filter and sequenced from the meloDICER, all of which I'm using for the first time. I'm not sure it gels all the time, but I was having a lovely time exploring."

Expert Sleepers Disting EX Review - Fun and Fumbles

video upload by Molten Music Technology

"Take a dive into the Disting EX with someone who hates this sort of thing. Can I find something awesome behind the complexity and versatility of the Expert Sleepers ultimate multi-module?"

Index:
Intro - 0:00
Sorting out the screen - 10:25
Tiny MIDI Breakout - 15:29
Plugging it all in 17:51
Updating the firmware - 20:47
Enabling the screen - 23:44
Intro to Disting EX menu system - 27:26
SD Multisample - 29:46
SD Card Glitch - 44:40
Taking Chords from the Pianist - 55:44
Presets - 1:1:29
Assigning Modulation - 1:05:40
SD 6 Triggers - 1:08:54
MIDI Input - 1:10:35
Auto Sampling the Taiga - 1:13:14
Conclusions - 1:23:57

Disting EX 1U Screen and Tiny MIDI Breakout DIY Build

video upload by Molten Music Technology

"Want to add MIDI and a larger screen to the Expert Sleepers Disting EX? Here's how you do it. This video is a companion to a larger, full review of the Disting EX which you'll find in the channel."

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

Befaco Octaves VCO Jam with Turing and Pony VCO, VCF

video upload by Molten Music Technology

"I gave Befaco's new Octaves VCO a bit of a run, pairing it through the Pony VCF and playing along with the Pony VCO and friends."

See the launch party posted earlier today.

Octaves VCO via Befaco

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!

FEATURES

Six bands, multiple of the base frequency.

Square wave oscillator with Octaves selector PWM control and sync.

Range control for Tune pot.

Volume CV control and individual output for each band

Cascaded summing outputs.

SPECS

Current needs: +12V: 110mA, -12V: 84mA

Width: 12 HP

Depth: 22mm (assembled and DIY), including power connector

Aluminium, heat-treated front panel

Designed, kits prepared and completed modules assembled in Barcelona

PONY VCF via Befaco

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.

FEATURES

3 Channel Mixer (Out normalized to channel three for feedback)

Temperature-compensated Q and frequency.

Compensated Volume VS Resonance

2 Cuttof CV INs.

CV 1 Selectable routing Cut-Off or Cut-Off+VCA

Voltage controlled Q

Two Segment Peak Meter

SPECS

Four-pole, 24 dB/octave

Current needs: +12V=50mA, -12V=45mA

Width: 6 HP

Depth Assembled Version: 22mm

Depth DIY Kit Version: 35 mm

Designed, kits prepared and assembled in Barcelona.

Pittsburgh Modular Taiga keyboard Review

video upload by Molten Music Technology

"Following on from the Taiga desktop synth comes the Taiga Keyboard with larger knobs, improved oscillator tuning, some interesting digital thingies and an expansion bay for Eurorack. It's analogue, it mashes together all sorts of synthesis and sounds unlike anything else out there. Here's my review.

Pittsburgh Modular were kind enough to send the Taiga keys to me for review but have no control over what I say about it."

Nano Modules VCV Random - Review

video upload by Molten Music Technology

"An interesting protrusion of software into hardware, VCV Random pulls a stock module out of VCV Rack and makes it a reality. The result is a delightful generator of randomness with four flavours.
Nano Modules sent me this module for review but have no say in the outcome."

Index:
Intro - 0:00
Demo of the four outputs - 4:17
The Sliders - 8:42
Trigger Out - 18:55
Dualling with outputs - 21:05
Modulation - 25:14
Sample & Hold - 28:03
Clocking and probability - 29:09
Conclusions - 33:03

Norwich EMOM performance 7th March 2024

video upload by Molten Music Technology

"My improvised performance from last night's EMOM at The Rumsey Wells. Took me a while to find my way into this one, which is why it's a bit shorter, as I've spared you the first five minutes of cringe-modular where it's all a bit out of tune and not landing right. Something in there worked out eventually but it's not my finest work. You're not going to get it right every time."

Pittsburgh Modular Taiga Keys - 3 Oscillator Movement

video upload by Molten Music Technology

"A simple sequencing of the Taiga Keys' three oscillators to explore some of the sound shaping, filter and dynamics. The sequencing is provided by the Seb Songs PolySEQ, and the reverb from Erica Synths Black Stereo Reverb which both fit neatly inside the expansion bay. Adding Cassette Saturation and Cascade Delay we have the Hologram Chroma Console. It gives it some nice wobble and bite."

SynthEast 2024 Walkthrough 360

video upload by Molten Music Technology

"A walk through the Norwich Arts Centre during the Synth East event on Saturday, the 24th of February, 2024."

Synth East 2024 Highlights


"Synth East was a fantastic weekend of synths, modular and music with great company in the best community you could find. Held in Norwich from the 23rd to the 25th of February, here is what you missed."

https://syntheast.com/

Update: additional videos:

Synth East 2024 All-Star Patch-off


"Take six modular performers, randomly pick out pairs and then force them to improvise a jam for fifteen minutes. Only available at Synth East.

Featuring:
Jason Jervis
Nina Richards
Robin Vincent
Gaz Williams
Mylar Melodies
Steve Davis"

Synth East 2024 - Mylar Melodies, Robin Vincent and Gaz Williams - "The Influencers"


"A live improvised 30-minute jam from modular performers Mylar Melodies, Robin Vincent and Gaz Williams as part of the Synth East event at the Norwich Arts Centre on 24th February 2024. Steve called us 'The Influencers' - I'm not sure about that but we do seem to cost people money with our inspirational modular musings."

Synth East 2024 Update - things are selling out fast!

video upload by Molten Music Technology

"An update on the fabulous Synth East show for you. Friday night has sold out, Saturday is getting close and don't forget the Sunday workshops!

Synth East is a festival of synths and modular in Norwich from Friday the 23rd of February to Sunday the 25th. Brought to you by the Norwich Arts Centre, Electronic Sound Magazine and Molten Modular.

Tickets are available for each event separately. There's a discount if you order the Saturday Expo and evening gig at the same time.
https://norwichartscentre.co.uk/searc...

Friday: Subotnick documentary, Adam Buxton interviews Steve Davis and music from Luke Sanger. SOLD OUT!"