Top 10 eurorack modules Superbooth 22 – (A personal selection by Monotrail)

video upload by Monotrail Tech Talk

"Superbooth 22 is over, and this time I was finally able to hang around, meet some people, and see some new modules! I thought I’d make a little compilation with 10 modules that stood out to me. Among others a collaboration between Endorphin.es and Andrew Huang, the Xaoc devices Sophia, Verbos Electronics polyphonic envelope, and a project that involves Yann Tiersen. In this video I just explain why the modules stood out to me.

Timetable:
00:00 – Intro
00:28 – Endorphine.es / Andrew Huang - Ghost,
01:41 – Neuzeit Instruments - Quasar
03:12 – Knobula - Kickhain
04:44 – AtoV project - Dual Harmonic Oscillator
06:05 – Xaoc Devices – Sophia
06:59 – Bastl Instruments - Pizza
08:20 – Verbos Electronics – Polyphonic Envelope
09:35 – Instruo - Larachd
10:49 – Erica Synths / Moritz Klein – Edu series
11:40 – Eowave / Touellskouarn / Yann Tiersen - Ostilh "

Multimode Vactrol Filter & VCA with a wide sonic range + Pinging - Teia OptoCore

video upload by Monotrail Tech Talk

"The Teia Synthesizers OptoCore combines a vactrol multimode filter, with a vactrol VCA. Both circuits run in parallel, and you can manually crossfade between the two. The separate controls for drive, resonance and feedback add to the sonic range of the module. In this video I go over the functions and features of the OptoCore in detail, show a series of patches to give you an idea of the sonic range, and finally spend some time pinging the filter for percussive sounds!"

Additional Teia OptoCore posts.

How to use bandpass filters for sound sculpting - with ADDAC 603 triple bandpass filter

video upload by Monotrail Tech Talk

"Bandpass filters are powerful sound design tools. They can create unique textures and effects, can function as high pass and low pass filters as well, and are often overlooked. In this video I explain the power of the band pass filter, go over the functions and features of the ADDAC 603 triple bandpass filter, and then dive into a series of patch-tips!

Timetable:
00:00 – Intro
01:28 – Bandpass power
02:59 – ADDAC 603
04:53 – Single filter patches
09:54 – Dual filter patches
15:18 – Triple filter patches"

Sound design using through-zero phase modulation – LA67 T-ZED oscillator

video upload by Monotrail Tech Talk

"Today we are having a look at through-zero phase modulation! An interesting variation to the common frequency modulation, offering new sounds and textures to the eurorack environment. For this we are using the T-ZED, from La Sesenta y Siete. A fully analog oscillator offering wave shaping, next to through-zero phase modulation.

In this video I explain phase modulation, go over the functions and features of the T-ZED oscillator, and of course, show you a series of patches to get started!"

Note this is the first post to feature La Sesenta y Siete.

T-ZED
OSCILLATOR
An analogue oscillator with through-zero phase modulation. The core of the T-ZED is the SSI2130 integrated circuit. Voltage controlled wave shape and phase modulation index allow for automated sonic versatility, and 2 separate frequency ranges mean the T-ZED can be used as an audio or CV source.
Features
​
• Simultaneous SINE, TRIANGLE, SAW, SQUARE, and variable SHAPE outputs
• Phase MOD input with bipolar INDEX circuit
• V/OCT input tracks 10 octaves
• FREQ spans 10 octaves, TUNE spans 1 octave
• Hard SYNC input
• SHAPE output (Sine to Triangle to Saw) with CV input and attenuator
• Frequency range HI: 10hz-25khz
• Frequency range LO: 0,1hz-200hz

Let’s explore frequency shifting – with the Doepfer A126-2

video upload by Monotrail Tech Talk

"Today we are diving into frequency shifting with the new Doepfer A-126-2 Frequency Shifter! Frequency shifting isn’t one of the most common effects, but it offers a lot of creative sound design options and patching possibilities. You can add textures and effects to synth lines, modulate or create percussive sounds, or just try and experiment with the frequency shifter in FM patches and feedback loops.

In this video I quickly explain the difference between pitch and frequency shifting, go over the functions and features of the A-126-2, and then start exploring some sounds with a series of patch ideas.

Thanks to Doepfer for sponsoring this video! - https://doepfer.de * Manufacturers have no saying over the content of my videos. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Timetable:
00:00 – Intro
01:19 – Frequency vs pitch shifting
02:56 – Doepfer A-126-2 overview
05:28 – Synth & drone patches
11:37 – Percussive patches
14:22 – Bonus patches
19:01 – A-126-2 expander"

The power of a dual low pass gate (LPG) in a performance case - With Make Noise LxD

video upload by Monotrail Tech Talk

"Today we dive into the Low Pass Gate. It’s a powerful compact module, especially in live performances. Gates can be used to create simple modular voices, tame drones, create percussion, control frequencies and amplitude of samples and sounds, and even as a VCA for control voltages.

In this video I’ll go over the functions and features of the Make Noise LxD, which is the gate I use in the audio demos. And then we’ll dive into a series of patches and tips to make the most out of Gates!

Timetable:
00:00 – Intro
01:01 – Make Noise LxD
02:07 – Voices
05:18 – Percussion
08:57 – Amplitude & frequency
10:54 – VCA"

Introduction to looping & granular synthesis - With ADDAC112 VC looper & granular processor

video upload by Monotrail Tech Talk

"Today we are going to get started with looping and granular synthesis, using the ADDAC system 112 VC looper and granular processor. An extensive module with lots of hands on and CV control over it’s looper and granular section. The possibility to record and store loops, and using those to build granular textures make it a bit of a workstation for granular processing, with an interesting approach.

In this video I quickly explain the concept of recording loops and using those to create grains. But mainly we go over most of the functions and features of this brand new module. I’d like to make a video with more patch ideas and sound demos in the future, so let me know if you have specific wishes!

This video is sponsored by ADDAC system, but manufacturers have no saying over the content of my videos. All opinions and thought expressed are my own. https://www.addacsystem.com

Timetable:
01:13 – Looping & Granular
02:49 – ADDAC112 overview
03:31 – Mixer
04:41 – Looper
07:14 – Looper patches
09:10 – Granular
12:07 – Deviation
13:33 – Granular patches
17:44 – Menu & screen

If you want to support my project:
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/monotrail
Bandcamp: https://monotrail.bandcamp.com"

Additional ADDAC 112 posts

How to get more out of analog delay - with Erica Synths Black BBD

video by Monotrail Tech Talk

"Today we are going in depth with analog delay, using the new Erica Synths Black BBD. The BBD is a great sounding analog delay with a wide time range, thanks to a combination of two bucket brigade delay chips, and a lot of CV control over it’s features.

In this video we start with a quick overview of the new module, and then we dive into a series of patch-tips and ideas. From spacious stereo delays, to using a delay as a sound shaping tool, and finally some patches to create drones and textures with a delay. Hope you enjoy!

This video is sponsored by Erica Synths

Timetable:
00:00 – Intro
00:50 – Black BBD
03:11 – Classic delay
07:28 – Sound shaping
10:33 – Drones & textures"

Erica Synths Introduces BLACK RING XFADE Eurorack Module

video by Monotrail Tech Talk

"Today we go in-depth with the brand new Erica Synths Black Ring-Fade, a eurorack module with two ring modulators, build in crossfader, and VCA. Both the ring modulators as well as the crossfader can be used as independent modules, but the internal routing makes it very suitable for advanced creative sound shaping.

In the video we start with an overview of the Black Ring-Fade, and then we dive into a series of patches in three sections. We look at ring modulation patches, crossfader patches, and finally a few patches utilizing all sections of the Ring-Fade.

Timetable:
00:00 – Intro
00:41 – Black Ring-Fade
03:29 – Ring modulation
07:41 – Crossfading
09:23 – Combined patches"

The Erica Synths Black Ring-Xfade is an extremely versatile module for sound shaping. It consists of two unconventional ringmodulators/waveshapers, a crossfader that works both for audio and CV and a VCA. Unlike conventional ringmodulator that works only with a signal present on both signal and carrier inputs, the Black Ring-Xfade passes through the signal without alteration, if no carrier is present, but low level signals on the carrier input result in unique waveshaping. Add the crossfader between two ringmodulators (or for an external signals) topped up with the VCA, and you have an amplitude modulation powerplant for your modular system.

FEATURES:
Dual ringmodulaotr/waveshaper
Carrier level adjustment
Voltage controlled crossfader
Manual and CV control over crossfade
Selectable AC (audio) or DC (control voltage) coupling
VCA with selectable bias

RRP: 150 EUR (VAT excl.)
MAP USA: 189 USD"

Mixing, panning, polarizing and feedback - with Metabolic Devices Papomi

video by Monotrail Tech Talk

"Today we’re having a closer look at the Metabolic Devices Papomi! It’s a powerful swiss army knife for modular eurorack utilities. It works with audio and control voltages, and can be used as a mixer, attenuator, inverter, offset generator, panner and polarizer. But the combination of functions also make it really suitable for sonic experiments and feedback patches.

We go over the features and functions of the module, and then dive into a series of patches. From basic stereo panning, to more experimental drone and generative feedback patches.

This video is sponsored by Metabolic Devices

Timetable:
00:00​ – Intro
01:01​ – Overview
03:53​ – Mixing
05:55​ – Panning
09:17​ – Polarizing
12:38​ – Feedback"

Sound sculpting with Erica Synths Black Low Pass VCF, High Pass VCF and Filter Coupler

video by Monotrail Tech Talk

"Today we’re having a look at a brand new filter series for eurorack form Erica Synths. The series adds a high pass filter, a low pass filter, and a filter coupler module to the Black module series. The high and low pass filters can be used as standalone filters. The filter coupler module functions as a satellite module, so you can have your audio processed by both filters to add band pass and band reject functions to the filters.

We go over the features of all three modules. Then we dive into some sound demos and patches. First the low pass and high pass, and then when you combine the filters in series, or with the coupler module.

This video is sponsored by Erica Synths
https://www.ericasynths.lv​

Timetable:
00:00​ – Intro
00:54​ – Overview
03:57​ – LPF intro
06:16​ – patch 1
07:08​ – patch 2
07:47​ – patch 3
08:14​ – HPF intro
10:30​ – patch 1
12:19​ – patch 2
13:09​ – patch 3
13:43​ – HPF & LPF
15:35​ – patch 1
16:11​ – patch 2
17:07​ – BP 1
18:04​ – BP 2
18:41​ – BP 3
19:12​ – BR 1
20:00​ – BR 1"

The Erica Synths Black Low Pass VCF is designed for analogue purists, who take sound design seriously. It’s highly stable, 24dB/oct resonant low pass VCF with voltage control over cutooff and resonance. Bonus features are post-filter overdrive circuit with user adjustable drive amount and the Black Filter Coupler connector.

FEATURES:
Voltage control over cutoff and resonance
Gain loss compensation on high resonance
Cutoff CV attenuverter
Adjustable post-filter overdrive circuit
Filter coupler connector

RRP: 150 EUR (VAT excl.)
MAP USA: 189 USD

The Erica Synths Black High Pass VCF is designed for analogue purists, who take sound design seriously. It’s highly stable, 24dB/oct resonant high pass VCF with voltage control over cutoff and resonance. Bonus features are built in post-filter overdrive circuit with user adjustable drive amount and the Black Filter Coupler connector.

FEATURES:
Voltage control over cutoff and resonance
Gain loss compensation on high resonance
Cutoff CV attenuverter
Adjustable post filter overdrive circuit


RRP: 150 EUR (VAT excl.)
MAP USA: 189 USD

The Erica Synths Black Filter Coupler is a satellite module to the Black High Pass VCF and the Black Low Pass VCF. It adds Bandpass and Band Reject filter functionality, both with adjustable center frequency and bandwidth, while both VCFs still can operate on their own. All modules have manual and CV control over all parameters, and that adds unprecedented nuances in sound design in your modular system.

FEATURES:
Bandpass and Band reject filters
Manually adjustable center frequency and bandwidth
Voltage control over center frequency and bandwidth
NB! The module is designed to work exclusively with both the Black High pass VCF and the Black Low Pass VCF.

RRP: 90 EUR (VAT excl.)
MAP USA: 109 USD

See the dealers on the right for availability.

Live Jam #149 Drum Freestyle / Breakbeat / Techno - 4ms stereo triggered sampler, Korg SQ1 60hp Moog

Published on Sep 27, 2018 Monotrail

"I have been looking forward to use the 4ms stereo triggered sampler in combination with the Korg sq1. Both for drums and melodic sequences these two are a really good hands on improvisation duo. This jam was not prepared at all, just pressed record after I had something nice going on, and couldn’t stop anymore. I got into it a few minutes in. All sound is from the sampler. There are no loops, just individual drum samples, and none of them are stock samples. Clouds is responsible for the saturation/distortion and delay.

PS: I have to tweak the volume of the individual samples a bit for a better mix

Patch description:

Korg sq1 cv 1 )) Pitch melodic sample
Korg sq1 gate 1 )) play melodic sample
Korg sq1 cv 2 )) triatt )) sample select drum samples
Sine lfo from peaks )) triatt )) select drum sample
Korg sq1 gate 2 )) play drum sample

Melodic voice )) lxd )) clouds left )) mixer
Offset voltage from triatt )) lxd cv in
Drums )) clouds right )) mixer"

Live Jam #145 Electro / Downtempo / Triphop – Eurorack, Basimilus Iteritas Alter, The Prophet delay

Published on Aug 29, 2018 Monotrail

"Sometimes a session writes itself. I was experimenting with the Basimilus Iteritas Alter and Doepfer a119 distortion. A simple melody generated by two crosmodulating lfo’s and a quantizer did the rest. I like this one."

Live Jam #143 - Calm chords / Ambient - Dave Smith Mopho X4, Plugiator, Akai APC, drums

Published on Aug 15, 2018 Monotrail

Live Jam #129 - Ambient / Chords / Pad – Dave Smith Instruments Mopho X4 + TC electronic M350

Published on Mar 14, 2018 Monotrail

"Working on a new sound and some chords with the DSI mopho x4, much to improve, but I like where this is going."

Live Jam #126 - Cinematic / Melodic - Arturia Microbrute, Dave Smith X4, Eurorack synthesizer

Published on Feb 21, 2018 Monotrail

Stuff used:
Arturia Microbrute, Dave Smith X4 and Eurorack modular system with:

Doepfer: a-118, a-119, a-124, a-143-4, a-156, a-160-2, a171-2
Erica synths: Black wavetable VCO
Expert Sleepers: Disting MK4
Intellijel: Dixie II, uFold, Quadra, 2xTriat , Linux, mult
Malekko heavy industry: Unity mixer
Make noise: MMG, Lxd
Mutable instruments: Clouds, Peaks
MFB: Duel LFO, OH/HH/CY
Synthrotek: Echo, Deluxe power
Tiptop Audio: BD808
Diy: Quad passive attenuator

Live Jam #116 - Electronic / Melodic / Beats - Eurorack, Arturia Microbrute, DSI mophoX4

Published on Dec 13, 2017 Monotrail

"A Calm session with some organ-like tones from the mophoX4 and percussion from the modular. The camera quit working after about a minute, so I had to fill in some non-live footage. The end is real ;)

If you want to be part of my project, support future videos and receive special patron bonuses, such as free mp3s of all my Live Jams, please consider becoming a Patron by donating a small amount of money on a monthly basis via Patreon.com. For more information visit: https://www.patreon.com/monotrail

Special thanks to Legendary Patron:
Out Of Orbit - https://www.youtube.com/user/xaverito

Stuff used:
Dave Smith Instruments MophoX4, Arturia Microbrute, BeatstepPro and a Eurorack modular synthesizer with:

Doepfer: a-118, a-119, a-124, a-143-4, a-156, a-160-2, a171-2
Erica synths: Black wavetable VCO
Expert Sleepers: Disting MK4
Intellijel: Dixie II, uFold, Quadra, 2xTriat , Linux, mult
Malekko heavy industry: Unity mixer
Make noise: MMG, Lxd
Mutable instruments: Clouds, Peaks
MFB: OH/HH/CY
Synthrotek: Echo, Deluxe power
Tiptop Audio: BD808
Diy: Quad passive attenuator"

Live Jam #113 - Techno/ Improvisation - Eurorack modular synth and Arturia Beatstep Pro

Published on Nov 22, 2017 Monotrail

"I was messing around with some sounds on the modular and decided to record a quick techno session. No melodies from the Beatstep Pro, just triggers for the drums. Some clap(ish) sounds and the high biep are a sample snippet from the Disting mk4...

Stuff used:
Eurorack modular synthesizer with:

Doepfer: a-118, a-119, a-124, a-143-4, a-156, a-160-2, a171-2
Erica synths: Black wavetable VCO
Expert Sleepers: Disting MK4
Intellijel: Dixie II, uFold, Quadra, 2xTriat , Linux, mult
Malekko heavy industry: Unity mixer
Make noise: MMG, Lxd
Mutable instruments: Clouds, Peaks
MFB: OH/HH/CY
Synthrotek: Echo, Deluxe power
Tiptop Audio: BD808
Diy: Quad passive attenuator"

Live Jam #112 - Calm / Ambient / Pads - Dave Smith Mopho x4, Arturia Microbrute

Published on Nov 15, 2017 Monotrail

"I couldn't resist a good deal on a used Mopho x4. I have been looking for a compact analog poly for a while, and prefer this one's deep architecture and textured pads. Lot's to learn. More sounds to come!"

Live Jam #111 - Calm / Downtempo / Techno - Eurorack modular synth and Arturia Beatstep Pro

Published on Nov 8, 2017 Monotrail

"A calm techno session wit the modular generating all sounds. The faster melody is generated by a unsynced looping envelope, the baseline is sequenced from the BSP. Kick and hats from the BD808 and MFB hats, other percussive sounds are synthesized with the help of the Make Noise LxD.

If you want to be part of my project, support future videos and receive special patron bonuses, such as free mp3s of all my Live Jams, please visit: https://www.patreon.com/monotrail

Special thanks to Legendary Patron:
Out Of Orbit - https://www.youtube.com/user/xaverito

More info on Monotrail:
Site: http://monotrail.blogspot.de
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/monotrail
Bandcamp: https://monotrail.bandcamp.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/monotrailmusic
Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/monotrailmusic
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/monotrail

Stuff used:
Eurorack modular synthesizer with:

Doepfer: a-118, a-119, a-124, a-143-4, a-156, a-160-2, a171-2
Erica synths: Black wavetable VCO
Expert Sleepers: Disting MK4
Intellijel: Dixie II, uFold, Quadra, 2xTriat , Linux, mult
Malekko heavy industry: Unity mixer
Make noise: MMG, Lxd
Mutable instruments: Clouds, Peaks
MFB: OH/HH/CY
Synthrotek: Echo, Deluxe power
Tiptop Audio: BD808
Diy: Quad passive attenuator"