System 55 Basic Patch Points - Lucky Man patch

video upload by O.Z. Hall

"This video walks through the patching required to create a Minimoog sound on the System 55 modular. If you already know the signal flow of the Minimoog, skip to part two (4:21 in the video).

Timecode
0:00 - Part 1 - Minimoog Signal Flow
4:21 - Part 2 - System 55 Minimoog Patch"

System 55 CM1A Midi to CV converter

video upload by O.Z. Hall

"This video goes into detail on the CM1A Midi to CV converter. In particular, setting the mode for either System 55/35/15 or System 100/2500. Also, switching between monophonic an duophonic operation."

System 55 - 961 Interface Module Tricks and Tips

video upload by O.Z. Hall

"This video explores the 961 Interface Module. The main function of this module is to convert Voltage triggers (v-triggers) to Switch triggers (s-triggers), and vice versa.
Along the way we show an interesting (and musical) capability of the module that allows us to change from 8th notes to quarter notes (or half notes). It's pretty cool. Let me know what you think.
The synth audio was wholly produced by the System 55 (with reverb added in the mixer)."

Behringer System 55 Sequencer Expansion

video upload by O.Z. Hall

"This is a quick video about expanding the Behringer System 55 modular synth with a second 960 sequencer."

O.Z. Hall Behringer posts

Behringer System 55 unboxing/assembly

video upload by O.Z. Hall

"This video is a quick unboxing/assembly video with a few tips along the way. Keep an eye out for additional patching and how-to videos with the Behringer System 55.
BTW, the background music was from the September group meeting of the facebook group 'Birmingham Alabama Electronic Music Group'. We usually bring a synth or two and jam at these meetings. Check out our soundcloud page. Here's a Soundcloud link to one of the tunes I used: https://soundcloud.com/user-290210481..."

Recording Live MIDI Drum parts

video upload by O.Z. Hall

"This video explores a technique that I researched this past week. Drums are my most proficient instrument, so this technique lets me record more natural "live" sounding drum parts into a DAW or Groovebox.

I'm using the Roland SPD-30 drum pads (a successor to the Octapad ). I'm not using the internal SPD-30 sounds, I'm just outputting the stream of MIDI notes.

I'm using the eMu XL-7 Command Station (groovebox) to record the MIDI notes as well as producing the sounds associated with those notes. The XL-7 is a great desktop Workstation platform. The sounds are great and there are so many hands on controls:

    16 knobs, plus volume and data encoder
    49 switches
    13 performance pads plus a ribbon controller

The rack mount successor to the XL-7 is the flagship eMu Proteus 2500."

Korg Maxi-Korg 800DV panel controls in detail

video upload by O.Z. Hall

"This is a detailed explanation of the unusual panel controls of the vintage Korg Maxi-Korg 800DV from the 1970s. Some have suggested that it was the best mono synth from the 1970s. It included two full mini-korg 700 synths which provided a lot of sonic potential.

This unit is rare because
1) at that time Korg (sold throughh Univox in the U.S.) was a largely unknown Japanese synth maker.
2) it was the older brother to the Mini-Korg 700(s). The Mini-Korg sold for about $750 in the mid '70s. The Maxi was perhaps twice that price, which meant that it competed with the ARP Odyssey and Mini-moog. It obviously lost that contest in the market.

Check it out in this video! Let me know what you think."

System 55 - 921 A Oscillator Controller Patching

video upload by O.Z. Hall

"This video shows how to patch the 921-A Oscillator Controller to the 921-B Oscillators. It also shows how to hardwire these connections to unclutter your panel and save patch cords.
Note: this mod WILL VOID your warranty."

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.

CLICK FOR MORE »

Behringer System 55 - First Test

video upload by O.Z. Hall

"The Behringer System 55 does not have any module called 'slew' or 'glide' or 'portamento'.
A 'slew limiter' is the circuit which creates the 'glide/portamento' effect on a synthesizer. It is basically a 6db/octave low pass filter capable of sub audio cutoff frequencies.
In this video with the Behringer System 55, I'm using the 'lowpass' eq in the 923 module as a slew limiter (glide/portamento effect)."

O.Z. Hall #DotCompetition2023 Video Submission

video upload by O.Z. Hall

"This video is my submission for the DotCompetition 2023 by Synthesizers.com.

Here's a link to the referenced Synthesizers.com Q119 RATCHETING tutorial video:" [posted here]

B2600 Basic Patch Points

video upload by O.Z. Hall

"I created this video for new owners of the Behringer 2600. The information in this video is very basic, but essential. Recently two such owners presented me with basic patching question. I suspect with the availablility of this affordable but very powerful synth, there are many who are either new to semi-modular patching or just overwhelmed by the number of patch point on the B2600.
I hope it helps you on your journey of exploration of the B2600."

Plaits Randomized Presets with Slew

video upload by O.Z. Hall

Plaits Tabla #shorts

video upload by O.Z. Hall

Wavolver II demo

video upload by O.Z. Hall

Click here for additional Wavolver posts by O.Z. Hall.

"The Wavolver II is a waveshaper that includes both a wave (manual) folder and a pulse waveshaper (with vertical offset and pulse width modulation ). It also includes a second pulse wave. This Eurorack module is available from Elby Designs. The circuit was designed by Ian Fritz.

I'm modulating is with a quantizer which is acting as a kind of sample and hold circuit."

Ornament & Crime Quantize Bytebeat CVs

video upload by O.Z. Hall

"I hope you enjoy the music. Here are some tech details.
I have a sequence driving a wavetable oscillator ( Orgone Accumulator ). I've also got an analog VCO pulse wave. The pitch is driven by the Ornament and Crime module which is generating (via Bytebeat app) and Quantizing a keyboard CV."

ARP 2500 Bible - Matrix Switch Patching

video upload by O.Z. Hall

"This video explores the Cherry Matrix Switch patching system used by the ARP 2500 modular synthesizer. We're demonstrating in detail the possible uses of a matrix switching system using a one-of-a-kind Cherry Matrix Switch 10x10 module. We're patching a system made up of the Behringer ARP 2500 modules.
Check it out!"

Beads by Mutable Instruments

video upload by O.Z. Hall

"#shorts The mutable instruments Beads module in delay mode created an unexpected sound."

SH 01 Gaia Hidden 16 Channel MIDI synth engine

video upload by O.Z. Hall

"Although the Gaia's 16 channel General MIDI synth engine is well documented, most people are simply unaware that it exists. This video explains / explores the capabilities of the General Midi synth engine within the SH-01 Gaia keyboard. This engine responds to MIDI messages on all 16 MIDI channels. This is in addition to the main Virtual Analog (VA) synth engine which is driven from the local keyboard.

Here's my previous answer to 'where are drums coming from'?
There is a General Midi sound engine in the Gaia, in addition to the Virtual Analog (VA) synth (VA is the main focus of instrument). This sound engine responds on all 16 channels, including MIDI channel 10 (the standard drum channel). The default preset on channel 10 is the drum kit you hear in the video. The Arturia Beatstep Pro is sending the MIDI note on channel 10 to create the drum patterns."

SH 01 Gaia Live Improv/Demo - no talking

video upload by O.Z. Hall

"The Roland Gaia virtual analog (VA) synthesizer is really quite impressive (IMHO). It features VA architecture with many filter formats as well as effects. Although it is a "single oscillator" synth, there are three complete VA layers, including oscillator sync between layers!
There are also 8 good sampled presets, when you want sampled piano, strings, voices, etc.
Add to all that a General Midi digital sound module (accessible only via MIDI). Per the GM standard, MIDI channel 10 lets you access a good sounding drum kit. This is the kit I'm using in the video.
The drums are triggered vial MIDI from the Arturia Beatstep Pro sequencer.
The synth preset used is original. The 'Phrase Recorder' sequences are original. Of course, the improvisational playing and parameter adjustments are live. I hope listening is as fun for you as playing was for me!"