California Highway 136, a ride around the enigmatic Owens Lake

video upload by CatSynth TV

"We follow California Highway 136 around the northern and eastern sides of Owens Lake, a semi-dry lake in the Owens Valley between the Sierra Nevada and Death Valley.

The beginning section on US 395 features the E350 Morphing Terrarium from Synthesis Technology, in honor of Paul T Schneider who past away during the making of this video.

Original music by Amanda Chaudhary featuring:
E350 Morphing Terrarium from Synthesis Technology
Dual Universal Slope Generator from Random Source and Serge
ARC Artificial Neural Network module
Metsasonx R54 Supermodule VCO/VCF
Strymon Starlab
Vintage Minimoog Model D
Cherry Audio Quadra, Polymode and Filtomika
Arturia CZ V, Delay Brigade
SWAM Contrabasson
EastWest RA, Fantasy Percussion, Stormdrum 2, Spaces convolution reverb
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Store: https://shop.catsynth.com
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/catsynth
Ko-Fi: https://ko-fi.com/catsynth"

Serge Paperface 50 | Abstract Dubstep

video upload by Akihiko Matsumoto



"Discover the raw power of Serge Modular with this exclusive sample pack. Featuring organic noise textures, complex rhythms, analog drones, and punchy one-shots, each sound embodies the unpredictable, evolving nature of modular synthesis. Currently in beta, this pack offers a limited selection of sounds at an early price, with free lifetime updates as new material is added."

Todd Barton: a conversation about Buchla, Serge, modular and more

video upload by CatSynth TV

"We present a lively and in-depth conversation with Todd Barton, "sonic adventurer, composer, educator and performer of abstract, freely improvised electronic music specializing in Buchla, Serge and Hordijk instruments." We discuss his connections to these instruments developed to become central to his music, and sharing his knowledge and experience with others through his popular YouTube and Instagram channels and private lessons. We also touch on a few encounters including the Serge anniversary show in San Francisco, the launch of the Buchla Red Panel series at NAMM, and most recently, his duet with Suzanne Ciani at Buchla & Friends 2025 in Los Angeles.

To find out more about Todd Barton and his work, please visit his website: https://www.toddbarton.com/

00:00 Introduction
00:48 Todd Barton as sonic adventurer and musician in multiple worlds
03:20 Serge, Buchla and Hordijk
08:52 Barton's long relationship with Buchla instruments
13:32 The Buchla Red Panel series, and other 100-series re-creations
18:07 The myriad possibilities of the Serge Dual Universal Slope Generator
21:15 YouTube and Instagram demos and private lessons for modular synthesis
29:48 Performing with Suzanne Ciani at Buchla & Friends 2025
33:55 Community and the future of making music with signals
36:17 Conclusion

Our highlight video from Suzanne Ciani and Todd Barton duo at Buchla & Friends:
[ • Suzanne Ciani and Todd Barton live pe...] [posted here] ( • Suzanne Ciani and Todd Barton live pe... ) [posted here]

Our demo and tutorial on the Buchla Red Panel 158 and 156m
• Buchla Red Panel 158 and 156M: Demo a... [posted here]

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Please consider supporting this channel to help us bring you more synthesizer tutorials and other content.
Merch: https://shop.catsynth.com
Patreon: / catsynth
Ko-Fi: https://ko-fi.com/catsynth"

Serge Paperface 50 | Abstract Dubstep

video upload by Akihiko Matsumoto



"Discover the raw power of Serge Modular with this exclusive sample pack. Featuring organic noise textures, complex rhythms, analog drones, and punchy one-shots, each sound embodies the unpredictable, evolving nature of modular synthesis. Currently in beta, this pack offers a limited selection of sounds at an early price, with free lifetime updates as new material is added."

Serge Paperface 50 | Abstract Dubstep

video upload by

"Serge Modular Synth (Sample Pack) https://akihikomatsumoto.bandcamp.com...
Discover the raw power of Serge Modular with this exclusive sample pack. Featuring organic noise textures, complex rhythms, analog drones, and punchy one-shots, each sound embodies the unpredictable, evolving nature of modular synthesis. Currently in beta, this pack offers a limited selection of sounds at an early price, with free lifetime updates as new material is added."

Mastering is a Fine Art | But the basics are useful too!

video upload by Cinematic Laboratory

"First of all I am not a mastering engineer. I learned the basics at Abbey Road Institute which involve EQ, glue compression, a bit of analog color, a bit of sparkle (exciter), a tiny bit of glue reverb and a final EQ to iron out the final extremes. I learned from certified mastering engineers in London, but I don't have their experience of making any track from any artist sound better and ready for the big world. That's beyond a skill, it's an Art (with a capital A) and it takes years to learn. It would also require good ears, great taste, the ability to understand what the customer wants and extensive knowledge about what's competitive.

I've added this video to the Modular Classroom playlist [embedded below], but it's not a regular episode. I just feel it belongs there.

In the modular niche we don't work with console mixes (or tracks in a DAW). We usually record a single take to a single track and when it's recorded we can't tweak anything. It's 'frozen' in time. It's also unlikely to be able to record the same piece twice. In the modular niche we're back in the late 60's and early 70's. But we also have the advantage of using a real instrument that sounds amazing.

I recorded a problematic track for this video. I didn't know it was problematic until i listened with headphones. If you care a bit about a good final track, ready sharing on your new BandCamp album, here are a few tips you may find useful. Since we can't really change our stereo track, we may need to photoshop it a bit. With Mastering, 'less is more' is the golden rule. Sometimes people ask me about my 'mastering chain' because they like the sound of my patches. The hard truth is that I don't use any. I can't make it more less. I just record raw, and iron out possible problems BEFORE I record. When I record a Serge case, I don't have to fix anyhting. When I record a case with many digital modules, I get in-case clipping, tough resonance and stereo low end issues (mud). A DAW like Ableton offers all the tools you need, but the FabFilter tools are worth buying. You don't have to worry about subscriptions and new versions, they're excellent.

CLICK FOR MORE »

SERGE Eurorack layered - featuring Medusa

video upload by Serge Modular | Random*Source

"Layering 2 patches / takes (using a slightly modified setup) for more complexity. Both patches and setup by patchboi Teo."

Serge Filter Tour | Serge Modular | Episode 07 | Res EQ, VCF2, Siegfried, VCFS, VCFX, VCFQ

video upload by Cinematic Laboratory

"There are currently 1601 filters on ModularGrid. It may be impossible to pick the right one for your case. If we check out the modular pioneers, we'd see Moog's legendary ladder. Buchla only made a rare triple bandpass, Roland and Korg refined far eastcoast synthesis and there are a few exotics like the Wasp and the Polivoks. In this video I want to focus on the Serge filters (eurorack format) which I rediscovered last year. He has five designs with distinct differences. There's the RES EQ fixed filter bank, the VCF2 variable bandwidth with no resonance (?), the VCFS with a variable slope (?) and the highly appreciated VCFQ with variable resonance. A few weeks ago Serge released the VCFX with a 'new gate' on a single panel. It's a simple utility filter on its own, but combined with the gate we'll have a patch programmable LPG. Or a bandpass gate.

I'll be using the Schlappi THREE-BODY as a triple sawtooth voice making a chord. It's a big and nasty sound that could use a filter. It inevitably turned out to be a long video because I had the pleasure to go through five different filters. I tried to keep it fresh and entertaining. Who doesn't love playing the cut-off :)."

Serge Modular - Here's where you find it

video upload by Serge Modular | Random*Source

"Another eurorack patch by Teo starring MEDUSA ... #sergemodular"

Extended Range Slope Filter (VCFS) mod test 1 - Low-Gain Electronics | Serge Modular 4U

video upload by LowgainElectronics

"Experimenting with the extended range mod for the slope filter (VCFS)

Negative slope is running through the VCFS then into the FM input on an oscillator. So pitch modulation provides an idea of the CV mangling that can be achieved."

R7 1973 Envelope Generator Re-Trig Mod - Low-gain Electronics | 4U Modular Serge

video upload by LowgainElectronics

"Playing around with some new modifications to the R7 Envelope Generator. You can now retrigger it mid cycle. More information will be posted on my website soon."

Serge New Gates - Complex Sounds

video upload by Serge Modular | Random*Source

"The new generation of the Serge Gates from 1973 was (re)designed by Serge himself in 2022 and is now available for eurorack (in combination with the equally new VCFX filter). Originally intended as a VCA with selectable characteristics, the new version adds ring modulation. However, since the other 2 CV inputs can be used at the same time (with varying results depending on the mode and knob settings), the New Gates are an invitation to be (able to)used to mangle different waveforms - this videos aims to give an idea of what that can sound like.

Modules used: Serge GTS, NTO, Extended ADSR (handling keyboard input from Microfreak in some patches), additional GTO in some."

It's all Voltage | The Modular Classroom | Lesson 1 (feat. Serge DUSG and GTS)

video upload by Cinematic Laboratory

"OK, here's episode 1 of my modular classroom series. Again. I had to reupload due to editing errors. So I worked on it some more, added some stuff and removed a segment that went to Lesson 2.

I had to pick a reference because we all own different case layouts. I assume everyone can follow and try some of it if you own a Maths, Falistri, Rampage or Abacus. I'll be using Serge DUSG and GTS for most of this video. I did not include the 281T quad function generator because it will get its own lesson.

We're going to be taking about rise and falls a lot. They're the foundation for modular sound generation and movement. It's all voltage. When we think of a triangle wave as a basic waveform, we can break it apart and see it as a rising voltage, a falling voltage in a repeating cycle over periods of time. Time will determine if it's a VCO or LFO."

Slope Language | The Modular Classroom | Lesson 2 (feat. Maths, Rings and Clouds)

video upload by Cinematic Laboratory

"In Lesson 1 I introduced a hidden sonic world of rise and falls, a foundation for making sounds and movement and for interaction with other sounds and movements. I realized it's hard to make lessons without reference gear and I picked Maths as the No. 1 module to explain the core concepts of low level synthesis. While making this lesson, I figured out this 'slope language' which could be an alternative to patch diagrams. Diagrams only work on a system with a fixed layout and modules. In modular this just doesn't work because all modulars are different and personal.

I also needed to find a way to combine high level music making with low level modular techniques and explain why it's worth it to dive a bit deeper. I used Rings and Clouds as a methaphor for 'fastfood' because it's really easy to make great music. This often sounds like a bad thing but it's not. Too easy is good. It confirms that modular synths can be cool. But it's even cooler to hear what happens when we add a bit of low level movement. Sticking to the metaphor of cooking with sound, it becomes a Chef's kitchen, where Rings/Clouds are the signature ingredients, and Maths is the secret sauce.

The goal for these classes is to learn how to think in voltage slopes (rise and falls) and these 'slope language' diagrams seem to work for lots of module combinations. I was able to 'translate' a Maths patch to Tides and Blinds. It works because we're taking a step back from the panel layout, and focus on what the voltage is doing. The recipe. For me, it felt like a missing link that really helps me to explain things. Now let's hope this works for you too."

Comp/Sat experimentation with Dual Processor V2 - Low-gain Electronics | 4U Modular Serge

video upload by LowgainElectronics

"Running two stage gates (stacked) from gate sequencer into channel 1, squarewave into bandwidth filter into channel 3. Output is fed bad into channel 2 with Q filter in series for gain/tambre control. Playing with channel levels, bias and phase while switching saturation/compression switch in and out. It can be subtle but in feedback patches it can be essential!"

Background Modulars No.8 Serge Paperface

video upload by Memetune Studio

"Don’t have a real Serge Modular Paperface to hand? No worries! Just put this video on in the background (in full-screen mode), and have the next best thing 😁

Here is 10 minutes of self-playing modular synthesiser randomness. Why not put it on loop - then you can have it bubbling away in the background while you do other things

A note on the patch: I'm using the LW Gated Comparator and the 2 original Paperface Sequencers (from the mid-70s) to run things - as always with a big Serge patch its virtually impossible to keep track of all the connections - its like a giant living creature - but I use lots of delays here - the vintage Wilson, plus a brand new Prism Circuits Cascade Delay. There are the old Serge dual spring reverbs in here, and the VC stereo mixer to mix it all up and move it all around. I like the distortions the lo-fi delays bring to the party. It's going through my Neve 88D which has the most astonishing compressors and EQs. I am in love with my mixing desk - not a good sign"

Netcon

video upload by Memetune Studio

"A short vintage video of some vintage modular synths, networked together in the old-style way

Emu 2000 Series
Modcan A-Series
Serge Paperface
ARP Tonus 2500"

BUCHLA & FRIENDS: THE SYNTH MAKER SHOWCASE Event Set for LA Next Weekend Jan 25 & 26

Tickets available at Eventbrite

"We’re gathering over 70 boutique synth makers in one awesome Silverlake spot so you can learn, listen, and live the latest in electronic music sound production. This hands-on, headphones-only gathering gives you a chance to hear the best sounds science has ever created. From additive to subtractive, analog to digital, keyboards to breath, audio to visual (yes- some video synths will be here too!), modular to full-size polyphonic, eurorack to Serge to Buchla, you’ll meet synth makers and synth enthusiasts alike. This will be January’s biggest two-day collection of hands-on synths on the West Coast! If you love creative sound, you need to be here."

Delicious food (including vegan) from Moby Rick’s fish tacos, incredible carbonated beverages from United Wild Brew. Exhibitors: 1010music • 4ms • After Later Audio • AIAIAI • AJH • ALM Busy Circuits • Animal Factory • Ashton Research • ASM • Bastl Instruments • Bitwig • Black Corporation • Bored Brain • Buchla • Catalyst • Circuit Happy • Crosspatch • Days of Yore • Rain City Modular • Doepfer • Dogbotic Labs • Dreadbox • Drift DJ • Elektron • Endorphines • eowave • Eternal Research • Five12 • Flame • Frap Tools • Future Retro • Genki Instruments • Groove Synthesis • Jomox • LA Synth Club • Mega Modular Corp • Melbourne instruments • MEMS project • Meris • Modbap • Moog Foundation • Mystic Circuits • Netherblade • New Systems Instruments • Noise Engineering • Noisebug • Novation • Null Modular • OXI Instruments • Polyend • Prism Circuits • Roger Linn • Schlappi Engineering • Sleepy Circuits • SoCal Synth Society • SOMA • Soundwork Shop • Studio Electronics • Supercritical • SynthRISE • TipTop • Tobinski • Touellskouarn • U.D.O. • Vermona • Wavea • Waveform Magazine • Wavesequencer • Weston Precision Audio • WMD ... & more!

Buchla organizes this event to make a stronger synthesizer community. We make it free to attend and affordable for exhibitors. This makes the vibes great - after all, we are all making our own waves!"

Background Modulars No.7 - Buchla 200

video upload by Memetune Studio

"Don’t have a Buchla 200 to hand? No worries! Just put this video on in the background (in full-screen mode), and have the next best thing 😁

Here is 10 minutes of self-playing modular synthesiser randomness. Why not put it on loop - then you can have it bubbling away in the background while you do other things. Or maybe check out the playlist I have made with all the Background Modular Series videos: [playlist below]

A note on the patch. A 281 provides the clock for the whole thing, firstly making the percussion noises which sound a bit like fireworks going off. Then the clock runs the MARF which is providing the slow notes underneath. These are in stereo, all being moved about with random generators. There's two delays in there (288 and 277), and the Spectral Processor too. Its a bit hard to remember what I did because I kind of just kept patching until I ran out of Bananas ( I've got more, but they are being used on the Serge for something else)

Enjoy!"

Fala Versio | Versio Platform | Episode 13

video upload by Cinematic Laboratory

"Noise Engineering has just released three new firmwares for the Versio, Legio and Alia platforms. As always, they're amazing and they're free downloads for any of those platforms. Fala Versio is a formant filter that's super easy to use. It will add a lot of vocal expression to your patch. On mild settings you can create choir-like sounds, on more extreme settings it will talk. In short, it's just amazing.

This is a simple video, which was a warm bath after my last Leibniz video. I'll be using MakeNoise Strega, Bruxa, Serge Medusa and the Broken Loquelic as my sound sources which create an excellent mood for the time between XMAS and the happy new year. I did not make any 'best wishes' or 'best of 2024' video this year because I couldn't finish it in time. I also realized that my 'best of 2024' are never going to be my all time favorites (except the new Serge Medusa and Instruo Dail).

Obviously I wish you all the best and I am hoping you'll have a great time patching the modular during the holiday season - and beyond. I'll probably post something before the end of the year.

Serge has been a personal discovery in 2024, so instead of getting the latest modules, I went back to 70's tech and it's a dream come true. I also love Bruxa a lot. Objectively the Joranalogue x Hainbach Collide 4 is a major achievement in eurorack, and it's impossible to ignore DivKid's colllab-contributions to the eurorack landscape, including the Droid patch.

I still need to figure out my DivSkip. XAOC Berlin is a must-have in the Leibniz niche, but on it's own it's just a very basic VCO. Another favorite is Oneiroi and it's cool to see that Black Maths is on the bestseller list, proving the old stuff doesn't get old. The new Buchla/TTA modules are also dreams that came true and it's great to finally have an orginal 259 . I didn't have time to dive into the new Qu-Bit StarDust looper, but I bet it will be worth checking out if you want to escape monophony."

TMP-3-01 Vintage Synth TV Series from Benge

video upload by Memetune Studio

00:00 Opening Titles
00:17 Introduction
01:27 Switched On 80s
15:30 Little Black Boxes
20:13 Commercial Break
23:19 Synthesiser Club
27:08 Patching Today
40:16 Video Lab
46:25 Outro

"Episode one of the third series of the TV program from Benge, made at his Memetune Electronic Music Studio

The series explores his passion for vintage synthesiser instruments and studio gear and how he uses them in his productions and collaborations

////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

It is divided into the following sections:

SWITCHED ON 80s - This third series takes an in-depth look into six classic 80s synthesisers, selected because of their interesting and unique attributes

LITTLE BLACK BOXES - A further look at some classic rack mount studio gear of the 80s and 90s

SYNTHESISER CLUB - A short musical demonstration of a synthesiser classic or three, concentrating on 'families' of synths

COMMERCIAL BREAK - Some shameless Memetune shilling

PATCHING TODAY - A deep-dive into vintage modular systems and how to set up a patch on them, starting from scratch, this time using Cybersynthesis techniques to bring an element of surprise to the patches

VIDEO LAB - A look at old video equipment and how to create experimental visuals, concentrating on a specific device in each episode

////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

In THIS episode:

SWITCHED ON 80s - A detailed look at the Korg Monopoly from 1981, and Benge unveils his virtual 80s studio environment

LITTLE BLACK BOXES - A look at four of the first true Little Black Boxes - not synths, but early digital reverberation units: the AMS RMX16, Quantec Room Simulator, Yamaha REV1 and the Lexicon Model 200

SYNTHESISER CLUB - Today, it's the Kawai Klub - the K4 synth, R-50 drum machine, Q-80 sequencer and K1m desktop synth. The drum machine and sequencer were very kindly donated to Memetune by a generous viewer called Alex 💕

COMMERCIAL BREAK - Some adverts for Memetune-related goodies, including the new Memetune Annual 2024, a Benge album on vinyl, and the range of Memetune merchandise

PATCHING TODAY - on the Serge Paperface system, and a modern recreation of the CGS Gated Comparator in Serge format made by Loudest Warning

VIDEO LAB - In this episode we take a deep dive into the legendary Panasonic MJ-MX50 Production Mixer from the mid-1980s

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LINKS:

Benge's Studio Blog: http://myblogitsfullofstars.blogspot.com

Memetune Studio Instagram: @memetunestudio

Benge & Memetune Merch on Bandcamp: https://zackdagoba.bandcamp.com

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The MemeTune Programme Credits:
Everything in this video was created by B D Edwards (Benge)
All music, design, writing, filming and production completed at Memetune Studios, UK, 2024"