Insomnia //Bloom/Chord/Subharmonicon/Mother32/STO/Rings/Plaits/Tides/Zadar/Ornament&Crime//

video upload by Aleatoric Machine

"Self-playing eurorack modular synthesizer patch
Variations on a 4 note sequence
Bloom plays one variation via Chord, STO, and Tides, with envelopes controlled by Contour and Function, and harmonization by Mood
Plaits and Rings play 2 variations from 2 different Turing Machines on Ornament & Crime, with masks controlled by sequences from 2x Stages and bouncing ball patterns generated by 2x Maths
Mother 32 plays another variation
Subharmonicon plays another variation
Chance and Wogglebug provide modulation
Mimeophon and Magneto provide delay
2x Verb provide reverb
4x 1u VCA provide dynamics
Overall form controlled by 4 envelopes from Zadar
Mixed into 2x Mixup"

TEST SERIES Mungo Enterprises P0 Percussion Module Zetaohm FLXS1 Eurorack Sequencer

Published on Jan 4, 2019 Outsider Sound Design

"Experiments with the Mungo P0 Percussion eurorack module.
CV used are Zetaohm FLXS1 Eurorack Sequencer, Mungo W0, and XAOC Devices Zadar.

The purpose of “TEST SERIES” is to focus on the sound design possibilities of various gear combinations. This series is not musical nor does it serve as an instructional video. It is all about sound potential.
Please consider supporting this channel by purchasing a sample pack or music download from www.outsidersounddesign.com"

Abyss Devices - Tube distortions compared

video upload by John Schussler

"Abyss Devices makes a couple different tube-based distortions. The Saevitum is bigger, with a resonant LP/HP filter attached, and Saevicus is smaller with no (resonant) filter. Both use 12AX7 tubes and similar amp circuitry, so I was interested to see where their sounds differed or were the same.

Since the Saevicus doesn't have a resonant filter (it has as filter, but it serves mostly as a simple tone control), I focused on the distortion sounds from each module, with my main question being whether the smaller Saevicus was missing anything in that department, or whether it was just as growly as its big brother.

Input audio was a basic saw wave from a Doepfer A-111. Sequenced by Stochastic IG. Envelope by Zadar.

00:00 Intro
00:20 Basics
03:00 Feedback
04:41 Saevitum filter
08:40 Saevitus gain
11:56 Saevitum filter"

Two by Four //Subharmonicon/Mother 32/Plaits/Rings/Tides/Mimeophon/Magneto//

video upload by Aleatoric Machine

"The fun part about this patch is that all of the pitch sequencing comes from the Moog Subharmonicon. Including the bass line. Subharmonicon starts doing its thing with the two four note sequences. It goes through Make Noise Mimeophon to double up the polyrhythm pattern. Mutable Instruments Rings follows the pitch of sequence one, while Mutable Instruments Plaits (in a Rings-ish voice) follows sequence two. Moog Mother 32 samples and holds a pitch from sequence two at random intervals. Both sequences run into Expert Sleepers Disting mk4 in min/max mode. Mutable Instruments Tides and Make Noise STO double up on the base line, which is the min value of the two sequences, periodically switching to the max value (when it sounds like it goes to the 4 chord). The overall mix sequencing is handled by Malekko Voltage Block, with 2x Make Noise Maths controlling the slow fade between settings.

Also starring Intellijel Steppy sequencing Mosaic drum modules, XAOC Zadar and Qu-Bit Chance for modulation, Mutable Instruments Stages for some LFOs, Strymon Magneto on Plaits, and Chase Bliss Mood and Happy Nerding FX Aid on Mother 32."

Complex oscillator comparison - Cosmotronic vs. Hexinverter

video upload by John Schussler

"Unlike the Verbos and Sputnik complex oscillators I looked at last time [posted here], which are fairly straightforward, the Cosmotronic and Hexinverter complex oscillators are...definitely more complex.

They both add phase modulation to the wavefolder, and include more elaborate modulation buss control. Plus more intermodulation capabilities.

They're set up sufficiently differently that a direct feature-by-feature comparison would be hard to do in a sensible way. Or in under 3 hours. So this is really a long, meandering, very skip-around-able video to sample both flavors.

And when you're done, go listen to the Verbos and Sputnik. It's an interesting comparison.

Sequence: Stochastic IG. Envelope: Zadar

00:00 Intro
00:20 Vortex sequence
21:38 Vortex drone
28:28 Mindphaser sequence
47:22 Mindphaser drone"

Serge Random*Source Resonant EQ - SMD vs Thru hole

video upload by John Schussler

"I've had an SMD version of the Random*Source Serge Resonant EQ for some time, and have been curious to know whether the older thru-hole version had a significantly different sound. I recently ran across one for sale, so here we are.

This is basically me trying to figure out how they're different, and whether I have a preference. Ideally I'd only keep one, but....

Source oscillator is an Acid Rain Chainsaw in single saw mode.
Sequence from Stochastic IG. Envelope from Zadar.

00:00 Intro
00:20 SMD Self-oscillation
04:03 TH self-oscillation
07:27 Sequence
13:55 Faster sequence"

Cre8Audio - Chipz dual VCO

video upload by John Schussler

"This is a general overview of the Cre8Audio Chipz.

It's a lo-fi VCO inspired by early video game sound generators. But that sortof undersells it...it's got lots of character baked in.

Each voice is independent. The first has a filter, the second a "duty cycle" control (aka PWM for a square wave, but in this case for more than just that).

The LFO can be reset, which is great for synching modulation to a clock (sadly I didn't get around to demoing that here).

Nothing else here but the Chipz and a little reverb at the end. Envelope by Zadar. Sequence by Stochastic IG.

00:00 Intro
00:20 VCO 1
02:43 VCO 2
04:14 LFO
07:00 Sequence
08:42 Envelope to filter
09:33 Envelope to VCA
11:00 Wiggle wiggle
14:40 Both VCOs, a fifth apart
17:18 Both VCOs, octaves"

62HP EP5: 4 Voice iPad Sequenced Synth

video by Perfect Circuit

"This 62HP system is a four voice synthesizer with effects that is designed to be sequenced by an iPad with USB, but you could sequence it with any USB midi.

The synth voice is made with the Recovery Effects Jupiter Spirits quad VCO, an Intellijel Morgasmatron dual filter, XAOC Zadar quad envelope/function generator and two Intellijel 1U Dual VCAs for 4 VCAs total. There are two effects modules, the WMD/SSF DPLR dual delay and the Erica Synths Dual FX which has two DSP effect channels. The USB to CV is handled by the Noise Engineering Univer Iter. The iPad is used to both sequence the four synth voices with the Fuge Machine app, and to create the drums with Ruismaker.

All of the gear in this video available here: https://www.perfectcircuit.com/catalo...​

Timeline:

00:00​ - Intro
00:05​ - Jam
02:02​ - System Overview
02:52​ - Patch Explanation
03:40​ - What The System Can Do
04:24​ - Outro"

Eurorack Ring Modulators

video upload by John Schussler

"Ring modulation, according to the interwebs, is basically AM modulation (amplitude modulation) that goes through the full cycle. In AM modulation, any frequency below zero simply stops the oscillator. With ring modulation, you're still modulating the amplitude, but when the signal goes below zero volts it inverts the oscillator signal rather than stopping it. This creates a variety of new harmonics.

But those aren't necessarily 'ringing' harmonics. The ring in the name comes from the fact that most ring modulators use a "ring" of 4 diodes one into the other to create the effect.

Here's a sampling of the modules I have at the moment, doing a basic comparison of how their timbres differ. And a few have extra features that I'll try to resist playing with for sake of a fair comparison, but will probably fail in the attempt.

Sequence: Stochastic IG. VCO: Dixie II+ square (carrier) and saw (modulator). Envelope: Zadar

00:00 Intro
00:20 Blokan
03:56 RK3
09:35 Erica Synths
15:14 Serge
19:24 Gated sequence
27:28 Ring SM
35:47 E560"

Future Sound Systems: FIL3 and FIL4 dirty filters compared

video upload by John Schussler

"Future Sound Systems isn't known for making polite modules. Their original claim to fame was a Eurorack version of the Gristelizer, and surely the name alone is enough to tell you what it sounded like.

These two modules are both filters (though not part of the Gristleizer line). The FIL3 Spectral Devastator is two filters in series (unless you decide otherwise), whereas the FIL4 Timbral Sculptor is a single filter with a couple wave folders and a rectifier in the signal chain (again, unless you decide otherwise).

I suppose you can maybe make things sound 'nice' with these, but mostly I'm trying to decide which one creates a more visceral rip, tear, and shred for the hp it takes up.

Input audio was a basic sine wave from a Dixie II+. Sequenced by Stochastic IG. Envelope by Zadar.

00:00 Intro
00:20 FIL3 HP
01:56 FIL3 LP
03:19 FIL3 Both
05:26 FIL3 Sequence
11:56 FIL4
14:58 FIL4 Sequence"

Noise Engineering Versio - Praetereo firmware

video upload by John Schussler

"There's a new firmware available for the Noise Engineering Versio modules
called 'Praetereo.' It's a drifting loop maker, in the same vein as the Soma
Cosmos or Hologram Microcosm.

There's a thread for it on ModWiggler with links and detailed info: https://www.modwiggler.com/forum/view...

No commentary from me in this one, just listening. VCO is a Cwejman VCO-2RM, with one side going to the left channel and one to the right. Seqencer is the OK200 Degree. Envelope: Zadar.

Last in the chain is a Yester Versio module. If you hear a regular delay, it's that, not the Praetereo. And occasionally I bring in the Yester wavefolder. If you hear effects happening but don't see my hand making them, it's the Yester.

00:00 Intro
00:20 Part 1
08:30 Part 2
18:00 Part 3"

Gotharman's VCF8 in Eurorack

video upload by gotharman

"The VCF8 (Dual Band Spaze Filter) installed in EuroBoard.
Sound source: BL Braids.
Modulation: Pico VCO 1 and ZADAR.
www.gotharman.dk"

TEST SERIES Erica Synths Matrix Mixer Xaoc Leibniz Binary Subsystem Odessa Jena Drezno Lipsk Sounds

video upload by Outsider Sound Design

"Abstract sound design with Double Xaoc Leibniz Binary Subsystem and Erica Synths Matrix Mixer . Xaoc Odessa, Jena, Drezno, Lipsk, Zadar.

The purpose of 'TEST SERIES' is to focus on the sound design possibilities of various gear combinations. This series is not musical nor does it serve as an instructional video. It is all about sound potential.

Please consider supporting this channel by purchasing a sample pack or music download from www.outsidersounddesign.com"

WMD Legion vs Intellijel Dixie II+

video upload by John Schussler

"As is so often the case with these videos, I'm trying to make a 'keep or sell' decision. In this case between the WMD Legion, which has just arrived, or the Intellijel Dixie II+, both of which are 8hp VCOs.

They have different feature sets, and that's not really what interests me here. In this video I'm just doing a comparison of the basic sounds, getting a feel for whether there's a big difference in sound quality that would indicate keeping one or the other makes sense, or if they're so similar it's just a feature competition.

Sequencer: Stochastic IG. Envelope: Zadar

00:00 Intro
00:20 Saw
01:15 Triangle
01:59 Pulse
02:49 Pulse+sub
03:41 Pulse width
04:34 Saw+sub
05:01 Triangle+sub
06:01 FM
11:15 Legion features"

Pittsburgh Modular - Bat Dynamics LPG, A Filter of Crows VCF

video upload by John Schussler

"Pittsburgh Modular is in the process of designing some new synths, and are releasing individual experiments as stand-alone modules. They say these aren't long term catalog items, so if you like the sound you'll want to grab one before they're gone.

The Bat is a low pass gate (LPG), but without vactrols. Most LPGs use vactrols to control the response, but with the disadvantage of being non-adjustable...the vactrol responds how it responds, end of story. The Bat adds an adjustability to the sound that makes it extra flexible, while still maintaining that vactrol-like ring.

The Filter of Crows is a relatively "normal" VCF, but with a unique character that comes from its drive and "stability" controls. Stability in particular gives the circuit the ability to come up with some really interesting distortions and responses you don't hear elsewhere.

Envelope is Zadar, sequence is from Stochastic IG, and VCO is a Dixie II+.

00:00 Intro
00:20 Bat Dynamics
06:45 A Filter of Crows
12:42 Filter stability off"

Noise Engineering Versio delays comparison

video upload by John Schussler

"Noise Engineering has several modules out on their 'Versio' platform. Three in particular make use of delay as the core of the effect, and manipulate it in different ways.

I found myself wanting to hear them back to back, and thus this comparison was born.

This isn't a 'demo every feature' video, just an attempt at general comparison. Patrick O'Brien's videos on each module do a much better job of being thorough, and I recommend those for more detail on each module.

Envelope is Zadar, sequence is from Stochastic IG, and VCO is a Dixie II+.

00:00 Intro
00:20 Desmodus Versio
09:08 Imitor Versio
18:00 Melotus Versio"

TB-303 redux: GeoSync TB Super-O vs. Acid Rain Chainsaw

video upload by John Schussler

Update: video re-uploaded.

"I got ahold of a couple modules from GeoSync recently, the TB Super-O triple VCO and the TB-EFA filter/VCA. I also have an Acid Rain Chainsaw, and it occurred to me to wonder how the Chainsaw would do as a 303 source for the TB-EFA. How different might they be?

Of course they're different, but y'know, how exactly?

As with so many of my videos, this is just me trying to answer a random question of comparison between two modules.

Sequence from Stochastic IG. Envelope from Zadar.

00:00 Intro
00:20 Super-O saw
03:32 Chainsaw saw
05:06 Square waves
06:57 Drive control
10:00 With Godeater"

TEST SERIES Xaoc Zadar 1973 Quadruple Envelope Intellijel Planar Shapeshifter Extreme Modulation FX

Published on Sep 20, 2018 Outsider Sound Design

"Over the top extreme modulation FX.
The purpose of 'TEST SERIES' is to focus on the sound design possibilities of various gear combinations when pushed to the extremes. This series is not musical nor does it serve as an instructional video. It is all about sound potential.

Please consider supporting this channel by purchasing a sample pack or music download from www.outsidersounddesign.com"

SEM vs SEM - November 2023 edition

video upload by John Schussler

"The G-Storm Electro SEM VCF arrived the other day, and I figured I'd give it a listen in comparison to what, up to this point, I think is the best SEM eurorack module: the Studio Electronics SEM VCF.

(Spoiler alert: The G-Storm gives the SE a serious run for its money)

I've also thrown in the Bubblesound SEM20 and an AMSynths Obie XA. The Bubblesound is mostly SEM, but with some MS-10 bits grafted on that makes it more aggro. The Obie XA isn't a SEM at all, different chip, but is also modeled after an Oberheim filter so I figured I'd toss it in for contrast.

VCO is a Befaco Pony, first on saw then on square. Sequencer is a Clank Chaos. Envelope is Zadar.

Be forewarned: a lot of this video is me going back, and forth, and back, and forth, and back and forth between modules. Don't get seasick.

00:00 Intro
00:20 Standard gain
03:43 Gain up
06:46 Resonance up
08:56 Tight envelope
16:00 Square wave"

TEST SERIES 2X Xaoc Leibniz Binary Subsystem Odessa Eurorack Abstract Sound Design Jena Drezno Lipsk

video upload by Outsider Sound Design

"Abstract sound design with Double Xaoc Leibniz Binary Subsystem.
Xaoc Odessa, Jena, Drezno, Lipsk, Zadar.

The purpose of 'TEST SERIES' is to focus on the sound design possibilities of various gear combinations. This series is not musical nor does it serve as an instructional video. It is all about sound potential.

Please consider supporting this channel by purchasing a sample pack or music download from www.outsidersounddesign.com"