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"

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"

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"

XAOC Devices ODESSA + E-RM POLYGOGO + Verbos SCAN & PAN + XAOC Devices TIMISZOARA

video upload by Genshi Media Group

"::| TO HEAR THE FULL RANGE OF FREQUENCIES AND STEREO EFFECTS, A GOOD PAIR OF HEADPHONES IS HIGHLY RECOMMENDED |::

XAOC Devices ODESSA and E-RM POLYGOGO into Verbos SCAN & PAN with effects by XAOC Timiszoara and sequencing via Intellijel Metropolix. Modulation and envelopes from XAOC Batumi and Zadar."

Further Explorations // Verbos Scan & Pan + XAOC Devices Timiszoara, Odessa, Batumi and Zadar

video upload by Genshi Media Group

"::| TO HEAR THE FULL RANGE OF FREQUENCIES AND STEREO EFFECTS, A GOOD PAIR OF HEADPHONES IS HIGHLY RECOMMENDED |::

Further explorations with the Verbos Electronics Scan & Pan mixer and the XAOC Devices Timiszoara, Odessa, Batumi, and Zadar. The Scan & Pan is turning out to be a pretty amazing module as it Scans through the three channels featuring the Odessa's Odd, Even, and Fundamental outputs (and Pans channel three which is Odessa's Fundamental.) Couple that with the Timiszoara for effects and the modulation on the Odessa, makes for some really interesting sound!. Sequencing provided by the Intellijel Metropolix. Modulation from Batumi and Zadar which is also providing the Envelopes for Channel 1 and 2 of the Verbos."

The HERTZ DONUT MKII CHESS BATTLE

video upload by Robotopsy Robotopsy

"Exploring the Hertz Donut MKII's insanity with a minimal setup, in 4 different patches. More a CO-OP than a battle with my friend PLURMK. Only HD MKII as sound source.

Module used:
2X Lapsus OS - Noise Engineering
2X ZADAR - XAOC
2X uVCA - Intellijel
2X Hertz Donut MKII - Industrial Music Electronics
2X LXD - Makenoise
2X Stillson Hammer MKII - Industrial Music Electronics"

First Encounter // XAOC Devices Odessa + Zadar

video upload by Genshi Media Group

"This is my first exploration with the XAOC Devices Odessa Harmonic Oscillator and Zadar Quad Envelope Generator, minutes after unboxing. This is edited down from an hour-long session so as not to completely bore everyone as I fumbled my way through these fairly deep modules. Hopefully, you will find moments of interesting alien sci-fi soundscapes within... additional modulation from Xaoc Batumi. Reverb and Delay effects via Mutable Instruments Beads."

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"

Xaoc Sofia quick jam

video upload by Xaoc Devices

"We are back in Warsaw after Superbooth 22. It was great to meet all of you in our booth! Thanks for visiting us! Here is spontaneously recorded demo of our new analog oscillator for all who could not come and are curious about the sound palette, and those who were there and just want to hear it again!

Patch is really simple, just Sofia without filters with some reverb and sequenced with Moskwa. Ratios of two ripple elements responsible for shaping are modulated with sine from Batumi and complex envelope from Zadar. Latter in the video there is also a bit of self-patching."

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"

Eurorack phasers - two new additions

video upload by John Schussler

"Two new phasers have arrived. The G-Storm Electro Polychrome is from the Italian Farfisa synth/organ from the 1970s. The Nonlinear Circuits Encephalo Adjuster is from, near as I can tell, a wide orbit outside Jupiter.

Very different in character, but both with lots of great sounds.

Envelope is Zadar, sequence is from Stochastic IG, and VCO is a Patching Panda Operat (saw wave).

00:00 Intro
00:20 Polychrome
08:20 Encephalo Adjuster"

You can find additional details on the G-Storm Electro Polychrome here. This is the first post to feature the Nonlinear Circuits Encephalo Adjuster. Details and pics follow.

"This module is a 24 stage phase shifter using LDRs in a black box. It is a little more complex to build than usual but most of the build is repetitious and not so difficult. I have added plenty of pics in this guide to help with the build.

Probably the unusual feature is the positive and negative feedback path. Feedback is 0 when the Regen pot is in the middle, turn it to the left for negative feedback, to the right for positive, or use CV to do the job for you. It will self-oscillate at the extremes.

It is probably obvious at this point that I have a thing for phasers. 24 stages are somewhat ridiculous but I wanted to try it and the result is a very nice smooth phaser with some angry bits when you push it. The name comes from a mind control device that appears in a few AE Van Vogt novels, I have been itching to use it for years.

The trimpot on the top PCB sets the operating range for the Phase pot. Set it to remove any dead zones at the extremes.

Black/gold panels are available for this module.

CLICK FOR MORE »

Noise Lab Clang and Wrinkler - first look and comparison

video upload by John Schussler

"'Clank & Wrinkler' sounds like a good name for a law firm. In this case, it's actually the two latest modules from Noise Lab in Sweden. Clank is a combination wave folder and ring modulator, Wrinkler is a wave folder.

Here I'm showing them next to a 'standard' ring modulator (from Random*Source/Serge) and wavefolder (Intelllijel Bifold). Both the Clank and Wrinkler have new features that make them unique, so I'm interested to hear them next to the 'traditional' sound.

As usual, envelope is Zadar, sequence is from Stochastic IG, and VCO is a Dixie II+ tri wave (until the latter part where I use the square).

00:00 Intro
00:20 Serge Ring
02:04 Clang - ringmod
07:08 Clang - folding
09:47 Clang - drone
11:31 Wrinkler - sequnce
14:30 Bifold
17:36 Wrinkler - drone
19:04 Wrinkler - square
20:59 Clang - square"

CLANG - Ring folder. A new eurorack module from Noise Lab Sweden.

video upload by Noise Lab Sweden

"Introducing CLANG! This new module from Noise Lab combines ring modulation and wavefolding in a pretty unique way. With just a sine or triangle wave you can create anything from bells and shrills to deep, brooding basses. Extremely versatile and plenty of sweet spots!"
Noise Lab Modules (DEMO)

video upload by Noise Lab Sweden

"Here's a demonstration of six new eurorack modules from Noise Lab (Sweden). All audio recorded directly into the camera, no processing or effects were added to convey a completely pure and unaltered sound. No talking. Find out more at: https://www.noiselab.se/"

"CLANG Ring Folder

Clang is a unique combination of a four-quadrant multiplier (ring modulator) and wave folder that can generate a wide range of interesting sounds from just a sine or triangle waveform. From screeching drones and strange bell sounds to plucky tones or center aligned pwm waveforms. Three inputs which accept both audio and control voltages, and two outputs with slightly different functions: the left simply provides the processed sound, while the right routes the signal via a VCA, controlled by the Offset Mod input and its level knob. Clang also has an integrated triangle oscillator normalled to the Y input.

RM Mode switch (Ring Modes)
1: Four-quadrant multiplier. Modulation of the carrier signal with offset control. Ideal for producing typical bell-like tones.
2: A single stage, soft folding circuit that bends the waveform and adds extra harmonics to the carrier waveform.
Offset Mod input can be used to animate the folded signal.
3: A hard fold circuit that generates an unusual center aligned pwm-like waveform.

Width: 8HP
Depth: 26 mm
Power: 25 mA (+12 V) / 25 mA (-12 V)

175.00 €"

WRINKLER Wave Shaper

The Wrinkler consists of a primary wavefolder circuit and a secondary “creaser”, both controllable via knobs and CV. Generally wave folders only work with low harmonic content such as sine or triangle waveforms but this one comes with circuitry that can fold and wrinkle ANY waveform you feed into it, including square waves! An offset function adds some extra sonic abilities to the mix. The Wrinkler got two outputs; one with the folded signal and one with a “squarified” version of the folds. Perfect for creating harsh, metallic sounds.

When folding a waveform you add a lot of harmonic overtones to it. Unfortunately in the process, the fundamental gets weaker and you will lose some of its original low end content. With the DRY LEVEL knob you simply blend the original waveform with the folded.

Width: 12HP
Depth: 26 mm
Power: 46 mA (+12 V) / 46 mA (-12 V)

285.00 €

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"

Animal Factory Amplification - Three new modules

video upload by John Schussler

"Animal Factory Amplification consistently turns out some of the best distortion modules available. I have, well, all of them.

Today I got a shipment of the three latest modules: two are upgrades of existing models, and one is brand new. At the time of this video's creation the manuals weren't yet available, so I'm having to guess a bit as to functionality. Take my commentary with a grain of salt.

Baron Samedi and Pit Viper have both been reworked as surface mount rather than through hole point-to-point wired PCBs. I tried them side by side, and hear no significant difference between the older and newer modules in terms of the quality of sound.

The newer versions do, however, have some new tricks up their sleeve, which you'll see shortly.

And then there's the entirely new module: Bonesaw, a filter with built in FM and drive so as to properly fit in to the nasty, grimy, tear it up, huge tone sound AFA is famous for.

Sequence: Stochastic IG. Envelope: Zadar

00:00 Intro
00:20 Baron Samedi
08:14 Pit Viper
13:46 Bonesaw"

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"

Complex oscillator comparison - Sputnik vs. Verbos

video upload by John Schussler

"These two complex oscillators are almost identical in functionality
because they're both modeled after the Buchla 259 complex oscillator. (I'm assuming. Their marketing info doesn't call out the 259 explicitly.)

As a result I figured it'd be an interesting head-to-head comparison to see how their sounds differed, given the very similar architectures.

I'm not going to try every combination of controls, just going to get a general idea of how each sounds with the same basic settings. Not a lot of talking, either, since the modules are fairly straightforward.

Sequence: Stochastic IG. Envelope: Zadar

00:00 Intro
00:20 Sputnik drone
03:05 Sputnik sequence
08:54 Verbos drone
10:57 Verbos sequence"

Forge TME - VHIKK multi oscillator voice

video upload by Forge TME

"The vhikk is a multi-algorithm experimental synth voice for eurorack. It combines wavetable oscillators, filters and delay-based effects into one module with 9 different modes."


video upload by John Schussler

"The name of the company is Forge-TME. The module is VHIKK. No, I don't know what any of that means.

The module at its most basic is an oscillator. Several, actually, merged with a variety of self modulation, feedback, and delay connections that make it look, at first glance, like an all-in-one drone.

It ends up being more than that. It tracks 1v/oct just fine, so can be a melodic, even lead oscillator voice. I start this video with the basic drone side of things, but then move over to the sequenced pattern side, which is equally interesting.

I'm not going to try to explain the module in any detail, as its structure is too complicated. You're gonna have to RTFM for that (https://forge-tme.com/vhikk/). On the upside, that complexity doesn't make it hard to use. Wiggle the knobs and lots of great stuff comes out.

Sequencer: Stochastic IG. Envelope: Zadar

00:00 Intro
00:20 Drone - no pitch
04:45 Drone - pitch up
18:28 Slow sequence
23:00 Fast sequence"

"The vhikk twists, convulses and wails in a vortex haunted, spitting dirt and dust and time and raw energy. Rapid shadows, alien physics, pulsating artefacts, sometimes ridiculous, sometimes possessed.

The vhikk is a multi-algorithm sound source capable of traversing sonic planes complex, raw, dense, electric, erratic, dynamic.

The vhikk trades total control/comprehension/repeatability for a [hopefully fertile] dialogical experience and breadth of sonic palette. It is intrinsically ephemeral and is designed to encourage exploration and presence - with low cognitive overhead.

The vhikk is happy alone but thirsty for voltages. The produced output can be quite spectrally and temporally full and doesn't necessarily require [but definitely appreciates] further processing to synthesise musically useful material.

The Vhikk is a multi-algorithm experimental synth voice specialising in [but not limited to] complex drones and basses, rich textures, and dynamic sfx. It combines sound generation and effects processing into one module with 9 different modes.

The nature of the Vhikk makes it suitable for situations where a compact, ergonomic, and self-contained sound source would be welcome - for example smaller modular systems, or large systems where a strange sound source with minimised cognitive overhead would be desirable.

The general architecture consists of a bank of wavetable oscillators [the generator] sent through a filter section which then passes into a delay-based structure [the processor] - with the specific architecture and character of these sections dependent on the selected mode.

Some of the modes implement what is referred to here as 'cluster scanning' - a smooth crossfading scan through sets of frequency/wave pairs. Imagine a wavetable scan parameter but each distinct wave position also has an associated frequency offset. In the modes implementing cluster scanning these wave/frequency offsets are different for every oscillator.

The processor in general consists of a delay-based structure which can be smoothly transformed from something resembling a delay [distinct [albeit processed] repeats] to something resembling a reverb [diffused repeats, increasing echo density, modulation].

There is a frequency shifter integrated into the processor, either post delay-structure or in the feedback loop depending on mode and FEED position.

The X jack is a signal input which is merged with the generator pre-filter and passed into the processor. The graphic in the upper middle of the panel is a level indicator for the X input."

You can find additional details at https://forge-tme.com/vhikk/.

Ziqal Dimension wavetable VCO interface overview

video upload by John Schussler

"My Dimension wavetable VCO just arrived today from Ziqal and I'm trying to figure out its interface. (There's no manual yet, they say it's in the works.) It's almost completely intuitive, except for a couple issues, so I don't feel like I'm lost without a manual, which is good.

I'm not spending a bunch of time going through all the wavetables. It has an SD card with lots of tables on it, and there are 6400 you can scan through if you're so inclined.

I'm not inclined right at the moment. Just some samples for now.

Sequencer: Stochastic IG. Envelope: Zadar

00:00 Intro
00:20 Sounds
03:16 SD menu
04:14 Unison menu
05:55 Transform menu
10:56 Voices menu
11:16 Patch menu
15:15 Config menu
15:27 More sounds"

"The Dimension wavetable engine uses 2048 samples * 256 waveforms wavetables to bring high definition tables to your system. Its wavetables reproduction precision will fit any of your audio textures needs.

Dimension is compatible with the Serum wavetables format and feature an intuitive and fast file browser, allowing you to explore thousand of already available wavetables. Just drop your favorites wavetables on its SD card and instantaneously start exploring new sonic territory.

24 voices
Dimension is capable of playing not less than 24 voices simultaneously within 10HP tanks to its embeed modern high end audio processor. Depending on the active patch mode voices can be assigned to chords polyphony or unison engine

Polyphonic stereo, Dimension, Dual or LFO modes
The Classic mode provides 4 oscillator voices panned over stereo outputs. You can control theses voices in CV programing chords or with the internal notes scaler and or feeding midi into the module.


The Dimension mode allows the waveform to be morphed across the entire module memory in an X Y fashion. As the module allows to store internally 25 wavetables of each maximum 256 waveforms. This mode allows wavetable morphing over (25*256) 6400 different waveforms.

Dual / LFO mode

Dual mode output two different wavetables on each output. LFO mode operates as the dual mode, except that the frequency range of output two is set in the subsonic range.


In any mode, voices can also be multiplied 6 times and detuned to play massive 6 voice unison. When using 4 voices it brings not less than a total of 24 voices out of your oscillator."

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"

Quadruple Fun With the 1973 Envelope Generator: A Xaoc Zadar Tutorial

video upload by pitch patch

"This is a Xaoc Devices Zadar 1973 quadruple envelope generator tutorial. I go through all knobs and functions and show two patch ideas.

Zadar is a four-channel envelope, modulation, and transient generator. It creates envelopes from hundreds of shapes using vectors that can be stretched, flipped, warped, distorted, delayed, shuffled, repeated, and amplitude modulated in real-time."