Modular Synthesis 101: Introduction

video upload by gstormelectro

"Audio + Video by G-Storm Electro c. 2024

Today I give you an introductory series of videos covering Modular Synthesis 101. This course is for anyone who's been mildly curious about modular synthesizers. Maybe you've seen your favorite musician like Johnny Greenwood using a modular synthesizer at a show. And always wondered what does all this stuff do? I'm here to demystify it for you. Today we'll start with some basic terminology and a typical synth patch. What is a typical synthesis setup? What are the kinds of modules in that setup? What will we learn moving forward?"

G-Storm Electro:
*BLOG* http://gstormelectronica.blogspot.com/
*LISTEN/DOWNLOAD* http://soundcloud.com/gstormelectro
**REVERB** http://reverb.com/shop/gstormelectro

ELI SL-5050 Tape Delay [FX w/ Synthesizers #17] Demo

video upload by gstormelectro

"Audio + Video by G-Storm Electro c. 2024

This is the ELI SL-5050 New Space Echo. Single delay line and playback head that uses a dictaphone endless tape cartridge. Very similar to Unicord EC-100, or the Univox EC80A Echo Chamber, or any various clones and incarnations. Playing my Roland SH-101 through it. Recorded direct, no other mastering or effects.

0:00 Intro
0:50 Medium
2:13 Slow
3:05 Fast
4:09 Slow w/ Long Spring Tank Reverb"

G-Storm Electro:
*BLOG* http://gstormelectronica.blogspot.com/
*LISTEN/DOWNLOAD* http://soundcloud.com/gstormelectro
**REVERB** http://reverb.com/shop/gstormelectro

Studio/Lab Update - Ushering in a New Era with In-House Production Automation

video upload by gstormelectro

"Audio + Video by G-Storm Electro c. 2024

Really excited to share this big change in the way I'm producing Eurorack modules. Last week I took delivery of a desktop SMT Pick-and-Place machine. It's an assembly robot that will help me greatly, in lieu of stuffing hundreds of boards a year all by hand using tweezers. Having spent almost a week getting up to speed I'm happy to share my thoughts about my foray with in-house production automation.

Full disclosure | This video was not sponsored by any equipment manufacturers. This machine was bought and paid for out-of-pocket for business use. All observations and opinions are my own.

Check my sweet Reverb store for module availability.
https://reverb.com/shop/gstormelectro"

Chillin' to Blank Slate on Akai MPC One + Roland JX-08

video upload by gstormelectro

"Audio + Video by G-Storm Electro c. 2024

Freestyle chill vibes in the studio lab. Akai MPC One + Roland JX-08. Blank Slate comes from my album Superior Mirage out now on Bandcamp
https://gstormelectro.bandcamp.com/"

Roland Juno-106 Synthesizer Troubleshooting/Repair Quiet Voice

video upload by gstormelectro

"Audio + Video by G-Storm Electro c. 2024

Today I'm investigating an issue with a Roland Juno-106. Voice #4 is a lot quieter than the others. And it's not a calibration issue. 99% certain it is NOT the brand new voice chips I put in as seen in a previous video. Troubleshooting will confirm that statement. So what else could it be? Maybe something EVERY 106 owner will want to be pro-active about mitigating?

This video is posted for general information about my experiences. Always observe safety working on electronics, and never tinker around inside power supplies without first unplugging the power cord. De-soldering components on the Juno-106 must be done VERY CAUTIOUSLY to avoid lifting very tiny delicate traces. If you're not sure about anything, there's no shame in taking your instrument to a qualified service technician.

Timestamps
0:00 Intro & Symptoms
0:35 Voice Chip Swap Test
1:06 Looking at the Wave Chip output
1:56 Waveform Chip replacement
2:23 Testing
2:51 Voice Board inspection and Remedy
3:19 Re-testing, did it work?"

*BLOG* http://gstormelectronica.blogspot.com/
*LISTEN/DOWNLOAD* http://soundcloud.com/gstormelectro

Behringer System 100 Demo

video upload by gstormelectro

"Audio + Video by G-Storm Electro c. 2024

Got around to patching the Behringer System 100 today. Plays well with Arturia Keystep Pro. Give the 172 module phaser and chorus effects a spin. And that 182 sequencer, I love how it is not pitch quantized and gives a weird Stranger Things vibe. Let's do this! No additional mastering or post-effects. This video was not sponsored.

0:00 Three Osc Voice structure plus (filter res) Kick and (white noise) Hats.
1:37 172 module | Phaser
2:17 172 module | Using the short delay for chorus/flanger stuff
2:47 Dual Two-Osc structure
3:51 Stereo Syncopated 182 Sequencer Patch"

G-Storm Electro Spring Tank Shootout Reverb Driver Version 2-1

video upload by gstormelectro

"Audio + Video by G-Storm Electro c. 2024

Quick Comparison of 3 Spring Tank Reverbs using my Reverb Driver version 2-1. I saw that many users were wanting to experiment with a variety of tank sizes, myself included. Now in my driver module version 2-1 I have added a jumper setting which makes it fast and easy to change the driver optimization for short tanks, medium tanks, or long tanks. Audio has been recorded direct, no other mastering or posts effects.

0:00 Quick Intro
0:12 Ruby Tube 2EB2C1B Short size tank
0:55 Vintage Folded Line, Medium size tank like those in a Roland Space Echo
1:53 Accutronics 4AB3C1B Long size 16" tank

Check my Reverb store for Spring Tank Reverb Driver availability.
https://reverb.com/shop/gstormelectro"

Towering Bass Patches | Gyrinx VCF Filter [Demo 5]

video upload by gstormelectro

"Audio + Video by G-Storm Electro c. 2023

Today I'm auditioning a few humongous bass patches featuring the Gyrinx VCF, no effects. Feeding only a couple of 101-VCOs and Pittsburgh DNA Symbiotic Waves. Modulation by 2xADSR and Feedback Modules LFO, Sequenced by Keystep Pro. Headphones or good monitors recommended. Recorded direct to Tascam DR-05, no other mastering just a little normalization.

Gyrinx VCF is a eurorack filter inspired by the vintage Synton Syrinx filter section using Alfa AS3350 chips. Check my Reverb store for Gyrinx-VCF availability" *BLOG* http://gstormelectronica.blogspot.com/
*LISTEN/DOWNLOAD* http://soundcloud.com/gstormelectro
*REVERB* http://reverb.com/shop/gstormelectro

Note Reverb links are affiliate links. See the site's privacy policy for more info.

Korg SDD-1200 Dual Delay Rack FX w/ a Synthesizer Demo

video upload by gstormelectro

"Audio + Video by G-Storm Electro c. 2023

This is the Korg SDD-1200 vintage effects unit. Featuring two completely independent digital delay lines. You can patch up the delays any way you like: In series, parallel, internal or external feedback loops. Today I'll be auditioning a few selected patches with some sounds with my Korg Poly-61 Synthesizer."

0:00 | Intro
0:54 | Stereo Flange
2:20 | Stereo Chorus
3:01 | Rhythmic Stereo Delay
4:09 | Feedback Loop
5:25 | Stereo Chorus + FX Feedback Loop

G-Storm Electro:
*BLOG* http://gstormelectronica.blogspot.com/
*LISTEN/DOWNLOAD* http://soundcloud.com/gstormelectro
*REVERB* G-STORM ELECTRO

G-Storm Electro - A Demo, Nothing Special on Eurorack Modular

video upload by gstormelectro

"I performed this little demo patch at the DFW Synth Headz Synth Meet over a week ago joined by MOTS.DFW at The Creatives Factory. We didn't get direct audio afaik, so I'm redoing a little session of it here now just for you. Recorded direct with no addititional mastering.

Main Synth part/sequence
Filter | SEMSVF
Reverb | G-Storm Spring Tank Reverb
Frequency Shifter | Sketchy Labs Freak Shift
OSC1 | Capt'n Big-O wavefold out
OSC2 | Pittsburgh Primary Oscillator, Flamingo
VCA | G-Storm 2xVCA

Monotonal Bass
OSC| Jollin Labs Tabor
Filter | G-Storm ProVCF
Delay | Synthrotek DLY

Kick
Pinging G-Storm JU60-VCF with env on self-res oscillation

Weird Snare
Noise from 101-VCO into Pittsburgh Crow, taking HP output
Running that into G-Storm JP6-VCF gated by envelope
Into Delay (Karplus Strong Algo) Happy Nerding FX Aid #1
Into Reverb (Shimmer Input Variable Algo) Happy Nerding FX Aid #2"

G-Storm Electro:
*BLOG* http://gstormelectronica.blogspot.com/
*LISTEN/DOWNLOAD* http://soundcloud.com/gstormelectro
*REVERB* http://reverb.com/shop/gstormelectro

Sequential Drumtraks Drum Machine Repair

video upload by gstormelectro

"Audio + Video by G-Storm Electro c. 2023

Today I'm investigating issues with a Sequential Drumtraks. While it is making sounds, the display is glitching out and the control functions are not working. In the end it was only incidental I was able to get it working again, for reasons I don't fully understand. The same phenomenon happens with my Drumulator, that's how I knew what to check for. It's my hope posting this video, that someone more knowledgable will be able to comment about this phenomenon.

This video is posted for general information about my experiences. Always observe safety working on electronics, and never tinker around inside power supplies without first unplugging the power cord. If you're not sure about anything, there's no shame in taking your instrument to a qualified service technician.

Since filming the video, I've discovered the batteries are still made in Japan. Also, the numbers on the battery may or may not necessarily be a date code. My new battery says 2132, so maybe it was made in 2021? Since the manufacture date and date installed may differ by a couple of years, I now write a date on the battery with a sharpie when I install it."

Timestamps
0:00 Intro & Symptoms
0:28 Power Supply investigation
2:10 Battery
2:28 Data Bus Check
4:08 About Cleaning IC pins
4:28 Last ditch effort and suddenly it's working???
5:38 Short demo

G-Storm Electro:
*BLOG* http://gstormelectronica.blogspot.com/
*LISTEN/DOWNLOAD* http://soundcloud.com/gstormelectro
*REVERB* http://reverb.com/shop/gstormelectro

SEMSVF Noir Edition - Danse Macabre [Demo 3] Eurorack Filter

video upload by gstormelectro

"Audio + Video by G-Storm Electro c. 2023

SEMSVF Noir Edition is my black panel version adaptation to the Oberheim SEM State Variable Filter. Same exact module as the Tribute edition white panel version. All hand made in limited quantities. Today I am just doing a creepy little darkwave jam in the spirit of the season. Two 101-VCOs feeding in, one of those VCOs getting a very slow vibrato from LFO. No mastering or additional effects. Recorded direct to Mackie mixer to Tascam DR-05.

Check my Reverb store for SEMSVF, 101-VCO availability"

G-Storm Electro:
*BLOG* http://gstormelectronica.blogspot.com/
*LISTEN/DOWNLOAD* http://soundcloud.com/gstormelectro
*REVERB* http://reverb.com/shop/gstormelectro

SEMSVF Eurorack SEM Filter Walkthrough of Basic Features [Demo 2]

video upload by gstormelectro

"SEMSVF is my Eurorack Tribute adaptation to the Oberheim SEM State Variable Filter. All hand made in limited quantities. Today I am talking through some basic features and patching some sounds via my 101-VCO feeding in. No mastering or effects. Recorded direct via my Feedback CP- Mixer to Pittsburgh Modular Outs to Mackie mixer to Tascam DR-05.

Check my Reverb store for SEMSVF, 101-VCO availability
http://reverb.com/shop/gstormelectro"

New G-STORM ELECTRO SEMSVF Eurorack Tribute Adaptation Oberheim SEM Filter

video upload by gstormelectro

"Audio + Video by G-Storm Electro c. 2023"

SEMSVF is my Eurorack Tribute adaptation to the Oberheim SEM State Variable Filter. All hand made in limited quantities. Today I am auditioning some sounds via a pair of my 101-VCOs feeding in. I use a Happy Nerding FX Aid for some delay at times, no other mastering or effects. Headphones or good monitors recommended but watch your levels, aggressive resonance and lovely saturation ahead. Recorded direct via my Influx mixer to Pittsburgh Modular Outs to Mackie mixer to Tascam DR-05.

0:00 Reso Sweep | Delay
0:23 Lowpass Sweeps | Dry
1:06 Frequency Mod | Inverted Envelope
1:26 Notch | Highpass
1:54 LP|HP mix | LFO modulated
3:37 Bandpass Output
4:02 Bandpass | Envelope Modulated
4:23 More Notch Stuff | Delay
5:19 Lowpass Lead
5:38 Plucky Bass
6:01 Octave Lead

Check my Reverb store for SEMSVF, 101-VCO, Influx availability
*REVERB* http://reverb.com/shop/gstormelectro

Note Reverb links are affiliate links. See the site's privacy policy for more info.



via G-STORM ELECTRO

The Solina Comparison Nobody Asked For [ARP Behringer Synth Face Off]

video upload by gstormelectro

"Audio + Video by G-Storm Electro c. 2023

Actually my buddy Seth suggested this. So yep I kinda lied in the title there. These synths: one of them is a lightweight new kid straight out of a box with more sassy highs, the other is a disc crushing bohemoth piece of furniture with mellow disposition. The brand new Behringer Solina in the left channel, the crusty vintage ARP/Eminent in the right channel. I replaced the ARP mains capacitors, but left all the tropical fish alone. Some of those freshwater angels are janky and cracked but still representin'. Whaddaya think? I know best synth performance ever! Talk amongst yourselves.

Recorded direct. No other mastering or effects have been added."

G-Storm Electro:
*BLOG* http://gstormelectronica.blogspot.com/
*LISTEN/DOWNLOAD* http://soundcloud.com/gstormelectro
*REVERB* http://reverb.com/shop/gstormelectro

Cheetah MS6 Synthesizer [Demo 01] Can I Edit Sounds Using Cubase?

video upload by gstormelectro

"Audio + Video by G-Storm Electro c. 2023

Ah the Cheetah MS6 DCO Synth module. Let's get real, front panel editing is no fun and slow af. I want to use Cubase to edit the sounds. Will it work?

Where I found Cheetah MS6 firmware update Eprom
http://www.maad.net/ms6/
Where I found Cheetah MS6 Cubase Device panel
https://cykong.com/CubaseSX/SXpanels.htm

Recorded direct, only the onboard effects are used. No other mastering or effects have been added."

G-Storm Electro:
*BLOG* http://gstormelectronica.blogspot.com/
*LISTEN/DOWNLOAD* http://soundcloud.com/gstormelectro
*REVERB* G-STORM ELECTRO

Note Reverb links are affiliate links. See the site's privacy policy for more info.

Short Size Spring Tank Electro Jams - Reverb Driver Version 2 [Demo 02]

video upload by gstormelectro

"Audio + Video by G-Storm Electro c. 2023

Today I made a couple of demo songs featuring my Spring Tank Reverb Driver version 2. The module has been optimized for Ruby Tube 2EB2C1B Short size tank by changing R8 to 3K value resistor. I'm quite taken with this tank, it's nice and drippy. I will be offering some module/short-tank optimized combos for sale in my reverb store - see link below.

0:00 60 BPM Dub | Spring Tank on Drumbrute Impact Snare
1:56 90 BPM | Spring Tank on the 101-VCO/VCF
Take note in this second jam I am using CV control over the Spring Tank wet/dry mix using a Sample-and-hold with portamento.

Check my Reverb store for the combo Spring Tank Reverb Driver and the Ruby Tubes short tank.
*REVERB* http://reverb.com/shop/gstormelectro

Note Reverb links are affiliate links. See the site's privacy policy for more info.



MUSIC https://gstormelectro.bandcamp.com/

G-Storm Electro Introduces Spring Tank Reverb Driver Version 2

video upload by gstormelectro

"Audio + Video by G-Storm Electro c. 2023

Introducing my Spring Tank Reverb Driver version 2. Same great sound and features as before. But now in 4HP with added Feedback knob. The Drive setting is now a trimmer on the PCB Set-and-forget. In today's video I will be auditioning the module with a few different spring tanks and various patch scenarios. Like pairing the reverb with Synthrotek DLY. While my driver module is optimized for Medium length tanks, it can easily be modded to handle long and short size tanks well. Which one is your favorite? Special thanks to my friend Seth, for contributing Behringer System 2500 sounds and footage for this episode!

On the 2500 patches, the dry signal was mult-ed such that the wet/dry mix was handled by a mixer off camera. Audio has been recorded direct, no other mastering or posts effects.

Vintage Folded Line, Medium size tank like those in a Roland Space Echo
0:00 Drone I
0:36 Drone II
1:00 Monotone Bass staccato
Accutronics 4AB3C1B Long size 16" tank
1:22 Massive Kick
2:09 Sample-n-hold
Accutronics BAB3C1B tank like those found in a Fender Sidekick Amp
2:50 Behringer 2500 patch
Ruby Tube 2EB2C1B Short size tank
3:33 Behringer 2500 patch

Check my Reverb store for Spring Tank Reverb Driver availability.

*REVERB* http://reverb.com/shop/gstormelectro

Note Reverb links are affiliate links. See the site's privacy policy for more info.

"Spring Tank Reverb is an 4HP wide Eurorack driver module for use with a variety of spring tanks. Features a CV control of the wet/dry mix. NEW in version 2: 4HP, Added Feedback pot, Drive is now a set-and-forget trimmer on the PCB.

FEATURES

Pots: Tone, Feedback, CV of wet/dry amount, Initial Wet/Dry amount. Drive trimmer for accommodating various spring tanks. Signal strength LED indicator. RCA jacks on the back of the module for mounting tank internally in the case. Included: 10-to-16 pin ribbon cable. Not included: Reverb tank and RCA cables (sold separately)

CHOOSING A TANK

GROUNDING CONNECTORS (5TH character in tank model #) Type A or C is best. SIZE & NUMBER OF SPRINGS | Short length and Medium Length is best. Long length (approx. 16”) may need resistor R8 decreased to 100-ohms for a boost in power. I am happy to switch the resistor for you based on your needs, just let me know before I ship your order out. 2 or 3 number of springs are known to work well. INPUT IMPEDANCE | (2ND character in tank model #) | any except “F” (1475 ohms, has not been tested). OUTPUT IMPEDANCE | (3RD character in tank model #) |“B” known to work best, all others untested. TANKS THAT WERE TESTED AND KNOWN TO WORK WELL | Vintage Folded Line, Medium size, 3-spring, as those used in a Roland Space Echo | Accutronics BAB3C1B Medium size, as taken from a Fender Sidekick Amp | Accutronics 4AB3C1B Long size 16”, 2-spring (R8 to be changed to 100-ohms for best performance). MOST RECOMMENDED | Ruby Tubes 2EB2C1B short size 9”, 2-spring, has plenty of drip and feedback with a size to fit many different case scenarios.

SPECs

Module Depth: 50mm | Current Demand: +12V 39mA, -12V 34mA, 5V not used

Note: due to RCA jack placement and chunkiness of some RCA plugs, it may not be feasible to mount this module on the bottom row of your system rack. Please refer photos. A workaround that might work is to try a cable with 90-degree RCA plug ends."

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Arion DDS-1 Delay [Pedals w/ Synthesizers #15] Demo No Talk

video upload by gstormelectro

"Arion DDS-1 is a vintage digital delay pedal. Recorded direct, no other mastering or effects. Just the Arion Pedal and various synths one at a time."

0:00 Roland Jupiter-6
2:03 Cheetah MS6
3:40 Korg Polysix

G-Storm Electro:
*BLOG* http://gstormelectronica.blogspot.com/
*LISTEN/DOWNLOAD* http://soundcloud.com/gstormelectro
*REVERB* http://reverb.com/shop/gstormelectro

Note Reverb links are affiliate links. See the site's privacy policy for more info.

G-Storm Electro 101-VCO Version 2 Roland SH-101 Oscillator Adaptation

video upload by gstormelectro

"101-VCO Version 2 Roland SH-101 Oscillator Adaptation + RD-6 [Demo 1 No Talk]

Audio + Video by G-Storm Electro c. 2023

101-VCO has returned to the fold: the same great sound, simplified and improved tuning, and having all the individual outputs without need for an expander module. All in 12HP
Headphones or good monitors recommended.

Check my Reverb store for 101-VCO availability.
Oscillator | GSE 101-VCO
Filter | GSE JU60-VCF
VCA | GSE 2xVCA
LFO | Feedback LFO10
Output | Pittsburgh Outs
Drum Machine (off camera) | Behringer RD-6
Recorded direct, no other mastering or effects.

*MUSIC* https://gstormelectro.bandcamp.com/
*BLOG* https://gstormelectronica.blogspot.com/
*LISTEN/DOWNLOAD* https://soundcloud.com/gstormelectro
*REVERB* http://reverb.com/shop/gstormelectro

Note Reverb links are affiliate links. See the site's privacy policy for more info."

via G-Storm Electro's Reverb shop

"The 101-VCO has been re-tooled in 12HP! Version 2 continues its authentic realization of the Roland SH-101 Oscillator adapted to Eurorack: that lovely Sub-Octave Generator, that snowy Noise Generator, an integrated Mixer section to bring all the waves together.

Now in revision 2: Improved tuning stability using power rail voltage references. Simplified tuning via coarse/fine tune knobs. Individual waveform outputs without need for any expander module.

101-VCO expands the original SH-101 features to reveal more potential of the 3340 chip: Triangle wave and exponential FM. And 2 flavors of Linear FM: Lo Range to find those vibrato sweet spots, and Hi Range for full-on Linear FM madness. Expand the palette of original sounds using an external CV signal for Pulse Width Modulation that is summed against the initial Pulse Width amount. While the initial PW amount can go right up to the edge of vanishing, PWM can take the Width right down to 0% up to 100% for complete cancellation.

Great care was taken to keep the 101-VCO fully analog circuit as close to the original as possible. Featuring an Alfa AS3340 re-issue chip at the core of the design, surrounded by eight 20mm slide pot controls. With the conventional coarse/fine tuning knobs it will provide full audio range, whether using the v/oct input or not.

Every 101-VCO is meticulously hand-crafted in limited quantities, not mass-produced, and ready to rock your modular world. Includes 16-pin-to-10-pin power connector cable.

Coarse Tune Knob | Initial oscillator frequency

Fine Tune Knob | Initial oscillator frequency, +/-6 semitones range

FM Slider | Amount that an external signal will modulate the frequency

FM TYPE Switch | LO for vibrato, HI/EXP for more dramatic frequency modulation

PULSE WIDTH Slider | initial Pulse Width amount

PULSE WIDTH MODULATION Slider | The amount that an external signal will affect pulse width

SOURCE MIXER Sliders | Adjusts the amplitude amount of each waveform going to the MIX output

SUB-OCTAVE Switch | Select between -1 octave Square, -2 octave Squrare, -2 octave Narrow Pulse

V/Oct Jack | Pitch Initial Frequency input for connecting keyboard controllers or sequencers

FM Jack | Plug in external signals to modulate Pitch here, such as LFO or envelopes

PWM Jack | Plug in external signals to modulate the Pulse Width here, again LFOs are typical

Individual Waveform Output Jacks | These jacks always output their buffered, DC-coupled signals regardless of Source Mixer settings

Mix Output Jack | This is the combined waveform output of the Source Mixer

TUNE Trimmer (on the back) | Affects the initial oscillator frequency

SCALE Trimmer (on the back) | Affects the v/oct tracking of the oscillator"

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