by Chris Meyer | Jun 10, 2017 | Eurorack Expansion, Videos |
A favorite “West Coast” module that synthesists of all tastes should check out is the LPG: the low-pass gate, which acts like a VCA but with a filter element that also dampens the high frequencies. A new “hybrid” application I’ve found LPGs to be useful for is to process the output of dedicated percussion modules. An LPG naturally damps both the amplitude and harmonics of the input to mold most sounds into a typical percussive shape, freeing you up to dial in the initial noise and harmonic mix you like without worrying about the original sound ringing out too long or taking up too much room frequency-wise in a mix.
by Chris Meyer | Jun 3, 2017 | Eurorack Expansion, Videos |
You hear many users search for an “extreme” filter to add to their system, looking for one that is unstable when pushed, screams when provoked, and otherwise makes their instrument more aggressive, less predictable, and in general fun to play with (if you’re the type of person who likes to play with knives). Filters based on the Vladimir Kuzmin’s design in the Russian Polivoks synthesizer fit this description. My favorite variation of the classic Polivoks design in the Erica Dtech VCF, which extends the original design. In this video, I explore how to push the Dtech filter into unstable, aggressive territory
by Chris Meyer | May 27, 2017 | Eurorack Expansion, Videos |
This module – a recreation of the classic Serge Wave Multipliers (VCM) module from the early 80s, adapted partially to the Eurorack format – contains a nicely-rounded, tube-like clipping or saturation; a wave folder that emphasized the odd-numbered harmonics; and a three-stage full wave rectifier that emphasizes the even harmonics. The video in this article focuses on the wave shaping section, and compares its analog sound to the digital one included in the Expert Sleepers Disting; I also discuss matching Eurorack levels to work with Serge-inspired modules.
by Chris Meyer | May 22, 2017 | Articles, Videos |
One of the potential challenges of using a modular synth is keeping multiple VCOs in tune with each other as well as external instruments as you play up and down a scale. Most VCOs have trim controls to improve their tracking, but they can occasionally be frustrating to use: They may require you to remove the module from the case to access them, or the manufacturer might have not have used high-precision multi-turn potentiometers for the trimming controls. Therefore, I’ve added several AJH Synth V-Scale Variable Precision Buffers to my modular cases, and have been happier for it. What sets it apart is that 4 of its 5 outputs have high-precision trimmers accessible from the front panel, allowing you to improve the tracking of connected modules like VCOs and resonating filters.
by Chris Meyer | May 20, 2017 | Eurorack Expansion, Videos |
The Verbos Complex Oscillator is an interesting interpretation of the classic Buchla “complex oscillator” pair where one modulates the other. It too has two oscillators with internal wiring and options so the modulation oscillator on the left can amplitude or...
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