ADDAC System 320 Servo w. demo by Electrum Modular

ADDAC, the french company is known for it's wide range of alternative ways to control synths...

I am a big fan of the concept of their 210 Open Heart Surgery module that they released already over a decade ago.

This one is inspired by Neil Young’s Whizzer (a box with servos that sat on top of his fender amp and allowed him to control the pots from his pedal board. ), 
Using a Servo motor-controlled method they created a 4HP Eurorack module to control any knob that doesn’t have a CV input, while also possible to use for other gear as well (within certain distance constraints).

This motor is controlled by a microcontroller that also receives an incoming CV voltage from 0 to +5v and lineary converts this voltage range to the 270 degree Servo motor range.

Using a spring wire and metal couplers the motor shaft is then attached to the target knob to be controlled which will turn as the Servo turns.

Ranges can be set with 2 knobs [MAXIMUM ANGLE] & [MINIMUM ANGLE] further allow to control the “sweet spot” of the target knob, setting a smaller Servo range. 

Raising the [MIN ANGLE] knob above the [MAX ANGLE] knob inverts the Servo range.

The module is compatible with most common potentiometers used in Eurorack: 6mm shaft’s potentiometers and tall trimmer potentiometers.

For pots using knobs they will need to be removed in order to attach the connection wire coupler. 

Do not use this system with rotary switches, they will cause too much stress on the small motor! 

Video: When modules grow limbs: ADDAC's Servo - by Electrum Modular

Uploaded by Electrum Modular
"Checking out Servo, a unique new module from ADDAC Systems. 

It can turn knobs or trim pots on a modular, synth, pedal, mixer, or anything else that’s small and cylindrical and that lacks a cv input. 

Perfect for when your hands are busy doing other things, or for when you want slow LFO-style modulation, or for when you want super precise stepped adjustments."

Latest Electrum Modular album: https://smallchanges1.bandcamp.com/al...

More info and manual HERE

ErrorInstruments Kharper EuroRack Electronic Harp

Two weeks ago, Paul Tas from ErrorInstruments released the Kharper Eurorack Module, built in collaboration with This Is Not Rocket Science (TiNRS)

The "Kharper -emuharphonica- Eurorack" is a kind of electronic harp, with 4 touch - and position- sensitive 'strings' on the frontplate of the module.

Every string is a voice. The strings are built out of two touch strips with an LED bar in the middle, showing you what kHarper is doing. 

Each string has a knob on top to set the tone and a CV -in below. You can also patch in a gate to pluck the string

Inside is a microprocessor that uses Virtual Modelling models to recreate different versions of the Karplus-Strong algorithm.

The Karplus-Strong algorithm, also called Karplus-Strong string synthesis, is a way to make sounds that are like plucked or hit strings, and even drum sounds too. It was created in 1983 by Kevin Karplus and Alex Strong. The method uses a short sound loop with a filter to repeat a small sound wave, which helps create a string sound that feels real.

Video: Kharper eurorack explained

Source: errorinstruments paul tas

I was already intrigued by the first demo's I saw earlier this year, and so far I love the sounds that i've heard of it from several sources that were lucky to get one from the first batch...

A wide range of sounds and soundscapes can be created, from spacey piano-like and harpy sounds.

It can also make percussive African drum-like sounds and even much more extremer noises...  ultimately you can push this module even leading to clipping, with cut-offs and distorted noises that even don't seem to belong there... the interesting area where even the calculations become unpredictable... lol

The Kharper is a 18HP wide skiff-friendly Eurorack module, but it can work as a stand-alone version too, powered by the USB connector on the back.

Via this connector you will also be able to download new sounds, algorithms, or even full alternative firmware. " In the future, there could be: • Traditional octave tracking • Different quantization schemes • Ambient or generative patches Or more experimental warm or noisy • New forms of sound design — all possible through open-source updates"

The Kharper comes with 9 (3x3), already impressive sounding models but in the future certainly different models will be downloadable.

INPUTS:

- MIDI in
- STRUM is a gate in that will strum all four strings
- Pond/River/Ocean - choice of sound engine
- Herring/Koikarp/Dolphin - choice of sound engine

The Tone and Decay of the selected sound engine can be tweaked with a knob or via CV.
All strings have a knob and CV in for tone and a trigger gate input to pluck the string see demo

OUTPUTS:  

- Control output Gate and CV

- Left/Right audio output

The first batch is already sold out
The kHarper will be available again in September. 

If you’d like to reserve one, email studiopaultas@hotmail.com

and/or check out  @rocket_not and @errorinstruments for updates

Modular On The Spot, 3rd of August, Maarssen NL

Another modular synth-event that is taking place soon is the Summer edition of Modular on The Spot NL.

Modular on The Spot-NL is the Dutch version of the much acclaimed (open air) event for all modular music performers and their audiences.

Originally Modular On The Spot was an outdoor modular synth performance event that was started in Los Angeles by modular artist and skateboard photographer Eric “Rodent” Cheslak with bass player and modular musician Bana Haffar.

The idea came about on a camping trip to Arizona in 2014 where they set up a generator, speakers, and a modular synth at an off grid location in the middle of the desert. 

Since then, that version has grown into a free, monthly, picnic-style gathering that has been adopted by modular aficionados across the US (...and beyond (red.))

It's open to the public and offers a laid back and expansive listening environment... 

Modular on The Spot events are now taking place all over the world and the community keeps on growing. 

I believe this is already the third edition of MoTS on this location, an old Fortress/ Bunker near Utrecht. A beautiful spot... I hope the weather will be nice.

The line-up will be announced later.

Keep an eye on their social media for more: https://www.instagram.com/mots.nl/

August 3, 2025
Fort Maarsseveen
Herenweg 3, Maarssen

Free Entrance

The aim is at playing in the open air but can move inside if there’s a chance it might rain.

Wanna play? Send an email to (tectonia@live.nl) 

Solar Vibes Festival NL, 26th of July, Leusden NL

There are a lot of interesting Modular events coming up in the Netherlands this summer, and since I recently moved to Hilversum, this event near me caught my attention.

I might go and have a look if I have the time and the right autistic moodset. the line-up looks promising and it's a cool looking location. Well they even name it 'SuperChill'...

Line-up: (Times are subject to changes)

13:00 - Skoulaman
13:45 - Estroe
14:15 - Ron Boots
15:30 - MAHU
16:00 - Raaf
16:45 - Tectonia
17:45 - The Soulmade System
18:45 - Robotpoolparty


Saturday, July 26, 2025 at 1:00PM CEST 

Langesteeg 2, 3831 RZ Leusden, Nederland

Admission is Free! 

More info at:
www.facebook.com/people/Solar-Vibes-festival-NL

and on their Instagram

Synth Legends Livestream on 20th Anniversary of Bob Moog’s Passing

The Bob Moog Foundation hosted a special livestream on YouTube yesterday of a 2005 panel featuring synth legends Bob Moog, Tom Oberheim, Dave Smith, and Marcus Ryle, moderated by Roger Linn.

Video: Synth Legends (2005): Bob Moog, Tom Oberheim, Dave Smith, Marcus Ryle, Roger Linn

Source: moogfoundation on YouTube

During the one-hour and thirty-eight-minute symposium, all four innovators reflect separately about their unique histories and innovations before the group answers a series of questions collectively. 

The event, originally filmed in front of a live audience, was later released on DVD in limited quantities.

This was the first time it  aired in its entirety, with masterful audio enhancement of the camera mics provided by Harold LaRue Mastering.

It was Bob Moog’s final public appearance before his passing, and it’s being broadcast in full for the first time on August 21 at 8PM EDT, marking the 20th anniversary of his death.

More info HERE

PatchPierre Studio Update Spring 2025

Hi everyone.... it's me again
This last year i re-located my studio (hopefully for the last time) , rewired and updated everything, and it looks like i am almost ready to record some stuff again.
For personal use and for the blog of course :)

It's been 15 years since I first started posting here...
This year i will return to posting on a more regular basis.

By taking one day off from regular work every week, I can focus more on making music, little DIY projects and keeping you all updated in the blog.

Recently I found out that there are still around 10.000 pageviews per month over the last half year without even posting anything here... 

My blog-archive (of over 600 blogposts) still seems to be valuable to readers, and I still get many positive reactions.

In the last weeks I checked if the links on the blog are still alive and repaired them where necessary. 

It's a work in progress i guess... Let me know when you find any dead links.

My TB-303 has a new best friend, the Dtronics DT-303

I only bought a few new Eurorack modules and some other equipment in the last years that i haven't written about  yet, and I do have my eye on a few other Eurorack modules that I will order and write about soon.

Oh and I need a case... 

I also hope to catch-up with all the Doepfer modules that were released over the last 5 years. 

My journey continues and I hope it can inspire more people to make even more inspiring music.

I will also maintain showcasing new video's I find on YouTube that I find interesting enough for you to read. 

There are a lot of upcoming new content creators out there that use some extra exposure... 

and/or there are some very good older ones that can explain stuff much better than I can :) 

My new studio-setup is now almost completed and has been expanded with an Arturia Beatstep Pro, Roland Boutique VP03 and an Akai MPC Touch sampler.
A perfect setup for the late 80s Electrofunk Hiphop and early Techno stuff that I like to do...

My main live setup

The main live set-up is basically 808/909drums

from the Novation Drumstation, sequenced by a
BeatStepPro that also controls 2 A-100 System patterns and SYNCs the TB-303.

The VC and Gate out from the TB go back into the Eurorack and create a doubled 303 voice.

The new Roland VP-03 Vocoder is great to create those old school electro-robot vibes and has some real nice strings with easy adjustable attack- and release-sliders.

The Elektron MachineDrum is in SYNC with the rest and provides extra percussion with easy hands-on tone control during a performance.

To me this is perfect for creating stuff on the fly and for working out quick ideas.

My MPC (not in the picture) is rapidly turning from 'just a sampler' with cool VST instruments and effects into a full DAW with the latest 3.5 Public Beta update that came out last week.... but it's not available for my MPC (Touch) (yet)

The Cubase 14pro demo-version that i am testing at the moment feels very close to the new workflow on the MPC, so i might upgrade to a new MPC for everything, as soon as they announce new hardware and they get their software fixed. This new software was not ready for release in my humble opinion ;) 

You can expect new blogposts pretty soon I guess. 
I hope you will look forward to it as much as I do and perhaps you will show some support by re-tweeting/re-posting what you like most.... Thanks in advance! xxx

Pierre / PatchPierre / NetPierre

Serné Tone and Texture: A New Step Towards Our Future

I am proud to announce that the brands and activities of  

**NetPierre**, **PatchPierre**, **PatchPierre Studio One**, 

and various other audio services will now operate under the umbrella name

**Serné Tone and Texture**

 

This change reflects our vision to grow as a strong and recognizable brand that stands for quality, creativity, and innovation in the world of audio and technology. 

 

This restructuring allows us to consolidate our services and expertise, taking them to the next level.

Whether it’s studio recordings, modular synthesizer inspiration, or high-quality audio production, under Serné Tone and Texture, we provide a comprehensive and consistent experience that meets the needs of our clients and the demands of the future.

 

The new name and identity mark not only a fresh start but also a reinforcement of our core values.

We believe in creating a unique balance between tone and texture – a vision that is reflected in all our products and services.

This focus remains our guiding principle as we continue to adapt to the dynamics of an ever-evolving industry.

 

With Serné Tone and Texture, we are building a future where innovation, passion, and craftsmanship take center stage.

 

We thank our loyal customers and partners for their support and trust.

 

Together, we look forward to an inspiring new chapter full of opportunities and creative possibilities.

 

Pierre Serné - Tone and Texture - Hilversum - The Netherlands