About Last Weekend: Solar Vibes Festival @ SuperChill

As soon as i opened my cardoors at arrival and heard the bleeps and chirps from Estroe blown my way by a light breeze I knew it was going te be a good day..

Estroe Live

I had a fun afternoon at the Solar Vibes Festival @SuperChill last saturday. 

The synth-event, organized by Ricardo Verschut (Tectonia), was located in the middle of nowhere on a small and cozy farm just outside Leusden... 

On a small improvised stage under a roof of solarpanels Ricardo presented an interesting lineup, with a good mix of different styles.

There was plenty of room to sit and/or lie down in the dry grass for the small crowd of around 60 spectators/ synth enthousiasts. 

Ron Boots with Harold van der Heijden on drums

Sadly I missed Skoulaman's performance, but I was just in time to see a big part part of Estroe's experimental/ ambient set. 

Synth-legend Ron Boots played some new tracks in his well-known Berlin-inspired style, accompanied by Harold van der Heijden live on drums.

Spectators enjoying the sounds of MAHU's set

After his performance it was time for MaHu's original and inspiring sound-collages.

A crisp and clear solo set by Raaf (RaafModular) on his modular followed.
I found out afterwards that my niece is already a fan of him.

He has a pleasing style, melodic and technical, appealing to most people on the field, from purists to even the random visitors that also stopped by at the festival to have a listen.

The vibe was very picnic-like during the whole afternoon, the location even had decent festival-food for reasonable prices and the people seemed to enjoy themselves a lot.

The Soulmade System and Tectonia (who organized this event) both  delivered solid sets and soundscapes while some darker clouds were getting closer. The swallows even seemed to do a little dance above the captivated crowd but luckily most of the clouds drifted away without leaving much rain.

RobotPoolParty

The day ended surprisingly with an more uptempo and eclectic set from RobotPoolParty.

Some already know Jaïr Darnoud (1998) from his hip-hop act 'Rens, Jaïr & Ome Uncle' and under the name 'Groovegod Jaïr Darnoud'.
Robbert van Zuiden (1988) used to play in bands and has been actively working with modular synthesizers in recent years.
He told me he also designs modules under the name Lucid Modular and working on his first module release 'Hey Bro, help me out!' , a specialized sequencer controller for the Moog DFAM and other 8-step sequencers.

In the past year you could have seen them performing in and around Amsterdam, but it was my first time seeing them.
Jaïr en Robbert have great chemistry on stage and their style is a unique mix of punchy beats, distorted dub, their own alternative groove and influences of Surinamese Kaseko. 

It was good to see how their energy reflected to the audience and finally made quite a few get up and do a little dance...Animistic Beliefs... eat your heart out... this is going to get huge!

It was a perfect way to end the day while the sun was slowly fading away . 

It was a pleasure seeing and meeting some of these artists as well, although I didn't get to speak with everyone. I would like to thank Ricardo for giving some extra info this event at this special location.

There are more modular events like this coming up in the near future.
This next Saturday August the 3rd, for example is Modular On The Spot at an old Bunker/Fort in Maarsseveen

Please follow and support all artists on social media.

__________________

More RobotPoolParty:

Check out their set from last year at Paradiso 

and find them on https://soundcloud.com/robotpoolparty_com

ADDAC System 320 Servo w. demo by Electrum Modular

ADDAC, the Portugese 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