From the Archive — Introducing Modular Systems with Thomas Kircher

Some videos don't age. These classics from 2015 are just as relevant today as when they were first recorded — maybe even more so. Doepfer modules have only become more accessible over the years, and the fundamentals Thomas Kircher walks through here are as solid as ever.
We're resharing this three-part series because it's simply too good to stay buried in the archives.

System ONE "Starter" — Where It All Begins

Every modular journey starts somewhere. In Part 1, Thomas shows how to get real, expressive sounds out of a compact beginner build — clear, focused, and free of unnecessary complexity. The perfect starting point.

Modules in the case: 
A-190-3 USB/MIDI-to-CV/Gate Interface · A-180-2 Multiples · A-160 Clock Divider · A-161 Clock/Trigger Sequencer · A-148 Dual Sample and Hold / Track and Hold· A-110-2 Basic VCO · A-145 Low Frequency Oscillator LFO · A-118 Noise / Random · A-138c Polarizing Mixer / A-138j Inverting/Interrupting Mixer (Janus Mixer) · A-120 24dB Low Pass 1 · A-140 ADSR Envelope Generator · A-171-2 VC Slew Processor / Generator · A-132-3 Dual linear/exponential VCA

System TWO "Pro" — More Depth, More Modulation

Part 2 opens things up. More voices, more modulation, more room to explore — Thomas demonstrates how a slightly expanded system unlocks a whole new level of sonic possibility without losing sight of what makes modular so intuitive.

Modules in the case: 
A-190-4 USB/MIDI-to-CV/Gate/Sync Interface · A-180-2 Multiples · A-110-4 Quadrature VCO · A-110-4 Thru Zero Quadrature VCO · A-147-2 VCD-LFO · A-138c Polarizing Mixer · A-106-6 XP Filter · A-132-3 Dual linear/exponential VCA · A-171-2 VC Slew Processor / Generator · A-148 Dual Sample and Hold / Track and Hold · A-171-2 VC Slew Processor / Generator

System THREE "Drone" — Deep, Evolving, Hypnotic

Part 3 goes somewhere else entirely. This system was built for those who want to lose themselves in slowly shifting textures, rich harmonics, and sounds that seem to breathe on their own. Timeless territory.

Modules in the build: 
A-143-4 Quad VCLFO/VCO · A-180-2 Multiples · A-118 Noise / Random · A-138m Matrix Mixer · A-171-2 VC Slew Processor / Generator · A-106-5 12dB SEM Filter · A-133 Dual Voltage Controlled Polarizer · A-171-2 VC Slew Processor / Generator

The latest version of Redshift 6's firmware is now available to download.

With Firmware 1.7, Redshift 6 completes the front panel feature set envisaged from the outset, marking a major milestone and opening a new chapter in reimagining what an analogue synth can do.

Redshift 6 firmware version 1.7

Added:
• New Math engines: SLEW, CURVE, Fold & Clip, Quantize, Multi-via, sample and hold, track and hold, switch, CROSSFADE

Improvements:
• Five new factory presets
• Master tune setting
• Wet level control added to Vintage Chorus

Fixed:
• All known bugs fixed

For more in-depth info, including technical specifications, please visit the Redshift 6 webpage: https://supercriticalsynthesizers.com/redshift6/

Watch the Redshift 6 Firmware 1.7 demo: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mITyGutdblY

The lovely Jessica Kert from SchneidersLaden gives us a behind-the-scenes look at her live performance at this year's Superbooth. She opens up her live case and walks us through her current setup.

Take a look at the video yourself to see what we mean. 

Here's some more information about Jessie:

Navigating a dense forest of patch cables and tuned in to every frequency shift, Jessica performs live with a deep love for the physicality of it all, creating a world entirely her own that is driven by pure enjoyment, self-expression and total dedication to her craft.

https://detund.bandcamp.com/album/i-am-not-kind

The Buchla Ziggy made its official debut at Superbooth, and the excitement around this new synthesizer is well deserved.

Buchla has since shared a wealth of videos on their YouTube channel, showcasing the many sonic possibilities this instrument has to offer. To save you the deep dive, we've hand-picked some of the most inspiring ones and gathered them right here for you.

Enjoy exploring what the Ziggy can do!