mono snack
This weekend, I was lucky enough to carve out some time for the Hardware Jam challenge, where the theme was 'dawn.' Naturally, the word immediately pulled me into that unforgettable film, From Dusk Till Dawn—the ultimate George Clooney, paired with the wildly brilliant Quentin Tarantino. Inspired by that, I set out to create something that begins bright and hopeful, but spirals into darkness and the unexpected, much like the movie itself. So, prepare for a journey: gentle arpeggios rising with the morning light, only to descend into deep, hellish drones. Enjoy the ride. And if you haven’t seen the movie… well, what are you waiting for?
updated 1 year ago
This round I went hybrid: spun up multiple tasty arpeggios on the NDLR and Rhythmizer Fusion, layered in a pad and a bass line, and voilà... instant groove machine. From there it was just a matter of nudging a few knobs to kick arps and sequences on or off.
Pretty convenient for a guy whose finger skills are… let’s just say "not his strongest instrument"
Gear used:
The NDLR from Conductive Labs
Launchpad MINI
Rhythmizer Fusion
Behringer System 100
Surge XT (my all time favourite VST)
From the restless streets of the megacity, I wandered into that hidden sanctuary a pocket of stillness amid endless clamor. The moment I stepped inside, the world shifted. Birds began to sing, the wind moved the bamboo with gentle grace, and the outside chaos folded into calm. In that sacred pause, the city shrank to a single dot, and the mind gathered itself, collapsing confusion into clarity; into a self chosen with intent.
Gear:
Behringer System 100 (several modules)
The PlayFader (in CV mode)
Drumbrute Impact
Ableton for recording
AI free content
Raw jam, one take, no mastering
Along the way, I worked in a brief break section and layered in some SH-101-style lead lines for added movement and contrast. It’s not about perfection — it’s about transformation and resolution.
As always, big thanks to the HWJ collective for giving structure to the chaos: the shared challenge helps me focus, start noodling with intent, and most importantly finish a track. That moment of completion feels like a little personal victory, and it clears the creative slate to begin the next journey.
theNDLR
Volca Keys
Ableton for recording, no mastering, no mixing, no layering, no AI...
A jam from scratch in under 5 minutes? Sounds like a job for the NDLR.
Given my limited keyboard chops but endless love for arpeggios and Berlin School textures, I went straight for a one-shot session. No prep, no editing; just picked the first arpeggio that caught my ear on the NDLR, layered in a second, then added a drone to anchor the low end.
The Volca Keys handled it all in Poly mode, handing out voices on a first-come, first-served basis — which led to some beautifully unintended rhythmic interactions. From there, it was all cutoff, resonance, a touch of ADS, and some internal Volca delay. No FX, no external gear. Pure Volca minimalism.
Synth heads: if you're into simple vibes, voice collisions, and raw one shoots, this one’s for you.
Gear used:
- Behringer System 100 clone
- Korg SQ-1
- Roland SH-101 (lead)
- TTA Z5000 for reverb and delay
- Some reverse samples (voice & percussion)
Armed with a freshly rebuilt RackBrute transformed into a Behringer System 100 clone, diving headfirst into modular minimalism. Driven by three analog oscillators, my old lady SH-101, two interlocking arpeggios, and a gritty drone, the piece is sequenced by the Korg SQ-1.
What unfolds is a raw, unpolished live performance; captured in a single take, without mixing, mastering, or even EQ. Chasing harmonic sweet spots in real time, embracing simplicity, and letting the machine sing.
The result? A meditative slice of voltage-driven bliss that rewards deep listening. If you feel even a fraction of the joy that went into this jam, consider it a win.
Plug in. Tune out. Enjoy the ride.
This week’s challenge from the Hardware Jam Fam: craft a soundtrack for Friday the 13th — in true 80s spirit.
What emerged isn’t exactly terrifying, but it’s laced with mystery, tension, and a touch of vintage synth drama.
At the heart of it all: my trusty 1984 Roland SH-101, growling and whispering through the fog like it was built for VHS-era suspense. Add in hypnotic sequences, shadowy textures, and a live hardware-only setup, no DAW edits, just spontaneous composition.
🎛️ Main Gear: Roland SH-101 (1984), Modular Setup, Model D, K-2, Neutron
🎥 Recorded live for the Hardware Jam Collective
Cue the fog machine, turn on the black lights... and enjoy a little retro dread.
To those of you already subscribed and returning to check out my latest release; massive thanks! Your continued support means the world. And to all newcomers just discovering the channel, welcome aboard!
I've been a bit quiet lately, navigating life's unexpected twists that demanded my attention, but rest assured I'm still deeply immersed in the joy of creating and exploring sonic landscapes. Today's track is crafted entirely from VST instruments, produced far from my beloved synth lab... so, no live jam this time, but an intriguing electronic journey nonetheless.
Stay tuned, be patient, and to quote Arnold, "I'll be back!"
May the oscillator be with you...
During the electrifying jam, I got so caught up in the groove that I totally spaced on about a third of the wicked effects and sounds I had lined up. Classic me, right? 😂 But hey, that's the thrill of live performance—anything can happen!
Just so you know, each jam session is a live, one-take wonder, but don't be fooled; heaps of prep go into each beat and bar. Dive into the depths of doom with me and let's find some joy in the dark. Turn up the volume and let the vibes roll. Hope you vibe with it and have a blast listening! 🎶🖤
Gear used:
K-2
Model D
Neutron
DrumBrute Impact
#hardware_jams
#bemoreinky
#synthesizer
This weekend, the HWJ challenge was all about celebrating March 3rd—which is... what exactly? Ah, yes—303 day! So naturally, this jam had to go full-on psychedelic with a proper 303 (or at least a clone) infusion.
I dialed in the Behringer Brains in Acid mode, summoned some old synth comrades—the legendary Roland SH-101, JX-3P, and even a touch of SCI Multi-Trak for those lush pads. The result? A raw, unfiltered, cosmic trip—improvised in one take, no mastering, no mixing, just pure, untamed synth energy. Of course, it took some tedious sonic alchemy beforehand to prepare the spell.
Strap in, tune in, and let the oscillators do the talking. 🚀🎛️🔥
#hardwarejam
#modularsynth
#eurorack
#bemoreinky
I went with Argon—because, much like this noble gas, my music seems to get zero reactions! 😂 Argon is odorless, colorless, and totally unbothered, floating through life making up nearly 1% of our atmosphere, yet remaining almost invisible. Sounds familiar? Yep, I’m basically the Argon of music—present, persistent, but subtly floating in the background. Invisible, but not alone.
So, here it is—my Argon-inspired jam! A piece that, like its namesake, keeps it cool, stays non-reactive, but still holds its place in the mix. Hope you enjoy it (or at least acknowledge its existence like Argon in the air 😆).
Drop a comment if you feel the Argon vibes! #HardwareJam #Synthesizer #ArgonAnthem
Just back from Japan and battling a mighty jetlag, I found myself wide awake in the middle of the night—what better time to dive into a weekend challenge from the HWJ community? This time, the mission was to embark on a musical journey inspired by Hieronymus Bosch (1450–1516), the legendary Dutch painter known for his surreal and often bizarre visions.
At first, I thought, "This could be tricky..." I mean, how do you translate grotesque medieval dreamscapes into music? But then, in my half-sleep-deprived research, I stumbled upon an interesting fact: Japanese pop art has been influenced by Bosch! And just like that, the creative spark ignited—a perfect bridge between my recent impressions from Japan and this week’s musical challenge.
What followed? A synth-driven soundscape that blends the ethereal, the chaotic, and the strangely beautiful—just like a Bosch painting, but with a touch of Tokyo neon and late-night delirium. 🚀🎛️
Curious? Give it a listen and let me know what kind of twisted visions it sparks in your mind! 🎶
#hardwarejam
#modularsynth
#eurorack
Hope you enjoy the vibes! Let me know what you think in the comments.
#jamuary2025
#hardware_jams
#petitevictorycollective
#bemoreinky
#Brains
#synthesizer
#eurorack
#modular
Her story, her presence, and the eerie atmosphere surrounding her became the foundation for this piece. I wanted to create something that captures the surreal, emotional tension Lynch is known for while also channeling the mystery and darkness that Laura represents.
🔻 Dive into the music, let the haunting vibes pull you in, and share your thoughts—what does it awaken in you?
#jamuary2025
#hardware_jams
#petitevictorycollective
#bemoreinky
That said, I did spend a little time prepping (because who doesn’t love tweaking gear?). I set up a preset, programmed three modulation sources (thank you, Abacus!), and dialed in a cheeky little sequence on the Behringer Chaos—a fun Marbles clone.
The result? Some beautifully unpredictable modulations sweeping across the sonic spectrum. And with the Vector Wave in the mix, surprises were, as always, guaranteed.
So, sit back, enjoy the ride, and let the waves of sound carry you somewhere unexpected. 🌊🎶
Gear used:
RYK Vector Wave
Behringer Chaos
Behringer Abacus
#jamuary2025
#hardware_jams
#petitevictorycollective
#bemoreinky
#RYK
#synthesizer
#vectorwave
#eurorack
#modular
This Eurorack module is like the Cheshire Cat of the synth world—never fully under control, always keeping a hint of surprise up its sleeve, and definitely evoking some Alice in Wonderland vibes along the way.
It was a blast to work with, and I’m pretty happy with the result. Sure, it’s a bit raw and untamed, but hey, it was captured in a single take. So, sit back, relax, and let yourself be swept away by the wild wave modulations. Enjoy the trip! 🎶🌊✨
#jamuary2025
#hardware_jams
#petitevictorycollective
#bemoreinky
#NDLR
#vintagesynths
#synthesizer
#berlinschool
#vectorwave
#eurorack
#modular
The NDLR truly shines when it comes to harmonics—it’s like having a musical accomplice that handles chords flawlessly, while effortlessly spitting out arpeggios and bass lines with just a few tweaks. Talk about a game-changer!
And of course, what’s a jam without a little sprinkle of magic? Enter reverb and delay for that lush, dreamy vibe. Add in a touch of EQ to keep those frequencies in check, and voilà—instant sonic delight.
Who’s ready to jam? 🚀
#jamuary2025
#hardware_jams
#petitevictorycollective
#bemoreinky
#NDLR
#vintagesynths
#synthesizer
#berlinschool
This track is my tribute to that world, capturing the menacing aura of the Balrog. Imagine it resonating deep within the darkest chambers of the caves of Durin, where shadows clash with fiery rage. These are the vibes I sought to channel—dark, intense, and mysterious, inspired by the Flame of Udûn itself.
Hope you enjoy this sonic journey into the depths of Middle-earth!
#jamuary2025
#hardware_jams
#petitevictorycollective
#bemoreinky
So, here’s my first offering: a hypnotic, ambient-infused piece. It’s raw, unpolished and recorded in a single take. Enjoy the journey!
#jamuary2025
#hardware_jams
#petitevictorycollective
#bemoreinky
The synthesizer connoisseur I was assigned to? A true wizard with the NI Maschine. So, in the spirit of imitation, I tried to channel his workflow. But alas, no Maschine in my arsenal—just my trusty little LaunchPad MINI. Challenge accepted!
Here’s the result: A jam wrapped in mystery, shared as an unlisted video until it makes its debut at the next HWJ streaming session. Let’s see how it lands. 🎶🎅
I tried to capture that vibe mentally, visually, and musically. You know, the usual “Plan 0815,” and luckily, something came out of it today. Sure, it’s a bit raw and unpolished, but hey, that’s the magic of jam sessions, right?
Hope you enjoy it, dear synthesizer connoisseurs! 🎶🐹
Another weekend, another challenge: this time, to jam with every hardware synth I’ve got. And yeah, there are a few boxes around here that have been gathering dust. Friday was a swing and a miss. Saturday? Same story—ideas were tried, then scrapped.
But Sunday? Oh, baby. Sunday was when the cosmos aligned. Out of nowhere, something completely unexpected happened. In a matter of minutes, the jam came together—played, recorded, done. Just like that.
In the end, I’m pretty happy something actually materialized. It’s not perfect, but hey, it’s out there now. Let me know what you think.
Gear used:
Neutron
K-2
Modedel D
Brains
Laniakea
SH-101
S-50
JX-3P
DrumBrute Impact
SQ-1
Multiple Modules
Gear:
JX-3P
S-50
DrumBrute Impact
Model-D
Vector Wave
Brains
This time, I dusted off my trusty Roland SH-101. Yes, this beauty has been with me for over 40 years—she’s my OG synth partner in crime. 🕶️ Despite her relatively simple design, the SH-101 is full of surprises. She’s a true vintage gem... though, let’s be honest, her quirky tuning issues (thanks to that notorious power knob) drive me absolutely bananas. 🍌 One day, I’ll fix her. One day. 🤔
For now, though, let’s embrace her charm and see what sonic adventures we can conjure together. So sit back, hit LIKE if you’re vibing with the groove, and as always, may the oscillator be with you! ✨
Today, I’ve got a longer sonic adventure for you—almost 10 minutes of synth-filled goodness. Now, I know not everyone’s going to make it to the end of this journey, but hey, that’s cool! I’m just glad you stopped by in the first place. 😊
So buckle up, hit play, and immerse yourself in the vibes. If you do make it through, drop a comment and tell me where this 10-minute musical trip took you. 🚀
Full disclosure: I did a dry run, found it passable, and then hit record for the real deal. Fair enough?
One more thing... This jam is dedicated to "Inky da Cat", a cherished member of the HWJ family and part of our inner circle. Though no longer with us, Inky's presence will always be felt.
So here it is—a Trilogy blending Ambient, Phonk, and Techno, with each segment lasting approximately 5 minutes. Feel free to skip around and explore the different parts. Enjoy the journey!
Gear used:
SCI Multi-Trak
JX-3P
The B-Gang Neutron, K-2, D
Brains
RYK Vector Wave
a few modules for FX and modulations
The NDLR for the ambient part
SQ-1 for sequencing
E-mu Drumulator (well just a bit)
Gear used:
- The Neutron, K-2, D
- Brains (FY from Z5000 and Euphorie)
- Laniakea
- RYK Vector Wave
- NDLR (arp 1)
- SQ-1 (arp 2)
Gear used:
Roland SH-101
Behringer Brains and Chaos
RYK Vector Wave
Laniakea
SQ-1
E-MU Drumulator
Gear used:
Behringer Model D
Behringer Neutron
Behringer K-2
a sprinkle of Behringer Brains
IO Instruments Euporie
Track pad with AudioSwift as MIDI device
Gear used:
Roland JX-3P
SCI Multi-Trak
Behringer K2
Behringer Model D
For those intrepid few who’ve read this far, I'd like to give a shout-out to some super talented and creative musicians I follow for a long time and respect. And no, I'm not talking about the YouTube overlords, but rather the unsung heroes with low click rates, like myself. These are the true kings and queens who have the time and passion to listen to an entire track and leave a thoughtful comment.
Enjoy the ride!
@JBCreatieve
@MarcWeertsMusic
@soundseeksdiversity
@metaspherz
Here’s another contribution for the recent Hardware Jam Weekend Challenge. This time, the theme was the approaching summer season. Oh, by the way… what happened to spring and summer this year? All I see are grey November days with lots of rain. Well, at least this weather is ideal for creating music and noodling around with hardware (and, to be honest, a sprinkle of VSTs).
So here it is: put on your headphones and enjoy a little sonic journey. Hopefully, you can imagine some heartwarming sunbeams with your inner eye.
Also, thanks a million for voting for my last jam, which scored as the winner. Absolutely AMAZING!
May-23: International Synthesizer Day
(see my other post)
May-25: International Drone Day
(another post with truly dark vibes)
May-26: HWJ Weekend Challenge
This time, the HWJ challenge was inspired by 'The 3 Body Problem' (episode 4). The theme was to translate 'Biological Evolution' into music. So here we go. Given my affinity for arpeggios, I focused on the evolution of these intricate sequences. Expect three layers of arpeggios intertwined with intense twists using the IO Instruments Euporie Filter (Cutoff, Resonance, and CV modulation). Enjoy this auditory journey into the depths of musical evolution!
Gear used:
Model D (drone 1)
K-2 (drone 2)
Neutron (drone 3)
Brains (in voice mode with modulation from Abacus and filter from Euporie)
Laniakea (noises, lot's of CV modulation)
FXs (Ableton Live)
(the 3 SYNTH PROBLEM)
- The ethereal pads of the Roland JX-3P
- The deep bass rumblings of the Behringer Brains
- And the gritty, unusual distorted textures of the Behringer Model D
My mission was clear: to craft a cinematic soundscape that transports listeners to distant galaxies and mysterious dimensions. Embrace the chaos of feedback and distortion as you journey through the dark, alien-infused atmosphere of this otherworldly soundtrack. Prepare for an auditory odyssey !
But hey, let's stay optimistic! If we make it through this cosmic chaos, we'll reconvene on Tuesday, hopefully with all our limbs intact and the birds chirping. Fingers crossed, folks!
#hardwarejam
#eurorack
#hwj
Wishing you all joy in your jamming endeavors, friends! 🎶🔊
#jamuary2024
#petitevictorycollective
#hardwarejam
#jamuary
#hardware_jams
#pvc_hwj_jamuary
#eurorack
gear used:
Behringer Brains
Behringer Four Play
Behringer Chaos
Behringer Neutron
Behringer K2
Behringer Model D
Roland SH-101
Roland JX-3P
Conductive Labs NDLR
Recorded in one take on Ableton Live
Wishing you all joy in your jamming endeavors, friends! 🎶🔊
#jamuary2024
#petitevictorycollective
#hardwarejam
#jamuary
#hardware_jams
#pvc_hwj_jamuary
Experimenting with the Wingie from Meng Qi and my Jew's harp. Lot's of resonator effects, reverbs and delays... e voila. Oh, and yes... I spiced it up with the magnificent SH-101, my old lady (she is a tuning nightmare but worth the trouble, haha)
Wishing you all joy in your jamming endeavors, friends! 🎶🔊
#jamuary2024
#petitevictorycollective
#hardwarejam
#jamuary
#hardware_jams
#pvc_hwj_jamuary
Presenting my #Jamuary2024 entry, a brief jam session featuring the Brains sparked by the NDLR, accompanied by a myriad of modulations courtesy of the Abacus. The bass line? Well, that's the unmistakable groove of the Model D.
Wishing you all joy in your jamming endeavors, friends! 🎶🔊
#jamuary2024
#petitevictorycollective
#hardwarejam
#jamuary
#hardware_jams
#pvc_hwj_jamuary
I was given the name of another jammer who has also entered the festive challenge and had to make a jam in the style of that Jammer and / or as a tribute to him/her.
That other jammer is.... Arpeggeric.
It's an honour to pay tribute to such an esteemed YouTuber and musician through my jam.
Join the laughable journey as I compose arpeggios of bills and electronic experimentation!
After a deep, long dive into my sonic abyss, it's official: no hidden Mariah Carey in there—more like a cheerful sea cucumber attempting sequenced notes. But fear not! I've got festive vibes brewing in my sequencer. Brace yourself for a sprinkle of glitter, a dash of tinsel restraint, and a message so tiny it might need a microscope. Let the holiday hilarity commence!


