DivKid and the Matrix Madness: Exploring AJH Synth’s VCF

DivKid welcomes us into a sonic adventure with the Matrix VCF by AJH Synth. This little beast boasts a whopping 32 analog filter modes, all based on the legendary Oberheim Matrix 12 synthesizer. AJH Synth has taken this classic circuitry and expanded it with something new – adding twists with a hint of spice. They’ve gone and introduced a PVox switch, inspired by the iconic Formanta Polivoks, offering a wild resonance path. It’s a neat trick to make the filter self-oscillate, effectively doubling the flavor palette from that original synth. The video promises some juicy patches, with sounds so rich you’ll feel like you’re bathing in analog goodness.

Let’s get down to brass tacks with the Matrix VCF. First off, you got your inputs and levels – easy peasy for balancing those wild resonance behaviors. The frequency control and CV inputs are where the real dance happens, with MOG-style pitch tracking inputs that make your head spin. The mode switch cycles through 16 distinct filter types, and while it turns like butter, it’s more a switch affair under the hood – as your handy LEDs will show. Add CV over mode with the mode input, and that pot now transforms into an attenuator. With the PVOX switch, unleash resonance that’ll make your grandma’s wooden spoon jealous. The self-oscillation gets wild – not your run-of-the-mill sine waves here. And like other AJH modules, customize in black or silver, because why not add style to your sound design game? DivKid guides us through with style and expertise, keeping it fresh, like sampling beats off vinyl.

Diving deeper, DivKid explores filter pings – a dynamic trick borrowed from Buchla and Serge systems. With resonance cranked just close enough to oscillation, short envelopes ping the filter, creating crisp percussive textures. When reverb enters the stage, these pings transform from clicks to melodious notes. Different rhythms and envelope levels enable dynamic pings, akin to striking a new note. It’s like mixing together spices in a street food fiesta, forming textures richer than a gourmet brunch. He manipulates these pings with envelope levels, making beats dance without ever touching a drum machine. The possibilities are practically endless, and it’s proof that the Matrix VCF isn’t just a filter but a playground for percussive synthesis. The varied ping responses remind you that with the right settings, a filter can be as expressive as a full drum kit, with each hit singing its own tune.

Taking things up a notch, DivKid dives into audio rate modulation. He reveals the Matrix VCF’s ability to transform even the simplest saw wave into a new beast by modulating it with high-frequency triangles. The enigmatic Polyvox resonance adds a layer of character, perfect for those who like their sounds a little rougher and more vocal. As he pushes the boundaries with modulating frequencies, each filter mode puts on a show, delivering texture after texture. It’s like adding layers to your mixtape, each with its own streetwise attitude. DivKid’s deep dive uncovers how each tweak can sculpt tones into something unique, so bespoke it might as well have your name on it. The Matrix VCF shows that audio rate modulation can be musical and expressive, able to turn your everyday filter into a sound design powerhouse. Just watch as the overtones dance and shift, cutting through a mix like a hot knife through butter.