Author Archive

The Story Of Classic Sherman Filterbank With Creator Herman Gillis


Synthesist and composer Anthony Marinelli  – in his latest video – talks with Herman Gillis, creator of the classic Sherman Filterbank.

Gillis talks about how he got started with synth DIY and how it led to creating the Filterbank. And Marinelli demonstrates using the Sherman Filterbank with a Minimoog.

Video Summary:

“In this exclusive interview, Herman reveals how he employed Switched-Capacitor Filter (SCF) technology to create an analog powerhouse that shaped the sound of artists like The Orb, David Bowie, Human League, Ziggy Marley, and more…

Herman takes us through the evolution of his designs, from his teenage years building guitar pedals and drum machines to his legendary Filterbank 1, Quad Modular Filter, Filterbank Compact, and the latest 500 series module, the Rodec/Sherman Minirestyler.

I’ll be performing on a Minimoog and laying down grooves with a TR-909 drum machine throughout the video—bringing Herman’s filter madness to life with some face-melting musical examples! You won’t just hear us talk about this screaming filter—you’ll experience it in all its glorious, growling, and gut-punching sound!

If you’re into synths, sound design, and legendary instruments, this deep dive into one of the most extreme filters ever built is a must-watch!”

If you’ve used the Sherman Filterbank, leave a comment and share your thoughts on it!

How To Make A Low-Budget, Lo-Fi Synthesizer


Reader Nick Culbertson shared this video, demonstrating how to make a simple, lo-fi $1 synth.

It’s based on a 555 timer module, which is the heart of the classic Atari Punk Console DIY noisemaker project.

Culbertson includes the mistakes he made in his video, so viewers can hopefully avoid making the same ones.

Video Summary:

“In this video, we’re building the cheapest and easiest synth ever using a 555 Timer module! It’s raw, lo-fi, and as you’ll see, not everything went according to plan.

From breadboarding the circuit to hacking the built-in trim pots, we’ll explore how to turn this simple chip into a tiny synth. Along the way, we’ll deal with torn traces, questionable soldering, and some happy accidents.

If you’re into DIY electronics, synths, or just making weird sounds then this one’s for you!”

Tubbutec Brainstep Controller Provides Immediate, Hands-On Control For Eurorack ‘Sequencing Brain’


Tubbutec shared this video overview of their Brainstep Controller, an expander for their Brainstep ‘sequencing brain’ for Eurorack modular systems.

While it is possible to change Brainstep’s envelope and LFO parameters using the menu, the Brainstep Controller makes it possible to control these parameters with tactile immediacy.

The 25 sliders enable you control most accent, ADSR and LFO parameters. Additionaly, the glide time can be controlled.

The Brainstep Controller is available now for € 300.