StarskyCarr’s Stylophone DF-8 Rave Frenzy

Starsky Carr opens his deep dive into the Stylophone CPM DF-8 with a bang. The video kicks off with vibrant disco beats, setting the stage for this pocket-sized marvel. This is not your typical filter – it’s like a rave bunker stuck in overdrive. Starsky promises a slew of demos illustrating how this analog beast can enchant anything from synths to full mixes with its gritty, lo-fi charm. It’s the kind of device that could make a toaster-fight sound epic. We learn that the styling of this filter bears similarities to Stylophone’s earlier drone synth, and thanks to a nifty plastic connector, the two can be paired up for out-of-this-world sounds.

As Starsky peels back the layers, the DF-8 reveals its core. We’re greeted with two filters per module, each offering distinct flavours. The generate filter with its band and high-pass modes brings a 12 dB edge, while the 2045 filter takes it up a notch with a 24 dB low-pass twist. Starsky dives into the detail ladder, flanked by classic beats. Full-force resonance gives us that rich, French house vibe. We see how envelope control can either caress or assault your audio. With options to switch between linear and exponential settings, the possibilities seem endless, almost like a sandbox for sound sculptors. Starsky doesn’t shy away from showing us those envelopes syncing with the onboard VCAs either, meshing filters into a coherent, yet chaotic harmony. A sonic street weapon in its truest form.

Starsky ventures into the wild realms of S&H circuits, showing how randomness meets rhythm. Modulating the filters with noise-infused sample and hold circuits injects unpredictability, yet retains a semblance of rhythmic gratification. It’s here the DF-8 starts to show its colours, particularly when you bring delay into the fray. Starsky’s demo hints at the creative chaos that can ensue. The delay circuit isn’t synced to any external time source, but that’s precisely where the magic lies. Starsky’s knack for finding the sonic gold amidst the bedlam is on full display.

In a twist of practical brilliance, Starsky carries us through the DF-8’s connectivity and modular prowess. Headphone and mains outputs permit monitoring whether you’re on the go or hooked up to a home rig. The unit’s compact nature and detachable design make it Eurorack-friendly, transforming it from a standalone menace into a module of handy destruction. Individual outs for each filter ensure full control over your sonic alchemy. He showcases the ability to unlink filters, creating a stereo-imbued playground for audio experimentation. Starsky’s admiration for its sound shines through, and the comparison he draws with the iconic Mutronics Mutator adds just the right touch of nostalgia. This thing kicks like a drunken horse and yet, its elegance can’t be ignored.