The music tracker you've propably never heard of
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- Опубліковано 13 лип 2024
- Here's Tutka, an older, yet still very interesting MIDI tracker, running on a "#ClockworkPi" console on #Linux on #raspberrypi .
Links & resources:
Tutka MIDI sequencer: www.nongnu.org...
Linuxsampler on RasPi: github.com/hex...
Linuxsampler homepage linuxsampler.org/
My video on ZynAddSubFX: • Raspberry PI 5 with Re...
Clockworkpi: www.clockworkp...
18650 3,7V batteries: amzn.to/4d0BM1C
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Some bands / artists I've been following for a long time are (among others) Massive Attack, Pink Floyd, Pet Shop Boys, Archive, A-Ha, Yes, Porcupine Tree, John Mellencamp, Jean-Michel Jarre, Metallica, Peter Gabriel and Perturbator. So my music will kind of sound like those (without ever reaching the greatness of those artists, of course). :-)
![Дон ДОН, Алаудинов и СБЕЖАВШИЕ из под Курска ахматовцы 😁 [Пародия]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/dEfCf5IK26Q/mqdefault.jpg)
Correction: The batteries are 3.7V, not 3.5V as I said in the video.
3.7 nominal voltage (voltage during activity, being 4.2v on idle when fully charged. These are li-ion, mine did not come with batteries, but I have zillions of Samsung, LG, Sony and some Generic cells. At the time I had the device, I installed 2 1800mah lion cells, but if you are going to keep the device, I really recommend some Sony or Samsung cells, there are several 2800mah worth taking a look. I've been working on solar power stuff during my spare time for some years now
You got one! Mine should be here within the month. Please do more with this device; I'd love to see its full capabilities with music
Thanks - I will do, but I've got quite the schedule ahead :-)
Renoise, arguably the most powerful ever produced, has VST support and has many features of a full DAW, has Linux ARM 32bit & 64bit binaries. It's not free but worth every penny. It was quite usable on an Intel Atom netbook, which had absolute crud performance, tho anything less than 1024x768 might be a little cramped for it. Love the Clockwork Pi's form factor but wish it were a bit larger, like my Honeywell Marathon FX1.
You're right! But as I said in the video, I already talked about that on this channel. ;-)
The quest for the perfect tracker continues
Yes. (As I said in the video, you can use Renoise on this, that's a pretty powerful one)
I love these obscure music making tool videos, there's so much useful stuff out there ^_^
Thanks! Yeah, I don't know how I arrived here, but here we are. ;-)
Please speak in my voicemal Floyd.
Get a cameo account Floyd plz
Wait, didn't I already do that a couple of years ago? ;-) Please check you youtube history
@@mr_floydst oh my ... 👀. What a strange world we live in. Thank you Mr Floyd.
This is precisely why I considered getting one of these. Think I'll finally pick one up.
It's a nice thing to have, but please prepare for a long wait...
Hi Floyd
Another great production. I thought this tune is not up to your usual standard, but by the end it sounded great, and it's great to see a tracker being used. Thanks Floyd.
Thanks for watching! Yes, it's a bit simplistic at first. ;-)
I ordered mine last month. Only 8 more to go! Excited to plug my m8 headless in it.
@@YoelFievelBenAvram I can’t wait to get mine. I wonder if the teensy will fit in the expansion slot
I think I waited for more than a year all in all...
@@RolieKloeOlie you can solder a USB to the expansion slot and attach the teensy internally, but it'll still draw power even when not running.
Awesome Floyd, not only have i seen a clockwork pi before, I got the risc-v version to work on porting LGPT to riscv but haven't had time yet, so this is a perfect use for it in the meantime. Thanks for another great video!
Thanks for watching and good luck with that conversion! Perhaps drop me a note when you're done. :-)
That is a pretty neat device and software/hardware setup!
Thanks for watching - it is! (If you're willing to put up with the inconveniences of caring about the software and config)
Fiddly but I love the look of it! 💜
It's a nice thing to have, but only if you know what you're in for.
Nice feature! Beside the cool and informative video, we like the USB cable around 9:01 :P! If there was a Eurorack renaissance, it's the time for trackers now!
@@intechstudio You're welcome :) Yes, Tracker seem to have a bit of a Renaissance now...
Btw I'm in the same boat, mine took so long to ship that i literally had forgotten I had ordered it by the time I got the shipping notification!
Also thanks for thre intro to Tutka midi tracker, had not come across it before! 👍
Thanks for watching!
I get Milkytracker vibes from the old days on Pocket PCs!
Thanks for watching!
There's a linux port of Milky Tracker, bring back the old days.
A comment below did just this
This little thing looks a bit like the Buzz-tracker i had use in the late 90s. It was a tracker made by a person named "Jeskola" (or what is Jescola, am not so sure) and had a text-based tracker-interface and a graphical interface for combining instruments and effects together.
I have thought some month ago: "Oh, our song "rectal anarchy" is reaching 25 years now... wow...
I have last tied buzz with wine some years ago, and it was running... I am sure i will find the Buzz-software and gears somewhere. Perhaps i will give it a new try...
I am not sure if there are sources available, and if buzz can b compiled for a Pi...
Seems the last version was uploaded in 2016: jeskola.net/buzz/
At least you got one :D People are still waiting after more than a year to get it. I think the problem is that it is using a module as core, and those suck a lot of energy. For what it does and the resolution it is using, maybe a Zero 2W was a better choice as portable device.
Is there no optimized linux software that can run easily on a small device? With the M8, the Micro Dexed Touch and the Tracker mini, I feel like this device could be an interesting one for music production on the go but as is, sits at the bottom of the food chain. Really struggle to understand who this thing is for as it does not excel at anything in particular from what I can tell.
It comes preinstalled with a lot of game boy emulators etc. So that's what the developers were thinking of (and given their history of building modular emulators, that's no surprise).
This isn't bad for music apps, it's quite flexible given you can install any DAW and plugin you like. But as you said, more specialised solutions have an edge here.
@@mr_floydst Oh, so it is more as a portable gaming thing then; make sense, looking at the shape.
As wired device it is plenty for a DAW; but then you lose what makes this device unique, and its portability (at least for music making). I wanted to get one but if you need to wait a year, I think I will pass
Thanks for video! This asks for sharing on Twitter... 🙂
Thanks :-)
This is the last Tracker id recommend to people. Cool stuff though.
Thanks for your feedback! I thought I said that very clearly in my conclusion. Both the device and the software are interesting things that exist :)
I just received my Clockwork Pi uConsole CM4, too.
I tried Milky Tracker. After setting the app's options to 640 x 360 with 2X scaling... the GUI was just right size.
Yes, the wifi is very poor. I got a USB wifi dongle.
Thanks for watching! Yes, the screen is very small and Raspbians accessibility options are not quite there yet. ;-)
@@mr_floydst I'm just making my own tracker & sampler hardware project, with optimized hardware input... to lower the cognitive effort required to actually use and work the software... thus allowing the creation of the music to be more intuitive... kind of like a traditional musical instrument.. I am using the uConsole as a prototyping platform for the software component (CM4).
That sounds interesting! Please drop me a note perhaps once you have a working prototype! :-)
I did not see that cover coming... i can't remember where ive heard that before ..
Yep, it's Kraftwerk, but the last time you heard a slightly more modern version might have been that cover by OMD. ;-)
Great content (as always 👍) ! The ClockworkPi is an interesting device on its own and you have mastered it brilliant, to use it for music creation. Would be interesting to see if it can run Ardour as well (i guess it should). If i understand the concept of the ClockworkPi right, then you should be able to replace the CM4 with a CM5 module later ... as soon as it is available here 😊
Thanks for pointing that out - we'll see! I'm afraid such hopes will be thwarted because the CM5 will need active cooling or something ;-)
@@mr_floydst oh yes, thats a good point a wasnt thinking about 🤔. I hope you will have much fun with the uConsole anyway, i mean the CM4 isn't bad at all ✌
Mr Floyd. I had the problem that my EX5 had blinking digits, it seems that I solved the problem. I started leaving my EX5 on 12 hours a day. It happened that the digits stabilized, I don't know how. The EX really is indestructible...thank you
That's good to hear! Perhaps there were some bad solder joints? This sounds like something was fixed by warming up. Reminds me of the "Ring of death" on the old XBox, which could be fixed by wrapping it in a towel and leaving it on. The solder would then melt and flow back where it was supposed to be ;-)
Kraftwerk - Neon Lights @5:40 ...... Later, it turned out to be Neon Lights. LOL
Yep :-) Thanks for watching!
Cool! I've used Tutka for a while for sequencing midi hardware on my Linux Lite PC, but I prefer Renoise now. The screen on that device seems small, is there a way to make the screen bigger? I would prefer like 4 big tracks instead of 16 small ones.
I havn't tried yet, but it'd be strange if you could not at least zoom in the UI.
A pretty sweet cover of Neon Lights there! =D
Thanks!
I saw this and thought it was a $700 Polyend tracker mini
I didn't know it is $700. Puts this gadget here into a different light :)
commenting before watching: f*ck yeah, I always wondered if you could use a clockwork pi for making music.
after watching: didn't even think about using it as a midi sequencer but that's pretty damn cool.
Thanks for watching! The CM4 has enough power to run some VST/LV2 plugins, Renoise or Reaper are no problem at all for this box.
It finally arrived! I had to sold mine due to financial reasons
Edit: i wanted to run minidexed, but i coulnt make it boot. So i took the raspberry cm4 module out of the clockwork pi, and installed it in a cm4 to raspberry pi 4 motherboard adaptater. And it didn't work either... But at least i had an error message about the micro SD not being found or something like that
The module might be able to be upgraded in the future, there's no oficial data about it, but being able to even install a Risc-V module, or an A04/06 module may mean there could be something more in the future.
The same thing goes for the screen, it can be replaced with something else.
The CM4 and PI4 are ever so slightly different, maybe the DAC used by clockworkpi is not compatible with the PI4 one. You can always file a report on the Minidexed Github page.
@@mr_floydst I installed the CM4 in a big tree tech pi4b adapter. Everything I tested there worked as a charm (several Linux flavors, etc) but minidexed couldn't boot, I think it did not find something in the microsd card. I cant remember the error on screen (via HDMI monitor, as the display remained blank) I didnt have the time to explore further so I gave up, put the CM4 back to the clockwork pi, loaded debian on the microsd and let it go.
I still have the rotary encoder, display, and DAC to ensamble the raspberry pi again to run minidexed. Maybe I'll get an older and cheaper raspberry to complete the proyect. The thing is that with minidexed touch, I'm really thinking about it instead of the regular minidexed on RPI. I like the fact of being able to edit parameters in a more accessible way than having to do that with a single encoder. I thought about building a big panel with lot of encoders yo edit parameters on the minidexed but... My knowledge on this kind of things is, zero. I can program tho, I like the project you begun for the XG synth modules, if I make some time to take a look I might want to contribute.
T
D
US!
Tedious.... as if trackers weren't annoying enough, installing it on the Clockwork gives me claustrophobia just watching this, lol. Good on you for doing this so that we don't have to. :)
Haha :-) If you dislike trackers in the first place, this thing will definitely make you pull your hairs. Not recommended. :-)
@@mr_floydst LOL That's for sure! Makes the Polyend Mini look like a rocketship for workflow. :)
But I love that you do these kinds of projects. Something different than the normal music gear channel that just shills to whomever is paying them or giving them free gear. You aren't like that and that's why I keep coming back!
would the CW Pi pair well with M8 Headless?
I wouldn't recommend it. The clockwork pi's keyboard leaves a lot to be desired for hardware tracker usage.
On the other hand, it's better than using a smartphone or tablet, for example. ;-)
Idea - Bluetooth speaker with built in midi and synth
Your idea for a Bluetooth speaker with built-in MIDI and synthesizer functionality is quite innovative. It merges the convenience of portable audio with the creativity of music production, appealing to both casual listeners and musicians. Here's a breakdown of how such a device could be designed and marketed:
### Features and Specifications
1. **Bluetooth Connectivity**:
- Standard Bluetooth for audio playback from devices like smartphones, tablets, and computers.
- Low latency Bluetooth for MIDI control to ensure real-time performance without noticeable delay.
2. **Built-in MIDI Controller**:
- Compact MIDI keyboard (25-37 keys) or pad controller (16-32 pads) integrated into the speaker.
- USB-C and Bluetooth MIDI options to connect with other devices or software.
3. **Synthesizer Engine**:
- Multiple synthesizer engines (analog modeling, FM synthesis, wavetable, etc.).
- Preset storage for different sound patches.
- Basic sound design controls (oscillators, filters, envelopes, LFOs) accessible via knobs and buttons.
4. **Battery Life**:
- High-capacity rechargeable battery providing hours of playback and MIDI functionality.
5. **Portability and Durability**:
- Compact and lightweight design.
- Durable materials to withstand regular transport.
6. **Audio Quality**:
- High-fidelity drivers for clear and powerful sound.
- Built-in EQ settings tailored for both music playback and live performance.
7. **Inputs and Outputs**:
- Line-in for connecting external audio sources.
- MIDI input/output ports for connecting external MIDI controllers or synthesizers.
- Headphone output for private listening and monitoring.
8. **Software Integration**:
- Companion app for deeper sound design, firmware updates, and additional functionalities.
- Integration with popular DAWs (Digital Audio Workstations) for seamless workflow.
### Potential Use Cases
1. **Casual Listening**: Use as a regular Bluetooth speaker for playing music.
2. **Music Production**: Create music on the go using the built-in synthesizer and MIDI controller.
3. **Live Performance**: Portable and versatile instrument for live electronic music performances.
4. **Educational Tool**: Ideal for music students and educators for teaching synthesis and MIDI.
### Market Positioning
- **Target Audience**:
- Amateur and professional musicians looking for a portable music creation tool.
- Music producers and DJs who need a compact setup for quick ideas and performances.
- Casual users who want more than just a Bluetooth speaker.
- **Price Point**:
- Positioning could range from mid to high-end, depending on the quality of components and features.
- Offer different models with varying features to cater to different segments of the market.
### Marketing Strategy
1. **Product Launch**:
- Use crowdfunding platforms like Kickstarter or Indiegogo to gauge interest and secure initial funding.
- Partner with influential musicians and producers for endorsements and demonstrations.
2. **Online Presence**:
- Create engaging content showcasing the versatility and unique features of the product.
- Utilize social media, UA-cam tutorials, and reviews from tech and music influencers.
3. **Retail and Distribution**:
- Sell through online marketplaces, music stores, and electronics retailers.
- Offer bundle deals with other music production gear or software.
4. **Community Engagement**:
- Develop a user community for sharing presets, tips, and user-generated content.
- Host events, workshops, and competitions to foster a loyal user base.
### Potential Challenges and Solutions
1. **Technical Complexity**:
- Simplify the user interface for ease of use.
- Provide comprehensive tutorials and customer support.
2. **Battery Life**:
- Optimize power consumption of the synthesizer and MIDI components.
- Offer an optional external battery pack for extended usage.
3. **Audio Quality vs. Portability**:
- Strike a balance between high audio quality and compact design.
- Utilize high-efficiency drivers and advanced audio processing technologies.
By combining the functionalities of a Bluetooth speaker, MIDI controller, and synthesizer, this product could carve out a unique niche in the market, providing a valuable tool for music creation and enjoyment on the go.
Thanks for sharing your idea. I guess I'd be capable of building a prototype of this, but the time needed to get this right is not to be underestimated. Also, Bluetooth, in the real world, just does not work that great. :-) (The latency is of concern, and Bluetooth tends to be very unstable in areas with a lot of other WiFi and Bluetooth connections)
Whenever I see these kind of devices, I wonder if could run Caustic 3.
I tried it on that Mini PC, and it can run Caustic 3. On this device, I'd be cautious, the CPU isn't that powerful and RAM isn't that big.
Have you tried the Radium tracker/daw?
Thanks for mentioning it - no, so far I have not tried it.
@@mr_floydst it's a beast of a thing, tracker mashed up with features of a modular DAW, even includes FAUST. The tickless nature is intriguing, some of the demo and sample tracks are amazing
I'm more a Carla + seq66 + NSM + JACK/LV2 CV + etc. kind of person though, more DAW-less (or "inverted DAW", maybe). Haven't indulged in any play that way in a while though!
Clockwork is great as long as you have the pi core version....the A06 has better specs but 0 support.
Edit: Renoise works on A06 so that's a plus
Thanks for the info!
Cool, but... my eye sight 😢
I guess you can tweak the UI to use bigger fonts. It's not something I thought about when making this video, sorry. :-)
That's okay, there's no Pi CM5 yet, so it's still current. 🙂
Yeah, I was slightly inaccurate there for dramatic/comedic effect. ;-)
I wonder if an upcoming CM5 will have active cooling.
@@mr_floydst Probably not, but it will probably need it. That'd mess up some multi-processing board designs!
OMG, as an audio software dev this is amazing! Would you like to install our digitakt/syntakt/TR8-S/TR6-S polyphonic software 'Polynator' on it? Will also order one :)
Thanks! I could test it on this device, but as I don't own one of the samplers your software was written for, all I could do is to verify it can be booted.
@@mr_floydst Thank you so much for your answer, I've sent you an email :)
Thanks! At the moment, I'm occupied with some projects that need attention first, but I'll take a look!
@@mr_floydsttx! Good luck with the projects!
@@mr_floydst forgot to mention that even though you don’t have the samplers you could test it out by using the lfo’s on synths that accept midi cc in. It does lfo to midi cc to any hardware you want :)
I was looking for something small and fun to put Orca on for sequencing, but the wait time for these totally turned me off. By the time I would get it I might not be interested anymore. I wish there were more small linux computers.
You're right, a bigger choice would be nice. This thing is nice to have (for upcoming raspberry pi videos on this channel, at least! :-)
@@mr_floydst i can run a lot on my Steam Deck but having something handheld with a keyboard would be really neat. The netbook thing kind of died off when chromebooks became standard, and they are all more laptop sized
but that app isn't running in a console, it's still clearly a gui app??
I'm sorry for the confusion - the clockworkpi is called a "console" by its manufacturer. It's not running in a terminal window.
Haha Blackberry!
:-)
(I know a handful of people that are still experiencing phantom pains because Blackberry isn't a thing anymore)
I cancelled my order because of the delivery time. Great device still…
Yes, it's kind of nice to have a portable and permanent raspberry pi Installation!
Where do you find all this stuff? I mean I've seen some of it but definitely NOT this one.
Sometimes on the internet, often by talking to other people :-)
why not try sunvox?
Already did
Really, could not find anything about this device FYI
I've put all the links in the video's description :)
@@mr_floydstok, thanks! 😊
Artiphon Orba 2 synthesizer 🪄 artiphon app 🚀 Bluetooth connectivity 🌈 2 packs at sale prices 💸💸
'scuse me, but where? :-)
Looks solid. Unlike the Tracker Mini. More of nightmare to use though.
Yes, it's a bit fiddly, but then again, it's an all-purpose machine. I guess you could create something that's pretty straightforward to use if you put some work in (bigger fonts, auto-boot, and so on)
Shame it takes so long to get one. Those guys should be honest about their shipping times.
I think they're pretty open on that, but I still wasn't prepared for this long wait :-)
steamdeck?
Too big?
@@mr_floydst perhaps for portable playing around. it's not much more expensive than the clockworkpi, much faster with better battery life. the thing that i really like about it though is the variety of input devices on it.
Tutka = radar. Dev is finnish 😊 I opted to go the Renoise route and bought the Steam Deck from the summer sales, they ship from EU so they already include the less hefty 24% VAT 😩
Thanks for watching! Steam Deck is a good choice as well.
@mr_floydst How do you find the time to, 1) find new gadgets and gizmos 2) make (as in maker) on/in those gadgets and gizmos 3) learn new gadgets and gizmos 4) show use of and make music with new gadgets and gizmos. You’re like a one man’s band meets mad scientist.
Thanks! Well, sometimes people send me mails. Sometimes I find interesting things in newspapers/online magazines I read. 2) mostly, I read the manual's table of contents, pick some interesting things and then read the chapters in the manual, then I write a script and film it. I can dedicate 1.5 to two working days for this every week.
Sunvox should work well on that too
Yes, it does.