Cre8Audio NiftyBUNDLE - Case, Cellz and Chipz full review
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- Опубліковано 31 тра 2024
- Could this be your gateway to modular? Yes, probably! In this thorough review I get deep into this 84hp Eurorack NiftyCASE, I dissect the CHIPZ oscillators and finger the CELLZ sequencer. Everything you need to know; the good, the bad and the downright ugly is all here.
Cre8Audio didn't send me this case, I bought it myself.
Buy it from Thomann - thmn.to/thoprod/499153?offid=...
Or Perfect Circuit - tinyurl.com/molten-niftybundle
www.cre8audio.com
Index - 0:00
Intro - 0:10
NiftyCASE - 6:37
The Modules - 13:58
Chipz - 15:32
Cellz - 24:00
Adding modules - 34:09
Unipolar modulation issue - 36:30
Conclusions - 40:05
Customisation - 44:39
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At 7:24, in less than 60 seconds, you explain the most basic of modular synth signal flow where others on YT spend a bloody eternity needlessly complicating what could have accomplished as simply and efficiently as you have done here. In the three minutes that follow, you go on to complete what is pretty much an entire primer on modular signal flow that will get anyone up and running with their first basic build. All in less than five minutes total. Brilliant!
Thanks for not only demonstrating all the features but walking through each feature. As a beginner I can't tell you how frustrating it is to try to understand what a demonstrator is doing when they're turning a dozen knobs at once. Thanks a million!
I've found that if you want to reset the sequencer so that it runs through the set of pads in the right order, touch the first pad when your OUT 1 of Chipz lights up. In other words, every first beat of a 4/4 bar, Chipz will light up at the OUT 1 input. When you press a key on Cellz when that OUT 1 lights up, you're telling the sequencer "Here's where beat 1 should land." Don't know how much you've messed around with this since, but I hope this helps somebody.
I think this will finally begin my journey into eurorack! I’m gonna start saving.
Yes! I believe this is a great step... after dipping ones toes in the water with an all in one inexpensive kind of ... something to see if you want to move on. I have looked at this often.
You are killing it right now, Buddy...
Thank you!
I have been looking at eurorack options for 2 years, and have yet to pull the trigger. I have looked at this case for quite a bit, but I did not realize that is had midi, and usb, and the ability to use a keyboard or daw to control it. I am sold on this now.
William Olsen Also come without the modules for less $, which is pretty Cool too. I think it’s one of the best ways going to get started. Have fun!
I'd just placed an order for the nifty bundle. My first step into the modular synth world.
me too!
@@CamelJamI just watched this video. What do you think of your new Nifty-Case Bundle? I haven’t purchased anything yet.
For the record, Mr. Molten, YOU are responsible for the Niftycase that is wrapped and sitting under the Christmas tree this year! Thanks for the tut. Effective and appreciated to say the least.
How has modular life been so far?
Loving everything about the bundle, especially the mini-Rene! Wish this was around when I bought my first rack and modules... Great video!
Was actually thinking about getting this recently, thank you for reviewing it!
That's me sold. It's been the whole case/power supply that has been holding me back with Eurorack. At this price and with the midi/cv/gate functionality built in it becomes a no brainer.
I love. Your honesty was about to buy the bundle and now i am thinking of just getting the case and getting a good oscillator and just slowly building it up. Thanks again! Not many review yet and this is the best!
its probably still worthwhile getting the bundle. It isnt that much more expensive and having a few shit modules can be great if you need to make a drone.
Cheers Robin, and thanks for a great review video. I've been looking at this for a while, and after watching this it could be the thing that pushes me over the edge and down the Eurorack rabbit hole. Heaven help me, my wallet, and sanity! All the best Robin, stay safe and well. (It looks much better in black too btw.)
One ordered the other day...and before I watched this video too! Must be doing the right thing! Thanks Robin!
Ive watched this video about 15 times. Its really helped me understand the Chipz and Cellz bundle. Appreciate it!
Considering getting the bundle, and came across this. Thanks, Robin. Stellar, as always!
Thank you so much Robin for your great review of the NiftyCASE. Mine arrived a few days ago with my very first Eurorack module, the Erica Synths GraphicalVCO. Which I interface with my Sequential Pro3 to have a second wave table oscillator. Such a brilliant opportunity and product to start with small baby steps into Eurorack. Brilliant and thanks again!
Nice one, thanks
I recently bought the Nifty bundle as my gateway to modular, and I enjoy it a lot. The case is fantastic and worth the money alone, never mind the fact that for what less than most bare cases cost, you have power, I/O, and modules to fool around with.
Chipz sounds crunchy and noisy by design - that's the point (the manufacturer's site specifically states they're meant to sound like 8 bit game console audio fart sounds). Cellz is... weird, and it's taking me some time to get the hang of. They'd be great for noise or power electronics projects (I tend to listen to a lot of very noisy music myself).
On the other hand, Cre8audio's Captain Big-O oscillator and Phil-Ter filter are awesome and sound really great. Much more "normal" synth sounds and function.
I got the Cellz and Chipz and sold my Rene. 33% of the price. 66% of the functionality. 0% of the Makenoise obscurity. And, yes the waves on chipz are dirty - but stick a Noise Engineering panel on it, give it a pseudo Latin name ( Dare pecuniam......think about it!?) and charge £300 (or add an envelope, call it Dare Pecuniam Percido and charge £550) and everyone will celebrate it’s “quirky industrialness”
"Dare pecuniam".... Love it! too funny! Enim pecuniam non habeo!
t3l3phasicworksh0p haha I use iOS and teenage engineering and this made me chortle heartily thinking of my plugger pals.
Wow! That filter really reins that oscillator in. Great video. I've bought one of these and tucked it away until I compile a few more modules. It's a true test of my patience, believe you me.
Thank you Molten Music Technology. I am thankful for incredibly insightful & masterfully created content that you bring!
great vid!! very patient & informative. & your enthusiasm is... well, it's inspiring & encouraging for a fool like me in the midst of plunging off the modular cliff. thanks bunches!!
I got the NiftyBUNDLE last year and agree with everything in this video. The quirkiness can be frustrating, but when you look at Cre8audio's demos and marketing, it's all very consistent.
You just sold me one of these. Just placed my order and I'm ready to get into the world of modular. Thanks!
Great review. And the black case looks awesome! Stay well. Love your channel.
Thank you for this review!! I’m getting my nifty bundle tomorrow, first venture into eurorack! Already ordered a handful of modules to experiment with. A better filter- Tiptop Forbidden Planet, a Tiptop miso module. And another oscillator- Zlob dual VCO. So excited!!
Cool!
Learnt more about Eurorack in this video than weeks and weeks of researching on a good tutorial... thanks mate. Definitely sold on this! Maybe another cooler, techno sounding oscillator!
Glad I could help!
Thanks for this Robin . I got one of these for my birthday and although I've got some great noise out of it I've struggled to get to grips with it . Their website is very cryptic and there are no manuals that I can find . I've learnt more watching your video than anything else I've found . I had no idea what the jack's at the top were but now I know ! So thanks . Loving your work 👍👏👌
Yes, the documentation seems to consist of a couple of short videos that seem afraid to go into any detail - that's why i did :D
Hey! Just wanted to say I’ve watched this video 3 or 4 times. Not only is it a great overview of the bundle, but it’s a great intro to modular. Happy to say I’ve ordered my case plus my first 3 modules. Pittsburgh Oscillator, dreadbox filter and VCA, and the Vortex Generator envelope/function generator. Cheers!
Nice one
2 years later... Have you still got any money in the bank? How has your experience been?
I'm considering this very carefully, it'd be interesting to know how another person called Jonathan (irrelevant but somehow not irrelevant at all) found the experience.
Your guidance during this Cre8audio review was very educational - as always! For me, your approach is very informative and makes it easy to learn the subject from you. You are our Synth 'Guru'!
Robin, you said you are running the scope software MOscilloscope, by Melda Productions. And we see you used your new Surface Pro 7, with 'poppy' color accessories!
I agree that this case is better in black and it was easy for me to repaint! I also took someone’s advice to add a 'volume' knob for the output as the original signal was too 'hot'. Later I may add a second mod to form a 'stereo signal' out for direct use with headphones.
Thanks!
Haha as you were wrapping up your review, I thought, well I'd buy it if it came in black. Then I thought about just painting it myself, and decided I'd take the leap.
Then you fixed yours and painted it black. It looks so much better, I'm stoked to get mine in the mail.
I think I'll take it one step further and put a dark varnish on the side panels. That would give me the right look.
Fantastic video. I bought the bundle today. Just wanted the case for a mobile eurorack option but for just 70 Euro more I thought, well let's just get those module and see if the sequencer is of some use. Glad I did after seeing this. The vcos are kind of a nice bonus...
Crazy how the envelope and filter does so much to the sound
I might pull the plug on this kit someday, very good value for the price
Got mine coming next week,,so stoked right now...
I was about to buy a behringer crave as starting point to modular... but this thing omg thank you
the behringer crave is still a good starting point for modular. the cost of buying a crave AND a nifty bundle is still lower than starting from scratch with an empty rackbrute and other modules
thanks for the fun interactive video - honestly the deal is simply stunning as my main modular rig is less portable I imagine being able to build a great performance rig. Oscillators are noisy AF so hearing them in the video helps to determine if I really need them or not. Best regards -
You've convinced me... I've been hanging out looking for something exactly like this.
I have the Rainmaker because I totally fell in love with it so much that I had to buy it....no logic...no thought sheer impulse.
So I was going to need a case and a power supply just to have it available and ready to use with my guitar, Digitakt, Digitone, Logic...etc
and use it as a stand alone Delay processor and all of the other amazing things it does.
So here I am....OMG... the NiftyCASE with CHIPZ and CELLZ....I'm in
Thanks for sharing...I'm subscribing with bell and I've bookmarked your website!
This is the beginning to what I've been waiting for, I had no idea how this would play out
It’s going to be awesome
I just received my nifty case and you have me wishing I got the bundle;-0
Great job showing off the modules..
Been enjoying my nifty case since I added my own modules and was going to sticker bomb the case. Your paint job just made the case look even better. I know what I’ll be doing this weekend. Too marks for an honest video 👍
*runs off to dig out tins of car spray* 😂
41:56 “Charm” I could possibly think of another 2 words beginning with ‘C’ but worth it for the case alone methinks... You may well have provided me with that ‘first step’. Although I have a couple of semi-modular synths so I’ve taken a baby step I guess 😉 Excellent and thoroughly enjoyable video sir, cheers ✌️
Great review. Great modules too if one wants the lo-fi sounds.
And if one needs "cleaner" stuff, then just add other manufacturer's modules to it.
Now just waiting for your "triple live chat" with Peter Kirn and Uli Behringer. Would be interesting to hear more, and a update on what’s going on. And how they would act if having to face each other for real in a live stream.
You would definitely be the right man to handle such meeting. Keep up the great work, and stay safe during these rough times...
Hmmm, interesting
23:15 When you began describing the noises which come out of this module, I burst out laughing. Very apt description of the module and its voice.
lovely demo! Thank you Robin!
I hope you pace yourself, your output these days, the streams are brilliant but exhausting to watch let alone make I imagine.... (:
exhaustion is my friend at the moment :D
@@MoltenMusicTech (;
You got me addicted, and now I own 6 of these goddamn things. Thanks!!!!
Great job again, Robin! Like you, I love the case, but I can't find much love for the modules...still it's somewhere to start - eventually. What am I saying? I have just bought my first Eurorack module, though I didn't intend it, it just happens to be one - a Pro 1. And it sounds...AMAZING!!!!!
Thanks Robin, interesting review and very encouraging for ideas, portability, curiousity etc. You could make a very versatile, portable package with this case. Trouble is, there's too much choice out there!
No there isn't really, not at this price point or features - that's the thing. There are plenty of better options for a lot more money.
@@MoltenMusicTech Ah, didn't make myself clear. I meant by what modules would you fit in the rest of the case. Staggering amount of choice you have with the spare hp. The case itself with the Chips/Cells modules for the price is very fair indeed by modular standards.
oh yes, i'm with you
Very nice. That oscilloscope is awesome for chips, I’ve watched a lot of demos and this definitely shows a good example of what’s going on inside
I just got one of these recently and love it. As for the mono out jack I use headphones plugged into that jack with a 1/4" to 3.5mm adapter and found out today that if I plug the phones in only part way I get sound out both speakers, like stereo.
I found something that works better than the adapter jack idea I mentioned. Instead of using a standard 1/4" to 3.5mm adapter I found a 1/4" mono to 3.5mm stereo jack adapter, my headphones have a 3.5mm plug. I just got them in the mail today and they work great. I can here the synth in both speakers on my headphones and there isn't any static like with a regular jack. I got them from MONOPRICE and it's part # 7137.
Thanks for the comment bro. I needed to know that, and you're the one who told this.
Great video, could be what I need to jump into modulation. I'm interested in what 2 modules you would put in instead of these that would do the same?
As everyone says (as you do), seems unbeatable as a starting option. I've just got a few semi modular pieces (a 0-Coast and a Pittsburgh SV-1B Blackbox), so I imagine this would be perfect to bring those together and start adding other modules - I'm tempted to start by ordering something like a Morphagene straight away, as an example.
Would you be able to change the power supply and keep the I/O in order to extend this eurorack with this ? I wonder
You are a Master. That's what we need on this planet. Masters like you🤘
thanks very much :D
SOLD! To the man about to fall down a wallet emptying rabbit hole of madness. Joking aside, thanks for reviewing this. The whole case/power supply conundrum (not to mention cost) has been putting me off eurorack for a while. This looks like an ideal place to start.
I laughed my ass off when you brought that thing outdoors and sprayed it black just whole-hog, right over the painted logos! 😆 Anyways, that was a great review. Thanks!
I have it.
I've found Chipz sounds cool through Clouds. I use the S&H LFO into v/octave. Makes windchime sounds.
almost anything sounds cool through clouds to be fair
I bought the case. Im still plenty nervous but this helped so much.
your shirt is maybe the star of this video
It looks awesome repainted!
I’ve been looking for a good noise/drone synth and Chips sounds amazing for that!
Great video, so much valuable info. How are you getting the oscilloscope on your tablet? Interface probably, but what program
It's a Microsoft Surface running Melda Production plugins
Thank you for this video. Just happened to ordered a niftybundle and found your review after the fact. I was interested though in how you are connecting it to your pc and which oscilloscope software were you using.
Thanks
Melda Productions plugins
That was fun, and I like fun, so I think I'm going to have one of these! I've got plenty of other modules that these can cheapen the sound of. :)
That case looks so much more appealing in black.
Great video! Question, what Oscillator software is that you have on the PC? I want one that works outside of my DAW......
Do you mean the oscilloscope software? It’s a plug-in from Melda Production
You are a machine. Killing it.
Love the paint job! Makes me wish I didn't only get white modules for mine! :) It is an awesome case for sure. The modules are "meh" indeed, but for the price I am not going to argue one bit.
Hi. Stumbled across this vid as an intro to cases. You showed perfectly what a great case it is for beginners. So much so that it's gonna be the first I get. When you pimped it up was a deal closer!!! Looks so good. What tool did you use to remove the CV/Gate/Audio housings though? They seem completely round to to me?
I think it was my fingers, possily a pair of plyers :D
Thanks!!!! great overview.
great video, thanks
Is there a "Niftybundle" oriented more for a modular drum machine (i.e. with 6-8 input channels and the same power/MIDI/audio interfaces as featured in this one)?
Nope. But the thing about modular is that you can build anything you like out of modules.
Robin, getting this for my 10th wedding anniversary - what would you or anyone suggest for some inexpensive modules to add for an old school 242 EBM type vibe? Some of the Behringer euro modules look interesting as adders but am open to suggestions even for DIY kit stuff
I have no idea what an old school 242 EBM type vibe is - sorry. But for this effects are good, a better filter is good or some distortion from Casper Electronics.
Question for you regarding the output: just got mine in and giving it a go, the output going into my audio interface is extremely hot, even with the gain knob on my interface (audiobox 96) all the way down it’s still clipping, is this just the nature of the beast or am I missing something?
No, it’s just really loud
Hey Robin, thanks so much for this vid. I'm starting my modular journey with this case and I agree with you on the color so I will be spray painting mine also...I do have a question...where did you get the red color washer/screws you have their on the top my I ask....once again I love your channel, thank you.
-Rick
They are from Befaco - Bananuts - cheers!
hey there,
where did you find these good looking red-rings on the top-case-sockets after blackpainting? they look amazingly cool!
very beautiful customisation!
Banananuts from Befaco
Try putting a pair of phase shifted sine waves into the two inputs of the cells. I used a doepfer 143-9
and the outcome was most unexpected but repeatably stable to the point where i ought to number
them and write down the pattern.,The impact of using the lfo of the chips is causes by one being
a 1/4 clock divide of the other out as its just one lfo . If you have a clock divider with other divisions
you should be able to get different patterns of movement.
Hi, molten modular.
Was it easy to take the niftycase apart to spray it and put back together.
Please reply
yes
Does Cellz allow to use CV instead of triggers to "select" cell? I mean like cv 0-25% - cell 1, 25-50% - cell 2, 50-75% - cell 3, etc?
With 2 cv's to control, you can do an x and y sort of cell selection, to store complex logical "if" parameters. I can see a lot of application for generative stuff.
No, I don’t believe so
My brother has wanted to get into modular synths for a long time, but he thought it was unapprochable. So when I came across this, I knew I had to get it for him as a gift. What would you recommend for the first modules to expand on the NiftyBundle?
I would go for an effects module like the Frequency Central Stasis Leak or Happy Nerding FX to give it some reverb and delay - always fun. Otherwise you'd be looking at another oscillator, filter and VCA which gives you another voice to play with but quickly adds up.
@@MoltenMusicTech Wow, thanks so much for the quick response!
Great video!
If you connect a (Midi) keyboard, and you press 2 notes, is the note that will be played: "last note pressed", "first note pressed" or "highest note"? Its hard to play a synth that keeps playing the first note pressed. Hard to explain. If you play fast then you sometimes press a "new" note (with your middle finger) when your index finger is still on the first. Most synths are very forgiving and they will play the last note pressed, that is: the note under your middle finger.
Thanks! Don't remember as i don't ever connect a MIDI keyboard to it - i always use CV - but generally it's the next note.
Meant to ask this a while ago, is the cellz tuning volatile? Does it reset on system power off?
I don't know, sorry, I no longer have those modules
Looks ideal!!!
love it! even though i much prefer sliding nuts, more flexible! anyway i didn't know their case and its really brilliant!
What paint did you use to repaint it? I don't have a lot of rebuilding experience but is it fairly easy to put back together?
Just so regular black spray paint and no it wasn't difficult
Cool video as always :)
how do i get it to sync with my other gear??,,nothing seems to work..
Hi! I just got a NiftyCase and I'm unable to make it sound. Can you please explain how and what do you connect it to ? Thank you in advance
Hi - I made a video all about it - this one in fact. If you skip to the bit where I show you the waveforms I talk about how to connect it for sound - ua-cam.com/video/5vMU6tEXf40/v-deo.html
If that's not working for you can you tell me exactly how you have connected it up, where your outputs are going to and how you are going to hear them?
Apologies if this has been said before but if you want more info on how Cellz works it seems to be an exact
copy of a deleted Twisted Electrons module called Cells (no z). I wonder if the chiptune is derived from their
SID products. I bought one of these cases and it sounded a bit funny like it was tangled up inside and i later
spotted i was a connector short and it turned out someone had skipped one in putting in the second module
so i fixed that. Make sure you check. I transcribed the cr8 videos sort of into a manual for myself but one thing
still puzzles me. As i see it midi messages on channel 3 must be duophonic as one cv is the lowest note
and one the hightes. Fair enough but what does it do if it gets messages on 1,2 and 3 at the same time
does it get confused.? I have not tried to see what it does. I do like this product btw and find it very good for my needs.
Sam
try it and see
Hello Robin!!! What's your opinión about the midi output and input, ivbeen reading that Quality it's not so good
Pretty sure it only takes midi input and it seemed to work fine for me
@@MoltenMusicTech thanks so much Robin, saludos desde México!!!!!
Hello! I always come back to this video, Thank you so much for your super easy explanations. Anyways I'm wondering It's that and IPad for the waveform? What app is that? Very, very nice! How you connect them?
Thanks! It's a Surface Pro running Melda Production plugins in Bitwig Studio.
@@MoltenMusicTech mmultianalyzer ?
Try them and see
Picked up the two modules used at my local modular shop for $50 each. They may not be the best modules around, but a 2x16 step sequencer, two vcos and an lfo for $100 is pretty much impossible to beat.
8:15 So the output of the filter goes to the "to" socket, which is, as I suppose, connected directly to the 1/4" jack on the back. What is the "out" socket for, then? I mean, the 1/8" one, next to the "to" on the upper deck.
For the life of me I can't find the manual...
Ha! There is no manual. Those are two sockets that both go to the output and so plug something in there “to out” to route it to the output - it’s not two different things - they are both “to out” get it?
I'm just now thinking of getting into modular, bare with the questions. The Eurorack is compatible with any module you decide to add to it?
one last question. The midi controls the modules? I thought midis only controlled software? Correct me if I'm wrong. I work with only analog for the most part but all these years modular has been completely intimidating.
If it’s in the Eurorack format then it’s compatible. There’s no midi in Eurorack, it’s all run with Control Voltage (CV) which is an analog signal. You can convert MIDI-to-CV so that you can use a Midi controller with your modular, or connect it to your DAW. Midi is a hardware protocol used by almost every hardware synthesizer. CV is what we had before midi was invented but it has a charm and way of working that we really like.
Cellz looks like it's super intuitive to input user scales. Although it'd be good if the tune button had a hold function.
Not going to lie, you painting the case black sold me on 😅
I am looking for an inexpensive VCA for my case / bundle I got. What would you recommend? For a person on a budget? Get a VCA or ADSR? THANKS R
VCAs and envelopes are usually separate things. If you want a cheap VCA then checkout the Doepfer A131. If you want good value and want to include an envelope in the one module then check out the Cosmotronic Delta-V it's a twin VCA and envelope module in a compact module.
@@MoltenMusicTech Thanks so much. Love your channel!
Haha the black spray job is pure techno, I expect you’ll be down Berghain as soon as it reopens
I bet if you spraypainted the VCO it'd sound better too :) I just ordered one of these as a second case having already filled up 280hp. I want to see if I can add an output and make it stereo.
Hmm. Mite get the empty case. I’m an ambient guy so not sure how Chipz could be useful. One thing is that mono output will be going into the microcosm out to specular reverb. Stereo goodness. I like cellz tho. Which module is that …the vco/vcf that you have there. Actually both of them. Any suggestions on a Vco/vcf. Would need an envelope as well Ugg. Very deep rabbit hole
Mmmmm, still on the fence with this one, Robin. Like the case and the Cellz module. Not so sure about the Chipz. The Sine out looks very steppy and 'wavetable'-y, although I guess that's kind of the point? One addition I would make would be to add the Eurorack Essentials Switch module and route the two LFO's through that, so you can swap the inputs to the Cellz. That way you can change the direction of the sequence with the switch. That'd be kinda neat.
I like your thinking
What adapter do you use for conecting midi from the 3,5mm output of the novation?
It's the MIDI adapter that came with it..... or if it didn't come with one then it's a TRS type A or type B MIDI adapter - i cant remember which.
@@MoltenMusicTech it's not included
According to the website it's a Type A - so get on google and get yourself one of those :D
i think im in love with that oscillator lmao
Same. It's not exactly 8-bit (more close to 16-bit) but a bit of bitcrushing will fix that
@@dustenhostetler-vanderzee421 hehe a "bit" of bitcrushing
Whats make and model of o scope?