totally agree it is way more fun than traditional synths and never can learn it all as constantly changing with new modules and infinite patch variations. Only downside is that it can get quite expensive and demand lot of space for the gear.
@@GuitarsAndSynths these days builders are starting to make slimmer modules at lower costs. So it's really improving on the downsides. I now have a lot of functionality in just 7U 104hp
I actually bought a doepfer seq switch after this video! It pairs up extremely satisfyingly with the qu bit chord! Root, 3rd, 5th and 7th output - plug em all into seq switch and then do what it does!! Such greatness. Thanks. Ill video that shit yeah
Dude, everytime i feel like i hit a modular technique wall (and ive been doin it for years now) i rewatch your vids. Theyre crazy helpful in reminding me of capabilities. Thx man! Keep it up!!
The attention you give these utility modules has been invaluable in informing my eurorack plans. Keeping things small, but still hugely functional and flexible. Above all else, it is shaping up to be much more affordable than I anticipated. You're a friggin' lifesaver! High fives all around!
I'm trying to tone that down after my 10 year old nephew called me out on it - I was like, but only grown ups watch, and he was like, Uncle Alex, sometimes young people who can't afford the things will want to watch. And I was like, damn, you're totally right.
I totally get that but I think society is clumsy in the distinction between slurs and intensifiers. Maybe the way to go is just to embrace being super cheesy and endevour to use a catalogue of the most ridiculous superlatives.
How many times have I watched this now? Well, doesn't matter, because I just got an A 151 used for about the equivalent of 20 quid! It will arrive next week... Time to watch this again!
An infinite number of vloggers making an infinite number of videos will at some point produce "Huarache Lights" by Hot Chip. You were damn near that vlogger at the end there. Nice one.
Just got a pico sequential switch and an O_c to switch between different channels on the apps. You can have different divisions, octaves, etc. on the four channels and it has a built in turing machine for the quantizers and euclidean logic for envelopes. Works great!
This is a fantastic video, excellent information for anyone new to modular. The potential for some of these module combinations is mind blowing! Inspired by this I've ordeded a Transient Modules 1F which is a combined 2 channel switch and adder. It's really good value :-)
Another great video! You mentioned at the end how you were still working on the best way to tune your oscillators. Perhaps you could do a video focusing on oscillator tuning, whether it be mixing them for a single voice or multiple voices working together in a patch. You could touch on quantizers (think you've possibly covered them before tho?)and maybe a bit of musical theory also. Ace!
love your tutorials! I'm just stepping into the modular world and want to get some insights before i build my first one. Thanks for your great videos, really helpful.
My view of modular is as a curatpr at a museum. There are a lot of things looking for your visitor's viewing. Some I mute into the basement. Some I pull out of the mix so they are the focus. The system itself is doing three to four times the actual lines that get mixed, real-time, to stereo and land in my DR-100 portable digital recorder. Then I need to find something to discard from my free Soundcloud account to make room for the new tune.
Thanks for this video - I'm a long-term synth user but new to (Eurorack) modular, hence the perhaps naïve question that follows: Is there a way to employ a simple sequencer (such as the Behringer System 100 182 Analog Sequencer module) to play, say, a short 4-step sequence and then, at a point controllable by the user - via a 'control input' of some description (i.e. a CV) - have that sequence transposed up or down by a specific degree? I'm thinking of something akin to the bass line in Vangelis' Blade Runner (End Titles) as an example - a simple 4 note sequence which transposes according to the backing chords. Obviously an arpeggiator or DAW can be used ... but that's not what I want! I'm thinking of adding a quantiser to the 182 (possibly a Doepfer 156 or similar) but that still doesn't give me any ability to manipulate the preordained / 'pre-programmed' note sequence - either under my control or that of another automated CV input - to play the exact same sequence but at another position - a specific number of semitones - up or down the existing key/scale. Any thoughts or comments gratefully received...
hi, great, thank you for putting so much effort into your in depht videos. Always enyoing the fun and takeout so much! You mentioned Steevios sequencing system and that you've been in contact with him. Could you please share the results of this conversation? I watched his explenation video over and over again but still do not understand how he managed his Hihat- and Snare patterns with the Seq. switches A-151 (6:44 on). Did you get it?? Thank you for your kind help, Paul.
Great job on the video! Unfortunately all the sequences are sounding kinda flat since there is no velocity modulation. Sure, this is a bit more advanced technique and along with the material given in the video can confuse people. Consider telling about a velocity modulation with two daisy chained VCAs for achieving velocity modulation effect to give a breath to all the sequences. Also velocity modulation is achieved with different modules like modulating the tip top audio z4000 deviater cv input.
Obviously this was a while ago, but towards the end you talked about wondering how to tune the oscillators/sequencers so that you'd get nice musical patterns from the Precision Adder paths. Wouldn't you just send them through the Adder before the quantiser? That way they'd be different sequences snapped to the same scale?
Thanks for another excellent video. Transitions are something I really have trouble with esp considering I only have a small 6U 84 hp setup (soon to be 9u thanks to you and DivKid!) Correct me if I am wrong... But it seems that these types of transitions are only possible if you have either multiple sequencers, clock dividers, attenuators, sequential switches etc... None of which feature in my setup! I really only have Oscs, filters, lfos, vca and envelopes.
Try a 4051 or another Multiplexer out on breadboard for the switching !! I just realized I've been switching like this for while already ;) Don't know how I'm gonna diy a quantizer yet...
quick question right in the middle of the video you say you blend the square lfo together with the sequence using a mixer to create octave shifts. which mixer do you use? And could you do the octave shifts with the precision adder by just adding a volt to the sequence?
I was thinking through a few "algorithms" I would like to try with a precision adder. Here's the basic rundown: create a melodic motive/riff in a tonality with one sequencer, and it should be transforming (whether the tonal transformations are part of the entire sequence or through offsets doesn't necessarily matter). Specifically, the sequence would transform through various modes or major/minor transformations. Now, while that sequence is running, use the precision adder to offset the motive by either 4th/5th or semitones. If you lay out your sequence right, you should be able to create all sorts of functional harmonies. The Sequence added with the Precision Adder creates the "root motion", while the Sequence generating melodic patterns controls the "chord quality." If you're quick with harmony and reharmonization, you essentially have the main tools of a jazz improvisor/accompanist . As long as you plan your major, minor, dorian, susb9 melodies to stay with the key or key changes, you're good. Probably best to layout a quick chart so you time your roots and transformations accordingly. Bonus: add a bass line underneath to further blur the lines. Ideally it would be cyclical and chromatic enough to spell out roots and fifths while always landing on a root on the down beats. Mult the same precision adder sequence to the bass, so it follows your chords.
@@mylarmelodies thought it must have been, I came up after you finished your live but was too ketty to sing your appraisals 😂. You’re killing it bro was once in a life time experience seeing somthing like that, really cool stuff. Idk how it works but the sounds you were making and the layering and just the complete set was perfect bro that’s exactly the shit I wanna be hearing 😂
Hi man! I really liked this video and wanted to ask you something I hope you don’t mind. I have very good synths but would like to integrate the melody aspects into them they use midi. What would you recommend for me? Thanks!!!
Slightly random question but all of these 'modules' i.e. the maths the quantizer the clock etc, they are all self contained with their power etc right? I hope you can just screw these babies into whatever rig you want and just unscrew them off as needed without having to worry about wiring everything behind it as well. Anyone know?
It’s called Eurorack Modular, give it a google and there’s a load of articles you can find that explains the principles, and try VCV Rack as software to explore a virtual rig
All over this video are those slight offsets between note changes and the timing of the gates that fire new notes, causing little blips or glitches. I think you’ve solved that problem in your more recent work. What is it that helped solving that? Better technique on your part? A more standardised and mature Eurorack world? A combination of both? 👋
So if i'm listening right, a sequential switch almost work as a form of mult since its taking info from many places and smashing it into one place except instead of using one source it is using many sources:? WOWEEEEEE
You're the best, man :) You describe shit perfectly, and I enjoy watching where you're going with it. 👍 I've been pondering getting that ADDAC207 for a long time (the concept of quantizing in four part harmony is awesome), but that wibbly-wobble, auto-tune effect is kind of off-putting. Is it still an issue, or is there a fix you've come across? Plus, never heard of Steevio, so thanks for that too.
Elsif Thanks mate - the wibble on the ADDAC is because i didn't have the new firmware on it I realised! Have updated and it's so much better now. Vid to come on that x
Hmm- it seems that I need a sequential switch. Fortunately they are not prohibitively expensive. Curious thing- I am fairly new to modular, and seem to have got the hang of it pretty well (frustration at not being able to do stuff is very low, which is a good sign). However, what appear on the face of it to be simple concepts- the sequential switch, say, or sample and hold- do not stick in my mind, and I find myself have to rewatch videos every time I want to use them. S & H for example stays in my brain for about thirty seconds, then I have to watch something or read something to find out what it does all over again. I hope this will not be the case with the sequential switch I now feel obliged to buy…
Such is the way when there are lots of novel concepts to learn. Deliberate practice will cement the uses in your mind - set sessions where you deliberately make a point of using particular things in a way you feel weak at and evaluate the results - rinse repeat! You’ll get the hang of it for sure
The great thing about modular technique is that it never gets old. You go back and watch videos from years ago and they are still absolutely useful.
totally agree it is way more fun than traditional synths and never can learn it all as constantly changing with new modules and infinite patch variations. Only downside is that it can get quite expensive and demand lot of space for the gear.
@@GuitarsAndSynths these days builders are starting to make slimmer modules at lower costs. So it's really improving on the downsides. I now have a lot of functionality in just 7U 104hp
agreed
I actually bought a doepfer seq switch after this video! It pairs up extremely satisfyingly with the qu bit chord! Root, 3rd, 5th and 7th output - plug em all into seq switch and then do what it does!! Such greatness. Thanks. Ill video that shit yeah
Wow! Im gotta make a simple switch today after seeing this!!!!
Yep I use it alot with qubit chord and the new blind monk programa
ok, we get it you do diy
Do you have any video of that setup? I just got Chord, and was watching this video to remind myself why I need a seq switch!
Dude, everytime i feel like i hit a modular technique wall (and ive been doin it for years now) i rewatch your vids. Theyre crazy helpful in reminding me of capabilities. Thx man! Keep it up!!
The attention you give these utility modules has been invaluable in informing my eurorack plans. Keeping things small, but still hugely functional and flexible. Above all else, it is shaping up to be much more affordable than I anticipated. You're a friggin' lifesaver! High fives all around!
I find learning about "boring" utlity modules way more constructive than drooling over fancy modules haha
Love the 'technique' focused video as apposed to specific module focus - best vid yet
I love the way you swear. No self censorship, no hesitation and no pretension. Just joyful intensifiers! x
I'm trying to tone that down after my 10 year old nephew called me out on it - I was like, but only grown ups watch, and he was like, Uncle Alex, sometimes young people who can't afford the things will want to watch. And I was like, damn, you're totally right.
I totally get that but I think society is clumsy in the distinction between slurs and intensifiers. Maybe the way to go is just to embrace being super cheesy and endevour to use a catalogue of the most ridiculous superlatives.
Great heavens above
That's not swearing it's just unfiltered voltage.
Boss, everything you touch turns into rhythmic melodic gold. Marvelous.
I keep coming back to this video... So much to take in in one go... Lots of ideas to develop and explore here........
Keep coming back to this excellent demo-lesson. Thanks. Also 8:08 is a tune!!
mate,your video are the best and most clear of the entire youtube
How many times have I watched this now? Well, doesn't matter, because I just got an A 151 used for about the equivalent of 20 quid! It will arrive next week... Time to watch this again!
Bargain, and one of those eternally useful/interesting modules
An infinite number of vloggers making an infinite number of videos will at some point produce "Huarache Lights" by Hot Chip. You were damn near that vlogger at the end there. Nice one.
I was messing around with my modular gear yesterday thinking ‘I need to improve my melodies’. And now this!
Just got a pico sequential switch and an O_c to switch between different channels on the apps. You can have different divisions, octaves, etc. on the four channels and it has a built in turing machine for the quantizers and euclidean logic for envelopes. Works great!
This is a fantastic video, excellent information for anyone new to modular. The potential for some of these module combinations is mind blowing!
Inspired by this I've ordeded a Transient Modules 1F which is a combined 2 channel switch and adder. It's really good value :-)
I love these videos. They're really informative and at the same time, inspiring.
This is gold. By the way, how dare you reach through time and space from 2016 and convince me to buy more modules when my rack is full
exactly me even 2 years later
Months after getting myself a SEQS I finally patched it up with O&C and Pressure Points to Braids! Thanks Mylar!
I'd love to see a video on the ADDAC Quad Quantizer!
Another great video!
You mentioned at the end how you were still working on the best way to tune your oscillators. Perhaps you could do a video focusing on oscillator tuning, whether it be mixing them for a single voice or multiple voices working together in a patch. You could touch on quantizers (think you've possibly covered them before tho?)and maybe a bit of musical theory also.
Ace!
nice - really liked the happy harmonic happenings @ ~ 19:18 then on 19:26 and thru...
switch, logic modules and offset modules bring life and spice to patch ideas
OMG...gold as usual! Keep on!
That LFO reference XD
Randomroutine hihuhhjjiooooooo
thank you so much for introducing me to steevio... this man is an inspiration
love your tutorials! I'm just stepping into the modular world and want to get some insights before i build my first one. Thanks for your great videos, really helpful.
Love the video and the subliminal at 7:23 for LFO Advance this must be my third revisit to the video, take it easy!
Very cool. Thank you. 18:30 hints of Stewart Copeland.
ACE! Particularly loved the Turing Machine tip-I’m gonna run with that!
Nice to see some more advanced techniques being clearly demonstrated, thanks
badaszewski Ta. I am a simple soul x
Great video! Loads of inspiration and a great explanation of a sequential switch :)
Brilliant. I was thinking about how this was done. This has made it a lot clearer. Also I have more modules on my to buy list. :)
My view of modular is as a curatpr at a museum. There are a lot of things looking for your visitor's viewing. Some I mute into the basement. Some I pull out of the mix so they are the focus. The system itself is doing three to four times the actual lines that get mixed, real-time, to stereo and land in my DR-100 portable digital recorder. Then I need to find something to discard from my free Soundcloud account to make room for the new tune.
Thanks for this video - I'm a long-term synth user but new to (Eurorack) modular, hence the perhaps naïve question that follows:
Is there a way to employ a simple sequencer (such as the Behringer System 100 182 Analog Sequencer module) to play, say, a short 4-step sequence and then, at a point controllable by the user - via a 'control input' of some description (i.e. a CV) - have that sequence transposed up or down by a specific degree?
I'm thinking of something akin to the bass line in Vangelis' Blade Runner (End Titles) as an example - a simple 4 note sequence which transposes according to the backing chords. Obviously an arpeggiator or DAW can be used ... but that's not what I want!
I'm thinking of adding a quantiser to the 182 (possibly a Doepfer 156 or similar) but that still doesn't give me any ability to manipulate the preordained / 'pre-programmed' note sequence - either under my control or that of another automated CV input - to play the exact same sequence but at another position - a specific number of semitones - up or down the existing key/scale.
Any thoughts or comments gratefully received...
Once again absolutely brilliant
Super useful, great video
great video and 2 more modules i need to add to my ever growing list
Bloody awesome! Glad I’ve seen this
Very interesting to watch, thank you for the explanation!:)
yea, switches and logic (plog is great) …. way to go! Nice vid and well explained.
hi, great, thank you for putting so much effort into your in depht videos. Always enyoing the fun and takeout so much! You mentioned Steevios sequencing system and that you've been in contact with him. Could you please share the results of this conversation? I watched his explenation video over and over again but still do not understand how he managed his Hihat- and Snare patterns with the Seq. switches A-151 (6:44 on). Did you get it?? Thank you for your kind help, Paul.
I love your work so much.
This is very inspirational and helpful.
Not watched this for ages! Inspired to try some of these ideas with the O_c and a few LFO's
are the hi-hats coming from the MUTANT or? Great kick also from the 809! and in general the drum module at 19:05
loving these videos, subbed
Am I understanding the Z8000 to be like a double Subharmonicon type sequencer?
Nice Advance shoutout, Mark Bell R.I.P.
Damn Alex 5 years old and still very relevant and useful my nigga
Love your videos and how often you say "ace" and "nice" together
Another great video! Thanks
Great job on the video! Unfortunately all the sequences are sounding kinda flat since there is no velocity modulation. Sure, this is a bit more advanced technique and along with the material given in the video can confuse people. Consider telling about a velocity modulation with two daisy chained VCAs for achieving velocity modulation effect to give a breath to all the sequences. Also velocity modulation is achieved with different modules like modulating the tip top audio z4000 deviater cv input.
True - and you can be using the Z8000's extra outs, or a third PP lane for Velocity business.
Patch at 5:00 is eargasmic
Hello I have a question about your doepfer a-151.. Are you module a vintage version or are the modern version thank for your answer, cheers Carlos
Modern version with the switch!
Superinspirational and suuuperAce!❤️
Great vid man!!! awesom
Awesome video. For some reason I was really confused by what sequential switches do (in/out? wtf), but it's literally just in or out lol.
Same, I never understood them until this video
Obviously this was a while ago, but towards the end you talked about wondering how to tune the oscillators/sequencers so that you'd get nice musical patterns from the Precision Adder paths. Wouldn't you just send them through the Adder before the quantiser? That way they'd be different sequences snapped to the same scale?
That was my thought too, but weirdly it’s not what Steevio does! He quantises, THEN combines. 🤷♂️
Very nice demo , like !
Thanks for another excellent video. Transitions are something I really have trouble with esp considering I only have a small 6U 84 hp setup (soon to be 9u thanks to you and DivKid!)
Correct me if I am wrong... But it seems that these types of transitions are only possible if you have either multiple sequencers, clock dividers, attenuators, sequential switches etc... None of which feature in my setup!
I really only have Oscs, filters, lfos, vca and envelopes.
How do you mean transitions? Making on-the-fly quick changes?
mylarmelodies Well... Yes and no... Chord changes... Going from one sequence to another...from one musical piece to another.... That sort of thing.
sunil solanki Investigate sequential switches and switched multiples!
I actually love you
Now, how can I hook a midi keyboard to this so I can play my own chords/melodies?
really nice, thank you!
Since I have loads of synths already could I use the eurorack to make melodies and send them off with MIDI to my synths?
If you didn’t have a beatstep pro to trigger the next step on the pressure points could you use a clock divider?
Totally yes
This video is ACE.
Would You make a sample pack with the/similar drums as used in this video?
Try a 4051 or another Multiplexer out on breadboard for the switching !! I just realized I've been switching like this for while already ;) Don't know how I'm gonna diy a quantizer yet...
Mate - uber useful vid again. Precision adder bit got me. What's doing the Aphex/ Ambient works style drums? Sounds mint. Ta
quick question
right in the middle of the video you say you blend the square lfo together with the sequence using a mixer to create octave shifts. which mixer do you use? And could you do the octave shifts with the precision adder by just adding a volt to the sequence?
is the doepfer, the only precision adder in euro land or is something like the 1U Quadratt from Intellijel something similar??
0neTwo0neTwo disting mk4 has an adder as well as the Links by Mutable
8:08 Those drums sound too good
Love this video! More please!! :-)
does anyone know how to spell the eurorack artist mentioned at 13.35? sounded like steveo but can't find anything online :(
Steevio!
Very cool and useful
I was thinking through a few "algorithms" I would like to try with a precision adder.
Here's the basic rundown: create a melodic motive/riff in a tonality with one sequencer, and it should be transforming (whether the tonal transformations are part of the entire sequence or through offsets doesn't necessarily matter). Specifically, the sequence would transform through various modes or major/minor transformations. Now, while that sequence is running, use the precision adder to offset the motive by either 4th/5th or semitones. If you lay out your sequence right, you should be able to create all sorts of functional harmonies. The Sequence added with the Precision Adder creates the "root motion", while the Sequence generating melodic patterns controls the "chord quality." If you're quick with harmony and reharmonization, you essentially have the main tools of a jazz improvisor/accompanist . As long as you plan your major, minor, dorian, susb9 melodies to stay with the key or key changes, you're good. Probably best to layout a quick chart so you time your roots and transformations accordingly.
Bonus: add a bass line underneath to further blur the lines. Ideally it would be cyclical and chromatic enough to spell out roots and fifths while always landing on a root on the down beats. Mult the same precision adder sequence to the bass, so it follows your chords.
I need a Tiptop Z8000 now 😀
Yoo are you the person from gottwood last weekend?
Yep!!
@@mylarmelodies thought it must have been, I came up after you finished your live but was too ketty to sing your appraisals 😂. You’re killing it bro was once in a life time experience seeing somthing like that, really cool stuff. Idk how it works but the sounds you were making and the layering and just the complete set was perfect bro that’s exactly the shit I wanna be hearing 😂
@@mylarmelodies how long have you been doing this for?
THOSE HANDS
Hey Mylar! Which braided cables do you use there! They look quite solid and thin! Really nice!
Ruben Lijbers Those are Arturia cables in special ed Beatstep Pro packs
Oh now I recognize those colors! Such a shame I already have a beatstep pro..
whats the font ur using?
very good explain and very good idea.....thank for this good job !!!
Hi man! I really liked this video and wanted to ask you something I hope you don’t mind. I have very good synths but would like to integrate the melody aspects into them they use midi. What would you recommend for me? Thanks!!!
Really interesting and helpful vid (as usual)-who makes the case ?
www.ginkosynthese.com/product/wooden-case-diy-kit/
Added to www.modularmusic.tv - stay tuned! Thanks!
Slightly random question but all of these 'modules' i.e. the maths the quantizer the clock etc, they are all self contained with their power etc right? I hope you can just screw these babies into whatever rig you want and just unscrew them off as needed without having to worry about wiring everything behind it as well. Anyone know?
It’s called Eurorack Modular, give it a google and there’s a load of articles you can find that explains the principles, and try VCV Rack as software to explore a virtual rig
All over this video are those slight offsets between note changes and the timing of the gates that fire new notes, causing little blips or glitches. I think you’ve solved that problem in your more recent work. What is it that helped solving that? Better technique on your part? A more standardised and mature Eurorack world? A combination of both? 👋
You can use sample and hold modules to hold the notes - but you can also just rock them out! Steevio does :)
Jesus fucking Christ, i could watch this all day
So if i'm listening right, a sequential switch almost work as a form of mult since its taking info from many places and smashing it into one place except instead of using one source it is using many sources:? WOWEEEEEE
Yeah, just one source to one destination at a time but it flips between them
You're the best, man :) You describe shit perfectly, and I enjoy watching where you're going with it. 👍
I've been pondering getting that ADDAC207 for a long time (the concept of quantizing in four part harmony is awesome), but that wibbly-wobble, auto-tune effect is kind of off-putting. Is it still an issue, or is there a fix you've come across? Plus, never heard of Steevio, so thanks for that too.
Elsif Thanks mate - the wibble on the ADDAC is because i didn't have the new firmware on it I realised! Have updated and it's so much better now. Vid to come on that x
Cool, good to know. I look forward to the video.
CVP-1 my friend. Killer. ;)
Fantastic.
Ive got a Beatstep pro but i cant understand it!!!...If Alex did a vid of it...i'll love him ....more more!
Ahem... ua-cam.com/video/AOQ5JFDokqQ/v-deo.html
Oh Alex,thank you sooo much for all you do for the knowledge!!
nice little waveform animator there :)
My guru!!!!!Perfect!!!
Hmm- it seems that I need a sequential switch. Fortunately they are not prohibitively expensive.
Curious thing- I am fairly new to modular, and seem to have got the hang of it pretty well (frustration at not being able to do stuff is very low, which is a good sign). However, what appear on the face of it to be simple concepts- the sequential switch, say, or sample and hold- do not stick in my mind, and I find myself have to rewatch videos every time I want to use them. S & H for example stays in my brain for about thirty seconds, then I have to watch something or read something to find out what it does all over again. I hope this will not be the case with the sequential switch I now feel obliged to buy…
Such is the way when there are lots of novel concepts to learn. Deliberate practice will cement the uses in your mind - set sessions where you deliberately make a point of using particular things in a way you feel weak at and evaluate the results - rinse repeat! You’ll get the hang of it for sure
Could someone point me in the direction of Steelio's videos if there are any? :)
Also this: ua-cam.com/video/XvbplNHZzGU/v-deo.html
:)
Flippin Ace!
so good
Sorry, but you're a fuckin' genius.......damn you've worked hard....!!!! Big up from the Emerald Isle !!!
yes thath make sense is for expanding. thequantizer!