I've had Clouds since it came out and it's one of those modules that are 50/50 for me. I never know if I'll get something beautiful, or if it will drive me completely crazy. It always amazes me how you effortlessly navigate modules like these. This was a great video, and I would definitely love to see what you do with the "Parasites" firmware.
I had always been put off by Clouds in the past by reading comments from folks saying they couldn't get anything usable from it. It's definitely a tricky one to navigate. I'm looking forward to checking out the alt firmwares!
Random fact: _Spectral Madness_ was the original idea for Clouds when Emilie started developing the prototype, and for quite some time was what the module was supposed to become. But in the end, she scrapped it and relegated it to one of the hidden modes. This is something I recall her having said on the old defunct Mutable forum, way back when.
One of the best tips I got for clouds was to attenuate your modulation pretty aggressively - or else it can quickly start making those "hearing T-Rex flying an F14 while you're on acid" feedback explosions. Which are cool! But not always what the patch needs.
One of the most influential people in modern synth history. It's crazy how much Mutable Instruments philosophy and design has impacted eurorack - and with everything being open source as well.
I never get tired of Clouds, tbh. My favourite way to patch it is as part of a rings-into-clouds-into-rings feedback loop, but I still love it as a subtle end-of-chain effect too... It's just killer.
@@ar8ch ua-cam.com/video/Y8RNqdkfUYk/v-deo.html Volume warning. This is from midway through some noodling. I find it works best with something to start the loop -- strumming Rings just before patching the external input works, but I like using a filter that can self-oscillate in the feedback path.
You are quite simply the context master IMHO. Effortlessly deep and always scarily appropriate jams. Such a pleasure to be taken away. Thanks man As for alternative firmware explorations, I'd be super keen to see a Peaks - Dead Man's Catch and/or Frames - Parasites episodes.
You inspired me. Piping some human speech into Clouds (in my case the Typhoon iteration) and Beads is nothing more than mind-blowing. Such amazing drones!
Good stuff as always mate. Clouds was really revolutionary module. It can do so much, especially with Parasites firmware. Now, more up to date stuff like Arbhar and Mojave of course can do more, but Clouds/Monsoon can always be placed in a rack.
@ I mean Bristol based shop made a module with individual controls that help parasites firmware and adds more control to the sometimes too big of a reverb.
I have a good sized Mutable system, but currently using Typhoon (Super Parasites firmware) rather than Clouds. However, I am keeping an eye out for good deal and will eventually pick up the OG. I look forward as always to seeing what you do with this module.
@@TheUnperson Yes it is, however it will not run on the OG Clouds. It give you 8 different modes in total (including original ones). There's a good article on the After Later Audio site that breaks down all the versions of Clouds, different firmwares and what works with what.
I feel like I’m being watched over by a guardian angel 😂 Just recently got Monsoon and was having quite a time wrangling it. Wasn’t able to find many current videos. The old ones are good, but feel a bit dated. Super hyped for this fresh look!
Great video - would love to see more of your "take" on Clouds. Have a look at the Parasites firmware and see if it's something that would interest you. It expands the possibilities even further with a couple of brand new modes, but also adds some features and tweaks to the main mode that I personally like. And everything in the stock firmware is still available with parasites too.
Gonna be looking out for that clouds vs Beads video now that you got this lol. I’ve always thought about grabbing clouds too even though I feel like I kind of have it with beads. Being that beads is so well explored with you your thoughts on it will definitely be interesting!
Clouds is very unpredictable, even though the controls seem straightforward. Most of the time I get some less than great madness out of it, but occasionally something beautiful happens 😃 I was wondering recently about getting rid of it but I wasn't able to do that in the end. I need to play around more with the beat repeat mode on kammerl firmware as this was quite fun I remember!
Nice demo, thanks. In my humble opinion, it's not difficult to make (what I'd call) static sound input, sound great - either on Clouds or Beads. The difficulties start once you introduce more complex melodic lines/pieces, as they can very quickly muddy the soundscape (or maybe just overwhelm everything). It would be really interesting is to know what (exactly) Emilie thinks the main improvements of Beads is/was over Clouds, and why remake a module.
can you explain how to achieve a chord sound as in the one that starts @ 17:58 There is a song by the band Static X called Stem. I have been searching for that kinda sound for a long time.
I'm using the Plaits oscillator in chord mode through a low pass filter. You can get the software version free on VCV rack if you don't have it already. Here's a vid I made focusing on the chord mode: ua-cam.com/video/rfbjCqLCLKw/v-deo.htmlsi=ljkAe6avPCKaeXwF
Much like your Pam’s video I knew I was familiar enough with the module but still checked out the video to see what cool stuff you were going to do with it. Where does that Bones audio sample come from?
Amazing videos, even more amazing sounds, can you kindly point me in the right direction how I can sort out the overlapping detuning thing that happens when using keystep 37 and plaits, I read somehwere about using Maths to fix it but unsure what, I do have Maths and tried various things, but looks like you manage it in these videos ?
Thanks! I've never encountered this problem with Plaits, but it's something I've noticed with Beads when using it as an oscillator. As I recall, it's related to the gate from the keystep. Patching the gate through Maths and setting both the rise and fall to 12 o'clock fixed the problem for me.
Clouds is still pretty magic, even though arguably there are better granular fx in both software form and Eurorack hardware. I think the main problem is everyone went mad for it and overdid it, particularly the Rings into Clouds thing, which became a bit of a cliché. It became a victim of it's own success to an extent. Also, over in VCV land there's a polyphonic Clouds clone and also a polyphonic Rings, if you really want 16 channels of Rings into Clouds. Now that makes some huge textures 😂
@@TheUnperson it's not quite as insane as you'd think, but proves there is still some mileage in the Clouds algorithm! If you just play a regular 3 note chord, you obviously only get 3 copies of the effect. The trick I use is taking a mono source and patching it into a poly mult, which forces the signal onto multiple channels (16 is the max but may cripple your computer!). I found it's good for making textures which you can then sample. Not sure I can post links in a comment, but I made a tutorial last year and shared a few of the patches on a website called patchstorage. They're still up if anyone wants to try it 😏
Clouds is great but I much prefer the updated clones, Typhoon and Monsoon with the knob per function and greatly expanded CV inputs. Input and output gains knobs. Don't have to cycle through anything to turn up that legendary reverb. Also, immediate access to crank down the feedback in a desperate emergency scramble when things to bananas.
The rule of thumbI tend to follow with clouds is very little feedback, very little reverb. I can apply mud elsewhere in the signal path. I like to save reverb for just before output from the rack, so all my voices sound like they're playing in the same space.
@ it’s a great time. I think the issue keeping it under wraps is it really needs a dedicated panel otherwise it’s not immediately intuitive - but it’s a blast for sure. A great reason to go for the Typhoon instead of the Monsoon clone (in addition to the extra VCAs or potential to use it as an output)
if you put rings into clouds into beads will the world flip and go back to normal? I think too many ringsinto clouds flipped it into the alt reality we live in now. do it and save us all! ha!
Unapologetically, everything into Clouds, forever ❤
I can't believe I haven't had a Clouds until now!
this is the way
Except Rings, because illegal 💀
@@fragster42 never lol
I've had Clouds since it came out and it's one of those modules that are 50/50 for me. I never know if I'll get something beautiful, or if it will drive me completely crazy. It always amazes me how you effortlessly navigate modules like these. This was a great video, and I would definitely love to see what you do with the "Parasites" firmware.
I had always been put off by Clouds in the past by reading comments from folks saying they couldn't get anything usable from it. It's definitely a tricky one to navigate. I'm looking forward to checking out the alt firmwares!
@@TheUnpersonseconding parasites. It adds a few new crazy modes while keep the originals
you always make such a simple but engrossing sound, it's really compelling
that ambient jam so 🔥🔥🔥
Random fact: _Spectral Madness_ was the original idea for Clouds when Emilie started developing the prototype, and for quite some time was what the module was supposed to become. But in the end, she scrapped it and relegated it to one of the hidden modes. This is something I recall her having said on the old defunct Mutable forum, way back when.
Very interesting! I've barely explored it so will have to spend some time getting to know it.
@@vinylarchaeologist I've heard that as well
Lovely stuff. Mutable forever
One of the best tips I got for clouds was to attenuate your modulation pretty aggressively - or else it can quickly start making those "hearing T-Rex flying an F14 while you're on acid" feedback explosions. Which are cool! But not always what the patch needs.
So many features and hidden features of the beast that is Clouds! Looking forward to seeing how and where you take it!:)
Yea I'm starting to realise there's a lot more to explore!
Sublime 😊…looking forward to a Rings into Clouds and various firmware videos. Love your channel !
Thank you! I haven't even tried Rings into Clouds yet so looking forward to seeing what all the fuss is about haha!
Love to Emilie Gillet! Thanks for all the cool instruments, pal!
Completely agree ~ a genuine legend.
One of the most influential people in modern synth history. It's crazy how much Mutable Instruments philosophy and design has impacted eurorack - and with everything being open source as well.
@@chiaroben2972 She's up there with Dr. Moog, Buchla, A.R.Pearlman, and Dave Smith in my book.
Great vid, as always!
Finally you get to compare Clouds to Beads. Clouds sounds really cool too. Different for sure.
I'm loving the character of Clouds so far :)
I never get tired of Clouds, tbh. My favourite way to patch it is as part of a rings-into-clouds-into-rings feedback loop, but I still love it as a subtle end-of-chain effect too... It's just killer.
That's an amazing idea ~ gonna be trying it out for sure!
I tried Clouds into Rings once years ago and didn't find any luck 😢 Would love to hear any examples you have of the feedback loop in action!
@@ar8ch ua-cam.com/video/Y8RNqdkfUYk/v-deo.html Volume warning. This is from midway through some noodling. I find it works best with something to start the loop -- strumming Rings just before patching the external input works, but I like using a filter that can self-oscillate in the feedback path.
@ incredible! So otherworldly. Thanks for the demo!
No matter how many granular modules come out I will never stop using clouds, it's a work of art if ya ask me
I'm starting to think that way too ~ can't believe I haven't owned a clouds until now!
You are quite simply the context master IMHO. Effortlessly deep and always scarily appropriate jams. Such a pleasure to be taken away. Thanks man
As for alternative firmware explorations, I'd be super keen to see a Peaks - Dead Man's Catch and/or Frames - Parasites episodes.
Glad you're enjoying the videos! I do always keep an eye out for bargains on old MI modules so hopefully more vids to come.
Looking forwards to seeing how you put Clouds through it's paces.
.. and spaces. 😊
More magic from your desktop! Sounds excellent. I just managed to get hold of Beads so I'm super thrilled by that! 😎
Nice one! Beads isn't too easy to come by these days 😎
You inspired me. Piping some human speech into Clouds (in my case the Typhoon iteration) and Beads is nothing more than mind-blowing. Such amazing drones!
It really works so well with human speech!
I'm stoked to see your alchemy at work ❤ 🔥 🙏
Granular transmutation!
@TheUnperson awesome patches. Well done today ✌️ ☮️
one of the greatest modules ever existed!!! i will keep mine foreverer!
I can't believe it took me so long to get one!
Good stuff as always mate. Clouds was really revolutionary module. It can do so much, especially with Parasites firmware. Now, more up to date stuff like Arbhar and Mojave of course can do more, but Clouds/Monsoon can always be placed in a rack.
I'm definitely checking out the alt firmwares!
@ I mean Bristol based shop made a module with individual controls that help parasites firmware and adds more control to the sometimes too big of a reverb.
Clouds never gets old.
It's new to me :D
Great. Now I need to rebuy clouds. Thank you for this :)
I am waiting on you revisiting Tides V2. The chords that thing makes are … insane.
Great, now I need to buy a Tides! 😆
Rings into Clouds is a good system.
I like good systems!
"Rings into clouds" became cliche for the same reason "Gibson into Marshall" is a cliche. Because it makes brain and body go ⚡😮🤤
I'm looking forward to some ⚡️😮🤤!
Thank you for the demo. Much az ❤😊😂
Cheers!
I have a good sized Mutable system, but currently using Typhoon (Super Parasites firmware) rather than Clouds. However, I am keeping an eye out for good deal and will eventually pick up the OG. I look forward as always to seeing what you do with this module.
Is Super Parasites an alt firmware for Clouds?
@@TheUnperson Yes it is, however it will not run on the OG Clouds. It give you 8 different modes in total (including original ones). There's a good article on the After Later Audio site that breaks down all the versions of Clouds, different firmwares and what works with what.
Muffable Improfriends Claus. Love it.
I feel like I’m being watched over by a guardian angel 😂 Just recently got Monsoon and was having quite a time wrangling it. Wasn’t able to find many current videos. The old ones are good, but feel a bit dated. Super hyped for this fresh look!
The Angel of Modular has got your back haha!
I’d really like to see/hear a comparison between clouds and beads as you did with braids and plaits…
Good idea! I'll add it to the list :)
Excellent demo
Thank you!
Love it 🙌
Thank you :)
Great video - would love to see more of your "take" on Clouds. Have a look at the Parasites firmware and see if it's something that would interest you. It expands the possibilities even further with a couple of brand new modes, but also adds some features and tweaks to the main mode that I personally like. And everything in the stock firmware is still available with parasites too.
Thanks! I'm definitely planning some more Clouds videos in future :)
Good video!
Thanks!
Bones is a tune. Kind of a Satyricon era Meat Beat Manifesto meets Tipsy Trip Tease thang going on ;)
Gonna be looking out for that clouds vs Beads video now that you got this lol. I’ve always thought about grabbing clouds too even though I feel like I kind of have it with beads. Being that beads is so well explored with you your thoughts on it will definitely be interesting!
So soon you're gonna have Beads, Mojave, AND Clouds? 😂
Great video. What firmware are you running on Braids?
Thanks! I'm using the renaissance firmware
Clouds is very unpredictable, even though the controls seem straightforward. Most of the time I get some less than great madness out of it, but occasionally something beautiful happens 😃 I was wondering recently about getting rid of it but I wasn't able to do that in the end. I need to play around more with the beat repeat mode on kammerl firmware as this was quite fun I remember!
I'm yet to try the alt firmwares ~ the best repeat one sounds fun!!
Nice demo, thanks.
In my humble opinion, it's not difficult to make (what I'd call) static sound input, sound great - either on Clouds or Beads. The difficulties start once you introduce more complex melodic lines/pieces, as they can very quickly muddy the soundscape (or maybe just overwhelm everything).
It would be really interesting is to know what (exactly) Emilie thinks the main improvements of Beads is/was over Clouds, and why remake a module.
Thanks! The older versions of MI modules definitely seem more grungy ~ in a good way!
@@TheUnperson Yes, I had wondered about that.
can you explain how to achieve a chord sound as in the one that starts @ 17:58 There is a song by the band Static X called Stem. I have been searching for that kinda sound for a long time.
I'm using the Plaits oscillator in chord mode through a low pass filter. You can get the software version free on VCV rack if you don't have it already. Here's a vid I made focusing on the chord mode:
ua-cam.com/video/rfbjCqLCLKw/v-deo.htmlsi=ljkAe6avPCKaeXwF
More clouds vids!
Coming up!
Hey, if you dropped an EP with that "do not stay away from me, all my bones can be seen" track, I'd buy that in a heartbeat. That was a killer jam.
Cheers man! I'm gonna compile some of these UA-cam jams into a release of some kind soon :)
I would be 100% for you doing a Beads vs. Clouds shootout.
I can see that happening!
Great video as always! I totally recommend giving the Kammerl Beat Repeat firmware a go, I'd love to hear your output from it.
Ohhh that sounds like my kinda thing!
@@TheUnperson I think you'll like it, there's a lot of fun to be had there!
Much like your Pam’s video I knew I was familiar enough with the module but still checked out the video to see what cool stuff you were going to do with it. Where does that Bones audio sample come from?
The Bones sample is coming from the 4MS sampler module. It comes loaded with an extensive collection of very good samples on the SD card.
@ Was just wondering if you knew what the source of the sample was. It’s creepy and gets even more unnerving through Clouds.
Amazing videos, even more amazing sounds, can you kindly point me in the right direction how I can sort out the overlapping detuning thing that happens when using keystep 37 and plaits, I read somehwere about using Maths to fix it but unsure what, I do have Maths and tried various things, but looks like you manage it in these videos ?
Thanks! I've never encountered this problem with Plaits, but it's something I've noticed with Beads when using it as an oscillator. As I recall, it's related to the gate from the keystep. Patching the gate through Maths and setting both the rise and fall to 12 o'clock fixed the problem for me.
@ Thanks, seems it’s only with certain longer sustained DX7 patches, the 12 o clock maths fix did the trick.
I suggest a plot twist: do Clouds into Rings with Rings in formant filter mode xD Whuaaa, whuaaa...
Great idea!
Clouds is still pretty magic, even though arguably there are better granular fx in both software form and Eurorack hardware. I think the main problem is everyone went mad for it and overdid it, particularly the Rings into Clouds thing, which became a bit of a cliché. It became a victim of it's own success to an extent.
Also, over in VCV land there's a polyphonic Clouds clone and also a polyphonic Rings, if you really want 16 channels of Rings into Clouds. Now that makes some huge textures 😂
That's insane! I might have to try that out!
@@TheUnperson it's not quite as insane as you'd think, but proves there is still some mileage in the Clouds algorithm! If you just play a regular 3 note chord, you obviously only get 3 copies of the effect. The trick I use is taking a mono source and patching it into a poly mult, which forces the signal onto multiple channels (16 is the max but may cripple your computer!).
I found it's good for making textures which you can then sample. Not sure I can post links in a comment, but I made a tutorial last year and shared a few of the patches on a website called patchstorage. They're still up if anyone wants to try it 😏
The Monsoon Clouds version opens the module up, it's so easy just to use it as a Reverb and ride the feedback. But it's always interesting.
I'm really excited to try out the different modes and alt firmwares!
I wear out the mode button on Clouds, but Monsoon is a pleasure to use with the extra slider controls.
Clouds is great but I much prefer the updated clones, Typhoon and Monsoon with the knob per function and greatly expanded CV inputs. Input and output gains knobs. Don't have to cycle through anything to turn up that legendary reverb. Also, immediate access to crank down the feedback in a desperate emergency scramble when things to bananas.
Oh man that sounds way better! I'm gonna have to check out the clones now!
The rule of thumbI tend to follow with clouds is very little feedback, very little reverb. I can apply mud elsewhere in the signal path. I like to save reverb for just before output from the rack, so all my voices sound like they're playing in the same space.
Yea it can easily get very muddy. Subtlety is key!
What module is used for the vocal sample?
7:49
It's the 4MS Sampler
I just realized that i only used it for 5% of what it can do and i never was able to make it sound good..
Im in the same boat and started this video as a last resort before selling.
No one talks about Kammerl much - I wish people would
It is incredible. Everyone who has Clouds should check this one out.
I hadn't even heard about it until your comment ~ will definitely be checking it out!
@ it’s a great time. I think the issue keeping it under wraps is it really needs a dedicated panel otherwise it’s not immediately intuitive - but it’s a blast for sure. A great reason to go for the Typhoon instead of the Monsoon clone (in addition to the extra VCAs or potential to use it as an output)
if you put rings into clouds into beads will the world flip and go back to normal? I think too many ringsinto clouds flipped it into the alt reality we live in now. do it and save us all! ha!
It sounds risky.. what if it creates something even more abnormal?!
@@TheUnpersonmaybe clouds into rings to reverse the spell? 😂
If I can see all your bones, I'm probably going to stay away from you.
Valid point!
I love beads but find myself in clouds mode more often than not
I had no experience with Clouds and was expecting a less good Beads but it's really different with an unique character.
I see you and I marked our beatsteps the same way lol
Why didn't they put labels on the top?!