The CsL is and will always be my most cherished oscillator in my rack. There hardly a day that goes by where I don’t at some point fire it up and just bask in the oscillating folds… Jason did Buchla proud with that gem
Love not only the content but the style of the vid. Very explanatory and so needed in the world of modular for the novice like myself. Thank you and please do many more like this to help us understand and learn. 👏👏🙏
@@CinematicLaboratory Yeah it took me a while too but they're out there! It gets closer to the aesthetic though it's not an exact match. I'm hoping tiptop will reissue it's own 259 as part of the 200 series...I do actually like the sound of raw waveform of the tiptop 258t more than any of the other complex oscillators here except maybe the CS-L (though I find that wavefolder too harsh).
@@CinematicLaboratorywoo! did you actually "hear" the rumour? I can't wait to hear the sounds, if it improves upon the 258t it will be the might just be the ultimate complex oscillator in terms of sound. I eventually moved the furthrrr, I loved the features but the sound just wasn't there for me.
I was lucky enough to get my hands on a complete buchla boat system many moons ago.. A friend had bought it for his studio but never understood it.. I was fixing and building synthesisers myself at the time so he finally came around to the idea that I should use it for a period and figue it out.. It had an original 259 at its core.. The sonic possibilities were just endless.. I did manage to figure it out, but normal synth logical flow is just not the way to use one I came to the conclusion.. It just doesnt behave like youd expect it to.. Frustrating alot of the time, but also I found it would be quite a relief from the norm if you just gave up trying to force it.. Im talking about the system as a whole mind you.. Th 259 was probably the most logical module in that modular ;] I also had the original Easel for a time.. But when you had a boat, the easel paled in comparrison.. Nonetheless still beautiful..
Sorry for the late response, I had notifications off by accident (and I was moving homes at the time of posting). I usually try to respond to all comments that share something valuable. Like yours! Thanks for sharing!
Me too, can't wait to dive into episode 02 but it takes time to prepare new material and research information. I really need that Verbos CO for the next episode but I really can't just buy one. I wish Tiptop/Buchla did a 259T...
It is interesting you mention the aliasing on the digital domain as it regards to wave shaping. I always wondered if I should add that chip to my Furthrrr, now aI know not to 😊 . Great video!
Well it has a lot of advantages too. I''ll revisit this in Episode 03. The strong zero core sounds very modern, it's better in metallic sounds and you don't have to retune every time you dial in a bit of FM. I have to dive deeper into that aliasing. I'll switch cores in E03 when I bring in the ShapeShifter.
@@CinematicLaboratory I have loved watching your videos over the past few months. They have made me realise what I have been missing for so very long. Audibly and visually beautiful, your posts make me yearn for my past life. Sad but lovely all the same. Thank you.
@@beauhannant2228 Everything happens here and now and life can change for better or for worse in a single day. I have no idea what your past life was and what your here and now looks like, but as long as you can still breathe, you can fire up VCV Rack, watch Omri Cohen's tutorials and enjoy. Thank you for sharing and all the best!
Stellar video. Definitely learned a lot. Look forward to the next. I dig what I've been seeing as far as complex oscillators being made and becoming more affordable to get into. Curious how you find modules like Bastl's Pizza & the COCO line After Later Audio recently unveiled. Furthrrr & DPO are 2 that are on my list and have been since I became aware of what a complex oscillator was. I do want and am going to add Pizza first because of the videos I've seen and my deep love/appreciation of Bastl Instruments. And, of course, im very much looking forward to adding the Tiptop/Buchla oscillator asap. Anyway, thanks for another great video
One day I’d love to see a Eurorack 259e. All these years and still none ?! Ppl gonna say there are many .. But to clarify 261e is the complex Osc we all know 259e is TWISTED WAVEFORM GENERATOR
Eurorack didn’t exist when I was a kid getting into synths, I had to (re?)learn all about modular during the pandemic lockdowns. They often say you need to know what you want to do before deciding on which modules, but that’s difficult with the hundreds of modules out there and it’s taken me over a year to finally figure out I really really love complex oscillators. So I’m looking forward to your take on them and hope you’ll cover some of my faves along the way 😅
Thanks for sharing, symbiat. What are your favorites? I think you mentioned Brenso and I love Frap gear but it's sold out everywhere. Also, their modules cover the same ground as other Buchla inspired modules so the overlap will be too big. I am keeping an eye open for Usta.
@@CinematicLaboratory Do you use wigglehunt ? I see the Usta listed (new) by French and UK retailers on Reverb. I have the Ensemble (I think you have that already too, no ?). I’ve recently become obsessed with Xaoc’s modules, the Odessa looks interesting. Also newcomers like the Magerit Laniakea and the Cubusynth Engine.
You basically need two VCO's with expo/lin FM and a wavefolder, so maybe you only need the wavefolder (Instruo, Disting - 4 HP). But complex oscillators are big, bold and beautiful so finding one in 4 HP is going to be tough. Loquelic Iteritas (10 HP) is a great little dual vco that can sound really huge.
@@CinematicLaboratory I was joking about the 4hp (though I did once ask Walker at MN if they had any plans to issue the DPO as a 6hp module- he was not amused). Good steer on the NE module though- thanks!
@@geraldgoodiii6993 You're absolutely right, but the 259 is a lot bigger than an 10 HP Loquelic and the little animal ticks a lot of FM, harmonics and wavefolder boxes. It's a shame it only has one out. There should have been two...
Cosmotronic stacked almost any CO technique into this module and having TZFM, Phase Modulation, ring modulation, wave shaping and dual low pass filters. You will not find this on any other CO. It will take time to learn all the ins and outs. Vortex offers you the biggest sonic range. Sonically - which is the most important - I feel DPO sounds the most organic, almost like woodwind. It's the only one that has a vactrol to strike the wavefolder and the 'follow' circuit. Nothing sounds like a DPO's final output. Cs-L doesn't offer phase modulation or a built in Low Pass filter. Also, you'd have to switch between linear and expo FM, where the DPO and Vortex can use both simultaneously. But the routing possibilities are endless. Furthrrrr Generator is amazing too. It's really hard to pick a favorite. They all have their unique strengths and weaknesses which explains why I have a lot of them.
Thanks for the VDO. I'm just discovering Buchla for myself since these very nice Tip top modules came out. i never realised make noise and verbos were so closely related to Buchla. May I ask which delay and reverb you use during this video
It wasn't really my intention, but sure it's cool to 'build your own'. Maybe episode 03 or 04. The dual XPO is also worth revisiting for this. 259 is everywhere.
I always enjoy your videos. I have learned tons watching them and I'm absolutely wild about 66.21% of the music you make. I'm not a drone lover. My shortcoming. "Buchla's panel is like a manual". This brings up the one thing that drives me batschmitd crazy about modern modular. Modern marketing seems to require that the purpose of the module as well as the function of the knobs has be obscured by cute names and distracting panel graphics. None of that helps once the module is purchased. It's just there to sell it. I get really tired of having to go to the manufacturers site and read a couple of paragraphs just to find out the damm module is an oscillator. What's the fekk is wrong with clarity, consistency and transparency?? Hmmm??? One obvious example is to compare the panel of Maths with Buchla's 281 on which is based. Maths is a spectacular module that I would never buy,. Sure it has some really excellent features that the 281 doesn't but then again they had 50 years to add some nice touches. Don was stuck with 741 op amps fr krissake. But the panel graphics on Maths is an abomination of a user interface. Not because the graphics aren't cool but because they totally distract from understanding the module. What the fekk ever happened to "form follows function"? I want to shout at the designer that no one is ever going to see the damn panel but the poor person who has to try to understand what is really a simple module. So why can't it be easy to use out of the box???? Don't even bring up basimilus iteritas alter. Another great module I would never buy. WTF?? WIth these clowns I have to go to the site to look up the goofy name and find out what it does only find there are 4 module with similar goofy names. Get real. Thank you for allowing me to offload my rant in the comments of one of your best videos.
Thanks for sharing your personal thoughts on this. I've been a graphics designer and programmer for most of my life and I noticed that tech people can't even draw a puppet, while artists just hate the insides of a machine and the code that runs their Mac. It's hard to combine both tech and art skills. Sometimes I see eurorack modules that look like the panel is designed by a 3 year old, and sometimes I see a panel that's a work of art, but doesn't have any labels (to encourage freeform patching). Regarding Maths I always try to understand before judging. When you take a look at the very first MakeNoise Wogglebug V1 it clearly shows Tony Rolando had zero-talent for panel design when he started out, unaware he would sell tens of thousands. Maths is about the same age as the ugly woggle. In my humble opinion, Tony learned a LOT since then, and I learned to love MakeNoise designs. The clear 'visual language' at least tell me what goes in/out, where do triggers go, what expects CV, etc. Regardless, you're right. Great panel designs are rare. But it is what it is, and we can't change it. And if I can't change it, I'll just let it be. It's useless to feel bad about something you can't fix. As for Maths, it became like driving a car. It's not easy to learn, and now I don't even think about it. However, it's much easier to 'drive' a Buchla 281 function generator, and again, the manual is printed on the panel. Don was a rare genius.
@@CinematicLaboratory thanks for the thoughtful reply to my rant. Your answer was better than my rant deserved. I don't disagree with much of what you said. Especially the part about accepting that this is the way of the world. My perspective comes from flying 747s and the like, using audio test equipment, astronomical telescopes and microscopes and the CNC machine I built. Imagine how it would be if I had to look up in the manual which tire on my motor cycle was responsible for initiating a turn and then turn the page to see which part of the motorcyle I should push or pull on to start the turn. Or I had to wonder where the go button or the stop button on my CNC machine were located. The user interfaces on these devices are mostly a technical work of art. The place we disagree is in saying that making the panel hard to understand encourages creative patching. What if the 10 knobs on my guitar amp weren't labeled and the volume was in the middle and then the on/off switch to the right and the reverb foot switch jack to the left with the treble knob on the back face plate. Having the knobs labeled and somewhat standardized does not limit my guitar playing or force me into ruts. In eurorack I plug a lot of stuff in where the designer had no idea that anyone would or self patch weird stuff regardless of the label on the jack. Just because it's easy to understand how it's designed doesn't mean you can't be creative. In the end it's about results. The results are SOUND. Let me repeat that. The result of modular design is SOUND. If someone wants to express your graphic design creativity make the box pretty. Making a krap user interface doesn't make more creative sound. Buchla just did what any product engineer used to do. The creativity was in the ideas and functions. All by himself with input from the other SF Tape center people he made a huge leap forward. I was limited at my university to a largish sized Moog modular system in 1970. I so much wanted to have a chance to make those beautiful complex west coast sounds and wore myself out trying to fool that moog system into sounding like what I heard from Subotnick and others who used buchla and serge machines. (while we're at it, lets acknowledge Serge for making a great sounding, easy to understand synth system with a clear interface using grapic printed on PAPER) I don't feel that Morton Subotnick or Susanne Ciani were held back in freedom of patching by Don's clear user interface. If you've ever tried to recreate the sounds Subotnick used in the album "Touch" it would be clear that he patched like a crazed demon, not held back in the slightest by Don's clear and useful interface. The sounds on that album still sound as fresh and complex to me now as they did to me in 1970. Another case: Emile farmed out the panels for Mutable modules to an italian graphics designer. You probably know much more about that than I do. My point here is I really hate the esthetics of her modules. BUT I know what every thing does and can access it easily so I don't give a rat's rear that the design is visually ugly to me. In my opinion Instruo has a good balance. Ian is not afraid to label things clearly and makes relationships easy to see. They may be a tad busy but he packs a lot of amazing features into the HP they take up. You have a great outlook and always make great use of the modules in your videos. Just to be clear I don't look at my eurorack and rage about the goofy panel designs. I love my euro gear to pieces and always feel better after several hours with it than I did going in. I'm not a grump, I just calls em as I see's em. Thanks again for all the wonderful videos. You are unique on the internet. I've watched every one. The production values are stunning, as I'm sure you know. The visual look is always very compelling. The sounds are inspiring. I am certainly in your debt for all of that.
@@CinematicLaboratory If you have the time and inclination I'd be interested in a short analysis of the Cosmotronic Vortex panel, graphic design and usability.
@@spencebarton2947 The 'creative patch encouragement' was an observation. I don't like them either, I just didn't want to call any names like Strega and the Frap Tools designs. Frap modules are absolutely stunning, like gems. But these panels like to keep their secrets - by design. Unidentified Buzzing Objects. I also agree on Emilie's gear being obfuscated by the little icons I just can't see without reading classes. But as a designer I can appreciate the consistency. However, I can't cope with the really goofy designs and I simply don't buy the super ugly modules (WoggleBug V1 was an exception, that's curating a museum).
@@spencebarton2947 That's a tough one. It looks much easier than it is but I don't think there's a simple complex oscillator. OK, maybe the E-RM PolyGogo which is a masterpiece of both sound and design, but also an odd-ball. The Vortex is easy to use and understand, there's a clear visual language of what goes in and out, but the manual reveals tons of functions you can't see. Like true phase shifting depending on slider positions. So you'll need to read the manual to get the most of it - and spend a lot of time with it. Besides, Cosmotronic is a very small team in my home town. If something's wrong, I can go visit the shop. I don't think I'd feel the same if I were in the US. There's a lot of competition in the CO line and it's hard to pick the right one for your case. If I had to make a split second-choice, I'd go for my dual XPO with the ModDemix in the middle, but that's more like patching Serge with a blindfold. Take care and happy patching!
A lovely tribute and unfolding!! You rock! 💥 🌊 🌈 ⚡️
This means so much coming from you!
The DPO is always gonna be my go to
HD2 a close second .. something about is is special
The CsL is and will always be my most cherished oscillator in my rack. There hardly a day that goes by where I don’t at some point fire it up and just bask in the oscillating folds… Jason did Buchla proud with that gem
Cs-L is the APEX complex VCO in my list too.
Just wanted to share some of my work… pre Cs-L though….
ua-cam.com/video/9f0-6tQHUpE/v-deo.htmlsi=NSajB3WIKzMtsk8K
You were def right… great vid, right up my alley
Love not only the content but the style of the vid. Very explanatory and so needed in the world of modular for the novice like myself. Thank you and please do many more like this to help us understand and learn. 👏👏🙏
Thanks for sharing this!
Great video! I recently got a furthrrr generator with a neat buchla like panel and have been using it with the tiptop buchla 200t modules as well :)
I wish I could find such a panel! I've been looking regularily.
@@CinematicLaboratory Yeah it took me a while too but they're out there! It gets closer to the aesthetic though it's not an exact match. I'm hoping tiptop will reissue it's own 259 as part of the 200 series...I do actually like the sound of raw waveform of the tiptop 258t more than any of the other complex oscillators here except maybe the CS-L (though I find that wavefolder too harsh).
@@leonardovelazquez1029 I heard a rumour from TipTop, but I can't tell you what it is :).
@@CinematicLaboratorywoo! did you actually "hear" the rumour? I can't wait to hear the sounds, if it improves upon the 258t it will be the might just be the ultimate complex oscillator in terms of sound. I eventually moved the furthrrr, I loved the features but the sound just wasn't there for me.
@@leonardovelazquez1029 Nobody knows what the future will bring. Let's just say the Force is strong on this one.
Amazing sounds throughout here, very well done
Love this! Great history lesson and great tones.
I was lucky enough to get my hands on a complete buchla boat system many moons ago.. A friend had bought it for his studio but never understood it.. I was fixing and building synthesisers myself at the time so he finally came around to the idea that I should use it for a period and figue it out.. It had an original 259 at its core.. The sonic possibilities were just endless.. I did manage to figure it out, but normal synth logical flow is just not the way to use one I came to the conclusion.. It just doesnt behave like youd expect it to.. Frustrating alot of the time, but also I found it would be quite a relief from the norm if you just gave up trying to force it.. Im talking about the system as a whole mind you.. Th 259 was probably the most logical module in that modular ;] I also had the original Easel for a time.. But when you had a boat, the easel paled in comparrison.. Nonetheless still beautiful..
Sorry for the late response, I had notifications off by accident (and I was moving homes at the time of posting). I usually try to respond to all comments that share something valuable. Like yours! Thanks for sharing!
Now this was a nice sonic and historical journey! good one 🙌
Thank you, so interesting, and so inspiring. Looking forward to next episode
Me too, can't wait to dive into episode 02 but it takes time to prepare new material and research information. I really need that Verbos CO for the next episode but I really can't just buy one. I wish Tiptop/Buchla did a 259T...
Quick note, Buchla's 200 series is from the 1970's :).
Yes I knew that.
No you did not.
It is interesting you mention the aliasing on the digital domain as it regards to wave shaping. I always wondered if I should add that chip to my Furthrrr, now aI know not to 😊 . Great video!
Well it has a lot of advantages too. I''ll revisit this in Episode 03. The strong zero core sounds very modern, it's better in metallic sounds and you don't have to retune every time you dial in a bit of FM. I have to dive deeper into that aliasing. I'll switch cores in E03 when I bring in the ShapeShifter.
Outstanding video! Learned a lot, thanks, you’re such an addition to synth/modular UA-cam. Cheers!
Your username inspires me to try disco :). Thanks for sharing!
@@CinematicLaboratory I actually make techno lol - but happy to inspire ;)
Absolutely love your channel. Thank you.
Thank you so much, really encouraging!
@@CinematicLaboratory
I have loved watching your videos over the past few months. They have made me realise what I have been missing for so very long.
Audibly and visually beautiful, your posts make me yearn for my past life. Sad but lovely all the same. Thank you.
@@beauhannant2228 Everything happens here and now and life can change for better or for worse in a single day. I have no idea what your past life was and what your here and now looks like, but as long as you can still breathe, you can fire up VCV Rack, watch Omri Cohen's tutorials and enjoy. Thank you for sharing and all the best!
Stellar video. Definitely learned a lot. Look forward to the next. I dig what I've been seeing as far as complex oscillators being made and becoming more affordable to get into. Curious how you find modules like Bastl's Pizza & the COCO line After Later Audio recently unveiled. Furthrrr & DPO are 2 that are on my list and have been since I became aware of what a complex oscillator was. I do want and am going to add Pizza first because of the videos I've seen and my deep love/appreciation of Bastl Instruments. And, of course, im very much looking forward to adding the Tiptop/Buchla oscillator asap. Anyway, thanks for another great video
One day I’d love to see a Eurorack 259e.
All these years and still none ?!
Ppl gonna say there are many ..
But to clarify
261e is the complex Osc we all know
259e is TWISTED WAVEFORM
GENERATOR
another gorgeous video, as always
Eurorack didn’t exist when I was a kid getting into synths, I had to (re?)learn all about modular during the pandemic lockdowns. They often say you need to know what you want to do before deciding on which modules, but that’s difficult with the hundreds of modules out there and it’s taken me over a year to finally figure out I really really love complex oscillators. So I’m looking forward to your take on them and hope you’ll cover some of my faves along the way 😅
Thanks for sharing, symbiat. What are your favorites? I think you mentioned Brenso and I love Frap gear but it's sold out everywhere. Also, their modules cover the same ground as other Buchla inspired modules so the overlap will be too big. I am keeping an eye open for Usta.
@@CinematicLaboratory Do you use wigglehunt ? I see the Usta listed (new) by French and UK retailers on Reverb. I have the Ensemble (I think you have that already too, no ?). I’ve recently become obsessed with Xaoc’s modules, the Odessa looks interesting. Also newcomers like the Magerit Laniakea and the Cubusynth Engine.
Very interesting! thanks for all this information and video!
You are very welcome!
Beautiful soundscape
Thank you, Amr!
Wicked, great video!
Thanks, man .. "getting under the hood", so to speak, that's a useful thing for anyone using this kind of gear.
These videos are so much more fun than just jamming with a new module...
I clearly need a complex oscillator on my case. Ideally it should be about 4hp though… I may have to compromise. Anyway, open to suggestions…
You basically need two VCO's with expo/lin FM and a wavefolder, so maybe you only need the wavefolder (Instruo, Disting - 4 HP). But complex oscillators are big, bold and beautiful so finding one in 4 HP is going to be tough. Loquelic Iteritas (10 HP) is a great little dual vco that can sound really huge.
@@CinematicLaboratory I was joking about the 4hp (though I did once ask Walker at MN if they had any plans to issue the DPO as a 6hp module- he was not amused). Good steer on the NE module though- thanks!
@@CinematicLaboratoryyes but the LI is a totally different animal.. true it’s a complex Osc .. but it’s not gonna give that 259 sound
@@geraldgoodiii6993 You're absolutely right, but the 259 is a lot bigger than an 10 HP Loquelic and the little animal ticks a lot of FM, harmonics and wavefolder boxes. It's a shame it only has one out. There should have been two...
No words but awesome!
Wow.
i love it when you goto the "lab"
CS-L tutorial???
Absolutely! But first... I have to learn it myself :). This module is as deep as the Mariana Trench.
@@CinematicLaboratory i personally prefer a Brenso ...
@@dirkbouters202 Italian couture, but no match for the Cs-L imho. We all have our favorites!
CS-L - crazy deep module !
How do you think the Vortex compares to the other complex oscillators you have?
Cosmotronic stacked almost any CO technique into this module and having TZFM, Phase Modulation, ring modulation, wave shaping and dual low pass filters. You will not find this on any other CO. It will take time to learn all the ins and outs. Vortex offers you the biggest sonic range.
Sonically - which is the most important - I feel DPO sounds the most organic, almost like woodwind. It's the only one that has a vactrol to strike the wavefolder and the 'follow' circuit. Nothing sounds like a DPO's final output.
Cs-L doesn't offer phase modulation or a built in Low Pass filter. Also, you'd have to switch between linear and expo FM, where the DPO and Vortex can use both simultaneously. But the routing possibilities are endless.
Furthrrrr Generator is amazing too. It's really hard to pick a favorite. They all have their unique strengths and weaknesses which explains why I have a lot of them.
Thanks for the VDO. I'm just discovering Buchla for myself since these very nice Tip top modules came out. i never realised make noise and verbos were so closely related to Buchla. May I ask which delay and reverb you use during this video
Still learning how to 259
Me too! Did you know TipTop may be working on the 259T? Hopefully this year!
That's Numberwang!
School’s fun when the teacher is cool. Schematic art make me drool✌️
LOL!
check out the 100 series too ... like 144 and 158
I have absolutely no knowledge about those. Aren't these revived as red panel modules?
@@CinematicLaboratory somehow they can be find in euro format, but there is LA67 which makes them in 4u format
Plz bring the tides x warps x tides back in the next video for the ultra complex 259 ;)
It wasn't really my intention, but sure it's cool to 'build your own'. Maybe episode 03 or 04. The dual XPO is also worth revisiting for this. 259 is everywhere.
I always enjoy your videos. I have learned tons watching them and I'm absolutely wild about 66.21% of the music you make. I'm not a drone lover. My shortcoming.
"Buchla's panel is like a manual". This brings up the one thing that drives me batschmitd crazy about modern modular. Modern marketing seems to require that the purpose of the module as well as the function of the knobs has be obscured by cute names and distracting panel graphics. None of that helps once the module is purchased. It's just there to sell it. I get really tired of having to go to the manufacturers site and read a couple of paragraphs just to find out the damm module is an oscillator. What's the fekk is wrong with clarity, consistency and transparency?? Hmmm??? One obvious example is to compare the panel of Maths with Buchla's 281 on which is based. Maths is a spectacular module that I would never buy,. Sure it has some really excellent features that the 281 doesn't but then again they had 50 years to add some nice touches. Don was stuck with 741 op amps fr krissake. But the panel graphics on Maths is an abomination of a user interface. Not because the graphics aren't cool but because they totally distract from understanding the module. What the fekk ever happened to "form follows function"? I want to shout at the designer that no one is ever going to see the damn panel but the poor person who has to try to understand what is really a simple module. So why can't it be easy to use out of the box???? Don't even bring up basimilus iteritas alter. Another great module I would never buy. WTF?? WIth these clowns I have to go to the site to look up the goofy name and find out what it does only find there are 4 module with similar goofy names. Get real. Thank you for allowing me to offload my rant in the comments of one of your best videos.
Thanks for sharing your personal thoughts on this. I've been a graphics designer and programmer for most of my life and I noticed that tech people can't even draw a puppet, while artists just hate the insides of a machine and the code that runs their Mac. It's hard to combine both tech and art skills. Sometimes I see eurorack modules that look like the panel is designed by a 3 year old, and sometimes I see a panel that's a work of art, but doesn't have any labels (to encourage freeform patching). Regarding Maths I always try to understand before judging. When you take a look at the very first MakeNoise Wogglebug V1 it clearly shows Tony Rolando had zero-talent for panel design when he started out, unaware he would sell tens of thousands. Maths is about the same age as the ugly woggle. In my humble opinion, Tony learned a LOT since then, and I learned to love MakeNoise designs. The clear 'visual language' at least tell me what goes in/out, where do triggers go, what expects CV, etc. Regardless, you're right. Great panel designs are rare. But it is what it is, and we can't change it. And if I can't change it, I'll just let it be. It's useless to feel bad about something you can't fix. As for Maths, it became like driving a car. It's not easy to learn, and now I don't even think about it. However, it's much easier to 'drive' a Buchla 281 function generator, and again, the manual is printed on the panel. Don was a rare genius.
@@CinematicLaboratory thanks for the thoughtful reply to my rant. Your answer was better than my rant deserved. I don't disagree with much of what you said. Especially the part about accepting that this is the way of the world. My perspective comes from flying 747s and the like, using audio test equipment, astronomical telescopes and microscopes and the CNC machine I built. Imagine how it would be if I had to look up in the manual which tire on my motor cycle was responsible for initiating a turn and then turn the page to see which part of the motorcyle I should push or pull on to start the turn. Or I had to wonder where the go button or the stop button on my CNC machine were located. The user interfaces on these devices are mostly a technical work of art.
The place we disagree is in saying that making the panel hard to understand encourages creative patching. What if the 10 knobs on my guitar amp weren't labeled and the volume was in the middle and then the on/off switch to the right and the reverb foot switch jack to the left with the treble knob on the back face plate. Having the knobs labeled and somewhat standardized does not limit my guitar playing or force me into ruts. In eurorack I plug a lot of stuff in where the designer had no idea that anyone would or self patch weird stuff regardless of the label on the jack. Just because it's easy to understand how it's designed doesn't mean you can't be creative. In the end it's about results. The results are SOUND. Let me repeat that. The result of modular design is SOUND. If someone wants to express your graphic design creativity make the box pretty. Making a krap user interface doesn't make more creative sound. Buchla just did what any product engineer used to do. The creativity was in the ideas and functions. All by himself with input from the other SF Tape center people he made a huge leap forward. I was limited at my university to a largish sized Moog modular system in 1970. I so much wanted to have a chance to make those beautiful complex west coast sounds and wore myself out trying to fool that moog system into sounding like what I heard from Subotnick and others who used buchla and serge machines. (while we're at it, lets acknowledge Serge for making a great sounding, easy to understand synth system with a clear interface using grapic printed on PAPER) I don't feel that Morton Subotnick or Susanne Ciani were held back in freedom of patching by Don's clear user interface. If you've ever tried to recreate the sounds Subotnick used in the album "Touch" it would be clear that he patched like a crazed demon, not held back in the slightest by Don's clear and useful interface. The sounds on that album still sound as fresh and complex to me now as they did to me in 1970.
Another case: Emile farmed out the panels for Mutable modules to an italian graphics designer. You probably know much more about that than I do. My point here is I really hate the esthetics of her modules. BUT I know what every thing does and can access it easily so I don't give a rat's rear that the design is visually ugly to me. In my opinion Instruo has a good balance. Ian is not afraid to label things clearly and makes relationships easy to see. They may be a tad busy but he packs a lot of amazing features into the HP they take up.
You have a great outlook and always make great use of the modules in your videos. Just to be clear I don't look at my eurorack and rage about the goofy panel designs. I love my euro gear to pieces and always feel better after several hours with it than I did going in. I'm not a grump, I just calls em as I see's em.
Thanks again for all the wonderful videos. You are unique on the internet. I've watched every one. The production values are stunning, as I'm sure you know. The visual look is always very compelling. The sounds are inspiring. I am certainly in your debt for all of that.
@@CinematicLaboratory If you have the time and inclination I'd be interested in a short analysis of the Cosmotronic Vortex panel, graphic design and usability.
@@spencebarton2947 The 'creative patch encouragement' was an observation. I don't like them either, I just didn't want to call any names like Strega and the Frap Tools designs. Frap modules are absolutely stunning, like gems. But these panels like to keep their secrets - by design. Unidentified Buzzing Objects. I also agree on Emilie's gear being obfuscated by the little icons I just can't see without reading classes. But as a designer I can appreciate the consistency. However, I can't cope with the really goofy designs and I simply don't buy the super ugly modules (WoggleBug V1 was an exception, that's curating a museum).
@@spencebarton2947 That's a tough one. It looks much easier than it is but I don't think there's a simple complex oscillator. OK, maybe the E-RM PolyGogo which is a masterpiece of both sound and design, but also an odd-ball. The Vortex is easy to use and understand, there's a clear visual language of what goes in and out, but the manual reveals tons of functions you can't see. Like true phase shifting depending on slider positions. So you'll need to read the manual to get the most of it - and spend a lot of time with it. Besides, Cosmotronic is a very small team in my home town. If something's wrong, I can go visit the shop. I don't think I'd feel the same if I were in the US. There's a lot of competition in the CO line and it's hard to pick the right one for your case. If I had to make a split second-choice, I'd go for my dual XPO with the ModDemix in the middle, but that's more like patching Serge with a blindfold. Take care and happy patching!
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yes LSD was correct.