Microbe Modular Equation Composer Inspired by BitWiz

via clone45 on Muff's

"I'm extremely pleased to announce the upcoming release of the Equation Composer by Microbe Modular. Inspired by VIznut's "Algorithmic symphonies from one line of code" and the BitWiz Audio Synth, the Equation Composer creates a wide range of gritty, 8-bit sounding melodies, waveforms, and noise. The module is organized into CV selectable "programs" that range from simple equation playback to stuttery loops, and even wavetable playback and subtractive synthesis.

Internally, the Equation Composer is based on the powerful Arduino Due. Although the module has been built to be enjoyed "as-is", there's a prominent USB jack on the front for easy re-programming, and the software is open source and available on GitHub. 14 extra pins have been brought to an expansion header on the rear. The Arduno code itself is modular, allowing various software "modules" to be strung together into virtual synths. (Re-programming is recommended for advanced developers only and requires some C++.)

Hardware designed by John Staskevich. Software by Gaetan Ro and myself. Front panel design by Hannes Pasqualini. Additional sound design by Sunshine Audio. Special thanks to Josh at Toppobrillo for his support.

Width: 12HP
Current requrements: 170mA
Estimated release date: Early 2014.

Cheers,
Bret Truchan
Microbe Modular

Here are some audio samples. There's a lot more to come, including examples of more traditional (less 8-bit) sounds."

This is the first Microbe Modular post.

Update via Bret: "I forgot to mention that significant parts of the circuitry come directly from the Arduino Due Reference Design. Credits and thanks to the Arduino team for making it open source."

The Equation Composer by Microbe Modular

Equation Composer - Equation Player mode Published on Jun 30, 2014 clone45a6

Note this playlist runs through all videos by clone45a6. The first eight feature the Equation Composer as follows:

Equation Composer - formant synth "mumbler"
Equation Composer - 3 Oscillator Synth
Equation Composer - "Clickers" program demo
Equation Composer - chord mode with rotation
Equation Composer - Pattern Generator mode
Equation Composer - Chord Player mode
Equation Composer - Drum Selektor preset
Equation Composer - Equation Player mode

"Inspired by VIznut's 'Algorithmic symphonies from one line of code' and the BitWiz Audio Synth, the Equation Composer creates a wide range of gritty, 8-bit sounding melodies, waveforms, and noise. The module is organized into CV selectable "programs", where each program can act like a unique synthesizer.

The following programs ship with the Equation Composer:
[list=1]
[*]Equation Playback (3 banks)
[*]Drum Selektor
[*]Wavetable + WaveFolder
[*]Patterns
[*]Chords
[*]3 Oscillator
[*]Drum Player
[/list]

Internally, the Equation Composer is based on the powerful Arduino Due. Although the module has been built to be enjoyed "as-is", there's a prominent USB jack on the front for updating [url=https://github.com/clone45/EquationComposer]the firmware[/url], which is open source. 14 extra pins have been brought to an expansion header on the rear. The Arduno code itself is modular, allowing various software "modules" to be strung together into “programs” that act like individual synths. (Re-programming is recommended for advanced developers and requires some C++.)"

http://www.microbemodular.com/products/equation-composer/overview

Microbe Modular Equation Composer - Equation Player mode

Published on Jun 30, 2014

"The Equation Composer comes with a number of built-in 'programs'. This program plays back ByteBeat equations. See http://www.microbemodular.com/product... for more information."

"Inspired by VIznut's "Algorithmic symphonies from one line of code" and the BitWiz Audio Synth, the Equation Composer creates a wide range of gritty, 8-bit sounding melodies, waveforms, and noise. The module is organized into CV selectable "programs" that range from simple equation playback to struttering loops, and wavetable playback.

Internally, the Equation Composer is based on the powerful Arduino Due. Although the module has been built to be enjoyed "as-is", there's a prominent USB jack on the front for updating the firmware and the software is open source. 14 extra pins have been brought to an expansion header on the rear. The Arduno code itself is modular, allowing various software "modules" to be strung together into “programs” that act like individual synths. (Re-programming is recommended for advanced developers and requires some C++.)"

Equation Composer - Drum Selektor preset

Published on Jun 30, 2014

"A quick demo of the Equation Composer - Drum Selecktor preset. Drum sounds are generated by equations, which can be replaced with a little bit of programming. Sorry, the video cuts out about 3/4 of the way through. At one point I plug in an external gate signal, which overrides the internal clock. Once the external clock signal is removed, the internal clock eventually resumes."

Microbe Modular Alternate Equation Composer Firmware for Mutable Instruments' Braids

via Microbe Modular

"A port of the Braids Firmware to the Equation Composer, by Mathieu Routhier

Inspired by VIznut's 'Algorithmic symphonies from one line of code' and the BitWiz Audio Synth, the Equation Composer creates a wide range of gritty, 8-bit sounding melodies, waveforms, and noise. The module is organized into CV selectable 'programs', where each program can act like a unique synthesizer.

Internally, the Equation Composer is based on the powerful Arduino Due. Although the module has been built to be enjoyed 'as-is', there's a prominent USB jack on the front for updating the firmware and the software is open source. 14 extra pins have been brought to an expansion header on the rear. The Arduno code itself is modular, allowing various software 'modules' to be strung together into 'programs' that act like individual synths. (Re-programming is recommended for advanced developers and requires some C++.)"

You'll find the download and demos here.

Remco Sound FX Machine CV Experiment with Eurorack

Published on Jan 26, 2015 Introvertmusic

"For a more enjoyable listening experience, use headphone or bass friendly speakers.

If you like my noises you can keep in touch and find more stuff here:
instagram.com/introvertmusic (Updated frequently)
Soundcloud.com/introvertmusic
https://www.facebook.com/stein.dennis

This began as me just experimenting with my heavily moded Remco Sound FX Machine with an added CV input talking to my eurorack for the first time. After a bit of playing things evolved into this and I kinda liked it... so I decided to record it and share it with you good people.

This was created using only Eurorack other than my CV controlled Remco Sound FX Machine and an Eventide Space reverb pedal.

Rough Patch explanation: So the master clock is a Delptronics Triggerman running 7 different sequences. Most of the tracks are being sent off to random modules for different clock divisions. One track from the Triggerman is triggering side 2 of a Make Noise Maths MK1 which is controlling the VCA on one channel of a Cwejman MX4S mixer which has channel 2 of the DPO running in creating the Kick/Bass drum. The higher melodic reverbed pad sounds are coming from the Qubit Nebulae which is shuffling through various chord I played on my Roland Juno 60. This is then run into the Make Noise Erbe Verb to change up the character a bit. The high pitched squeals and sweeping non-melodic squelches are coming from my Remco Sound FX machine that has been moded to have a CV in as well as some other cool tricks and expanded voice capabilities. The Melodic part that comes in at 2:40 is an Analogue Solutions Vostok MK1 using all 3 oscillators and is being sequenced by the Audio Damage Sequencer 1. The Vostok is being run into the Eventide Space reverb to add some stereo depth to the mix. There are 2 snare drums running: One is the Tiptop Audio SD808 and the other is from the Mutable Instruments Braids running the newest OS adding incredibly flexible and pitch-able 808 sounds. The "high hat" sounds were created by running the noise source from the Vostok into the Malekko Borg 2 filter and is being triggered by the Triggerman. Some of the strange chaotic noises were created by running a Make Noise Mysteron sequenced by a Make Noise Rene into a Make Noise Echophon and then into the Make Noise Phonogene set to the constant record mode... Tons of parameters are being tweaked by multiple modules for the highest level of unpredictability and variation. Other noises "cymbal style" compliments of The Harvestman Piston Honda MK1 run into one side of a Double Andore MK1 to create some more hat style sounds. Microbe Modular Equation Composer added some other weird blips and bloops as well percussion sounds. Microbe Modular Equation Composer is being modulated by the Modcan QuadLFO. Mungo Enterprises g0 expanded with Macro Machines Storage Strip is mangling some of the drum sounds in this patch too... I think thats about it :)

Thanks!! And as always, THANKS FOR LISTENING!"

Microbe Modular Equation Composer - 3 Oscillator Synth & formant synth "mumbler" Modes

Published on Jul 8, 2014 clone45a6

"Demonstration of the 3 Oscillator Synth program for the Equation Composer. This program is a new addition to the factory programs contributed by Gaétan Ro. See http://www.microbemodular.com/product... details."

"Synth3Osc is a 3 osc synth with 2 main oscillators which can be detuned a sub oscillator, and a low-pass filter.

The MOD input controls the oscillator configuration. There are 16 configurations. For example, the first 4 configurations are:

MOD osc1 osc2 sub osc
0 sine sine sine (50% vol)
1 sine sawtooth sine (50% vol)
2 sawtooth sawtooth sine (50% vol)
3 sawtooth square sine (50% vol)

Param1 is the detuning between the first 2 oscillators. In the middle of the potentiometer there is no detune, in the far right, the second oscillator is a quarter tone higher, and far left is a quarter tone lower.

Param2 is the cutoff for the lowpass filter

Param3 is the resonance for the lowpass filter

Input Summary:

SR: Sample Rate
MOD: Selects the oscillator configuraton
[1] Detune
[2] Lowpass Cutoff
[3] Lowpass Resonance
GATE: not used"

Equation Composer - formant synth "mumbler"

Published on Jul 8, 2014 clone45a6

"Demonstration of the Equation Composer 'mumbler' formant synth by Gaétan Ro. For more information, see: http://www.microbemodular.com/product..."

"Mumbler is a Formant Synthesizer with a built-in lowpass filter that makes sounds similar to vowel sounds.

Input Summary:

SR: Sample Rate (pitch)
MOD: Formant Scale
[1]: Formant Phase #1
[2]: Lowpass Resonance Cutoff
[3]: Lowpass Filter Cutoff
GATE: Trigger input - rotates Format Phase values"

Equation Composer - Chord Player & Pattern Generator Mode Demos

Equation Composer - Chord Player mode

Published on Jul 1, 2014 clone45a6·23 videos

"Equation Composer eurorack module. Chord player mode. Check out http://www.microbemodular.com/product... for more info."

Equation Composer - Pattern Generator mode

Published on Jul 1, 2014

"This is the pattern generator program in the eurorack Equation Composer module. The USB cable doesn't have to be attached for this mode to work.

SR input selects the delay length.
MOD input select the wavetable.
Param1 selects the CV pattern
Param2 selects the gate pattern
Param3 selects the gate density

We're working on the lowpass filter and delay, which are causing the crackle that can be heard in the recording. NOTE: This synth might change before the module is finalized. I may remove the delay and swap in the ability to control the scale using the SR input."

See the Microbe Modular channel below for more.

Microbe Modular Equation Composer Developer Giveaway

via Microbe Modular where you'll find full details including how to enter for the giveaway.

"Interested in extending (or replacing) the Equation Composer firmware? We're offering free Equation Composers to a few interested hackers. If you're interested, simply email us with some information about yourself and a summary of how you'd like to contribute to the code. If we like your concept, we'll send you a free module!"

New Meta Sequencer Eurorack Module by Microbe Modular

Published on Dec 11, 2014 clone45a6

"Upcoming Meta Sequencer - a compact CV sequencer - from Microbe Modular."

via Microbe Modular, thread on Muff's

"I'm extremely pleased to announce the upcoming release of the Meta Sequencer by Microbe Modular. The Meta Sequencer is a compact CV sequencer. Step editing is intuitive and requires no menus. Advanced settings are managed using a 'flat' menu system.

Basic features:

Easy sequence editing using two rotary encoders with two corresponding numeric displays. The top encoder selects the sequence step. The bottom encoder selects the value.
Clock input and manual push-button
Reset input and manual push-button.
12 bit CV output
Three way switch to select between Playback Mode / Edit Mode / Settings Mode.
All sequence and settings information is immediately stored in non-volatile ram (technically, FRAM). You don't have to worry about saving or loading..

Advanced features include:

Selectable sequence length from 1 to 64 steps. (This might be increased to 128 steps.)
Built in clock divider, from 1 to 512.
Output quantization (optional) - 16 different musical scales available.
Sequence Randomize / Clear functions


Even more advanced features:

"Drift" settings (percentage and amount) - allows the sequence values to drift from their original values. The drift amounts do not affect the underlying sequence and are reset when the sequence is reset. Great for slowly evolving CV output.
"Slip" setting (percentage) - Sets the sequencer "slippage", which is a percentage chance of the playback sequencer NOT stepping when it normally would.
"Hold" setting (optional) - Applies a Sample & Hold to the sequence output based on a gate pattern derived from the hold setting (0-255). I'll explain this in greater detail later, but it's pretty cool.
All advanced settings can be active simultaneously.

Technical Specifications

Width: 6HP
Runs off either the +/-12V supply only, or a combination of +/-12V and 5V supplies, selectable via a jumper in the rear. Unlike the Equation Composer, no +5 volt supply is required.
Typical current requirements: 80mA.

Price and availability:

Unknown. We're building this module to be as affordable as possible. It'll probably be ready around March 2015.
Front panel design still pending "

Equation Composer/Plonk Drum Jam

Worwell
Published on Aug 9, 2017

"Microbe Modular Equation Composer and Intellijel Plonk drums."

Equation Composer - Looper Mode

Published on Sep 8, 2014 clone45a6

"Brand new program for the Microbe Modular Equation Composer - looper. The looped sample is 8-bit, 22,050kHz, and is part of the firmware. Loading your own sample would require some work, including converting the sample and updating the firmware.

Included are two loops donated by Richard Devine.

More information can be found here:
http://www.microbemodular.com/product..."

Equation Composer vs. Erbe-Verb

Published on Sep 26, 2014 clone45a6

"The Microbe Modular Equation Composer sent through an Erbe-Verb with a lot of modulation."

Microbe Modular Equation Composer

Published on Mar 6, 2018 Worwell

See this post for details on the Equation Composer announced back in 2013.

Microbe Plaiting

Published on Jun 17, 2018 Robin Rimbaud-Scanner

"A little live Eurorack experimentation utilising Microbe Modular Equation Composer, Mutable Instruments Plaits, Qu-Bit Electronix Wave and Erica Synths PICO Voice, performed live with Intellijel Tetrapad, Malekko Voltage Block and Mutable Instruments Marbles creating changes and shifts and lots of other nice modular machines to make them sound even finer :-)"

Acts of Contrition

Published on Jan 20, 2015 Robin Rimbaud-Scanner

"In anticipation of my participation in a BBC Radio show about the work of poet Michael Dohaghy and white noise in music I began exploring using my voice and my Eurorack Modular synth set up. Here you can listen to my live voice reading the work of Dohaghy directly into Mutable Instruments Clouds and how it offers so many possibilities in a performance environment. In addition I mixed in live sources from Endorphin es Furthrrr Generator and Microbe Modular Equation Composer to create this abstract work."

CV drum sequences

Published on May 27, 2015 Introvertmusic

"For a more enjoyable listening experience, use headphone or bass friendly speakers.

If you like my noises you can keep in touch and find more stuff here:
instagram.com/introvertmusic (Updated frequently)
https://introvertlouisville.bandcamp.com
Soundcloud.com/introvertmusic

This is just a patch I was messing around with that was pretty fun so I figured I'd record it. Sequencing was done using the Tiptop Audio Trigger Riot, Delptronics Triggerman, Make Noise Wogglebug V1, 4MS PEG and a few other things I'm probably forgetting. I was using an all eurorack setup with the addition of the Marsh UDS soviet era drum brain and a Roland RE-301 Space Echo. The space echo was processing a Make Noise Mysteron to add a bit more spacy dissonance. The Marsh UDS is providing the filter heavy chirp and click percussive sounds. The kick is from the Mutable Instruments Braids. Hexinverter Mutant Clap is providing some snare type sounds that were mixed in. Tiptop Audio SD808 is mixed in there making too. Additional drums were from the Microbe Modular Equation Composer. Bass line/melody was provided by a Harvestman Piston Honda MK1 run into a Make Noise Echophon into a Erbe Verb sequenced by a Audio Damage Sequencer 1.

Hope you enjoy"

First patch with the Mutable Instruments, Clouds, Elements, Streams and Shelves modules

First patch with the Mutable Instruments, Clouds, Elements, Streams and Shelves modules from Richard Devine on Vimeo.

Sequence starts with a cable connection to the clock output from the Steady State Fate Ultra Random module. This clock output was sent to a intellijel hub mult. From here the clock was sent to first to a 4ms RCD/QCD, Delptronics Trigger Man, and to the MakeNoise Rene. First output gates from 4ms RCD 4 divide output to the trigger input on the Braids module top row, running in "WLM" mode. Second multi output was sent to a 4ms QCD output green channel 4, set at division trigger time of 16. This would trigger single notes on the "Elements" module, that begin at 1:42. The playback mode is running in "Secret Easter Egg Mode" :-) The selected note sequence from the QCV output from Rene. Final output from Elements was sent to the Eventide "Pitch" pedal using the "Crystalizer" algorithm.

Clouds - was processing recorded chunks from the drum percussion, kick used from the top row "Peaks" 808 kick drum synthesis model. Then a snare created from the "grey" noise output from the SSF Quantum rainbow running through right side of Streams to make a snare drum, which was running in envelope mode with shape position to the left, short decay. Then a third voice using the blue noise output from the SSF quantum rainbow for hi-hats. Amplitude triggered/controlled by a HexVCA. The drum sequence was programmed from the Delptronics Triggerman, using all 8 patterns stringed together running in pattern play mode but being CV controlled by the S&H # 1 output from the SSF Ultra Random. Output for all voices was grouped and multiplied into two separate mixers. First three channels of the Intellijel Mutamix, which was then sent to output channel B. From there the summed mix was sent into the "left" side input of Clouds. Then triggered in time with the sequence by a 8th division trigger from the 4ms RCD. The freeze input in Clouds was triggered in time 7th divisions from the 4ms RCD, so that the chunks would process and record then play back in spurts of timed randomness. The mode was set in the pitchshifter/timestretcher configuration, where the grains where spliced so that created interesting granular pitching repeats and percussive glitch effects, as the rhythmic beats played through. Focused ranges where selected for the "Density/Pitchshifter" and "Timestetcher/Texture" controls. These where being controlled by the S&H #2 output from the SSF Ultra Random. The 1/volt pitch input was controlled by the toggle A/B output from the SSF ultra random. The clean drum outputs also sent to the channels 5, 6, and 7 on the Blue Lantern "Mix 'Em Up" module.

Streams left side processing from the MakeNoise Mysteron output, which was being triggered by the 5th division output, for the metallic ripple delay like sounds, with the mutation knob set to counter clockwise, low bit mode.
The "Shelves" module was processing the acid like filter parts that get un-muted at 12 seconds. The sound source running into "Shelves" was the "Braids" module bottom row, running in "CSAW" mode. CV controlled by the CV output from the MakeNoise Rene sent to another intellijel hub mult. From here each CV output was sent to the "Frequency" inputs pink, green and white jacks on "Shelves". The "Tides" high tide output modulation the CV controlling the top frequency input on "Shelves" Each filter knob was set so the incoming "CSAW" input was being processed like a formant filter effect.

Smooth Sub OSC bassline coming from the MakeNoise STO. This was being CV controlled by a intellijel µScale (B) output. Playing back 8 notes while being triggered from the 2nd division trigger on the 4ms RCD. Triangle wave output from a Intellijel Dixie (syncd) to the sequence controlling the input (1V/Oct). Second STO at 55 seconds, alternating high note triggers from the 1 channel output from the 4ms QCD 6th division output. The second STO output sent to a MakeNoise Optomix for short quick plucks.

The light reverb soft lead at 1:15 from sine wave output from another intellijel Dixie, being CV played from the 1V/Oct input from MakeNoise PressurePoints. The output was then ran into a Strymon "BigSky" pedal running the "nonLinear" reverb algorithm. The Chords coming in at 1:35 played by a Qu-Bit Nebulae module. The 4 chord sequence was hand played and recorded from a Roland Jupiter-6,. The sample was then cut into a 32 bar loop and then was restarted/played from a the 3rd output trigger on the 4ms QCD. This output was manually volume controlled by a Intellijel µAttQuad log/lin attenuator. Grids was being clocked from multi output from the SSF Ultra Random, from here the first output trigger channel was sent into a Addac 101 .WAV Player. Notes sequenced and recorded from the Mutable Instruments "Elements" Module. 4 notes in a specific order was played 4 times 32 bars/samples. This was triggered by the gate input triggered by the Gate Y output on Rene. Trill high notes from Microbe Modular Equation Composer running in Synth3Osc is a 3 osc synth mode.