Unsync - 3 Semi-Modular Analog Synths (0-Coast, Taiga & DFAM) sequenced by Hapax

video upload by 2-Minute Warning

"This time I wanted to experiment with a rather unusual setup: 3 semi-modular analog monosynths playing together. My goal wasn't to make the melody complex, but rather the rhythm. I tried to build a piece that sounds fairly simple on the surface, while hiding polymeters and polyrhythms underneath 😎

On paper, it doesn't sound like the most obvious setup: one synth for plucks, one for bass, one for percussion... and somehow convincing them to play nicely together!

The Hapax is sequencing the whole performance. At one point I activate its MIDI Euclid effect on the bass sequence to introduce a bit of rhythmic tension before bringing everything back to the original groove.

The DFAM is also receiving CV from the Hapax to transpose Oscillator 1 so that its pitch follows the bass line. Since the DFAM is usually thought of as a percussion synth, I always enjoy pushing it a little outside of its comfort zone 😉

Another thing I wanted to highlight was the Shape control on the Pittsburgh Modular Taiga. Throughout the jam, I gradually morph the bass timbre simply by playing with the oscillator shapes. It's one of my favourite aspects of the Taiga: even a simple bass line can evolve dramatically without touching the sequence itself. The same approach works beautifully for leads and other melodic parts too.

As always, this was performed in a single take. I do the mixing and mastering afterwards in Ableton Live, but I didn't edit or 'fix' the performance itself. What you hear is what was played."