Designing a Eurorack Module interface | Instruō - ceithir

video upload by Instruō

"Hello!
Welcome to a video I’ve been wanting to make for a long time.

Instruō actually began as a video project. Specifically a time-lapse of me designing the original troika module. Ten years later, I’ve returned to that idea with ceithir, a winter holiday project I designed with video documentation in mind.

This video explores the initial design stages: sketching, layout, and concept development. There are vlog sections and time-lapse sequences with new voiceover commentary.
If you’ve ever wondered how an Instruō module design begins, this video captures that process in full.

CLICK FOR MORE »

Machina Bristronica: Instruo Pocket Scion

video upload by Sound On Sound magazine

"We caught up with Instruo to learn more about Pocket SCÍON, their new portable device designed to capture biofeedback data sourced from contact with living organisms."

Additional posts

Instruõ - ceithir | Project Overview

video upload by

"Welcome to the instruōduction of the ceithir.
This is the largest module I have designed to date. Measuring in at 58HP!
It’s been a design project I’ve been tapping away at in the background since Christmas Eve 2024. (It was my holiday entertainment)

I’ve been keen for a while to do a design project reminiscent of my approach ~10 years ago when I was designing the troika.
That was the original Instruō module and came about entirely because I wanted more oscillators in my rack! I actively Timelapse recorded the troika design process and scored it using that original troika to be an extremely nerdy music video!
I did a similar video document project when I designed the tràigh filter later that year.
I did actually record the harmonàig PCB design as well… but that never made a cut because I ended up getting too busy focussing more on the module development side of things more so than the documenting.

For ceithir I have gone a little bit further… I ran timelapse recording for the majority of the process, but also “vlogged” the process and did my best to record key milestones stages.
Over the coming weeks I am going to be publishing these as focussed mini documentaries that focus in on particular design stages.
Some of these include:
• sketching the interface layout/hardware components and then designing the interface graphics
• hardware layout considerations
• troubleshooting initial prototypes
• first power up and then calibration/testing of the first full hardware iterations

As Instruō has grown over the years I have enjoyed collaborating with this team of designers. Sharing ideas and learning from each other is a big part of how we create. I hope some of this series might serve as some form of reference to anyone interested in module design. I feel like it’s becoming more and more common for bands/artists to produce some behind the scenes content surrounding writing and production of new albums. I’m hoping the format translates to some module design bts content. It is perhaps not a step by step tutorial, but I have tried to capture the process quite comprehensively.

This module is a ridiculous one! I don’t know what the current next step is beyond a handful of them existing for my own personal rack(s).
If there is interest, please let me know and I can see what’s possible. This thing is definitely not suited for large scale production! But I am very excited to see what people do with it.

Thanks for reading.
Please feel free to join us on Discord and say hi!
~ Jason"

Plants for peace - lo-fi ambient w/ pocket scion & torso s4

video upload by Somnambule

"Hi folks!
A jam on the Pocket Scion with some audio magic from the Torso S4. Scion was connected to the ginseng bonzai (ficus retusa). Hope you enjoy the peaceful vibes of the plant. PEACE&LOVE TO ALL FOLKS!🖖👽

Best sound with headphones"

Instruo Residency Sessions | 'etre une machine' by Milochka

video upload by Instruō

"Instruo Residency Sessions Presents - 'etre une machine' by Milochka (aka Mila Fossey)

Milochka is a 20 year-old sonic artist from France and Romania. She is a musician, songwriter, producer, and performer currently studying Electronic Production and Design at Berklee College of Music. Having grown up in China, Canada, France, and Belgium, she has been musically influenced by the environments surrounding her and is developing her own sound through her experimental vocal and instrumental style. Music is the translation of fusion between her ideas and inspirations into magnificent prototypes. She has been showcasing her original work for over 12 years through different creative communities and has been creating electronic modular pieces at Instruo Modular as an artist in residence.

With experience as a songwriter in folk, pop, electronic, and experimental music, and playing over 4 instruments, she also creates sound art pieces for contemporary art installations.
Music is the translation of her soul.

⚪️ Instagram Handle - mmilochkaa"

Pocket Scion and Torso S4 with the Rosemary plant

video upload by Somnambule

"Hi folks!

This time I’m diving into something a little different again — biofeedback music! I paired the new ‪@instruo‬ Pocket Scion with the Torso S4, and the Pocket Scion is running three MIDI channels on the S4. For this session, I hooked it up to a rosemary plant, letting it capture the plant’s biofeedback and translate it into sound.

The result? Dreamy, spherical tones straight from this beautiful plant.
Hope you enjoy the vibe!

Best sound with headphones"

WISP - Granular Ambient Modular #17 // Instruo Arbhar, Qu-Bit Mojave, Rhodes

video upload by David Falcon

"noun /wɪsp/
a delicate, thin, and sometimes twisting piece or line of something

Me apetecía algo relajante así que hice una pieza para mí mismo. La idea parte sampleando en el @instruo Arbhar: Rhodes, Piano, Vibráfono, Acordeón, Synth bass y Cuerdas. En mi experiencia, este módulo funciona mejor cuando se samplean frases para luego recorrerlas con su motor en lugar de notas individuales. Lleva a sorpresas y texturas interesantes. En esta jam solo utilicé el vibráfono y el rhodes.

La textura aguda, parecida a una voz, soy yo mismo cantando al micro del @QuBitElectronix Mojave y fijando el búfer. Fui editando el módulo hasta hacerlo funcionar en el tema. La línea de bajo nace en el @MoogSynthesizers Subarmonicon y lo envié al @ShakmatModular Dual Dagger para controlar la dinámica.
En el @WeAreElektron Analog Four añado un Kick, Hi-Hat y dos líneas simples en las frecuencias agudas. También improviso con el Nord con un sonido Rhodes en algunas partes a tiempo real (no he podido montar el vídeo que he hecho en el móvil de esta parte por algun motivo en Davinci Resolve)

Gracias por estar al otro lado!

(eng)
I was in the mood for a relaxing piece so I made one for myself! It started by sampling some new sounds into Arbhar. Rhodes, Piano, Vibraphone, Accordion, Synth bass and Strings. In my experience this module works best when sampling phrases to then sweep around with its engine instead of single notes. It leads to more happy accidents and interesting textures. In this jam only the vibraphone and some rhodes was used.

The high texture vocal-like sound is myself singing into Mojave and locking the buffer. I tweaked the module until I found something that worked. It was mixed with a bass line in the subharmonicon and sent to the Dual Dagger to control the dynamics of the song.
Lastly the Analog Four is adding Kick, Hi-Hat and two simple lines on top. I also improvise with a Nord Rhodes sound on top in some of the parts."

Instruo Modular x Modern Biology Live Demo, Sept 8th 2025 @ Nightlife Electronics

video upload by Nightlife Electronics

"Join us for a live demo and Q&A with Modern Biology showing off the brand new Instruo Pocket Scion.

Pocket SCÍON is a portable device that captures biofeedback data sourced from contact with living organisms. This data is used by the onboard sound engine to generate evolving soundscapes and a range of MIDI messages. The data is also accessible as OSC messages which are broadcast from the accompanying desktop application."

https://nightlife-electronics.com/

Instruo Pocket Scion & GREAT CONJUNCTION - It is bio reactive(?) test jam

video upload by Arman Bohn

"My synths and device can be found here: https://distropolisgoods.com/

This is my first synth/succulent video ... b-b-b-but I have a good reason!

My Pocket Scion from ‪@instruo‬ arrived toady and it is a hit! I tested it out on many things around my house and couldn't resist making a video.

The Pocket Scion has MIDI out, so you can drive other MIDI capable synths with biofeedback. In this case, I plugged it into my GREAT CONJUNCTION and the two immediately starting talking! The Pocket Scion sends both MIDI note and CC data on up to five channels/CCs and was already configured to randomize the preset voices of GREAT CONJUNCTION. :)

I layered the the sounds from the Pocket Scion and GREAT CONJUNCTION together to create another level of textures.

The web app for Pocket Scion opens up another degree of customization. Can't wait to try that out. Hope they open up the synth engines. They sound really good!

Now I just need to bring some plants to work ..."

Music from plants (and not plants!) with the new POCKET SCION from Instruo & Modern Biology

video upload by DivKid

See the announcement post here.

"In this video we take a story led, documentary approach to demoing the new Pocket Scion from Instruo. Sharing the journey through my first experiences with it, giving one to the OG DivBaby on holiday, a trip to Instruo HQ in Scotland, meeting the team and learning all about the history of Pocket Scion and the Eurorack module Scion that preceded it. Check out the timing index below to skip around lots of examples and discussion.

Pocket Scion is a collaboration between Instruo and biologist and artist Modern Biology. Links to everything below.

To hear the full interviews, head to patreon.com/divkid to support and gain exclusive access to them."

Instruō Introduces Pocket SCÍON

Connect with Nature: Pocket Scion by Instruō & Modern Biology

video upload by Instruō

Instruō - Pocket SCÍON | Video Manual

video upload by Instruō

Also see DivKid's video here.

"The Pocket SCÍON is a portable device that captures biofeedback data sourced from contact with living organisms.

This data is used by the onboard sound engine to generate evolving soundscapes and a range of MIDI messages.

The data is also accessible as OSC messages which are broadcast from the accompanying desktop application.

Anyone can create, shape, and enjoy music with Pocket SCÍON regardless of existing musical experience.

Despite its stand-alone, plug-and-play interface, experienced or adventurous users can use the MIDI and OSC output capabilities to integrate Pocket SCÍON and biofeedback into their studios, installations, and audio- visual projects.

CLICK FOR MORE »

Skirting the Narrows

video upload by davidryle

"Instruo Harmonaig and MI Marbles with Acid Rain Technology Ripsaw and Doepfer A-111-4 and A-105-4. These quad vcos and filter setups were used along with some 5U large format modules from Synthetic Sound Labs, synthesizers.com, Grove Audio, Oakley Sound Systems and Moon Modular to present various sound sketches of the Harmonaig's chord outputs.
The percussive opening part trigger pattern was taken from the 4MS Quad Clock Distributor, RCD, and a switch module. The Modcan dual delay was time shifted using a triple switch module in the 5U.
Additional transpose sequences were mixed from the dotcom Q960 and Marbles to the Harmonaig.
All sounds were recorded in real-time to Cubase and video edited in Final Cut Pro."

Instruo Seashell | A marvellous miniature analogue synth!

video upload by Signal Sounds

"Luke takes a look at Instruo's miniature marvel, the Seashell, and shows off some of its killer features using the integrated plug-in. He also shows why it's such a great option for a compact live setup.

Seashell is available here: https://www.signalsounds.com/instruo-...

Download Luke's Seashell preset here: http://bit.ly/4lk1rpI

And check out Ben's Harminuscule preset on the Instruo channel:" [featured here]

Seashell Preset - Punch Drunk Apparition by Adam

video upload by Instruō

"Adam having A LOT! of fun with his Seashell preset - Punch Drunk Apparition. In this video Adam shows how you can access Seashell's second LFO thats under the hood via the hardware.

🌀 Download the preset for free on our Discord!
Join our sound design community, share your patches, and get exclusive content.

👉 Join the Discord: / discord
📥 Preset Name: Punch Drunk Apparition"

Monome Grid, White Whale, Modular Synthesizer | Stand On 2025-07-16 by atnr

video upload by atnr

"A piece for Monome Grid and modular synthesizer—IDM in which random, punctuating beats thread between long-held tones.

Clocking / Sync: MIDI clock from the DAW is converted to gates via ‪@intellijel‬ uMIDI, then used to sync White Whale and ⁨‪@MAKEN0ISEMUSIC‬ Brains.

Sustained layers: Two Mutable Instruments Plaits voices, routed through ‪@MAKEN0ISEMUSIC‬ QPAS and MMG for shifting filter color.

Sonar pings: Generated on ‪@instruo‬ Cs-L.

Rhythm section: Sequenced with Pressure Points; sounds are played back from an ‪@RossumElectroMusic‬ Assimil8or.

Processing: A Roland BITRAZER module provides live bit-reduction tweaks."

Seashell Preset - Harminuscule by Ben

video upload by Instruō

"🔍Harminuscule – a playful, paraphonic Seashell preset by @Obakegaku (Ben Jones).
In this video, Ben focuses on using the matrix to create generative harmony for the two oscillators.

🌀 Download the preset for free on our Discord!
Join our sound design community, share your patches, and get exclusive content.

👉 Join the Discord: / discord
📥 Preset Name: Harminuscule"

Seashell Preset - Octave Vibrato by Adam

video upload by Instruō

"🎛️ Octave Vibrato– Adam showing how you can add movement and unpredictability with his fluttery Seashell preset.

🌀 Download the preset for free on our Discord!
Join our sound design community, share your patches, and get exclusive content.

👉 Join the Discord: / discord
📥 Preset Name: Octave Vibrato"

RIFT - Modular Percussion #10 // Arbhar, Prism, Subharmonicon, Mojave, Matriarch

video upload by David Falcon

"/rɪft/
noun
1. a crack, split, or break in something.
2. a serious break in friendly relations.
__________________________________________________________________________________________________
El objetivo de este tema era hacer un patch percusivo con el modular. En el Arbhar tengo un sample de estática de la radio que paso por el filtro del Qu-bit Prism. Con un sample and hold desde PAM's lo modulo rítmicamente creando el patrón rítmico más agudo.
Despuén en el Moog Subharmonicon tengo un patch de Bombo que paso a través del Qu-Bit Mojave, y así lograr unos golpes que recuerdan a toms haciendo el beat algo más complejo.

Esa capa base quedó grabada durante un par de semanas sin que tuviera opción de añadirle nada más e iba a subirla así, pero decidí crear una linea de bajo con el Analog Four, un arpegio y una textura con el OP-1 y por último un lead/textura con el Matriarch.

(eng)
The objective of this song was to make a percussive patch with the modular. In the Arbhar I have a sample of radio static that I pass through the Qu-bit Prism filter. With a sample and hold from PAM's I modulate it rhythmically creating the rhythmic pattern.
Later on the Moog Subharmonicon I made a Bass Drum patch that I pass through the Qu-Bit Mojave, and thus achieve some hits that are reminiscent of toms making the beat somewhat more complex.

That base layer was recorded for a couple of weeks without me having the chance to add anything else to it. I was going to upload it like this, but I decided to create a bass line with the Analog Four, an arpeggio and a texture with the OP-1 and finally a lead/texture with the Matriarch."

Seashell Preset - Plague of Locusts by Ben

video upload by Instruō

"🎛️ Plague of Locusts – a gritty, experimental Seashell preset by @Obakegaku (Ben Jones).
In this video, Ben takes us deep into his sonic process using the Seashell modular system.

🌀 Download the preset for free on our Discord!
Join our sound design community, share your patches, and get exclusive content.

👉 Join the Discord: / discord
📥 Preset Name: Plague of Locusts"

Experimental Beats w/ Nord Lead, Modular Synth, Grandmother | Broken step 2025-06-20

video upload by atnr

"A track built with ‪@NordKeyboards‬ Nord Lead, a modular synth, and ‪@MoogSynthesizers‬ Grandmother—IDM driven by wildly shifting beats and modulation-rich stabs.

Modular drums: Two Mutable Instruments Plaits, an ‪@instruo‬ Instruō Cs-L, and a Basimilus Iteritas form the beat architecture.

Sequencing comes from a monome Grid and White Whale, with extra trigger multiplication/division via a 4ms Quad Clock Distributor (QCD).

Kick: Plaits through a ‪@MAKEN0ISEMUSIC‬ QPAS filter, shaped by a Function envelope.
Metallic percussion: Another Plaits voice.
Tom-like hits: Layered Cs-L and Basimilus Iteritas.

Nord Lead: Heavily modulated to create metallic stabs, processed with reverb from a ‪@gfisys‬ Specular Tempus."