Looped Harmonies with norns shield & reface DX | Shady Place 2025-11-27 by atnr

video upload by atnr

"This piece was created using the norns shield and YAMAHA reface DX.
It is an ambient composition built from looped harmonies and evolving sustained tones.

On the norns shield, the sines script is used, and sustained tones are performed using the monome grid.

On the reface DX, harmonies are recorded with the looper and played back in repetition. The output is processed through the @strymon NIGHTSKY, adding filtering and reverb to shape the overall atmosphere."

When the Spec Becomes Code: Building a Norns Instrument with AI

video upload by Lesjamusic

"Building PolyNexus: A Complete Norns Instrument, using Claude AI

I used to struggle with "vibe coding" - throwing prompts at AI and hoping for working software. Then I discovered the article "When the Spec Becomes the Code," and everything changed.

Spec-driven development (SDD) transformed my workflow. Instead of generating code through endless prompts, I focus on creating clear specifications first. The spec becomes the blueprint, and Claude AI helps compile it into working code.

PolyNexus is the result of this approach - a complete generative polyphonic instrument for Monome Norns that evolved far beyond my initial vision. What started as a chord sequencer grew ambitious: I built PolyVoice, a custom 6-voice synthesizer engine in SuperCollider, based on three Plaits oscillator models with wavefolding, sample rate reduction, and comprehensive modulation.

The best part? Spec-driven development gave me the confidence to tackle SuperCollider synthesis, something I wouldn't have attempted with traditional "vibe coding."

🎹 PolyNexus Features:

PolyVoice Synthesis Engine: • Custom 6-voice polyphonic SuperCollider engine • Three Plaits-inspired oscillator models (morph, waveshaping, wavetable) • Wavefolding for harmonic complexity • Sample rate reduction for lo-fi textures • Independent LFOs and envelope control per voice

Generative Sequencer: • 16-chord harmonic palette (monome Grid row 1) • Probabilistic note retriggering engine • Random chord sequencer for compositional surprises • Bass and sub-bass sequencer for rhythmic foundation • Real-time playable notes (Grid row 5)

Analog-Style Effects Chain: • Tape character: flutter, wow, saturation, tape noise • Tape-style delay with feedback and rate control • Multi-mode filtering for tone shaping

🔗 Resources: • Jean Bovet: "When the Spec Becomes the Code" - / when-the-spec-becomes-the-code • PolyNexus (coming soon to lines community) • monome Norns - https://monome.org • Mutable Instruments Plaits • SuperCollider synthesis language

⏱️ Timeline:
0:00 - Introduction: The Struggle with Vibe Coding
01:51 - Discovery: Spec-Driven Development
04:33 - What is PolyNexus?
12:37 - Live Performance

Want to try spec-driven development? Start by describing what you want to build in clear, detailed language. Iterate on the specification until it's crystal clear. Then let AI help compile it into code. You'll be amazed at what becomes possible."

Minimal electronic with glitched piano sound : Between the waves 2025-10-26 by atnr

video upload by atnr

"A piece created with norns shield and modular synthesizer — an ambient electronica work where glitch-processed piano tones emerge within waves of sustained electronic sound.

On the norns shield, the barcode script is used to record and play back synth pad performances from the ‪@SequentialLLC‬ Prophet-10. The connected ‪@KorgOfficial‬ NTS-3 adds reverb and occasional tremolo effects.

In the modular synthesizer, a piano performance is recorded into Morphagene, which is then modulated with CV signals from Quad Function to create glitch variations. The modular output is split into two paths: the original signal from Morphagene, and another processed through a Clouds clone. The original path is further enhanced with ‪@ChaseBlissAudio‬ MOOD MKII, applying micro-loop effects for additional glitch textures."

Minimal Electronic with norns shield, NTS-1 Loop EG, OP-1 field : Star Trail 2025-10-24 by atnr

video upload by atnr

"A piece created with norns shield, ‪@KORG_INC‬ NTS-1, and ‪@teenageengineering‬ OP-1 field — a minimal ambient composition where looping envelopes, micro-loops, and sustained tones intertwine to form delicate textures.

On the norns shield, the sines script is used to generate various types of sustained tones, controlled via the monome grid. The output is routed through ‪@HologramElectronics‬ MICROCOSM with the GLITCH effect applied.

The NTS-1 receives MIDI sequencing from Ableton, with the envelope generator set to loop, creating finely textured rhythmic particles. Its output passes throug ‪@ChaseBlissAudio‬ LOSSY, adding reverb and a lo-fi character.

On the OP-1 field, sampled vocal sounds are used to create harmonies triggered by MIDI from Ableton. A touch of delay from ‪@ChaseBlissAudio‬ MOOD MKII is added, while the TAPE mode is used to generate micro-loops with a warm, lo-fi tone."

Continuous vs. Discrete | Theremin and Granular

video upload by Blue Forest of Wires

"We explore the space of the continuous with the Theremin, and the discrete with a system of granular synthesis built from the Electron Octatrack, Monome Arc and Eurorack modular. The modular uses the Befaco VCMC control voltage-to-MIDI module to trigger samples on the Octatrack at high speed, enabling granular synthesis in a way that the products' designers probably did not originally intend.

Theremin
Electron Octatrack
Monome Arc
Eurorack modular

Tuned by hand"

Giving this the Halloween label even though it's not marked as such. Spooky stuff. :)

Minimal electronic with norns shield & OP-1 field : Extreme Drop 2025-10-21 by atnr

video upload by atnr

"A piece created with norns shield and ‪@teenageengineering‬ OP-1 field.

A minimal ambient composition built from looping phrases and reverb-soaked synth pads that subtly shift in tone and rhythm.

On the norns shield, the script AWAKE is used to sequence the phrases. The trigger probability is set around 60–70%, creating a semi-random timing for each note. The phrase patterns are controlled via monome grid.

On the OP-1 field, harmonic synth pads are recorded live and looped on the spot, with additional hand-played layers performed over the loops.

Using ‪@ChaseBlissAudio‬ LOSSY, effects are applied to the norns shield’s sound. In the early section, a filter is manipulated to fade the sound in, while in the outro the tone shifts toward a more lo-fi texture.

Daily Sound Experiment No.668"

Lazy Sunday Jam With NORNS + EP133KOII + iPAD

video upload by Perplex On

"Paired the #monomenorns with the #ep133koii today to see where it goes. The always mighty #awakescript sequences some samples on the #ep133 (using a #widibudpro to send midi over BT to the iPad and from there to the EP133 via USB) while being spiced up with #klevgrandwalls, #kdevicesfauve and #kdevicesttap on the iPad."

MDScaler Machinedrum Tonal Quantizer for Monome Norns #elektron #machinedrum #monome

video upload by HANJŌ

"Check out MDScaler — a Monome Norns script I developed to bring tonal pitch control and creative randomness to the Elektron Machinedrum (or any CC-controllable synth).

With MDScaler, you can:
Quantize any incoming CC to a musical scale of your choice
Randomize notes within the active scale for generative ideas
Map to Machinedrum’s pitch parameter (using Tonal mode in X firmware)
Use parameter-lock compatible CC control so each step can evolve melodically
Switch encoder modes: channel select, CC number, note stepping, octave cycling
In this demo video, I walk through the interface, show it in action on a pattern, and explore how randomness + scale constraints can yield interesting melodic/rhythmic results.

Controls (via Norns / MDScaler):
Element Function
E1 Change Scale Mode
E2 Adjust Root Note (C, C#, D, etc.)
E3 Toggle between Channel / CC / Note modes
K2 Send a Random Note from current scale
K3 Mode Select (toggling E3 behavior)
K3 + K2 Cycle Octave
Pitch mapping / defaults:
By default, MDScaler maps to Machinedrum tracks via CCs using a consistent offset pattern across groups of 4 tracks (16, 40, 72, 96) per channel. You can reassign or explore as desired.

Links & Resources:
Project & source code: https://github.com/hanjo-synth/MDScaler"

Ms. & Mr. Volante | Long-form Deep Dub Techno

video upload by Blue Forest of Wires

"We jam out a long-form dub techno piece. How do you like the results?

Ms. Strymon Volante
Mr. Strymon Volante
Elektron Octatrack
Elektron Syntakt
Eurorack modular
Monome Grid
Brian Eno / Peter Schmidt Oblique Strategies

Equal temperament"

infinity

video upload by tworoundrobins

"just a single script!

hope you like it

#ambient #jam"

Monome Norns Programmable Sound Computer

Note: links to listings are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.

via this listing

Additional Perfect Circuit listings

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Monome Norns Arc Grid Bundle

Note: links to listings are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.

via this Reverb listing

"Monome bundle! In excellent shape and kept in a smoke free home. Some signs of wear along the bottom of the Norns and Arc, but nothing major. Includes:

- Monome Norns (2024 version)

- Monome Grid (2020 version)

- Monome Arc (2019 version)

Norns does not include the power adaper—just the USB cable and no original box. Grid includes USB cable and original box. Arc includes USB—no box."

CLICK FOR MORE »

Ambient with norns shield, wavestick, Field Kit : Partial ground 2025-08-18 by atnr

video upload by atnr

"A piece created with norns shield, wavestick, Field Kit, and monotron DELAY. Ambient music built from shifting drones and sequences, with occasional bursts of radio noise.

The Field Kit’s LFO is used as the clock source to drive the SQ-1, whose CV output controls the pitch of the wavestick.

The Field Kit’s AUX is connected to the monotron DELAY, used here as an effects processor, mixing together the built-in radio sounds with the wavestick.

On the norns shield, the sines script is run to generate drone sounds, with reverb added via MOOD MK II on the output."

Bokeh, By Otaku Sound

video upload by Matt Lowery

"Download Bokeh here: https://otakusound.gumroad.com/l/boke...

Bokeh is an esoteric and highly musical collection of samples in major keys that I've been working on for a while now. The gist: familiar instruments processed in unfamiliar ways. Worked and reworked until they sound like liquid late-afternoon sunshine.

Recorded through an extensive collection of outboard preamps, compressors, and EQ- these samples are ready to drop into sessions of any kind.

Bokeh is a robust collection of 1-3 minute Long Play sound beds and 5-10 second Short Play samples. Equally at home in the DAW or hardware sampler environment, it provides a solid foundation against which composers and songwriters can craft sweeping, ethereal compositions.

00:00 Intro
03:30 Using Bokeh in a session
06:27 Mix tips
12:58 Using in Sampler
14:15 Arps
14:35 Use with modular
15:30 A tour of the sounds alone"

Ambient Jazz with monome norns shield, grid, MU15 : As yours 2025-08-10 by atnr

video upload by atnr

"monome norns shield, grid, and MU15
A minimal ambient jazz piece where a gentle harp sequence meets a synth melody.

The synth pad sound comes from the YAMAHA MOTIF-RACK ES.

On the YAMAHA MU15, a harp patch is played and processed with the ‪@ChaseBlissAudio‬ MOOD MK II for delay and micro-loops.

On norns shield, sines is running and the melody is performed via monome grid; the output is sent through ‪@HologramElectronics‬ MICROCOSM for reverb."

Audio Damage Circa with monome/arc integration

video upload by Audio Damage, Inc.

"Out to testers now; it should appear in v1.1.4, coming up shortly. #ambientmusic #looping #monome #electronicmusicproducer"

Post classical w/ norns shield, Music Easel | Aura and shadow 2025-07-31 by atnr

video upload by atnr

"A piece for piano, monome norns shield, and ‪@buchlausa‬ Music Easel—a post-classical track combining a recorded piano loop, randomly auto-played electronic tones, and live piano performance.

The piano is a YAMAHA CP-88. On norns shield, I run barcode to play back a roughly six-second, single-note piano phrase recorded in advance. The Music Easel outputs random arpeggiator phrases routed through ‪@ChaseBlissAudio‬ MOOD MK II for delay."

Duskash

video upload by Uncertain Music Corps

"A widescreen drone created with the excellent Graintopia script on the Norns with major controls mapped to the Roto-Control from Melbourne Instruments.. Bass reinforcement from the CPM DS2.

Graintopia operates in an area somewhere between tape music and granular synthesis with a dash of chance thrown in for good measure. Which suits me just fine.

Norns shield output is a little noisier than I would like but let's call that character.

There are no external effects in play on this take."

Monome Norns Shield - Overtones script

video upload by TheTrackdriver

"'overtones' is a script for Monome Norns I'm building for myself. It's an additive synth that can generate evolving soundscapes and other sounds. I'm trying to make it easy to program and yet versatile.

I have never been programming before so this is probably an inefficient and ugly piece of code. I admit that I relied a lot on ChatGPT but the script is working, which is most important to me.

00:00 Synth programming
02:11 Presets"

[nanoKEY Fold keyboard. This appears to be the first post to feature one aside from the announcement post.]

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."