PoliMaths | Multed Skewed Cycling Voltage Math | NUSS | Episode 04

video upload by Cinematic Laboratory

"OK, PoliMaths as an independent module, away from it's secred VCO comfort zone without a dual QXG. Is it worth diving into this deep, amazing, incredibly musical, versatile and innovative new concept? It's hard to say 'no' now, isn't it? On paper, it's a multed simple A/D envelope with a rise and fall, which can cycle. But it also features an 'oscillations' section, which is like an AD that always loops, and the AD can be shaped to the basic waveforms. So it's an LFO at low rates, and a VCO at high rates with V/OCT support that can decently track an octave or four. So it's not a precision VCO, it's an experimental sound maker. On it's own, polyphony is more like overlapping sounds, each sharing the same rate, which comes down to the same note. When spread is engaged, you'd skew these rates apart so you can morph between harmonic textures and atonal clusters. So it's polyphony, but confined to the 1 source, 8 copies design that marks the New Universal Synthesis System (NUSS).

On the negative side, it's not Maths, there's no voltage math, and it could be seen as a fancy mult for a single AD envelope or loop, with proper audio rate support and clever divisions and distributions.

But when you give it time, a wonderful module appears from behind the dense panel controls and the mysterious glyphs. On the positive side (where you can always find me), PoliMaths is a must have module. But I am also an extremely biased MakeNoise fan. I'd say this is not a typical beginner module, but if you want to make your modular stand out from the conventional east and west, this is definitely a module to consider."

Make Noise Introduces PoliMATHS and QXG

video upload by MAKEN0ISE

Check with dealers on the right for availability. User video by Cinematic Laboratory further below.

PoliMATHS [MSRP: $459] is an eight-channel CV and Audio event generator for the New Universal Synthesizer System or any Eurorack modular synthesizer. It uses a single set of controls to generate complex functions at eight independent channel outputs. PoliMATHS’ functions are made up of two components: first, the well-known Rise-Fall envelope with variable Curve (familiar from the original MATHS and Function and 0-Coast Slope); and second, a variable-Shape Oscillation whose amplitude is controlled over time by the Rise-Fall envelopes. This oscillation can be either low frequency for the creation of complex control functions, or audio frequency for native generation of audio events/notes with optional tuned pitch control via 1v/oct control voltage. PoliMATHS also includes output headers for creating pre-patched connections to the control inputs of QXG.

PoliMATHS
Part of the New Universal Synthesizer System
Eight channel function generator with a single set of controls
Create simple or complex functions
Activate channels in many possible patterns using Channel Index, Round, and Parallel Modes
Modulate parameters across channels with Spread or Modulation Dissemination
Designed to work with MultiMod and QXG and future NUSS modules
Chain to QXG for immediate eight channel amplitude control


The Quad Stereo Gate (QXG) [MSRP: $239] music synthesizer module is a Four Channel Stereo Low Pass Gate and Mixer. Like the DXG before it, the QXG utilizes a new low pass gate circuit that does not use vactrols. This circuit is 100% analog and its response was arrived at after many months tailoring it to meet or exceed the expectations that have been set by all the vactrol low pass gates that Make Noise has created over the years. Additionally the QXG adds a Vactrol button to select between a Slow, low-pass-gate-like response emulating the decay time of a vactrol (Vactrol button ON), and a Fast precision response that still maintains the gentle filtering characteristic (Vactrol button OFF). Fast response can be especially useful when patching QXG with complex and quickly-changing functions such as those generated by PoliMATHS with the OSC circuit in use. The QXG also includes a Stereo Sum Output with voltage controllable Stereo Spread to quickly route all four channels across the stereo field. Each channel also has an individual output that removes the channel from the Sum when patched. In addition, QXG includes signal and control input headers for creating pre-patched connections from the outputs of PoliMATHS and MultiMod.

Part of the New Universal Synthesizer System
Four channel low pass gate
Vactrol-free design for classic Low Pass Gate sounds
Vactrol button to select Fast or Slow response
Xpread parameter for spreading the four channels across the stereo field
Summing stage with Stereo AUXiliary IN allows for chaining of multiple units, creating larger mixes
Individual channels can be removed from Sum by patching to their respective outputs
Designed to work with MultiMod and PoliMaths
Chain two QXG units to a PoliMaths for immediate eight channel amplitude control


PoliMaths & QXG | How does it sound when you know nothing?

video upload by Cinematic Laboratory

"Today MakeNoise has introduced PoliMaths and QXG. My dealer already had them in stock (!) and allowed me to buy them - under the strict condition to keep it a secret until after the official launch video. So I had the opportunity to make a video in one day, without access to any help from the manual or the MakeNoise launch video. Normally I'd do my homework first, but this opportunity is rare. Usually, I can intuitively figure out how a module works, but with PoliMaths, almost nothing is familiar, and what's familiar works differently. So I've probably been using a MonoMaths, but since I decided to get two, there's still a Poli vibe to it.

This is probably one of the worst videos I've made so far, but it's fun to patch in the blind with zero knowledge, and this was the only day I could record, edit and post it. So forgive me for being a MakeNoise groupie. I am biased, but I also think it's for a good reason. MakeNoise managed to make something extremely innovative. I'll make a proper video soon, and I'll figure out what to do with this one later."

MicroRack - Modular For The Masses? | Starterkits Ep. 14

video upload by Cinematic Laboratory

"I think I can safely say that the world now has a true low budget modular platform. I don't think it can get more affordable than this, without sacrificing the power of a big modular system. The only difference between a full size modular setup and this is... the size. And the beauty of it all, is that it can also exist as a 'regular' eurorack module.

MicroRack is definitely a boutique niche synth ecosystem that sits somewhere between VCV and eurorack. It's a bit too powerful to be a just a toy, and maybe it's too cheap to be taken seriously at first glance. And yet, this is a wonderful starter synth that's just perfect for learning modular for real. It supports many, many synthesis recipes (eastcoast, westcoast), it's analog, it feels like DIY but it doesn't need soldering. It's modular lego that can be mounted in a eurorack case, or travel with you with USB-C power. For more info, check out the https://microrack.org website.

I bought this kit at Dutch Modular Fest 2025 and many of these modules are pre-production prototypes. It's not perfected yet, but even in this state it's a lot of fun to work with. It's already entertaining when it's powered up, just doing nothing else but leds.
I'd love to follow the MicroRack team over the next few years and see how this evolves. It's rumoured that Erica Synths will also contribute a few 'Pico' module ports, so who knows where this all may lead."

Introducing The Mutable Challenge

video upload by Gaz Williams

"The Mutable Challenge is a tribute to the late, great Mutable Instruments, the most innovative of all Eurorack makers, who ended their journey in 2022. In this challenge, participants start with a rack entirely filled with Mutable Instruments modules and have one hour to create anything they like—be it a tune, a riff, a sound effect, or even pure noise—to showcase the unique and creative potential of these iconic modules. With official Mutable patch cables and just two other pieces of gear allowed—an Arturia KeyStep 37 and a Cre8audio Assembler mixer—participants are free to let the Mutable magic unfold.

*utility cables kindly provided by Synthcables.com

Big thanks to Tom Kirton for Yarns and to MonoJack from BeepBoop for the kind loan of Edges"

The Gaz Williams' Mutable Challenge/Tribute - Row 01

video upload by Cinematic Laboratory

"Let's just all celebrate Mutable Instruments. I met Gaz Williams ‪@GazWilliams‬ on Dutch Modular Fest (2025) a week ago. I couldn't do the test myself, but I was really inspired by his inititative. Mutable is probably the most influential brand in Eurorack and beyond. You can easily find clones that suit your budget, and nearly all modules are available in VCV. If you feel like patching along, I will share a few tips and tricks (trips) and hopefully help you find a few new happy accidents.

Opening footage courtesy of ‪@SERUMMM‬"

Preparing for Dutch Modular Fest 2025 - 'Symphony For Modular'

video upload by Cinematic Laboratory

"Here's a video about trying to find a cool case layout that helps to improvise with external instruments. In my case, the mellotron. I'll be using Arbhar for symphonic textures, and Morphagene and BitBox for the blips and atmospheres. Dutch Modular Fest 2025 was hosted by WORM Rotterdam, an amazing creative space for experimental electronic music. It's like a museum where you can book classic gear and record something really special. DMF footage was shot by ‪@SERUMMM‬ who made cool DMF impressions."

DUTCH MODULAR FEST 2025 Set for Next Weekend WORM ROTTERDAM

Highlights via https://worm.org/

WORM is delighted to welcome Dutch Modular Fest to Rotterdam! This hugely successful and forward-looking festival normally takes place in Utrecht. This will be a day full of surprises, showcasing the incredibly and enlightening world of modular synths!

Music
DMF have created a wide-ranging music programme to enjoy. Every artist is carefully selected and presents a certain genre, or aspect of modular synth music. And we are delighted to present: Julian Edwardes, Skander Jaïbi & Ines Kooli, Chebedahja, Maj Rachel, Cinematic Laboratory, and, returning to WORM, Animistic Beliefs. You can watch the gigs in WORM’s main concert space.

CLICK FOR MORE »

VHIKK X by Forge TME - Why modular will always be real and digital music will not.

video upload by Cinematic Laboratory

"Modular synths are more than tools, they're reality itself.
This video explores why digital music can never truly be real, and why analog gear remains the only way to feel sound at the source.

The world is in transit, like it or not.
Music evolved from the stage into the box, from real media to streams, and now from streams into learning models, weights, and rewards.
We can endlessly debate whether AI is OK or not, but we can’t put the demons back into their bottles.

It’s a non-religious blessing to patch a real machine with real voltage.
Every sound I make is Karma: cause and effect, wrapped in a false sense of choice and control.
I love it. It’s a sanctuary.

And the VHIKK?
Everything I say about it will only give you GAS.
It’s one of the finest modules Eurorack has to offer, and currently my #1 module.
So maybe don’t watch this video if you’re on a tight budget.
Or… maybe watch it very carefully.
Because you might just build the ultimate tiny case with it.

All you need is VHIKK and Pam Pro.
Don’t forget power, but you won’t even need an output module.
VHIKK X can run on USB power.
Build a tiny wooden case. Maybe I will too.

We modular people are still a niche.
A tiny community moving upstream and uphill — while the world flows downward.
And it’s an honor to be part of it."

Check with dealers on the right for availability.

KHARPER - Four voice experimental synth / controller for eurorack and desktop.

video upload by Cinematic Laboratory

"I can't just tell you what Kharper is. You need to fish it out yourself.
ERROR calls it the best eurorack module ever - which translates to 'this is the best thing we made so far'. In this perspective, I completely agree. This is not an error."

Elta TSC12 Touch Sensitive Controller | From Solar 42F drone ambient machine

video upload by Cinematic Laboratory

"The Elta TSC12 Touch Sensitive Controller may remind you of the SOLAR 42F Drone Ambient Machine, the multi VCO-desktop synth. Obviously, the TSC12 is only the touch panel which can control a a single voice with V/OCT and pressure, two voices with dual V/OCT, or a split cofiguration with voice and an arpeggiator or sequencer. The TSC12 supports easy note configuration for 12 keys where you can pick any note from any octave. It also supports default- and user scales. Even though the TSC12 is simple to use, it allows you to create really complex and expressive patches through human interaction, combined with sequenced or arped automation. Obviously it's great for playing live drones and ambient music, but you'll need to build your own SOLAR case layout."

Panharmonium Revisited | 'worldwide harmony?'

video upload by Cinematic Laboratory

"It's been over a year since I posted my first video about this spectral masterpiece. I posted this video a few weeks ago, but I got a bit carried away by the NATO summit in my home town and expressed my concerns. Totaly unnecessary. I also needed to relax a bit.

This channel is a modular sanctuary and it should stay free from fears and politics. It should never feel like a job. This version is clean. I also decided to leave the YouTube partner program. If you want to support this channel, please consider joining my Patreon. There's a free tier, and a 'paid' tier with no benefits except for keeping this channel alive. No pressure."

Previous description:

"It's probably me, but I don't feel comfortable with apache helicopters in the air and patriots at the coast line. The NATO summit is tomorrow and it's just a few miles away. I try to stay as far away from politics as possible but the World isn't a good place since the 2020 pandemic, the Russia Ukraine pandemic, the Israel Gaza pandemic and now Iran. If Iran attacks the USA, are we then at war with Iran too?

As always, it's a great time for some uncomplicated patching. I will revisit the Rossum Panharmonium in this video. Under the given circumstances I guess the name can be translated as Worldwide Harmony. Keep your head down and I hope I can post something new by the end of this week. MakeNoise Jumbler coming soon!"

Elements hidden easter egg video

video upload by Cinematic Laboratory

"'A Mutable video should have a hidden easter egg'.
When I made my Elements video [below] I added an 'unlisted' video as an easter egg which was discovered by ~60 people while the original video has over 7K views. Obviously it was so well hidden it was completely overlooked, so now I made it public :)
Nothing special, it's just a bonus performance with Elements 'chord' mode, and Plaits and Rings as external sources. Check out the original Elements video for more info about the external inputs."

Elements by Mutable Instruments

video upload by Cinematic Laboratory

"I guess this is a good example focusing on the modules we already have. Elements was introduced 9 years ago on DivKid's channel and Red Means Recording did an excellent panel walkthrough about 3 years ago. It's discontinued since Mutable closed shop 'due to success and different life goals' but Mutable never left the Eurorack landscape. In fact they're still the most adopted, expanded and cloned modules around. I'll be using both Elements and After Later's ATOM in this video, which is a smaller alternative with the exact same firmware.

After nine years, i think it's time for a refreshment because even today in 2025 it's one of the coolest modules ever made, and nothing better came along. I also realized I never made a feature video for it."

Dual mono recording and using stackables featuring Strega and 0-Coast.

video upload by Cinematic Laboratory

"New modules are cool, but old modules are cool too.
Strega Unleashed is not the most descriptive title, but hey, I suck at making my videos easier to find by a wider audience. This is for everyone who wants to get more stereo from a mono semi-modular synth.

My increasing love and diminishing hate relationship with Strega is still going strong. I was under the impression I heard most of what it can do, but I was wrong. This whole idea started when I wondered about the Buchla TTA 264 'polyphonic adapter' which could round robin notes to various destinations. I am not using it in this video, this is more like a proof of concept. Strega is obviously a mono voice, but the delay accepts 'pitch cv'. The same applies to the 'Agitation' LFO. It gets even cooler when you also have a O-Coast because it provides another VCO and the 'Slope' LFO which can run audio rate too. The 264 could send pitch CV to four destinations like a rotating sequential switch and this will probably also work with the WMD sequential switch matrix.

However, in this proof of concept I'll just use stackables to honor the 'dark easel' as it comes, so without any fancy modules you don't own, and only using free VST's from Native Instruments (Replika, Raum). So there are two main takeaways in this video, regardless of owning a Strega or not. Stackables can make your old synth sound brand new, and recording your outputs on as many mono channels in the DAW as you can - so you can mix, pan and add FX later."

GeneMorphing with the MakeNoise Morphagene

video upload by Cinematic Laboratory

"The Morph is 2-channel stereo, but this also means we can use it in dual mono and dub two sources at once. When we flip inputs, we can make amazing new textures. We can even loop the morph's output back in with a clever device like a matrix mixer. Let's bring some new life to the modules we already have!

I used Todd Barton's Waterphone video to harvest some sounds, used with permission. The best sounds are on YouTube! • Waterphone Demo: Waters-Hubbert [posted here]

Sidenote: I've been writing my own visual FX code over the last two weeks, trying to create nightvision filters and AI shape detection for shapes, hands, faces, etc. I needed to test them, so this video is a bit of a test case.I will use them sparsely, but not today. I know they're not top notch yet, but it feels different when you designed them yourself. Also, I want to bring a bit of the Cinematic Laboratory to a live show, allowing me to also visualize what I play when there's a big screen nearby.

Also, my efforts of exploring AI assisted coding may have brought me the opportunity to speak at a big ICT conference. I am sure some of you hate all of this, but the future is here and we can't stop it. Modular is my retirement hobby, but ICT made it possible. This is a time where I actually have to excuse myself for using AI. It's FAQ'ed up."

Spectral Paintings | featuring XAOC Samarkanda

video upload by Cinematic Laboratory

"I was planning to do a feature on the XAOC Samarkanda, but when I was checking my audio recording in Adobe Audition I noticed amazing images in the spectral analyzer. I decided to record the screen for a nice intro, but as I was playing the audio, the amazing images turned into a tour around the world. The recording was planned for the intro, with sparse sounds, simple tones and - obviously - delay. Simple tones create spectral lines and delays create layers. I've been using Plaits 2-OP FM, so these relatively complex sounds created all kind of Nth-order harmonics, which also end up as layers.
Anyway, this is a nice Samarkanda warm-up video, and a fun to watch 'waste of your precious time'. I had to post it, so I hope you like it.

Cheers,
Robert."

Reviving Classics with MultiMod | MakeNoise NUSS | Episode 03

video upload by Cinematic Laboratory

"MultiMod arrived two months ago, my Jumbler is pre-ordered and PoliMaths is expected end of summer or later. It's a great time to be a MakeNoise fan. However, my collection of old, classic and discontinued modules is growing way too fast. I always say that a new module should be able to revive your old modules. If not, doublecheck if you really need it.

In this video, I hooked up MultiMod with 0-Coast, Strega and DPO.
I also used my beloved Tetsuo Noise Box and run a true analog 'pling' through a Cacophon (MultiMod and Mimeophon) to find out how that would sound. Very cool."

Intellijel MultiGrain |The Grainmakers Playlist | Episode 14

video upload by Cinematic Laboratory

"I did not expect this playlist to grow with yet another grainmaker. I am quite happy with the ones I already have and my Intellijel stealth case is already completely full. So when you already have plenty of options and no room, what better excuse is there to just get it? So here we are.

I can't just objectively use MultiGrain on its own, without considering the alternatives and Arbhar as a reference module. Is it even fair to compare it with what's already around? I think so. Objectively, MultiGrain covers a lot of ground. It's versatile and musical, but it can also do microsound adventures. However, I had to go back and forth between manual and module to find out how typical granular techniques are implemented. For instance, there's no spray, no panning, no dubbing, etc, etc. Well, it's there, but it's implemented in a completely different way. If you're familiar with granular synthesis, MultiGrain is simply not intuitive to use, even though the user interface is amazing. If you want a spray, you'll need to randomize start and length. If you want panning, you'll need to randomize level and tone. Need a threshold to start your recording? You'll need to go to the advanced sampling page which complements the main and ALT pages.

Still, MultiGrain is in my favorite top 3, but Arbhar and Morphagene are 1 and 2 respectively. I think Arbhar is more suited for musical adventures, and the Morph still wins when it comes down to splicing virtual tape and making weird sounds. MultiGrain provides a lot of both, but it will take time and patience to find what you're looking for.

I hope Intellijel will listen to their end users and work on firmware updates to streamline the experience. It would be great to splice a drum loop over the eight sounds using transient detection. It would be great if two or more sounds could play together, and it should be able to dub over a sound to make layers. MultiGrain has the potential to become the best granular module in eurorack, but not today. Not yet."

No.1 APEX Eurorack Delays

video upload by Cinematic Laboratory

"I am not sure if there's an APEX (best of the best) delay in eurorack. If there was, I would never ended up with so many of them. The 'problem' with eurorack is that each manufacturer adds something special. They have to. I guess my 'problem' is the autistic need to make 'one brand' cases instead of a colorful patch blanket. I never fully realized I had so many delays and even though there is no good and bad in euro, I could easily build a subjective top five - in any order - except for number 1. The top spot has been taken for seven years, but is now on the verge of retirement.

I'll be using a stack of Plaits and Rings as a reference sound, so prepare for a 20 minute 'spa'. In the end, there is an APEX delay after all. I'll add chapters later, for now I want you to relax, listen, maybe even do something else, and when you hear something remarkable, check what's playing. Spin FX delays like FX-AID are not included, but mentioned in general because they're not just delays. I also think the karaoke-chip delays (e.g. Bruxa, Lyra-8 FX) are too exotic but APEX in their own field. I also didn't include any analog/BBD delays because I have no experience with them. This is not a competitive review, it's a lab tour.

Please comment if I overlooked a delay that beats everything else, I don't have/know all of them. It's also cool if you'd share your personal favorite!

Cheers,
Robert"

Teenage Engineering K.O. II KNOCK OUT - How about a FMT and start from scratch?

video upload by Cinematic Laboratory

"The Teenage Engineering is an affordable sampler with 64 MB of memory. In this video I'd like to focus on sampling found sounds, noise boxes and small modular setups. I'll start by formatting the internal memory (FMT) which is a great way to really get to know the KO II without going through all features first. This is not a tutorial. If you want to learn how it works, please visit ‪@SONWU‬ and check out his series which also includes the firmware update.

It's a great machine to stay away from the DAW but also a good 'brain' for sequencing external gear with MIDI, and for turning modular mono sounds into pads and textures. Another cool trick is to sample a chord under each pad, so you can play all kinds of complicated chord progressions with one finger."

Buchla Tiptop 264T | ART protocol hacking with XAOC Drezno

video upload by Cinematic Laboratory

"According to Gur from TTA this was unlikely to work, but 'unlikely' is not impossible. The ART protocol is something like analog encoded digital data used to be transferred over regular patch cables. It carries information that can be used to play quantized notes on an ART capable VCO like the 259t (and obviously the ART series from TTA). I tried using XAOC Drezno to convert the ART signal to bits, and then scramble a few before recoding it back to analog. This is just an experiment and it was a bit too much off-topic for episode 14. It would also make the video too long and nobody's watching the end of long videos anymore. It makes me wonder if this could also work on MIDI data, but that's for another day."

Buchla Tiptop 264t | Buchla 200 Series | Episode 14 | Quad Sample and Hold / Polyphonic Adaptor

video upload by Cinematic Laboratory

"The original Buchla 264 is a very rare module, released in the 1970's. So it's important to realize it's a very primitive way of adding polyphony to a modular system. It's not that different from an early analog polysynth, where voice cards were used to activate two or more voices from a keyboard 'switch'. This is another fine example of doing easy things the hardest way possible, so there should be some reward in it. Apart from the polyphonic switching mechanism - you'd need four VCO's, four envelopes and four VCA's to switch between. I'll start with four Plaits, which can trigger their own internal LPG while distributing Marbles CV/GATE between them.

Then I used the Buchla LEM 218 keyboard to try and make chords. It didn't work so well, because the 264T is too slow picking the right voltage for the right key-down event. The 218 already outputs quantized notes in the 12-TET scale, so how hard could it possibly be to 'sample' the voltage from the played key and hold it? On the original Buchla 264, people used a gate lag (with the 281 envelope generator), to sample the voltage first, and trigger the hold with an end of cycle, just a few milliseconds later. Fortutnately, the 264 also has track and hold. In this mode, it can simply track the keys from the 218 keyboard, and hold it on key down. Works like a charm!

Regardless, this old-school analog polyphony is a lot of work and requires either a lot of modules, or specialized quad versions of your basic VCO, VCA and Envelope Generator. However, the module provides lots of cool resources you can use on a simpler setup, and results may be even cooler than trying to create polyphony. For instance, the polyphonic adaptor can double as a clock divider, which is missing from the current Buchla/TTA 200 series. It's super useful to clock a delay or sparse event. When combined with the 242 pulser, you could use a 11-step sequence, and pick every 2nd, 3rd or 4th event, creating all kinds of odd variations without changing the 'pins'.

Then there's ART, which is a new digital protocol for tuning a VCO, and sending quantized note and gate information. This requires an ART capable VCO like the 259T. While it's tempting to use two of those, it's much more fun to just use the principal VCO in ART mode, and use the modulation VCO in standard mode. Your voice will be in tune with other sources, but you'd still be able to create some new textures and leads. Quantized notes will steal some of the Buchla magic, so this is a best of both worlds. So if you're not pursuing polyphony (which isn't unwise), the 264 is a great source for stepped random voltages, divisions and quantized notes. Highly recommended for all you generative music lovers."