Back at it again- Live looping in the studio 2025 and an Interview with MR TUNA Music

video upload by MR TUNA Music

"My friends I am sorry to leave you hanging all summer with no jams, but its a beautiful sunny world out there and I've got to be out IN IT! So in the meantime I have a few jams backlogged that have **never before been released** and expect some weird b-sides that I was too embarrassed to post when I had content to spare !

Anyways- lots going on here, we got some Hydrasynth deluxe, classic analog pads from the JX-8P... and lots of super pump-jumping with the MX-1 sidechaining and doing some beat effects. Jupiter-80 muted trumpet is the funnest sound in the world.

Stay a while, and listen!"

---

And an interview with MR TUNA Music by Ivan Trajkovic aka dejayiwan editor and journalist (and sometimes producer and DJ):

Q: Have computers and DAWs, in a sense, destroyed creativity – why do we have so many “DAWless” setups today?

A: I think a really big part of it is a desire to get away from 'the screen'. Staring at a computer all day for work, clicking away on a mouse and keyboard can become exhausting after a long day, and to break away from the rigidity and comforts of software simply makes it more fun.... and thats a really big part of why I do what I do. There is some minor advantage to the near-unbeatable quality of analog circuitry you cant quite replicate working purely within a DAW, but that point is being made more and more moot by incredible emulations and virtual analog softsynths.

Q: Today we have apps like BandLab that are complete studios on a phone – have we reached “peak technology”?

A: It staggers me to think about what the future might hold now that music production can be with someone anywhere anytime so long as they have their phones. You can literally be on the bus making a hit track with your thumb. That’s crazy. But I don’t think it’s peak.... Tech is always moving and it doesnt stop for anyone... AI is going to be the next big thing whether we like it or not and we need to find a way to keep in check so we're still doing the creating and imagining and the technology is just an extension of that.

Q: Why are new producers so mesmerized with 80s synths and samplers, even though they’re obsolete tech?

A: Things were built differently. Things were built for professionals. Instruments had a quality of sound and build that is still unmatched today. Some of my gear is 40+ years old and sounds better than the stuff from 2025 thats trying its best to emulate it all today. Why dont we build synths like that anymore? Because its all about money and the manufacturers want to make as much of it as possible while spending the least amount.

Q: With so much new electronic music today, how can anyone “find” an audience?

A: Maybe it's lame to say, but the best path is to be authentic to yourself. When i started finally sharing my music it was more of a personal diary than something i was using to 'get famous' or 'find an audience', but by being true to what I wanted and my own personal vision (and having trust in that over some time), people started to see what I was doing and it all came together. People connect with personality, but it's obvious when you're not being yourself... not just tracks. Its routine to say because its true: be consistent, put your stuff out there. The internet is huge — your crowd is out there, just waiting to stumble onto your page at 3AM.

Q: You have one of the most interesting studios – what was the idea behind its creation?

A: My studio was built with one idea in mind... live looping. When I started dreaming up how I *wanted* to make music there wasnt even the right tools to do it properly.... sequencers were still fairly limited and there wasnt a lot of people in the live-looping jam space. I was really discovering it all and making it work on my own. It all came together with the introduction of the Squarp Pyramid sequencer--- what it allowed me to do, the freedom it allowed me to create with... it was the breakthrough piece of gear I needed to bring everything together and start building and building... and BUILDING. I love the music I get to create, but I am more proud of my studio as a form of art in the beauty of it's function and how it's designed to jam with friends, than I ever have been of the music that I create in it.

Q: What’s the future of electronic music – maybe apps and DAWs in virtual reality?

A: The virtual space is here to stay and it will only get more and more indistinguishable from the real world.... We might be already living in that simulation, but like I said earlier I think the real future is going to be (for better or for worse) in AI production techniques, editing, and complete song production. We're already at the point where AI can create a song for us instantly with our own voices, but how long will it be before AI is doing our chores and boring tasks so that we are free to be creative and put our energy into real art rather than the opposite world we live in now! AI should save us from the hard stuff and let us work on the 'fun stuff', the worthy stuff, the music stuff!

Eurorack Jam Case… What Could Go Wrong?!

video upload by Dots

"Join me for another Mini Modular Moments episode as I unveil my brand new studio recording and jamming Eurorack case! In this video, I walk you through every module in my compact modular synth build — from the Frequency Central Product to the Squarp Rample drum sampler — and explain why I chose each one. Then, I power it up for the very first time on camera to see what kind of noise (or magic!) it can make.

Featuring voices, drums, filters, modulation, and a Keystep Pro for control, this case is designed for full jams in a portable format. Expect some happy accidents, a little chaos, and plenty of patching fun.

🎛 Modules Featured:

Frequency Central Product
Knobula Monuatic
Nano Modules ONA
Mutable Instruments Veils
Klavis Quadigy
WMD Carbon Filter
Squarp Instruments Rample
Endorphin.es Cockpit
…and more!

Whether you’re into Eurorack modular synths, studio jam setups, or just curious about how a live performance case can evolve into a studio powerhouse, this one’s for you"

Monotrail Starting with Modular
video upload by Monotrail Tech Talk

1. Getting started with modular - 4 eurorack systems explained

There are many ways to get started with modular, and many reason to be interested in it. There is no single solution, modular is a journey and you have to discover and experience your own. This video is part of a series where I share some thoughts and ideas I wish I could find when I started out. Take or leave whatever you like :)

Timetable:

00:00 – Introduction
02:17 – The Monosynth
06:32 – The Sonic exploration lab
10:26 – The Performance system
15:34 – The Dedicated tool

2. What modules should you buy when starting with modular?

Getting started with eurorack can be confusing. The number of modules available grows ever week. And on top of that, what you need depends on what you want to do with your modular. In this episode in a longer series, I look at a 4-module starter voice as an option.

Timetable:
00:00 – Intro
00:20 – Building a mono synth
02:49 – Oscillators
05:08 – Filters
07:47 – VCAs
10:26 – Modulation
14:47 – Patches

Back to Dots:

Watch our whole Mini Modular Moments playlist here:

HAPAX 2.20 – MIDI DRUM PATTERNS IMPORT/EXPORT

video upload by Squarp instruments

"✨ Hapax just got even more powerful!

Hapax OS 2.20 brings a host of new features, improvements, and bug fixes—but the standout addition is the ability to import and export MIDI drum patterns.

This opens up exciting new workflows for integrating the Hapax with your DAW or other gear.

In this video, I walk you through how the new drum pattern features work, and give you a taste of a few patterns we put together to help you get started. Whether you're building beats from scratch or integrating with your DAW, this opens up a whole new range of creative possibilities.

If you're a Hapax user—or considering becoming one—this update is definitely worth checking out."

🕘 Timestamps
0:00 Intro : jam
1:40 How to export a pattern
2:00 How to import a pattern
2:47 How to mix & match patterns

EP03 : TRACK MODE 🟨 HERMOD+ TUTORIALS

video upload by Squarp instruments

"In this episode, we’re exploring the TRACK mode of Hermod+. Using some musical examples, we'll explore how to use multiple voice layouts and MIDI tracks, hook up MIDI keyboards, and even do live transposition of whole tracks.

All the shortcuts used in this video are listed here :
🏃‍♀️ https://squarp.net/hermodplus/manual/..."

CHAPTERS
0:00 Intro jam

1:41 Part 1 : BASICS
1:48 Selecting a track
2:15 Muting a track (Pattern/Global)
2:40 Accessing the context menu
2:53 Accessing the track configuration menu

CLICK FOR MORE »

Beetlecrab Tempera Granular Ambient

video upload by r beny

Click CC at the bottom of the player for the subtitles.

"Hello, I hope you are taking care. This video is a performance centered around the Beetlecrab Tempera granular sampler/synthesizer. My intention was to create a long form piece of music using only the Tempera, outside of sequencing (as Tempera currently doesn’t have a note sequencer).

I’ve had the Tempera for a while now, but have only recently gotten around to really getting to know it well - learning its ins and outs, learning its boundaries and edges. When learning a new granular instrument, one of the first things I like to do is figure out the relationship between grain length/size and grain density/rate. Tempera is quite unique in that regard, as grain sizes can span the entire length of the buffer (~11s in this instance) - this allows for one to play back entire samples as-is (polyphonically as well), without being “granularized”. On the other end of the spectrum, Tempera also excels at creating grain clouds with an abundance of short grains all firing off at once. I make use of both of these techniques in this video.

Some patch notes:
Tempera is loaded with 8 different samples from various sound sources from my studio. Each sample is just a single note of the sound source, recorded directly to Tempera. Tempera has a note detection feature, so each note was recorded at slightly different notes (mostly either A or C).

From to left to right across the 8 cells, the samples are:
Mannequins Mangrove
Mutable Instruments Rings (patched to make a “harp” sound)
Mangrove with another timbre
Korg Z1 (with a “flute patch”, which I didn’t end up using in this video)
Rings (patched to make a “glockenspiel” sound)
Korg Z1 (with a “bassoon” patch)
Felt Instruments Blisko Cello (with a Sul Tasto patch with only a single string)
Novation Summit (with a pad patch)

In the video, I use the 4 granular emitters in conjunction with sequencing from the Squarp Hapax to sequence and play the various samples across the grid. Emitter 1 is set up to play just a single grain per note, with a grain length that matches the entire buffer. Emitters 2-4 are set up in various grain cloud formations.

The Tempera is running the latest beta firmware as of 6/24/25 (2.2.beta13, shoutout to the Discord).

This is a long one. Thanks for stopping by and sticking with."

Squarp Instruments Hapax Demo (No Talking) – Use Cases for Electronic Music Production

video upload by Limbic Bits

"In this video, we’re diving into the Squarp Hapax — a powerhouse dual-project hardware sequencer designed for dawless workflows."

0:00 Ambient IDM Live Demo
2:55 Creating a Dub Techno Track from Scratch
6:21 Arpeggiator Stacking
7:06 Sequential OB-6 needs more LFOs

Hermod+ and xp32 goes Braindance

video upload by Stazma

"Finaly managed to shoot a proper thing with the amazing Hermod+ & xp32 combo, by Squarp Instruments. Those two together are an incredible powerhouse of sequencing with many sequencing effects usualy only found in DAW. As it's often called a modular brain I went for something proper braindancy in the vein of my Repeat Eater side project (Analord tribute band you said?).
ALL the sequencing is done from Hermod+, as well as some modulations."

"Other modules used:
Rample by Squarp Intruments on the 808 drums (my own CC808 kit you get on Concrete Collage Bandcamp for free).
x2 810 by System80 on bass & lead
Algo by RYK Modular on FM bass / lead
Envy Machine by RYK for ADSR
Befaco Pico VCF on FM Percussions
x2 Mixswitch from Klavis for mixing
Instruo Seashell on arp"

TIPS & TRICKS – CAN HAPAX RANDOM?

video upload by Squarp instruments

"🎲 All things random! 🎲
This little jam showcases multiple techniques for note generation and randomization, using only one drum track of Hapax.

CHAPTERS
0:10 Basic rythm
0:29 Generator algorithm
0:43 Swing effect
0:57 More Generator tweaks
1:17 Every N algorithm
1:27 Quick mutes
1:38 Curve algorithm
1:53 Random effect

COMPLETE MANUAL
​🇬🇧 https://tinyurl.com/hapax-manual

QUICKSTART MANUAL
​🇬🇧 https://tinyurl.com/ENG-quickstart
​🇫🇷 https://tinyurl.com/FR-quickstart
🇯🇵 https://tinyurl.com/JP-quickstart"

Live Set Re-recorded - from Superbooth25, feat AJH SYNTH all-analogue modules

video upload by AJH Synth Official

"This is a re-recording of a 20-minute live set by @DreamsOfWires for Superbooth25, and consists of two old tracks from my video back-catalog. It's quite a minimal rig, configured as two all-analogue synth voices - one for melodic patterns, one for pitched drone parts.
The actual performance at the event suffered technical problems as a result of failing cables and a dodgy musician's inability to recover much from it. As a result said musician decided to record a version of it after returning home, demonstrating how it should have sounded.
In my defence, this rig had been on display for 3 days at the AJH Synth booth, demoing modules, being re-patched, fiddled with, then re-patched, etc... but then again, a bad workman always blames their tools :P
I hope this version is more audible.

Modules used:
(AJH SYNTH)
Matrix VCF
Transistor Ladder Filter
Sonic XV Diode Ladder Filter
Vintage Transistor Core VCO x4
Sample Hold & Slew
Contour Generators
Wave Swarm
Ring SM
Muting Mixer
Discrete Cascaded VCA
Glide + Noise MkII
Dual LFO VCA
(Other brands)
Squarp Hermod+ sequencer
XAOC Devices Sarajewo analog delay
ALM Busy Circuits MFX for reverb
Cosmotronic Cosmix
Happy Nerding Isolator
Homemade case powered by Konstant Lab BoardPWR

The AJH SYNTH Eurorack modular range consists of high-end modules, all hand-made in the UK, most of which are based on classic, vintage designs, authentically recreating the circuitry of much sought-after analogue instruments and technologies of the past, whilst greatly expanding them, and bringing them to modern Eurorack levels of convenience, limitless flexibility, and reliability.
Official website page: https://ajhsynth.com

Check out the AJH Synth playlists for module 'User Guides', and 'Patch of The Week' videos, which will be either performances or 'how to' guides, detailing functions/methods, and a range of sounds, some familiar, some less so, containing a patch sheet at the end to show you how to construct it for yourself.

Dreamer 💭 (Sequential Take 5 + H90 / Nymphes + Microtubes X / 0Coast + Timeline / TR6S / Hapax)

video upload by 2-Minute Warning

"Back to the ~2-minute format 😅

In this track, the Hapax is sequencing all the instruments, starting with the Take 5 where I tweak a few knobs. Then comes the BASS played by the Nymphes. For this sound, I used its LFO's delay parameter. Thus you first hear the sound without any modulation, then comes the syncopated part at the end of the sound! I finally launch the LEAD part played by the 0-Coast through the Timeline delay and DRUMS, played by the TR-6S. The Hapax FILL button is being used here to activate a couple of MIDI effects on the different tracks.

Hardware used *

// 🥁 DRUMS: Roland TR-6S (Digital Rhythm Performer)
// 🎸 BASS: Dreadbox Nymphes (6-voice analog synth) + Darkglass Microtubes X (Multiband analog Distortion)
// 🎹 PLUCKS: Sequential Take 5 (5-voice analog synth) + Eventide H90
// 🎸 LEAD: Make Noise 0-Coast (semi-modular analog mono synth) + Strymon Timeline (Ice Delay)
// SEQUENCER: Squarp Instruments Hapax

Recorded in one shot and mixed in Ableton Live."

EP02 : EFFECTS MODE 🟥 HERMOD+ TUTORIALS

video upload by Squarp instruments

Squarp instruments Hermod+ tutorials

"In this episode, we’re diving into the Effects section of Hermod+ — breaking down each track and using them to walk through some key concepts.
You will learn how to :

Add an effect
Edit via click/or hold pad
Hold enc to access contextual menu : copy/paste and delete
Mute/Unmute effects : GLOBAL MUTE vs PATTERN MUTE
Pattern values (hold encoder and scroll)
ModMatrix source = CV + CC
ModMatrix source = MOD/MOD1/MOD2/MOD3
ModMatrix attenuverter/direction/offset

All the shortcuts used in this video are listed here :
🏃‍♀️ https://squarp.net/hermodplus/manual/...

CLICK FOR MORE »

Sequentix Cirklon 2, Minimoog, Prophet 12, SX-240, Nord Drum 2 IDM electronic track

video upload by MIDERA

"I've been trying to see what sequencers to keep. Obviously the Spectralis stays, but I kept running into roadblocks with the Cirklon so it was something I needed to write a track with. I did the same with the Squarp Pyramid, but I got stuck working through it. I'm starting to get the hang of the Cirklon though. Although it does often take a few extra button presses to do things I think should be easy, I've figured out other ways to do what I want too. I'll try again with the Pyramid, but most likely that one will be going away.

Sequentix Cirklon 2 - sequencing
Moog Minimoog - bass
DSI Prophet 12 - bell/synth tone
Kawai SX-240 - pads
Clavia Nord Drum 2 - drums
Native Instruments Raum for reverb"

dream forge ... Syntakt, A4, Minifreak, Modular ... Electro, Chillstep, IDM

video upload by substan

"Recorded in one take into 1010music Bluebox.
Mixed & mastered in Ableton Live.

Drums: Syntakt, Basimilus Iteritas Alter
Bass/Kick: Neutron
FM Lead: Schlappi Engineering Three Body
Pad: Minifreak
Other tonal sounds: Analog Four MK II
Squarp Instruments Hapax - sequencing

This track is available for my patrons.
The great support from my patrons makes all of this possible ... thank you so much guys !!
/ substan "

In The Overgrowth Again

video upload by Wake Rise Fall

Gear Used:
Prophet Rev2
Moog Grandmother

Mutable Instruments Marbles
Mutable Instruments Tides V2
Mutable Instruments Stages
Mutable Instruments Elements
Mutable Instruments Veils
Big T Music LTD Rings
Big T Music LTD Clouds
Squarp Instruments Hermod
Mannequins Just Friends
Mannequins RIP

Walrus Audio Julianna

Canon R5
Canon 24mm 1.4

EP01 : STEP MODE 🟩 HERMOD+ TUTORIALS

video upload by Squarp instruments

Squarp instruments Hermod+ tutorials

"In this first episode of Hermod+ tutorials, you will learn how to :

Add, generate, and edit notes or modulation events
Use Row edit mode to write chords
Quickly build a chord sequence using a USB keyboard

All the shortcuts used in this video are listed here :
🏃‍♀️ https://squarp.net/hermodplus/manual/...

CHAPTERS
0:00 Basics
3:49 Generator
6:05 Modulation
7:53 Row editing
9:37 Note learn w/ a USB keyboard"

INTRODUCING XP32

video upload by Squarp instruments

"💥 Introducing xp32, the perfect expander for unlocking 32 assignable CV or Gate outputs, amplifying the creative power of your Hermod+ sequencer.

🐙 Transform your Hermod+ into a 16-track CV/Gate powerhouse, an expansive MIDI/USB-to-CV interface, a preset manager, or customize your outputs to suit even the most intricate modular setups.

🧠 xp32 opens up a new world of possibilities for both live performances and studio setups, giving you the flexibility to bring your most complex musical ideas to life.

PATCH NOTES & CHAPTERS
0:00 HOW TO SETUP
Setting up the xp32 is incredibly simple. By connecting the included expander ribbon cable to the back of Hermod+, xp32 integrates instantly, no configuration required.

0:16 TR1 : DEFAULT LAYOUT
By default, xp32 outputs note pitch, note gate, note velocity, and modulation.
All these outputs are automatically mapped to the USB keyboard and can be recorded directly, preserving all the nuances of natural playing.
I'm also adjusting the range of the velocity outputs from -10V to +10V to maximize Atlantis's inputs response.

0:53 TR2 : GATE LAYOUT
For track 2, I'm setting all outputs to gate. Each output responds to a different MIDI note and is connected to Rample, which is handling the drums.

1:24 TR3 : CV/GATE + 4 MODULATION
A regular CV/Gate output from Hermod+ is used to generate random notes, which are sent to Plaits. I'm using 4 voices of xp32 to send all 4 available MOD lanes to Plaits. These modulation signals are accessed via the STEP ANALYZER and randomly generated by pressing STEP+Y on Hermod+.

2:12 TR4 : EXTERNAL MIDI CC TO CV
I start by connecting Hapax to Hermod+ via USB. Hapax is sending 4 MIDI CC messages, which are converted into CV and output on the 4 voices of XP32's track 4. These signals are then routed through the system to various controls.

2:18 QUICK JAM"

HERMOD 2.00 - NEW FEATURES

video upload by Squarp instruments

CHAPTERS
0:03 Manual editing for each layout
1:21 Step-analyzer and new MOD 2, 3 and 4
2:38 Programming internal FX modulation
3:29 Changelog

"In this video, we explore the two main changes introduced in the latest 2.00 update of Hermod+ OS :

👉 Internal Modulation – Each track now includes four independent MOD lanes that can be step-sequenced, recorded or generated and routed through the mod matrix. This makes FX automation very powerful and easy to program.

✌️Advanced Data Editing & Randomization – Users can now display, edit, and randomize any type of track data including MOD, Aftertouch, Velocity, and more. Simply hold the STEP button while in STEP mode to access and customize the specific parameter you want to modify.

🖖​ Refined Workflow & Enhanced Flexibility – The update also includes performance improvements, UI refinements, and additional features designed to enhance creative flow and make sequencing more intuitive.

👊​ Added CV IN Detection – (when Hermod+ is recording, the CV IN modulation will be recorded only if a change is detected, in order to save memory space).

For the full changelog and download links, head to : https://squarp.net/hermodplus/firmware/"

HAPAX 2.10 – NEW FEATURES

video upload by Squarp instruments

"In this video, we dive into the key features introduced in the latest 2.10 update of Hapax OS.

HapaxOS 2.10
January 23, 2025

Features
Fine-tune note length (hold a step with a note inside, click encoder, then rotate to edit the length)
Pitch of drum events can be transposed (hold a drum event, and transpose it)
Mono editing mode (in a POLY track, press 2ND+TRACK and enable MONO)
REC hard quantize (in REC settings, enable the quantize and hold+rotate this encoder to select if you want to keep the note OFF position, or keep the note original width)
STEP-INPUT REC mode (SH101 style) (press LIVE+STEP to enter this mode)
New ALGO: Shuffle (randomly rearrange notes in several ways)
FX Arpeggiator : new hard-sync mode
FX Randomizer : new parameter "base chance on note velocity"
Looper: auto-length can be set to 1 step (in addition to 1 bar)
Autom mode: when holding a step to edit its value, you can now reset the value to default by holding the encoder
Chord Mode: modifiers saved per track
Chord Mode: pressing a modifier retriggers the chord
Chord Mode: Relatch mode added
New SETTING : pedal = BPM
New SETTING : cv out type = HZ/V
New SETTING : default PATTERN TRIG mode (FREE or RESTART)

CLICK FOR MORE »

Underneath & Over Again | Modular, Moog Grandmother, Prophet Rev2, Nord Piano, Fender Jazz Bass

video upload by Wake Rise Fall

"Let me score your animated adventure show

Patch Notes
Mangrove sending square into both Tides V2 for harmonic oscillator.
Stages modulating Tides V2 and Rings.
Marbles sending Gate/CV to Tides V2 and Rings.
Just Friends modulating Veils.
Everything is sent into TXn to pan and into Clouds.

Gear Used:
Prophet Rev2
Moog Grandmother
Nord Piano 3
Fender Squier Jazz Bass
Mutable Instruments Marbles
Mutable Instruments Tides V2 2x
Mutable Instruments Stages
Mutable Instruments Rings
Mutable Instruments Clouds
Mutable Instruments Veils
Mutable Instruments Links
Mannequins Mangrove
Mannequins Just Friends
Mannequins RIP
Squarp Hermod"

EHX ~ Mel 9 with ContinuuMini and Stymon Cloudburst by Big Sky MX

video upload by Ebotronix

Strymon Big Sky MX in Dual Mono controlled by 16n ATO Faderbank
EHX Mel 9
Expressive E Osmose
Haken Audio ContinuuMini controlled by
Squarp Hermod USB Midi Hub Doepfer R2m and
Mutable Instruments Midipal to ContinuuMini
Moog Taurus 2 ( low drone )
Line 6 DL4 MK 2
Neo Instruments Ventillator II
Bastle Bestie
September ~ Ab Tune: Mixolydian Scale
15.09.2024
vid # 2417