I'm writing in to announce a new MIDI-controlled Virtual Pipe Organ software called "Rusty Pipes".
It's a sample-based organ synth with support for GrandOrgue and (unencrypted) Hauptwerk sample sets. It features 32 bit internal audio mixing, full MIDI support with extremely flexible channel routing, integrated audio and MIDI recording of performances, convolution reverb, and an innovative sample streaming mode that makes it possible to play very large sample sets with a minimal amount of RAM, yet without increasing latency!
Other unique features include a REST API for things like pulling stops - great for people who like to build physical consoles - and optional text mode support (via Ratatui) which makes this ideal for running on headless setups or on a RaspberryPi.
Rusty Pipes is a clean-room implementation written 100% in Rust, available free and open source under the GPL v2. Version 1.3.0 supports over 20 languages including Latin and Klingon, and is available for Linux, Mac and Windows. Debian and Arch (AUR) packages are provided as well.
For a long time now we have tried to live by the words of the great Michael Bolton from the movie Office Space, "why should I change when he's the one who sucks?"
But language evolves, and unfortunately, the word “grok” has taken on associations that are problematic. Oddment has evolved too. Starting from one quirky product idea, in 3 years we have grown and are now ready for manufacturing and fulfillment of this product, with ambition to make it the first among many.
So with much consternation, we have decided to drop the name groc. When we thought about a new name, we thought that what we have is a little unusual, perhaps a little outside the norm...you might even call it, the ODD-1.
This is the first in a series of videos to show all of the ODD-1's functions in more detail. In this one we show off half of the encoders that control the granular synthesis engine - the PLAYHEADS function. Here you can control the level, starting point, tuning (aka pitch adjustment) and playback speed for up to 4 different granular playheads. The auxiliary functions available on the touch screen introduce random variability in different ways.
2. ODD-1 Overview: Grains
This is the second in a series of videos to show all of the ODD-1's functions in more detail. In this one we show off the second half of encoders that control the granular synthesis engine - the GRAINS function. Here you can control the size, spacing, left-right placement, and grain window shape. Each control also has a related function, introducing grain size variability, spacing jitter, binaural scatter, and a front-back bias for the window shape. The auxiliary functions available on the touch screen control a bandpass filter that can be randomized per grain and adjust whether grain size is regulated in the source sample or in the output signal, which can have a big impact on sound characteristics.
3. ODD-1 Overview: 03 Envelopes & Time Path
This is the third in a series of videos to show all of the ODD-1's functions in more detail. In this one we show off the ENVELOPES function. Here you can control the note amplitude envelope and timing, access 3 envelopes that can be used as modulation sources, and use our unique TIME PATH feature to dynamically adapt the playback speed.
4. ODD-1 Overview 04: Sample
This is the fourth in a series of videos to show all of the ODD-1's functions in more detail. In this one we show off the SAMPLE function. Here you can choose a sample from the factory library or user-uploaded samples, control the playback mode and the section available for granulation, play and hold notes, set loop points and interact with pitch, tempo and channel information of the sample. We also show the auto pitch and tempo alignment features.
5. ODD-1 Overview 05: LFOs, Macros, Patching
This is the fifth in a series of videos to show all of the ODD-1's functions in more detail. In this one we show off the LFOs, Macros and how to create modulation connections. There are 4 LFOs, 3 Envelopes, 4 Macros (assignable knobs), 4 Control inputs and MIDI information that can all act as modulation sources. Any parameter on the device is a parameter destination. Unlimited connections are made by holding down a destination parameter and then pressing or twisting a modulation source.
6. ODD-1 Overview 06: Filters, Saturation, Echoes
This is the sixth in a series of videos to show all of the ODD-1's functions in more detail. In this one we show off the Filters, Saturation and Echoes modules. Two filters and two saturation modules per voice, both with multiple types of processing and modulatable parameters, allow for transformation beyond the granular engine. Two echoes sections with filtering and distortion in the feedback loop and fully modulatable parameters make ODD1 worthwhile just as a modular effects rack!
7. ODD-1 Overview: 07 Layers
This is the seventh in a series of videos to show all of the ODD-1's functions in more detail. In this one we show the dual Layer functionality. Essentially the entire system is duplicated so the ODD-1 is like having a dual modular systems, each with a polyphonic granular engine feeding two filters and two non-linear processors per voice, with 3 envelopes, 1 time path, 4 LFOs, 4 Macros and a independent modulation matrix per layer. In these examples we also remind that granular can easily do subtractive-style synthesis when using a basic waveform as the source sample.
8. ODD-1 Overview 08: Reverb & System
The final video in our eight-part series on the ODD-1's functions focuses on the upper-left row where we have global volume, system-level reverb and can work with banks of patches.
The reverb is a classic matrix-style parametric reverb. Think of it like a whole set of interacting delay units with slowly modulating delay times. Ok now that you have that in mind, that's it, that's what it is. It sounds sweet.
If two layers of modulating, granular goodness with a fantastic reverb on top wasn't enough, how do banks of patches to store every twist and connection sound?
And from their newsletter:
What’s in a name?
For a while now we have tried to live by the words of the great Michael Bolton from the movie Office Space, "why should I change when he's the one who sucks?"
But language evolves, and unfortunately, the word “grok” has taken on associations that are problematic.
Oddment has evolved too. Starting from one quirky product idea, we have grown in three years and are now ready for manufacturing and fulfillment of this product, with ambition to make it the first among many. And with much consternation, we have decided to drop the name groc.
When we thought about a new name, we thought that what we have is a little unusual, perhaps a little outside the norm...you might even call it, the ODD-1.
And we plan to keep that off-beat attitude. We hope that brightly-colored friends, ODD-2 and ODD-3, will be along to join ODD-1 after not too long.
Build Updates
We have a lot of exciting progress to report since the last time I wrote. Hop over to our YouTube channel to check out a build update video and some in-depth functionality demos.
We debugged and fixed several problems with the circuit board including the power-up, line input and output, and noise on the control signal inputs.
We got several bids from contract manufacturers in the U.S. and around the world and selected Soldered, based in the E.U. They came highly recommended, and we think their experience will be a huge asset as we go into production.
We worked with Martyna Alexander to tweak the graphic design of the front and back panel. We are thrilled with the updates, including our new company and product logos.
We have first iterations of our custom firmware, enabling full functionality of the device and full USB connectivity to a host computer.
We have completed first versions of the software that include all audio, MIDI and system functionality we intend to support for the release. After many months of playing and testing we re-organized a few functions to expand both the number of concurrent grain “playheads”, and to support banks of patches intended for convenient switching and management in live performance.
Cluster "v3 is a multi-filter sequencer plugin designed and developed by Sinevibes. Available for Mac, Windows and Linux. Product page: https://www.sinevibes.com/cluster/"
Cluster is a multi-filter sequencer. The core concept is simple at first – a filter with a modulation envelope – but every single parameter is sequenced in a rhythmical fashion, even the filter type itself. At the foundation of the sound engine is a set of six filters which can be selected from many models like multi-mode state variable, comb, phaser and resampler; also, each of those filters can be configured with up to 4 stages in series. Based on this setup, Cluster builds up a sequencer matrix with 7 parameter lanes: three for the filters (type, frequency, resonance), and four for its highly flexible envelope generator with over 50 possible modulation shapes. The sequencer matrix holds up to 8 patterns at once and is driven by an elastic step sequencer algorithm with both polymetric and polyrhythmic abilities, and an extremely wide range of timing settings. All of this is presented via a single-screen, color-coded user interface with dozens of utility functions for pattern manipulation – which makes Cluster an extremely easy-to-use and fun tool for creating pretty much any animated filter effects you can dream of… and way beyond.
SOUND ENGINE
Six-track filter sequencer with type and slope selectable per track; independently variable cutoff frequency and resonance per step 9 available filter types: low-pass, high-pass, band-pass, notch, peaking, comb positive and negative, phaser, resampler; up to 4 filter stages with self-calibrating resonance Multi-envelope generator for filter cutoff modulation with independently variable type, divisions, polarity and modulation level per step Up to 8 separate sequences per preset Step sequencer with up to 32 steps, rhythmically correct swing, polymetric and polyrhythmic abilities Optional RMS limiter per each filter track Variable per-step pan randomization Two-pole analog-style lag filter for variable smoothing of all step transitions One-pole lag filters on all continuous parameters for smooth, click-free adjustment Supports mono › mono, mono › stereo, and stereo › stereo channel configurations GRAPHIC INTERFACE
Color-coded graphic elements Consistent name, mapping, value, and unit implemented for all parameters in both graphic user interface and host control/automation Sequencer pattern macro editing functions: copy, paste, reset, trim, invert, shift, evolve, randomize, loop region Built-in preset management functions Supports window size scaling up to 200% SUPPORTED FORMATS
Mac: AU/VST3/AAX for macOS 10.13 or newer (64-bit Apple Silicon and Intel) Windows: VST3/AAX for Windows 8.1 or newer (64-bit Intel and AMD) Linux: VST3 for Linux 2020 or newer (64-bit Intel and AMD)"
"My review and walkthrough of Sqsl Mills. Mills is another quirky midi sequencer from Michal Macura / sqsl / seqsual for M1 Mac and iPad. If you like weird minimalist phasing loops in the vein of Steve Reich, or Dilla-style grooves with unique swing, you might dig this. This is a standalone app, not a plugin, but you can send the midi to control plugins, hardware synths, electric pianos etc.
"Thanks for joining me for this exclusive YouTube premiere. I will be playing the entire album 'Gates' and some bonus tracks! This exclusive premiere includes tracks mixed into a continuous mix format. Sit back, relax and have a chat with your mates while we listen to the 2023 album!
All work is original without any commercial benefit from supplier or manufacturer. Please support my work by sharing, liking, commenting and subscribing to my channel.
from Dani:
"One of my favorite aspects of modular synthesis is that signals we can hear are made of the same basic building block as signals which provide control and modulation -- they're all just voltage moving at different rates!
When we use an audio signal in the place of control voltage, we're touching into a technique broadly known as audio-rate modulation. Using audio-rate modulation in the Whimsical Raps ecosystem is incredibly rewarding, as it can unlock unexpected behaviors in familiar and new modules alike.
Here, Mangrove (our formant oscillator) modulates Silhouette's (our new 'signal combiner') SPOT, which is mixing six audio channels from Just Friends (our six-voice digital oscillator). I noticed that sending Mangrove into SPOT bleeds Mangrove's audio signal into the mix, so I tuned Mangrove to harmonize with Just Friends. This endowed FORMANT changes with new power, adding harmonic depth to the chaotic modulation -- notice the sizzle around 0:30 as FORMANT is cranked up.
Once INTONE adds distance between the ratios of Just Friends' oscillations, I reduce FORMANT to a low-frequency grumble -- I particularly enjoyed Silhouette's delayed vocalizations of these changes across the stereo field. Manually scanning SPOT offsets the input channels we're highlighting, which reveals the new INTONE-spread pitches. Increasing FORMANT introduces audible discontinuities as Mangrove regains its pitch, which are unique in the left and right channels. A final INTONE adjustment is added for performative spice, which is caught by the bucket-brigade device for a muted splash of stereo color."
"Skulptur, the performance-focused filterbank plugin by Bram Bos and Hainbach (iPad, iPhone, Mac) just got an update allowing you to use it as a midi CC controller for other iOS apps, or for hardware or desktop software etc that are able to receive midi CC messages from your iPad. In this video I look at:
How to set this up
What you can do with it
One change I would like to see to make it more useful
This is a very nice update, great to have this added functionality. If you haven’t watched it yet, and are into apps that can be used as CC midi controllers, watch my video on the new sqsl Strips app for iPad linked below. Not AUv3, but has some very nice features that are not covered by what Skulptur can do, plus a lot more faders:"
So useful: Strips iPad Midi CC Controller by Michal Macura / sqsl / Seqsual: Not AUv3, but🔥#droneday
"Two apps on iPad, rhythm and background dark noise ambient. LoopMangler app uses regular loops and creates lofi glitch beats. NoInputMixer app create otherworldly dark ambient textures and backgrounds uses feedback-based technique that models an analog mixing console. Audio unit host app - AUM."
via Motion Soundscape
"NoInputMixer is an experimental feedback-based musical instrument that models an analog mixing console, designed to create a wide range of amazing, otherworldly electronic sounds by feeding the mixer's output back to its input.
What's new:
New app icon (concept and design by Guido Flichman).
Added new drone/noise presets (Thanks to Robert Dowell!).
Switching presets with MIDI controller.
Selecting channels with MIDI controller in single-channel mode.
Switching between Single/Multi and Mixer/Efx screen modes with MIDI controller.
Lock channel parameters when muting (this mode can be disabled in the settings).
Some user interface improvements.
The description has been updated.
Several minor bugs have been fixed."
"Phantasmal Force micro midi controller is available here:
https://distropolisgoods.com/
I haven’t posted in a little while … i’ve been working on the beta firmware for the Phantasmal Force for several months. Here is an improvisational demonstration of the new ARP button mode.
I’m triggering the OPL Studio with three different sequences sent from the Phantasmal Force. The OPL studio is multi timbral so it is capable of playing back different FM tones on each midi channel. It is an amazing device for those looking to explore 80s FM sounds within the context of a hypothetical OS developed to control all of the OPL chip parameters. Truly incredible.
The NTS-3 takes a bit of learning, but is slowly becoming a fave of mine for adding reverb, delays and interactive effects.  Such a great deal for what it costs.
I’m hoping to release a version 2.0 of the Phantasmal Force firmware within the next couple weeks … maybe even sooner. With that, I intend to release a kit version for sale as well."
"OPL Studio is the ultimate OPL2 / OPL3 synthesizer! It gives you almost limitless control over what you can do with the OPL3 synthesizer chip.
Features of OPL Studio
OPL Studio has a long list of features. To name a bunch of them:
Integrated patch editor to edit predefined instruments and create your own
Load and save instrument banks from popular formats such as *.BNK, *.SB, *.O3, ect.
Patch linking to layer up to 4 instrument patches for even more complex sounds
Polyphonic sequence editor to create up to 32 drum and 32 melody sequences Quad sequencer to live play up to four sequences
Composer module that lets you create complete songs from your sequences Midi channel mixer
"After deciding that my original idea was a complete disaster, I returned to something I've developed several times in the past. This time I've given it the rock treatment.
I first showed this tune played on a dual-SID C64 [1st video below]
And then using MIDISID [2nd video below]
0:00 Intro
0:24 previous versions
0:49 what I've done today
1:00 how I generated the video
2:01 the track"
"Another piece of original Dual-SID music. I'm starting to doubt the wisdom of writing long ponderous intros, so I won't think any less of you if you skip forward 30s to where the bass and percussion action starts.
My 16-channel MIDI to 6-channel SID voice music player is improving . The sound for this video is captured straight from my sixtyclone which you can see in the video. The music is actually being generated by Logic Pro on a Mac and sent to the C64 via MIDI (Datel MIDI cart)."
"I've been unlisting some early MIDISID videos which show MIDISID as a prototype - it's come a long way and is now a commercial product: https://peacockmedia.software/midisid/
I like this tune and decided to re-shoot the video and re-record the audio using some better MIDISID sounds.
If you like this or any of my tunes, and would like to use the music for free - you are welcome, as long as you credit me and give a link to my channel. Better still, contact me and I'll provide a good quality audio file."
1. Bristronica 24: MyVolts The Silent Alchemist Nears Shipping
We caught up with Caroline who gave us the latest update to the *Silent Alchemist*, a versatile power hub designed for musicians. Featuring five isolated USB-C outputs and a high-wattage sixth output capable of delivering 100 watts, the device can power a Mac with the remaining outputs providing 20 watts each. Its independent circuits ensure noise-free operation, catering to a variety of devices including the Dreadbox module and Sysmo slope generator.
The Silent Alchemist uses innovative step-up power tips to convert USB-C input to the correct voltage for various devices. There's also new feature: an uninterruptible power supply allowing seamless transition between wall and power bank sources. Also introduced were updated cables, such as silver candy cords and floating ring TRS to TS cables, expanding connection flexibility. The Silent Alchemist is expected to be available in December with a competitive pricing strategy.
At Bristronica 2024, we caught up with the creator of the *ML2M*, who introduced us to the latest version. The ML2M is a compact Eurorack module with Wi-Fi capabilities, allowing seamless synchronization with Ableton Live, Bitwig Studio, and iOS music apps using Ableton Link without the need for cables. It either connects to an existing network or creates its own, ensuring robust sync even in environments with unreliable Wi-Fi. The module, which retains its 2HP size, now features MIDI integration through TRS jacks. Users can access a web interface to configure each output for different clock divisions and reset triggers, making setup straightforward and flexible.
Alongside the ML2M, there's also the Missing Link Junior. This desktop version offers the same functionality but in a box format, complete with MIDI and CV clock outputs. Both products are now accessible, with a starting price of $250.
At Machina Bristronica 2024, we caught up with Arran from @archaea_modular_synthesis who presented the *Exchange Module*. This programmable patcher, a year in the making, evolved from its early prototype stage to a fully functional module. Arran explained how the Exchange can route synth voices via a beam controller and three exchange modules installed within the skiff, allowing for versatile patching. Operating like a matrix patchbay, it enables users to select inputs and outputs with the push of a button, create presets, and chain multiple modules for synchronized patching.
Communication between the modules occurs over the Eurorack power bus as well as over MIDI via the USB-C connection. The Exchange maintains analog integrity, ensuring there’s no conversion latency. The forthcoming release expected in late November 2024, includes a USB-driven editor for enhanced control capabilities.
"Everything has its cost. To acquire glorious new features the cost here is the tedium of updating the firmware. Updating the Modor DR-2 isn't especially painful but it is slow. All up about 15 to 20 minutes for the entire job. For those on older machines: When you check your operating system, if you are on OS006 or older you will need to update your bootloader before trying to install new firmware.
0:00 Checking your current firmware
0:56 MIDI input
1:08 Modor sysex file
1:37 Sysex app
2:30 Readme
2:58 Send SX how-to
3:49 Set the speed - IMPORTANT !
4:02 Open the sysex file
4:17 Power into upgrade mode
4:32 Send the sysex file
5:02 Overflow error !!!
6:05 Try again - but slower
7:18 Success !
"Tulip, built in the spirit of 80s home computers, is running Micropython as it's operating system. Conceived with a clear focus on music, it comes with an internal sequencer and software synthesizer (-framework), MIDI and audio interfaces. You can build it yourself, download a version for Linux, Windows or Mac, or buy the official hardware, which is shown here.
In this video, I show how to utilize Python to solve some day-to-day tasks like arpeggiators and keyboard splits and MIDI routing.
"VintageRack (iOS/Mac) - minimalistic and convenient multi-effect app realistically modeling notable retro gear from the early digital era with their inherent aesthetics and atmosphere.
~
In this demo I tried to give some ambience and depth to the sound of vintage synths by adding a little processing with several effects in the VintageRack app specifically for each track.
~
The original tracks, without any processing, were recorded from real instruments and were kindly provided by @ohm_studi_ohm, as were images of these instruments from which they were recorded. On his channel you can find original demos of these synths and other interesting instruments and devices."
"Imagine you could buy an uber-hands-on 4-track performance sequencer with haptic motorised faders, but you could modify or totally redesign how it works - as your interests change? The "DROID Moto Kit" (running the included Motor Fader Performer Sequencer patch) is that thing. It's 'done', and powerful...AND it can be changed. In this video I'll introduce the DROID system, explain basic track creation 5:41, and then jam from 14:57 onwards.
Thanks for Der Mann mit Der Maschine for hiring me to demo the Moto Kit. Given that this was designed by someone who actually plays live, you might expect that my next step is to try this as my live case sequencer."
00:00 What is Droid & The Moto Kit?! 03:12 Sequencer Intro/Overview 05:41 Let's Make a Track! 14:57 Jams: Meet the Quartet 18:27 Electro Aceed O'Clock 20:41 Electro Variation 23:26 Forlorn Acid 26:49 Stinson Acid 33:54 Endless Noodles 35:02 AFX Bass 36:17 Accumulator Jam 39:33 Arpeggiator Explained 43:06 Compose Mode Jam 45:30 Octave Shifting Melodies 49:04 Divided and Multiplied Melodies 51:33 Reprise Funk 53:36 Kosmiche Arpeggiator Jam
"Wow what an impressively powerful yet somehow simple use of 4HP! The new Samples 2 from SoundForce is a multichannel sample player with loads of features offering lots of musical approaches to working with samples, mono or stereo use, on board mixing, simple sample and settings file set up and more than I'm going to write out here. Watch the video, I hope you're as impressed with it as I am."
Playlist:
Eternal v2 - with GForce Oberheim OB X
Eternal v2 - with KORG prologue
Eternal v2 - with electric guitar
"Eternal v2 is a barber-pole flanger effect designed and developed by Sinevibes. Available as AAX/AU/VST plugin for Mac and Windows. Product page: https://www.sinevibes.com/eternal"
"Eternal is a barber-pole flanger effect plugin. Unlike a traditional flanger which has its tone repeatedly go up and down, a barber-pole flanger goes upwards or downwards in a seemingly endless fashion. To accomplish this unique effect, Eternal employs a thoroughly calibrated low-frequency oscillator with six output signals which modulate and crossfade three flangers – and they do this in a very special way. Since these oscillators have a “through-zero phase” design, Eternal can go from downwards to upwards motion and back completely seamlessly. With two distinct timbres available thanks to positive or negative feedback, this plugin produces a wide variety of delicious spectrum sweeps – plus unusual chorus, pitch shift, and stereo widening effects.
"As synthesizer prices have risen sharply over the last few years, I wanted to review what was available for less than £$€200. In this video I look at what is left and try to asses their use in a working setup."
