How to make ambient & drone music with a small setup (using 4 steps)

video upload by Monotrail Tech Talk

"Last month I made a video explaining 4 steps that can give structure when making an ambient or drone track. In this video I dive a bit deeper in those steps by adding more hands-on examples, thoughts, and exercises on my small eurorack setup. Make sure to watch the other video first:"

Learn to make ambient music in 4 simple steps

video upload by Monotrail Tech Talk

"In this video I explain a simple 4 step guide to make ambient music. It’s a bit more methodical than other approaches I have seen :) For some it might give structure and be a lot of help, but for others it might be something they do without thinking about it. Some might have complete other ways. Feel free to let me know what you think about this video!"

Timetable:
00:00 – Introduction
01:24 – Make sounds with variations
06:59 – Evolve sounds
12:24 – Combine sounds to make a story
15:02 – Keep it clean

How paraphonic patching can add depth to your sound

video upload by Monotrail Tech Talk

"Simple ideas that can add depth and interest to compact modular voices are great! And today we tackle on of those ideas: Paraphonic patching. It’s a simple idea, but it opens up a series of fun experiments and patches that can create unique sounds and textures."

Timetable:
00:00 – Introduction
02:08 – Dynamics with a VCA
07:39 – Frequency modulation
11:11 – Waveshaping & FX

Info on the mentioned ADDAC Random Bezier Waves just posted here, next post below if you are coming off the main page.

The ADDAC Random Bezier Waves

video upload by Monotrail Tech Talk

"Best day ever! I have been working on a module with the amazing people over at ADDAC, and it’s finally here! The Random Bezier Waves is an easy to use dual organic random voltage generator. Both waves have manual and CV control over frequency and output level. Curve and offset control, as well as three different clipping modes allow for a lot of different waves, from calm organic flowing voltages to chaotic jumping madness. The module produces 6 wave outs, and has two different gate outputs on top, making it great for patch-driving features and generative setups."

Timetable:
00:00 – Introducing the Random Bezier Waves
02:02 – Module overview
07:11 – Basic patches
16:46 – Advanced ideas
22:14 – Generative heart



"This module started with an idea from Rijnder Kamerbeek aka Monotrail, a straightforward random generator with interpolation between random points making it something like a complex, ever evolving, LFO

The concept is simple. It contains two identical smooth random voltage generators. Each has a frequency, level, offset and curve control. The frequency control sets a steady pace with which bipolar random voltages are generated. The level control works like an attenuator/VCA on the output, reaching from max output to closed. The offset allows shifting the whole wave up and down on the voltage range. Curve determines the shape of the interpolation.The bipolar activity on the main outputs as well as gate outputs are visualised with LEDs.

Both Frequency and Level controls have a CV input with attenuator. When there is nothing patched into the CV inputs, these are internally connected to the main output of the other channel. This normalization makes it very easy to add randomization to the frequency or level for more depth, or of course, add cross-modulation for chaotic voltages.

The output VCAs are usefull to dial in subtle and time-based modulation without the need for external VCAs. For example, to modulate the amount over time with an envelope, or use the other generator with slower speeds to add random changes to the level of a random voltage.

Both generators also have two other outputs. One is an exact inversion of the main output, so it responds to the level and CV input. This is great for stereo or inversed effect patches. The other is a simple pulse output, here there are two different behaviours, channel A outputs a pulse at every random generation, channel B acts like a comparator. Whenever the main is positive this comparator output is a high gate. And whenever the main output is negative or close to 0, there is no gate output. Great for random triggers or firing other events like envelopes.

A couple other outputs are also available and are obtained by averaging both channel main outputs. The first output is the average while the second is an inverted average."

Monotrail Tech Talk Eurorack Sound Design Sessions - Noise & Transients

Can NOISE make you sound better!? – Eurorack Sound design sessions

video upload by Monotrail Tech Talk

"Noise is a common ingredient in synthesis. But many stand alone synths have limited ways to use it. In this video I explore some ways to patch and use noise in modular patches. Not just the classic white noise. But also sampled and self made noise!

My Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/monotrail

Timetable:
00:00 – All about noise
02:37 – Noise in a voice
08:37 – Sound design & texture
12:48 – Noise as a modulation source"

My sounds changed when I discovered transients! – Eurorack sound design ep2

video upload by Monotrail Tech Talk

"A transient - or the short start of a sound - has a lot of impact on how a sound is perceived. Yet a lot of synths and patches don’t explore transients very well. With a modular system, there are many ways to create and sculpt transients in detail, so in this video we take a closer look at some options!

My Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/monotrail

Timetable:
00:00 – Transients
01:13 – Basic filter transient patches
04:53 – More filter transient patches
08:28 – Sound shaper transient patches
12:59 – Separate transient patches"

A lot of control in a small package - The E4 endless encoder controller for DROID

video upload by Monotrail Tech Talk

"The people over at DROID have been busy and present a new controller for the DROID eco system. Today we have a quick look at the features, and some examples I have been testing out. I think the module is a great option when you are interested in starting with DROID with a compact setup. But it will add a whole lot of control to deep setups as well."

"Der Mann mit der Maschine | E4

The E4 is a controller with four rotary encoders.

The encoders look like normal potentiometers, but you can turn them endlessly in either direction. (Don't be fooled by the knobs, which do have a pointer).
This allows for a wide range of applications and great flexibility.

Each encoder is surrounded by a square of 32 multicolor LEDs. This LED ring is used to indicate the current value of the encoder. And it looks really great! The LEDs help you to give you an orientation by displaying the current value.

Each encoder contains a push button, which can be used just like those on the P2B8 or on the B32.

The E4 is perfect for mapping many different functions or presets to one encoder and then switch with the buttons of a P2B8 or B32 to some other context. Because of the LED rings you instantly see the current value after switching. And other than with pots, no "picking up" of the value is needed.
Furthermore, the nature of the encoders allows for some useful features, for example:

Create a "multi turn" pot, that needs to be turned several rounds for going through the total range (which allows for a finer selection).
Enable a mode where a slow movement of the encoder changes the value even slower, so it allows for instant fine tuning.
Use an encoder as a switch with a fixed number of positions (the LEDs visualise that)
Select a bipolar value with proper visualisation by the LEDs.
Use an encoder for "strumming", where you get triggers when it is turned.
As a bonus, there is a circuit called encoquencer, that allows you to build a melody sequencer based on the encoders and LEDs of the E4. It has the same features as the sequencer that is based on the motor faders of the M4 (motoquencer).
Power consumption:

+12V: 220 mA when all LEDs are white, 53 mA during normal use case
-12V: 0 mA
5V: 0 mA

Hint: The LEDs only shine fully white when you set them up to do so in your DROID patch. As long as you use the encoders in a normal way, the LEDs display colored light which is not as bright, so the power consumption is much less under normal circumstances."

CLICK FOR MORE »

How to do eurorack filters different – Eowave Tempête Magnetique

video upload by Monotrail Tech Talk

"The Eowave Tempête Magnetique is a quad multimode filter with a lot of tricks up its sleeve. It can function as four independent filters, two creative filter pairs, or a single complex filter. Beside that it holds a build in cross-modulation section, an envelope follower, and a ping input. All that makes it a very versatile and interesting filter playground for sound design and exploration."

Timetable:
00:00 – Intro
01:33 – Module overview
07:32 – Quad filter
12:09 – Filter pairs
19:33 – Sound generator
25:00 – Single complex filter

6 Useful tools you can make with VCAs

video upload by Monotrail Tech Talk

"‘You can never have enough VCAs’, is a classic slogan. But why? In this video I demonstrate 6 tools you can patch up yourself using just a couple of VCAs and some basic tools. Those are the panner, crossfader, voltage controlled polarizer or ring modulator, simple logic, and voltage controlled mixer.

Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/monotrail

Timetable:
00:00 – Intro
01:11 – Panner
04:03 – Crossfader
07:17 – VC Polarizer & ringmod
10:32 – Simple logic
13:54 – VC Mixing"

The ultimate introduction to eurorack envelopes

video upload by Monotrail Tech Talk

"Envelopes are a classic and crucial building block in synthesis. However, there are many different options available, all with subtle differences. In this video series I tackle all the things you should know and consider when picking an envelope for your setup. In this first part I cover Triggers & Gates, and Stages & Behaviour. In a video coming soon I will dive deeper into topics like modulating, looping, trigger and gate creation etc. So, stay tuned!"

Timetable:
00:00 – Intro
04:10 – Triggers & Gates
06:10 – Gates
07:16 – Triggers
08:21 – Stages & Behaviour
08:32 – AD envelope
10:10 – Behaviour type 1 (triggered)
11:29 – AHD envelope
13:10 – ADSR envelope
14:37 – Behaviour type 2 (gated)
17:12 – DADSR envelope
18:16 – Check envelope length!
18:52 – Basic patches

How to REALLY use your envelopes - All about envelopes - part2

video upload by Monotrail Tech Talk

"Envelopes are crucial building blocks in synthesis, but they can do much more then control the volume of a sound. In this video we’ll have a look at what you can do with CV control over envelope stages. How you can mix, invert, and combine envelopes to create unique shapes. How looping envelopes add a lot of modulation power. And how you can get the most out of envelopes that generate gates and or triggers. Enjoy!

Full disclosure: The 3 envelopes used in this video are supplied by Erica Synths. A lot of fun videos on interesting topics (like this one) wouldn't financially be possible otherwise. Huge thanks!"

Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/monotrail

Timetable:
00:00 – Intro
01:17 – Modulate the envelope
09:30 – Mix & Invert
13:16 – Envelope looping
18:28 – Triggers & gates out

Let’s create beautiful harmonies with a shift register!

video upload by Monotrail Tech Talk

"Shift registers are powerful tools. In this video I demonstrate my favorite trick, creating layered melodies based on a single sequence. I explain the concept and show the core patch using three voices. But also go over a couple of interesting variations and ways to play with the sequences."

Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/monotrail

Timetable:
00:00 – Intro
01:48 – Shift register
04:48 – Core patch
08:34 – Patch variations
12:34 – Stored sequences
16:17 – Sequence variations

The easy way to dynamic drums – random samples with Squarp Rample

video upload by Monotrail Tech Talk

"Samples can be a powerful tool when performing with a compact modular system, or when jamming in the studio. In this video I use the Squarp instruments Rample to show a specific trick with random and rotating samples. It’s great for dynamic drums and melodic variations.

Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/monotrail

Timetable:
00:00 – Intro
01:19 – Concept
02:51 – Random samples
12:19 – Rotating samples"

The module that makes complex modulation easy – Xaoc Zadar

video upload by Monotrail Tech Talk

"Interesting modulation is what makes eurorack patches come to live. I have been using Zadar from Xaoc devices for some time now, and really enjoy it for the interesting and complex modulation signals it can create. Today we take a look at how the module works, and of course I give a series of patch examples and ideas along the way."

Timetable:
00:00 – Intro
01:09 – Zadar overview
04:11 – Zadar menu
06:13 – Envelopes
12:37 – Complex voltages
17:11 – Audio rate
19:55 – Expander

Klavis Grainity, the new granular filter - patches & audio demos

video upload by Monotrail Tech Talk

You can find additional Klavis Grainity demos in previous posts here.

"Today we take a deep dive with Grainity, the first ever granular filter. It runs a multimode and granular filter in parallel, and proves to be a fun sound design tool. It offers a lot of sounds from subtle textures and metallic sounds, to detuned unison, phaser and of course, broken up granular sounds."

CLICK FOR MORE »

Can this eurorack module take care off all your utility needs? - with Arkan / Malstrom

video upload by Monotrail Tech Talk

"Utilities are often overlooked. But things like mixing, attenuating, inverting, and adding offset are what makes patches great. Today we take a closer look at Arkan from Malstrom. A module that can tackle all the basics, but adds voltage controlled polarizing to the mix. So, it can be used as a regular VCA, VC inverter and ring modulator as well. Beside that it can gain or boost signals into distortion or wave shaping. And it can do all that twice.

Timetable:
00:00 – Intro & sounds
01:18 – Overview – Input & Bias
03:41 – Overview – Modulation
06:13 – CV Patches
15:55 – Audio patches

Malstrom's Arkan is a two-channel bipolar VCA that is perfect for modifying control voltage signals and features a curvature parameter that adjusts the shape of the CV in a new way. While it excels at controlling voltage, the Arkan can be used as a unipolar VCA to control audio signals. When using the VCA at audio rates, you can dial in great sounding ring mod sounds and with channel 1 normalized to channel 2, plus the ability to chain multiple units together, rich modulation networks are easily created with minimal input. A built-in bias lets you control the offset for waveshaping and adjust how much of an additional signal gets mixed in or inverted. Grab an Arkan from Malstom and take control of your CV in creative ways.


ARKAN FEATURES

2-channel bi-polar VCA
Symmetrical signal boost up to 4x for gnarly audio and CV waveshaping
Asymmetrical bias waveshaping
Invert switch for each input
CV Input curvature lets you shape the signal and enhance the 0V attenuation
Chain multiple together with rear linking cables
Outputs are normalled

How to make a GOOD eurorack synth voice – with Nano modules

video upload by Monotrail Tech Talk

"Eurorack modules like oscillators, mixers, filters, envelopes and VCA are almost inevitable when you’re starting with modular or expanding a system. But what things to look for when buying your first modules? In this video I use a compact but powerful synth voice from Nano modules to demonstrate a bunch of things to look for, all with patch ideas of course!"

Timetable:
00:00 – Intro & sounds
01:35 – Quick system overview
02:55 – Oscillators
03:07 – Range and multiple waveforms
06:01 – Unique waveforms
06:48 – Sub oscillator outputs
07:38 – Linear FM
09:28 – Sync input
10:37 – LFO mode
12:58 – Mixers / Utility
13:10 – Audio, CV, quantity
13:52 – Audio mixing
15:25 – CV mixing
16:42 – Dual mixer
18:40 – Filters
19:00 – Multiple modes
20:20 – Enough CV inputs
22:30 – More CV inputs (resonance)
23:37 – Modulation
23:50 – Quantity
27:56 – Complex modulation
28:06 – Voltage controlled envelope
29:50 – Inverter, offset, end of cycle
32:14 – VCAs
32:31 – VCAs with 2 controls
33:22 – Lots of VCAs
37:08 – VCAs with summing powers

How to create pre-filter stereo patches on the modular – Zagrzeb - Xaoc devices

video upload by Monotrail Tech Talk

"Zagrzeb from Xaoc devices is a great, compact and smooth stereo filter. That makes it perfect to deal with complex stereo signals. But how to make these? In this video I go over the functions and features of Zagrzeb, but also share lot’s of ideas for pre-filter stereo patches. Both with basic synth-ingredients, as well as a couple of dedicated stereo modules.

Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/monotrail

Follow my channel @Monotrailmusic if you are interested in my music!

Timetable:
00:00 – Intro & sounds
01:14 – Zagrzeb overview
02:27 – Basic module patches
03:29 – Patch 2
05:03 – Patch 3
05:50 – Patch 4
06:10 – Patch 5
07:13 – Patch 6
07:51 – Patch 7
08:37 – Patch 8
09:09 – Patch 9
09:50 – Patch 10
11:08 – Patch 11
11:55 – Patch 12
12:24 – Stereo module patches
14:25 – Patch 2
16:26 – Patch 3
17:38 – Patch 4
19:31 – Zagrzeb patches
20:28 – Patch 2
21:11 – Patch 3
21:48 – Patch 4
22:35 – Patch 5"

Step 8 explained for beginners – Joranalogue

video upload by Monotrail Tech Talk

"Step 8 from Joranalogue is a module with a unique concept. It’s extremely flexible and powerful, but that makes it also harder to grasp. Especially if you are new to modular this kind of module might be daunting. Today I explain step 8 based on the three mode switches it has, and cover functions like sequential switch, custom sequencer, hocketing, trigger divider, shifter register and a lot more."

How to create complex bouncing ball simulations - with ADDAC 503 Marble Physics

video upload by Monotrail Tech Talk

"The ADDAC 503 Marble Physics is a module that simulates the behavior of a ball on a square plane. The plane can be tilted over two axes, and you can control things like the elasticity off the edge of the plane, and simulation speed. That sounds like fun, but in this video I also show how it can be used to create interesting patches, and control voltages."

8-bit signal processing for eurorack - Drezno & Lipsk / Leibniz subsystem / Xaoc devices

video upload by Monotrail Tech Talk

"The Leibniz subsystem from Xaoc devices is a line-up of modules that work with 8-bit conversion. It’s a unique concept that allows for a lot of interesting signal manipulation and generation. In this video I explain what 8 bit is, and how it’s implemented in this line-up, using Drezno and Lipsk. Of course, there are multiple chapters with patch ideas and audio demos as well.

Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/monotrail"

Introduction to the Transcendent Waveform Analog Oscillator - Sofia - Xaoc Devices

video upload by Monotrail Tech Talk

"Analog oscillator Sofia from Xaoc devices was one of the modules that caught my eye during Superbooth 22. Over the last month I have been able to mess around with it and explore its sounds! In this video I explain what ripple elements are. Give an overview of the front panel with its functions and features. And then I dive into a series of patch ideas. The chapter ‘Basic patches’ has mostly simple patches with raw audio demos. And ‘Advanced patches’ has a few examples of more complex ideas with effects in a musical setting."

Logic for Sound Design

video upload by Martin Doudoroff

"Logic modules aren’t just for making rhythms: here we show some simple ways that logic can contribute to sound design.

Featured logic module: Klavis Two Bits https://www.klavis.com/all-products/t...

Patch diagram design borrowed from Monotrail Tech Talk
https://www.youtube.com/c/MonotrailTe... [posts here]

Timestamps
0:00 Introduction
1:33 Overview of Two Bits and base voice patch
3:34 Example: Events during note release
6:47 Example: Probability-based events per note
11:37 Example: Events at note start and/or end
15:36 Example: Threshold conditions"

TWO BITS

Dual logic processor with chaining and CV functions
Two dual-input logic processors
15 different functions
Simultaneously available normal and inverted outputs
LEDs on all outputs
Chaining optionally inverted by dedicated button with LEDs
Chaining does not waste any input or output; an additional virtual input is created in the second section
Functions with duration, voltage, percentage, and ratio are user editable.
User settings are stored automatically
Random pass, voltage comparator, clock mult/div and delay line functions allow CV control
White LEDs next to the pots confirm the matching of knob position and function
The outputs can be Ored by simple shorting in a multiple
Firmware upgradeable by playing an audio file
Low consumption, skiff-friendly & compact module
Complements Klavis’ Logica XT with a varied feature set

Additional Klavis Two Bits posts