Intellijel SeaLegs | One of the best delays out there.

video upload by Cinematic Laboratory

"Anything I'd say about SeaLegs would come out as a sales pitch. What I can say is that I am a happy customer and it will give a lot of existing delays a hard time if this were a competition. But it's not. A typical Rabbit Hole has a lot of delays to choose the best one for the right job. If you still need to pick your very first delay module, you can safely put it on your shortlist."

Update:

Sealegs Firmware 1.1 Update


"A quick addendum to my Sealegs video. Firmware 1.1 was released while I was making my video and repairing my ShapeShifter so I totally missed it and forgot to check. It adds two important features: Drive can now be set to different positions in the signal path. The Digital mode doesn't shift pitch anymore when you change clock divisions (slider) or trigger Clk with a pattern. So it now comes a bit closer to a Mimeophon."

Bad Shape | Adventures with a broken Intellijel ShapeShifter

video upload by Cinematic Laboratory

"I am preparing a video for the Intellijel Sealegs delay which was also good opportunity to refres my limited knowledge of Metropolix, ShapeShifter and Rainmaker. I got the ShapeShifter used, and it's never been in good shape. I never found the time or need to send it in for repairs because it has to go to Canada and there's no warranty.

So when I use ShapeShifter, I need to recalibrate it, or even reinstall the firmware when presets are lost. It has amnesia so my guess is that its memory doesn't survive a long powerdown. I was curious if all the necessary software would still work. I think ShapeShifter was introduced somewhere around 2014 and the digital world is changing much faster than analog.

After installing firmware, my ShapeShifter turns into a super advanced LFO because the VCO still needs calibration. I think it ticks below 1 Hz from time to time. It's useless as a voice in this state, but it can still make amazing sounds. I may have to keep it like this and find myself a new one. But it's not a bad thing."

Versio, Legio and/or Alia? - All Of Them 2023

video upload by Cinematic Laboratory

"This is a bit of a tribute to Noise Engineering, the discontinued Iteritas family, the birth of the Alia platform and a trip down memory lane. This video features most of the Versio firmwares, the alternative Multiversio firmware, Cursus Iteritas, Manis Iteritas, Basimilus, Debel Alia and the Loquelic as well as the Mimetic Digitalis sequencer. The Rabbit Hole is not a fairy tale and sometimes I feel I went way to deep for the sake of this channel. This video is not sponsored, endorsed or affiliated with Noise Engineering in any way. It's more like an independent fan film. Expressions used in this video are my own. As always, what works for me, may not work for you so always think twice before you buy, and then think again. I want to inspire, which is hopefully a positive way of 'influencing'. I hate that word.

There's a bit of a dark undertone in this video, maybe you don't even notice it. But it hurts when a whole line of gear gets discontinued for whatever reason. It feels like I made a bad decision on those modules even though this is bullshit. Suddenly, they feel old, especially when they're ported to something way more clever like the new Alia platform. I also had this feeling when I started with a discontinued old Shared System in 2018. It's now one of my most cherished gear. I had the same feeling when Mutable Instruments retired. I now have that same feeling when MakeNoise announced the last run of the Black & Gold, and maybe the concept of 'systems' all together. It feels a bit like all your favorite bands are breaking up. Whatever. It will pass. Regardless, there's some great music coming from these modules and I had a wonderful time with the Iteritas and Versio line. This turned out to be a true dream machine and everything I patch just works (for me).

I've finished my Noise Engineering case after four years and I may be drawing the line here because there's no more room for new modules. 'All of Them' refers to a video I made in 2020, featuring a compare of the Iteritas family (CIP excluded). And suddenly, they're all history except the LI, CIP and my personal favorite LIP which is - imho - still at the top of the food chain. I'll focus on new firmwares for Alia, Legio and Versio, and probably make a few videos about small NE setups with the stuff I have. Today, 2023, it's both cool and shocking to see how the landscape has changed. Now let's hope the Daisy chip will stay around for a long time."

Traffic Water Hotel | by Jasmine & Olive Trees | 'eurorack module of 2023'.

video upload by Cinematic Laboratory

"There are hidden gems out there by companies that did not exist a year ago. This, my dear friends, is a diamond. Lost in traffic, shaped by water and hiding in Room 2C of a dark hotel with Doorman that speaks triggers. Confused? You won't be after watching this video.

Featuring #intelljel #sealegs"

DivKid Showcase | Mutes | Ochd | Rnd Step | Ochd Expander | Ochd + Ochd + Expander

video upload by Cinematic Laboratory

"One of the first voices I heard when I started modular in 2018 was Ben DivKid Wilson's and it's been my goto channel for learning a new module ever since. The DivKid modules are simple, affordable and small, but offer something that wasn't there before they were released. I used them in almost all my patches, often off-screen or underexposed. In my first Ochd video (January 2020) it doesn't even show. With the release of the Ochd expander I realized how important these modules are for my case. This DivKid Show is a contribution to the contributions Ben already made to the modular community. For those who are new to modular it's cool to have all modules in one video (except Stereo Strip, I don't have it). The shots from his videos are used without kind permission but I am sure it's OK. As always I am not affiliated with anyone or anything.

The opening music is an adapted remix of one of Ben's youtube music library tracks (empty moons of Jupiter), free for everyone to use on videos."

NextTuesday | by This is Not Rocketscience (TiNRS)

video upload by Cinematic Laboratory

"Tuesday was a procedural sequencer, introduced around 2017. It was forced into history because of the Covid-19 part shortage. Fortunately TiNRS decided to revive it because it's a super handy 'patch buddy' when time is short and you're facing a composer's block. NextTuesday is faithful to the original but adds a root knob and a second quantized 'mod' output.

Procedural sequencing means it's a bit like a jukebox or radio station. It has 14 built in algorithms and each algorithm can 'walk' a map of melodies like Mutable Grids did for rhythm. You can use X/Y coordinates to navigate the map and ! controls the note density. There's clock/reset to sync other gear, and master 'ticks' for ticks, beats and end of loop. These are super useful as masterclocks and triggers (e.g. synced delay, etc).

Procedural sequences may give you the impression that you're stuck with factory melodies. And that's true. But it's fun to accept the limitations and expand from there. After all, it's modular, and Tuesday is a great day for patching."

Additional NextTuesday posts.

All Hallow's Eve

video upload by Cinematic Laboratory

"Having some fun with John Carpenter's classic Halloween theme.
Happy Halloween!"

The Grainmakers Playlist

video uploads by Cinematic Laboratory

"This playlist features granular eurorack modules that all need to process the same reference sample. I hope this gives a good impression of what the modules can do for you. They're all different, they're all great."

Playlist:

1. Grainmakers Playlist Introduction

I've been working on a huge video over the last few days and when I reached 30 minutes I decided to break it up into a playlist. This is cool! I can make updates and add new modules as they emerge. It's not supposed to be the ultimate grain guide, but it's cool to hear all modules chew on the same sample and hear what comes out. It's easy to be impressed by a bad module with a great soundsource, or underwhelmed by an amazing module that need to process something unworthy of its grains. So it all comes down to what they have to offer. And there are no bad modules. It's great fun to hear how a standard concept can turn into completely different experiences. So this is just a short playlist introduction.

2. Mutable Instruments Beads | Grainmakers Playlist

In this episode, Beads needs to chew on a reference performance.
Beads is an effect, but it can process an internal wavetable synth on its own.

3. Qu-Bit Nebulae V2 | Grainmakers Playlist

Our next contender in the playlist is the Qu-Bit Nebulae. It may be a bit underappreciated, but wow. A unique feature is elastic audio for time stretching.

4. Qu-Bit Mojave | Grainmakers Playlist

Next, Mojave needs to chew on Sebastian Lexer's grand piano.

5. Loopers | Lubadh & Morphagene | Grainmakers Playlist

Loopers are often confused with granular synths, especially with the Morphagene. Loopers don't grain or spray, they're digital tape machines.
Sometimes, when you think you're into grains, you'd actually been looking for a looper. It's time to show the difference, so they're an important addition to the lineup.

6. 1010Music BitBox MK2 | Grainmakers Playlist

The BitBox may not seem an obvious choice for granular processing, but if this playlist were a competition, then BitBox MK2 would be the King of the Grainfields. Granular processing offers limited CV support in the current firmware, but the sheer processing power is almost an insult to the other modules. Fortunately, it can't offer the hands-on experience like dedicated modules.

7. Error Instruments x TINRS Brinta | Grainmakers Playlist

8. Melotus Versio | Grainmakers Playlist

It's a Versio. What can I say. Awkward, special, amazing and breathtaking. It's unique feature is no pitch control. While this sounds like a flaw, it's almost a musthave feature when you run notes, effects and chords through it. Don't touch the melody. Just make it grain. Top 3 module in my list. And if it doesn't fit your needs, install a different firmware! If you own a different Versio, give it a shot. Nothing creates techno atmospheres and backdrops like Melotus.

9. MISO Cornflakes | Grainmakers Playlist

This is the last one for today :). Still a few more modules to cover, but it's already a great list. Here's MISO Cornflakes chewing on the Lexer piano. Again, it's a totally different experience, because Cornflakes adds special harmonizing features and stacking of grains. No other module has it - as far as I know. It can make wonderful new sounds from something familiar.

10. Instruo Arbhar V2 | Grainmakers Playlist

I already made plenty of Arbhar videos, but this is the second V2 video. In this playlist, all granular modules in my collection need to process the same audio file so it's easy to figure out what they do. Now it's Arbhar's turn.

11. Clouds & Clones | Grainmaker Playlist

This playlist would not be complete without a tribute to Clouds, one of the first modules in Eurorack that brought grains to the case. Clouds was launched in 2015 and discontinued in 2017. But that wasn't the end of it. It's been revived and extended in many forms, making it one of the most successful modules in Eurorack even today. From a techical perspective, Clouds is no match for the modern grainmakers in this playlist. But from the perspective of production value it's still a super useful module, especially if you manage to install the Parasite firmware. It's easy to forget that granular synthesis doesn't need big buffers. Sometimes a small 1 sec buffer is exactly what you need to get that desirable classic granular stream.

12. Combinations | Grainmaker Playlist

I got a question if Lubadh and Mojave would make a good combo. I had no idea. I figured this whole playlist is still 1-dimensional. So I patched these two up and then and I just had to make this video! I am still using the reference track so you get a good idea of how big the sonic playground becomes when you combine any looper with any granular engine. Results may vary, but wow. The bottom of the Rabbit Hole simply has a doorway to the next one. And it always gets deeper than the one before.

13. ADDAC 112 | Grainmakers Playlist

I may have unintentionally kept the best for last. The 112 combines a looper and granular engine in one big module. This is the last entry in the playlist.
The 112 will return soon for a dedicated video with some carefully selected samples to play with.

14. I missed a few | Grainmakers Playlist

After finishing the 112 video I was confident I covered enough 'grainmakers' in this playlist. I doublechecked if Disting EX and Phonogene should be in it, but no. The third one definitely needs to be on it! It doesn't show up when you search for 'granular' on ModularGrid, but it immediately went to my personal top #2.

Qu-Bit Mojave | Live Granular Sandstorm

video upload by Cinematic Laboratory

"It's not easy to make a Mojave video after doing one about Arbhar V2. First, let me clearify that Mojave is an effect that needs a source, and Arbhar is more like a granular synth that can run completely by itself. I will clear this up in the forthcoming Grainstation 2 video with a big compare of synths vs effects. I am not sponsored so I can share my personal thoughts on this.

Mojave is great for processing rhythmic atonal sounds like percussion or found sounds. It's not ideal for processing melodic phrases because it's hard to keep in tune. There's no typical harmonic spread but somekind of random sequence generator that follows a scale. So it can suddendly behave like a granular engine with a built in 'Marbles' and you have no control over what's going on except shutting it up. If you're in the wrong scale, it can go major in a minor patch. It's designed for live, but it can easily trash your gig too.

But don't get me wrong, Mojave is definitely a keeper. This video is a journey where I slowly learn to understand and deeply appreciate the module.

If you already own Beads, you may want to skip Mojave because they're roughly on the same functional and sonic level. If you're completely new to granular, you need to figure out if you want an effect or a synth. Mojave has no storage, it doesn't remember anything when the power goes down. And if you're serious about live graining (and sustaining) real acoustic instruments, forget about the built-in mic and get a decent stereo field recorder with audio out. However, since Mojave has no storage, I'd recommend having a sample player nearby and store your field recordings there."

You can find additional Qu-Bit Mojave posts here.

Instruo Arbhar V2 | The Lexer Method Reloaded

video upload by Cinematic Laboratory

"First of all, it's impossible for me to cover all new features in this video, so I'll revisit V2 as I learn it. In a nutshell, the grain count is doubled and grains can be much smaller than before. The most important feature for me, obviously, is stereo support. But I was surprised to find out that processing in mono still has a lot of advantages. You just can't hard-pan a stereo source like in mono so mono sounds 'wider'. V2 also adds a file system on the USB drive where you can load and save 42 scenes, where each scene saves your settings and the six buffers. It also offers a library where you can select samples from your collection, and build your own buffer scene. Finally, V2 adds 'accumulative mode', which translates to punch in/out recording in your buffer. It's been an amazing experience.

00:00 Introduction
00:52 Mono vs Stereo
02:25 Effect vs Instrument
05:13 Microsound and polyphonic grains
06:01 Chord Ratios
08:09 Buffers
08:45 Load/Save scenes
10:12 The Strike Engine
11:18 Messy effect
12:25 Arbhar Follow Mode and Tagh random source
13:15 Accumulative Mode with Mellotron Micro"

DPO vs Spectraphon

video upload by Cinematic Laboratory

"So how do these two compare? Let's have a friendly 'competition' where both win, a bit of drama and some cool patch examples that show the major differences.

A short observation reveals a similar layout of two VCO's and an FM-bus in the center. But Spectraphon's deck-knobs are used for adjusting the bands in a parametric EQ, while DPO's knobs are used to design and sculpt waveforms. Spectraphon uses statistic models of captured sounds, DPO makes original complex sounds that just can't be captured in a spectrum array - and it offers a mighty wavefolder. So DPO is a fruit, and Spectraphon is a fruit processor that makes/blends juice.

It takes a lot of space to use both in a single case so you may need to make a choice. Using an XPO next to the SP brings you closer to the DPO and you can make a lot of new sounds, but again, the DPO's internal routings make all the difference.

There are four challenges in this video: the 'drone', 'sweet dreams', 'processing audio' and 'bad dreams'. Both modules meet at neutral ground, and can use the same configuration of Marbles, Ripples, Stages, Veils and Clouds. It's been a bit like playing chess against myself so there's no winner. In the 'drone' challenge they were limited to their own rows, the other challenges allowed using everything, including each other. These two rows make up really cool starterkits too.

00:00 Introduction
02:04 Challenge 1: The Drone
06:06 Challenge 2: Sweet Dreams
09:49 Challenge 3: Processing Audio
12:01 Challenge 4: Bad Dreams"

Instruo Troika | Life after Retirement

video upload by Cinematic Laboratory

"One of the first Instruo modules I am aware of is Troika. It's a three oscillator VCO that started as a hand made heavy brass panel module and was officially retired a month ago. There aren't much videos around except for the official 'how it's made' and a handful of videos from a time where Eurorack was still a niche (six years ago). The official lifespan is 2016-2023. Honestly, I never had much interest in the Troika until I gave it a try last Jamuary in VCV Rack. It sounds absolutely amazing and it immediately went to my wishlist. When Instruo announced the module's retirement I got one.
My module has serial 22 so I can't help wondering how old 'brand new' really is.

When I started to make this video, my mindset was 'Moog/Subtractive/Eastcoast' because of the 3-Osc design. I recreated the mimimoog layout with a few special guests like Maths and Clouds, and AJH Transistor Ladder as the iconic Moog filter.

It's been three days of enjoying cool music and this morning I realized how important a 3-Osc VCO is for approximating 99.9% of the best 80's sounds ever. It sounds more like an ARP 2600 because of all the patchpoints (and Maths as the LFO). It got even better when I swapped the ladder filter for Instruo's 1047 multimode filter which was part of the older ARP 2500. So my personal conclusion is that Troika is a super interesting VCO for anyone with a love for the 70's-80's and want to go a few steps further than the Moog and the ARP can offer.

I was able to buy a used one about a year ago, but decided not to do it, because I did not see any added value to the stuff I alread have. I can now say, if you find a reasonably priced used one, it's worth it."

Ornament 8 | Episode 01 | Patching Errors (featuring Error Instruments Cloud Busting)

video upload by Cinematic Laboratory

"Ornament-8 is an organismic sequencer that's completely, I mean totally, different from any sequencer I know. I am starting this video with zero knowledge and at some point I just gave up. So welcome to episode 01! This episode is called 'patching errors' . After failing miserably with Pulsar-23, I wanted to find out if Ornament-8 would be able to sequence Error Instruments' Cloud Busting - which has pins. It worked very well and it's been a lot of fun."

XPO Tutorials | Episode 04 | Exotic woodwind & pipes

video upload by Cinematic Laboratory

"This video is about XPO and Maths, but it may work with any VCO that supports a bit of waveshaping and linear FM. Maths plays a crucial role, so without Maths (or equivalent) it's near impossible to pull this off.

It's always fun to make a new video, but this one was more than fun. I've been patching a bit yesterday, no goal in mind, and suddenly came up with a sound that reminded me of a bagpipe. I explored it this morning, googled the typical scale used and recorded in one go. It felt great to make some 'traditional' music on the modular instead of the usual weird bleeps and bloops.

LIN-FM
The 'secret' of this video is a) using the XPO's LIN-FM input while overriding the default sub oscillator with something more subtle like the sine or the triangle and b) creatively using the Maths channels to 'sculpt' pitch movement, attenuate it so it's really modest, and then patch the sum of all modulation into the LIN-FM. It's not difficult, but it will take time to find something convincing. However, it will be easy to find something really exotic, weird and fun."

Terra & MIDI | Terra's secondary nature | Embracing the limitations

video upload by Cinematic Laboratory

"When I started making this video, I assumed Terra could double as a midi controller. It supports three modes that can be summed up as 'keystep', 'controller' and 'MPE'. There's a midi in, but it only supports clock to sync the ARP/LFO. I don't think I'd ever use Terra as a keystep or controller, but MPE sounded interesting. However, the standard implementation doesn't map or translate pressure/velocity so it simply never gets as expressive as a 'real' MPE controller. So I abandoned the video at first and almost deleted my recordings.

The manual describes the midi implementation as a secondary role with Terra first/foremost being a stand alone instrument. It's easy to read as 'we added midi, but it's a bit limited'. So if you're thinking of Terra as part of your midi setup, you may need to review your expectations. 'keystep' mode doesn't use microtonal scales. MPE doesn't do velocity. And controller mode only outputs midi CC messages.

I didn't get it.

But then the words in the manual started to form an image in my head. A spider in a web, where the spider is Terra, and the web is a midi network. When the spider moves, the world responds. It's not designed to be part of a midi setup, it's designed to be in the heart, the center. So I wired it up with this concept in mind, and a new world opened up. It's a wonderful limitation."

Brinta | Grain Circle Granular Sampler | by Error x TiNRS

video upload by Cinematic Laboratory

"Brinta marks the second collaboration module between Error Instruments and This Is Not RocketScience - with more to come. The name 'Brinta' comes from a classic Dutch oatmeal breakfast (a nightmare when I was young expecially when it cooled down and it tasted like concrete or plaster). But it obviously refers to granular synthesis. It's been done before in Eurorack but it has its own distinct sound and the 'grain circle' is a functional beauty.
For most of us, just one is more than enough. But I just had to test with two of them."

Lights Visualizer by Vaski.nl

video upload by Cinematic Laboratory

"I picked up two Light Visualizers on Dutch Modular Fest last saturday. They are made by Amsterdam based Veski Modular. For me, personally, they add a lot of value to my case. The spectral visualizer is really useful if you own a Spectraphon , but it also provides a valuable tuner and tons of metering options. Highly recommended for 'pimping your ride'."

Vaski Lights is a graphical display for your sound in 2 HP.

Also available in silver.

Led display that responds accurately to sound and CV signals. Stereo input and multiple visualization modes let you monitor and design the music you play in a new way! The narrow module fits anywhere: place it next to a synth voice, or on your master output. Keep your levels in check and see the spectral content of the audio stream.

The second jack can be reconfigured as a pass-through output for a mono input signal."

CLICK FOR MORE »

POWER | MakeNoise 4-Zone | Classic CV bus | Alternatives

video upload by Cinematic Laboratory

"It's been seven days since my last confession. Some people wonder how much makenoise cases I have. I have an old 'elite' case, six 'classic' CV bus cases and one 4-Zone case. So I did not buy them all so you couldn't. My last classic CV cases had serials in the range of 5500 so there are a LOT of cases out there. I never wished I had them all. Really.

Four of them have a permanent layout (the MN museum, original shared system layout, modern MN gear and the tabletops). My logo spells 'tape & (atom=micro)sound music machine', which basically started this channel. The other cases are constantly changing. I use cases instead of a wall because it's easier for me to prepare a layout , think in 'systems' and use a confined area to shoot a video. It's also easy to store a case and use another one.

Rest assured this is because I run a YouTube channel. I am not (totally) insane. I am a retired old man, almost turning 60 with nothing better to do. Honestly, I can't think of anything better than making videos for you. You can support me (a bit) by joining the channel memberships and get a badge. That's all there is to it for now. Nothing special, but highly appreciated.

Also, the 4-zone case is not sponsored by anyone. It was GAS. I can't think of any MakeNoise layout that would require it, but Spectraphon has a new DSP platform, and I bet it will not be the last module. However, I can imagine many (multibranded) layouts that will not work on the classic case. So instead of just comparing the classic with the 4-zone, I'd also like to take some time to discuss a few alternatives which may better suit YOUR needs as modules are getting smaller while using bigger chips.

Finally, there's no such thing as a cheap 2x104 HP 7U case. You'll need a lot of modules to fill it up, a 1U module may look small, but it can require the same power as a 3U. In the end, it's power that burns your modules."

UNEXPECTRAPHON | Advanced Patching and Sound Design with Maths and Erbe-Verb.

video upload by Cinematic Laboratory

"Spectraphon is a module with many faces and a big mustache. It can have a classic additive spectral processed sound, but it also offers sub oscillators and two basic sinewaves, one clean, and one a bit saturated. It's a big module with a big sonic spectrum (duh!). But an even bigger world unfolds when you patch it up with some old friends, in this case Maths and Erbe-Verb. It's a module that needs to be explored and discovered.
Like Strega, Telharmonic, Mysteron and Erbe-Verb I don't really like Spectraphon's raw raspy sound which can easily dominate a patch and makes it very recognizable. However, the many output options can suit your needs for more gentle sounds. You just need to know how, so hopefully my patch adventures can offer some new perspectives. Welcome to the Unexpectraphon!

Fun fact, this video includes Shared System Tutorials 44 with different captions, explaining half-rectification of a simple sine with Maths.
I always see the Shared as a reimagination of the classic Buchla 200 series with a twist so I always think of it as 'vintage' instead of 'advanced'. Sure, it's an expensive powerhouse flagship but if you ignore the black & gold panels, you may also see a collection of basic modular functionality like LFO, Envelope, Polarizer, dual VCO, VCA, tape echo, reverb, clock division, randomization, 16 step sequencing, human interaction and basic sampling/looping. It's a template for a complete modular setup, only missing a filter. Even if you don't own a Shared, my 44 episodes can still bring you plenty of inspiration for similar modules and functions. I would never say 'everyone should own a Shared', but it helps to look at what it does - and all the things you have to do yourself, like making white noise from scratch.

00:00 Introduction
00:10 Rectification with Maths
02:21 Charming snakes again
04:02 Odd and Even output normalization and sound
05:48 Unexpected bowed strings
06:48 Erbe-Verb reverb trail feedback patch
09:09 Explicit Noise"

XPO Tutorials | Episode 03 | Make it HUGE

video upload by Cinematic Laboratory

"After 10 months of XPO silence it's time to make some noise. In this episode I'll make a huge distorted analog lead without using a distortion. Just the six stereo L/R outputs will do. However, with the help of a 2nd oscillator 'sync' (Spectraphon) you can get some amazing distorted jittery sounds that can make a serious lead. You can also mellow it down to a deep drone with the help of a filter.
In the second part of the video I used Morphagene to create three layers but it would take 20 minutes to listen to them one by one, so I mixed them up into a composition that's worthy of going to my BandCamp 'ever growing modular album'."