Buchla/Tiptop 207T | Classic Six Channel Mixer with Mic Pre-Amp

video upload by Cinematic Laboratory

"The 207T may be a no-brainer for 200T series collectors and I love every HP of it exactly for that reason. But outside the 200T universe it may be too big and too limited. It doesn't have volume VCA's or any form of automation except for panning the outer channels. The idea is to use the 292T for VCA duties. There's no master volume either, but my final case output takes care of this. It allows send/return patches and six channels is more than enough to combine most modules in the 200T series. The Pre-Amp however, is a winner. During #jamuary2024 I had a few issues with bringing my 'alchemist' box to modular level. With the 207T it just works and sometimes it even came in too hot."

Where's the Easel? | Exploring the Buchla/TipTop 200T series

video upload by Cinematic Laboratory

"Ah, last jam of the month. I've been interested in the Easel for a long time. Today I finally found out that many of the Easel's components are present in the current 200T lineup. But for some reason, Easel performances almost always sound more musical. So why is that? I think the answer is 'keys'. 50% of the Easel is a touch sensitive keyboard, while a case full of 200T modules will just bleep. So for this jam, I added a keyboard."

Noise + Chaos | MakeNoise Spectraphon & Mimeophon

video upload by Cinematic Laboratory

"I made this video on the 26th, 27th and today the 28th, so it's not a jam but a regular video. The main subject of this video is patching from scratch. With infinite possibilities, where do you begin? For me it's often a patchpoint I haven't used much or don't understand well. I had just finished the Mysteresis video and new ideas pop in when you're done and doing something completely different like cooking or cleaning. Since I've been working with Echophon feedback, I wondered if I could do something different with Mimeophon. Feedback doesn't really work, but how about clocking Mimeophon with Wogglebug, which is clocked by Mimeophon? I call it a clock feedback loop but don't know if there's a name for it. The fun obviously begins when you're going audio rate. The results were interesting, but not as spectacular as I hoped for. Second subject of this video is the Spectraphon Noise + Chaos mode which was added in the lastest firmware. The clock feedback delay and the SP were a nice combo and at the end of the session I finally got something worth sharing. I ended the video with a stock scene from a tibetan bowl player because it looked interesting and it had this relaxing vibe. This morning I patched up the Spectraphon to make bowls, so the stock video makes sense. It sounded very nice! So here's how one idea leads to another and adds up to your knowledge and experience. It's something you can't really learn from a book, you just need to let it happen and learn as you go. So it's noise and chaos from both Mimeophon and Spectraphon, and definitely in the patching process :).

Without a goal and without expectations, because a modular will always take a different route. So always keep that recorder running...."

Street Noise | The Magic of Convolution (w. ECR+)

video upload by Cinematic Laboratory

"Being surrounded by noise all day long asks for special measures. So I recorded the noise and loaded it into ECR+ as a convolution 'reverb'. I used this week's harvested sounds to make something new.
The typical use of convolution is to capture the reverb response of a real space so it can be recreated later (e.g. a church, court or hall). But you can use any wavefile to make any (un)imaginable space. It's been great to jam with it."

Panharmonium | by Rossum Electro-Music

video upload by Cinematic Laboratory

"Spectral processors are hot these days thanks to the Spectraphon and the mighty 296T. It's easy to skip the Rossum Panharmonium and I got many questions like 'how does it compare...' So I checked a few Chris Meyers Learning Modular videos and many I don't remember. What I heard was pure magic. It's been quite an investment again, especially with the Morpheus.

This is a 'first patch' video so there's not much explaining and too much exploring. I simply don't have the time for a deep dive during #jamuary2024 but it's a perfect opportunity to share the experience of learning by tweaking knobs. I started recording/shooting around noon today, and I am happy I can post it before midnight so it's a genuine Day 23. I may have to shoot something simple tomorrow. Or maybe I'll do the dreaded Strega multi sample that will break reality in two."

You were not supposed to see this | Multi Sample DPO (from 2034)

video upload by Cinematic Laboratory

"When I made the Deckard's Dreams video yesterday [below], I tried to multi-sample a Shared System patch. I thought it would be cool to sample a big duophonic patch with movement an effects - and sample a range of C2 to C6 into bitbox so I could play it like this huge machine of countless Shared Systems.

I am going to try Strega too one day. It felt like magic, almost like patching on 'forbidden ground'. Then I tought it would be cool to use a bit of click-bait and imagine myself in 2034 when I'd have 1M likers and 1.1M haters while collecting forbidden MakeNoise gear on the Black market. I realize it may be too farfetched for some of you, but this is real. It's a private video and you are not supposed to see it anyway."

Deckard's Dreams | BitBox Multi-Sampling & Deckard's Voice

video upload by Cinematic Laboratory

"BitBox MK2 (and the Micro) offer support for 'multi-sampling'. It's an easy automated process where BitBox will send pitch CV and a gate to sample a range of notes and lay them out on the keyboard. So with this simple trick, you could turn any VCO into a polyphonic velocity sensitive patch. In this case, it helps me to turn Deckard's Voice (mono) into a (static) CS-80 patch which still can be filtered, enveloped, etc. But it's also possible to play the VCO while sampling, so you'd get a rich pad with lots of movement. It's the first time I used this technique and it will not be the last."

Incus Iteritas Alia | An anvil for your modular

video upload by Cinematic Laboratory

"They did it again. Incus is a new firmware for the Alia platform, which will also be availabe as a dedicated module. The Ataraxic and Cursus can also be installed as new firmwares. However, Incus is something special. It starts where the Basimilus stops, so they complement each other very well. Major differences are in the envelopes, FM engine and creative modulation of something that sounds like an LFO. It will make you kick, hit, strike, rise and fall like never before! Check out POB's walkthrough for detailed information.
Highly recommended as the default firmware if you already own an Alia.
#jamuary2024 Day 19."

Country Life | AtoV #Gaeto, After Later Audio #Atom - #jamuary2024 Day 15

video upload by Cinematic Laboratory

"It's the dreaded day 15 and we're almost half way on this creative journey where nothing is planned and tomorrow is uncertain. But today turned out a really good day.

I wrote a Teletype script two years ago, that was able to extract gate patterns from any CV source. Higher CV would lead to more percussive events.
But I don't see much people writing code for the modular.

So I was hoping that AtoV Gaeto would do the same, but the implementation is a bit different. It expects a shape between 0 and 1 V which is way less than regular utilities will provide, so you'd need to attenuate the hell out of your CV. It also offers some cool gate logic which can be useful for both trigger patterns as square/pulse waves. I've been a bit disappointed because I was hoping it would work like my script. But it's a cool module on its own. I made a few beats, but then realized I was missing something meloduc. I tried ALA Atom again, which is supposed to be an NI Elements clone, but no. It's an ATOM. And it's a bit different. But in the best way possible. I am just using gates to play it, and manual tweaking to make chords."

I hear a Witch | MakeNoise Strega, Mellotron, Phonogene, Versio - #jamuary2024 Day 14

video upload by Cinematic Laboratory

"I revisited my Black Easel case from the first week, but the fun thing about a modular is that you can use it in infinite ways. There's this statement about music that every note, riff or chord progression is already done, so mathematically it's impossible to make something new. It's a frustrating, demotivating and silly idea because it's not true. Sunday is a perfect day to do some witchcraft, shoot zombies and learn something new."

Perfection is a road full of litter

video upload by Cinematic Laboratory

"I had high hopes when I started this jam yesterday. Unfortunately nothing went according to plan. Or could I say fortunately? It's unwise to try something complicated when there's no time to do it. But it's also a great way to learn from it, to make the necessary decisions and finish it. I never cared much about perfection, therefore my modules get dusty and sometimes I don't even screw them in place. There's no perfect modular layout, no perfect patch, no perfect workflow or workplace. There's no perfect music (except maybe J. Cage's 4'33). In a way, this is a video that didn't work out and I usually would not post it. But during #Jamuary2024, it's all about videos like this. I'll be doing something simple tomorrow. After that, I have no idea. I think I'll make a video to document that process. There are tons of new ideas out there. I just need to find them."

Doing Nothing

video upload by Cinematic Laboratory

"Today I have a day off and I am not doing anything. This is what doing nothing sounds like. #jamuary2024 Day 10."

With the Soma Terra, Soma Enner, Soma Cosmos, & BB-8.

Mimeophon QPAS Feedback Patch

video upload by Cinematic Laboratory

"Here's a second feedback patch. This time, I am using an endless loop between QPAS and Mimeophon, with lead sounds from Spectraphon. I was expecting a lot, but I used too much VCA's and couldn't really find a good sweetspot. But then I only used QPAS and Mimeophon, both modulated by the WoggleBug... Please note I recorded the Just QPAS+Mimeophon a few hours ago. The first patch was recorded yesterday evening. I glued it together.
#jamuary2024 Day 09"

The TERRIFYING sound of Mathematics

video upload by Cinematic Laboratory

"Did you ever hear of eurorack modules that aren't supposed to make any sound, but possess a hidden power to summon demons, tear up space and time and cause musical wormholes? Find out the terrifying truth behind the Behringer Abacus, which was cloned by MakeNoise and currently known as Maths. We have solid evidence that Tony Rolando travelled back in time, all the way to the 1960's to inspire Don Buchla, and to make sure his clone entered common history long before Behringer could release it in 2023. But this is now how we remember it, which also proves we're living in a scary simulation.

And this one is called YouTube. For Day 08 of #jamuary2024, I am using Maths as my only sound source. Yes. Sound. People who are new to modular may be shocked. And it's great for drones and haunting soundtracks. Forgive me for having a bit of 'backstory' fun to decorate a mediocre musical performance. Jamuary isn't supposed to be perfect, but having fun is very important. Have a great Monday!"

Mellow Sunday | Mellotron Micro + Soma Cosmos

video upload by Cinematic Laboratory

"I recorded four jams today. Four. This one was the best, so I'll post this one. So now I have a few 'backups' which makes it easier to relax when there's a 'writers block' day. #jamuary2024 is not limited to modulars so today I decided to use one of my favorite creative combo's, the vintage Mellotron and the 21st century Soma Cosmos. I am using the R1.5 'rhythmic firmware' which is basically a looper. It has 7 modes with different timings and pitch shifts. There are three additional modes with delay, verb and grains from the original firmware. There are two versions, one with drive, and one with drive remapped to pitch shift. I always want to bring an orchestra to a gig, but leave the VST laptop at home. Mellotron is a perfect machine to add polyphonic samples while keeping the 1960's vibe and it's great to process with a modular synth. Happy Sunday!"

FarCoast | 0-Coast, 0-Ctrl, Strega

video upload by Cinematic Laboratory

"I did a drum patch yesterday and right after posting I recorded a jam I liked very much. So even though I am using the same modules as the day before, this patch is completely different, mainly because 0-coast is the main voice. It's a simple patch, designed to stack itself up by using delay and short loops. Using a scale creates the illusion of polyphony even though 0-coast is mono. Using Strega as a support voice doesn't create polyphony or duophony, but a multi-timbral mono patch. Telharmonic is making creative noise effects. Using a quantiser like the O_C is crucial for offering the freedom to tweak 0-Ctrl's pitch lanes so whatever you tweak will come out as a 'proper' note. While it may be interesting to go 'unquantized because it's designed that way', I don't believe a module dictates how you should use it. The only rules that apply are your own.
#jamuary2024 Day 04."

MakeDrums | Telharmonic, LXD and Strega

video upload by Cinematic Laboratory

"There's a reason why MakeNoise doesn't have a dedicated drum module. They'll always encourage you to make your own noise. Telharmonic used to be the only module with a dedicated noise output, but it's discontinued. Fortunately the new Spectraphon firmware makes up for that loss. Strega's delay can also make a mighty rumble, but it needs to be shaped by an envelope to qualify as a percussive strike. If you have a 0-coast nearby, you can use the external input to do this.

I am using the LxD for this because it's a true vactrol based LPG. It's not discontinued (yet), but it's almost impossible to get. It used to sell around $100, but people dare to ask $300 for it now. You can still get the $200 Optomix so there's no need to pay that kind of cash. With the risk of repeating myself: get one before it's too late. If you don't have a LPG, you have too much VCA's. I am using an aftermarket LxD faceplate from a company that went out of business due to the cancel culture. There's a Christianity fish symbol on the back and the Community did not appreciate evangelism through faceplates. In the end, it's just a beautiful black LxD faceplate and it's taming my Witch. May the Lord open.

I am also getting a bit of help from my highly appreciated pair of Phonogenes. The black and gold used to be part of the shared system, but many people sold it when the Morphagene came - which is superior in every way except one. I'll explain tomorrow."

Desmodus Feedback Patch with Roucha, Imitor and Melotus

video upload by Cinematic Laboratory

"#jamuary2024 is upon us again. I am not sure if I have the time to commit to yet another 31 video marathon, but day 1 and day 2 are covered. So here's Day 02!
I'd be experimenting anyway, and maybe every day offers something worth sharing. Today I'll run Desmodus Versio in self oscillation. One of the outputs is multed to an effects chain and then returns to its inputs. It can easily become noisy and messy, so I always recommend having a filter in the chain so the feedback becomes a voice you can 'control'. Roucha Legio firmware offers a multimode filter with some really nasty resonance. So when feedback becomes bad, why not use a bit of wavefolding and make it worse?"

296T mixed outputs and Selective FM | Buchla/Tiptop 200T Series | Episode 8

video upload by Cinematic Laboratory

"I had a second long session with the 296T after my first patch video. This video tries to justify why the 296T could be worth the big footprint so it can be more than 'just a big equalizer'. This always depends on the type of music you'd like to make on a modular, and for many, a multimode filter would be more than enough. The 296T is like a surgical audio tool, doubling as an EQ or filter. In this video, I'll use the brutal Manis Iteritas as a source and use both the attennuated & program outputs to sculpt something new from it. It's a very rich voice with artifacts and noise because of the 6-operator sawtooth algorithms and it does not have many sweetspots outside it's heavy industry character. The 296T is an ideal tool to help you tame it for different applications and sounds, even ambient.
Also, there's true magic in the technique of 'selective FM', where you can use indivdual band outputs to 'FM' your VCO. It's a trick I've learned with the MakeNoise FxDf fixed filter. The 296T can take it to another level.

I wish you a great New Years Eve and I am looking forward seeing you in 2024. Happy patching!"

Strega RainForest

video upload by Cinematic Laboratory

"I am preparing a 40 minute gig for January 2024, which is going to be a bit like a live album also composed live. During the sessions I had a happy accident with Strega. I got this amazing 'rainforest' stacked with tropical birds (with some help from Imitor Versio and Desmodus). So in this video you'll get a sneak peak. I had no idea where it came from and the original session wasn't exactly filmed to explain things. But I figured it out. So the second part is about recreating the patch. I think creating organic life out of a VCO and a crappy delay definitely qualifies as alchemy. Or witchcraft. Today, Strega is a good witch."

Tesseract Tukra | Survival Guide

video upload by Cinematic Laboratory

"This is one of the toughest videos I've made so far. Just imagine a module that has 80 buttons which are all menu items, and many of these buttons have secondary functions. Many of them open one or more pages. It's huge. I noticed that reference videos don't really work, because there's no reference. It's just one big tablet of hieroglyphs. So I tried a different approach for this 'survival guide'. Since this is a production value channel, I focused on what a competitive high end drum sequencer should be capable of - and how it's done on Tukra. While I was diving into these fundamental tasks, I discovered one of the best sequencers out there, only to realize that I was only scratching it's enigmatic surface. Welcome to episode 1!"