Erbe-Verb B&G | Shared System 'X' | Episode 03 | Back in Black

video upload by Cinematic Laboratory

"Yeah. I made episode 03 before I was able to finish episode 02 so I decided to post them both. There's no need on this channel to manage posts to maximize views, I just want you to be able to find information when you need it and I just LOVE to make content like this. I made a lot of videos about the EV in the past and it's covered in the old Shared System tutorials (link in video). In this video, I am going to try something new.

In this episode, I'll only use Erbe-Verb and DXG in a feedback loop. So no fancy 7U case layout this time, I made this video to find out if it can still be relevant in 2024. Since I am totally biased, you'll need to decide for yourself. Honestly, if you need a regular reverb, maybe a stereo module would serve you better.

Erbe-Verb is going for a limited rerun in black and gold, so this also means it's getting old and possibly moving to retirement. Without speculating too much, it's possible that MakeNoise is working on a successor now they have this amazing new ARM DSP board. But again, I have no idea. What we DO know is, that Erbe-Verb is widely considered as one of the best reverbs in eurorack, even though it's not the best reverb as a reverb. Que? It excels in creative use and abuse. It will never get old and whatever comes next, it will pair well with the EV (it pairs really well with a Mimeophon, StarLab, Sealegs or Desmodus Versio).

Apart from the sound design fun, Erbe-Verb plays a big role in the Shared System signature sound. While it's partly overshadowed by the more recent Mimeophon, the Mime's 'halo' only adds a little space. It's nothing compared to the 'icy sheet metal in deep space' sound from the EV, which can easily double as a classic spring- or plate reverb when 'absorb' and 'tilt' are used to tame the high end. I've never been a fan of the predelay, but it can do amazing things with modulation and gates/triggers.

The Erbe-Verb is 'mono IN' so it needs to be used as a send/return with a stereo voice like XPO or Spectraphon. Here's where a ModDemix comes in handy. You can use CH1 and CH2 to pass on your stereo mix to let's say an X-PAN, and use the Sum out to EV. Then you can patch the EV's stereo out to X-PAN's aux inputs. It's a lot of patching and modules for a verb, but it provides a lot of freedom."

Dual #XPO | Shared System 'X' | Episode 02 | 259 is here again

video upload by Cinematic Laboratory

"This series is about getting creative within the confinement of the 7U case with black and gold modules which are available in retail. The goal is to build something like the original Shared System B&G where the collection and order of modules deliver a logical and intuitive synthesizer ecosystem.

The heart and soul of the original Shared is the DPO, which is a dual complex VCO, inspired by the Buchla 259 from the '70's. There's 'two five nine was here' printed on the circuitboard. While the DPO is still available, it's only available in silver, and it may not be restocked in the EU because it has a vactrol to strike the wavefolder. Without speculating too much, DPO will either leave the stage, or return as a 'green' revision borrowing a DXG strike. Who knows.

Even though I love Spectraphon, which also has a '259 inspired' design, it doesn't sound like an analog DPO. It doesn't have the raw sound of fresh timber. I've been experimenting with dual XPO's for a while now (there's a link to my XPO vs DPO video) and I've 'discovered' that adding a moddemix as a bus really approximates it, but can also go beyond any complex VCO I've heard. The output count is outrageous, and having the 'FM/MOD bus' on the outside brings you very close to a Serge design. It takes a bit more patching, but it also delivers tons of fun.

I am aware this series is a bit like a buying guide mixed with a MakeNoise ad but I am not affiliated with MakeNoise except that I am a groupie. I make fan films. We all have our favorites and MN was my entry into modular. I am totally biased. But these layouts also work with other brands and they're shared for inspiration. It's not the brand, not the modules, it's the roles, order and interaction of modules that turn a patch blanket into an ecoystem."

Buchla LEM 218e V3 | With MakeNoise Strega, DXG and the Shared System B&G plus.

video upload by Cinematic Laboratory

"This is probably my first and last genuine banana Buchla 'module' because I really want to stick to Eurorack. But since I love Westcoast synthesis a lot, I think it's a must-have keyboard for anyone serious about MakeNoise, the Buchla/TTA 200T series and any brand that gets inspired by Don Buchla designs (e.g. Frap, Verbos, Serge eurorack). I tried so many keys, controllers, pads, etc, but most of them require MIDI to CV and most of them are designed for polyphonic MIDI with a few extra CV outs. The LEM218e is the orginal keyboard for the Buchla Easel from 1973. It may not be perfect, but it's perfect for the music I love most."

Aurelia | Kaitlyn's Easel Patch on the MakeNoise Shared System

video upload by Cinematic Laboratory

"Nine years ago (time flies) Kaitlyn Aurelia Smith posted one of the most inspiring Buchla patches ever created [links below], puzzling and inspiring the Buchla community from all over the world. Maybe this is the fist video that brings the recipe to Eurorack and the Shared System is a great system to try and cook it. While Kaitlyn's patch is haute cuisine, this is a bit closer to fast food thanks to Rene V2. It's not exactly an Easel keyboard, but a patch like this makes you realize how powerful it really is once you get your head around it. It can turn any CV source into an arpeggio. I am using Brains to sequence good ol' Pressure Points, but since Rene is doing all the heavy lifting, you'll have plenty of time to add some personal expression."

Kaitlyn Aurelia Smith Buchla Music Easel

Kaitlyn's Elegant Patch by Todd Barton

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."

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."

Drone Music | Maths + Morphagene + DPO = Motor Synth

video upload by Cinematic Laboratory

"I saw the Gamechanger Audio Motor Synth MK II on the Erica booth at Dutch Modular Fest and I was intrigued by the sound and the mechanics of eight precision drone engines. Unfortunately I can't justify a purchase due to price and my focus on Eurorack. But that sound... So I was inspired to try to make something similar with a clever envelope, a complex oscillator and a drone engine sample. I am using Maths, DPO and Morphagene, but any combo of an ADSR, growling VCO and sample player with pitch CV would work.

This video basically covers the fun of combining a VCO with a Sample and mult pitch to both of them. It will open up a weatlh of new sounds you've never heard before, but offer a new level of complexity and awe.

I guess you can see this as Shared System Tutorials episode 45 too. So the series goes on, but the thumbnails are no longer directly tied to the series."

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."

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"

Transition | MakeNoise XPO x XPO

video upload by Cinematic Laboratory

"The X typically marks the location of a treasure and often symbolizes a crossroad or transition, invoking many associations.
XPO is the latest addition to the MakeNoise stereo lineup and I unofficially name my case the Shared System X. It's roughly a Shared System, but with dual XPO's instead of the DPO, QPAS, Mimeophon and X-PAN."

Sound & Vision (Walker & Tony)

video upload by Cinematic Laboratory

"I revisited the conversation between Walker and Tony from MakeNoise and really enjoyed Walker trying to recreate one of the album patches for their 'Tales of two Systems' endeavour [posted here and here]. Whatever they do, it never sounds the same to me. His patch involved two alternating sequences, but the Shared System doesn't have a sequential switch and a basic Rene sequence can have 16 notes. His vision has 2x16 x2 playing after each other. So he had to use clock divisions from Tempi, sequence Rene state changes and clock automated Morphagene dubbing. It's a super interesting concept, but Walker clearly showed it's not an easy patch to direct/orchestrate/arrange. I tried this concept on the Westlicht Performer with Noise Engineering VCO's and the Morphagene. And I had a great time with it."

Studio Tour | Episode 06 | From Analog to Digital and back | 32 bit update

video upload by Cinematic Laboratory

"Sometimes it happens. When I posted this episode a few days ago, Peter Paper commented that 32 bit recordings don't suffer from clipping, distortion and don't need a limiter. I wish that was true, and it turns out it IS! However, many people are still puzzled by it. It only applies to 32 bit analog to digital converters. If your 24 bit converter or analog source clips, there's nothing you can do about it. But 32 bit converters don't have a 0 dB digital brick wall. They just give you all the headroom you'll ever need, up to a range of 1500 dB (210 dB is the loudest possible sound on Earth and it will destroy a city).

I just can't write things that are not true on my channel while knowing about it. So I had to take the old version down and revisit the subject. 32 bit converters are hard to find, but it turned out my little Korg DSD recorder (from Episode 05) can also record 44.1K/32 bit float. So I could test it, and share it with you! The results are amazing. Indeed, it is true! So DSD is a cool 'nerd' feature, but I'll stick to PCM.

Spoiler:
In the blind A/B compare, A is the original 44.1/16 file, and B is the upscaled 768/24 bit version from the Chord Hugo TT2, analog XLR output and re-recorded with the Neve Master Buss Converter in 96K/24. There is a subtle difference in depth, placement, high-end and timing, but I doubt if you can hear it. The purpose of this set is to prepare a digital file for an analog audio chain, but I was wondering if the AD/DA conversion would already make a difference. Considering the price difference, I'd say no. Save your money for a Shared System - but maybe get that little Korg when you love to play loud.

00:00 Introduction
01:27 Analog overload vs digital clipping
02:48 Ruining a recording
03:28 Rupert Neve Designs Master Buss Converter - the Limiter.
04:32 32 bit analog to digital conversion
05:53 Thoughts about DSD
06:38 44.1K vs 768K re-record, blind A/B compare.
09:15 New studio progress update"

Shared System Tutorials | Episode 40 | Morphagene loops & splices | With Teenage Engineering PO-32

video upload by Cinematic Laboratory

"In this episode I am going to use a 'cheap' drum source (but good!!!) to mash and splice up a simple drum loop into a retro-futuristic jam of beats and glitch. I've been using the Teenage Engineering PO-32 as the only sound source. It's a shared system tutorial, but it's mainly about the #Morphagene so I've been using the Tape & Microsound Music Machine layout to revisit some old school clocking techniques. This series could also be of some help if you only own a Morphagene and haven't been able to figure it out. Have fun!"

Empress ZOIA Euroburo | First Patch | feat. the MakeNoise Shared System

video upload by Cinematic Laboratory

"No it's not a competition. I was wondering if ZOIA would be able to 'do' a bit of DPO, Tempi, Rene, Echophon, Erbe-Verb and Morphagene. I am not clever enough to make ZOIA do it all at once, but it's a fun way to cover the various aspects of this amazing eurorack module."

Cloud Busting (The Ritual Mantra edition) meets Melotus Versio

video upload by Cinematic Laboratory

"I am currently reorganizing my cases to prepare for a new series of videos and now lots of modules are in a messy pile or in boxes. I so wish the Shared System cases were back in stock! Empress ZOIA euroburo will be added next week and I still have a backlog of lots of stuff I need to do. So this is a bit like a 'break' video while I am reorganizing, recording, learning and experimenting. So stay tuned and please enjoy this little intermezzo with the Cloud Busting Jewel Case from Error Instruments and the awesome Melotus Versio."

MakeNoise Mult | A Cheap & Small Superpower

video upload by Cinematic Laboratory

"It started off as a joke for #Jamuary2022 DAY 31. I thought it would be fun to use the most boring module I could find before the LabRats took over the video with a Punk Rock performance. I got some comments of people 'regretting' the Mult video was lost. Then I realized that nobody ever made a video about that Mult. I never gave it any consideration because the Shared System has this huge CV Bus in the middle. It's kind of taken for granted. But mults (any mult) are superpowers. If you don't have a mult in your case, it's hard to reach its full potential. You can use stackable cables, but that will only lead to cable clutter. The Mult is a cheap, boring and small module, but it's an underestimated superpower. So this video is not a joke. It may even surprise you! Cheers!"

Shared System Tutorials | Episode 39 | Patching a Drum Machine

video upload by Cinematic Laboratory

"I uploaded this one as episode 40 yesterday, but I am not there yet. It's episode 39. In this episode I'll revisit a few techniques from previous episodes to create drum sounds. You can use the double sinewaves from DPO and the Optomix LPG to create all kinds of kicks and toms, but you'd need noise & FM to create hats, bells and snares. You'd need to make your own noise (or add a Telharmonic). Since the Shared System is basically a two voice mono synth, you can use Morphagene to create layers and build an alien drum machine. A dedicated module is much easier, but synthesizing your own has its charms too!"

MakeNoise MEGA Patch | Episode 01 | Introduction

video upload by Cinematic Laboratory

"Last week the idea popped in that I've never tried to patch all my MakeNoise gear in one big set. It took me a few days to set it up, because these cases aren't permanent (except for the Shared). Obviously it's impossible to learn/try everything in one video so I'll be working on a series for as long as it will lead to interesting results. If you have any ideas, let me know in the comments and maybe I'll give them a try! I have to admit having no limitations is much harder than patching up a Shared System. This was super fun to do and I hope you'll like it too!"

Cinematic Laboratory MakeNoise Mega Patch Episodes

Make Noise! | Shared System | Tape & Microsound | Strega | Phonogene

video upload by Cinematic Laboratory

"A live jam with my MakeNoise cases. I need to practice a lot. Also wanted to experiment with filming in one take without cuts and still keeping the visual aspect interesting."