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"

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

Introduction to looping & granular synthesis - With ADDAC112 VC looper & granular processor

video upload by Monotrail Tech Talk

"Today we are going to get started with looping and granular synthesis, using the ADDAC system 112 VC looper and granular processor. An extensive module with lots of hands on and CV control over it’s looper and granular section. The possibility to record and store loops, and using those to build granular textures make it a bit of a workstation for granular processing, with an interesting approach.

In this video I quickly explain the concept of recording loops and using those to create grains. But mainly we go over most of the functions and features of this brand new module. I’d like to make a video with more patch ideas and sound demos in the future, so let me know if you have specific wishes!

This video is sponsored by ADDAC system, but manufacturers have no saying over the content of my videos. All opinions and thought expressed are my own. https://www.addacsystem.com

Timetable:
01:13 – Looping & Granular
02:49 – ADDAC112 overview
03:31 – Mixer
04:41 – Looper
07:14 – Looper patches
09:10 – Granular
12:07 – Deviation
13:33 – Granular patches
17:44 – Menu & screen

If you want to support my project:
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/monotrail
Bandcamp: https://monotrail.bandcamp.com"

Additional ADDAC 112 posts

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 »

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."

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"

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"

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"

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

Top 10 eurorack modules Superbooth 22 – (A personal selection by Monotrail)

video upload by Monotrail Tech Talk

"Superbooth 22 is over, and this time I was finally able to hang around, meet some people, and see some new modules! I thought I’d make a little compilation with 10 modules that stood out to me. Among others a collaboration between Endorphin.es and Andrew Huang, the Xaoc devices Sophia, Verbos Electronics polyphonic envelope, and a project that involves Yann Tiersen. In this video I just explain why the modules stood out to me.

Timetable:
00:00 – Intro
00:28 – Endorphine.es / Andrew Huang - Ghost,
01:41 – Neuzeit Instruments - Quasar
03:12 – Knobula - Kickhain
04:44 – AtoV project - Dual Harmonic Oscillator
06:05 – Xaoc Devices – Sophia
06:59 – Bastl Instruments - Pizza
08:20 – Verbos Electronics – Polyphonic Envelope
09:35 – Instruo - Larachd
10:49 – Erica Synths / Moritz Klein – Edu series
11:40 – Eowave / Touellskouarn / Yann Tiersen - Ostilh "

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"

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

The power of a dual low pass gate (LPG) in a performance case - With Make Noise LxD

video upload by Monotrail Tech Talk

"Today we dive into the Low Pass Gate. It’s a powerful compact module, especially in live performances. Gates can be used to create simple modular voices, tame drones, create percussion, control frequencies and amplitude of samples and sounds, and even as a VCA for control voltages.

In this video I’ll go over the functions and features of the Make Noise LxD, which is the gate I use in the audio demos. And then we’ll dive into a series of patches and tips to make the most out of Gates!

Timetable:
00:00 – Intro
01:01 – Make Noise LxD
02:07 – Voices
05:18 – Percussion
08:57 – Amplitude & frequency
10:54 – VCA"

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

Unique VCA that’s also a wave shaper, overdrive, and filter - With AtoV project cDVCA

video upload by Monotrail Tech Talk

"The brand new AtoV project cDVCA is a module inspired by class D amplification. It can be used as a regular VCA, but the clever design makes it also suitable as oscillator, synth voice, wave shaper, overdrive, distortion, and simple filter. In short, it’s a VCA that’s actually a complex sounds design tool!

In this video I explain how the module is operated. But I mostly focus on a series of patches and audio demos using the cDVCA as synth voice, sound design tool, and audio processor.

Timetable:
00:00 – Intro & sounds
01:25 – cDVCA Overview
04:51 – Synth voice
11:27 – Sound design tool
16:49 – Audio processor"

Multimode Vactrol Filter & VCA with a wide sonic range + Pinging - Teia OptoCore

video upload by Monotrail Tech Talk

"The Teia Synthesizers OptoCore combines a vactrol multimode filter, with a vactrol VCA. Both circuits run in parallel, and you can manually crossfade between the two. The separate controls for drive, resonance and feedback add to the sonic range of the module. In this video I go over the functions and features of the OptoCore in detail, show a series of patches to give you an idea of the sonic range, and finally spend some time pinging the filter for percussive sounds!"

Additional Teia OptoCore posts.

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

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."

Erica Synths Introduces BLACK RING XFADE Eurorack Module

video by Monotrail Tech Talk

"Today we go in-depth with the brand new Erica Synths Black Ring-Fade, a eurorack module with two ring modulators, build in crossfader, and VCA. Both the ring modulators as well as the crossfader can be used as independent modules, but the internal routing makes it very suitable for advanced creative sound shaping.

In the video we start with an overview of the Black Ring-Fade, and then we dive into a series of patches in three sections. We look at ring modulation patches, crossfader patches, and finally a few patches utilizing all sections of the Ring-Fade.

Timetable:
00:00 – Intro
00:41 – Black Ring-Fade
03:29 – Ring modulation
07:41 – Crossfading
09:23 – Combined patches"

The Erica Synths Black Ring-Xfade is an extremely versatile module for sound shaping. It consists of two unconventional ringmodulators/waveshapers, a crossfader that works both for audio and CV and a VCA. Unlike conventional ringmodulator that works only with a signal present on both signal and carrier inputs, the Black Ring-Xfade passes through the signal without alteration, if no carrier is present, but low level signals on the carrier input result in unique waveshaping. Add the crossfader between two ringmodulators (or for an external signals) topped up with the VCA, and you have an amplitude modulation powerplant for your modular system.

FEATURES:
Dual ringmodulaotr/waveshaper
Carrier level adjustment
Voltage controlled crossfader
Manual and CV control over crossfade
Selectable AC (audio) or DC (control voltage) coupling
VCA with selectable bias

RRP: 150 EUR (VAT excl.)
MAP USA: 189 USD"