Patch Notes #18 - Reaktor Blocks w/ DU-SEQ & Make Noise 0-Coast

Published on Sep 4, 2016 Voltage Control Lab

"Patch Notes #18 goes Techno, using user created modules in Reaktor Blocks to sequence and randomize drum triggers and notes through the Traktor Audio 10 to a Eurorack system.

Reaktor is running a couple of downloaded modules from the Reaktor User Library, including the Maschine Sequencer Block (an altered version of it, built to operate with the Traktor F1 controller) and the Turing Machine 1.0. These are both clocked by an internal clock module. The first 4 channels on the Maschine Sequencer are routed to a Gates & Trigs module, where the gates are converted to triggers, and then out to physical outputs 3-6 on the Audio 10.

The F1 acts as an 8 channel 16 step sequencer (only using 4 channels) with Euclidean Rhythm generating functions assigned to 3 of the knobs on one control page. The 4th knob is assigned to control the swing amount of the clock module. On the second page, the knobs are assigned to control the Turing Machine functions, so randomized sequences can be looped and lengthened.

The first channel is routed to the Scooper kick drum, the 4th to the Scooper hihat (as seen in our Roland Aira Modular Drum Machine video). The 3rd channel is routed to the Noise Engineering Basimilus Iteritas for snare-ish business, and the 4th is clock the DU-SEQ sequencer, which is sending CV and Gate to the Make Noise 0-Coast.

The Turing Machine in Blocks is routed directly out into the pitch input of the MIDI Out module. The randomized sequence is converted to MIDI notes, and sent through Mutable Instruments Yarns and then out via CV and Gate to the Make Noise DPO, and the Intellijel Dual ADSR. The DPO Final output is routed to the Optomix, which is being opened and closed by the Dual ADSR.

The Ornament & Crime is in Quadraturia mode, generating 3 LFOs. Two of these are routed to the morph and fold functions on the BI, another routed to the Shape function on the DPO. The Korg SQ-1 is in random mode, altering the hihat decay length.

The DU-SEQ is playing a complex pattern with 2 steps assigned to external gate 1, rather than the clocked signal from Blocks. The clock out is routed to the Malekko Varigate 4. Channel 1 on the Varigate is routed to the external gate 1 on the DU-SEQ, with an 8 step sequence (acting like a clock) and randomized repeats for interesting gating on that channel. Another channel is clocking the 0-Coast tempo in, with a third Varigate channel triggering the slope section (which is modulating the multiply amount). The stepped random section is routed to the voltage math section, then split and on to contour decay and overtone amount.

https://www.voltagecontrollab.com/"

Patch Notes #13 - 0-Coast FM

Published on Aug 14, 2016 Voltage Control Lab

"Patch Notes #13 using the Make Noise 0-Coast and it's internal Slope section as an FM synthesis source. Full patch notes in the description!

The drone is coming from the Make Noise DPO final output, which is routed through the MMG and to the Optomix, then to the Malekko Mix4. The wave shape from the drone can be seen on the oscilloscope.

The Make Noise Wogglebug stepped random and smooth random outputs are routed through channels 2 and 3 on Maths respectively, and then each routed to the 1V/Oct inputs on each channel of the DPO.

Three channels from one half of the Malekko ADLFO (in Loop x10 mode) are routed to different modulation functions on the DPO, one to the FM Bus Index, another to the Mod Bus Index, and one to the Shape input. The final output from the set of 3 ADLFO channels is routed to the Angle control input. The Sum output on Maths is routed to control the Optomix, summing the slowly cycling channels 1 and 4.

Tempi is clocking everything, including the Ornament & Crime in Piqued mode, generating Euclidean rhythms sequencing the not so audible kick and snare patterns in the Roland Scooper and Noise Engineering Basimilus Iteritas. The BI is modulated by 3 channels on Pressure Points, also clocked through Brains by Tempi. The drums route through the Scooper and through an internal LP filter, and then back to the Mix4.

Tempi is also running the Malekko Varigate 4, which is sending a repeat randomized and 40-60% note probability for each of 8 steps in the sequence, to th X-clock input on the Make Noise René. The Wogglebug burst output is clocking the Y-clock input, and a looping channel on the Dual ADSR from Intellijel is modulating the Y-CV input. This makes for a hectic 16 step sequence modulating the pitch on Mutable Braids. Of course, Braids is in Meta mode, modulated by the Wogglebug bouncing output. Timbre and Color controls are being modulated by the Malekko Anti-Oscillator and the Sputnik Oscillator respectively.

Braids is routed out to Mutable Ripples, and out from the LP4/VCA output to the Mix4. The DPO modulation oscillator saw output is routed to control the filter cutoff on Ripples, while the audio rate bouncing out from the Wogglebug is modulating the FM input. The VCA is being opened by the leftover channel on the Dual ADSR, which is being clocked by another channel on the Varigate.

The Varigate channel is set to one step, with a note probability of about 50% and repeat random setting of about 50% as well.This setup is creating the glitchy, crunchy percussive noises.

Finally the O-Coast is driven by a 15 step sequence from the Korg SQ1 clocked by Tempi. The SQ1 B channel out is being used to modulate the Overtone function on the 0-Coast. The Slope section output is routed to the Malekko Dual Borg in VCA mode modulated by Envelator (which is triggered by the SQ1 B gate output) and routed back to the FM input on 0-Coast oscillator. The Dual ADSR inverted output it patched to modulate the Slope time. Finally, the stepped random output on the 0-Coast is controlling the Contour decay time.

Everything routed back to the Mix4, and on through Mutable Warps pingpong delay from the Parasites alt firmware (still need some outboard reverb!) with a bit of hand controlled modulation of the delay time and feedback.

https://www.voltagecontrollab.com/"

Patch Notes #20 - Electronic Drum Pads w/ 0-Coast & DU-SEQ

Published on Sep 22, 2016 Voltage Control Lab

"Putting this 16 year old homemade electronic drum pad to work with the DU-SEQ, the Make Noise 0-Coast and the rest of the eurorack system to generate some weird stuff for Patch Notes #20.

The DIY electronic drum pad is patched via RCA to 1/8" cable to the tempo in on the 0-Coast. The clock out is patched to the clock in on the DU-SEQ, which has it's pitch and gate patched back to the 0-Coast. In this configuration, the drum pad is clocking the 0-Coast and the DU-SEQ. The stepped random out on the 0-Coast is multed to the overtone CV input and the slope section time control. The multiply section is modulated by channel 2 on the Ornament & Crime in quadraturia mode. The slope output is routed back the FM input on the oscillator.

The 0-Coast is routed out through the Vintage Synth Lab VCF-74 with boost enabled for some warmth, then on the the Mutable Instruments Warps ping pong delay in the Parasites firmware, which is modulating the delay time with the internal LFO, and then out to the Malekko Mix 4.

The DU-SEQ is in CV address mode which acts like a sample & hold circuit, more on this in a coming video. The stage address is being modulated by a cycling channel on Maths. Maths' both input is in turn being modulated by one of the fluctuating random voltage outputs on the Sputnik Modular West Coast Random Source. One channel on the Malekko Varigate 4 is randomly gating the Ext gate input 1 on the DU-SEQ as well, which is assigned to one of the 8 steps in the sequence. Any time the step is played, the random gate sequence coming from the Varigate is heard until the sequence steps to another note.

The Korg SQ-1 is playing back the bass part on the Noise Engineering Basimilus Iteritas, with the morph control modulated by another channel on the Ornament & Crime. The output is routed to the Mix 4.

Braids is droning around, with the pitch modulated by the Make Noise Wogglebug, and the timbre and color modulated by the leftover 2 LFOs on the Ornament & Crime. The output is multed through a buffered mult, and then routed to an input on the Sputnik Modular 4tap Delay as well as one of the crossfader inputs on the 4tap (so we can mix the clean and delayed signals). One of the 1/3 outputs on the delay is routed to the other input on the crossfader, with the second output sent to the Malekko Dual Borg filter in high pass mode, then back to another input on the delay creating a filtered feedback loop. The filter cutoff is being modulated by the cycling Malekko Envelator, while the West Coast Random Source fluctuating random voltage is modulating the delay time. Out from the delay to the Mix 4 with the rest and out.

Warning: Tweaking your modular should be done without drumsticks in hand.

https://www.voltagecontrollab.com/"

Patch Notes #15 - 0-Coast Noise Explorations

Published on Aug 21, 2016 Voltage Control Lab

"Patch Notes #15 examines using the stepped random voltage source on the Make Noise 0-Coast as a noise generator, along with other Eurorack based accompaniment.

The Korg SQ1 sync output is routed to the Tempi input to clock everything else. The channel A CV and Gate are routed to the 0-Coast pitch and gate inputs, channel b CV is routed to control the decay input on the Contour section.

The cycling Slope section output is routed to the Tempo input, and the stepped random output is routed to the Voltage Math section input. The Contour output is routed to the Voltage Math input 2, attached to the attenuverter. One of the VM outputs is routed to the Balance section audio input, the other is routed to the Multiply CV input. Channel A from the Ornament & Crime in Quadraturia mode is routed into the Overtone input. The output is from the 0-Coast is routed to the Malekko Mix4, then on to the Mutable Warps (running Parasite firmware in pingpong delay mode).

Tempi is clocking and resetting the Malekko Varigate 4, which has an 8 step, heavily randomized pattern triggering the Noise Engineering Basilimus Iteritas. Tempi is also clocking the Make Noise Brains with Pressure Points (one channel of which is modulating the pitch on the BI) and the Wogglebug (the stepped, smooth and bouncing outputs are routed to the decay time, morph and fold functions on the BI). The Malekko Anti-Oscillator is in LFO mode, routing the mayhem output to the harm input on the BI, while the cycling Malekko Envelator is modulating the spread. The BI is then routed out to the Mix4.

Finally, Tempi is also clocking René, which is playing a slow 3 step pattern on the DPO. The Final output is routed to the MMG, then the Optomix and back to the Mix4. René X-Gate output is routed to the Intellijel Dual ADSR, one channel opening the Optomix, the other modulating the MMG filter cutoff.

https://www.voltagecontrollab.com/"

Patch Notes #12 - Make Noise 0-Coast Slope Section

Published on Aug 7, 2016 Voltage Control Lab

"Patch Notes for our examination of the Make Noise 0-Coast tabletop modular synthesizer and the Slope section. Patch notes in the description!

The 0-Coast is playing the bass tones, sequenced by the Korg SQ-1, which is synced to Tempi. The stepped random output is routed to the Contour section decay length, and one channel on the Malekko Varigate 4 is triggering the Slope section which is modulating the Multiply section. (This is not the same patch as demonstrated in the corresponding tutorial, but that's gonna happen sometimes.)

Ornament & Crime is being used in Quadraturia mode, receiving CV from the triangle wave output from the Malekko Anti-Osc modulating LFO frequency and the Sputnik Oscillator triangle wave modulating the coupling amount. Output A is routed to the Mod Bus index input on the DPO, channel B is routed to the Slope time on the 0-Coast while channel C is controlling the Overtone amount. The output from the 0-Coast is routed to the Malekko Mix4.

The lead sequence is coming from the QCV output on the Make Noise René in Snake mode (clocked from Tempi) into the DPO. The final output of the DPO is routed through the MMG then to the Optomix as the VCA/LPG. The René X-Gate output is routed Channel 4 on Maths, which is controlling the Optomix on this voice. From the Optomix output, the voice is routed to the Mix4.

The Wogglebug is also being clocked by Tempi, sending the stepped random output to the MMG filter cutoff and the smooth random output to the Shape input on the DPO.

Braids is in Meta mode, generating it's own short envelopes to create a glitchy, high frequency sequence. The pitch is modulated by channel 4 on the Ornament & Crime, Meta mode is modulated by the Mayhem output from the Malekko Anti-Osc, and the sequence is triggered by a channel on Tempi.

The Kick is from the Malekko Dual Borg, Snare is from the Noise Engineering Basilimus Iteritas, Hihat is coming from the noise generator in the Roland Scooper, all sequenced from the Varigate 4 and routed through the Scooper, then back to the Mix4 with everything else. Tempi is clocking Brains and Pressure Points, 2 channels of which are routed through the Doepfer A-151-2 sequential switch (itself triggered by another row of Pressure Points) and routed to an internal low pass filter on Scooper.

From the Mix4 to the Mutable Warps Parasite alt firmware delays (I really need a reverb module) and out.

https://www.voltagecontrollab.com/"

Patch Notes #22 - Eurorack Sequencer in Ornament & Crime

Published on Oct 5, 2016 Voltage Control Lab

"Patch Notes #22 explores the Quantermain mode in the polymorphic Ornament & Crime module, a 4 channel Eurorack pitch quantizer with 48 different scales and some amazing hidden features.

Ornament & Crime is in Quantermain mode, of course. Trigger3 and CV3 are receiving cv and clock out from the DU-SEQ, fitting the sequence into an Ionian scale and then out from channel C to the pitch input on the Noise Engineering Basimilus Iteritas. The clock for the sequencer as well as the pattern sequence for the BI are being controlled via Reaktor Blocks and the F1 controller seen in the distance.

The gate out on the DU-SEQ is routed to Mutable Instruments Braids trigger input. Channel D on the O&C is set to Turing Machine mode, instead of receiving pitch cv from another source. This mode randomizes a stepped series of cv voltages, and can freeze a certain number of steps and loop them. This mode is routed out from channel D to Braids. To enable some control over the randomization and looping, I routed a row on Make Noise Pressure Points to CV1 on the O&C and selected CV1 as the voltage source for the channel D Turing probability. A specific step on the PP is selected, so that corresponding knob can be used as a voltage offset, locking the random Turing sequence into a loop.

Braids is then routed out to the Vintage Synth Lab VCF-74, and on to the Mutable Instruments Warps running the Parasites alt firmware in delay mode. So beefy.

Another trigger sequence from Blocks is routed out of the Audio 10 DJ (NOT a DC coupled interface) to the Malekko ADLFO, which is controlling the noise hihat in the Roland Scooper. Yet another sequence is routed to the second channel on the ADLFO, with one envelope routed to the Scooper kick drum (see our Roland Aira Drum Machine tutorials) and a second envelope routed to the FM input on the Tiptop Audio Z-3000. The square wave out is routed to the Make Noise Optomix, which is also being modulated by an envelope on the ADLFO, and then down to the Malekko Mix 4 with the rest.

https://www.voltagecontrollab.com/"

Patch Notes #33 - For Mojo

Published on May 23, 2017 Voltage Control Lab

"Yesterday, I had to make the difficult decision to put my sweet kitty of 18 1/2 years to sleep. This is dedicated to Mojo, the best friend and synth cat I could have wished for.

Make Noise Pressure Points is controlling the chord quality on the Music Thing Chord Organ, which is routed through one channel of Mutable Instruments Clouds and out to the mixer.

Make Noise Rene is controlling the pitch on Mutable Instruments Braids, which is routed through Ripples and on to the other channel on Clouds. Make Noise Tempi is clocking the Moffenzeef Deviant which is lightly randomizing the color control in Braids.

https://www.voltagecontrollab.com/"

So sad. Condolences to Voltage Control Lab. This is a beautiful tribute. It goes unsaid how much pets mean to us, and how much they become part of us. When we lose them, we lose part of ourselves. The best ones always have your back. I wish we could all be more like our pets.

Patch Notes #10 - Roland System 1M Hidden Oscillators

Published on Jul 31, 2016 Voltage Control Lab

All parts here.

"Patch Notes #10 (check the description for actual patch notes) for the most recent Pulse Tips demonstrating the hidden oscillators in the Roland System 1M Eurorack semi-modular synthesizer.

Mutable Instruments Braids is the source of the pad-like sounds in WTx4 mode, sequenced by the Make Noise René playing back an 8 step sequence. The Timbre is modulated by a triangle wave from the Malekko Anti-Oscillator in LFO mode.

Braids is routed through Mutable Ripples LP4 to VCA mode, with both the VCA and filter cutoff modulated by the two ADSR envelopes on the Intellijel Dual ADSR module.

The bass is coming from the Make Noise 0-Coast, sequenced by the Korg SQ-1. An uncomplicated routing here, the SQ-1 is clocked by Tempi.

Tempi is also clocking René and the Dual ADSR. As well, it is triggering the Malekko Varigate 4, which is playing back the kick/snare/hihat sequences, via the Dual Borg kick drum setup we've explored in the past, a snare from the Noise Engineering BI and a noise-based hihat inside the Roland Scooper.

The kick and snare are routed through the inputs on the Scooper, while the hihat is routed virtually via the Roland Aira Modular Customizer App.

Tempi is also clocking the Sync Trig input on the Scooper, so that the input percussion signal can be sampled, looped and retriggered in time with the other sequences. The drum sequence is sampled and detuned to a lower pitch.

The lead is coming from the Roland System 1M, played live on the KMI Qu-nexus. The System 1M Osc 1 is set to the Sine FM waveform, while Osc 2 is set to the Synced Sine FM voice. Both are passed through the VCF/VCA/EFX signal chain in the synth, and out to the Mix 4 with the other voices and drums. Then routed through Warps running Parasites alt firmware delays for a bit of extra space.

https://www.voltagecontrollab.com/"

Patch Notes #17 - Reaktor Blocks As Eurorack Sequencer

Published on Sep 1, 2016 Voltage Control Lab

"Patch Notes #17 explores the Reaktor Blocks patch that we created in our previous tutorial, sending sequences via MIDI to the Make Noise 0-Coast, and triggers to 3 different Eurorack Drums.

Our Reaktor Blocks patch is running an 6 step sequence in pendulum mode out via MIDI to Mutable Instruments Yarns. Yarns channel 1 CV and gate outputs are routed to the the Make Noise 0-Coast pitch and gate inputs. The Korg SQ-1 is in random mode with a 2 volt range, sending one CV channel out to the voltage math section on the 0-Coast. One mult out from the voltage math section to the FM input on the oscillator, and one to the overtone section. A clock from the Make Noise Tempi is routed to the tempo input, and the stepped random out is routed to the decay length of the contour section. Out to the Malekko Mix4.

Roland System 1m is playing the pads/bass. A channel on Tempi sent into a mult, then on to clock Brains and Pressure Points, one channel of which is routed to the System-1m. The multed clock is also routed to the gate input on the System-1m. Internal LFO on the 1m is modulating the pulse width on the two slightly detuned square waves, long envelopes on the low pass filter and amp, and drenched in reverb and delay.

Reaktor Blocks is also generating 6 clock divisions from an internal clock divider, which is routed to the Gates & Trigs module. This device converts the gates from the clock divider to triggers, which are then individually routed out to 3 drum modules and Tempi. One rhythm is routed to the Noise Engineering Basimilus Iteritas, which is creating the glitchy, metallic snares. The BI clock source is multed to Make Noise Maths as well, channel 1 of which is routed out from both the unity and variable outputs to the morph and fold functions on the BI. Another Tempi channel is routed to the Make Noise Wogglebug as well, which is randomizing the BI pitch.

The kick and hihat are coming from the Scooper, in the Aira modular drum machine configuration we've covered about a year ago. The hihat length is randomized by the SQ-1 channel B. All modules are routed back through the Mix4, and on to the ping pong delay in Mutable Instruments Warps in Parasite mode.

https://www.voltagecontrollab.com/"

Patch Notes #9 - Quadrature LFOs with Ornament & Crime

Published on Jul 29, 2016 Voltage Control Lab

More here.

"Here's our latest Patch Notes video using the Quadraturia mode in Ornament & Crime as a set of complex modulation sources in the Eurorack system.

Ornament & Crime is sending output A to the Trigger input on Mutable Instruments Braids, clocking the internal envelope in the Bees in the Trees alt firmware. Output C is routed to the Timbre input, while D is sent to the Color in.

The wave shape is set to something like a sawtooth (around +64), with the spread set to around -40. The LFOs are frequency shifted to -128, creating a natural rhythmic relationship between the waves. Phase modulation is also enabled.

Make Noise Tempi is resetting the O&C LFOs at the Tr1 input, while 2 LFOs from the Triangle and Mayhem outputs of the Malekko Anti-Oscillator are modulating the LFO frequency at CV1 and shape spread into CV3. One channel from Pressure Points is routed to control wave shape as well on CV2.

Braids is in Meta mode, modulated at the FM input via the stepped random out from the Wogglebug. The randomization is being influenced by the CV output from René which also has the QCV routed to control the pitch on Braids.

Tempi is clocking everything, including Brains (and Pressure Points), René and Wogglebug, as well as the Malekko Varigate 4 and the Korg SQ-1.

The SQ-1 is sequencing the pitch and envelope on the Make Noise 0-Coast, which is generating the lead. The Slope section output is routed to the FM input on the Oscillator.

The Hihat is coming from the trusty Roland Scooper noise generator patch, triggered by a cycling Channel 4 on Maths. The off tempo cycle is modulated via the Both input using 4 rows on Pressure Points routed through the Doepfer A-151-2 Sequential Switch, creating a 16 step pattern modulating the rate of the cycling clock. This gives the hihat the offkilter feel.

The Kick is coming from the Noise Engineering Basimilus Iteritas. A pattern from the Varigate is routed to the input on the Malekko Envelator. The two positive output envelopes are routed to trigger the module as well as modulate the pitch to give more punch to the attack.

All routed to the Malekko Mix 4 and out through the Mutable Instruments Warps running the Parasites alt firmware to add some delays.

https://www.voltagecontrollab.com/"

Patch Notes #27 - Eurorack Modular w/ Leap Motion

Published on Dec 2, 2016 Voltage Control Lab

"A fairly simple patch tied back to an Ableton Live set with 6 mono channels of DC offsets in a custom Max4live device routed to the first 6 outs on the ES-8, and a seventh channel doing randomization.

The 6 offsets (more details on the custom device later) are mapped to the middle finger on each hand and their locations in the X, Y and Z axes above the Leap Motion controller using the LeapModulation M4L device.

I’ve set up a pretty simple one voice patch to play, Make Noise DPO Final output to the MMG to the Optomix, and on to Mutable Instruments Clouds in Granular mode. Clouds is routed back into the Expert Sleepers ES-8 inputs for recording.

The left hand middle finger up and down motion (the Y axis) is mapped to control the Optomix level, while the right hand Y axis control is mapped through the Ornament & Crime Quantermain mode for pitch quantization, and then into the exponential FM input on the DPO. The O&C is clocked via Tempi.

The left hand X and Z axes are mapped to control the mod bus index and the angle amount on the Final output. The right hand X and Z axes are mapped to the Clouds position and density CV inputs. The random output from the ES-8 is mapped to the FM bus index on the DPO.

Very simple patch, but pretty dramatic results.

https://www.voltagecontrollab.com/"

Patch Notes #32 - Chord Organ w/ Varigate 8 & Voltage Block

Published on Mar 10, 2017 Voltage Control Lab

"Trying out the new Eurorack Music Thing Chord Organ with some chord sets by James Bernard and the Malekko Varigate 8+ and Voltage Block to modulate and sequence a whole ton of other things.

The Music Thing Chord Organ is loaded with one of the chord sets created by James Bernard and set to square waves, routed to the Make Noise MMG and on to Mutable Instruments Clouds. A channel on Make Noise Tempi is routed to Rene, the CV out from which is modulating chord shape on the Chord Organ. Tempi is also clocking Pressure Points which is modulating the root note on Chord Organ. The trigger out from Chord Organ is routed to Make Noise Maths channel 1, the unity output sent to the MMG frequency cutoff to shape the chords as they are generated.

Another out on Tempi is routed to the Malekko Varigate 8 which has the end of sequence gate out routed back into the random gate input to randomize the pattern (or drum map) every bar. Gate channel 1 (the kick channel in the drum maps) is routed to a mult, then to Make Noise Maths channel 4 trigger in and trigger in on Noise Engineering Basimilus Iteritas, with Maths variable channel 4 output routed back to Basimilus pitch input. One channel on the Malekko Voltage Block is modulating the fold input on the Basimilus. The clock out from Varigate 8 is routed to the Voltage Block in external clock mode, so it doesn’t randomize with the Varigate.

Gate channel 2 (the snare channel) on the Varigate 8 is also routed through a mult, then to the Malekko AD/LFO, and the Bang input on the Moffenzeef Modular GMO running the Ring Mod alt firmware. The GMO is routed out through the Make Noise Optomix, which is opened by the ADLFO channel to volume shape it into a more snare-like sound. The output from the Optomix is routed out through the Mutable Instruments Warps running the Parasites alt firmware in delay mode, then on to the Mix4. Two channels on the Voltage Block are modulating the specimen and speed controls on the GMO to get some motion from the snare sound.

Gate channel 5 on the Varigate 8 is routed to the trigger input on Mutable Instruments Braids which is set to cymbal mode. Using settings in the Bees in the Trees alt firmware, the internal envelope length is modulated via the FM input. A channel on the Voltage Block performs the modulation, getting the effect of opening hihats. Braids is routed out to the remaining channel on the Optomix for volume control.

The Roland System 1m is generating the bass part sequenced by the Pressure Points and Tempi, routed out to the Mix4.

https://www.voltagecontrollab.com/"

Patch Notes #31 - Varigate 8+, Voltage Block & Chord Organ

Published on Mar 3, 2017 Voltage Control Lab

"I was setting up a generative patch using the Malekko Varigate 8+ and Voltage Block, and discovered that Music Thing had released a new module/Radio Music firmware, the Chord Organ, so I had to use it.

Varigate 8+ outputs 5 through 8 are randomized using Random Gate mode, with the END gate out routed back into the RND input, generating slightly (or not so slightly) randomized rhythms from those outs, as well as the Voltage Block when in slave mode. The V8 clock out is routed to the VB clock in, so the clock/slave modes can be toggled, randomizing the VB sequences in slave mode but not in clock mode.

V8 channel 5 is routed out to Make Noise Maths channel 1 trigger input, then from the unity output to trigger the Noise Engineering Basimilus Iteritas, and from the channel 1 out to the pitch input on the BI to give a little punchier of a kick. The output is routed to the Malekko Mix4.

Channel 6 on the V8 is routed to the trigger input on the Mutable Instruments Braids, which is in snare mode, then out to the Mix4. One channel on the Voltage Block is routed to the FM input, which is set to modulate the volume level of the internal VCA, giving the snare some more feel (hopefully).

Channel 7 is routed out to trigger channel 4 on Maths, the unity output from which is opening the Optomix channel for the Chord Organ. The root note and chord quality on the Chord Organ are controlled by two separate channels on the Voltage Block, then routed through the Make Noise MMG filter, into the Optomix and on to Mutable Instruments Clouds for some reverb and granularizing. Then, out to the Mix4.

Channel 8 is routed to the Malekko AD/LFO, which is opening the 2nd channel on the Optomix. This channel is creating the crunchy high frequency percussion from the Malekko Anti-Oscillator, frequency modulated by the the Sputnik Oscillator, both “sequenced” by two random voltage sources from the Sputnik West Coast Random Source. The Anti-Osc is routed to the Optomix and then on to the Mix4.

https://www.voltagecontrollab.com/"

Patch Notes #19 - DU SEQ w/ 0-Coast & Blocks

Published on Sep 17, 2016 Voltage Control Lab

"Sick for a week, finally back to making sound... Here's Patch Notes #19 exploring the complex gate and note sequencing with the DU SEQ Eurorack sequencer as well as the 0-Coast and Blocks.

Reaktor Blocks is clocking everything. I'm using the Maschine Sequencer Block mapped to the Traktor F1 controller, with the first 4 channels routed to outputs on the Traktor Audio 10 audio interface. This way, I can sequence gate patterns on the fly, mute and solo sequences, generate Euclidean Rhythms and more. The Turing Machine Block seen on screen is not in use in this particular recording.

Channel 1 on the Blocks sequencer is routed the first section of the Malekko ADLFO, with the Sum output routed to the Roland Scooper, triggering the Kick in a complex version of our Roland Aira Modular Drum Machine patch. Using the Sum output, I can craft more nuanced decay/release stages.

Channel 3 on the Blocks sequencer is routed the second section on the ADLFO, which is also routed via the Sum output to the Scooper, triggering the hihat. Channel 4 is routed to the Noise Engineering Basimilus Iteritas, which is creating more percussive, metallic textures.

Channel 2 is clocking the DU SEQ. The pitch and gate outputs are routed to the Make Noise 0-Coast, which is then routed through the Vintage Synth Lab VCF-74. The filter has boost enabled, adding some warmth to the 0-Coast output (more on this filter to come). The filter is routed out into Mutable Instruments Warps running the Parasites firmware for some delay effect.

Braids is generating a self-modulated chord in WTx4 mode, with an internal LFO pushing the timbre control around. The output is routed to the input on the Scooper, through a sidechain compressor setup with the kick drum envelope ducking the levels of the synth.

https://www.voltagecontrollab.com/"

Patch Notes #7 - Lorenz Attractors With Ornament & Crime

Published on Jul 21, 2016 Voltage Control Lab

"Patch Notes exploring chaotic voltages generated by Lorenz attractors using the Low Rents mode in Ornament & Crime, a multi-purpose, open source module for Eurorack modular synthesizer.

Ornament & Crime is sending the Lx1 XORed to Rx1 out from channel A to control the Timbre on Mutable Instruments Braids in WTx4 mode, while channel B is sending Lx1 to Braids 1v/Oct input. Braids is quantizing the incoming signal to a Minor Pentatonic scale.

Channel C (set to Ly1) is controlling the Fall time on Make Noise Maths channel 4. Braids is routed to the Mutable Ripples filter and out from the LP4/VCA output, which is being controlled by Maths.

Tempi is clocking René which is sequencing the bass part in the DPO. The final output is routed through MMG and then the Optomix, all from Make Noise. The X-Gate output from René is routed to trigger two envelopes on the Malekko ADLFO, one routed to control the bass channel on the Optomix, the second triggering the other set of 3 envelopes in the ADLFO.

One of the ADLFO envelopes is routed to the DPO Mod Bus Index, giving the bass a bit of grit and grime here and there. Another of the envelopes is routed to the MMG filter cutoff to shape the timbre of the bass.

Tempi is also clocking Brains and Pressure Points, 5 channels from which are routed to the Pitch, Decay, Morph, Fold and Spread inputs on the Noise Engineering Basimilus Iteritas, which is generating all of the high frequency percussion. Tempi is also clocking the Wogglebug, which is routed to the BI Harm input.

Patterns are being generated by the Malekko Varigate 4, also clocked by Tempi. Channel A is triggering Maths, the envelope controlling Ripples on random steps, about 50% probability of a note each step. Channel B is controlling the BI, with a slightly lower chance per step than channel A. Channel C is the kick drum pattern, which is coming from the Malekko Dual Borg (as seen in a previous tutorial video). Channel D routed to another envelope on the ADLFO, and then to the Strike input on the Optomix, controlling random plucks of the bass, with different note probability per step, and about 50% chance of repeat per step.

https://www.voltagecontrollab.com/"

Patch Notes #30 - Varigate 8+ & Voltage Block

Published on Feb 24, 2017 Voltage Control Lab

"Channels 5, 6, 7 and 8 from the Malekko Varigate 8 are routed to an envelope on the AD/LFO, channel 4 on the Make Noise Maths, Mutable Instruments Braids in snare mode and the Noise Engineering Basimilus Iteritas (this gate is multed to channel 1 Maths to get pitch envelope modulation) to generate complex, randomized rhythm combinations. Random gate mode is enabled with the Varigate 8+ end gate output is routed back into random gate input, retriggering a randomized sequence at the beginning of every bar. The clock output on the Varigate is routed to the clock input on the Voltage Block, to avoid the randomization of the VB sequences when the Varigate 8+ is gating itself (one of the gate bus connections between these two modules).

Two sequences from the Voltage Block are routed to control the fold CV input on the Basilmilus as well as the pitch which is routed through Maths channel 3 and summed from Maths Sum out with the channel 1 envelope for more kick drum-like sounds. Another is routed to control the color input on Braids (which is in snare mode), while two more are routed to the Make Noise DPO mod bus index & fm index. Two additional sequences modulate the Malekko Anti-Oscillator pitch and wave shape, with the final sequence controlling the the low pass cutoff on the Vintage Synth Lab VCF-74.

The DPO is routed out through the Make Noise MMG Filter, and then on to the Optomix modulated by channel 4 on Maths. The signal is then routed through Mutable Instruments Clouds for some reverb and granular manipulation, and then out to the Mix4.

The Anti-Oscillator is passed into the VCF-74 and on to the Malekko Borg in VCA mode, modulated by the AD/LFO. On from the Borg to the Mix4.

Braids is in snare mode routed to the Mix4, pretty simple.

Basimilus Iteritas is going direct to the Mix4 as well.

https://www.voltagecontrollab.com/"

Patch Notes #14 - Make Noise 0-Coast Dubstep Wobble Bass

Published on Aug 19, 2016 Voltage Control Lab

"Patch Notes 14 explores the patching demonstrated in our recent Dubstep Wobble Bass tutorial with the Make Noise 0-Coast with the Korg SQ1.

The 0-Coast and SQ1 are patched exactly like the previous tutorial, with the SQ1 clocked by the Make Noise Tempi, and the 0-Coast routed out to the Malekko Mix4.

The lead sequence is being played by the Make Noise René, also clocked by Tempi, routed out the DPO. The DPO Final output is routed to the MMG, then to the Optomix and out through Mutable Instruments Warps running Parasite firmware in pingpong delay mode. Then the signal is patched to the Mix4.

The René X-gate output is routed to the Malekko ADLFO, triggering two envelopes routed to the MMG filter frequency cutoff and the Optomix control input. The left over group of 3 ADLFO functions are in Loop x10 mode to generate longer LFOs. One is routed to the FM Bus on the DPO, the sum output is routed to the Mod Bus index. One channel on the Ornament & Crime (in Quadraturia mode) is also routed to the Mod Bus external source input.

Another one of the O&C outputs is routed to modulate the Timbre control on Mutable Instruments Braids in WTx4 mode, playing back the chords. The pitch is modulated by a channel on Make Noise Pressure Points (clocked through Brains by Tempi), while the note triggers are coming from a channel on the Malekko Varigate 4 (also clocked and reset by Tempi).

Another channel on the Varigate 4 is routed to a mult, then to the Roland Scooper to trigger a hihat, as well as to the Doepfer A-151-2 Sequential Switch. The signal is then toggled via 2 channels of Pressure Points summed through Maths, between 2 destinations, the Kick (from the Dual Borg/Envelator combo we’ve explored before) and the Snare (from the Noise Engineering Basimilus Iteritas). The drums are routed through the Scooper, and then to the Mix4 (which is the final output).

https://www.voltagecontrollab.com/"

Patch Notes #16 - Arpeggios with Make Noise René

Published on Aug 28, 2016 Voltage Control Lab

"Patch Notes #16 explores our latest tutorial, using René as an arpeggio sequencer to create complex chord progressions and musically interesting improvisations on them.

Make Noise Tempi is mult-ed out to the René X-clock input (stepping through the chord root notes), and another output at 4 times the clock rate is routed to the cycling channel 4 on Maths, then out to the Y-clock input on René (stepping up the “arpeggiated” chord tones). The QCV output is routed to the pitch input and the Y-gate output is routed to the gate input on the 0-Coast, which is routed out the Malekko Mix4.

The mult-ed clock sent to René is also sent to Brains/Pressure Points, one channel of which is routed to the 1v/Oct input on the main oscillator of the DPO. The final output is routed to the MMG in low pass mode, then to an open channel on the Optomix (which isn’t really doing anything to the signal, actually). The modulation oscillator is in Sync mode, the main osc expo FM attenuator is at noon, as is the FM bus knob. A looped channel from the ADLFO is routed to the Fold section input. Optomix out to the Mix4.

Another channel on Tempi is routed to clock the Ornament & Crime in Piqued mode, generating a Euclidean rhythm with fluctuating fill amounts modulated by another looping channel on the ADLFO. The O&C rhythm is routed to channel 1 on Maths, which is then controlling the second channel on the Optomix. The Both input is being modulated by yet another looping ADLFO channel. Braids is routed through Ripples LP2 mode (FM modulated by another ADLFO channel), and into the Optomix channel. Braids is in Meta mode, the FM input modulated by the stepped random output from the Wogglebug (also clocked via Tempi), the pitch modulated by the smooth random output. The Timbre and Color are modulated by the Malekko Anti-Oscillator in LFO mode, the triangle output to Color, Mayhem to Timbre. This is producing the glitchy percussive rhythms.

Two channels from Tempi are routed to clock and reset the Malekko Varigate. One channel on the Varigate is sent to the Envelator, which is modulating the Dual Borg kick drum we’ve explored before. A second channel is triggering the snare from the Noise Engineering Basimilus Iteritas.

Everything is routed through the Mix4 and then through the Mutable Instruments Warps delay in the Parasite alt firmware.

https://www.voltagecontrollab.com/"

Patch Notes #25 - The #3ModuleChallenge

Published on Oct 28, 2016 Voltage Control Lab

"Getting in on the Modular Podcast #3modulechallenge with this Patch Notes. Using 3 of my favorite Eurorack modules, Make Noise DPO, Mutable Instruments Clouds and Ornament & Crime.

Stick with me here, this one is complicated.

The modulation oscillator on the DPO is in LFO mode. The Saw out is routed to clock the TR1 input on Ornament & Crime, which is in Copier Maschine mode. Clouds right audio output is routed to the CV1 input on O&C, as the cv source for the analog shift register.

Channel A on O&C is routed to the DPO 1v/oct input on the main oscillator, and stackable'd to the Clouds position CV input as well. Channel B is routed to the fold section CV in. Channel C is routed to Clouds density CV in. Channel D into the Clouds 1v/oct input.

DPO modulation oscillator triangle wave output is routed to the Clouds right channel input. The sine wave out is patched to the angle section CV in. The expo FM input is set to 3 o'clock, linear FM to noon. The FM bus is set to 1:30.

The main oscillator sine out is stackable'd out to the shape section CV input, and fed back into the main oscillator expo FM input. The square wave output is patched to the Clouds texture CV input, and the Final output is patched the Clouds left input channel.

Clouds is in granular processing mode, and is routed out through the Malekko Mix4 for volume control and recorded clean into the Native Instruments Audio 10.

https://www.voltagecontrollab.com/"

Patch Notes #6 - Korg SQ-1 As Eurorack Sequencer

Published on Jul 18, 2016 Voltage Control Lab

"Patch Notes for our recent video on using the SQ-1 as a USB MIDI to CV Converter. However, the SQ-1 is not performing that function here, instead sequencing and clocking the Eurorack system.

The SQ-1 is sending pitch and gate CV from the channel A outputs to the Make Noise 0-Coast, which is playing the 16 step plucky melodic riff. The channel B gate CV out is routed to the Varigate 4, which is sequencing the kick drum generated by the Malekko Dual Borg filter (see our relevant tutorial video).

The Sync Out is routed to the Make Noise Tempi, which is in turn sending clocks to the Make Noise René, Brains, Wogglebug and finally, the Ornament & Crime (in Piqued mode).

René is sending pitch CV to a buffered mult, which splits the signal to the Make Noise DPO playing the bass, routed through the MMG and Optomix, with one looping LFO from the Malekko ADLFO controlling the filter cutoff.

The mult also routes to Mutable Braids in WTx4 mode (tuned a perfect 5th up from the bass) which is playing the chords/pads. Braids Timbre is being modulated by an internal LFO, part of the Bees in the Trees alt firmware.

Brains is clocking Pressure Points and Analog Memory, 5 channels of which are modulating the Noise Engineering Basimilus Iteritas pitch, attack, morph, harm and spread settings, while the Wogglebug is modulating decay and fold amounts, providing the glitchier drum elements.

Another channel from Pressure Points is routed to CV input 4 on the Ornament & Crime, modulating the Euclidean fill amount on the rhythms that are triggering the BI.

All channels are then routed through the Malekko Mix4, and then through Mutable Warps running Parasite firmware in ping pong delay mode.

Aside from the pitch and gate CV coming from the SQ-1, the 0-Coast is internally patched. The stepped random voltage source is multed, and routed to both the Contour decay length and Slope time. The triangle LFO from the MIDI B CV port (see our 0-Coast Hidden LFOs video) is routed to the Overtone input. Finally the Slope output is routed to the FM input on the Oscillator.

https://www.voltagecontrollab.com/"