VELOCITY - Modular and Synth-Focused Festival in Seattle Set for August 27th

VELOCITY 2022 ANNOUNCEMENT TRAILER video upload by Modular Seattle

Tickets available on Eventbrite

VELOCITY returns! Modular Seattle and Patchwerks present an all-day event celebrating modular and hardware synthesizers and the community that surrounds them, featuring an all-day trade show and educational seminars during the day, and performances across three stages at night. Come visit your favorite gear manufacturers and the Patchwerks pop-up shop, learn tools and techniques from the artists themselves, and experience an incredible evening of light and sound alongside this amazing community.

Schedule (line-up left):

11 AM – 5 PM:
Trade Show where various modular / hardware synth manufacturers will show off their latest gear and interact with the community.

11 AM – 3 PM:
Educational Seminars where speakers will speak on various subjects relating to electronic music-making and related technology .

4 PM – 2 AM:
Performances from local and visiting artists, with genres varying from house / techno, ambient, noise, industrial, and beat-oriented music.

The trade show from 11am-5pm is free to attend and all ages are welcomed. The remainder of the event, including seminars, are 21+ and tickets are required.

Tickets $40 adv, $50 at the door.

Lineup, manufacturers, and general info can be found here:

https://www.velocityseattle.com/

Organizers:
http://www.modularseattle.com
http://www.patchwerks.com

Ambient Modular at 6000ft // DivKid live on Mt. Rainier

video upload by DivKidVideo

"Back in 2019 I was over in Seattle, Washington, USA for 'Velocity' an event by Modular Seattle & Patchwerks. They had a warm up show and last minute encouraged me to borrow some modules and a case, put a system together and play at the show. This was good as it led into my talk on zonal approaches to live modular systems for the main event Velocity. While travelling around and still with the system some days later we decided to take the rig up a snow capped mountain and perform up there. Freezing cold, shivering hands and a beautiful view!

An exclusive 15 page PDF is available for Patreon supporters that highlights all the patching, my zonal approach, modules used, the history of my approach to live minimal ambient modular and more. Head to https://bit.ly/DK-patreon if you'd like to gain access to a great community and exclusives.

A huge thanks to D B Pawlan who when we were driving around Tacoma and Seattle Washington said 'we should take the modular up there' and pointed to the huger Mt. Rainier that was always in the view. The clip at the end of this video is David driving back up to near where we were if you're curious.

This system was quickly put together in the days leading up to the surprise performance with modules, case and cables borrowed from Bradley Millington (Modular Seattle) and David Pawlan (Wabisabi). A huge thanks to them for facilitating and encouraging a performance on a new system and for being so awesome with me pulling modules out of their set ups to do this. I used the same system for my talk and presentation at Velocity 2019 as well as for another performance live at the Chapel."

Showroom Sessions: Cindy Reichel and Jeremy Blake

video upload by Patchwerks

"Cindy Reichel and Jeremy Blake (Red Means Recording) perform live hardware sets at Patchwerks in Seattle.

Expect more live shows monthly in-store at Patchwerks. If you are interested in performing reach out to us at info@patchwerks.com

Performance recorded on May 21st, 2022.

00:00 Start
00:07 Cindy Reichel
36:09 Jeremy Blake

Visit the Patchwerks website here: https://patchwerks.com/

Video by: Matthew Piecora and Stephen Ly"

Endorphin.es Queen of Pentacles Review and Walkthrough

video upload by Red Means Recording

"The Endorphin.es Queen of Pentacles is a cool 909-styled Eurorack drum module with samples, a great sounding filter and effects! Let's check it out, I'll let you know what I think.

This video is sponsored by Patchwerks, Seattle's synthesizer store.
Check them out here: https://shrsl.com/3cs6v"

Banging Rather Hard on the Endorphin.es Queen of Pentacles

video upload by

00:00 hard downtempo
06:13 flabby dance
10:58 darker techno
16:00 dark breaks
19:51 ecstatic uptempo

MODULAR SUPER UTILTY (and a full voice) - After Later Audio QARV

video upload by Patchwerks Seattle

"In this video Nick Bigelow shares with us the new quad envelope generator and VCA by After Later Audio: QARV. Demo includes overview, ideas, and practical uses for the module.

QARV - Quad Attack, Release, & VCA

Four channels of function generator, oscillator, slew limiter, envelope, and VCAs. This module brings the ultimate in flexibility as it can be used as a standalone synth voice, a massive amount of modulation, or a four channel envelope generator w/ mixer. We believe this makes QARV a great first module and a great addition to the largest of systems.

Learn more about the After Later Audio QARV here: https://bit.ly/ala_qarv

https://patchwerks.com/
Demo by: Nick Bigelow
Video by: Matthew Piecora
https://www.ezbot.live"

QARV - Quad Attack, Release, & VCA

Four channels of function generator, oscillator, slew limiter, envelope, and VCAs. This module brings the ultimate in flexibility as it can be used as a standalone synth voice, a massive amount of modulation, or a four channel envelope generator w/ mixer. We believe this makes QARV a great first module and a great addition to the largest of systems.

All four channels have the following features:

Uni-polar oscillator mode
Attack and release time control via potentiometer and via input jack
Shape control that controls shape for both attack and release
Output attenuverter
VCAs that normal to each subsequent channel (CH1 -> CH2, etc.). So you can get a mix of all four channels out of the CH4 VCA output (unless you patch a VCA output from an earlier channel)
Channels 1 & 4

Voltage source (CH1 - 5V & CH4 - 10V)
CH1 & CH4 can be switched between IN (slew mode) and TRIG (envelope) mode
RISE and FALL gates. You can use our G&T module to turn these gates into triggers.
Channels 2 & 3:

Bi-polar oscillator mode
Dedicated IN and TRIG jacks (helpful for adding offset to a triggered ENV)
BOTH input jack to simplify patching both the attack and release (also inverts the input to give more standard pitch tracking of higher voltage equals higher pitch)

Portable Powerhouse: Dreadbox Nymphes and Teenage Engineering OP-Z

video upload by Patchwerks Seattle

"In this video Matthew Piecora (aka EZBOT) sequences the Dreadbox Nymphes with the Teenage Engineering OP-Z.

The Nymphes is a six voice analog polysynth by Dreadbox. The Nymphes boasts and all analog signal path for crystal clear audio. Offering multiple play modes, an LFO with 28 possible destinations, and the classic Dreadbox reverb we have all come to love in a very portable form factor.

Learn more about the Dreadbox Nymphes here: https://bit.ly/dreadbox_nymphes OP–Z is an advanced fully portable 16-track sequencer and synthesizer, with a range of both sample based and synthesis based sounds. it's the world's first stand-alone sequencer of it's kind, that lets you sequence music, visuals, lights and more.

OP–Z can be used completely stand alone and comes with an intuitive led lit interface. when you want next level real time visual feedback, use the screen you already have in your pocket via an iOS app.

Hardware features include a usb-c host and device, wireless communication over BLE, 4-pin 3.5 mm stereo headphone and line-out, accelerometer, user replaceable battery and built-in microphone.
Looking for some sweet accessories? Check these out:

Learn more about the Teenage Engineering OP-Z here: https://bit.ly/teenage_engineering_opz

https://patchwerks.com/ Video by: Matthew Piecora https://www.ezbot.live"

Elektron Digitone and Octatrack Performance

video upload by Patchwerks Seattle

"In this video Matthew Piecora (aka EZBOT) tells us why he chooses the Digitone for writing music followed by a performance paired with the Octatrack MK2.

From Elektron: 'Digitone represents our vision of how FM synthesis can be revitalized and modernized. Here’s how: combine FM sound generation with a classic subtractive synthesis signal flow. From jagged chaos to mellow soundscapes in less than a second. Digitone is one unique box.

Choose from multiple FM algorithms featuring carefully selected parameters. Shape the tones with powerful filters. Arrange them with the intuitive Elektron sequencer. Round off with the stellar effects. Now enjoy the most spectacular sounds, seemingly emanating from some parallel universe.'

Order the Elektron Digitone Here: http://bit.ly/digitone_fm
Order the Elektron Octatrack MK2 here: https://bit.ly/octatrack_mk2_blk

https://patchwerks.com/
Video by: Matthew Piecora
https://www.ezbot.live"

Bastl Kastle Drum meets the Novation Circuit Rhythm

video upload by Patchwerks Seattle

"In this video Nick Bigelow from Patchwerks builds a track from scratch by sampling sounds from Bastl Kastle Drum with the Novation Circuit Rhythm.

The Kastle Drum is a special edition of Bastl’s classic mini modular synth focusing on algorithmic industrial glitchy drums. Drum sound synthesis with a unique dynamic acceleration charged envelope makes this rhythm box surprisingly versatile and extremely fun to play. The built-in VC clock generator with a stepped pattern sequencer can either run on its own or it can be synchronized to analog clock, while retaining the triangle LFO for parameter modulation. The Kastle Drum is a mini modular synthesizer with a headphone output, 2 in/out ports for interfacing other gear, and it runs on just 3 AA batteries. It is ideal for beginners in modular synthesis, but it will add some quite unique functionality to any modular synthesizer system. It delivers the fun of modular synthesis at a low price and fits into your pocket so you can play it anywhere!

Order the Bastl Kastle Drum here: https://bit.ly/kastle_drum

'Circuit Rhythm is a versatile sampler for making and performing beats. Record samples directly to the hardware, then slice, sculpt and resample your sounds effortlessly. Capture your groove quantised or off-grid into the sequencer, and layer up across eight sample tracks. Invigorate your live set with performance FX: embrace imperfection with lo-fi tape, stutter your mix with beat repeat, and more. Integrate Circuit Rhythm into your studio, or unplug and create anywhere utilising the built-in rechargeable battery.' -Novation

Order the Circuit Rhythm here: https://bit.ly/circuit_rhythm

https://patchwerks.com/
Demo by: Nick Bigelow
Video by: Matthew Piecora (aka EZBOT)
https://www.ezbot.live"

Sequential Prophet Rev2 with variable stereo SEM filter Demo

video upload by the Veiled Creature

"Inspired by Tim Shoebridge, I built this little box featuring a Doepfer LFO and 2 SEM type filters, essentially building the filter that is in the Sequential OB-6 out of modules, then running stuff through it. The Prophet Rev2 seemed like a great choice to use with it. I Call this the 'slightly poorer man's Oberheim.' Check out my other video where I run my Peak through this same filter. Cool sounds ensue."

Novation Peak with Oberheim-Style stereo SEM filter

video upload by the Veiled Creature

"Inspired by Tim Shoebridge, I built this variable SEM filter to run my Peak through, along with some other synths in the future. I think it sounds great! Thanks to Patchwerks in Seattle for helping out with the modules and case!

Modules used are two Doepfer A-106-5 SEM filters and one Doepfer A-145-1 LFO."

Artist's Perspective: Akai MPC One with ea5e95

video upload by Patchwerks Seattle

"In this video Seattle performer and producer ea5e95 shares with us what he loves about the Akai MPC One.

MPC ONE delivers a truly empowering hands-on experience, ready for any music production task. Edit and trim samples with hand gestures on the brilliant 7” touch screen display. Express your ideas perfectly with the assigned knobs and touch keys that eliminate diving through pages of menus. MPC One integrates into your creative space with all the ports and jacks you need. USB, MIDI DIN, CV/Gate, and 1/4” line-level audio input. With USB and SD card slots, you can save, transfer and share your music. Your favorite music production techniques come standard on MPC One. Tape Stop effect, Note Repeat for pulsing hi hats, and 16 Levels to play those melodic 808s plus many more.

Order the Akai MPC One here: https://bit.ly/mpc_one_akai

Check out ea5e95 here:
https://soundcloud.com/ea5e95
https://www.instagram.com/ea5e95/


https://patchwerks.com/
Demo by: ea5e95
Video by: Matthew Piecora (aka EZBOT)
https://www.ezbot.live"

Rig Rundown and Performance with EZBOT!

video upload by Patchwerks Seattle

"In this video Matthew (aka EZBOT) from Patchwerks takes us on a rig rundown with his Intellijel 7U system along with a live performance.

Check out popular and in-stock modules at Patchwerks: https://bit.ly/in_stock_eurorack

https://patchwerks.com/
Video by: Matthew Piecora (aka EZBOT)
https://www.ezbot.live"

You can find EZBOT's Triple Voltage Controlled Crossfader by Arcus Audio video here.

Triple Voltage Controlled Crossfader by Arcus Audio

video upload by Patchwerks Seattle

"In this video resident expert Matthew Piecora (aka EZBOT) shares a few useful patches with the incredibly powerful and fun to use Triple VC Xfader by Arcus Audio.

Open up a world of new sounds and interesting modulation sources with the triple VC XFader from Arcus Audio! Crossfade between oscillators to create new tones, or fade between control voltages for new, complex modulations. Use audio rate CV for amplitude modulation, or take the normalized outputs to create a stereo path sending each output to different effects. Even try inserting at the end of two patches to crossfade between them. Great for adding variation in a live setting or when just jamming. Of course you can always self-patch to push it even further, or use as a standard triple LIN/EXP VCA. The possibilities are endless with this module!

- Triple Voltage Controlled Crossfader (VC XFader) with selectable linear or exponential CV response. CV attenuverters. Bi-color LEDs for each CV signal as well as each channel output. LED indication of channel bias.
- Soft touch knobs for attenuverters, bias, and LIN/EXP controls.
- Each of 3 crossfaders is normalled (mixed) to the next channel. Normalization is broken when outputs are patched. This allows the unit to work as a 6 input crossfader, triple VCA, or any combination between.

Order the Arcus Audio Triple VC Xfader here: https://bit.ly/triple_vc_xfader

https://patchwerks.com/
Video by: Matthew Piecora (aka EZBOT)
https://www.ezbot.live"

via Patchwerks

"Open up a world of new sounds and interesting modulation sources with the triple VC XFader from Arcus Audio! Crossfade between oscillators to create new tones, or fade between control voltages for new, complex modulations. Use audio rate CV for amplitude modulation, or take the normalized outputs to create a stereo path sending each output to different effects. Even try inserting at the end of two patches to crossfade between them. Great for adding variation in a live setting or when just jamming. Of course you can always self-patch to push it even further, or use as a standard triple LIN/EXP VCA. The possibilities are endless with this module!

Triple Voltage Controlled Crossfader (VC XFader) with selectable linear or exponential CV response. CV attenuverters. Bi-color LEDs for each CV signal as well as each channel output. LED indication of channel bias.
Soft touch knobs for attenuverters, bias, and LIN/EXP controls.
Each of 3 crossfaders is normalled (mixed) to the next channel. Normalization is broken when outputs are patched. This allows the unit to work as a 6 input crossfader, triple VCA, or any combination between.

CLICK FOR MORE »

After Later Audio Talks Dirty Laundry and Developing Eurorack Modules

video upload by Patchwerks Seattle

"In this video Nick Bigelow of Patchwerks sits down with Lenny Helton of After Later Audio to discuss Eurorack development and one of their newest modules, Dirty Laundry.

Dirty Laundry is a destructive harmonic generator. The FOLD side can function as a standard Buchla-inspired wave folder but then extend into chaos when you engage the “pre-fold” PRESS section. The Press section creates all kinds of initial harmonics that really give the Fold section something to sink its teeth into. This results in a nice range of controlled harmonics from simple fold activity to anarchy.

The Press and Fold sections can function either as two parallel sections or as single serial unit. There are crossfaders between the sections and at the end of chain to help with blending between these two distinct sections. In development I mainly use it as a serial unit as I think it’s most fun that way. But I found the need to control the mixes to get what I was after, so I added some extra patch points to make it parallel capable.

The module will work well with all waveforms (speech is fun) but I often stick with sine and triangle waves as I find them the most pleasing starting point. While most folders won’t work well with square waves, the RES/DRIVE circuit will cause some rippling and make the FOLD much more interesting.

Order the ALA Dirty Laundry here: https://bit.ly/ala_dirty_laundry

Discussion: 00:00
Demonstration: 20:13

https://patchwerks.com/
Demo by: Ryan Hume (Acid Rain Technology)
Video by: Matthew Piecora (aka EZBOT)
https://www.ezbot.live"

Patchwerks Featured on Local Seattle News

video upload by KING 5

"A worker at one Seattle store said it looked like they were going out of business because inventory is so low right now." Patchwerks comes in halfway into the video.

Update: found the video on YouTube. Much better embed for the site. You can find the article on KING5 here.

I thought this was pretty cool. Patchwerks was featured on Seattle's KING5 news channel yesterday and today. The segment, as you can see, focused on supply chain issues impacting everyday shopping and seasonal items at Puget Sound retailers. It's fun seeing familiar synth heads featured on public TV.

https://patchwerks.com/

Reminder: Patchwerks 5 Year Anniversary Event This Saturday in Seattle

via @Patchwerks_

"Don’t forget tomorrow from 3-9PM is our 5-Year Anniversary Party Party popper Stop by for live music, in-store deals, raffle prizes, and a special showroom surprise"

https://patchwerks.com/

Acid Rain Technology Talks In-Depth About Maestro and Modular Synthesis

video upload by Patchwerks Seattle

"In this video Matthew Piecora of Patchwerks and Ryan Hume from Acid Rain Technology sit down to talk in-depth about their hit module Maestro and Modular Synthesis.

Maestro is a 6 channel clocked modulation controller inspired by the automation lanes found in digital audio workstation software, brought into eurorack and made playable and performable. Maestro will push and pull the parameters of your other modules with rapid or slowly evolving voltages, always in perfect sync with each other and the rest of your system.

Order the Maestro here: https://bit.ly/art_maestro

https://patchwerks.com/
Demo by: Ryan Hume (Acid Rain Technology)
Video by: Matthew Piecora (aka EZBOT)
https://www.ezbot.live"

Model:Cycles, Make Noise O-Coast, and Meris Polymoon Performance

video upload by Patchwerks Seattle

"In this video Kevin from Patchwerks performs on the Elektron Model:Cycles, with support from the Make Noise O-Coast and the Meris Polymoon.

From Elektron: 'Scale angles dense and jagged, glide over plains vast and fluid, or sink into mists of dissonance. To model is to shape the formless. Model:Cycles is a six track FM based groovebox that brings exploring into the heart of sound sculpting. With six unique Machines in one lightweight unit you can effortlessly mold rhythm and melody across the digital spectrum using instant, tactile controls. Exploration made attainable.'

Buy the Elektron Model:Cycles here: http://bit.ly/pw-cycles

The 0-COAST is a single voice patchable synthesizer. It's name reflects the fact that it utilizes techniques from both the Moog and Buchla paradigms (aka East Coast and West Coast due to their locations), but is loyal to neither and thus implements 0-coast synthesis.

Buy the Make Noise O-Coast here: https://bit.ly/make_noise_ocoast

Meris Polymoon is a super-Modulated Delay inspired by cascaded rack gear.

Buy the Meris Polymoon here: https://bit.ly/meris_polymoon

https://patchwerks.com/
Demo by: Kevin Weber
Video by: Matthew Piecora (aka EZBOT)
https://www.ezbot.live"

Patchwerks 5 Year Anniversary Party Coming to Seattle on 11/20

via @Patchwerks_

"Patchwerks turns 5!!!

You’re invited to our anniversary party on 11/20 for a day of live performances, special in-store savings, raffle prizes, and community appreciation ❤️

PLUS! Extended party hours until 9PM… and a special showroom surprise 😉"

https://patchwerks.com/

Moog Theremini and Elektron Octatrack Improv Performance!

video upload by Patchwerks Seattle

"In this video Kaliane and Connie from Patchwerks perform on the Moog Theremini and the Elektron Octatrack. The Moog Theremini's audio is being processed by Octatrack's powerful stereo effects.

The Theremini is a re-imagination of one of the oldest electronic musical instrument in history and Bob Moog's first love - the Theremin. Its design fuses the experience of performing with an instrument you don't actually touch, with a powerful sound engine derived from Moog's award-winning synthesizer, Animoog. The Theremini guarantees immediate success to any player at any skill level, while providing new ways to experiment with music, education, and gestural control.

Order the Moog Theremini Theremin here: https://bit.ly/moog_theremini
Order the Elektron Octatrack MK2 here: https://bit.ly/octatrack_mk2_blk

https://patchwerks.com/
Performance by: Kaliane Van and Connie Fu
Video by: Matthew Piecora (aka EZBOT)
https://www.ezbot.live"

Chase Bliss Mood w/ Moog EP-3 Expression Pedal (and OP-1)

video upload by Patchwerks Seattle

"In this video Karl from Patchwerks shares his favorite way to use the Chase Bliss Mood and Moog EP-3 expression pedal with his trusty Teenage Engineering OP-1.

MOOD is a two channel granular micro-looper / delay. Designed to be playful and immediate, it is a study of interaction. MOOD is internally collaborative, allowing audio to freely pass back and forth between its two sides, evolving and transforming over time. Drolo FX is behind the loop channel, a collection of always-listening micro-loopers, and old blood noise endeavors offer us the wet channel, a suite of live spatial effects.

We have three different options for how the channels are internally routed. Run a time-stretched loop through a cloud of delay taps, re-record it and carry on. Overdub, freeze, dissolve, smear. The device’s heart is the clock control, which slows or accelerates both sides simultaneously in harmonized steps. Instantly turn a loop into rolling chirps, or divide a reverb down into atmospheric noise. And naturally, we have full MIDI, dip-switch, and preset implementation.

Order the Chase Bliss Mood here: https://bit.ly/chase_bliss_mood

The EP-3 Expression Pedal from Moog is a universal expression pedal for keyboards, synths, and pedals that have either an expression or CV input. It has a polarity switch for compatibility with non-Moog products and a scalable output knob for different musical ranges. The pedal itself is designed for smooth operation while being rugged enough for daily use and touring. A 6.5' 1/4" TRS cable is included.

Order the Moog Music EP-3 Expression Pedal here: https://bit.ly/moog_ep3_expression_pedal

Order the Teenage Engineering OP-1 here: http://bit.ly/teenage_engineering_op-1

https://patchwerks.com/
Demo by: Matthew Piecora
Video by: Matthew Piecora (aka EZBOT)
https://www.ezbot.live"