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."

Make Noise Spectraphon Noise Mode | Noise Drone

video upload by Akihiko Matsumoto

Make Noise Modular Synth Sample Pack: https://akihikomatsumoto.bandcamp.com...
Morphagene Reels Pack: https://akihikomatsumoto.bandcamp.com...

NOISE CHOIR | Make Noise

video upload by MAKEN0ISE

"We don’t usually immediately associate the sound of a choir with noise... but let's consider the Noise mode of Spectraphon."

http://www.makenoisemusic.com

Noise + Chaos | MakeNoise Spectraphon & Mimeophon

video upload by Cinematic Laboratory

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

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

Panharmonium | by Rossum Electro-Music

video upload by Cinematic Laboratory

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

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

DXG Intro and Overview | Make Noise

video upload by MAKEN0ISE

Follow-up to yesterday's post. New video and the official press release are in.

"The Dual Stereo Gate (DXG) music synthesizer module is a Dual Stereo Low Pass Gate and Mixer. It follows in the footsteps of the QMMG, Optomix, RxMx, DynaMix, and LxD. Unlike its predecessors, the DXG is specifically oriented around mixing stereo signals, making it an important addition to any system containing modules like XPO, QPAS, Morphagene, Mimeophon, Spectraphon, and other stereo modules by Make Noise or others.

8hp
Shipping January 2024
MSRP $215

http://www.makenoisemusic.com"

Press release follows:

Make Noise is proud to announce the DXG!

The Dual Stereo Gate (DXG) music synthesizer module is a Dual Stereo Low Pass Gate and Mixer. It follows in the footsteps of the QMMG, Optomix, RxMx, DynaMix, and LxD. Unlike its predecessors, the DXG is specifically oriented around mixing stereo signals, making it an important addition to any system containing modules like XPO, QPAS, Morphagene, Mimeophon,Spectraphon, and other stereo modules by Make Noise or others.

Unique to the DXG is a new low pass gate circuit that does not use vactrols. This circuit is 100% analog and its response was arrived at after many months tailoring it to meet or exceed the expectations that have been set by all the vactrol low pass gates that Make Noise has created over the years. The DXG is a completely new approach which better implements the gentle single pole filtering of a low pass gate, while also emulating the slow decay and memory of the vactrol based low pass gate. This new circuit makes possible the consistency of response necessary for versatile stereo use, while also keeping the module small and affordable so that it can be a key part of just about any modular system.

Unlike previous low pass gates made by Make Noise, all the DXG’s inputs and outputs are stereo. Each set of inputs is normalled so that the left input can be used for a mono signal, sending a copy to both left and right outputs. The Auxiliary inputs are also a stereo pair with mono normalization. These normalizations allow for the DXG to be used as a simple three channel stereo mixer, with one or two of the channels additionally being used for dynamics control and note event generation. The Aux inputs can be used to chain together larger decentralized mixes using additional DXG modules, or X-PAN, Optomix, modDemix etc.

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Make Noise Introduces DXG (Dual Stereo Gate) - Low Pass Gate and Mixer Eurorack Module

video upload by MAKEN0ISE

via MAKEN0ISE

"The Dual Stereo Gate (DXG) music synthesizer module is a Dual Stereo Low Pass Gate and Mixer. It follows in the footsteps of the QMMG, Optomix, RxMx, DynaMix, and LxD. Unlike its predecessors, the DXG is specifically oriented around mixing stereo signals, making it an important addition to any system containing modules like XPO, QPAS, Morphagene, Mimeophon, Spectraphon, and other stereo modules by Make Noise or others.

8hp
Shipping to dealers this month!
MSRP $215"

Check with dealers on the right for availability.

Mimeophon QPAS Feedback Patch

video upload by Cinematic Laboratory

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

Make Noise Spectraphon Drone

video upload by Akihiko Matsumoto

"Make Noise Modular Synth Sample Pack: https://akihikomatsumoto.bandcamp.com..."

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."

Chaos Bells | Make Noise

video upload by MAKEN0ISE

"’Tis the season to synthesize some bell sounds! The Spectraphon’s new Chaos mode is actually "Chaos optional." That is, it is very possible to do a nicely tuned modulation that gives the sort of sonorous ringing we associate with bells. The amount of cross modulation and noise that we add in, via the Slide control, is entirely up to us.

http://www.makenoisemusic.com/modules..."

CHAOS WAVES | Make Noise

video upload by MAKEN0ISE

"Let’s make some waves!

The Noise and Chaos modes in Spectraphon are particularly well suited to sounds that are inspired by the natural world. Of course nature does contain tonal or pitched sounds, but many of the things that happen on our planet are not the results of steady oscillation, and for that reason the potentially non-periodic outputs of Noise and Chaos modes can be really useful when making such sounds.

SpectraNoise firmware:
http://www.makenoisemusic.com/modules..."

New Spectraphon Firmware! | Make Noise

video upload by MAKEN0ISE

Also see: SpectraNoise Coming to Make Noise Spectraphon

Press release follows:

Make Noise is proud to announce SpectraNoise, a new Spectraphon firmware coded by Tom Erbe of Soundhack!

This free firmware can be downloaded directly from our website.

SpectraNoise adds two new oscillator modes: Chaos and Noise.

As with the original Spectraphon firmware, each half of the module is able to run any of the four available modes (SAM, SAO, Chaos, Noise) independently, allowing for a wide range of experimental, harmonically rich timbres.

This new firmware also includes improved low frequency compensation for the Partials parameter in SAO mode.

A new low frequency mode can also be enabled, transforming the module into a chaotic modulation powerhouse!

Noise Mode:

In Noise mode, the Even and Odd outputs contain a pair of sine waves modulated by noise sidebands. The Slide and Focus controls set the frequencies of a low-pass and high-pass filter, respectively, for this modulating noise, further shaping the sidebands.

Chaos Mode:

In Chaos mode, two sine oscillators are each paired with a second sine whose harmonic ratio is set by the Focus control. Partials adds audio rate modulation of one sine by the other, and Slide adds multiple chaotic feedback paths to this modulation.

In both new modes the Sine and Sub/CV outputs, the Pitch Controls and the FM Bus, all work the same as in previously existing modes.

Please refer to the Spectraphon manual for more details!

Additional information:

The updated Spectraphon manual (which includes the SpectraNoise info) can be found here.

A cheat sheet for the various controls and functions of SpectraNoise can be found on our website.

Installing SpectraNoise provides access to sounds otherwise impossible to create with the original Spectraphon firmware. We cannot wait to hear what you create with it! Download today and happy patching!

Buchla/TipTop Audio 296T Programmable Spectral Processor

video upload by Cinematic Laboratory

"Sure, the 52 HP 296T Spectral Processor is very big. And it's deep too. As a physical module and as an instrument. It's also power hungry taking almost 800 mA in total. It doesn't come cheap, but this is not an 'inspired by the 296' module like Fumana, Spectraphon or Sputnik. It has both the name Buchla and the magic numbers on it. And TipTop made it real."

SpectraNoise Coming to Make Noise Spectraphon

video upload by MAKEN0ISE

"Coming soon! SpectraNoise is a new firmware update for the Spectraphon! It adds two new oscillator modes: Chaos, and Noise!

This video features sounds made by the Spectraphon in these modes.

We are hard at work finalizing the SpectraNoise firmware, and we’re excited to share it with you! It will be available within the next couple of weeks. Stay tuned for more information!

http://www.makenoisemusic.com/modules..."

DPO vs Spectraphon

video upload by Cinematic Laboratory

"So how do these two compare? Let's have a friendly 'competition' where both win, a bit of drama and some cool patch examples that show the major differences.

A short observation reveals a similar layout of two VCO's and an FM-bus in the center. But Spectraphon's deck-knobs are used for adjusting the bands in a parametric EQ, while DPO's knobs are used to design and sculpt waveforms. Spectraphon uses statistic models of captured sounds, DPO makes original complex sounds that just can't be captured in a spectrum array - and it offers a mighty wavefolder. So DPO is a fruit, and Spectraphon is a fruit processor that makes/blends juice.

It takes a lot of space to use both in a single case so you may need to make a choice. Using an XPO next to the SP brings you closer to the DPO and you can make a lot of new sounds, but again, the DPO's internal routings make all the difference.

There are four challenges in this video: the 'drone', 'sweet dreams', 'processing audio' and 'bad dreams'. Both modules meet at neutral ground, and can use the same configuration of Marbles, Ripples, Stages, Veils and Clouds. It's been a bit like playing chess against myself so there's no winner. In the 'drone' challenge they were limited to their own rows, the other challenges allowed using everything, including each other. These two rows make up really cool starterkits too.

00:00 Introduction
02:04 Challenge 1: The Drone
06:06 Challenge 2: Sweet Dreams
09:49 Challenge 3: Processing Audio
12:01 Challenge 4: Bad Dreams"

Plinking the Spectrum | Make Noise

video upload by MAKEN0ISE

"Let’s plink the Spectraphon in SAM using rhythmic triggers.

The SP38 firmware can be downloaded from our website: https://www.makenoisemusic.com/manual...

http://www.makenoisemusic.com/modules..."

Spectraphon Firmware Update!

video upload by MAKEN0ISE

"New Spectraphon firmware version sp38 is available now!

In addition to a couple fun new features, this update includes critical bug fixes, and is therefore recommended for all Spectraphon users.

This firmware can be downloaded from our website: https://www.makenoisemusic.com/manual...

In this video, we’ll show how to install the firmware, and briefly go over the new features. All this information is also included in the readme file when you download the firmware.

New features:
1. Sub-Oscillator is now available as a Sub/CV output mode in SAM (previously only available in SAO). 2. Adds option to Delete currently selected User Array and return to Default Array on current slot. To Delete, while holding SHIFT button on the Side whose User Array you are Deleting, press and hold opposing SHIFT button for 2 seconds. For example to delete current Array on Side A, Hold SHIFT-A first, then Hold SHIFT-B for two seconds.

http://www.makenoisemusic.com/modules..."

Lights Visualizer by Vaski.nl

video upload by Cinematic Laboratory

"I picked up two Light Visualizers on Dutch Modular Fest last saturday. They are made by Amsterdam based Veski Modular. For me, personally, they add a lot of value to my case. The spectral visualizer is really useful if you own a Spectraphon , but it also provides a valuable tuner and tons of metering options. Highly recommended for 'pimping your ride'."

Vaski Lights is a graphical display for your sound in 2 HP.

Also available in silver.

Led display that responds accurately to sound and CV signals. Stereo input and multiple visualization modes let you monitor and design the music you play in a new way! The narrow module fits anywhere: place it next to a synth voice, or on your master output. Keep your levels in check and see the spectral content of the audio stream.

The second jack can be reconfigured as a pass-through output for a mono input signal."

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