Artist Picks: Best Music Gear of 2024 (Part 1)

video upload by Perfect Circuit

Check out the accompanying article on our blog, Signal

"2024 is soon drawing to a close—so, we're taking a look back at the year, and taking account of all of the weird and wonderful instruments that gave us some inspiration this year. Synthesizers, drum machines, and Eurorack modules to samplers and effects, this year had no shortage of inspiring instruments.

So, we reached out to some of our friends and content creators to fill us in on their year, asking one simple question: what was the coolest piece of gear YOU got this year? For some, that meant brand-new releases, but for others, it meant sitting down and digging into classic instruments.

In this video, we hear from:
0:05 Andrew Huang on the Elektron Digitakt II
1:36 Starsky Carr on the Pittsburgh Voltage Lab 2
6:30 Molten Music Tech on the Gamechanger Plasma Voice
11:36 Cyberattack on the Vongon Replay
13:48 The Unperson on the Melbourne Delia
Mark Johnston on the UA Apollo x8p Gen 2

Check out the accompanying article on our blog, Signal"

Getting hands-on with the Synthux Academy Touch 2

video upload by Signal Sounds

"The Unperson gets his hands on the Synthux Academy Touch 2: an instrument designed for tactile interaction. Thanks to its growing library of open-source instruments, it can be a thick bass, distorting string, delay, reverb, distortion and pretty much anything in between!

Available here:
https://www.signalsounds.com/synthux-...

More info:
https://www.synthux.academy/simple-sy..."

Getting experimental with Ear Modular Hadouken, Trot & Boxing

video upload by Signal Sounds

"The Unperson is back on the channel to explore three cool and affordable new units all the way from the underground modular scene in Beijing. Between them, Ear Modular's devices cover noise/random/S&H (Hadouken); unique, pingable filtering (Trot); and switching/logic-based fun (Boxing).

They're available here:
https://www.signalsounds.com/ear-modu..."

Melbourne Instruments Delia - motorised bi-timbral fun!

video upload by Signal Sounds

"The Unperson returns to the channel to check out the Melbourne Instruments Delia - a bi-timbral polysynth inspired by the motorised control panel and voice architecture of the original Melbourne Instruments Nina.

Delia introduces a 49-key velocity and aftertouch sensitive keyboard, new multi-mode analogue filters, high pass and low pass resonance control, 3-stage overdrive, and even more modulation possibilities. Paired with Rotary Recall technology, Delia opens the door to the sounds and direction of tomorrow.

Available here:
https://www.signalsounds.com/melbourn..."

PlayFader: a unique and fun performance sequencer

video upload by Signal Sounds

"The Unperson returns to the Signal Sounds channel with a demo of the PlayFader: a fun, hands-on, two-channel performance sequencer from Play All Day. This little unit loves to make friends with modular synths, any synth or sampler with MIDI, guitar pedals, and anything else with CV and expression inputs.

Available here (at a new lower price!):
https://www.signalsounds.com/play-all..."

Melbourne Instruments - Nina.

video upload by The Unperson

"I've been fortunate enough to gt my grubby mits on the lovely Nina by Melbourne Instruments. This is a bit of a dream poly synth of mine. It has that classic vintage vibe, digital craziness, and some truly unique inovations such as the motorised control panel and preset morphing. Not to mention that it is 4-part multi-timbral. Crazy!"

CONTENT
0:00 - Intro
0:55 - Motorized Knobs!
2:11 - Overview
5:05 - Morphing
7:36 - On the Run
9:19 - Aux in
12:22 - Multi-Timbral 1
16:58 - Multi-Timbral 2
18:56 - Outro

Top 5 MAKE NOISE MATHS Patches!

video upload by The Unperson

"I'm not sure why I've never made a video about Make Noise Maths, as it appears in every single one of my videos, but here it is - my top 5 Maths patches!

CONTENT
0:00 - Intro
1:09 - Overview
3:53 - Envelope
7:59 - Slew Generator
10:37 - Fat Drums
14:10 - Side Chain Compression
18:06 - Noise Compilation
23:47 - Outro

#modularsynth #eurorack #maths"

Lúbadh as a Delay - ‪@TheUnperson‬ - Channel Takeover

video upload by Instruō

"Lúbadh doesn't just loop... It also delays!
With the V2 firmware it really became a "modular module" in which each deck can be customised to behave in as many delay effect contexts as we could come up with.

Ally (aka The Unperson/@TheUnperson ) has produced this fantastic Lúbadh video to feature on the channel.
It's a wonderful collection of extremely musical patches with a focus on the Lúbadh functioning as a delay effect.

00:00:00 Instruōduction
00:01:31 Brief Overview
00:03:02 Constant recording delay
00:03:32 TIME pot parameters
00:05:10 "Freezing" the buffer
00:05:40 Patch 1
00:06:35 Patch 1 Explained
00:08:40 Patch 2
00:09:34 Patch 2 Explained
00:09:50 Preset Management
00:13:28 Patch 3 Explained
00:14:50 Patch 3
00:15:19 Patch 3 Expanded
00:17:15 Patch 4
00:17:42 Patch 4 Explained
00:20:16 Patch 5
00:21:53 Patch 5 Explained'

5 great algorithms in the Expert Sleepers Disting Mk4

video upload by Signal Sounds

"Our guest host is a good friend of Signal Sounds and a regular on the channel: The Unperson! Here he explores five of his favourite algorithms on the Expert Sleepers Disting mk4. This classic 4HP Eurorack module now contains over 100 algorithms covering just about every audio and CV function imaginable in a synthesiser. Every rack should have (at least) one!

What's your favourite Disting algorithm? Let us know in the comments...

Disting mk4 is available here: https://www.signalsounds.com/expert-s...

Chapters:
00:00 Intro
00:37 A-6 Quantizer
03:04 C-3 Clockable Ping Pong Delay
05:11 B-2 Slew Rate Limiter
07:13 K-1 Wavetable VCO
10:11 L-1 Stereo Reverb"

You can find additional posts featuring The Unperson here.

KNOBULA - POLY CINEMATIC

video upload by The Unperson

"In today's video I explore the Poly Cinematic from Knobula which effortlessly brings polyphony to the euroack realm. The Poly Cinematic is an all-in-one synth voice with a wide sonic palette, built-in filter, envelope and reverb. It also has some tricks up it's sleeves such as chord mode and trigger inputs. Join me as I explore the wonderful world of polyphony!

CONTENT
0:00 - Intro
1:26 - Overview
5:59 - Trigger Jam
8:45 - Saw Tooth Pad
11:27 - Chord Mode
15:25 - Ambient Chords
17:20 - Outro"

Exploring RYK Modular's ALGO FM Oscillator!

video upload by The Unperson

"RYK Modular have some of the most aesthetically pleasing modules in the eurorack game, as well as some of the most interesting and innovative. Algo is a 4-voice FM oscillator with hands-on control of the parameters allowing you to create an insane breadth of sounds and experiments."

CONTENT
0:00 - Intro
1:42 - Overview
6:53 - Jam 1
10:39 - Jam 2
14:39 - Improv Tweaking!
21:43 - Final Thoughts
23:44 - Outro

Exploring Modular Delays!

video upload by The Unperson

"Delay is my favourite effect! In today's video I explore various delay effects in the eurorack realm, and some different techniques for making music! What is your favourite delay of all time?

CONTENT
0:00 - Intro
1:48 - Sampling Trails
5:07 - Clocked Delay
10:49 - Send & Return
14:16 - Sound on Sound
18:51 - Delay Chains
21:40 - Outro"

Exploring Effects in the Eurorack World!

video upload by The Unperson

"In today's video I'm exploring the wonderful world of effects. Modular effects can be more creative than guitar pedals due to the ability control, clock, and modulate the parameters. In the video I explore some creative patch techniques using effects and making make some tunes with some of my favourite modules!

CONTENT
0:00 - Intro
1:27 - Chorus
3:09 - Reverb
6:05 - Modulate Reverb
8:45 - Clocked Delays
11:50 - Beads!
14:39 - Combining Effects
18:28 - Outro"

Exploring the Hydrasynth Explorer!

video upload by The Unperson

"The Ashun Sound Machines Hydrasynth is a sound designers dream. I've been spending the dark winter nights studying the 100-page manual and having wonderful sonic adventures with this very unique polyphonic synthesizer. Join me as I explore the Hydrasynth and demo some of the cool presets I've made which you can grab for yourself right here:

https://theunpers0n.gumroad.com/

#synth #digital #sound #synthesis

CONTENT
0:00 - Intro
1:29 - Overview
7:03 - Random
12:29 - A.I. Love
13:22 - Cyberpunk
15:02 - Neophyte
15:39 - Cloud Castles
17:31 - Lost at Sea
18:40 - Gaming
19:33 - Binary Code
22:23 - Revelation
23:47 - Outro"

Patch Tips & Tricks for Improving Basic Waveforms!

video upload by The Unperson

"In today's video I explore some synthesis techniques and patching tricks for getting the most out of basic waveforms. I had a big list of ideas for this video but I'm not great at being concise so here is half of them, and the other half will be released in a part 2 video out next week! Hope you enjoy.

Cheers!

Ally

#synthesis #eurorack #modular #patch #synth

CONTENT
0:00 - Intro/Vibrato
4:09 - PWM
6:36 - Wavefolding
9:51 - Glissando
12:17 - HP Filter
15:24 - LPG
18:11 - Outro"

Exploring the 4MS SAMPLER module!

video upload by The Unperson

"In today's video I explore the Sampler from 4MS.
Sampler is a stereo sampling module with tonnes of fun features and an SD card packed full of great samples. It's also easy to record your own samples live and put samples onto the SD card via your computer. Join me as I make some jams with this very fun module!

CONTENT
0:00 - Intro
1:16 - Overview
6:40 - Recording Samples
11:14 - Sampler + Delay
15:34 - Noise Drones
20:17 - Beat Accompaniment
25:13 - Outro"

Exploring the 4MS Looping Delay!!

video upload by The Unperson

"In today's video I'm checking out the Looping Delay from 4MS. This is a super tight digital delay which has way more features than it's simple front panel suggests. Join me as we check out clocked delays, karplus strong, send and return, and more!

CONTENT
0:00 - Intro
1:54 - Overview
5:27 - Sound on Sound
10:13 - Send and Return
13:35 - Karplus Strong
17:37 - Clocked Delay
19:38 - Outro"

MAKE NOISE - TELHARMONIC!

video upload by The Unperson

"A friend of mine kindly loaned me his Telharmonic module - which was my very first foray in the land of modular. Me and Telharmonic parted ways some time ago, but it always has a special place in my heart. Watch as I reunite with an old flame, and discover if the chemistry remains!

CONTENT
0:00 - Intro
3:44 - Overview
9:54 - Polyphonic Mode
15:22 - Dark Jamz
21:03 - Chord Jam
23:11 - Outro"

PWM - Malevolent.

video upload by The Unperson

"If you like experimental noise, and dark distorted growls, then you will enjoy this synth. I genuinely feel inspired to write a punky-experimental synth EP. Whether that will happen or not is another thing. But it's always a good feeling when an instrument can inspire you!"

CONTENT
0:00 - Intro
1:43 - Overview
7:45 - Sample 'n' Hold Jam
12:25 - Arp + Mojave
16:27 - Noise Montage!
23:15 - Outro

Exploring QU-BIT MOJAVE! Live Granular Processing!

video upload by The Unperson

"Today's video explores a new player on the granular scene - the Qu-Bit Electronics Mojave! I've only had the module for about a week or so and I was learning on-the-go while making this video - the manual was never far away. There's definitely more to explore with this module so stay tuned for more videos!

Ally

#eurorack #granular #modular #synth

CONTENT
0:00 - Intro
2:26 - Overview
7:16 - Instant Polyphony
10:37 - Feedback Madness
14:30 - Radio Sampling
18:59 - Orchestral Sounds
22:32 - Outro"