Meta Morph : Eigenharp plugin for VCV Rack

video upload by TheTechnobear

"Today, I'm releasing Meta Morph for macOS, a vcv rack plugin for connecting your eigenharp.

no additional software is required, just VCV Rack and this plugin.
(EigenD does NOT need to be installed )

This is a brief video showing this vcv rack plugin, and how it can be used.

more information including how to download can be found here:
https://community.polyexpression.com/...

Support my development efforts via KoFI :
https://ko-fi.com/thetechnobear"

Meta Morph , your eigenharp in vcv

video upload by TheTechnobear

"Meta Morph bringing your Eigenharp into VCV rack.
In this video I demonstrate how to use Meta Morph and detail each module in the Meta Morph suite.

Gain access to the Early Access of Meta Morph:
https://community.polyexpression.com/...

Support my development efforts via KoFI :
https://ko-fi.com/thetechnobear

0:00 Intro and first patch
5:08 More on Eigenharp module
9:40 More on Scaler module
12:13 Illuminator module
12:47 Switch module
16:50 Function modules
18:15 Using Function with Switch
20:40 Splitter modules
24:14 Recap and further considerations
28:30 Early access and round-up"

ORHACK and Mic on a Snare Drum

video upload by Critter & Guitari

"ORHACK is a new version of the classic ORAC patch made by Audivit! Download it here: https://patchstorage.com/orhack/
Use ORHACK as a groovebox, effects processor, or BOTH. It works great with the Critter & Guitari Microphone. Thanks to Audivit for making this patch and thanks to Mark Harris aka TheTechnobear for making ORAC!"

Percussa Updates SSP Eurorack Module w/ 3D Graphics, Plugin SDK, Scanning Oscillator & More

via Percussa

PERCUSSA UPDATES SSP EURORACK MODULE SOFTWARE, ADDING 3D GRAPHICS, NEW PLUGIN SDK, SCANNING OSCILLATOR MODULE AND MORE

May 2nd, 2022 (Los Angeles, CA) Percussa, makers of the Super Signal Processor (SSP) Eurorack module, are set to return to the SUPERBOOTH show in Berlin, May 12-14 2022, since the COVID-19 pandemic started, and are presenting a major software update for the Percussa SSP.

Percussa has been working on a software update for the SSP since its last participation in the show in 2019, featuring a complete graphics rewrite, leveraging the previously unused GPU processor on the SSP, for accelerated 2D and 3D graphics. Additionally, the SSP's plugin SDK has been updated to enable plugin developers to use the GPU as well for 2D or 3D graphics via OpenGL(ES).

Graphics acceleration on the SSP and GPU support in the plugin SDK were stretch goals which were not reached during the succesfully funded Percussa SSP kickstarter campaign back in 2017. With this update, users will receive the features planned in these stretch goals, and the benefits of accelerated graphics and increased DSP power.

In addition to increased DSP power, audio processing optimizations, and accelerated graphics, the update features countless bug fixes and improved memory management, and comes with a new "3D wave scanning" oscillator, developed by Percussa, featuring GPU powered raytraced 3D graphics.

Since the last SUPERBOOTH show, Percussa has released several incremental updates and fixes for the SSP software, enabling 24-channel USB audio support, improving MIDI MPE support as well as improvements to the step sequencer, sampler and direct to disk recorder.

In addition to the new software update, open source developer and SSP power user @thetechnobear (Mark Harris) is releasing over 10 new plugins for the Percussa SSP, and will be demoing these daily at the Percussa SSP table at the SUPERBOOTH show. Mark has also started contributing recently to the main SSP application software, in addition to his plugin contributions, which include countless modules such as a performance mixer, matrix switchers and mixers, sample and hold modules, utility modules, and ports of open source modules such as Clouds, Rings and Plaits. More information about @thetechnobear's work can be found at https://forum.percussa.com/t/thetechnobears-vsts-development/941/. Including @thetechnobear's plugins, the SSP now offers more than 50 modules in total.

The new software update is currently in BETA with the release version to be made publicly available by the end of June. The update will be available via the Percussa forum at https://forum.percussa.com/. Percussa has also opened up pre-orders for the next production batch of SSPs. The SSP can be ordered via your favourite eurorack dealer, or on Percussa's website at https://www.percussa.com

Orac's Krell - demo of a new way to use Orac

video upload by TheTechnobear

"Over the last few months Ive been collaborating with Electra One.

They have recently made their firmware open source, and I wanted to write a custom firmware for Orac to allow a new way to interact with Orac running on any platform.

This video is of the patch I made for their booth at this years Superbooth (2021) , showing Orac running on a Terminal Tedium.

This firmware will also work on the rPI, Organelle and other Orac platforms.

The patch is a generative patch based on the 'Krell Patch', which uses continually looping envelopes that change randomly over time.
these envelopes are used for many aspects, including note generator, amplitude and also also various parameters affecting timbre and filtering.

This was implemented by creating new Orac modules that contained these new 'krell' envelopes.

a fun patch to just let do its own thing, and tweak as you go along.

(I also had the patch running on the Organelle-M at Superbooth)"

Additional Orac posts

Additional Electra One posts

Percussa SSP - Most powerful Eurorack module?

video by TheTechnobear

"I bought the Percussa SSP over a year ago now...
what do I think about it? was it worth the investment?

Here's my intro to the SSP, What I think about it and what Ive done with it!

0:00 Intro
0:25 What is the Percussa SSP?
2:18 Let's Patch
5:45 Connecting more friends
8:10 Look Mum I want a computer
9:15 How many plates can you spin?
10:10 Can it do more?
11:30 It's Large & Expensive - no?
13:28 Elephant in the room!
14:00 How I tame the Elephant
16:45 Roundup"

https://www.percussa.com



Also see Quick Clouds demo on Percussa SSP, followed by the Percussa label below for additional posts.

Jamuary #28 - Together we rock (ft. VCVRack, Eurorack,Soundplane)

video by TheTechnobear

"Today was all about trying to bring everything together....

The idea is simple, using the power of the computer (my little mac mini m1) to use the wonderful vcvrack, yet have it behave like an instrument with full hands on control.

Ive used vcvrack a bit in the past, but never really tried to integrate it fully..
the basics of the patch are simple.
- a couple of voices using instruo and vult oscillators and filters
- pianoteq (vst host) using a vult filter
- aalto (vst host)
- a mixer with a couple of sends to 2 vahalla vst reverbs (vst host)
- audio recorder to record the output
- midi to cv, to connect to hardware

the the bit thats Ive not done before... using midi mapping to map a controller.

on the hardware side.
the aim here was about hands on control...

the pyramid is used as the main sequencer and clock

the hermod is really the brains.
its sending the cv to the eurorack, midi to vcvrack, and its also taking cv/gate from the USTA to sequence vcvrack voices.

usta is a nice hands-on sequencer, quite different from the pyramid, more like an analog sequencer.

electra one [additional posts], lovely controller with encoders and is touch screen too - its easy to customise, so here I created a quick patch that controls vcvrack, things like levels, fx, and filters. once setup, I use midi map in vcvrack to assign controls.

the soiundplane again comes into play as the main playing surface :)

its was quite a lot of setup, but really just because it was the first time... so I had to decide how it was best to connect things, what role they would play.

its the first time my little mac mini struggle a little bit.
in fairness, it was fine whilst I was playing...no audio glitches at all.

but of course, as soon as I turned on the camera issues started appearing :)
the issue is I also had to run OBS to record the webcam, and quicktime to do a screen capture of vcvrack... that seem to just take it a bit over the top.

... which was. a bit frustrating, as I was getting tired by this point, and just wanted to finish... but I got there.

I might give it another go tommorow, now its all setup - so I can focus more on the music side , rather than cables and midi ;)


hope you enjoy

tech note: I should say VCVRack, plugins , OBS are all Rosetta , so I think we can expect them to improve. also honestly, Id have not even tried this on my old mac - its also possible the issue was related to usb traffic, given I have audio interface, webcam, monitor, soundplane, hermod, electra one ... alll sending a lot of data over usb ;)"

Jamuary #19 - Track from scratch on the Spectralis

TheTechnobear

"Today's Jam is on the Radical Technologies Spectralis, a rare beast, yet one of the most powerful gooveboxes ever made.

I have to admit I dont use the Spectralis that often these days (though that could change after today) ... so really I just wanted to refamiliarise myself it ... as Id forgotten alot.

Then I realised its likely few have seen the Spectralis in action - so decided to do a kind of walkthrough to show it in action.


This is 100% Spectralis, all done on the fly.
the only thing Id prepared was which have some sounds loaded into each part (aka track).... even that I got wrong on last part ;)

So its a warts n' all , so forgive my 'rustiness'.

Coming back to the Spectralis I was struck by a few things:

The sound is fantastic, Id forgotten how good it was.
It has a reputation for complexity, and there is no denying that... but still I was surprised how quickly I got back into it.

As Ive not been using the Spectalis, I have been considering selling it... but have to say a few hours with it has reignitied my passion for it.
There is so much more it can do that I didnt even touch on today.
So, I think I need to put it somewhere where I can use it more again!"

Jamuary #17 - Reflections (ft. Soundplane,Ableton Live, Aalto, Kaivo)

TheTechnobear

"Today's Jam is 'all in the box'

I love using whatever I have available , hardware, software... doesn't matter to me :)

Here Im recording directly to Ableton Live in multiple 'live' takes.
again, just improvising with whatever I feel like at the time.

Each of the 3 takes is using the Madrona Labs Soundplane as the controller, playing patches Ive created specifically for this session.

The first two layers are both using Aalto with different patchees - which you may have noticed is my favourite soft synth.

The third (bell like) is using Kaivo, another Madrona Labs synth.

Interestingly... in the past I never really got on with Kaivo, I just couldn't see to create patches I like - but that seems to have changed.

I think my recent love of granular synthesis in eurorack has led me to to a new appreciation, that of course applies to software granular too. I guess all that knob twiddling has paid off :)"

Jamuary #12 - Dark Times (ft Soundplane & Eigenharp)

TheTechnobear

"Today's Jam features a passion of mine...two rare expressive instruments.
The Eigenharp Alpha by Eigen Labs (main shot) and the Madrona Labs Soundplane (inset as shown in other jams)

What I love about these instruments is you can use quite simple sounds and add the feeling with your touches, no need for automation when you can be the modulation :)

Why two expressive controllers?
simply because with expressive controllers everything is in 'how they feel'... they make you play differently - the Eigenharp is fast, precise... the Soundplane is more mellow, evolving.

The sound source in both cases is Aalto by Madrona Labs probably my favourite synth, which was built for expressive controllers like the Eigenharp and Soundplane, so is a 'natural fit'.
This paired up with my favourite reverbs from Vahalla DSP.


#Jamuary #Eigenharp #Soundplane


(1) It should be noted both the Eigenharp and Soundplane are controllers , in this case they are sending OSC, but can also send midi (mpe)"

Jamuary #8 - Press Ahead (ft Octatrack, Cat, Virus TI, Eyesy)

TheTechnobear

"Day 8 for Jamuary, change it up a bit for the Jam, but Cat is back lending me his support....and again another audio visual jam.

Visuals are again done with the Critter and Guitari's incredible EYESY.
(see yesterday's , jam 7, video for more details)

On the music side,
quite an unexpected turn... I planned something completely differrent.
But when starting, I stumbled on some samples on the Rample, which led me a new direction.. so I just decided to press ahead with that new idea.

so...
Virus is doing the bass, and chord sequence which I previously had played into the Squarp Pyramid.
Drums are coming from the Octatrack.
finally, the modular, oddly, its only being used for the Rample and its samples, and even that over midi... but hey, they were the seed for the jam.

hmm, wonder if tommorow I'll do what I had planned for today, or get sidetracked again (... doh, that would have been a better track name ;) )"

Jamuary #7 - Winds of change

TheTechnobear

"For day 7 of Jamuary I decided extend the jamming to video as well as music :)
On the music front Im simply playing the soundplane in a free improv.
On the video side, I brought out the Critter and Guitari Eyesy, and 'jammed' along with what Id played.

I really love the eyesy, for creatiing these video effects quickly, where it can react to the music, and also allow some hands on control.

details....

Music side:
Improv on the soundplane playing Madrona Lab Aalto into Vahalla Shimmer and Vahalla SuperMassove.

Video side:
Audio into Eyesy, video capture with a very cheap device off ebay. Eyesy is generating visual from audio using various 'scenes', where I use a green background, and 'green screen' video
I did a couple of runs with EYESY, then brought them into Final Cut Pro.
I added the main video with a sepia fx, to help the graphics stand out.
then overlaid eyesy video, added keyer fx (green screen) - then chopped up bits of the eyesy images I wanted.

note: no additional fx were used in FCP, except crossfade transitions.

this sounds more complicated than it really is, its actually a very quick way to add additional video fx."

Jamuary #1 - Hopeful Beginnings

TheTechnobear

"Jamuary is an initiative encouraging everyone to create and share each day, with the hope that by repetition we can improve and grow.
So this year, Im going to see how many short pieces I can create during January.

The emphasis for me is going to be exploring what I have available, and finding new ways to use these instruments, with a short jam as a result of issue 'exploration'.
I'm also hoping more frequent recording/publishing will help me optimise this process a little bit.

Jam #1 - I've just got a Frap Tools USTA sequencer, so here I was exploring its features - lots to learn, but Im really enjoying it so far."

Quick Clouds demo on Percussa SSP

TheTechnobear

"I’ve started developing some VSTs for the Percussa SSP - here I’m testing my new clouds vst.

The SSP is running a number of wavetable oscillators into clouds vst driven from midi .. and mixing this with other audio sources from the rack."

ORGANELLE-M - Best Portable Synth?

Published on Jul 12, 2019 TheTechnobear

"Is the Organelle-M the best portable synth available in 2019?

In this video, I look and play with the new Critter and Guitari Organelle-M, and answer the following questions...

Who's it for?
What can it do?
What's new?
Is it worth upgrading too?
How's it compare to the OP-1?

#organelle-m #critterandguitari"

AE Modular Synth Talk @ Superbooth 2019 #TTNM

Published on May 11, 2019 THE TUESDAY NIGHT MACHINES

"Talking about the AE Modular experience with Robert from tangible waves, thetechnobear and Careck from the AE Modular forums :)

♥ SUPPORT: http://bit.ly/ttnm-support ♥

Before things got busy at Berlin's FEZ Superbooth location this morning, we managed to sit down together in the sun and have a casual chat about our AE Modular Synth experiences and how we got into the format."

Critter & Guitari - Orac 2.0 for Organelle

Published on Apr 29, 2019 Critter & Guitari

"Download Orac 2.0 here: http://forum.critterandguitari.com/t/...
Orac is a powerful modular patch-builder crammed into a single Organelle patch. String chains of familiar patches together to create 'super'/'meta'/'uber' functionality. version 2.0 is here and it's amazing!

Add sequencers, synths/samplers and effects to create the ultimate combination. Each element, or module, can be rearranged and changed on the fly. It's like using many Organelles at the same time! Orac can be used on the Organelle without any need for an external computer or coding. It is a very powerful and fun patch!

Here in version 2.0, we have more options and abilities! Use global modulation controls to open up more possibilities for sound making. Manage samples in an easier way and add banks of your own sounds! Use new MIDI implementation to control other gear, or to have other gear control Orac.
Orac 2.0 requires Pure Data 0.49!

Orac was created by Mark Harris, aka thetechnobear. Thanks Mark!!"

Orac 2.0 Overview and new features

Published on Apr 10, 2019 TheTechnobear

"version 2, of my open source virtual modular.

this release aims to :

- bring orac to more musicians
- be easier to use
- be more flexible

in this video, I describe what's change and demonstrate many of the new features.
Orac now runs not only on the Organelle (like 1.0), but also a Raspberry PI, and a couple of different Eurorack modules.

This video concentrates on the key features, there will be a couple of short videos covering how to use on a RaspberryPI and Eurorack modules.

Timeline:
06:05 - Remote Control
07:58 - Pd patch remote
09:46 - Push2
11:12 - Functional changes ( showed on Organelle)
11:30 - Router
14:54 - Main Controls
15:29 - MIDI Interaction (Active OG Keyboard)
16:49 - Group modules
17:20 - Presets
18:43 - Modulation
19:28 - Modulation Bus
21:32 - Modulation Macro Controls
22:00 - Sample Management
23:55 - MPE
24:29 - Graphics
25:37 - Scope
27:01 - Final thoughts

(thanks to Antonio for providing me with the timings :) )

CLICK FOR MORE »

Orac - What is it?

Published on Apr 9, 2019 TheTechnobear

"I'm just about to release Orac 2.0 :)

this short video is a quick demonstration about what Orac is, a taster of what it can do, and how you can use it.

for release: Ive got a what's new for Orac 2.0 video, and also some tutorial videos on how to set it up etc.

I hope the video is not too confusing,
there is a lot of things going on , and frankly its quite hectic for me trying to think about 4 orac devices at once ...
you really only need one :)

Orac 2.0 will support the following platforms:
- Organelle
- Raspberry PI3
- Qubit Nebulae v2 (eurorack)
- Bela Salt (eurorack)"

Multi-tracking a modular into a 4-track

Published on Mar 18, 2019 TheTechnobear

"so, this weeks AE modular challenge was X, the number 10... to celebrate it being the 10th challenge!

I decided that to meet this challenge, Id create 10 patches on the AE modular, so the track would be solely made on the AE modular.
Obviously, I needed to multi-track to do this, but decided to stay away from the computer...

Instead, I decided to use a Tascam 244, that I had bought and repaired a few months back,
and whilst Ive used it a bit before, I wanted to challenge myself with it....

... creating 10 tracks on a 4-track, seemed like a good idea at the time ;)

perhaps unsurprisingly, this turned out to be a bit more of a challenge than I expected!
the workflow was not that difficult, its a matter of just keeping track of which tracks are your 'masters',
and so which tracks you have to record on, and the Tascam 244's EQ is really useful!.

it all started ok...
Id create a patch, play it live, record it.
rinse and repeat,
when I ran out of tracks, Id usually bounce and record at the same time.
cool...

but about half way thru, it became apparent, with a 4-track you really need to have a plan :)

you are continually having to commit on things like levels and EQ (to free up tracks),
but I wasn't even sure where the track was heading or what the next patches (so sounds) might be.

... and even half way thru, I had a pretty dense track!

so next time, I'll defintely think it thru first, Ideally have some kind of 'timeline' in my head, so that there are spaces to slot new things in, to let the track breath a bit.

but it was a lot of fun, and I definitely learnt a few things along the way,

I look forward to giving it another ago some time soon :)"