New WMD Fracture Eurorack Module Now Shipping

You can find demos in the archives here.

"WMD fuels fire for expanding Eurorack world with singular-sounding Fracture multi-particle percussion synth module

DENVER, CO, USA: modular synthesizers, guitar pedals, and standalone musical instruments manufacturer WMD is proud to announce availability of Fracture — a multi-particle percussion synthesizer module for small-format Eurorack modular systems that applies concepts from classic analogue clap circuits to granular synthesis techniques to generate a wide palette of sounds while maintaining a simple, intuitive interface — as of April 20…

Initially inspired by audience applause, hip-hop samples, and classic drum machines, Fracture is much more than another percussion module or ‘sample player’ for expanding Eurorack modular system setups since it uses granular synthesis techniques to generate a wide palette of sounds while maintaining a simple, intuitive interface. In itself, that’s no small feat. For granular synthesis is a technique that operates on the microsound time scale (specifically shorter than one tenth of a second and longer than 10 milliseconds, including the 20 Hz to 20 kHz audio frequency range and the infrasonic frequency range below 20 Hz); based on the same principal as sampling, samples are not conventionally played back, but split into smaller segments or grains (of around one to 50 milliseconds) that may be layered on top of each other, played at different speeds, phases, volume, and frequency (amongst other parameters).

Proprietary micro-samples — specifically recorded for this purpose by WMD — is where it all starts for Fracture. It ends with an engine built to suit those samples, ultimately. Unlike WMD’s first Eurorack percussion synthesizer module, Chimera, which involves impulse-rich samples at its tonal centre, Fracture uses single-impulse samples such as claps, ping-pong balls, opening a beer can, and many more. Moreover, it then plays back a group of similar such samples in a pseudo-random order resulting in unique hits. DENSITY, DECAY, and TAIL settings all affect tone and how ‘tight’ the user’s virtual clappers are to playing together.

Trying to design a clap percussion module with wide-reaching range — from classic drum machine claps all the way to full audience applause — was WMD’s definitive design goal for Fracture. Fortunately, Fracture exceeded expectations, ending up as a module capably covering an amazing array of timbres that reach way beyond the scope of claps.

Fracture features a number of other outstanding sound-sculpting tools packed into its slender (8HP width) frame, including a stereo output (OUT L and OUT R); built-in H (Hall) and R (Room) REVERB; two trigger inputs for different sound types — TRIG triggers a burst of particles and TICK triggers a single particle (independently of the TRIG input); three types of filter; three types of envelope; and a free-running, voltage-controlled ‘applause’ capability. CV (Control Voltage) over all parameters is also available of course.

Creating singular-sounding percussion that fuels fire for the ever-expanding Eurorack world is perfectly possible with WMD’s latest (multi-particle percussion synthesizer) module. Making room for Fracture is surely space well filled and money well spent!

Shipping now, Fracture is available to purchase through WMD’s growing global network of authorised dealers"

See the dealers on the right here on MATRIXSYNTH!

WMD Fracture - Free Run and Oscillator Sync Demo

Published on Apr 18, 2018 WMDevices

"WMD Fracture is our second Eurorack Module aimed at creating percussion and drum sounds. However, it has a much wider range of sounds and uses than just snare, clap, and snaps for eurorack.

In this video, we explore the sounds created when using Fracture in it's free running oscillator mode as well as what it sounds like to sync it to another oscillator.

To enter free run oscillator mode, just put a static voltage above 2.3V (gate signal) into the INF input. The envelope will be disabled, and the module will run like an oscillator.

For the Sync Demo, we are running the Phase Displacement Oscillator (PDO MKii) into the Trig input on the Fracture. We have a sequence from Voltage block controlling the pitch of the PDO.

As there is so much sonic territory to explore with this module, we just kept the camera rolling.

*note* This is a stereo module but this demo was recorded using a mono interface so it is a monophonic recording. We'll post another demo of this use in stereo shortly.

00:18 - Free Run Oscillator Mode

01:50 - CV usage in this mode

04:15 - Oscillator Sync Mode"

WMD Fracture

WMD Fracture - How to make analog style clap sounds

Published on Apr 23, 2018 WMDevices

"The WMD Fracture is a super versatile eurorack module capable of making sounds that range from analogue, xox style claps, to loose groups of people clapping together in a room, and much further into weirdness with it's Direct CV control and Oscillation capabilities.

In this video, we quickly show the settings of where we like to start when creating an Analog style clap that sounds like it came right off of a vintage drum machine. This module is obviously capable of so much more, but sometimes you just need a nice sounding, solid, punchy, fat, clap sound on that two and for. Use it like a snare, use it to pat yourself on the back. The choice is yours."

WMD Fracture

WMD FRACTURE - Sound Examples

Published on Apr 16, 2018 WMDevices

"WMD Fracture is our second Eurorack Module aimed at creating percussion and drum sounds. Claps, snaps, ticks, bings, bongs, and skrtz are all available with the turn of just a few knobs.

In this video, we demonstrate the range of sounds using a bunch of sequencing from the Malleko Voltage Block and CV processing via the WMD Sequential Switch Matrix."

Find previous posts featuring WMD's new Fracture eurorack module here.

Eloquencer Sequencing WMD Fracture And Other Modules

Published on Apr 23, 2018 Perfect Circuit Audio

"We used the Winter Modular Eloquencer to sequence the WMD Fracture granular percussion module as well as a Plonk and Basimilus Iteritas Alter. We also used some EMW drum modules including the Analog Drum Synth, Snare Lab 101 and T-Drum.

Eloquencer available here: https://www.perfectcircuitaudio.com/w...

Fracture available here: https://www.perfectcircuitaudio.com/w..."

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Supporters of MATRIXSYNTH get %10 off at Perfect Circuit Audio!

WMD/SSF ULTRAFOLD Eurorack SOUND DEMO no talking!

Published on Dec 5, 2018 WMDevices

"THE WMD/SSF Ultrafold is an all analog wavefolding module that was made in a collaboration between two eurorack modular synthesizer companies WMD and Steady State Fate (SSF).

In this video we run a Sine Wave from the WMD PDO (phase displacement oscillator) into the Ultrafold and experiment with sounds along the way. Wave folding is a great way to create low-pass filter like sounds but starting with a sine wave and creating harmonics with modulation and wave mixing instead of using a filter to cut out frequencies from a harmonically rich wave.

A second sine wave from the PDO is inserted into Ultrafold's FDBK input, giving the module a secondary source for the wavefolders feedback path. When the feedback CV is positive this waveform is used. When this waveform's phase is modulated it will create even more interesting and dynamically rich harmonics. In this patch we are simply using a sine wave oscillator, the ultrafold wave folder, a VCA/Envelope Combo and a trigger sequencer to drive the Envelope.

The drums that come in later in the video are the HexInverter BD9 which is a kick drum, WMD Fracture and Chimera drum modules which take care of the electronic clap and tambourine sounds respectively.

The WMD/SSF Ultrafold is available now worldwide and comes included with the WMD/SSF Monolith system which is a euorack system integrated into a high-quality 37 Key keyboard case with integrated power."

Hypnotic jam with Arturia MiniFreak, Dreadbox Erebus, Mystic Circuits IDUM, and other eurorack drums

video upload by Jay Hosking

"Please support my work on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/jayhosking
A live, semi-improvised synth jam performed entirely on hardware.

I had the MiniFreak and Erebus set up for an exploratory livestream on my Patreon, and totally stumbled across this combination of MiniFreak drone and Erebus bass with fifths. I'd also been tinkering with modifications to my eurorack drum setup, so I decided to quickly integrate the two together and capture something loose and fun. This came together extremely fast and I love how easy it was to get into the flow.

The MiniFreak and new Erebus are both brand new to me, and early impressions with both have extremely positive. I try a lot of gear and expect that I won't connect with much of it, so I was pleasantly surprised when I found myself saying, "Oh, yeah, this is great" for both of them.

The MiniFreak shines in its oscillators (especially those from Noise Engineering!) and its robust effects section, with three effects slots and far better sound than most integrated effects on big fancy flagship synths. There are so many bread and butter sounds the MiniFreak can give you, but it can also give you some wonderfully weird and warbly unique sounds that I haven't been able to get from a hardware synth.

The Erebus is exactly what I want in a desktop mono synth: small profile, huge sound, what-you-see-is-what-you-get settings, flexibility in sound design, great bass, and fun to explore. This one seems like a no-brainer if you're on the market for a desktop mono synth for a hardware setup, especially if you need something to contrast against Moog monos. Thanks so much to Michael for building this Erebus for me! (They have/had both DIY and pre-built kits.)

And then there's my eurorack drum machine, which continues to be my favourite way to add drums to a track. Two recent additions include the Mystic Circuits IDUM (to add a lot of hectic variety to the drum sequence) and the WMD Fracture (which is my new favourite clap/perc module). Really liking where this drum machine is going, though I'm going to try at least one more configuration.

All in all, this one really captured a moment in time and was a blast to explore. I may leave this setup on the table for a little more exploration.

Thanks for listening.

Arturia MiniFreak - Drone pad
Dreadbox Erebus with Source Audio Ventris - bass
Eurorack drums:
- ALM Busy Circuits Pamela's New Workout - clock and many LFOs
- Prok drums (3) - kick, snare, hats
- WMD Fracture - clap/perc
- Mutable Instruments Grids - drum sequencing
- Mystic Circuits IDUM - drum sequencing spice/character/glitch
- Intellijel Mixup and Duatt - drum mixing
- Happy Nerding FX Aid XL - drum colour/compression
- Endorphin.es Golden Master 1U - compression & EQ
- Intellijel Mixer 1U - final drum mix out

Performed and recorded live, with EQ, compression, and limiting on the master.

https://jayhosking.bandcamp.com"

WMD TEST LAB - Generative Music with WMD METRON and CRUCIBLE

Published on May 3, 2019 WMDevices

"This is a little jam using METRON as a random trigger generator for the rest of this small 6U eurorack system to create some generative, ambient, spacey sounds.

Crucible is being used as a resonator for the WMD Fracture module. The melodic lines are created with two WMD/SSF Spectrum oscillator modules, with occasional FM from one to the other. The Modbox' Sample and Hold output is choosing waveforms on the geiger counter as well controling the VCA that is in control of the FM and crossmod for the Spectrums."

WMD Eurorack Drum Machine With The New Crater Kick Drum + Tiptop Audio Effects Modules

Published on Dec 27, 2019 Perfect Circuit

"This jam pairs WMD's Metron, their full arsenal of drum modules, Mutable's Plaits, and Tiptop's new ZVERB and ECHOZ effect modules to create a heavy-hitting drum machine in just 104hp of space. With the recent introduction of WMD's Crater, we needed to see just how huge a WMD drum machine could sound.

WMD's four drum modules work in tandem to produce an entire kit's worth of unique, articulate, and highly detailed percussion sounds. Chimera produces metallic sounds using a purpose-built granular engine pre-loaded with samples of everyday objects; Fracture uses a similar engine for scattered, particulate tones. Crucible is a physically-modeled cymbal module, capable of producing sound ranging from realistic ride cymbals to impossibly large metal sheets. Crater, the newest member of the WMD drum family, utilizes a combination of analog and digital components to produce huge, powerful kicks with the impact of a 909 but the body of an 808.

Tiptop's ZVERB and ECHOZ provide tailored versions of effects from their years of development on the Z-DSP multi effect module, while the Metron keeps everything moving while the MSCL glues the mix together."

https://www.perfectcircuit.com/

Doepfer Monster case with modules

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62HP Eurorack Drum Machine - House / DNB / Juke Beats

video upload by Perfect Circuit

"Our next 62hp adventure is a tribute to the driving rhythms and beats of dance-driven electronic music, spiced up with the fun of patching that can only be found on a modular system. Tubbutec’s new 6equencer adapts the classic TR-606 workflow into the open-ended Eurorack environment, allowing any synthesist to compile their favorite modules in the drum machine of their dreams.

Armed with some of his favorite drum modules, Wes breaks down some classic drum patterns and explores how they can be expanded and turned upside down within a patch. WMD’s Crater and Tiptop Audio’s HATS909 provide dependable kicks and hi-hats, while Qu-Bit’s Surface, the Erica Synths Sample Drum, and WMD Fracture help to expand the sonic vocabulary beyond typical drum machines. We’re also using the RND STEP from DivKid and SSF and Doepfer’s A-145-4 (mounted in in the 1U row with a handy adapter by Abyss Devices) for parameter modulation, and Befaco’s Stmix as a mixer.

Get the gear used in this video here: https://www.perfectcircuit.com/catalo...

Timeline:

00:00 - jam
02:35 - intro
03:27 - module overview
04:55 - why we put this together
05:24 - house beat
06:46 - drum and bass beat
07:57 - juke beat
09:57 - outro"

Live Performance Roel Reiné with a Eurorack Modular Synth, December 16, 2018, Los Angeles

Published on Jan 4, 2019 Roel Reine

Check out Roel Reine on IMDB here. Some Blade Runner samples on this one.

"Director Roel Reiné - ADMIRAL, Redbad, Wu Assassins, Knightfall, Death Race, Hard Target 2, Marvel Inhumans - plays also electronic music.

Live performance Roel Reiné playing a Eurorack Modular Synth. Los Angeles, December 16, 2018, MODULAR ON THE SPOT event.

Modules used: Intellijel Atlantis, Plonk, Tetrapad, Make Noise Rene 2, Cwejman BLD, Mannequins Mangrove, Sisters, WMD Fracture, Arpitecht, Just Friends, Butami, ER-301, ER-101, ER-102, Tiptop Circadian Rhythms, WMD Performance Mixer, Mutable Instruments Elements, Braids, Grids, Rings, Clouds, Tiptop Z-DSP, 1010 Music Bitbox, Moog Mother 32, Eventide Space, Tiptop s808,

Check out his first music album: Monotonic Diversity - Roel Reine - on all music platforms, iTunes, Spotify, etc"

Arturia Keystep Pro: The Modular Experience

Patchwerks Seattle

"In this video Matthew Piecora (aka EZBOT) takes the new Arturia Keystep Pro for a spin with some of his favorite modular gear including WMD Crater, Crucible, Chimera, Fracture, Malekko Manther Growl, Mutable Instruments Plaits, Divkid Ochd, Make Noise Mimeophon, WMD Performance Mixer, WMD Muscle, WMD Overseer, and the Intellijel Quadrax.

Buy Keystep Pro here: https://bit.ly/Keystep_Pro

From Arturia:
"An all-in-one sequencing solution. Take full control of your modular rigs, outboard synths, and software studio all at the same time. If you prefer keys to pads, you’re in for a treat. KeyStep Pro features a great-feeling 3 octave keyboard with velocity sensitivity and aftertouch. Letting you fully articulate your musical ideas, this expressive little sequencer truly puts the power at your fingertips.

KeyStep Pro works the way you want it to, and removes the barriers between you and the music you want to create.

Powerful performance controls. Our sequencers can be seen all over the world, and are loved by top artists, studios, and amateur producers alike. KeyStep Pro makes gigging easy and fun, with instant and intuitive access to inspiring performance features. Multi-mode arpeggiator, randomness, easy chord mode, and real-time recording for creating on the fly. The crisp OLED displays and LED-illuminated controls will help you see it all in the dark, too!

Unite your gear! Your ever-growing collection of boutique modular gear, vintage synths, and software instruments can finally perform in unison, thanks to the jaw-dropping connectivity KeyStep Pro has to offer. 4 CV, Gate and Mod outputs, 8 dedicated drum Gate outputs, Clocks, MIDI in, 2 MIDI outs, a solo metronome output, sustain input to let you get expressive with your performance, and USB for easy power and DAW/softsynth control.

Control hardware, software, and your DAW at the same time. If you prefer to create music “in the box”, KeyStep Pro can also help your creativity come alive. Easily sequence and arpeggiate your virtual instruments, sync it with your software studio, and switch to the dedicated Control mode to control parameters in your favorite synths and effects. The possibilities are limitless."

https://patchwerks.com/
Demo by: Matthew Piecora (aka EZBOT)
https://www.youtube.com/EZBOTMUSIC"

Thriller performed on a Eurorack System!

Published on Oct 30, 2018 WMDevices

"To get in the Halloween spirit this year, Alex aka Nasty Nachos decided to do a fun cover of Michael Jackson's Thriller using a Eurorack Modular Synthesizer System and a Juno-106.

All melodies were sequenced via MIDI files programmed into the Squarp Pyramid. Drums were sequenced via our Trigger Sequencer Prototype, METRON.

Notable modules:
The bassline is 2 WMD/SSF Spectrum Oscillators mixed into a Rossum Evolution ladder filter.

The Lead is a WMD Synchrodyne with expander.

Other notable modules include: Rossume Electro-Music Assimil8or, WMD Performance Mixer, WMD Chimera and Fracture."

Roel Reine - Live Performance with his Modular Eurorack Synth in Los Angeles, Sept 15 2019

Published on Sep 21, 2019 Roel Reine

"This was a part of my performance at 'Modular on the Spot' in Los Angeles. A song I composed that you not often hear from me, very ambient, and it's called: 'Modular Contentment'. Also I cut some of my Drone shots into the montage, that I shot in Thailand during the scouting of one of my movies. All performed on my Eurorack Modular Synth.

This music is a one-take performance, music is performed live without edits or external sequencers other than what's in the case.

Modules used: Intellijel Atlantis, Plonk, Tetrapad, Mannequins Mangrove, Sisters, WMD Fracture, Arpitecht, Just Friends, Butami, ER-301, ER-101, ER-102, Tiptop Circadian Rhythms, WMD Performance Mixer, Mutable Instruments Elements, Braids, Grids, Rings, Clouds, Tiptop Z-DSP, 1010 Music Bitbox, Moog Mother 32, Tiptop s808,

Check out his first music album: Monotonic Diversity - Roel Reine - on all music platforms, iTunes, Spotify, etc"

NAMM 2018: WMD Fracture Module

Published on Jan 26, 2018 sonicstate

Mood jam w/ Oxi One, MiniFreak, MicroMonsta 2, Model D, Tetra, Polymoon, Echosystem, and eurorack

video upload by Jay Hosking

"A live, semi-improvised synth jam performed entirely on hardware.

Big thanks to Michael at Capra Design for making custom stands for so many of these pieces of hardware. Go check them out!: https://www.etsy.com/shop/CapraDesign...

I picked up the Oxi One not so long ago and have been excited to finally get it on the table. It didn't disappoint! Here, I'm using four different types of sequencing (monophonic, polyphonic, generative, and chord) for the four different synth instruments, all on the same sequencer. On top of that, the Oxi One's diatonic transposition (called "HARMON" scale mode) has the chord sequencer controlling the transposition of two of the other sequencers, so that the bass and melody play along with the chords. It's a fast and fun sequencer that also feels physically sturdy and great (except for the larger pad buttons for me). Plus it's battery powered! Definitely a sequencer that works for me.

A few other notes on gear here:

The MiniFreak and MicroMonsta 2 continue to be great, and can play a few types of roles in a setup while also being compact.

I got the Tetra in a trade, because I was curious, and I actually think it'll be a great multi-timbral solution for setups with the Octatrack or other sequencers. More with it soon, hopefully!

The Endorphin.es Ghost is really working for me. Moments after I recorded this video, they released a firmware update that greatly improves the filter, plus adds signal-rate- and bit- reduction, which sound great and are super useful. It's a great all-in-one effects unit.

Oxi One - Melodic Sequencing
Arturia MiniFreak (using only its internal effects) - pad
Audiothingies Micromonsta 2 (using only its internal effects) - generative plucks
Blackout Model D through Meris Polymoon - bass
Sequential Tetra through Empress Echosystem - melody
Kenton Audio Thru - MIDI thru box
Eurorack drums:
- Intellijel Steppy 1U - drum sequencing
- Mystic Circuits IDUM - extra drum sequencing colour
- Prok Kick, Tiptop 808 Snare, Prok Hats, WMD Fracture - drum voices
- Intellijel Mixup - mixer
- Intellijel FSR 1U - performance pad for extending perc decay
- Endorphin.es Ghost - filter, delay, reverb, compression

Performed and recorded live, with some additional EQ, compression, and limiting, primarily on the master.

Thanks for listening.

https://jayhosking.bandcamp.com"

Squarp Hermod Sequencing Manther Growl & Drums

Published on Jun 12, 2019 Perfect Circuit

"Squarp's Hermod is a powerful option for sequencing your eurorack as well as sending midi out to other gear or even turning external midi into CV. The sequencer has 8 tracks with independent track length and built in midi effects for adding ratcheting and probability as well as other effects.

The synth line is made with a Malekko Manther Growl run through Qu-Bit's Prism. The Manter Growl is the synth voice from the Manther as a eurorack module with added CV controls and outputs for each waveform. The Prism is a stereo processor that combines comb filter, decimating and filtering effects into one with a freeze option built into the delay of the comb filter.

The kick drum is from Befaco's Kickall, snare is Intellijel's Plonk and hats are from WMD's Fracture. Everything is mixed together with Warm Star's Fragment."

https://www.perfectcircuit.com/squarp
https://www.perfectcircuit.com/malekko-manther-growl.html

Eurorack Modular Sequencer Comparison - which Sequencer do I need? 6 Sequencer Preview and Workflow

video by Maik Schott

"In this Eurorack Modular Sequencer Comparison Tutorial I will help you to choose the best sequencer for your needs. I will give you an overview over the most important functions of these 6 Eurorack sequencers:


00:45​ WINTER MODULAR ELOQUENCER
08:05​ INTELLIJEL METROPOLIS
13:50​ ERICA SYNTHS DRUM SEQUENCER
18:18​ MALEKKO VARIGATE 4+
24:38​ 1010MUSIC TOOLBOX SEQUENCER
32:53​ VERMONA MELODICER



The Sequencers are mostly routed to the MFB Bass,the WMD Fracture Claps Module, the mutable Elements and the MFB Triple Oscillator.
As filters I use the Analogue Systems EMS Filter."

NAMM 2018 WMD Fracture Audio Demo (no talk) and Feature Walkthrough

Published on Jan 25, 2018 Analogue Zone Showroom / Synths and Studio

Available in March $269

AnalogueZone ► http://www.analoguezone.com