WMD Crucible - Development Update and Patch Example

Published on Apr 22, 2019 WMDevices

Whoops at :53

"We showed our newest module, the Crucible at Synthplex 2019 and it still isn't out a couple weeks later... What's the deal?

We've spent some dev time making this thing even more badass for you and we're really stoked that we did... we hope you will be too.

DISCLAIMER: These are prototype panels, the real thing will be a tad different ;)."

Introducing WMD METRON - Advanced Trigger and Gate Sequencer for Eurorack Modular Synthesizers

Published on Mar 11, 2019 WMDevices

Tutorial videos here. All WMD METRON posts here. Dealer banners on the right.

"METRON is in stores now!

METRON is a 16 track trigger and gate sequencer for Eurorack Modular Synthesizer systems.

Focused on live performance and real-time sequence manipulation, METRON is the perfect tool for creating evolving and interesting music in the Eurorack ecosystem. Ever wonder how to make a new section on the fly so your set isn't just the same 8 bars over and over? METRON is the key.

Here's a quick look into its features:
​
Easy-to-read Button Matrix lets you see 4 tracks and 16 steps at a time.

Create quick 16 step sequences or expand out to 16 pages for a max pattern length of 256 steps!

Pattern length function allows for each track to be a different length.

Odd meters recommended!

Intuitive counter displays let you know where you are at and how much time has passed.

Random pattern generation as well as deep probability settings.

FX mode allows for quick rolls, momentary fills, mutes, manual triggers and more.

Included memory card lets you save patterns and states, as well as backing up and managing up your sequence data via a computer.

Send presets to compatible modules via midi on the S.bus connection.

...and so much more."

WMD In-Store Event This Wednesday at Perfect Circuit

via Perfect Circuit

"This Wednesday!!! Come on by to see the new @wmdevices Metron sequencing module. WMD will be demoing it and answering your questions! There will be food and drinks plus a FREE giveaway!"

WMD METRON TUTORIALS

Published on Feb 22, 2019 WMDevices

"The WMD METRON is a 16 track (channel) trigger and gate sequencer for your Eurorack modular system with loads of intuitive functionality, expansion capabilities, and the tools you need to create longer sequences with tons of variation at your fingertips."

Playlist:
WMD METRON TUTORIAL #1 - Getting Started and Basic Sequencing
WMD METRON TUTORIAL #2 - Pattern Length Functionality Explained
WMD METRON TUTORIAL #3 - Variations Explained
WMD METRON TUTORIAL #4 - Compose Mode Overview
WMD METRON TUTORIAL #5 - Duplicate, Clear, Nudge Functions
WMD METRON TUTORIAL #6 - Burst, Gate, Microtiming and Random Modes
WMD METRON TUTORIAL #7 - Memory - Save and Load
WMD METRON TUTORIAL #8 - Recording
WMD METRON TUTORIAL #9 - FX/FILL Functions and Features
WMD METRON TUTORIAL #10 - Triplets and Per-Track-Shuffle
WMD METRON TUTORIAL #11 - Assignable Inputs Explained
WMD METRON TUTORIAL #12 - Global Menu Deciphered

PARALLAX 21119 - Live and Improvised - Eurorack & Drums

Published on Jan 21, 2019 David L. Fankhauser • PARALLAX

"PARALLAX is my way of executing an improvisational style of music, taking influence from electronic syntax with the help of a modular synthesizer, then hybridising that with the sonic qualities of an acoustic drum set, in order to create something new and unexpected.

for the nerds:

CLICK FOR MORE »

Sample and Hold - what is it and what can I do with it?

Published on Jan 23, 2019 WMDevices

"What the heck is a sample and hold? What should I use S/H for in my eurorack system? Are there any cool uses for sample and hold modules besides creating random unquantized pitches? What other parameters can I modulate with sample and hold? How do I make an "8-bit+ or "bitcrushed" style sound using modules already in my eurorack modular synth system?

If you are asking yourself any of these questions, you will want to check out this video!

In this video Alex takes a dive into Sample and Hold as a concept, a circuit, and a feature of the Eurorack module from WMD/SSF, the Modbox. From the basic obvious uses to more advanced ideas in synthesis.

Different use cases include random voltage generation for modulation over Pitch, Filter, and other synth parameter, as well as down sampling, LFO control, Quantized voltage generation, pulling out notes from a sequence, and creating interesting soundscapes with panning and moving instruments around the stereo field."

Mixing hardware synthesizers and effects pedals with the WMD Performance Mixer

Published on Jan 18, 2019 WMDevices

"What is the best mixer for live hardware based electronic music performances? Do I need preamps if I am only using synthesizers and drum machines? Can I use the WMD Performance Mixer with synths instead of eurorack modules? Do I need to have Eurorack modules to use the WMD Performance Mixer?

If you are asking yourself these questions, take a few minutes and check out this video!

The WMD Performance Mixer is an 8 channel Mixer for the Eurorack modular synthesizer format. It includes two auxiliary sends, a master insert section, six Mono channels and two true stereo channels. In addition to being the end all solution to mixing audio in the eurorack system, it works wonderfully with hardware instruments such as synthesizers and guitar pedals.

In this video Alex answers the question above and works through mixing four different hardware sound sources, the Roland TR-8 and JU-06, the Arturia Microbrute, as well as a vocal channel using two guitar effects pedals to create an interesting loop of sonic textures.

Alex also uses both auxiliary send and return channels with guitar pedals for external effects. The Zoom MS-70CDR and the WMD Geiger Counter help fill out the mix and make the sound more unique with some pretty traditional sound sources.

808s, 909s, Juno 106, Polysix, they all work awesome with the Performance Mixer.

The Performance Mixer is great for mixing both Eurorack and Non-Eurorack signals together so you can use what you have currently to make the music you love."

New WMD Metron Incoming

Video featuring the prototype in October posted here.

via CONTROL

"Incoming via @wmdevices the new Metron 16-Step Trigger/Gate Sequencer now available for Pre-Order!

Metron is a 16 channel trigger and gate sequencer for your Eurorack modular system with loads of intuitive functionality, expansion capabilities, and the tools you need to create longer sequences with tons of variation at your fingertips.

Width: 36
Max Depth: 20mm

Features
16 Channels of trigger and gate signals
View 4 channels at a time and easily switch views
Single track view lets you zoom in on a single track and see 64 steps at a time
Up to 256 step pattern length
Different pattern lengths per channel
Five instantly recallable and chainable variations
View and edit variations that are not playing for easy cue and non stop performance play
Save patterns to SD memory for easy recall on power cycle
No-stop loading from memory
Easy view memory previews lets you see a pattern before loading from memory.
SD allows for easy update as well as easy back up / file transfer from unit to unit
FX / Fills for instant / momentary variation
2 assignable inputs for external CV control
Tap in patterns with quantized recording with the buttons or external source
Quick copy / paste / clear functions
Internal clock with Swing
dedicated reset output
MIDI Preset mode lets you send MIDI messages to other modules on the Doepfer CV bus. (for use with WMD SSM, Malekko Voltage Block, and more)
Random Pattern Generation
Probability per step and group probability functions
Burst per step for ratchet / roll sounds
Custom Fill Patterns for instant fills
Trigger Mutes
Step looping
Manual gates
Totally skiffable at 20mm deep
So much more!"

WMD SYNCHRODYNE - A demystifying in-depth demo

Published on Jan 2, 2019 WMDevices

"What is the most insane sounding eurorack module ever? How can I make crazy techno sounds and ambient textures with the same module? Do I really need a modular synth? Can't I just make all of the same sounds a hardware synthesizer can with my VSTs? What is the Synchrodyne and what can it do for my music?

If you are asking yourself these questions, you may enjoy this video. If you've heard of the Synchrodyne and have no idea what it is, you may enjoy this video. If you are looking for ways to expand your sonic palette to unheard of realms, you might enjoy this video.
If you like listening to electronic music that doesn't sound like the inside of a Forever 21, you could very well enjoy this video.

The Synchrodyne is a filter for the Eurorack format of modular synthesizers. A crazy cool filter with tons and tons of sonic possibilities as well as the capability to be it's own standalone voice. What makes this filter unique is that it uses a Switched Capacitor design that uses capacitors and switches, controlled by a high speed clock to filter incoming audio.

This module has it's own internal clock VCO that is capable of reaching supersonic frequencies, making it perfect for clocking the filter while processing external sources. However, we really wanted to be able to use this VCO as our main sound source instead of requiring and external oscillator. What we came up with was to use a PLL (Phase Locked Loop) circuit with some Clock Multipliers and Dividers to track our oscillator's frequency while it is in the audible range with the ability to be multiplied to the supersonic frequency necessary for clocking the filter. The PLL circuit made for an radical, very unique sound that we had never hear before.

In this video, Alex talks through each section of the Synchrodyne while providing high quality audio examples of what this module is capable of as well as real world uses in live performance and in the studio. This video is more focused on creating house, techno, and dance music with the Synchrodyne. A showcase of it's ambient sounds will come in another video.

Enjoy!"

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."

A quick jam with the WMD Synchodyne and Volt #Eurorack Modules

Published on Nov 21, 2018 WMDevices

"A quick live performance using the #WMD VOLT to offset the envelope voltages running into the WMD Synchrodyne's influence input, acting as an instant range switch for the envelope amount affecting the Synchrodyne's wild and unique filter character. Halfway in, we introduce two Spectrum oscillators, one being filtered by the #VerbosElectronics #DualFourPole and the other modulating it at audio rate"

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."

WMD VOLT - Precision Voltage Source and Offset Generator

Published on Oct 25, 2018 WMDevices

"The WMD VOLT was originally designed as a testing and calibration tool for our quality control team as 1V/ Oct calibration requires a precision voltage source to ensure intonation across many octaves.

Need to calibrate an analog synth's oscillator, filter tracking, or anything else that requires a healthy 1V/octave signal? Try VOLT!

VOLT features a 14V range, dedicated buttons as well as gate inputs for up and down control. Use the gate inputs to turn VOLT into a simple octave sequencer. Add in front of your oscillator in the pitch CV path to add an octave switch to any oscillator.

Run up to 3 CVs through VOLT and offset the CV 1V at a time. All three ins and outs are controlled by the same offset.

Volt is a 4hp eurorack module for use with modular synthesizers, hardware synths, and more. VOLT requires a eurorack case and power supply."

And the official product description:

"The VOLT is a precision voltage source and offset generator for eurorack modular synthesizers.

With it’s 14V range (-7V to +7V), VOLT can be used to calibrate oscillators, filter tracking, or anything that needs a 1V/Oct calibration.

VOLT has two buttons. Push the top to increase the voltage by one volt. Push the bottom button to decrease the voltage by one volt. Push both buttons at once to reset the voltage back to a known value.

VOLT has 3 voltage inputs and 3 voltage outputs. The input signal is summed with the voltage source, generating offsets of 1V or 1 octave at a time. This means it can be used as a precision octave switch for oscillators that lack the functionality. Create variation in your sequences with a quick touch of a button.

VOLT’s octave buttons can also be switched via external gates, essentially making it an octave sequencer. One input causes it to go up, and the other causes it to go down. Two gates at once will reset the voltage back to your set value. Running basslines and melodies through volt to be sequenced up and down by octaves is a very effective and a fun way to work.

Features:

VOLT is extremely precise. An offset error of +-1mV and a gain error of 0.033% make VOLT the perfect tool for calibration.
14V range
3 in / 3 out precision adding
Gate inputs for sequence octaves with external CV
User set-able reset point for more control"

WMD Arpitecht TRIAD - an explanation

Published on Sep 14, 2018 WMDevices

"The WMD Arpitecht is an arpeggio generator and quantizer module for eurorack modular synthesizers. It is great at creating melodies and rhythmic bass lines for oscillators and synth voices. It has an expansion module called TRIAD which is for creating chords within the modular system.

In this video, Alex quickly runs through our recommended method for sequencing the TRIAD and creating chord progressions. This requires an outside step sequencer that creates static voltages to sequence the TRIAD input and change the chord you'd like to hear.

The short version is, plug in the note outputs into the V/OCT inputs on 3 separate oscillators and turn the TRIAD knob all the way to the LEFT.

Next, Tune your oscillators so they are all the same note as each other. This note should be the ROOT note of your scale set on Arpitecht.

Now, instead of using the TRIAD knob to select the triad you'd like to hear, select step one on your external sequencer and move the CV to select what chord will corellate with that step. Do the same on your following steps until your progression is complete."

WMD's Freq Boutique 018 Denver, CO

Published on Sep 12, 2018 WMDevices

"Each month, we host a modular synthesizer showcase in Denver, CO called Freq Boutique. The event happens each second Monday at 8pm MST.

With 5 or 6 performances each week, there is always something for everyone. Beginners in eurorack, music producers, and just plain fans of electronic music are all welcome. The night is free to the public and happy hour all night long.

The event has grown from just a few performers to 10-12 signups each month. W

This month, our performers were:
Mike McCarthy aka Gerald Fjord
David Soto aka Sine Mountain
Grant Outerbridge aka Memorybell
Ryan Halgren
Mike Thomas

We stream the event live each month and then upload a recording with the set breaks taken out within a day or so. This is that recording.

For more info, visit: WMDevices.com"

WMD Geiger Counter PRO vs. Sequential Circuits TOM

Published on Aug 15, 2018 WMDevices

"The latest in our experiments of stacking up drum machines and guitar pedals up against each other, the Geiger Counter PRO absolutely annihilates the classic 80's drum box, the Sequential Circuits TOM.

In this video, we experiment for about ten minutes with running the TOM drum machine, an 80's unit based on PCM samples of real drums. The TOM is a stripped down version of the classic, Sequential Circuits Drum TRAX machine and features all of the same sounds, with only a stereo output instead of individual outs.

Instead of using eurorack modules for modulation over the GCP's parameters, we have a WMD Protostar in the chain as well. We are mainly using the Protostar as a modulation source for the GCP, sending the internal LFO and Envelope signals to the assignable CV inputs. However, there are times when we also engage the filter on the Protostar which can drastically effect the sound of the Geiger PRO when the chain is Protostar into the Geiger Counter PRO."

WMD DVCA is shipping now!

Published on Jul 17, 2018 WMDevices

"Just a quick video to announce the release of the brand new DVCA from WMD.

In this video, we showcase a patch centered around the DVCA and run through the features and specs."

WMD Modular Synthesizer Jam Session

Published on Jul 10, 2018 WMDevices

"Alex put together a new 6U demo system to show off our newest module, the DVCA, and for employee use here at the shop and decided to make a quick video of his first patch on the system.

Notable modules include the WMD Performance Mixer, Arpitecht, PDO mkii, and Fracture as well as the Hexinverter Mutant Bass Drum.

Bassline was sequenced with the Industrial Music Electronics Stillson Hammer and the lead was sequenced by the Arpitecht. All drums were sequenced with the Noise Engineering Numeric Repetitor."

WMD: How to process hardware synthesizers with a tiny eurorack system

Published on Jun 22, 2018 WMDevices

"Eurorack is an exciting and enticing concept for many but the complexity and expensive cost of entry can be enough to turn many potential users away. There is also lots of confusion between what you can and can't do. Our advice to anyone trying to get into eurorack is see how it could fit into your existing setup, and just go for it!

In this video, I created a small Eurorack system made for processing external gear using the Doepfer Beauty case, the Shakmat Knight's Gallop, a WMD Aperture, and WMD Aperture.

I came upon an Arturia Microbrute and Drumbrute super cheap at a local synth swap. These little devices work really well together and are a great place to start with synths/drum machines. They're CV compatibility made me instantly want to make this system and in turn, this video.

I am clocking the Shakmat Knight's Gallop with the Clock out on the DrumBrute and then using the KG to create the triggers for the sequencer on the Microbrute. This way I can create interesting rhythmic sequences with only programming a few notes and change up the rhythm easily with the turn of a knob.

The Microbrute and Drumbrute are running into the TRSHMSTR and Aperture respectively (via their headphone outs!) and eventually I control the filter frequencies of each module with the CV outs on the Microbrute's patchbay. Though the Drumbrute has a built in filter, you cannot control it dynamically with the LFO or with CV. Also, the Aperture has a character that I love on drums due to it's variable bandwidth and feedback control.

The TRSHMSTR crushes the bass line and with a little help from the Microbrute's envelope CV output, it gets a nice and gnarly squelch pretty quick. Both of the modules are running directly into my audio interface via 1/8" to 1/4" adapters and 1/4" cables. This is fine to do as long as you aren't clipping the input of your interface or mixer. If you are having clipping issued due to high volume, add an attenuator.

If you have hardware synths that you love, are thinking about getting into eurorack but don't know where to start, try some processing! It's super fun and relatively easy to understand. Also, processing let's you start making music immediately with what you already have, which we here at WMD believe is the most important part. Make music and have fun doing it!

No talking in this video, just tunage and some complimentary text spelling out what happens as it happens."

Hermod Modular Sequencer Tutorial

Published on Jun 20, 2018 cuckoomusic

More info on Hermod: http://squarp.net/hermod
Support me here: https://www.patreon.com/cuckoomusic
My webstore: http://store.truecuckoo.com
Also Bastl's modular: http://www.bastl-instruments.com
And WMD's modular: https://www.wmdevices.com