The last Eurorack sequencer you might ever buy: DROID Moto Kit Demo

video upload by mylarmelodies

"Imagine you could buy an uber-hands-on 4-track performance sequencer with haptic motorised faders, but you could modify or totally redesign how it works - as your interests change? The "DROID Moto Kit" (running the included Motor Fader Performer Sequencer patch) is that thing. It's 'done', and powerful...AND it can be changed. In this video I'll introduce the DROID system, explain basic track creation 5:41, and then jam from 14:57 onwards.

Thanks for Der Mann mit Der Maschine for hiring me to demo the Moto Kit. Given that this was designed by someone who actually plays live, you might expect that my next step is to try this as my live case sequencer."

00:00 What is Droid & The Moto Kit?!
03:12 Sequencer Intro/Overview
05:41 Let's Make a Track!
14:57 Jams: Meet the Quartet
18:27 Electro Aceed O'Clock
20:41 Electro Variation
23:26 Forlorn Acid
26:49 Stinson Acid
33:54 Endless Noodles
35:02 AFX Bass
36:17 Accumulator Jam
39:33 Arpeggiator Explained
43:06 Compose Mode Jam
45:30 Octave Shifting Melodies
49:04 Divided and Multiplied Melodies
51:33 Reprise Funk
53:36 Kosmiche Arpeggiator Jam

Update: press release and pics follow.

CLICK FOR MORE »

Perfect Circuit Artist Picks: Best Music Gear of 2023 Part 1

video upload by Perfect Circuit

Part 2 here

"2023 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:
0:00 Mylarmelodies on the Nord Micro Modular
4:14 Sarah Belle Reid on the Fairfield Circuitry Roger That
8:07 Molten Music Tech on the Blukać Endless Processor
14:04 Liam Killen on the OXI One
17:24 Oora on the Meris MercuryX

Read more about all of this gear on our blog, Signal: https://bit.ly/3MEhpfE"

Expert Sleepers ES3/ES6 Demo w/Silent Way & Eurorack

Published on Mar 1, 2017 mylarmelodies

"Being a demo of the mighty Expert Sleepers ES eurorack modules and playing with ace ways to make your computer take part in the modular party."

How to Make a Eurorack Module: A talk by James Carruthers, NoBots

Published on Jan 13, 2018 mylarmelodies

"If you ever thought about actually _making_ a Eurorack Module, here's ma pal James Carruthers of NoBots giving you a '101' primer on the process and sheer effort that goes into making a module for mass production. Spoiler alert: It's a lot of work. But is it worth it? Stay to the end and find out!

This was recorded at the recent CV FREQS event in London - follow Eden Grey for info on the next meetup!"

Follow-up to The History Behind the History of Synthesizers: A talk by Tom Whitwell, Music Thing

LIVE EURORACK SYSTEM DIARY #2: Basimilus Iteritas Alter/Mutable Branches

Published on May 31, 2017 mylarmelodies

For those at work, there are few f-bombs in this one. You can find the first video here.

"Being an update on the development of a case/methodology for live, improvised techno/electro jam business."

Arturia Introduces New KeyStep 37

11 video playlist above. You can use the controls in the player to skip around. In order of appearance:

1. KeyStep 37 | Controllers | ARTURIA Intro Video
2. Arturia Keystep 37: Overview and demo! from Patchwerks - Order your Arturia Keystep 37 here: http://bit.ly/pw-ks37
3. Keystep 37 — Still the King of Affordable Midi Keyboards?! - BoBeats
4. Easy Chords with one finger with Arturia "KeyStep 37" (Feat Novation Peak Synth) - Sound Provider
5. Arturia Keystep 37 Controller - Sonic LAB Review - sonicstate
6. Arturia KeyStep 37 Review and tutorial // 6 tips and generative ideas - loopop
7. Arturia KeyStep 37 controller and sequencer review - Molten Music Technology
8. Why Arturia KeyStep 37 is amazing. - mylarmelodies
9. Tutorials | KeyStep 37 - Episode 1: Overview - Arturia
10. Tutorials | KeyStep 37 - Episode 2: Sequencing & Playing - Arturia
11. Tutorials | KeyStep 37 - Episode 3: Connectivity & Settings - Arturia

And the press release:

"Arturia releases KeyStep 37 - available now

KeyStep 37 is a controller evolved to meet the creative needs of musicians across the board. Intuitive appointments like Chord mode, Scale mode, and real-time LED note feedback make it the perfect option for beginner beat-makers and composers. Instant MIDI CC control, advanced connectivity and a high-end compact keybed make it a reliable solution for professionals.

KeyStep 37 is a controller built to inspire, designed to let users interact and experiment with their music like never before - the new core of your setup.

_The standout features

The unique interplay between KeyStep 37’s features is designed to unlock and connect musical ideas in real-time. It encourages spontaneity and experimentation, letting musicians and producers savor the creative process. Let’s take a closer look at the features:

37-note Slimkey keyboard
With velocity, aftertouch and real-time RGB LED indicators for a comfortable, responsive performance.


Creative sequencer and arpeggiator
Sequence up to 64-steps with 8-note polyphony and 8 custom pattern slots, or explore 8 modes of arpeggiation.

Supercharged Chord mode
Generate instant chord sequences that respond to your velocity, with 12 chord types, and animate your chords with the articulate instrument-like strum control.

Scale mode
Quantize the keyboard and never play a wrong note. Choose from 5 scales, including a user-defined scale, to set your own musical terms.

Assignable MIDI CC controls
Interact with your hardware and software with 16 assignable MIDI CC parameters across 4 switchable banks, accessible via a new control panel and screen.

Versatile connectivity
Connect to your computer, your desktop MIDI synths, or your CV & modular gear for simultaneous control over hardware and software.

_About the Step range

Universal sequencing controllers
Uniquely combining the familiarity of MIDI controllers with the complexities of step sequencing, the Step range puts you in command of your software and hardware instruments. Just at home on stage as they are in the home studio, these sequencers are designed to enhance your ability to perform, improvise, write, and create.

Each member of the Step range features a combination of USB, MIDI and CV connections, and a variety of workflows to suit any sequencing needs. All your instruments, marching to the same beat."

CLICK FOR MORE »

A love letter to the Moog DFAM (that also explains it)

video upload by mylarmelodies

"Here's a demo video explaining the Moog DFAM and why I think one of the most original, interesting analogue synths to come out in years. In it I'll explain how it works, jam a little, pairing it with a TR08, and Mother-32 at the end!

Strangely I shot this video several years ago (March 2018 according to the files) but never got round to editing it at the time. In the spirit of better late than never - here it is now. A lot has changed since then, but then a lot has not. It's still a very original take on subtractive synthesis, and it can teach us a lot about approaches we can take on a modular synth too (think - sequencers controlling VCA’s that control envelopes that are used to modulate parameters). And it's still fun as hell to jam on.

PS. Spot the error when I'm talking about the noisy VCF input (actually what's happening is the pitch sequencer CV is directly stepping the filter since whatever you put into the socket replaces the default routing).

PPS. There's some plugin reverb on this not pictured (Valhalla Vintage Verb and Eventide Blackhole, UAD Galaxy Tape Echo)"

Ornament & Crime Eurorack Euclidean Rhythms 4MS SMR Ambient Beats

Published on Jan 4, 2017 mylarmelodies

"The multi-function Ornament & Crime Eurorack module in Euclidean rhythm mode, sequencing four elements rhythmically, (Intellijel Dr Octature II for the Bassdrum using 0_C's Env, Intellijel Cyclebox for the 'klang', Intellijel Shapeshifter for the 'bwoop-payohh', 4MS channel 3 for the 'poot') accompanied by 4MS SMR drone. Mixed output through Make Noise Echophon (short delay) and Erbe Verb.

Euclidean rhythms are ace.
Ornament and Crime is ace.

Graded with Filmconvert (which is ace)"

Intellijel Atlantis Eurorack Modular Synth Voice Demo

Published on Apr 23, 2015 mylarmelodies

"Being a demo of of the completely ace intellijel Atlantis analogue modular Eurorack synth voice."

WHY WE BLEEP PODCAST 002: JUSTIN OWEN - ABSTRACT DATA

Published on Mar 1, 2018 mylarmelodies

"In this episode we meet Justin Owen of Abstract Data, who I would describe as a perfect example of the modern Eurorack 'pioneer' - a one-person company with no formal training, completely self-taught - yet able to make, sell and support fantastic gear, and (just about!) make a living doing it. How does someone actually DO that??

Well, in this episode, we sit down to talk all this and more. We talk about the impact of Punk, and early Orbital in his music formation, growing up in a suburb of Sydney, on the design process and bugbears on trends in Eurorack product design, on putting the character and vibe back into VCAs, and surviving as a manufacturer in a crowded market.

And we end talking about his music making process - how he uses a modular as part of music making...WITHOUT getting distracted. And how do you do that? Best sit in and get listening..."

See the interviews label below for more.

SYSTEM 80 JOVE Eurorack Roland Jupiter 6 Filter

Published on Sep 29, 2017 mylarmelodies

"Being a demo of the Roland Jupiter 6 inspired multimode analogue cascaded OTA Eurorack modular filter, the System 80 JOVE."

ADDAC Intuitive Quantizer Jam 2

Published on Oct 30, 2015 mylarmelodies

"Learning to intuitively quantise with the ADDAC 207. Three parts quantised to one scale. Ace."

Ghost Performance Multi-FX Module by Andrew Huang & Endorphin.es

Update: GHOST ENDORPHIN.ES / ANDREW HUANG Eurorack Module Chat w/ MATTHS added to the bottom of this post below.

In collaboration with ANDREW HUANG, based on his modern music production techniques ENDORPHIN.ES developed a creative audio processor with multiple blocks that can be moved around in order to achieve different flavors for sound design.

processing unit without fixed structure: intuitively create astonishing and ephemeral timbres, from atmospheric rumbles to heavy or distorted textures.

creative stereo effect processor with delay, reverb, filter and distortion with quickly explorable routing chain with single button press.

new generation ARM Cortex - M7 processor with 96 kHz 32 bit internal processing.

lush hall and whooshing reverse reverbs with audio freeze and pre-delay.

sidechain audio ducking envelope available both internally and externally with additional one knob single band compressor.

tap delay with maximum delay time up to 2.5 seconds, external clock input with onboard clock divider and 1v/oct time control.

8x oversampled distortion algorithm.

pre- and post - VCA, tone and volume controls with extra gain.

video upload by Perfect Circuit

"Read more about the Ghost : https://bit.ly/3CWaURh
Grab a Ghost : https://bit.ly/3SXkVTC

Our Pal Wes takes us through some of the first impressions of Andrew Huang & Endorphin.es newest collaboration module : Ghost !

Ghost is a multi-FX module that allows the user to rearrange the routing on the fly with just the press of a button!

Compression, filtering, distortion, drive, reverb and delay are all available at your fingertips for instant processing and manipulation!"

Patching GHOST by Andrew Huang x Endorphines (7 Patches)

video upload by Patchwerks

"In this video we explore GHOST, a new multi-effects module by Endorphines made in collaboration with Andrew Huang. Includes 7 different patches exploring all the stereo effects.

Get your very own Ghost here: https://bit.ly/GHOST_endorphines

In collaboration with ANDREW HUANG, based on his modern music production techniques ENDORPHIN.ES developed a creative audio processor with multiple blocks that can be moved around in order to achieve different flavors for sound design.

https://patchwerks.com/
Demo by: EZBOT and Project 32
Video by: Matthew Piecora ( EZBOT), Steven Ly (Project 32)
https://www.ezbot.live

00:00 Intro
01:20 Patch 1
02:38 Patch 2
03:36 Patch 3
04:19 Patch 4
06:13 Patch 5
06:53 Patch 6
09:31 Patch 7"

Livestream! Huang X Endorphines GHOST module.

video upload by Synth Diy Guy

"Come hang out with me as I go deep into the new Ghost module designed by Endorphines and Andrew Huang!
Is it too cramped? Is it too noisy? Or is it perfect?
Let's find out :)"

Endorphines x Andrew Huang GHOST: 5 Patches

video upload by Red Means Recording

"Get a ghost: https://shrsl.com/3qdka [Patchwerks]

00:00 surface into ghost
03:23 rings into gho.s/t
07:20 karplu$ wr0ng **
11:54 breakbeat....tttt manipUUUlatio^
15:00 p(lease) wak3 up


Ghost - Endorphin.es and Andrew Huang New FX module - Sonic Lab Review

video upload by sonicstate

"Collabs are all the rage these days, and this one comes from a meeting of Endorphin.es and massive Youtuber/Producer Andrew Huang. Ghost is a multi-function effects and processing module, with delay, filtering, reverb, sidechaining and distortion, but not necessarily in that order - its, fluid due to some nifty DSP work from Endorphin.es.

Modular performer and producer, MATTHS (aka Matt Hodson) takes a look."

An Endorphines GHOST Demojam (feat Quadrantid Swarm)

video upload by mylarmelodies

"So Andrew Huang and Endorphines collaborated on a unique stereo multi-effect delay/reverb/filter/distortion/compressor called GHOST. They sent me one, and here's a ponderous demo/techno jam of it as an end-of-chain finisher for a Quadrantid Swarm (which it does rather well), with a cameo from Andrew. Commence the ghostlyjams."

You can find additional posts featuring Endorphin.es' Ghost here.

GHOST ENDORPHIN.ES / ANDREW HUANG Eurorack Module Chat

video upload by MATTHS

"#MATTHS sits down with longtime music and video producer Andrew Huang to discuss the new #Ghost Eurorack module. A module which has come to being through a new collaboration with long time Eurorack module maker Endorphin.es.

Ghost is a creative audio processor with multiple blocks that can be moved around in order to achieve different flavours for sound design."

Hear the Arturia PolyBrute sound amazing.

mylarmelodies

"(Skip to 30:13 for sound demos!) Hang out and I’ll demo you the mind-expanding analog ultrasynth that is the Arturia PolyBrute. It can get deep, and I barely scratch the surface in this, but most importantly, it sounds completely off the hook. So let’s get sound exploring!!

Note: There’s a mixture of my own custom sounds and presets in this. Also - the flicker on the screen and LEDs doesn't exist in person, it's just a symptom of my camera frame rate! Also note - there is no external processing on the synth beyond a bit of compression, you're only hearing its internal effects, with its built-in stereo spread (which is analogue).

PS. In part I work for Arturia in my day job, hence having access to this and making a demo!! I would very much like to keep it. Dear Arturia, please may I keep it.

00:00 Intro Montage
03:50 PolyBrute In a Nutshell
05:28 Oscillator
10:38 Steiner Filter
13:32 Ladder Filter
16:42 Making Matrix Modulations
18:42 Modulating Modulations!
19:58 Reverb
21:03 Delay
21:54 Modulation FX
23:12 Morph
27:21 Morphee!
29:13 VST Editor
30:13 Sound Demos!"

The History Behind the History of Synthesizers: A talk by Tom Whitwell, Music Thing

Published on Jan 11, 2018 mylarmelodies

"Recorded at the CV FREQS event in London, I was excited to be given permission to film the fantastic Tom Whitwell of Music Thing Modular, giving a history lesson on the emergence of technologies that led to the inception of modern synthesizers in the twentieth century (and beyond!).

For more info on Tom and his projects visit:
http://www.musicthing.co.uk/"

Some interesting bits from a reliable source that worked with him:

"Don Buchla worked with NASA in the very early 60s fresh out of school. After this he worked designing optical detection systems for the blind.  In 1965 after meeting Mort and Ramon at the San Francisco Tape Music Centre in 1964, work began on the Buchla 100. The acid trips were in late Jan 1966 and it was around this time that he began to take orders from other people in the scene (Kesey, Owsley etc).    There was a small buchla mixer on Further later in the 60s, more than likely used on the trip to woodstock in 69 and not the earlier trip in 1964."

Also: The Kesey box wasn’t on the original bus, but was put on around 1967 or later.. Not the famous one that preceded it by years. The guy playing the Buchla might actually be Ramon Sender.

ADDAC System Intuitive Quantizer Eurorack Module Demo

Published on Dec 23, 2017 mylarmelodies

"Being a demo of the ADDAC Four-channel Eurorack pitch quantiser module! Rein in your pitches and make the entire modular sing from the same hymn sheet. More info at: http://www.addacsystem.com/product/ad..."

How to make a TINY live techno modular synth in only 62HP.

mylarmelodies

"This video is like a step-by-step workshop where I will systematically explain and patch an entire wee tiny live techno modular synth, that works a LOT like my bigger live system. I'll show how I wire it up, and talk about techniques/problems and options throughout.

I've designed many iterations of my live modular system at this point but it's been interesting to work on how SMALL you can make a system and still keep it relatively usable and flexible. I've been able to take ideas from Surgeon, Colin Benders and my own experiments and squeeze them into the smallest space practical. This video should be useful if you are new to modular, as it is intentionally systematic without missing out any steps!"

Ladik A-540 dual line out

Published on Feb 24, 2018 RuprechtM

"Bar and dot modes.
Used soundtrack is from mylarmelodies:
https://youtu.be/dAIYYuRNx7M?t=15m42s"

Hacking an Arm Prosthesis to Output CV for Thought Controlled Synthesis

Hacking my arm prosthesis to output CV so that it plugs into my synth: Thought-controlled music!

Published on Feb 13, 2020 Bertolt Meyer

"Together with Chrisi from KOMA Elektronik and my husband Daniel, I am in the process of building a device (the 'SynLimb') that attaches to my arm prosthesis instead of the prosthetic hand. The SynLimb converts the electrode signals that my prosthesis picks up from my residual limb into control voltages (CV) for controlling my modular synthesizer. The SynLimb thus allows me to plug my prosthesis directly into my snythesizer so that I can control its parameters with the signals from my body that normally control the hand. For me, this feels like controlling the synth with my thoughts. I show the prototype(s), explain how we put it together and how it works, and do a little demo.

My Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/bertolt-meyer
Daniel's Art: https://danieltheiler.de

The inspiration to just try this despite not being an engineer came from wonderful Sam aka lookmumnocomputer
The inspiration to venture into modular synthesis in the first place came from the wonderful mylarmelodies"

RF Nomad Shortwave Radio Eurorack Module Demo

Published on Nov 25, 2014 mylarmelodies

"Being a demo of the considerably bonkers shortwave radio eurorack module that is the Evaton Technologies RF Nomad. LOADS of additional information below!

http://www.evatontechnologies.com/rf-...

GETTING MORE STATIONS ON RF NOMAD

"Get your antenna as high up as possible, and away from metal as much as possible. If you can clip a longer wire onto the end of it, to make the antenna longer, that will help too. I sometimes put a long wire on mine, and tape the wire up to the ceiling.

If you just can't pick up any signals with it, the tuning range is adjustable internally via tweaking the L5 inductor slug with a non-conductive screwdriver. If you are brave, power up your modular, with the Nomad hanging out of the case so you can get to the L5 inductor with a screwdriver. (Be careful not to let the module short against anything!) Set the Tuning knob to the center position, then tweak L5 until you hear stuff. Don't apply much force, and be aware that you can only turn the slug about 1 full rotation. Also, once you've done this, it's going to take a few hours (yes hours) for the tuning to quit drifting, because you've mechanically disturbed the inductor and it takes a while for it to stop creeping from the mechanical stress.

THE STORY BEHIND THE MODULE

The RF Nomad started out as a germ of an idea between myself and my friend, DSP guru Michael Mecca of Pittsburgh Digital -- we frequently meet for lunch to discuss all things synth. About a year or so ago, he mentioned how much fun he used to have as a kid, playing with his dad's shortwave radio, making crazy squealy noises, listening to the haunting sounds that come over the airwaves. I said I had the same experience as a kid, too. Wouldn't it be cool to make a module that lets you bring that experience into the modular world?

I actually had plenty of experience with radio circuits, and a rudimentary design for a shortwave receiver with voltage-controlled tuning immediately sprang to mind.

Most off the shelf shortwave receivers are AM (amplitude modulation) receivers, which suppress the carrier signal. From my ham radio experience, though, I know that if you listen to shortwave frequencies with a sideband decoder instead of an AM decoder, you hear the carrier signal as well as the audio signal, which I feel is far more interesting as a sound source for a synth than just the plain audio alone. It's the bit that gives you those searing heterodyne squeals.

So, it was decided to go with a "direct-conversion" receiver design, which receives both sidebands. Normally, one doesn't think of a direct conversion receiver when trying to design a modern receiver, because they are very crude. But, in the case of the RF Nomad, crude is exactly what we want! It's gives more squeals, more hiss, more heterodynes, more brutal nasty sonic goodness!

You can alter the tuning with the CV input, like it's a remote control for the tuning knob. Apply an LFO, and the tuning slowly increases and decreases. Attach it to a sequencer, and you can cycle thru stations, or just cycle thru different pitches of squealy heterodynes. Hook it to an envelope generator and get on-demand heterodyne swoops. Hook it to an audio-rate LFO, and now you get freaky FM effects. Really cool if you happen to be receiving a strong broadcast station.

The Nomad tunes roughly 9.6 to 10.0 MHz, which is most active late afternoon to early evening, though YMMV. If you can't get a strong station, you can try extending the antenna (just clip another length of wire onto the end of the supplied antenna). Or, find some old electronics, and drape the antenna over it. Stuff from the 80s/90s era -- Commodore 64's, PC AT's, game consoles, etc. The EMI generated by these devices makes for some interesting sonic material.

If you do want to simply "listen" to shortwave on the Nomad, you'll want a bandpass filter after it. The output is 100% UN-filtered, to allow you to have plenty of material to feed your favorite filters with.

The output of the Nomad can be fed back into it's CV input for some self-modulation fun. Patch the output to a multiple, and then feed one signal from the multiple back into the CV input.

Because the Nomad is a direct-conversion receiver, warts and all, one of those warts is that it is somewhat drifty with temperature. I've done about as much as I can to reduce the driftiness, but you will notice that over several minutes it will wander around a little bit. I felt this was an acceptable trade-off, as the true talent of the Nomad is how well it responds to a quickly changing CV input to generate quirky sounds.

I think that covers the basics. It's pretty versatile for a module that only has one input."