Meet the Maker - Modular Synths panel with 6 Eurorack Manufacturers

At this year's Winter NAMM show, Vintage King Audio presented the TEC Tracks panel: "Meet the Maker -- Modular Synths".
This short (35 minutes) panel discussion, distributed by Sound On Sound, brought together 5 well-known modular synth makers to talk about the booming Eurorack format.

Panelists included: Dieter Doepfer (Doepfer), Dan Green (4MS), William Matthewson (WMD), Ryan McGuire (Vintage King moderator), Tony Rolando (Make Noise), Brandon Ryan (Roland) and Gene Stopp (Moog Music)

They talked a bit about the history of the Eurorack standard (with it's US-based Inch-metrics... lol), and the influence of live-Eurorack performers on new modules.
William Matthewson from WMD offered an interesting insight of what to expect in the future with new controls, like tactile things, body movement, gloves, the integration of virtual reality and other new futuristic techniques that can convert all kinds of signals into control voltages.

Interesting to hear was also the process behind the whole module-design and where Dieter shared his point of view about the pros and cons of the community-input, mentioning the importance of the Yahoo A-100 Usergroup (and his annoyance about it sometimes) and the creative input from live musicians like the icelandic band GusGus when it comes to developing new modules.
It reminded me of his work with the guys from Kraftwerk in the past, with the development of the Schaltwerk, the vocoder and other projects...

MusicMesse Reports by @Flixxx (Playlist)

MusikMesse 2015 in Frankfurt took off today, with the Roland modulars/modules as the most talked about eurorack releases. Read all about that on the other blogs ;-)
Pretty refreshing to see this year are Felix' (The Tuesday Night Machines) excellent video-reports from the floor... Here's his playlist, enjoy!
(it looks like he is still adding episodes at the time I write this, so feel free to chech this blogpost again tomorrow or later this week)

MusikMesse 2015 playlist by +The Tuesday Night Machines

" OFFICIAL WEBSITE:http://nightmachines.tv
Twitter:
http://twitter.com/Flixxx (@Flixxx)
Ello:
http://ello.co/nightmachines
Facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/nightmachines
Instagram:
http://instagram.com/tuesdaynightmach...
Bandcamp:
http://nightmachines.bandcamp.com
My other YouTube Channel:
http://www.youtube.com/flx04part2"

Errorinstruments Simple Passive Eurorack Module

Error Instruments just released this video about a brand new product.

It isn't exactly clear (yet) what  this passive module does, but it just looks and sounds nice... although not very spectacular.

A module with a button, a rotating knob and a switch, thats all...

Video: errorinstruments eurorack simpel pasiv modulen

" just a simpel eurorack module Pasiv .is onder 35 € as a DIY KIt 45 € BILD
its sooon at www.errorinstruments.com "

Via YouTube: paul tas

Info soon at http://www.errorinstruments.com/

Blog at http://errorinstruments.blogspot.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ErrorInstruments

Twisted Electrons Octopus Eurorack CV Sequencer Module Preview

Twisted Electrons has been a relatively unknown brand on the hardware market, so far they only released a bunch of apps and the (hardware) AY3 synth for chip-tune music based on the AY8912 from vintage machines.

Now it looks like they are getting into Eurorack with their new Octopus CV Sequencer module.
They uploaded this video preview today, but there's not much info yet.
It looks nice, i hope i can add the details soon...

Video: Octopus Eurorack CV Sequencer Module Preview

no description available

Uploaded by Twisted Electrons

Twisted Electrons on Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/twistedelectronsofficial

Build a Modular Synth in seven months! by @ScorbieUK

Scorbie built an impressive modular in just 7 months, and in this video he shows the result.

Almost 25 minutes of modular goodness...

Video: Build a Modular Synth in seven months!

" After seeing the modular documentary I Dream Of Wires, I decided back in September of 2013 I wanted to get one.

After months of obsessing and invaluable help from a few friends and people in the modular underworld, my first case is just about complete.
Even building my own now!
Rick Holt of Frequency Central & Rickard Steffensen from Sweden have been incredibly patient and supportive and I will forever be grateful.
Made a couple really good friends.
Visit frequencycentral.co.uk and look up Steffensen on Muffwiggler.com.
Small manufacturers who's modules are better than most of the well known makes out there.

In the case:
Frequency Central: System X VCO, Waverider DVCO, Electro Cardiogram Filter, Vogue Filter, Multipoles, Waverunner LFO, Continuum Phase Shifter, Trans Europa, Raging Bull* & System X S&H/Noise* (* DIY build soon).
Steffensen: Oscillarp (X2) and Envelarp ADSR (based on ARP2600).
Doepfer: A140 ADSR, A180 Multiples, A147 VCLFO, A106 Xtreme Filter, A138 Mixer.
Oakley Classic VCA, Tiptop Z3000, Make Noise Maths, Pittsburg MIDI2 and a few more bits to build including 4 ARP Odyssey VCOs and an ARP2600 12db LPF.
I've DIY'd all of the Frequency Central and Steffensen modules in the case. About two rows worth.
Didn't know how to solder seven months ago, let alone understand a schematic or what a resistor was. :)

Midlife crisis. Yep. And it f*cking rules!"

Uploaded by scorbie

Also check out Scorbie.com

Random Video: Yuri Space Patch by Swan Messiah

This next video was uploaded to YouTube yesterday by Swan Messiah, 'Creator of the Doom Drone Experimental Metal', who recently got into Eurorack modular synthesis.
Here's his first experiment... a spacey tribute to Yuri Gagarin.

Video: Yuri Space Patch by Swan Messiah

" My first foray into modular eurorack synthesis.
Utilising;
Pittsburgh Modular LFO2 clocking;
Pittsburgh Modular Sequencer controlling;
Bubblesound VCOb through;
Doepfer A-106-1 Xtreme Filter &
Flight of Harmony IMP through;
Circuit Abbey Gravity Well mixed through;
Pittsburgh Modular Dual VCA.
Various parameters controlled via;
Flight of Harmony Choices (joystick module).
Mono out through Boss PS-2 delay into;
Crappy 2 watt amp. shot with;
Crappy iPhone camera in low light."

Uploaded by Swan Messiah

Follow Swan Messiah on Twitter: https://twitter.com/swanmessiah

On Bandcamp:  swanmessiah.bandcamp.com 

Intellijel Atlantis Dual Oscillator Subtractive Synth Voice Announced

Intellijel just keeps on surprising with cool new Eurorack modules
Today they announced the Atlantis, a Dual Oscillator Subtractive Synth Voice

" The Atlantis is heavily inspired by the architecture and sound of the classic Roland SH-101.

It has always been one of our favorite synths and we really liked how the seemingly limited architecture allowed for all sorts of creative and musically useful sounds to be easily generated.

Just like the 101 it is quick to dial in beautifully rich bass and lead sounds. 

However this module uses triangle core VCOs (based on the Dixie core) instead of Saw core which respond much more musically to FM. 

The modulation oscillator can be used as an LFO or VCO (audio rate) and both track very precisely over 8 or more octaves.

Intellijel Atlantis 

In the mixer section you can adjust the balance of the primary oscillators waveforms including a sinewave which is normalled to the EXT IN jack. 

You could also patch in one of the modulation oscillators waveforms into this channel and be able to operate the Atlantis as a proper two oscillator synth. 

There is a switch labelled “LINK” which enables the modulation vco pitch to be based as an offset of the primary VCO. 

This is useful when using it as a stacked dual vco or when you have the mod VCO acting as the linear FM source for the primary vco and wish to maintain the ratio.

The filter section is a Roland style cascaded 4 pole multimode filter with LP, BP and HP modes. 

The LP Boost switch engages a special mode useful for the LP that produces a much fatter and prominent sound that is not drowned out by resonance (unlike the original SH-101). 

The filter self-oscillates to produce a very clean sine wave which also tracks 1V/Oct. Between the Mod VCO, Primary VCO, Sub Oscillator and resonating filter it is possible to layer up to four different pitches at one time.

The envelope section is an ADSR with a dual range switch. 

It also can be set to a looping mode which can be gated on/off externally.
The output VCA feeds into a two level output clipping circuit that you can use to get a much ballsier/dirtier sound.

Main features:
Modulation VCO: triangle core with Hard Sync and Link switch to connect pitch to primary
Primary VCO: triangle core with Hard Sync, Octave switches, Linear/Exp FM and PWM
Global modulation bus with four VCO waveforms, noise and S&H options
Cascaded 4-Pole multimode filter
Looping ADSR with range switch, manual gate, and external level (velocity) control.
Three position output clipping circuit
27 jacks for creative and complex patching options
Header on back of pcb that allows it to be linked (normalled) to the Intellijel Metropolis sequencer
Skiff Friendly

Summary of enhancements over the SH-101 core:
Triangle core vcos (with far better tracking and Hard sync) instead of saw core
Primary vco has linear FM (not just exp)
MOD Vco can be linked to the primary VCO pitch CV.
Modulation oscillator switchable from LFO to VCO
Filter is multimode, 2/4pole switchable and has a special LP boost mode
Filter allows for selection of inverted ADSR mod source
Filter tracks 1V/oct
Mixer section includes and external source which is normalled to a sinewave
Filter has built in soft clipping
Envelope has looping option, re-trigger and selectable time range
Output VCA has two stage clipping circuit
External clock input for the S&H
Patch points for every synthesis section"

Video: Intellijel Atlantis


More info at http://www.intellijel.com/eurorack-modules/atlantis/
Available to purchase on January 1st 2014

Let me show you my rack... by @Flixxx

Felix from Germany (@Flixxx) was asked to make a video of the Eurorack gear that he uses to make his music and videos.

Here's his narrated studio-tour...

Don't forget to check out the other links below the video for more interesting stuff.

Video: Let me show you my rack ...

" I was asked to show my Eurorack. Here you go.

Please show me your's and subscribe for more videos: http://www.youtube.com/subscription_c...
If you have any questions, post them as a comment below :) Thanks for watching!

____MY EURORACK MODULAR SYNTH ON MODULARGRID.COM:
http://www.modulargrid.net/e/racks/vi...
____MY WHOLE SETUP EXPLAINED:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L7yb2r...
____MY OTHER EURORACK VIDEOS:
Doepfer Clock Divider as Sub-Oscillator:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p5FnhF...
Make Noise Function as Sub-Oscillator:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jKtQ-_...
Turing Machine as VCO:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uoNGHV...
Circuit Abbey Invy as Waveshaper:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FCr5xn...
Intellijel uVCF as Saw Wave Oscillators:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_e92Yi...
____LeBEAT GRAPHIC DESIGN (who painted my case):
http://lebeat.de/

____TIMECODES FOR EACH MODULE:

1:03 Doepfer A-160 Clock Divider & A-161 Clock Sequencer
1:31 Rebel Technologies Stoicheia
1:54 Doepfer A-162 Dual Trigger Delay
2:02 DIY OR Gate based on Doepfer DIY Page (http://www.doepfer.de/DIY/a100_diy.htm)
2:29 Doepfer A-151 Quad Sequential Switch
2:50 Doepfer A-180 Passive Multiples
3:07 Make Noise Function
3:25 Doepfer A-142-4 Quad Decay
3:36 Doepfer A-132-2 Dual Lin/Exp VCA
3:46 Doepfer A-132-4 Quad Exp VCA
3:58 Doepfer A-138 Exp Mixer
4:13 Din Sync Modseq
4:39 Music Thing Turing Machine & Pulses Expander
5:06 Doepfer A-175 Dual Voltage Inverter
5:17 Circuit Abbey Invy Attenuverter
5:37 Intellijel uScale Quantizer
5:50 Intellijel Dixie I VCO
6:09 Noise Engineering Ataraxic Translatron VCO
6:28 Intellijel uVCF
6:46 Doepfer A-125 Voltage Controlled Phase Shifter (Phaser)
6:55 Flame FX6
7:07 Flight of Harmony Plague Bearer v4
7:22 Flight of Harmony The Sound of Shadows Delay
7:45 Manhatten Analog mix
7:58 DIY Quad CV/Gate Generator
8:29 DIY Switch It/Push It
8:53 Doepfer A-183-1 Dual Attenuator
9:07 The Voice Of Saturn VCF
9:27 MFB OSC-02 Triple VCO
9:48 Monotron Blind Panel
9:57 Koma Kommander
10:23 Anyware Tinysizer Modular Synth

____MORE LINKS:
SUBSCRIBE TO MY CHANNEL:
http://www.youtube.com/subscription_c...
GET MY ELECTRONIC MUSIC AT BANDCAMP:
http://nightmachines.bandcamp.com
FOLLOW ME ON TWITTER:
http://twitter.com/Flixxx
MY OTHER YOUTUBE CHANNEL:
http://www.youtube.com/flx04part2 "

Modular Wild presents PATCH IT - "The Gargantuan Patch"

A new PATCH IT series by Raul Pena started today.

Video: Modular Wild presents PATCH IT - "The Gargantuan Patch" (Part One)

"The Gargantuan Patch"- This segment explores Eurorack Modular patching on a 9U Monorocket System. Part One of Four.Sound and Video by Raul Pena."

Video: Modular Wild presents PATCH IT - "The Gargantuan Patch" (Part Two)

"The Gargantuan Patch"- This segment explores Eurorack Modular patching on a 9U Monorocket System. Part Two of Four.Sound and Video by Raul Pena."

Video: Modular Wild presents PATCH IT - "The Gargantuan Patch" (Part Three)

"The Gargantuan Patch"- This segment explores Eurorack Modular patching on a 9U Monorocket System. Part Three of Four.Sound and Video by Raul Pena."

Video: Modular Wild presents PATCH IT - "The Gargantuan Patch" (Part Four)

"The Gargantuan Patch"- This segment explores Eurorack Modular patching on a 9U Monorocket System. Part Four of Four.Sound and Video by Raul Pena."

HackMe Vectr Open Source 3D Sensing Gesture Controller

Now here's a cool new Kickstarter project;
The Vectr Open Source 3D Sensing Gesture Controller is a nice new way of controlling your modular Eurorack synthesizer.

HackMe Vectr Gesture Controller prototype

It's like a cross between the Korg KaosPad and some kind of (Roland) D-Beam interface (or theremin) that can control sound and effects via hand movements interacting (measuring the distance) with an infrared beam of light.
They hope to fit it all on a 32 HP panel (the prototype size is 36 HP wide).

" The Hackme Vectr is an entirely new and unique way to interact with a modular synthesizer.
Vectr is a three dimensional control interface designed for Eurorack modular system.
It senses the location of a hand over its face and outputs a signal proportional to position for each axis: x (left and right), y (up and down), and z (in and out).
So, you can control three things at one time, like turning three knobs all at once by moving your hand through the air.

HackMe Vectr Gesture Controller prototype

The possibilities are truly infinite. You could control the amplitude of a sound with the x axis, the pitch with the y axis, and the modulation of that sound with the z axis.
By moving your hand slowly over the surface, you can create subtly evolving, changing and dramatic sounds. With quick movements, you can generate bursts of dynamic audio.

To provide feedback, Vectr has LEDs ringing its active sensing area.
These LEDs light up according to the location of your hand.
It lights red for the z axis and blue for the x and y axis.
As you get closer to the surface, the red LEDs get brighter.
As you move closer to a location on the x-y axis, the blue LEDs in that region get brighter and those farther away get dimmer.
This makes Vectr visually stunning, brilliant for live play and, excellent for dark spaces.

HackMe Vectr Gesture Controller pad

Vectr can also recognize a number of simple gestures.
It recognizes swiping gestures as well as circular motions over its surface.
These gestures can be used as trigger outputs and for interacting with the built-in looping feature.
Vectr provides a menu system that uses gestures to change the system behavior.
Vectr can record up to 30 seconds of position and gesture data for looping playback.
Simply press the large illuminated switch to start the loop and release it to end it.
The loop plays back immediately and can be retriggered with swipe gestures or by external signals from a module with trigger outputs.
Vectr records as long as the switch is held down, so long rhythmic sequences can be recorded by moving a hand in an out of the active area.

HackMe Vectr Gesture Controller prototype

The loop switch can also be used as a sample and hold control.
When pressed quickly, it freezes the hand position to lock in the output.
The loop playback can be sped up or slowed by using circular gestures, clockwise for faster, counter-clockwise for slower.
The loop recording can also be triggered externally.
One pulse starts the recording and the next pulse ends it. Using external triggers to start and stop recording as well as to synchronize the playback, you can make perfectly synchronized loops.

Vectr is entirely open source. All aspects of the design will be released under cc-nc-sa 2.0 license. There will be a USB connector on the back of the device. This will allow anyone to program and reprogram Vectr to suit their purposes. Want to use it to fly drones? Make a lighting controller? Make your robot dance? Go for it."

The HackMe Vectr is a Kickstarter project, with the controller available to early supporters for 299 USD

Video: Control audio with movements and gestures in free space


Detailed Features:
Resolution: 16 bit Sensing and 16 bit Digital to Analog Conversion

Outputs:
X Position - 0-8VDC corresponding to hand position
Y Position - 0-8VDC corresponding to hand position
Z Position - 0-8VDC corresponding to hand position
Left-Right Swipe Gesture Trigger - 0-5VDC alternates with each gesture
Up-Down Swipe Gesture Trigger - 0-5VDC alternates with each gesture
Gate - 0V when no hand is present, 5VDC when a hand is present

Inputs:
X Gate - 0V turns off X Position
Y Gate - 0V turns off Y Position
Z Gate - 0V turns off Z Position
Loop Sync - Retriggers the loop during playback, start and end loop during record mode

Switch:
Loop switch - High quality feel illuminated switch for controlling the looping feature

Power Supply:
+/-12V, digital voltages internally regulated

More info at http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/790206393/theremax-3d-gesture-controller

2Egress Studio Furniture and Cases

After the recent wave of interesting new Eurorack-modules you might run out of rack-space pretty soon...
I recently stumbled upon a Canadian firm that builds and designs studio furniture and Eurorack cases.

A few of the 2Egress Eurorack case-designs

2Egress is a three year old small business located in Toronto, Canada that specializes in technical furniture for recording studios and film editing suites.

"Growing up with an avid woodworking father, Brock inherited a love for all things wooden, and developed a passion for restoring classic racing sailboats.
These experiences have been stepping stones to the high quality, detail oriented pieces that he designs and builds today.

As a schooled audio engineer and musician, it became clear to Brock that studio furniture had become stuck in the 60's and 70's - ugly and utilitarian to excess, the standard pressboard self-assembled furniture available was not recognizing the unique needs nor aesthetic discernment of the industry.
Some time ago they had been invited to build a Eurorack case and have decided to continue building them ever since."

12U 104HP wide custom case for Damian Taylor

Recently they designed and built a double wide 12U 104hp modular case for Grammy-nominated producer Damian Taylor (Bjork, The Killers, Unkle, Arcade Fire, The Prodigy).

It houses four Doepfer PSU2’s and 8 Bus Boards, has two IEC power connectors on the rear and even a matching rear panel to compliment his studio space.

They included 1/4” connectors on the rear with passthroughs to the front of the case. 

See the building-process HERE, and the finished product with modules installed HERE

I really like this sort of craftsmanship, that's why I think it is worth posting it here.
If you are looking for a new case or rack, contact them to find out what they can do for you.
They mention worldwide shipping on their website...
Based on the pictures they seem to make good quality products with an eye for detail.
Watch their site as they will be adding some very funky cool cases in the very near future.
Loads of drawings are already just waiting to be pumped into their CNC machine...

Also check out their impressive portfolio at http://www.2egress.com/portfolio.html

Website: http://www.2egress.com/home.html

I also added their RSS newsfeed to the right column of this blog >

Quick Tip: Differences in Eurorack Modules

When you have multiple modules of the same brand and type , you might sometimes experience small differences between those Eurorack modules.
Sometimes oscillators are tuned differently and you can't get them to match.
One may sound lower than the other with each's controls identical, yet they sound different..

This is often not something to worry about.

Four A-110 VCOs that look the same,
all sounding (slightly) different.

Although most modules are thoroughly tested, some batches may indeed sound a little different due to (internal) trim-pot settings, differences due to tolerances of the electronic parts, etc...

If you want to compare your modules, it is always smart to check the production date/ batch number on the test label and/or on the PCB (version nr) first.
Usually this can be found at the inner side of the front panel.

If the numbers match, and one of your modules does sound different than the other one, you might check out the trimming pots on the backside of the module on the PCB.
In most cases this can be easily fixed with a small screwdriver once you located the right potentiometer (often printed on the PCB or can be found in a manual).

Sometimes it just has to do with other components.
During the production-years of a module the values of all kinds of parts of your module may have been changed a bit (for example R77, R86, R88).
These differences can sometimes be audible, sometimes only to the trained ear...

Especially the specifications of a main circuit like the 74HC4046 (Used in the Phase Locked Loop - A-196 PLL module) may differ for different manufacturers (even different batches from the same manufacturer) of this circuit.
Because the PLL module is not a precision module like a VCO there are no trimming potentiometers available to balance such tolerances.
You'll just have to live with that...

Sources: Doepfer website and Doepfer A-100 Yahoo Usergoup

Documentary Film about Konfirm, a Research Project by Jon Adams

On the 14th of June this year, artist Jon Adams presented 'Konfirm', an interesting (and live-streamed) performance/talk from his residency at the Autism Research Centre.
Konfirm was his first artistic output for the ARC, and was a sound work prompted by systematic processes which were presented in audio and visual metaphor.

Watch the whole project with sound and visuals at http://www.artscatalyst.org/projects/detail/jon_adams_konfirm/

Today a short documentary was released with the artist at work explaining the project and his thought process.

It also features Jon's modular synth setup, on which he created his musical sculptures and soundscapes...

Video: Konfirm, Jon Adams residency, Autism Research Centre

Konfirm, Jon Adams residency, Autism Research Centre from The Arts Catalyst on Vimeo.

" Documentary film about Konfirm, a research project by artist Jon Adams.

Adams' artwork explores sense and sensitivity through the 'hidden' and plays with perceptions of normal and the inaccessible. A geologist by training, Adams' seeking of the concealed in his art often reveals his naturally systematic thinking: his inclination and ability to uncover systems within everyday interactions and landscapes.

In this residency and research project, Jon Adams sets out on a personal, artistic and scientific investigation of his own Asperger's Syndrome, through a series of conversations, observations and experiments, working in collaboration with Professor Simon Baron-Cohen, Director of the Autism Research Centre at the University of Cambridge.

Rather than a specific pathology, Baron-Cohen sees autism as being on a continuum in the general population. He proposes that certain features of autistic people - 'obsessions' and repetitive behaviour - previously regarded as purposeless, are conversely highly purposive, intelligent (hyper-systemising), and a sign of a different way of thinking. He argues that high-functioning autism or Asperger's Syndrome need not just lead to disability, but can also lead to talent.

Read Jon Adams' residency blog here
a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/2266871

This collaborative research project has emerged from an initial meeting between Jon Adams and Simon Baron-Cohen at an Arts Catalyst/Shape project Alternative Ways of Thinking: Exploring the Autistic Mind at the Cheltenham Science Festival in 2011."

Listen to the sound works from fMRI noise at https://soundcloud.com/fieldoffragments

Jon Adams on Twitter : @Soundcube
Konfirm project documentary contribution by @sbaroncohen

Videos and viuals by Lucas Holzhauer: @vindoism

Future Sound Systems AJAK 2 Bipolar LED Voltage Indicator

Although i am on a very tight budget lately (I still haven't got the funds to fix my mixing desk), I did have a tiny amount left on my PayPal account to treat myself on a new little gadget.

Today I received my package from Future Sound Systems, a small independent musical device manufacturer based in both Gloucestershire and Surrey, England.

FSS builds modular synthesizer components and accessories, predominantly for Eurorack format.

I blogged about their APOW +5Volts module a week ago, you can find it HERE.

Future Sound Systems AJAK2 Voltage Indicator

The AJAK2 is a simple device that you can plug into any mini-jack-socket to check if there is any voltage output (positive and negative)
Basically it is a 3.5mm jack plug connected to bipolar LED, where the Blue LED indicates positive voltage, and the Red LED indicates negative voltage.
It is also available in a Red/Yellow version as AJAK1

It's a fun little thing, especially if you like blinking lights on your Eurorack... like i do :-)

The indicator is (almost?) identical to the LADIK Modular Checker that i blogged about earlier this year, I assume that this one also starts glowing if it registers a signal of approx 2 Volts, but i have no equipment to check this...

Available via www.futuresoundsystems.co.uk

http://www.youtube.com/futuresoundsystems

Random Video: (Modular Exercise) Ecstasy of Gold by MrLouk4

Video: (Modular Exercise) Ecstasy of Gold

" Just messing around with my modular! Everything in real time. No computers.
Just an Exercise... Full song coming soon
Che il Maestro mi perdoni!!!!

For modular synth geeks:
Sequences from Makenoise Pressure Points and Renè
Osc: Livewire AFG (x2), Intellijel Rubicon, Harvestman Hertz Donut, Doepfer Dark Energy, WMD GWS
Drums: TipTop 808
Distortion and overdrive: WMD Geiger Counter, Metasonix R-51
Bass: Moog Minitaur
TipTop Trigger Riot triggering EVERYTHING! :-)"

Uploaded by MrLouk4

Drone Patch (Modular Synesthesis Tutorial in 2 Parts) by 4LUNDIN

This interesting set of 2 videos was uploaded to YouTube a few months ago but did not catch my attention until now.
The first part explains how the drone sound in the is made, the second one is just the patch...

Video: Drone patch (modular synesthesis tutorial, pt. 1/2, the Patch)

" Demonstrating a quick drone patch. I'm sick, so don't expect anything very pedagogical. Those into modular synthesis would get a clue anyway. Perhaps I was a bit more absentminded than usual. Please note the weird English accent!
After this video was shot, I recorded a track using the patch of this video, that you may hear what it sounds like in high quality. See pt. 2/2"

Video 2: Drone patch (modular synesthesis tutorial, pt. 2/2, the music)

" The music of this video is recorded using the patch drawn up in the video "Drone patch (modular synesthesis tutorial) (pt. 1, the patch)" ( http://www.youtube.com/edit?ns=1&... )
As for the video to the music of this one. Well, it doesn't suit the soundscape at all, but you gotta nuke something. Ignore it and listen!
All sounds comes from the modular. No multitracking. Additional fx from the Octatrack and mx200 (two of them). Mixed in Cubase. That's it, فقط. "

Uploaded by 4LUNDIN

Random Video: Dubish Modular Jam by Therudyrude

I found this on YouTube, with a rather self-explaining title... enjoy!

Video: Dubish Modular Jam by Therudyrude

" Slow groove using my MFB SEQ02 , Doepfer Sequencer(A-154,155) Vulcan Modulator with Intellijel Mind Meld,Phonogene and DOepfer sampler , Pressure points + brains , Bit Crusher and various delays(Ecophon ,SOT,BBD 512 Doepfer,ST delay resampling)etc.." 

Uploaded by therudyrude

Skiff- Friendly

skiff  ( s k í f ) :

" A flatbottom open boat of shallow draft, having a pointed bow and a square stern and propelled by oars, sail, or motor.
[Middle English skif, from Old French esquif, from Old Italian schifo, of Germanic origin.] "

Source: http://www.thefreedictionary.com/skiff

They have been out there for a while, but it seems like more and more people like to use "skiff" type wooden or aluminium shallow racks to house their Eurorack modules.
Flat-bottomed shallow skiffs that often lie down horizontally or are slightly tilted can be very useful in many situations because they fit perfectly on your desktop, next to your computer.
In my opinion they are perfect to put controller modules in them, but be aware...

Walnut Makenoise skiff

The shallow depth of some skiffs might not be enough for the kind of modules you want to put in there.
Be sure that the depth of your modules is tuned to the depth of your skiff and vice versa.
I see a lot of manufacturers putting the word 'skiff-friendly' in their advertisements lately and most of them are usually very shallow, so you would not have a problem with those.

The walnut Makenoise skiff from Analoguehaven in the picture for example has an internal depth of only 1.75 inch (4.45 cm) without a power rail mounted. Now that's shallow...

Imagine that with a busboard mounted inside and figure out how little depth is left for modules.
Not that this is a bad skiff or so, in fact it looks beautiful and can house the most 'skiff-friendly' modules that i know, but i know for sure that my (Doepfer)  A-175 Joystick wouldn't fit in there...

My advice is to check out the depth of the modules that you would like to install in your skiff before you buy one... better be safe than sorry...

Random Video: Eurorack Techno: Stress Testing Doepfer's A-132-4 VCA by Skrapadelix

I found this one on YouTube, a very nice subtle techno track by skrapadelix showing off his A-132-4 VCAs and more...
Enjoy!

Video: Eurorack Techno: Stress Testing Doepfer's A-132-4 VCA

" I just got a new VCA (well 4 of them actually) in the shape of the Doepfer A-132-4.I'm really impressed with the size (6hp), value for money and the sound - snappy, loud and clean. Here's a test patch with bass, percussion, hats and stab each routed through a separate VCA - and no matter how hot the levels get, the A-132-4 takes it all like a champ.

Patch details:
Kick drum: Analogue Solutions DB99
Bass: Cyclebox II sequenced by A-149 into VCA channel 1
Percussion: Piston Honda sequenced from A-160/A-161/A-138c into VCA channel 2
hats: A-118 into VCA channel 3
Stab: Flame Talking Synth into Pittsburgh delay into A-124 Wasp filter into VCA channel 4
The whole mix routed through the TipTop Audio Z5000 cv'd by the A-143-1.
As usual everything done in the wooden box in realtime with nothing else added..."

Uploaded by skrapadelix

Random Video: Like Forbidden Planet by Yoric Spick

I liked this new video on YouTube.
Sadly it hasn't got much info, but what I see is a nice Eurorack module, controlled by a wooden custom-made (DIY?) controller box with faders, buttons and a joystick.
The video is shot on a mobile phone in portrait-mode and the video isn't very sharp, but I like the sound-effects that are created...

Video: Like Forbidden Planet

" Jeu aux joysticks et faders inspiré par les techniques du GRM. "

" Play with joysticks and faders inspired by the techniques of GRM

Uploaded by yoric spick