After countless hours watching videos for “beginners” that left me clueless... yours is the first video that actually explained the basics in terms for a true beginner: thank you!
Brilliant, once again, Robin! Many thanks. By far the best "demo" of an oscillator that I've seen. You have a wonderful knack of generating enthusiasm, coupled with bewilderment yet suffused with a joy that is so compelling to watch. Whereas some other "modular" vids are very serious and worthy, yours are always a delight to watch. I understand and am bewildered in equal measure along with you. I'm not excluded from what's happening...which is how I often feel when listening to others talk about modular gear. Please do more videos like this to help half-wits like me get a better idea of what we might need before making the jump...I haven't yet jumped, but the day is near.
I absolutely agree. I am learning modular synthesis for quite a while and as many others I do watch lots of video tutorials - sometimes I catch myself thinking that some people are not really trying to explain how things are working but are trying to show how cool they are by exposing their expensive and mysterious-looking gadgets. And here we see a person, who is learning and explaining at the same time in such an easy and simple words that it's pure joy to watch. Others have to watch this to learn how to exxplain complicated stuff in simple words :-). Cudos!
Funny you should say that, as I was watching the video I was thinking to myself how cool it would be to have him as a best friend. Robin don’t suppose you live near Gloucestershire do you??😂😂 Really though the vids are so good to watch! Top bloke, and as cool as cold custard!!
I've been watching your videos with the audio feeding into mutable instrument ears so I can play along with headphones. You sound great with reverb and tape delay.
Molten Modular is an absolute stud. Alas, I’m afraid I cannot continue past 2:59 for I wish to figure it out on my own with beginner mind set. (Zen of R2D2) Sure, I would still be a beginner having committed to watching up to 3:00, 30:00, 1:02:29, whatever! Here we go!
If I may be so bold as to offer a tip regarding linear FM: Try controlliing the modulating oscillator from the same source as the STO's input (ie sequencer or keyboard) and then play around with varying the ratio of the two oscillators frequency, then varying the FM level perhaps by passing the fm cv thru a vca controlled with an envelope from the second side of maths triggered by the same gate pulse as everything else. This is how you will get more traditional FM sounds. Then low pass filter it using same cv for the filter cutoff control as that used for the 1v/oct input of the STO using the filters freq control to remove any unwanted high frequency harmonics. Also interesting FM effects can be created by audio rate modulating the filter cutoff frequency. Hope this helps some... Happy noodling and thanks for the inspiration. :-)
Classic FM synths also had an envelope on the strength of modulation for each operator, which produces an effect vaguely similar to an envelope on filter cutoff, i.e. controlling the brightness.
Even the spider in your rack is going like 'Man, this is to much for my ears!' 😁 ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-LUrtCf5i7ng.html Thanks for making these vids Robin!
Your videos are so refreshing and fun! What is the most basic lowest cost entry in building a simple portable lunchbox modular system? Is it possible to build such a kit for under 1k to learn synthesis? I just want the bare bones, VCA, VCO, LFO, VLF, clock in a small case and power supply hooked up to a device like a Beatstep Pro to do the sequencing and control the modules. I don't want a package system.
thanks for the quick reply! I suck at soldering and complex electronics stuff so would probably get the kits that I just plugin the modules similar to what you have done. I noticed that the Batumi quad LFO module you use already has clock built into it thats why I did not see one in the setup earlier.
Robin, you should get the pulses module that goes with the Turing Machine!! It rotates through a series of jacks and gates them. PLUS it is a surface mount component kit and we could watch you try to solder the tiniest little components with tweezers and the "Honey I Shrunk the Kids" glasses on. That would be worth it alone! I was quite surprised actually when I received mine and learned it was SMD, but I managed to put it together just fine (did take a couple of test runs though as it did not work right the first couple of times). Great video, as always!
Yes and I am aware of the video. You are right, it seems like a good way to do it. If I get into soldering more complicated boards like that I will have to give it a try. I suppose you just need an adequate piece of aluminum to transfer the heat. Thanks for the tip.
I know it sounds obvious but just plug it into stuff. I use the Sine output mostly just to sweep things like filter cutoff or pulse width or morphing between waveforms - depending on your other modules. But experimentation is the key. It combines well with an attenuator module so you can turn the strength of the LFO down to a wobble - i use a 2HP Trim. Also there's an "expert" firmware for it which gives you a random output instead of the triangle output and it also includes an attenuator so you can turn the strength down internally - but i can never remember the button combinations to make that work so i use the Trim. Also check out the different modes by putting LFOs into everything - pitch, cutoff, FM, whatever and just let it do its thing. Loads of fun to be had - i always run out of outputs.
A truly excellent ‘sound 101’ tutorial that I wish I’d found when I was starting out on my modular adventure. The only thing with which I disagreed was your description of Maths as “simple”- maybe it’s just the way my mind works, but to me Maths is about as opaque as it gets. Perhaps it does too much…
23:38 the pulses expander for your turing is great for this. have it trigger 2 (or 11 if you like, for the mk2 version) different ENV generators and it really stars to sound like you have 2 different (but related) sequences going on. (it triggers each gate output on different "beats" of the sequence) its only 40 quid from thonk (and a REALLY easy build if you get the mk1) it's a sin not to have one hooked up to the Turing ;) (of note tho the Mk2 pulses has surface mount components so is a bit harder build than the mk1...... the mk1 has 7 gate outputs compared to 11 on the mk2) all expanders whether mk1 or 2 will work with your mk2 Turing.
I'm familiar with everything you are saying here. But I love the way you explain it! You exude the same mind-blown enthusiasm and emotion of my discoveries of the 1v/o mechanic. Staring at my own O'tool. Being confused that the CV looked nothing like I thought it would. Another fun one is to put the O'tool in layerd scope mode and patch ch1 as a gate (or env), and ch2 as the actual audio allowed through the gate. You see very clearly the relationship of these two things. O'tool is one of my favorite modules. I just get high and watch little LCD waves tell me about what I am hearing. It's magical.
Great video. I have an 0Coast and a small rack, (got started not long after you). I'm thinking about getting another oscillator and I'm wondering is the STO so similar to the 0Coast that it's not worth getting? Do you have an opinion? ( I have an Atlantis which they say contains the same oscillator core as the Dixie ll also by Intellijel. Could the STO and 0Coast have a similar relationship? )
Yes, similar, but I find the 0 coast always makes a different sort of sound. The STO is a lot more versatile and usable in a rack, it won’t disappoint. But also choices on good simple oscillators are small. Maybe as an alternative go for a contrasting digital module like the Black Wavetable VCO. Either way, as long as it’s useful then it’s worth it 😊
So many beginner modular synth videos on here and you know not one of them tossers have a friggin clue of what the word 'BEGINNER' actually means. Their mental fortitude is so warped and blinkered i 'd put money on that if you asked them what's the capital of France they'd answer 'F' ffs.. However, you Robin are a breath of fresh air. I absolutely love your posts and you are the sole reason for me wanting to get into modular. Nice n' simple explanations of what does what...Do you realise how long it's taken me to find out what's the main module for creating a sound?.. An Oscillator!! Finally, someone's talking my language yet so so so many so called Experienced Modular clowns on here missing on that fundamental point. Thank you so much for your insight, knowledge and clarity of delivery regarding modular.
Wow - what a fabulous comment! Thanks so much for sharing that - it's such an encouragement when I'm feeling like I'm so far from being any kind of expert. Thank you, super chuffed I could help.
@@MoltenMusicTech ...Just because there are 'Experts' does not mean they're any good at giving basic advice. You on the other hand have a natural talent for weeding out the untangling, the undecipherable, the Modular Morse code for beginners. A praise that's absolutely deserving to someone that has one interest, helping and sharing your knowledge and insight in helping others understand a very very somewhat complicated theory of Blips n' bleeps within the mammoth understandings of Modular jiggery pokery. Do not stop - Please keep on doing what you're doing. I even tried VCV Rack and i tell you now, you're explanations are easier on my brain lol. I hope you don't mind but you've indirectly become my No1 referrence for all things modular. Lets just say i see you as the School teacher and i'm the student..Do you know every night after work at 8.00pm i put aside an hour for at least 4 weeks now ( That's when i started searching for Modular and finally stumbled on your channel ) and i'm at Molten Modular 15. I have no interest in watching anyone else now..i tried and have realised they do not that mental Modular dexterity that you possess. Do you have an email address i can contact you directly Robin?..i believe kindness needs to be rewarded and would like to contribute to help you to carry on what you are doing..
Well thanks. I am particularly pleased with this video. I did another one on Envelopes which is also good and I always intended to do more "Discovery.." style videos that focus on one thing as simply as possible. I will definitely commit to doing some more soon - Filters, LFOs and Sequencers spring to mind. robin@moltenmusictechnology.com
Love the presentation of info here, thank you! Regarding the jack designation graphics: Make Noise modules infamously have THE WORST examples of "labeling logic". Most manufacturers do indeed have one graphic look for ins and a different look for the outs, or at least are designated as such with text.
Hello last time asking what should be. Simple question on the batumi lfo I have asked you prior. Tried to do simple task of modulating filter with batumi sine wave out to filter cv in and not getting any audible response. Batumi in free mode and have tried 2 different inputs and moved sliders. I know I have something patched in correctly but can’t figure out what. Using oscillator from tip-top audio sine wave out to input on filter. Low pass filter out to veils vca input. Batumi sine wave out to filter resonance cv input.
I’d recommend putting the Batumi into the cutoff frequency CV input, not the resonance. Try manually sweeping the filter cutoff to hear the sound - then add the batumi and adjust the cutoff knob to move the center of the sweep.
How did you get sound out of the modular and record it? Are you going through a computer? Do you need a VCA and a converter to bring it down to line level?
What about controlling the seq via pc then running the midi to the Mother-32 and then the KB out on the mother do accomplish the same thing without spending money?
thanks for the reply again. i have a math's and believe i can use channel 2 and 3 as attenuators. for quick patch scenario using vco, batumi, vca and maths...vco out to in on my veils, batumi sine out to channel 2 input on maths, channel 2 out of maths into cv input on vca under the osc input. batumi in free mode using far left output does slider adjust the rate? Not quite sure the instances of using the inputs on the batumi and curious how you use them if you have... thanks again.
The inputs on the Batumi are a bit of a mystery to me - they seem to work as sync, so you can clock the LFO from somewhere else and then the slider moves the cycle in divisions. Otherwise yes, the slider changes the rate - the LED pulsing shows you the speed. Your patch is to create a tremolo effect yes?
Great series Robin. It's been fun watching your progress starting from day one where you were like "What in the hell am I doing" and now 15 episodes later, you're doing explanation/tutorial videos! You're teaching yourself while you teach others with your videos and that's the important part. Great way to approach any new project that you're passionate about. Great personality and you're fun to watch. Keep bringing us more :)
Everyone who is starting the modular adventure (like me) should watch this video and subscribe to this channel. I really like how you explain the fundamentals of modular synthesis in a easy to understand way. Greetings from Switzerland!! :-)
Maybe you are so kind to answer a noob question. Let's say i have two different oscillator modules. but i only want to run 1 of them through i.e. Black Hole DSP2. How do i patch this?
It depends on what you want to do - where you want the effect to be in the chain. If it’s a delay then you’ll want it after the VCA because that’s where you apply the envelope shape and otherwise the repeats or the tale of the reverb would be lost. So after the VCA is the usual choice - but the thing is that you just try it and see. You can’t break anything in Eurorack.
I just bought a Make Noise STO.. What would you suggest I get next? I have Clouds and Morphagene as well. I feel as I'm missing something to make my modulars more cohesive.
I don't get one thing. The CV keyoboard or a Turing Machine with a quantizer generates some voltages with some ratio. But the VCO's pitch knob is set in some position, which doesn't represent anything "musical". So if you press a key you know it represents the A=440 Hz on your A-01 with some, say, desktop synth or a VST instrument, the STO will generate some other fequency providing it wasn't tuned. If you wanna play some melody in the proper musical scale you have to tune the VCO every time? With a tuning fork or some electronic tuner? Or do it at least from time to time if you didn't touch the pitch knob and the VCO just detuned because of natural electronic circuit imperfect stability? What is this continous pitch regulation for? Some synths just have the rotary switches with fixed 32', 16', 8' etc. positions...
Most synths are tuned to 440hz and are quantised to their keyboard. Modular oscillators are not, they are completely free. So yes you have to tune them either to a tuner or to any other oscillator you are using.
Black squares are always outputs no? They are at least on Intellijel and Hexinverter. WMD and chaos devices use black circles on their outputs but it's the same thing
11:56 "control voltage is telling it what pitch to play and that's sending that out completely constantly" actually, is it? did you try to plug the cv out of the A-01 to your Jones O'Tool to see if the voltage was being sent when the note is released?
I just tested this with my STO and Jones O'Tool and confirmed there is a constant stream of voltage being sent from the VCO or any of the other VCO's I tested (AJH Minimod, Telharmonic, STO).
