#41

I’m always trying to look for weird new interactions so it’s boring but my only pre-patched thing is R and L from Nearness into the Intellijel R and L 1u Headphones Out. :upside_down_face:

#42

Oh I definitely have a base patch! I don’t always leave it patched up but I’m often re-patching it or making slight adjustments or improvements to it. I think in a way there are two types of modular users, the sound explorers and the instrument builders. I’m definitely on the latter side. I’m always developing my “perfect patch” for how I want to use the modular and when I explore it’s like I’m taking a break from that development. But, then I end up back to it. I use the modular for a pretty unique application (sequencing video clips) so it makes sense I’d have a base patch. The Teletype has played a major role in developing that perfect patch as well.

#43

Tell us more how and what you do with the modular and sequencing video, please!

#44

Sure. I sequence audio/video clips and sort of make music out of them. Or at least they are basically another voice to the patch. I recommend checking out my Instagram, it’s where I post my patches pretty regularly. It’s @theb_roll.

Basically I pull a bunch of clips and load them into an app I made in Max (initially for the monome actually called 64videofingers). But now I pretty much use it for midi-triggering of the video clips. Each midi note triggers a different clip. The way I bring the modular into it is by using a Doepfer a-192 CV to midi convertor. Then, I can send a 1v per octave control voltage for modulating clip selection and a gate/trigger for actually triggering the clip.

One fun simple patch to do is just send a random sample and hold voltage to modulate the clip selection, which you can of course attenuate and offset to find nice sweet spots. I will try to add a link to an example of this.

My base patch goes well beyond this in regards to control. I use the Teletype as the video sequencing control center. Using variables on the fly in the Teletype I’m able to define clip ranges, randomize between defined clip ranges, change sequence length, goto next and previous sequence using variables to define the sequence start and end points. I’m also able to plan out and sequence matching bass lines that work with the clips. If I’m prepping for a longer set I use a Genovation cp48 to send text macros to define these variables on the fly. That way I don’t actually have to type while performing. It’s a long development process but good fun!

I plan on doing a video which describes how it’s all set up.

Best!

https://www.instagram.com/tv/BylJbyXhfjn/?igshid=1q36lzwdnv4h6

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#45

Catharsive (not a word is it?) unplugging after recording or reaching the end of interest in a patch. I’ve come to learn I need the repetition of building patches again and again. Improves muscle memory, aids planning ahead and gives a sense of control and flow. Patch, record, unplug, lid on, rinse, repeat.

3 Likes
#46

Pretty excellent way of combining sound and images!

1 Like
#47

Your point about the midi expander providing 16th, 8th, quarter, and whole note outputs was an eye opener to me. Is this the case regardless of the tempo? Or is this at a set tempo, like 120bpm?
Thanks,

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#48

It’s always at tempo, so it speeds up and slows down with the main clock!

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#49

Ah, that was what I was thinking… but had to ask the question to make sure my assumption was not off base. Thank you :slight_smile:

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#50

I use my Euro rig purely for live performances with a band. As such, The need to switch between one ‘song’ and another means I have to maintain a fixed architecture of sorts. However, I like to keep several modulation sources fluid to add in as and when I feel it and concentrate on playing with knobs and switches. I also like to wire up momentary switches between patch cables for quick bursts of modulation without the need for patching.

2 Likes
#51

I always un-patch and start fresh, unless there was something I was working on that I wanted to record later or I’m rehearsing for a show. When its a new idea I need a blank slate, otherwise its too overwhelming. I inevitably re-patch many of the same ideas, but doing it over and over just reinforces my knowledge and improves speed. But, it also opens up a new variation I wouldn’t have thought of. Honestly, I also get bored very quickly and the nearly infinite possibilities of modular is one of the things that drew me to it. If I was going to leave it as one patch all the time, I’d probably prefer a fixed architecture synth as I feel its way easier to work with something that doesn’t have wires everywhere, plus you can save variations as presets. Ha.

8 Likes
#52

Indeed!
Roland TR-606 - Intelligel uMIDI to Tempi Clock In
2 CH of Tempi to X & Y of René 2
1 CH Tempi to Doepfer 149-1

All 4 CH of Batumi - 4 CH of Samara

1 Like
#53

I generally don’t pre-patch, although it does have it’s merits (such as using the modular in a group setting).
I do perform some ‘songs’ in a duo, I find if I have to recreate the patch ex nihilo each time we have a gig , I get a little bit better at controlling and anticipating what comes out, although it’s never exactly the same.
I use a smallish Bugbrand modular mostly, and recently discovered that those Pomona shorting bars fit across some of the ins and outs, so may try experimenting more with fixed patches.

#54

I tend to leave my clocks and resets to mults in my rack. My endchain reverb & delay stay patched to my mixer effects sends and returns also.

#55

I have the 4ms wav recorder. I always keep the left-right outs from my Panmix-6 directly into the wav recorder left-right inputs. :slight_smile:

#56

agreed. this aspect makes playing a modular so lovely

#57

I have 2 Doepfer A-119’s that are always connected to my audio interface. One of them is always getting a rimshot on 1/8th notes from my default setup in Ableton. The output of this gate is always sent to my PNW as a means to keep my modular in sync with Ableton Live. Otherwise, I unpatch everything every time…But I also don’t keep a HUGE setup, so the act of re-patching is pretty trivial.

#58

the only thing i like to keep plugged are final i/o to speakers.

maybe i fall in the sergish camp in that i approach each section as something that can be purposed in many many ways. i almost always patch from scratch. these days the only reason i leave up a patch is after the fact i like the colors of the cables and my cohabitants seem to like those as well.

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#59

My pre-patched cables are always the short makenoise pink ones. Clock in to PNW and through to another clock divider. Then audio out from Txn L/R to Rip A/B. I used to keep rene patched to reset on clock start/stop, I should probably do that again because I always forget how to do it.

#60

When i start patching, options start to reduce, so i always prefer to start fresh. Let the unknown be part of the game.

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