The new SoundLab II is out now.
This brings modular synthesis to a whole new level.
SoundLab II ©
New tools to individualism.
While making these patches I became aware of the fact that there are so many fields, like e.g. astronomy, mathematics, DNA research, IT development and neurotransmitters, with comparable functionality.
It is in the way these fields are organized that we can recognize patterns.
What amazes me is the connectivity and parallels, in so many fields finding its way into
modular sound design now, by cabling these findings into patch architectures.
It was a challenge and especially fun to bring and connect this fields together.
Certainly it will be a challenge for everybody's creativity in finding new ways in
modular sound design.
http://rolandkuitsoundlab.blogspot.com/
Roland Kuit SoundLab II
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- KVRist
- 106 posts since 26 Jul, 2005 from The Netherlands/Sweden
-
- KVRist
- 235 posts since 22 Apr, 2011
Soundlab 1 was the most informative and well structured synthesis tutorial Ive read so far, and not just for the nord modular but for synthesis in general. Am definitely getting this, and highly recommend anything by Roland Kuit.
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- KVRist
- Topic Starter
- 106 posts since 26 Jul, 2005 from The Netherlands/Sweden
Overwelming, thank you. I've put your reaction on my blog. Thanks again.
Roland
Roland
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- KVRist
- 235 posts since 22 Apr, 2011
I noticed theres a discount for owners of soundlab 1. This one's a lot more expensive than the 1st, and I dont have the funds to buy it right away.
But when I do, how do I prove ownership of part 1 to take advantage of the discount?
But when I do, how do I prove ownership of part 1 to take advantage of the discount?
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- KVRist
- Topic Starter
- 106 posts since 26 Jul, 2005 from The Netherlands/Sweden
I can look it up in my data base, by your paypal email address.
I will explain the price. When I started to sell SoundLab I, that price was crazy and in no comparison of the time I had put into this. When I got an agent, he wanted me to sell it for E200! So it ended updated! for E110(more than 650 patches). So now with more than 700! patches,17 Euro cent per patch and 2 years daily based research, I think this(E125)is a more than fair prize. Considering what you will learn.
I will explain the price. When I started to sell SoundLab I, that price was crazy and in no comparison of the time I had put into this. When I got an agent, he wanted me to sell it for E200! So it ended updated! for E110(more than 650 patches). So now with more than 700! patches,17 Euro cent per patch and 2 years daily based research, I think this(E125)is a more than fair prize. Considering what you will learn.
-
- KVRist
- Topic Starter
- 106 posts since 26 Jul, 2005 from The Netherlands/Sweden
Reviews, see my blog.
Last edited by Roland Kuit on Wed Jul 25, 2012 5:19 pm, edited 2 times in total.
-
- KVRist
- Topic Starter
- 106 posts since 26 Jul, 2005 from The Netherlands/Sweden
Dear SoundLabbers,
Here the 2nd update for you to download.
Some txt changes, some patches un-muted(muted by opening them).
And doing so, this thing is a roller-coaster.
New ideas added.
Did you know you can have the reverberated signal before the actual audio signal?
And that with a G2!!!!!!
(chapter Audio processing).
Check your mail and have fun!
Here the 2nd update for you to download.
Some txt changes, some patches un-muted(muted by opening them).
And doing so, this thing is a roller-coaster.
New ideas added.
Did you know you can have the reverberated signal before the actual audio signal?
And that with a G2!!!!!!
(chapter Audio processing).
Check your mail and have fun!
-
- KVRist
- Topic Starter
- 106 posts since 26 Jul, 2005 from The Netherlands/Sweden
Reviews, see my blog.
Last edited by Roland Kuit on Wed Jul 25, 2012 5:19 pm, edited 1 time in total.
-
- KVRist
- Topic Starter
- 106 posts since 26 Jul, 2005 from The Netherlands/Sweden
This post to be clear about the difference between SoundLab I and SoundLab II:
SoundLab I© (http://rolandkuit.blogspot.nl/)
Basics of the electronic studio
Synthesis methods
Amplitude and Ring Modulation
Sample & Hold
Audio Processing
Logic
Tips & Tricks
Other Circuits
Creating House, Techno and Glitch
Creating Experimental Music
Electronic Music History
This interactive eBook is for the beginner to very advanced user and contains 650+ patches.
(for ordering info, see right side at this blog).
SoundLab II© (http://rolandkuitsoundlab.blogspot.nl/)
New Oscillator Design
New Filter Design
Shapers and Audio
Logic II
New Patterns and Sequencers
Miscellaneous
Audio Processing II
This interactive eBook is for the expert user only and contains 750+ patches.
(for ordering info, see right side at this blog).
On both blogs you find more info about the contents. Make sure you read the reviews.
This makes clear what kind of level the book is.
Begin September 2012, SoundLab I and SoundLab II will be bundled as as one Big Modular Knowledge Lab with over 1500 patches.
Equal parts tutorial, demonstration and resource in modular synthesis, sound design and composition.
Called 'The Book of Patches'. This for my Master Class PatchLab©
*Learn how to use the modules and connections to quickly build robust patches, and get comfortable with high-level patching
*Learn through examples that illuminate today's best modular styles and program design techniques
*Understand the "rationale behind the rules": why modular synthesis works as it does
*Use the extensive cross-references to help you connect related concepts and insights
*Benefit from up-to-date learning aids that emphasize key points, help you to avoid pitfalls, promote good practices, and reinforce what you've learned
Cheers,
Roland Kuit
SoundLab I© (http://rolandkuit.blogspot.nl/)
Basics of the electronic studio
Synthesis methods
Amplitude and Ring Modulation
Sample & Hold
Audio Processing
Logic
Tips & Tricks
Other Circuits
Creating House, Techno and Glitch
Creating Experimental Music
Electronic Music History
This interactive eBook is for the beginner to very advanced user and contains 650+ patches.
(for ordering info, see right side at this blog).
SoundLab II© (http://rolandkuitsoundlab.blogspot.nl/)
New Oscillator Design
New Filter Design
Shapers and Audio
Logic II
New Patterns and Sequencers
Miscellaneous
Audio Processing II
This interactive eBook is for the expert user only and contains 750+ patches.
(for ordering info, see right side at this blog).
On both blogs you find more info about the contents. Make sure you read the reviews.
This makes clear what kind of level the book is.
Begin September 2012, SoundLab I and SoundLab II will be bundled as as one Big Modular Knowledge Lab with over 1500 patches.
Equal parts tutorial, demonstration and resource in modular synthesis, sound design and composition.
Called 'The Book of Patches'. This for my Master Class PatchLab©
*Learn how to use the modules and connections to quickly build robust patches, and get comfortable with high-level patching
*Learn through examples that illuminate today's best modular styles and program design techniques
*Understand the "rationale behind the rules": why modular synthesis works as it does
*Use the extensive cross-references to help you connect related concepts and insights
*Benefit from up-to-date learning aids that emphasize key points, help you to avoid pitfalls, promote good practices, and reinforce what you've learned
Cheers,
Roland Kuit
-
- KVRist
- Topic Starter
- 106 posts since 26 Jul, 2005 from The Netherlands/Sweden
Hi NKF,
If you understand modular synthesis, patching is the same for and regardless what kind of modular synthesizer you have. But you will need the same modules.
The books are written and patched for the NMG2Demo software and G2 hardware
Editor. So it is possible to read patches and translate these structures to other platforms(Max, Reaktor, Nord Modular etc.) For years, my Nord Modular tutorials where published on the Clavia site. I do not to intend to publish the NM tutorial in the future. However, since I am experienced in the Nord Modular, I will be able to convey my knowledge about this synth to you.
Or maybe you have specific questions?
Did you know that I do offer the opportunity for students to attend my Tele-master Classes. This is a very interesting way to get deeper into the material in a personal way. Details on my Blogs.
Maybe you to want to know more about the modules of Clavia's Nord G2:
In/Out Group
These modules (2 Output, 4 Output(G2Demo cancelled), 2 Input(G2Demo cancelled), 4 Input(G2Demo cancelled), FX In, Keyboard Voice, Keyboard Mono, Device, Status, Note Detect, and Name) contain the I/O routing for audio and MIDI control signal inputs.
In the G2, the physical inputs and outputs are no longer the only means of accessing audio. Clavia have provided a much-requested feature — a four-channel internal audio buss with which you can route signals from one slot to another. This is present on each of the Input/Output modules.
(G2Demo cancelled)
The FX In module is equivalent to the old Poly Area In module. It is used to route the output of the Voice area to the FX area of a patch.
Particularly worthy of note in this section is the MonoKey module, offering Last, Low and High note outputs. This is far more flexible for solo patches than the old Nord Modular, which featured only last-note priority.
The Device module presents a series of outputs from the performance controllers, such as the mod wheel, aftertouch, and so on.
Despite having just three outputs, the Status module is enormously useful. Its first output socket, Patch Active, emits a logic signal when a patch is loaded into a slot; you could use this to trigger an action such as starting a sequencer. The Var Active output produces a logic signal when a Variation is activated, and can be used in a similar way. But the most interesting is the Voice Output module, which generates a control signal corresponding to the voice number currently played. There are several modules that make use of this function specifically, such as the Multiplexer(G2Demo cancelled) and the Control Sequencer, and the manual offers examples where these modules are used together to produce polyphonic patches(G2Demo cancelled) in which each note has its own detune setting or waveform. Thus you can create the kind of subtle effects previously heard on synths such as the Oberheim Four-Voice, where each voice was a completely separate synthesizer. The G2 method is far easier and quicker!
Finally, there is the Name Bar — a floating text box used to add documentation to your patch, describe the Variations or to present information in the display windows.
Note Group
The Note Group contains various pitch-related modules (Note Quantiser, Key Quantiser, Partial Quantiser, Note Scaler, Glide, Pitch Tracker, Zero Crossing Counter, and Level Scaler). The first few I'll describe aren't actually new, but when combined with others — especially the MIDI Out modules(G2Demo cancelled) — they become more useful than previously.
The Note Quantiser module takes a continuous signal and renders it into semitone steps. So an LFO could be used to generate glissando effects, for example.
The Key Quantiser goes one step further; send it a range of notes and it will output notes that are confined to a specific key. A small keyboard display is used to determine the notes that will be permitted.
The Partial Quantiser requires either a very short or very long explanation, but it is far more versatile than the manual's brief entry suggests. It is a control signal processor that can be used to step through an oscillator's harmonics a partial at a time, and thus create glissando or arpeggio-type effects. You can even feed the module negative control signals, thereby stepping through undertones of your oscillator's output, ie. harmonics at fractions of the oscillator's fundamental frequency.
Pitch Track and ZeroCnt are modules that extract the pitch from an input signal. They function rather like the Korg MS20's Frequency-to-Voltage converter, and are equally difficult to obtain precise results from, but they're fun all the same. With clear, monophonic signals the results can be quite usable — anything else tends to produce warbly bagpipe impersonations.
Oscillator Group
This group of oscillators (specifically oscillators A, B, C, and D, the Phase Modulation oscillator, Shape oscillators A and B, and the Dual, String, Percussion, Noise and Master oscillators, as well as a complete drum synth module) contains the G2's main sound sources.
All expected 'analogue' waveforms are present, plus several variants. Oscillator B features a double sawtooth wave. The shape of this can be altered using either a knob or the modulation input; the two sawtooth waves then shift their phase relative to each other, producing a warm, swimmy effect.
The Phase Modulation oscillator produces FM-like tones, whereas the Shape Oscillators also feature a host of waveforms whose shape can be modulated. Sometimes this produces effects similar to filtering, while at other times, harder, harmonically rich timbres emerge. These modules replace the first-generation Modular's Spectral Oscillator, and have more waveforms.
The Dual Oscillator produces two simultaneous waveforms plus a sub-oscillator. You can modulate the pulse width of the square wave and the phase of the sawtooth — so this is a pretty fat-sounding module even before you mix in the sub-oscillator! The latter's 'soft' setting reduces the harmonic content as if a low-pass filter had been applied.
Surely the most interesting member of this group is the String Oscillator. This module is actually a pitch-controlled delay line with feedback. It needs to be 'excited' by an input signal, and will then produce tones that vary depending on the signal chosen. I found bursts of pink noise or short, percussive sources were good starting points for creating realistic plucked-string tones. The decay parameter sets the time of the internal feedback signal and the damp parameter governs high-frequency damping. Some of the factory patches, such as the koto's and acoustic and bass guitars, ably demonstrate the quality of this module.
LFO, Envelope & Shaper Groups
The LFO modules (LFO A, B, and C, Shape LFO A, Clock Generator) are fairly self-explanatory and this time around, MIDI Clock synchronisation is available to three of them — LFOA, LFOB and ShpA. The LFO section also contains the Clock Generator, but lacks the random modules and the Pattern Generator of the earlier Modular.
The various envelope types (ADSR, Hold, Decay, AD/R, AHD, ADDSR, Multi Stage, AHD-Mod, and ADSR-Mod) behave as you'd expect from their names, so there's no need for lengthy explanations here. Their output signal polarity and shape are set by clicking on the small Type and Shape buttons, giving bi-polar envelopes, inverted envelopes and exponential or linear curves for different envelope stages. In common with the oscillators and LFOs, the envelopes have a pre-wired connection for ease of use; they are triggered when you play a key or when MIDI notes are received (assuming the 'Kb' button on the module is active).
The Shaper group of modules (Clip, Overdrive, Saturation, Exp Shaper, Wavewrapper, Static Shaper, Rectifier, and Shaper) includes various sound-shapers that are familiar from the first-generation Modular. For example, there's Clip, which produces digital distortion, Overdrive for a warmer distortion, and Wavewrapper, for those FM-like distortions full of overtones.
(G2Demo cancelled DX-router)
With SoundLab I you can 'translate' much to the NM and Micro platform. This means study the patch with the G2Demo and understanding it, rebuild it with the NM editor for your Micro. This is a tedious process, but you will learn a lot(!) from doing this.
In SoundLab II, I use a lot of not so simple to rebuild modules for the NM platform. But it can be done(not for some specific modules).
So if you want to have some work to do, go for it
Tip: first download the NMG2Demo(Mac/Pc, read install notes first)
here and than decide
:
http://www.clavia.se/products/nordmodular/demo.htm
You can choose to learn from this books&NMG2Demo software about synthesis
(from beginner to expert level), regardless with platform you use now.
This knowledge can even help you to decide what kind of equipment you want
to buy in the future. You know the ins and outs after studying these books.
Cheers,
Roland
If you understand modular synthesis, patching is the same for and regardless what kind of modular synthesizer you have. But you will need the same modules.
The books are written and patched for the NMG2Demo software and G2 hardware
Editor. So it is possible to read patches and translate these structures to other platforms(Max, Reaktor, Nord Modular etc.) For years, my Nord Modular tutorials where published on the Clavia site. I do not to intend to publish the NM tutorial in the future. However, since I am experienced in the Nord Modular, I will be able to convey my knowledge about this synth to you.
Or maybe you have specific questions?
Did you know that I do offer the opportunity for students to attend my Tele-master Classes. This is a very interesting way to get deeper into the material in a personal way. Details on my Blogs.
Maybe you to want to know more about the modules of Clavia's Nord G2:
In/Out Group
These modules (2 Output, 4 Output(G2Demo cancelled), 2 Input(G2Demo cancelled), 4 Input(G2Demo cancelled), FX In, Keyboard Voice, Keyboard Mono, Device, Status, Note Detect, and Name) contain the I/O routing for audio and MIDI control signal inputs.
In the G2, the physical inputs and outputs are no longer the only means of accessing audio. Clavia have provided a much-requested feature — a four-channel internal audio buss with which you can route signals from one slot to another. This is present on each of the Input/Output modules.
(G2Demo cancelled)
The FX In module is equivalent to the old Poly Area In module. It is used to route the output of the Voice area to the FX area of a patch.
Particularly worthy of note in this section is the MonoKey module, offering Last, Low and High note outputs. This is far more flexible for solo patches than the old Nord Modular, which featured only last-note priority.
The Device module presents a series of outputs from the performance controllers, such as the mod wheel, aftertouch, and so on.
Despite having just three outputs, the Status module is enormously useful. Its first output socket, Patch Active, emits a logic signal when a patch is loaded into a slot; you could use this to trigger an action such as starting a sequencer. The Var Active output produces a logic signal when a Variation is activated, and can be used in a similar way. But the most interesting is the Voice Output module, which generates a control signal corresponding to the voice number currently played. There are several modules that make use of this function specifically, such as the Multiplexer(G2Demo cancelled) and the Control Sequencer, and the manual offers examples where these modules are used together to produce polyphonic patches(G2Demo cancelled) in which each note has its own detune setting or waveform. Thus you can create the kind of subtle effects previously heard on synths such as the Oberheim Four-Voice, where each voice was a completely separate synthesizer. The G2 method is far easier and quicker!
Finally, there is the Name Bar — a floating text box used to add documentation to your patch, describe the Variations or to present information in the display windows.
Note Group
The Note Group contains various pitch-related modules (Note Quantiser, Key Quantiser, Partial Quantiser, Note Scaler, Glide, Pitch Tracker, Zero Crossing Counter, and Level Scaler). The first few I'll describe aren't actually new, but when combined with others — especially the MIDI Out modules(G2Demo cancelled) — they become more useful than previously.
The Note Quantiser module takes a continuous signal and renders it into semitone steps. So an LFO could be used to generate glissando effects, for example.
The Key Quantiser goes one step further; send it a range of notes and it will output notes that are confined to a specific key. A small keyboard display is used to determine the notes that will be permitted.
The Partial Quantiser requires either a very short or very long explanation, but it is far more versatile than the manual's brief entry suggests. It is a control signal processor that can be used to step through an oscillator's harmonics a partial at a time, and thus create glissando or arpeggio-type effects. You can even feed the module negative control signals, thereby stepping through undertones of your oscillator's output, ie. harmonics at fractions of the oscillator's fundamental frequency.
Pitch Track and ZeroCnt are modules that extract the pitch from an input signal. They function rather like the Korg MS20's Frequency-to-Voltage converter, and are equally difficult to obtain precise results from, but they're fun all the same. With clear, monophonic signals the results can be quite usable — anything else tends to produce warbly bagpipe impersonations.
Oscillator Group
This group of oscillators (specifically oscillators A, B, C, and D, the Phase Modulation oscillator, Shape oscillators A and B, and the Dual, String, Percussion, Noise and Master oscillators, as well as a complete drum synth module) contains the G2's main sound sources.
All expected 'analogue' waveforms are present, plus several variants. Oscillator B features a double sawtooth wave. The shape of this can be altered using either a knob or the modulation input; the two sawtooth waves then shift their phase relative to each other, producing a warm, swimmy effect.
The Phase Modulation oscillator produces FM-like tones, whereas the Shape Oscillators also feature a host of waveforms whose shape can be modulated. Sometimes this produces effects similar to filtering, while at other times, harder, harmonically rich timbres emerge. These modules replace the first-generation Modular's Spectral Oscillator, and have more waveforms.
The Dual Oscillator produces two simultaneous waveforms plus a sub-oscillator. You can modulate the pulse width of the square wave and the phase of the sawtooth — so this is a pretty fat-sounding module even before you mix in the sub-oscillator! The latter's 'soft' setting reduces the harmonic content as if a low-pass filter had been applied.
Surely the most interesting member of this group is the String Oscillator. This module is actually a pitch-controlled delay line with feedback. It needs to be 'excited' by an input signal, and will then produce tones that vary depending on the signal chosen. I found bursts of pink noise or short, percussive sources were good starting points for creating realistic plucked-string tones. The decay parameter sets the time of the internal feedback signal and the damp parameter governs high-frequency damping. Some of the factory patches, such as the koto's and acoustic and bass guitars, ably demonstrate the quality of this module.
LFO, Envelope & Shaper Groups
The LFO modules (LFO A, B, and C, Shape LFO A, Clock Generator) are fairly self-explanatory and this time around, MIDI Clock synchronisation is available to three of them — LFOA, LFOB and ShpA. The LFO section also contains the Clock Generator, but lacks the random modules and the Pattern Generator of the earlier Modular.
The various envelope types (ADSR, Hold, Decay, AD/R, AHD, ADDSR, Multi Stage, AHD-Mod, and ADSR-Mod) behave as you'd expect from their names, so there's no need for lengthy explanations here. Their output signal polarity and shape are set by clicking on the small Type and Shape buttons, giving bi-polar envelopes, inverted envelopes and exponential or linear curves for different envelope stages. In common with the oscillators and LFOs, the envelopes have a pre-wired connection for ease of use; they are triggered when you play a key or when MIDI notes are received (assuming the 'Kb' button on the module is active).
The Shaper group of modules (Clip, Overdrive, Saturation, Exp Shaper, Wavewrapper, Static Shaper, Rectifier, and Shaper) includes various sound-shapers that are familiar from the first-generation Modular. For example, there's Clip, which produces digital distortion, Overdrive for a warmer distortion, and Wavewrapper, for those FM-like distortions full of overtones.
(G2Demo cancelled DX-router)
With SoundLab I you can 'translate' much to the NM and Micro platform. This means study the patch with the G2Demo and understanding it, rebuild it with the NM editor for your Micro. This is a tedious process, but you will learn a lot(!) from doing this.
In SoundLab II, I use a lot of not so simple to rebuild modules for the NM platform. But it can be done(not for some specific modules).
So if you want to have some work to do, go for it
Tip: first download the NMG2Demo(Mac/Pc, read install notes first)
here and than decide
:http://www.clavia.se/products/nordmodular/demo.htm
You can choose to learn from this books&NMG2Demo software about synthesis
(from beginner to expert level), regardless with platform you use now.
This knowledge can even help you to decide what kind of equipment you want
to buy in the future. You know the ins and outs after studying these books.
Cheers,
Roland
-
- KVRist
- 102 posts since 6 Jun, 2012 from USA
thanks for the reply. I do own reaktor as well. Does the demo actually load all the patches for study or are some modules not available. Thanks anyways. I will be getting both regardless but perhaps in case anyone else is wondering.
I'm on safari and I see E125 which guessing on the amount listed for I is 125 euro's ? Could just be a safari bug.
I'm on safari and I see E125 which guessing on the amount listed for I is 125 euro's ? Could just be a safari bug.
-
- KVRist
- Topic Starter
- 106 posts since 26 Jul, 2005 from The Netherlands/Sweden
The following modules are disabled in the NMG2Demo version:
4-out
2-in
4-in
FM operator
DX router
Vocoder
Midi control send
Midi program change send
Midi note send
Midi control receive
Midi note receive
Midi note zone
Midi control automate
All patches in my eBooks are NMG2Demo friendly.
The Demo doesn't process audio-in. But I've been able to demonstrate audio processing. In the editor upper side there is the VA section.
Here I mimicked audio-in. lower side editor the FX location. Here, I placed the actual audio processing patches. G2 hardware users just delete the modules in the VA location and replace the FX(audio)-in with a 2-in module.
FM operator can be composed with other available modules. The DX7 router I mimicked by building a algorithm matrix.
The Vocoder module for G2Demo rebuild as bpf-vocoder..
I read you want to have SoundLab I&II. If you wait till begin September, my newest interactive "The Book of Patches" will be available. This is the bundled and extended version of SoundLab I&II. This will be cheaper than buying them separate.
The interactive SoundLab II is 125 euro, so different from existing books, with ready made 750+ meticulously assembled patches.
Cheers,
Roland
4-out
2-in
4-in
FM operator
DX router
Vocoder
Midi control send
Midi program change send
Midi note send
Midi control receive
Midi note receive
Midi note zone
Midi control automate
All patches in my eBooks are NMG2Demo friendly.
The Demo doesn't process audio-in. But I've been able to demonstrate audio processing. In the editor upper side there is the VA section.
Here I mimicked audio-in. lower side editor the FX location. Here, I placed the actual audio processing patches. G2 hardware users just delete the modules in the VA location and replace the FX(audio)-in with a 2-in module.
FM operator can be composed with other available modules. The DX7 router I mimicked by building a algorithm matrix.
The Vocoder module for G2Demo rebuild as bpf-vocoder..
I read you want to have SoundLab I&II. If you wait till begin September, my newest interactive "The Book of Patches" will be available. This is the bundled and extended version of SoundLab I&II. This will be cheaper than buying them separate.
The interactive SoundLab II is 125 euro, so different from existing books, with ready made 750+ meticulously assembled patches.
Cheers,
Roland
-
- KVRist
- Topic Starter
- 106 posts since 26 Jul, 2005 from The Netherlands/Sweden
Reviews, see my blog.
Last edited by Roland Kuit on Wed Jul 25, 2012 5:20 pm, edited 1 time in total.
-
- KVRist
- Topic Starter
- 106 posts since 26 Jul, 2005 from The Netherlands/Sweden
Reviews, see my blog.
Last edited by Roland Kuit on Wed Jul 25, 2012 5:20 pm, edited 1 time in total.