Softube Modular

[Uncle E]

I haven't had time to try it out yet, but I'm much more interested in seeing how well I can integrate Softube Modular into my hardware Eurorack system. Having the convenience of an endless supply of extra modules is definitely interesting.

Please report back about how this goes. Is it feasible for someone to have a small hardware setup of of oscillators and filters, then make up the rest with Softube?

[Stollmeister]

Urs, your experience of Eurorack mirrors mine. When I started I assumed that I would be using it like a mono synth played by a regular keyboard. It turns out that it is much more rewarding to treat the modular as its own thing.

When you say filter-less, do you also rule out low pass gates? My Malekko Borg is a capable filter, but I use it as a low pass gate almost exclusively.

[wagtunes]

I'm finding as you start getting into more complex patches (over 20 modules) the screen starts to get a little unwieldy. I don't have a big monitor and can't run better than 1024 res because of my eyes. So you start to get to a point where you're moving the interface around a lot and trying to patch things becomes a treasure hunt because modules are now off screen and you start to lose track of where everything is.

I'm dealing with it, but once I start getting into the 50 module range, this will start to get beyond crazy.

Oh, I am also using the smaller GUI because the large one doesn't fit on my screen at all.

[thetechnobear]

I haven't had time to try it out yet, but I'm much more interested in seeing how well I can integrate Softube Modular into my hardware Eurorack system. Having the convenience of an endless supply of extra modules is definitely interesting.

Please report back about how this goes. Is it feasible for someone to have a small hardware setup of of oscillators and filters, then make up the rest with Softube?

I think this area could 'explode' when the Expert Sytems ES-8 is released.
I've been holding back on Eurorack since integrating has required a DC couple audio interface (for audio rate cv integration, i.e. non midi). With the ES-8 it will become much easer (and hopefully a bit cheaper), to have the best of both software and hardware worlds.

It is a pity that the virtual modular is not going down an open standard route... surely this was one of the attractions of eurorack (and also VST developments).

I know Reaktor is free to develop for, but its not (c/c++) native code, you have to use reaktor core etc, and then there is no way to 'protect' the block, so fine for 'open source blocks', but again probably not what commercial developers want, I suspect.

I hope, if the rise in popularity of virtual modulars continues, then a developer will create and release a modular framework which allows 3rd party modules (similar to vst api), and in the process become the Doepher of the virtual modular world. perhaps it will be Urs/u-he?

[aMUSEd]

I'm dealing with it, but once I start getting into the 50 module range, this will start to get beyond crazy.

Is 50 modules even feasible CPU wise?

One thing holding me back on this is even smallish patches seem to need me to increase my audio buffers beyond what I usually use.

[nix808]

What about VST as the modular open format?
I mean we have audio(possibly DC audio), MIDI and preset param pins--
that could be combobulated into a modular framework in modular DAW setting I imagine?
I could knock up 100 modules in a week I imagine in x86

[HardSinc]

What about VST as the modular open format?
I mean we have audio(possibly DC audio), MIDI and preset param pins--
that could be combobulated into a modular framework in modular DAW setting I imagine?
I could knock up 100 modules in a week I imagine in x86

You mean just like Plouge Bidule.

[nix808]

yep- just like that-
with many devs making simple functions in VST

The thing is that whatever host was deemed by consensus to be ideal-
it must support DC audio,
and that means we can do bad things to speakers and sound cards

edit-oh, we could make a 10hz blocker on the out hey?

[aMUSEd]

I presume all modulation in this is audio rate?

[nix808]

You could test it with an 11025(or is that 22050hz?) pulse LFO, and render the audio

[wagtunes]

I'm dealing with it, but once I start getting into the 50 module range, this will start to get beyond crazy.

Is 50 modules even feasible CPU wise?

One thing holding me back on this is even smallish patches seem to need me to increase my audio buffers beyond what I usually use.

Like I said, I have a very strange computer (core 3) that shouldn't be able to do the things it does. 20 modules doesn't even put a dent in it.

Is 50 possible? I don't know. Haven't gotten there yet but it won't be hard to test it out. Been working with modulars for so long that the only thing limiting my imagination is the limitation of the hardware I'm working with.

IOW, when my PC finally craps out, I'll let you know what the magic number is.

PS - Just creating a basic 4 voice polyphonic synth patch pushes 20 modules. If I go for 8 voices, that should push it close to 40. Hmmm, I wonder if 8 voices is even possible? Does the Quad MIDI stack? Hmmm, have to test that out.

[JohnD71651]

Hi folks,

I'm really happy with Modular, it's awesome! I believe I understand all the basic principles and can make very simple patches, but as a complete newbie in the land of fully modular synths I was wondering whether someone has or is planning to make 'advanced' tutorials for Softube Modular? Or, since it is based on existing hardware, is there a page with 'tips & tricks' somewhere?

I like experimenting, but there are many things I haven't been able to figure out yet. For example, if I directly modulate a filter with, say, a sine signal from the LFO, if I do it directly, the filter goes from full filter to no filtering. How would I limit this movement to, say, 1/3 filter to 2/3 filter? I guess that's a very newbie question. Anyway, please post links to tutorials and tips and tricks!

[nix808]

use volume(multiply) on the LFO matey,
and use add or subtract to put it in ideal range

[wagtunes]

Okay, unless there is some kind of work around that is beyond my knowledge of control voltages, 8 voice poly isn't doable. The two quad midi modules trigger 2 voices for each note so you're still maxed out at 4 voices. In addition to that, my rig absolutely can't handle that number of modules. The distortion was pretty bad. So 4 voice is all I'm getting out of this thing.

[e-modic]

Did someone compare it to the original gear? How near does Modular get to the Original modules?