What about Expert Sleepers' own ES-3? If you already have an interface with ADAT I/O's, these seems like the slickest option, not to mention one of the most cost effective.thetechnobear wrote:yeah, Im on iMac and MBP, so the PCI option is out... but perhaps I should search for other DC coupled interfaces, with more inputs and outputs at a reasonable price.
ES8 spec'd for 16 out, 12 in... any suggestions?
Pricing TBA. My bet is $400+Uncle E wrote: What is the ES-8 projected to cost?
Exactly. I'm still running my old MOTU 828mkII, with the lightpipe connected to an ES-3 module. I also have it linked to an ES-6 module, so I can send 8 channels of audio back from the modular to the MOTU, also over lightpipe.Uncle E wrote:What about Expert Sleepers' own ES-3? If you already have an interface with ADAT I/O's, these seems like the slickest option, not to mention one of the most cost effective.thetechnobear wrote:yeah, Im on iMac and MBP, so the PCI option is out... but perhaps I should search for other DC coupled interfaces, with more inputs and outputs at a reasonable price.
ES8 spec'd for 16 out, 12 in... any suggestions?
What is the ES-8 projected to cost?
It may be a subtle point, but part of the appeal of Softube Modular is that every module is developed by Softube. Their supposed component level accurate modeling of the real hardware is the main competitive advantage over, say Reaktor Blocks. Once you open the standard up to everyone, you're going to end up with varying levels of quality. And as a result because of the way a modular system inherently works, the underachieving modules are going to bring down the overall experience for the rest of the modules in a patch. Not to say that I wouldn't like to see a new open standard modular system with a nice GUI like the Softube one, but I'm not convinced that this should be that platform.thetechnobear wrote:I think this area could 'explode' when the Expert Sytems ES-8 is released.Uncle E wrote: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?deastman wrote: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.
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?
I agree, if you're trying to emulate real hardware. But what about unique original modules? Not every HW manufacturer is trying to copy every other one; they're coming up with their own unique sounding modules. I could see the same for an open-source virtual modular system where modules could be copy-protected (unlike Reaktor).deastman wrote:It may be a subtle point, but part of the appeal of Softube Modular is that every module is developed by Softube. Their supposed component level accurate modeling of the real hardware is the main competitive advantage over, say Reaktor Blocks. Once you open the standard up to everyone, you're going to end up with varying levels of quality. And as a result because of the way a modular system inherently works, the underachieving modules are going to bring down the overall experience for the rest of the modules in a patch. Not to say that I wouldn't like to see a new open standard modular system with a nice GUI like the Softube one, but I'm not convinced that this should be that platform.thetechnobear wrote:I think this area could 'explode' when the Expert Sytems ES-8 is released.Uncle E wrote: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?deastman wrote: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.
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?
"A patch for me is a machine that is the composition." Brilliantly put.Urs wrote:Well, I'm exploring West Coast stuff. A patch for me is a machine that is the composition, and I'll use the knobs to steer it into one direction or another. So the racks are laid out in a way that lets me utilize 80% or more for a complex music generator - without a piano roll. The second thing I explore is "no filters, no traditional envelopes". I've become a Maths addict.deastman wrote:I rarely use more than a tenth of the modules in my hardware modular for any given patch.
I also made it a rule that once I've grown tired of a patch/composition, I remove all cables, without any notes. That's also because it's a steep learning curve and I don't want to cheat. I think that many modular synthesists build a repertoir of "go to methods" of patching things up. This way they're able to change a patch on the fly in a live situation or remove one voice and replace it with a completely different one.
I use polyphonic midi-2-cv interfaces solely to transpose different parts of the music, but never to play chords. (Must test if I can do that in Softube, possibly in conjunction with Expert Sleepers)
I never use drum modules. While they're a compact way to save space and money, it feels like cheating to me. I feel that synthesized "drums" shouldn't necessarily adhere to classical roles such as base, snare and hats. That said, I just ordered Mutable's Peaks - let's see... I might check the Heartbeat modules out, but I wonder if there's "more" to using drums in a modular synth other than what's possible in a dedicated drum machine anyway.
(I'd be glad if a software modular could be discussed on this level rather than what it sounds like, what it's protected with and how much CPU it costs)
Wondering if you've checked out Audulus, or ZMors Modular in iOS...talk about fun with maths...and machines that are the compositionUrs wrote:Well, I'm exploring West Coast stuff. A patch for me is a machine that is the composition, and I'll use the knobs to steer it into one direction or another. So the racks are laid out in a way that lets me utilize 80% or more for a complex music generator - without a piano roll. The second thing I explore is "no filters, no traditional envelopes". I've become a Maths addict.deastman wrote:I rarely use more than a tenth of the modules in my hardware modular for any given patch.
I also made it a rule that once I've grown tired of a patch/composition, I remove all cables, without any notes. That's also because it's a steep learning curve and I don't want to cheat. I think that many modular synthesists build a repertoir of "go to methods" of patching things up. This way they're able to change a patch on the fly in a live situation or remove one voice and replace it with a completely different one.
I use polyphonic midi-2-cv interfaces solely to transpose different parts of the music, but never to play chords. (Must test if I can do that in Softube, possibly in conjunction with Expert Sleepers)
I never use drum modules. While they're a compact way to save space and money, it feels like cheating to me. I feel that synthesized "drums" shouldn't necessarily adhere to classical roles such as base, snare and hats. That said, I just ordered Mutable's Peaks - let's see... I might check the Heartbeat modules out, but I wonder if there's "more" to using drums in a modular synth other than what's possible in a dedicated drum machine anyway.
(I'd be glad if a software modular could be discussed on this level rather than what it sounds like, what it's protected with and how much CPU it costs)
I adopt a similar methodology, to a certain degree. The difference for me is that I've always considered myself primarily a recording musician. With that in mind, I have no hesitation to make multiple overdubs and to build up a composition in layers. Each individual part may be a complex, semi-random "machine", possibly evolving continuously over the course of the entire composition. However, the overall piece is the result of many layers, thoughtful editing, and deliberate intent. My feeling is that "compositions" which are solely comprised of a single free-running patch with some knob twiddling usually end up sounding flat and lacking in the appropriate peaks and valleys which comprise a compelling story arc. Editing is an important part of defining the narrative. There are many ways to edit, including simply planning out what you're going to do ahead of time, notes on paper, cut and paste in the timeline, and so on. I just finds that this narrative is sadly lacking in much of the typical modular musician's output. It's more like they just come up with a cool patch, record it, and call it a song. I'm confident that eventually, modular music will become so pervasive that musicians will start having to expend a little more effort to create something with much more measured intent and consideration of the musical narrative. Do keep in mind that I'm not in any way describing what the "music" should sound like- it can be random noise or dying cats or chopped up jazz samples for all I care. My concern is with the larger musical structures which are so often lacking in modular music.zerocrossing wrote:"A patch for me is a machine that is the composition." Brilliantly put.Urs wrote:Well, I'm exploring West Coast stuff. A patch for me is a machine that is the composition, and I'll use the knobs to steer it into one direction or another. So the racks are laid out in a way that lets me utilize 80% or more for a complex music generator - without a piano roll. The second thing I explore is "no filters, no traditional envelopes". I've become a Maths addict.deastman wrote:I rarely use more than a tenth of the modules in my hardware modular for any given patch.
I also made it a rule that once I've grown tired of a patch/composition, I remove all cables, without any notes. That's also because it's a steep learning curve and I don't want to cheat. I think that many modular synthesists build a repertoir of "go to methods" of patching things up. This way they're able to change a patch on the fly in a live situation or remove one voice and replace it with a completely different one.
I use polyphonic midi-2-cv interfaces solely to transpose different parts of the music, but never to play chords. (Must test if I can do that in Softube, possibly in conjunction with Expert Sleepers)
I never use drum modules. While they're a compact way to save space and money, it feels like cheating to me. I feel that synthesized "drums" shouldn't necessarily adhere to classical roles such as base, snare and hats. That said, I just ordered Mutable's Peaks - let's see... I might check the Heartbeat modules out, but I wonder if there's "more" to using drums in a modular synth other than what's possible in a dedicated drum machine anyway.
(I'd be glad if a software modular could be discussed on this level rather than what it sounds like, what it's protected with and how much CPU it costs)
I'm just starting to get into working this way... I'm not sure it's for me but it is interesting.
blutronic wrote:I don't have any eurorack hardware for comparison but WOW, This thing sounds fantastic. So rich sounding. The Doepfer modules are simply gorgeous sounding. I am not having as much luck with the Intellijel modules for some reason yet. They don't seem to be as rich sounding or responsive as the Doepfer ones. Not as satisfying to tweak the knobs so to speak. Could be me not knowing how to use them properly. Does anybody have any of the real hardware and demoed Modular along side for a sound comparison?
By comparison, I have a Doepfer Dark Energy with the Curtis chip and sound wise, (no filter) the emulated Doepfer A-110 module is super close the my hardware (A-100) to my ears.
I'm having the same issues with any preset that uses the Intellijel or Heartbeat modules. As far as I can tell, all of the other presets work just fine.Littlewoodg wrote:Btw my mention of CPU in Softube is due to the fact that I bought the software, but unlike some "cpu hungry" synths like the gorgeous ACE, Bazille, and Diva, Softube Modular is a crunchy, cutting-out mess, and unusable, in spite of the fact that my system exceeds the minimum system requirements on the developers website. I'd hoped someone else here might be of help. There's a hope that my device could be configured differently and I'd be able to use the software that I've bought.
and they are more complex so perhaps expected? - I'd be interested to get some tips still.Submit: News, Plugins, Hosts & Apps | Advertise @ KVR | Developer Account | About KVR / Contact Us | Privacy Statement
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