Tutorials (Page 2)

This video looks at two cool uses for Eurorack samplers as custom and rhythmic CV modulators rather than just for audio playback.  Typically, LFOs and multi stage envelopes are what you’d use for modulation. This video discusses two other ways of creating modulation, using samplers: Motion Sequencing The first method uses a sampler module with DC coupled inputs (Disting MK4 in this case) to record manual modulation and play it back. Motion sequencing is common place in DAWs and “DAWless” gear. This method shows how to bring manual motion sequencing to eurorack by recording it and then playing it back using a sampler. Rhythmic Waveforms The secondRead More →

This video explains a neat little sampler trick that lets you create music by *ignoring* a sampler’s sequencer: In the early 60’s groundbreaking composer Steve Reich pioneered the technique of using different length tape loops, and later on musical patterns, in composition. The idea is that two or more short loops, either identical either identical but one slightly shorter than the other, or completely different, drift in and out of phase to create textures, patterns and rhythms that weren’t there before. This tape loop technique is used by William Basisnki to create wonderful sonic soundscapes, and in the lovely “Walkman Symphony” by Amulets. In thisRead More →

I recently uploaded a video where I used both ends of a Stackcable (split cables made by Tiptop Audio) as a three way splitter, and I got a few comments from people who didn’t know that was possible. One thing led to another and the result is a short video exploring that concept, as well as buffered vs passive mults and some other uses for split cables. In a nutshell, a Stackable is a passive splitter, or mult cable, with jack inputs on either end. Passive splitters can be used to take one audio or modulation source and send it to multiple destinations. They can also be usedRead More →

This video is a follow up to my original “14 0-Coast Hacks” video, and looks at what 0-Coast can do with a little help from a few friends. Pairings explored are: MIDI and CV controllers, preferably with built in sequencers and arpeggiators, and multiple MIDI and CV outputs. Adding effects to 0-Coast, Reverb in particular. What it would take to augment 0-Coast in a hybrid modular setup with VCV Rack. How modular sequencers can pair with 0-Coast to modulate its various controls. Using an external modular sequencer to control subharmonics. A couple of filter pairing ideas. Adding modular voices alongside 0-Coast. Multi function modules. VariousRead More →

This video provides an intro to 0-Coast as well as 14 hacks/ideas/tips/things it can do that you may not be aware of. In a nutshell… here they are: Even though to 0-Coast is a one-oscillator synth, its AD slope can be looped and pitched quite easily to play paraphonic drones in parallel to the main oscillator. Slighlty more difficult and yet completely doable, the AD slope can also be played chromatically with proper knob settings and 1v/octave control. This turns 0-Coast into a truly paraphonic synth. Concurrent MIDI and CV control: By using a keyboard such as Arturia’s KeyStep or Novation SL MK3, you canRead More →

Many synths are mono-timbral, meaning they’re designed to play only one kind of sound at a time. Whether they’re polyphonic or monophonic, and no matter how many parameters and knobs you tweak, the end result is a sound, or timbre, that plays relatively similarly no matter where you play on the keyboard. Synths that can pull off keyboard splits where each split plays a different sound are called bi-timbral, or multi-timbral synths.  If your synth is mono-timbral and you want a little bi-timbral action, this video is for you. This “trick” or “hack” won’t work on all mono-timbral synths, but if you’re lucky and the right setRead More →