Minichord, Gliss, Plinky & friends

video upload by Grain Blanc

"This little combo is really cool!!
Since Benjamin Poilvé sent me the minichord (a smaller version of the omnichord) to test, I've been trying to find a place for it alongside the tiny rack, and the whole thing works well. The Gliss from ‪@BelaPlatform‬ through the Plinky, Buzzrito (+ Bib for effects) from ‪@bluespoonery‬ adds its variations.

Other modules used are the farbfolder from ‪@MakingSoundMachines‬ the disting mk4 from ‪@ExpertSleepersLtd‬ for reverb and mixer xoh from ‪@MAKEN0ISEMUSIC‬
All candycords cables come from ‪@myvolts1903‬"

disting NT - New factory presets for firmware v1.7.0

video upload by Expert Sleepers

"Two new factory presets, focussing on the Step Sequencer Head, Tracker, and Pitch Shifter algorithms.

00:01 Fugue Moods (Step Sequencer Head)
01:49 Track and Harmonise (Tracker and Pitch Shifter)"

disting NT - C++ API and Faust

video upload by Expert Sleepers

"From firmware v1.7.0 the disting NT has a C++ API, allowing you to write your own algorithms as plug-ins. There is also support for converting DSP code written in Faust to the module.

00:01 Introduction
00:42 Using plug-ins
02:53 Faust 'greyhole' demo
04:24 VCO plug-in
05:06 Thoughts and motivation
06:07 Introduction to Faust & the Faust IDE"

small changes: pianola

video upload by Expert Sleepers

"We're delighted to announce 'pianola' by small changes.

small changes is the alter ego of Electrum Modular.

Their thoughtful and beautifully presented videos on modular synth composition have delighted us for some time, and their frequent use of the Expert Sleepers disting EX module made them an obvious choice for an Expert Sleepers label release.

'pianola' focusses specifically on Electrum Modular's interest in the work of minimalist composers, some well known and some less so.

Available in physical form as a limited edition cassette.

Each track on the album has its own video explaining the patch and compositional process in detail:

See Minimalism for Modular Electrum Modular for additional videos.

disting NT - Lua Script demos

video upload by Expert Sleepers

"Lua Script algorithms were added in firmware v1.6.0 and refined in v1.7.0. In this video, I demonstrate some scripts created by users since the feature was added.

The scripts can all be found in our GitHub:
https://github.com/expertsleepersltd/..."

Minichord, Left Brain CV & modular friends

video upload by Grain Blanc

"New session with minichord, Left Brain CV and modular synth (bela Gliss, Plinky, Bib, farbfolder, disting mk4)"

expert sleepers disting NT v1.5.0

video uploads by Expert Sleepers

Playlist:
1. disting NT - Tuners & Microtuning
2. disting NT - the "Three Pot" algorithm
3. disting NT - Poly Resonator
4. disting NT - Algorithm bypass
5. disting NT - MIDI note entry for the Step Sequencer
6. disting NT - MIDI CC Soft Takeover options
7. disting NT - Navigation improvements in firmware v1.5.0

Signal Sounds favourite music gear of 2024

video upload by Signal Sounds

"To round off a cracking 2024 in the world of music tech, we asked a few of our staff and some good friends of the store to pick their favourite pieces of gear of the year.

All the gear mentioned is available to buy or pre-order here:

https://www.signalsounds.com/teenage-...

https://www.signalsounds.com/soundfor...

https://www.signalsounds.com/arturia-...

https://www.signalsounds.com/joranalo...

https://www.signalsounds.com/melbourn...

https://www.signalsounds.com/expert-s...

https://www.signalsounds.com/future-s...

https://www.signalsounds.com/ryk-modu...

Chapters
00:00 Luke
01:54 DivKid
03:21 Michael Manning
04:53 Tom Churchill
06:42 Molly
07:52 Kyle
09:22 Aleks
10:46 The Unperson"

An introduction to the Looper in the disting NT, added in firmware v1.4.0.

video upload by Expert Sleepers

00:01 Introduction
01:56 Basic looping
04:37 Layers and undo/redo
06:46 Overdub fade
08:10 Reverse and octave down
09:22 Clocked/sync'd operation
12:24 The disting NT on a pedalboard
14:44 Performance

disting NT - New factory preset demo for firmware v1.4.0
video upload by Expert Sleepers

"A demonstration of the 'FM 101' and 'Filter Bank chords' presets.

00:01 FM 101 (2 operator FM patch)
01:44 Filter Bank chords (showing the new Filter Bank algorithm)

The presets and documentation are available here: https://github.com/expertsleepersltd/..."

minimalism for modular #4: sample + hold + phase

video upload by Electrum Modular

"Tiny changes over time are essential to minimalist (and ambient) pieces. This video demonstrates how to create gradually evolving sequences with a sequencer and a “sample and hold” that are NOT perfectly synchronized. Any sequencer and “sample and hold” will work! Detailed patch notes included.

The piano multisample is Alexander Holm's Salamander Grand Piano, downsized by j_e_f_f_g. I have reformatted the filenames so they work on a Disting - you can download them free from:
https://app.box.com/s/rxl1nz0zv5hl62c...

Modules used:
Expert Sleepers' Disting EX and Disting Mk4
QuBit Bloom
ALM's Pamela's New Workout
Dnipro's Metamorph
Alright Devices' Chronoblob
Intellijel's Scales"

disting NT - New factory preset demo for firmware v1.3.

video upload by Expert Sleepers

"A demonstration of the "Spectral Freeze auto" preset, showing the new Spectral Freeze and Delayed Function algorithms added in firmware v1.3.0.

The preset and an explanation of it is available here: https://github.com/expertsleepersltd/..."

disting NT - New factory preset demo for firmware v1.2.0

video upload by Expert Sleepers

"A demo of three new presets, with a focus on the Step Sequencer that was added in firmware v1.2.0.

The presets and documentation can be found here: https://github.com/expertsleepersltd/...

0:01 Wandering sequence
02:12 TEEBEE
06:03 Automatronic"

For fun play this one with Moog's Dream below.

Early Autumn Chill Ambient / Mimeophon Beads Flame Chord Machine Plaits Volca Ensemble Oscillator

video upload by Wac- Lounge

"Thank you for watching!
Here are the simple patch notes, a list of the gear, and more information.

https://wac-lounge.bandcamp.com

Instagram / wac_lounge

Percussive voice = Plaits processed by Mimeophon(clocked by Steppy) sequenced by Chord Machine program controlled & triggered by Steppy enveloped by System100-140ENV modulation from System100-140ENV & LFO(attenuated by MATHS) slew limiter A-184-1
Random lead voice = Mob of Emus CH1 processed by A-120VCF1 & Beads sequenced by Mob of Emus CH3 slew limiter MATHS modulation from Mob of Emus CH6
Synth lead voice = Mob of Emus CH1 processed by A-120VCF1 & Echoz sequenced by Mob of Emus CH3 slew limiter MATHS modulation from Mob of Emus CH6
Brass-like lead voice = Ensemble Oscillator with modulation from Mob of Emus CH5 & MATHS sequenced by Flame C-3mk2
Reverse piano voice = Disting triggered by Steppy
Piano loop voice = Volca sample
Master clock = Volca sample (divided by Steppy)

CLICK FOR MORE »

New SynthFest UK 2024 Videos by Sound on Sound

video uploads by Sound On Sound magazine

Playlist:
SYNTHFEST UK 2024: Analogue Solutions TC5000
SYNTHFEST UK 2024: Expert Sleepers Disting NT
SYNTHFEST UK 2024: Baloran The Pool
SYNTHFEST UK 2024: SSL 2 MkII & SSL 2+ MkII
SYNTHFEST UK 2024: Embodme Erae II
SYNTHFEST UK 2024: RYK Modular Algo
SYNTHFEST UK 2024: CB Electronics Eurorack Range

SynthfestUK 24 Synth Coverage

video uploads by sonicstate

Update: moving this post up once as new videos have been added. Bookmark this post for updates.

Use the player controls to skip around.

Playlist:

1.SynthfestUK 24: Knobula - Synth Modules and Toy Pianos

At SynthfestUK 2024, we met up again with Jason, who gaves us the updates in the world of Knobula. On display was the new 'dark mode' Poly Cinematic module, for more monochrome rigs ;-]

2. SynthFestUK 24: PWM - More Mantis News

At the show we made a beeline for the PWM stand, where Paul gave us the latest Mantis news.
And yes, it's out there in the world now!

3. SynthfestUK 24: Roland Unveils the Juno-D Series with Zen-Core Sound

We caught up with Andrew and Ludwig who showed us around the new updated Juno-D series: Juno-D6, D7, and D8. They have the same keyboard action as the Fantom-O series and a new colour screen, making it easier for performers to navigate on stage. And they can be powered by a USB-C mobile battery, perfect for buskers ;-) Running Roland's Zen-Core sound engine, they also incorporates features like a 64-step sequencer and a phrase pad for live sample triggering.
Prices range approximately from £949 to £1199.

CLICK FOR MORE »

Minimalism for Modular #3: Arvo Part

video upload by Electrum Modular

"There’s a tintinnabuli option hidden in Disting EX’s 'chord engine' algorithm, and it’s led me down the Arvo Part rabbit hole. Here are some ideas on how his unique and beautiful approach to music might be implemented in a modular system.

0:00 Fur Alina
2:31 Arvo Part-inspired piece

This latter piece is inspired by Part’s 'My Heart is in the Highlands' (2000). My favorite version is on this stunning album of guitar renditions of Arvo Part:
https://gunterherbig.bandcamp.com/alb...

NOTE: Although Arvo Part has never called himself a minimalist, and not all music critics embrace the term “Holy Minimalism,” I’m including him in this series on the basis of his return to tonality and to simple processes.

TECHNICAL NOTES FOR DISTING EX USERS:
For tintinnabuli, set the 'Chord Engine' parameters as follows:
7: operation mode: chord
8: harmony mode: SATB
19: Cantus firmus: alto (but here, it’s set to bass; experiment!)
20: Position: select your T-voice (closest or second closest note; above or below)

NOTE: You might be wondering what Disting Mk4 is doing in this patch! It is set to 'Euro to Buchla Converter' (updated version), to convert Bloom’s 0-5V output to the 0-10V needed for Step Fader’s cv inputs. I just realized how useful this algo is for scaling cv!

OTHER IDEAS FOR IMPLEMENTING TINTINNABULI IN YOUR MODULAR PATCHES:
1. For the M-voice, choose a 'pitch center' that is NOT the root of the T-voice triad
2. Try a different scale or chord
3. Try a lower or higher T-voices ('2nd position, superior/inferior' – or -2/+2)
4. Transpose your T-voice up or down an octave
5. Introduce a second M-voice, transposed up an octave and a third
6. Try a different sequencing of T- and M-voice (e.g., a rest in between them; or have the M-voice precede the T-voice, as in Variationen zur gesundung von Arinuschka)
7. Assign a different timbre to each voice

READING
I’ve found these books particularly useful:
Paul Hillier, Arvo Part (1997)
Leopold Brauneiss and Saale Kareda, ed., Arvo Part in Conversation (2012)
Andrew Shenton, ed., Cambridge Companion to Arvo Part (2012)"

Expert Sleepers disting NT

video uploads by Expert Sleepers

Playlist:

1. disting NT - Factory preset demo

A brief demo of some of the presets included on the disting NT's MicroSD card.

0:01 Aleatoric Piano
1:30 Granulated Piano
3:39 MIDI Song Player
4:20 "Rahoy" (Kirbinator demo)
06:14 Mixer

2. disting NT - Quickstart

An introduction to installing the module, understanding some basic concepts, navigating the UI, loading and editing a factory preset, and creating a basic preset from scratch.

00:08 Unboxing and installation
01:12 Power up
02:12 Loading a preset
03:45 Hiding (and showing) the help
04:38 Concepts and terminology
08:32 Navigation
12:08 Starting a fresh preset
12:49 Adding an algorithm
15:35 Saving the preset
16:14 Adding another algorithm and connecting them up
19:09 Adding an independent sub-patch
22:06 Removing an algorithm
23:12 Reordering algorithms
24:03 Modifying the Aleatoric Piano preset for external clock
26:55 Algorithm "specifications"
29:30 Navigation recap

3. disting NT - USB disk mode

A quick demo of the "USB disk mode" feature of the disting NT, which allows you to mount the module's MicroSD card as a removable drive on your computer.

4. disting NT - Introduction to Mappings

A demonstration of setting up CV, MIDI, and I2C control over the disting NT.

00:01 Introduction
01:42 CV Mappings
05:22 MIDI Mappings
07:48 I2C Mappings

5 disting NT - Connecting the breakout

The disting NT is supplied with a 'TMB' breakout module. This video shows one way this can be used, to provide TRS MIDI input and output, and to expose the two additional audio outputs.

via Expert Sleepers "The disting NT is the latest in the line of modules from Expert Sleepers that started with the original disting in 2014, which performed one of 16 very different functions at the turn of a knob. This concept has evolved through the disting mk3 (2015) - which added the possibility of firmware updates, and so a continually improving selection of functions - and the disting mk4 (2017) - which added a display, and brought the MicroSD card slot onto the front of the module, emphasising its increased importance for functions such as sample playback - to the disting NT’s predecessor, the disting EX (2020).

CLICK FOR MORE »

Minimalism for Modular #2: Ann Southam's "Rivers"

video upload by Electrum Modular

"I’ve been playing Ann Southam’s exquisite pieces on the piano for a few months, and have been discovering lots of ideas in them that could be applied to a modular system.

This video is also a tribute to a composer who should be a household name like Steve Reich, Philip Glass, and Terry Riley.

0:00 Introduction
1:07 Rivers 1st set
4:22 Rivers 2nd set
7:18 Rivers 3rd set

Previous video in this series: [posted here]
Earlier video on polychords on the Subharmonicon: [posted here]

A great starting point for those curious about Southam is Christina Petrowska-Quilico’s recording – amazingly, the only recording – of Rivers:

CLICK FOR MORE »

Sarah Belle Reid meets Gliss

video upload by Bela Platform

"This video is the third in a series in which we get Gliss in the hands of artists we deeply respect. In this video the Canadian-born musician and educator, Sarah Belle Reid, explores the timbral possibilities of Gliss by using it extensively as a non-linear waveshaper.

Check out our blog for the full story: https://blog.bela.io/sarah-belle-reid..."

Minimalism for Modular #I: Additive Sequencing

Patches for minimalist music #I: additive sequencing video upload by Electrum Modular

"In this new series of videos, I’ll be applying the ideas and techniques of minimalist composers to modular synthesis.

First up: the linear additive process.

Modules used:
Tesseract’s Step Fader II
Expert Sleeper’s Disting EX
ALM’s MFX
ALM’s Pamela’s New Workout

Hapi/xylophone multisamples downloaded (free) from: https://bedroomproducersblog.com/2011...

I’m using Dan Warburton’s terms, from 'A Working Terminology for Minimal Music' (1988) http://www.paristransatlantic.com/mag..."