This is an intro to mlrv 2.0 – a hypersampling instrument for grid-based music contgrollers like the monome, Livid ohm/block, Novation Launchpad, and Akai APC/MPD.
The software allows a sound file or live recording to be mapped across each row (or grid cell) and assigned a triggering behavior. Within this simple set of constraints and a complete MIDI + OSC remote control system, the performer can be freed from the laptop, and at the very least, according to the developers, “appear to be doing something interesting”.
mlrv is an refactoring of Brian Crabtree’s original mlr, extended by Trent Gill (galapagoose) and Michael Felix (%) of /parallelogram/.
mlrv is free and open source. Download it here. But if you like it and send the developers $80, you get your name on the startup screen…in huge text.
Here’s a performance of too many, by galapagoose, using mlrv 2.0 with a monome 128 and an Akai MPD.
requirements
- Max/MSP version 5.1.7+ (free runtimes available for Mac and Windows)
- ~xsample Max external (included in download)
- compatible grid controller
environment
- midi clock input and sync output
- rewire compatible
- monome-compatible accelerometer control input
visual interface
- designed with a focus on usability
- extensible sample canvas
- customizable top-row controls
- customizable group colors
supported filetypes
- aif
- wav
- mp3
sample playback modes
- loop: the sample will repeat when it reaches the end
- shot: the sample will play from the chosen slice to the end of the sample and then stop
- slice: the sample will play when held and continue through the loop until released.
- per-sample visual reslicing, pitch shifting, and speed control.
advanced preset management
- sequence up to 32 presets with a visual setlist manager.
- imports + converts preset files from older versions of mlrv and mlr2.
- row data and mapping saved with preset.
- remembers and recalls setup preferences and previous running state.
- saved in a human-readable, json format. easily editable in a text editor.
integrated tools
- delay: digital delay with filter, envelope & LFO, sync-able to bpm, controllable via grid.
- sampler: record live input or resample live output to a row or grid cell.
- expandable ‘tabs’ framework allows you to create your own inserts.
remote control options
- remotely manipulate every available control parameter (sample start / end, tempo, faders, etc)
- midi: click a button to enable ‘mapping mode’ then click on a parameter, and turn a knob on your midi controller (just like ableton live). mappings are saved with the preset, and can be edited on the fly.
- OSC: each parameter has an associated OSC address, just connect a compatible device (like touchOSC), no external software necessary.
can it be downloaded yet?
The website says that the first release will be shipping on the first of February. So my assumption is that people willing to buy can pre-order and everything will be made available in a few days from now.
Just a guess mind you!
Well, 2 posts because this isn't really related..
Seriously; kudo's to synthtopia for *also* providing this kind of stuff. I'm not in the (commercial) music business myself but can imagine that this is the kind of stuff which can help beginners to get a certain edge.
And being allowed (no idea how moderation works here) with sharing a certain blog post of my own recently I can say that synthtopia gets quite some attention (no worries; I respect you guys WAY too much to abuse this).
Still; without much to comment on the material itself (I go with "seeing is believing") I do like to get this off my chest!
SynthFan – thanks for the feedback.
The Internet is about helping make these connections, to people or ideas.
Imagine what sort of electronic instruments we'd have now if there'd been an Internet when Bob Moog introduced his first synthesizer!
SynthFan – thanks for the feedback.
The Internet is about helping make these connections, to people or ideas.
Imagine what sort of electronic instruments we'd have now if there'd been an Internet when Bob Moog introduced his first synthesizer! Mind-controlled flying laser-synths!
feb 1st cant come soon enough : )
Thanks!