Sunday Synth Jam: This video, via GoMag, captures a live psytrance synth jam on Eurorack modular synth, Beatstep Pro and Arturia MicroBrute.
Technical Details:
Mutable Instruments – Peaks, Braids, Clouds
Waldorf NW1
Roland Scooper
Doepfer Eurorack Modules
Erica Synths Pico VCO
Flame C-3
Korg SQ1
Yamaha RM1X
Arturia MicroBrute, Beatstep Pro
Novation Minivova, KS6
This is NOT an attack on the performer/performance. Gomag is obviously in command of his rig.
But anytime I listen to a modular “jam” and the same sequenced loop is present through the entire track, it just screams out to me that so much more could have been done by changing up that basis. Inevitably, the starting sequence is introduced. I usually fast forward to three minutes in, hear the same loop, check the last minute, hear the same loop, and I have to dismiss the entire track as fundamentally a lazy exercise in knob twiddling – unless the track is intended to show off the sonic capabilities of a particular module/modules.
Ok, sure, many will testify that I come off as a tool or douche. But come on, surely I’m not the only one who notices this phenomena and finds it to be a boring, tedious listen. This trait is so common to many “modular jams” that it I find it dragging down the peripheral public’s perception of what modular is. I know it’s hard to compose a track with many movements and huge change-ups with this kind of equipment. Changing up your basic foundation with some key transpositions and rhythmic variation would be a good start.
I personally struggle with this myself. I’ll shut up now because I don’t post my own attempts to create alternatives to what I’m complaining about.
Flame on, I deserve it. I’m just posting for the first time a condensed observation of the totality of what I find less than inspirational about a great percentage of what people post.
Genres like this are about are about being creative within limitations.
It takes more talent to be creative within repetitive forms, and I prefer this to open-ended synth wankery.
You make some valid points, however one of the reasons why you do not hear the variations that you mention is cost. Eurorack is very expensive to build and to purchase a sequencer that you describe the performer needs sets you back about $400.00 – $600.00. (Even beatstep pro is $250.00 each) This does not count the amount of space it takes up in the rack which cost a fair amount as well. Also the and/or modules as well. There is a reason why performers like Colin Benders are able to do the things you describe. I enjoyed the music GoMag created with his rig and looking forward to more .
u are alright
but there is always a way to get variations with just simple cv controlled switches
sequential switch or driven by cv voltage.. whatever …so u can build from 3 sequencers a punch of different variations .with cheaper modules …e.g 2 for each play a melo, 3th control the switches to derive variations …at least that is my way to get out of endless loops currently but workflow may change in time … but u are alright it cots ..but instead of sequencer i use also my daw and expert sleepers in between to keep in sync … bc those hw sequencers are a way to expensive for me at the moment ..notes generated by daw, but i only use the note cv and the trigger are build/manipulated only by modular sequencers or whatever generates a gate to drive an adsr
He is an inspiration to me. I bought some modules because of him. 🙂
Eric I wholeheartedly agree. I love my modular but recognise this trait and consciously try to fight it in my own work but it’s hard and I often find myself falling into this trap.
I wish i could just do this! Any tips from anyone as to how to learn to make this stuff?
hey Jamie….what kind of tips do you expect? this is like “i wanna bake a cake…can you give me tips how to do this?”
nowadays there is so much information available about how to do this and how to do that… (if it is eurorack that you are after, check your wallet 😉 …and muffwiggler.com)
> but you don´t need a eurorack system to make stuff like this.
With this rig, he has all of the tools to make Eric happy. However, I’m guessing this is exactly what he wanted to do; and he did it well.
Eric – I understand, but …
To be honest, it’s improvisation…
In the modular world there are no presets, so I try to capture interesting things in the form of video. Maybe it will inspire someone. You know I’m not a music producer, just synthesizer freak.
I know that with what I have, I could have done better … but, who knows maybe next time.
Scott – That’s right.
GoMag
at least it inspire me ..years ago ..~5 i was just watching modular jam / sequences and was thinking it would be a way to cool to do the same … finally i do the same now ( if u are interest yt widy75)
but I also know the critics ..at least my finds always mention where is the melody or whatever … always compare to current pop songs … finally i give up to explain what is the different …for sure i can record all, arrange and build a nice song ( for sure without singing :)..but currently i also only prefer just life recordings to save at least a snapshot of my private party fun all night long 🙂 ..and there is so much to discover instead of arranging a song 🙂
This is future performance in clubs.
Live trance (not DJ spinning apps, decks).
Nicely done! Nice groove and on the fly patching…I would dance my brains out to that.
Screw Eric’s ignorant passive-aggressive sh*t post…
This is psytrance to me. You need a DJ to keep mixing tracks like this in and out to keep it moving. Most psytrance tracks are very repetitive until they are mixed… there are a bunch of shots in this recording you could mix into a live set which keeps it moving. He doesn’t have any DJ equipment to mix it up there just laying down some jams. Job well done.
You should roll your drums more tho, does your sequencer have a repeat or randomizer? After about 8 or 16 bars you make a break (not drop) usually the sequencer on the modular has a repeat button or maybe even a randomizer you can use to make drum rolls.