The latest loopop video takes a look at 22 ways you can use a Make Noise Maths Eurorack module and why it’s one of the most popular Eurorack modules made.
Video Summary:
Maths sounds complicated and if you’ve heard some of the terms used to describe it – an analog computer, a function generator and various other quadratic equations, it may seem a bit intimidating, but overall, it has three core components: attentuverters, a mixer and slew rate limiters.
It is however the combination of these things, which a few bonus features, that makes Maths such a versatile module.
22 Ways To Use A Make Noise Maths Eurorack Module
1. Audio level control (for example, to reduce eurorack audio levels to line level)
2. A simple voltage generator
3. Mod depth control for external LFOs and envelopes.
4. Signal/waveform inversion
5. An audio mixer
6. Slew for glide/portamendo effects.
7. It has multiple ways to trigger envelopes.
8. It can generate two separate AD (Attack-Delay) Envelopes.
9. Envelope curves can be linear, exponential, logarithmich, or any combination thereof, generating “sharkfin” type envelopes.
10. It can generate ASR (Attack-Sustain-Release) envelopes
11. Various type LFOs
12. Math can behave as a voltage controller oscillator (VCO)
13. By creating two VCOs and patching one to the other you can create FM style sounds
14. With a bit of patching, Maths can create extremely slow LFOs (up to 25 minutes)
15. Maths can behave as an envelope follower…
16. … which can be used as Sidechain
17. It can be a simple clock…
18. … and perform as a clock divider
19. You can mix envelopes and LFOs to create complex shapes, such as a fast LFO riding a slow LFO
20. The OR output can be used to create even more complex waveforms, as well as act as a rectifier that only allow positive voltages.
21. Maths can process sounds fimilar to a filter with optional resonance
22. In a pinch, Maths can act as a VCA
Got your own way of using the Maths module? Share it in the comments!
Great vid! I definitely learned a few tricks.
It was implied but not quite stated that Maths and be used as a CV mixer as well as audio which would include CV from outside of Maths.
Great video. But I still don’t get why Maths is as popular as it is. I can do all of this using more basic modules. Or perhaps I can’t do exactly all of this but I can achieve all of the effects demonstrated in the video without Maths. Is the popularity due to the fact that people want very small rigs, hence can’t afford the extra space for, say, a dedicated mixer or attenuverter?
Space, sure. Bang for the buck, sure. But why have dedicated modules when you can have one that performs so many functions? I think most people enjoy flexibility and exploration of free patching in their modular systems more than knowing where to go, and thus adding a Maths would expand those possibilities much more than buying several modules that are intended for 1 or 2 purposes. Its way more about possibility and flexibility than rack space. Look at it this way…which has greater yield: +1 or x 22?
Its definitely weird, and there is a learning curve to the more complex uses (patching it into itself opens up a LOT), but I enjoy that. I have been using Maths for 6+ years and I am still finding new things to do with it. I am currently dumping modules and reconfiguring my entire rack and the Maths still have to stay. I got into modular synthesis because I got tired of buying synthesizers, reading the manual and working with it for a few months and then thinking, “yup. I know everything this can do….I’m bored now.” To buy dedicated modules for all those functions would be huge, more expensive, and not nearly as mentally/creatively stimulating. Being in the middle of a patch and realizing that it can do something useful you haven’t thought of before is like blinking and having a brand new module installed in your rack, and that is truly an amazing feeling. Maths is essentially bottomless.
You’d probably find yourself selling off some of your other modules if you bought one and spent some time with it, but I do get your point. I have a fairly large system (6X104) and it does include a dedicated mixer, dedicated VCA’s, VCO’s, LFO’s, and multi-stage envelopes (MI Stages is dope), because those modules give you more timbre shaping, tonal character, multiple wave outputs, more shape possibilities and syncing abilities, FX sends and panning, etc, but IMHO for things like portamento, envelope following, side-chaining, CV mixer, attenuversion, etc, there isn’t much to be gained, so it makes way more sense to just get Maths and be able to use it for whatever you need it to do, and then have all those other features as a bonus possibility or to tide you over until you’ve saved enough $ for that awesome complex oscillator or stereo mixer you’ve been eyeing.