22 reasons the #1 eurorack module is Maths by Make Noise

Wait! There's a 23rd reason here...:
• Synth trick: How mimic...
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Maths by Make Noise is by far the #1 eurorack module on Modular Grid - both in terms of rating and popularity. In this video, I explain what Maths is and why it's so popular.
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.
In this clip I give an example of 22 things you can use it for:
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
People keep asking... the case is from here: www.through-u.com/
NOTE: Occasionally I’ll try out affiliate marketing and include affiliate links. This means that I may earn a commission when you click on or make purchases via affiliate links. The content of this clip is entirely my opinion, and was not paid for or dictated in any what by the company creating the gear. Without addressing the particulars of products shown here as they might be under NDA, gear shown on this channel may be either sent by the manufacturer, on loan for review or bought at a discount.

[@TayTayMakesBeats]

This video along with Mylarmelodies' VCA and generative modular vids were the 3 videos that taught me almost everything I needed to know to get started. Maths is a module that does almost everything so if you understand Maths you're pretty much set. The way that you broke it down made this incredibly complex module seem simple (after 5+ rewatches). You're doing a great service to the eurorack community by helping the newer/aspiring members understand everything they need to know to get started. Also the oscilloscope is unbelievably helpful for conceptualizing CV and I wish more creators used it. Thanks guy!

[@DJSolara]

something about seeing this index at the left really helps me.. and proper lesson speed and zooms.. bravo

[@musicartgeek]

Best walkthrough for Maths I've seen yet, and it's a crowded field with some very good contenders. Well done

[@jazzbeats8168]

love your tutorials. everything is explained so well and your speech is just so nice to listen to.

[@krism6279]

pretty much the best Maths video out there, imo. It takes what is arguably one of the most complex/versatile modules in eurorack and breaks it down into simple parts

[@MichaelBogaMusic]

Damn, thanks for taking the time to do that! It's crystal clear now, been taking tones of notes while watching and doing things on maths at the same time! Cheers

[@paulborg9239]

As stated by many others, this is the most straight forward Maths run through I've seen yet. Nice job sir!

[@eliwynn3735]

I just picked up a maths for my system I use in my videos each week and I will never regret it. This thing blows the door wide open on new possibilities with your existing modules! Thanks, Loopop for the in-depth guide!

[@godzib4065]

Thanks for putting this together. As a newbie to modular, it is a breath of fresh air to have access to such insightful, well structured and simply explained tutorial. It made a huge difference to my sound and workflow already. Thanks again.

[@EdwinSL]

This helps me much, I own this module since about five weeks. You've got an eye on what people would like to know, props. And you really cleaned that module before filming it properly, I like that, details can be everything.

[@paulbergel9191]

That was fantastic!! It would be really cool if you gave other iconic modules this treatment, like Clouds!

[@LukeTeaford]

"Shark fin slopes" is one of my favorites. It's perfect for sculpting exactly the shape you're looking for especially when fine tuning it in. It can breathe so much life into linear shapes!

[@robertsnow2848]

We've got one of these on the rack synth at my university. At first I saw it and completely noped out because of how complex it looks but this guy has explained it so clearly. You've earned a subscriber and I've learned to use an incredibly valuable tool!

[@Thebadbeaver9]

Robert Snow you have a modular synth at your university?! Damn lucky

[@HyBound]

This is great! Thanks for helping me figure this thing out; very easy to understand everything with the way you're explaining it!

[@jfklmk13447]

literally the best tutorial on a mourner I've ever seen ! Keep up the great work

[@clownnumber123]

Not only learned about this module but as a beginner, helped clarify much of the language thrown around, thank you !

[@ataxon6665]

Great video! Really helped demystify the Maths for me, the attenuvert/mix/slew breakdown made it finally click.

[@xaqary]

Best Maths walkthrough I’ve seen. Love this channel!

[@steveallenmashburn8815]

Indeed!

[@paulhellings]

Took me a as long as since you posted this video to understand enough about modular in order to properly upvote it and understand why. Thanks, now I know why I really need this thing 👌🏻

[@claesthoren]

Great job! Very pedagogical, methodical, clearly organised tutorial. Well done, sir!

[@JurekPrzezdziecki]

Someone put his effort into explaining Maths. Great work.

[@durrgaga]

A really excellent and informative video - I have a Maths module but clearly have sooo much to learn. Thanks for producing this video.

[@REALWARE]

I watch this video several times a year and my mind is blown in a new way every time

[@joachimzoepf9659]

loopop's videos are among the best to be found on the internet - methodically well structured, clear and understandable. Thanx

[@AI-Heaven-Hell]

Why would anyone downvote this video. This must be the best maths tutorial on youtube. It explains the structure of maths exeptionally good.

[@PaulJBurns]

I'm extremely picky on watching Eurorack videos, I made it all the way through. Very well demonstrated.

[@MH-ht2rw]

Haters gonna hate

[@spiderlab2526]

Yeah but I still don't know what it does, why I need it and how I would use it :-( Its like describing the inner workings of a piano. Very technical, mechanical and accurate but it doesn't help me write a sonata in Bb.

[@VictorSteiner]

Spiderlab in modular it‘s one and the same thing. And both things you mentioned were explained clearly.

[@cheek1m0nkey]

@@spiderlab2526 This is an outstanding explanation of why and how. It does require that you have a basic understanding of modular synthesis however.

[@TBCfhjvhhhnbb]

Quite simply the most easy to digest and chilled out explanation of Maths on the Internet!

[@dualtrx]

I kinda neglected my Maths in the past months, this video reminded me why was one of my first modules to buy. Must show Maths some love again. Thank you.

[@Raku777]

Thanks for sharing this. I am learning a lot that is helping me evolve my modest foothold in the analog synth world.

[@jacksonb6262]

I've had maths for a year and never thought of the trick to obtain exponential rise and logarithmic decay. great video!

[@d4vidd]

it works with all envelopes / function generators

[@Dogboy73]

Great video of this enigmatic, apparently must have device. New to Eurorack but a strong candidate for first module along with an ES-8 to connect to Propellerhead Reason (I also have an Kilpatrick Phenol).

[@julianstaniewski1371]

Calling you best synth-teacher on youtube

[@samaBR333]

love it. thanks for highlighting new ideas for me

[@saxmidiman]

Thank you so much for the valuable help. Just purchased my GrandMother, and already after just one evening, I can see how the Maths could help me. Like inverting LFO's, ect. Peace!

[@loopop]

You’re welcome! By the way you can invert an LFO using Grandmother’s attenuator - works just like maths’ ;)

Amazing tutorial, thank you so much for this. Help me understand this module a little bit better.

[@sokoleski]

Amazing presentation ..... many thanks for this 💚

[@markusm108]

Amazing video, love the way you explained this.

[@nikjewell]

Best Maths tutorial I've ever seen (and I've seen a few now!).

[@benasaro1043]

Beautiful case, great video!

[@manniejof4670]

the case is from www.through-u.com

[@JEPeters00]

Your videos are legit, man. Thanks!

[@SkyshifterBass]

Most well organized and easy to understand teacher in the game 🙏🙏🙏

[@OctavianTech]

Thanks for this. I’ll be studying it when I get my Maths!

[@playboxadministrator9229]

Best explaination of Maths that I have seen so far. One of the first modules that I bought but never fully utilised so took it out. Now I really know what it is capable of.

[@willhurt3446]

Exponentially much better job than most other Math videos, and logarithmically satisfying. You should do “ your first three modules to purchase if you’re a beginner Modulator” or Sum such topic.

[@triple1246]

Very good explanation, well done thanks!

[@djsyndicate0001]

Awesome video! Just got maths and this is very helpful!

[@apislapis]

Another loopop master class. Dig your Eurorack case.

[@voicians]

your videos are the best to learn the modular stuff! Big ups

[@rocco4696]

Great video! Just want to add that a slew _is_ an LPF and v/v. There's math(s)y reasons but essentially both purposes are to iron out changes that are really quick and keep changes that are really slow.

[@InvertedPopesMusic]

Just got a Maths and it is awesome. Thanks for this vid really helped.

[@stujay]

Can't thank you enough for this. FINALLY. Finally, finally, finally. If I had infinite monetary resources I'd pay you to make a practical walk-through like this for each of my modules!

[@johnscriven964]

Brilliant explanations - they also help to clarify the Maths section on my 0-Coast.

[@_functionless]

Great vids bro :) keep em coming

[@electronicmorphine2636]

This video is so good and really helps! Thank you!!!

[@aidanwalker3058]

I've found maths very confusing since I bought it, this tutorial is a life saver thanks!

[@SoundsMick]

Very good, loved the 'filter' will have to try that

[@dirgesecilkuran1546]

amazing video dude ! just amazing ! thank you

[@chriskostelec]

Maths is a Sharkfin generator, got it! ;) Thanks for the video, best walkthrough for Maths I've seen. I learned some new tricks!

[@loopop]

Casty thanks very much! Yes, I think “the shark is swimming left” is clearer than “logarithmic” :)

[@SpikesStudio3]

Hey ziv. Hope you are good bro. You really nailed maths. I keep coming back here for ideas. 👍👍👍

[@washesmusic]

Just got a Maths over the holidays and this has been incredibly helpful. Feels like I just unlocked a cheat code in my rack.

[@loopop]

Thanks! Be sure to check out my other maths video right after this one.... a heck of an unlock there...

[@airobicwave6504]

Very nice! I love your tutorials. Could you do one of the MI Stages? There are a few ones, but they re not as simple/ good explained as yours! Thx keep up the good work 👍🏽

[@FelipeTellez]

amazing review....also, the glass/acrylic case is beautiful

[@manniejof4670]

the case is from www.through-u.com

[@CO5MA]

Best explanation ever! Thank you 🙏🏻

[@nolywilliams1107]

Very informative video! Thanks.

[@mymodularjourney]

Very useful for any ‘slope’ type module. Love it.

[@ThousandAnt]

Terrific video, thanks for sharing

[@skawiwen07]

As usual so pedagogic , good balance between talk & example

[@iamhated1292]

This is a super helpful video! I've been learning modular and semis for the last couple months so I'm just going to put this in my favs and watch it a few more times =) Thanks! The dislikers must have been looking for top ten vines... ❤️🎧❤️

[@OmriCohen-Music]

I don't own one, but this gave me so many patching ideas! You explained everything so clearly and relaxed... Teach me master ;) And nice touch with the vcv rack scope...

[@loopop]

Thanks! Yes love that scope :)

[@Gluttonforpeace]

There is an emulation for VCV rack!

[@loopop]

There’s befaco’s rampage which is free and similar, and then I think there’s a guy which makes a paid emulation - don’t know how good it is

[@lyghters]

There is also free version of it, if you're talking about Floats. It is taking a lot of vcv rack HP space (to make you wanna buy a paid version), but it is fully functional, so you can actually check if it's accurate or not for free

[@pantalalabs]

cristal and clear explanation !!! congrats!

[@EricAdamsonMI]

Thanks for covering this. It's validating to see that I'm not the only "two screw" practitioner where mounting modules is concerned. Alas, I go lower left & upper right -- albeit for no particular reason -- so I *guess* your way is acceptable... ;)

[@EliGamesOfficial]

Exceptional, thank you!

[@mannyzagri7451]

Of all the Eurorack tutorials out there, this is by far, the best.

[@setphaser]

wow. i finally understand maths. that’s quite a skill you’ve got. there’s a bunch of modules out there i’ve never understood (if it’s not on your typical subtractive synth, the. i don’t get it) i reckon you might be the man to explain them!

[@loopop]

Thanks! Sure - let me know which ones - I love a good challenge

[@setphaser]

loopop haha welll turing thingies?

[@setphaser]

loopop and anything west coast....

[@loopop]

Noted!

[@brianreilly6545]

Fantastic tutorial, thx!

[@528hzaudio6]

This video it's awesome thanks a lot to make such an great review, now I understand maths better

[@danielbarbieri8199]

Thanks, that's the explanation I needed

[@OB1techno]

Excellent video, thanks 🖤

[@Hhyperspace]

Super job on this one!

[@CamTarn]

23:00 - depending on how the cycle interacts with the incoming audio, presumably the resonance-like sound is some sort of soft oscillator sync: the cycle is generating one audio signal, then the slew-limited incoming audio is nudging the phase of that waveform left or right depending on whether it's rising or falling?

[@eddraper]

Your channel continues to get better and better.

[@kill_screen]

incredibly helpful video. i didn't know half these tricks

[@InvertedPopesMusic]

Well if I was in any doubt before about whether to get the Maths or not, I am not now. Excellent demo.

[@InvertedPopesMusic]

Just in case that statement of mine reads wrong, I meant I will be looking to purchase the Maths as my first modular unit. Yes noob here, I have two Mother 32's but wanting to branch out. Any advise? Skiff, power supply. I echo Cedric Hillion great explanation loopop, easy to understand and follow. Thanks.

[@moogyboy6]

Great explanation of Maths and *some* of it's dizzying capabilities. I think the main thing I would have done differently is to separate attenuversion further into attenuation and inversion from the get go. If you start with the idea that voltage can only increase, decrease, or stay the same, you can then explain Maths this way: 1) Adjust an input voltage between its nominal value and zero (attenuation) 2) Change the polarity of a voltage (inversion) 3) Add or subtract up to four separate voltages based on their polarities (mixing) 4) Alter the rate of change of up to two separate voltages (slew) 5) Generate event signals (gates and/or triggers) based on the slew rise and fall settings. 6) Generate adjustable static voltages of either +-5vdc or +-10vdc.

[@anoopsahal1202]

This is a really versatile unit and very reasonable in price at £272, I will order one, you sold it to me!

[@kmb1617]

Great tutorial man

[@marzbitenhaussen]

excellent tutorial

[@onderstroom]

Great! Thanks for sharing ✌🏼

[@edjwise]

Maths is popular because it is greater than the sum of its parts. After years of synth development and iteration we have arrived at what seems to be the best of the best in synth modules. I put together a short list of examples. Dual delays Maths Complex oscillators Dual cross fading filters Intelijel Mutamix MI marbles MI plaits MI stages O_c Optomix v2

[@Outdoorshuntingshooting]

greater than the sum - i see what u did there.

[@piotr803]

@@Outdoorshuntingshooting OR...

[@tiderider]

Thanks. I'm just learning

[@angelos808]

best tutorial on this module so far

[@wernersempels7255]

Thanks for this nice tutorial, feel a lot smarter

[@brantrosenberger7644]

The best Maths demo I've seen, hands down. How are you getting your signals to VCV Rack's scope? (if thats what it is)

[@loopop]

Thanks! Yes it’s VCV and I’m sending it through expert sleepers ES-8 (search Hybrid Modular on my channel for a full explanation)

[@millso17]

Great video, thank you! Can I just ask if there is a cheaper module or method available for getting a Scope reading through VCV? I have a Pittsburgh MIDI 3 if that can be used somehow via my audio interface?

[@loopop]

Sure - as long as it’s audio (and not slow control voltage, any cheap interface should work). But not a midi interface.

[@leonard.c]

Hey Loopop, great video! I wish you would make a video explaining the Verbos Harmonic Oscillator :)

[@loopop]

It was just a loaner for this video...

[@MadelnMachines]

Excellent guide. I'm not sure whether it's for me. It's seems like a complex way to do simple things - jack of all trades but master of none type module. Certainly very versatile though. Amazing what it can do.

[@ringhof]

So powerfull - thanks for this

[@jmith1893]

As others have said, this is the best Maths tutorial out there. Well done!

[@tradewhales9170]

Thank u needed this

[@Unifono2012]

amazingly well done video

[@ProckGnosis]

Danke, bedankt, merci, tusen takk, mille grazie, muchas gracias, efcharisto, dzien kuje and thanks (hopefully one of those is close to your mother tongue). Great job as usual. I'd heard enough about this module (saw it was high on the list of valued modules), and had an idea what it did, but this is the clearest explanation and work through I've seen. Much appreciated. Cheers!

[@jamesl5944]

Great demo. Maths for me is increasingly the module that saves the rest of my case, which is very oscillator and filter heavy - because what is the most gratifying purchase when you start in Euro, right? :D

[@blackdunes1]

I finally understand what all the fuss is about. Thank you!