4MS Meta Module - Pre-Release Review

[@danngreen1]

Great video! A few updates since this was filmed: Scale selection for Marbles is in the latest firmware (it’s at the bottom of the knobs/jacks list) There are two quantizers available: Fundamental/Core Quantizer, and OrangeLine Mother (well, 3 if you include Marbles) You can change Knob Sets on the fly without looking at the screen: hold down the button and turn the encoder Also you can use Audio In jacks if you run out of gate ins (they’re DC-coupled)

[@RedMeansRecording]

Pinned

[@jasoncorder7110]

btw, anyone running into cpu issues like he did in this video: recommend utilizing the more efficient airwindows' reverbs and bog audio modules whenever possible

[@claytonthedavis]

Testing the MM by itself is really useful for review purposes, but it seems like this module would really shine in an existing setup as a kind of Mega Disting: it can do hundreds of things for your modular, but realistically only two or three of those at once.

[@Kaleil]

Yeah, absolutely I think it would be really sick in a small performance case where you could for each track have it do different things, rather than for it to do everything. Just being able to introduce a single different unique voice opens up the kinds of things you can do so much in a live setting where the biggest danger is that it becomes too samey, since you only have a select few modules to work with.

[@real_anxst]

As expected this looks like an incredibly flexible module I would not ever want to use. I'd much rather just get an Expert Sleepers interface and run VCV on a laptop. I can definitely see how this would be perfect for many people! Just not for me. Nice work, Jeremy.

[@CinematicLaboratory]

I've now been a proud owner of the MM for two weeks and I absolutely adore it.

[@RedMeansRecordingModular]

That's great to hear!

[@Tofu_Pilot]

That is a very cool thing. I would never want it for my rig but wow, it is very very cool. Thanks for showcasing its features.

[@safko_dsp]

Commenting again to say 3ms latency is INCREDIBLE

[@GeorgeLocke]

4ms also does great with latency. ;)

[@deastman2]

For those who don’t see the application of this module, or think it’s too fiddly to bother with, consider this: it’s the perfect solution for gigging with a small case. You get way more modules than you can physically fit into your case, and you can switch patches for different parts of your set on the fly. Yes, there are other all in one tools such as Hector, Disting, Zoia… I have all of those too! But I think this is really an ideal tool to solve the practicalities of live performance with modular.

[@uly1981]

... or just use a laptop instead?

[@deastman2]

@@uly1981 Personally I do use a laptop for live performances, but I don’t see how “use a laptop” is the answer for people who want to perform with modular.

[@phelper4554]

I already ordered it such a good idea ❤

[@TheOriginSoundtrack]

On the limited gate ins - 4ms will be releasing a gate expander which should extend by an additional 6 gates in and 6 gates out.

[@aswarmofdeadinsects]

"So we put a modular in your modular"

[@johannasbjoernson918]

Love the blank panel! - its a daring thing 4MS is trying to do here. Beginning with the Expert Sleepers Modules there has been a flagship release almost every year, introducing the next menu-heavy frankenstein with USB, SD-Card, MIDI, Expanders, preset file configurator, effectsamplersequencer.. only to realize that external gear is more practical, powerful, playable and most of all: size matters. The idea of developing a streamlined way to integrate VCV patches into your hardware rack is probably better than to cramp the functionality of a desktop sequencer into 12-16HP.. and with the growing popularity of Eurorack amongst hobby musicians this easily saves you thousands of bucks, I just wish they had done this in a desktop box with a big screen, a big panel, properly organised.. maybe some more knobs, some buttons, a slider.. production costs aren't that much higher with external gear (cheaper quality parts, less work by hand). You could've plugged that into your computer and use it to build and adjust the patches live. It could've connected realtime via USB & the VCV Meta Module updating the patch on Hardware in 'real-time'. 4MS have done a great job porting the code of so many different developers into a small operating system - but fixating on the Eurorack format comes with limitations that makes it the sort of "clever" & "good to have" until a better piece of gear comes out. But since that isn't likely, Meta will turn to a powered up 'o_C': a relief patch for people who lack the money for the dedicated modules. Nonetheless: for what it is (a small module) they did an amazing Job - its an incredible achievement and a big win for the open-source community (of which I am part of).

[@TMeier]

This module will be such a big problem-solver for me. I have several elements of my performance setup that are perma-patched, with masses of cables that never move: matrix mixing, FX sends, quad panning and output FX. I'm intending to move all of that inside the meta module and free up the rest of my rack for more hands-on modules. Love that this is finally here... excited to try it once I can get my hands on one!

[@MoltenMusicTech]

Superbly detailed video, especially as it's something you're not particularly into - very useful, thanks

[@monotonehell]

"Knob set" is a phrase I never thought I would hear.

[@raffitchakmakjian]

I'm a programmer (software dev). I love modules like this. Great review.

[@re8et355]

20 years later, MicroModular is still king... maybe not in UI, etc, I like the 4MS meta tiny screen which that MicroModular dont, but the Drum modules are still unbeatable. now it would be interesting to see if also other develpopers in the Virtaul Modular, would try this approach, with better modules Still a lot of room for expansion, especially on samplers.

[@SpaceExpeditionCruiseOperators]

Thanks for doing this. I don't see myself getting much joy out of patching with the module really, BUT I kind of want one as a space and money saver. I like that I could build a patch with a heavily modulated FX chain and have the whole thing in a single box for a single price. Even something pretty simple like a 4ms dual looping delay into a plateau reverb, and clouds, with couple of LFOs smooshing the audio between the two, and the whole thing being managed by a matrix mixer.. that's already 4x the cost of the meta and even more than 4x the HP. I could totally see the use case here - build the stuff you don't really patch differently all that often or don't want to give up the space for into the module, assign some knobs and CV input, and just leave it like that happily doing it's thing.

[@jeffb01]

Great review. I pre-ordered one (should be here any day). I plan on using it more like a Distings - to fill a hole in my system or to try a cool sound/effect. I don't mind if I have to set something up in VCV rack. I do wonder if I'll use it more than I do my distings (Which isn't too much).

[@offthesky]

appreciate you experimenting with building those bigger, hoggier patches in this video; that is what im aiming to ultimately do w mine. ok now we're extra impatient for them to arrive in the mail!

[@AmbientMusicStudio]

I think I'd really dig this module in my Mantis case. It seems to do really well all the things I'd hoped my Hector would do for me. Just having access to a bunch of different voices with super low latency is probably enough to get me to buy it. But another commenter mentioned doing this with an ES 8 or 9 and VCV rack and now I'm torn. Get them both!!! LOL.

[@chancemurray]

How do you feel this module compares to the Poly Effects Hector module?

[@emptyvesselnz]

Given you have to load the Meta module in VCV to set the patch up it would be a nice feature if that VCV module would report likely CPU usage overs so you aren't wasting time shifting the patch to the hardware Meta to discover it won't run the patch. I have really mixed feelings and was pretty excited when I heard it was in development, I guess it takes some use to discover if the CPU limit ends up feeling like a comfortable constraint or a frustration. They've done a pretty impressive job of making the experience of patching on the hardware module itself look fairly ok which I didn't really expect. I'm sure it's non-trivial but it would be nice to be able to switch out the ins and outs to define their function rather than hard set as gates/audio/cv.

[@RedMeansRecordingModular]

Hugely agree with this. It should give you an assessment of cpu usage in vcv.

[@citizenscientist1284]

Modular inception.

[@ryanabrams77]

I have tried all the other all-in-one modular synth modules and sold them all but…maybe this time it will be different!

[@jamesdavidson7495]

This, exactly this.

[@DetroitMicroSound]

Empress Effects....Please work on our Zoia again...?

[@FuZZbaLLbee]

At this point I would prefer an iPad with MiRack But yes you would still need an audio and cv interface I guess this is nice for portability

[@lbGkifoo1bj12e9plhjfWA]

as a euroburo owner I can see how this can be a fun module for tiny setups

[@jantuitman]

It occurred to me that device is remarkable similar to the Arturia Astrolab keyboard that was so heavily criticized. That keyboard allows you to build patches in pigments and then define a couple of macro knobs to control the patches. This is the same idea but now VCV rack and a selected set of eurorack modules are the patch building system. Both devices are definitely a non buy if you want to build big patches away from a computer, but if you are looking for a thing that only performs a patch with a few knobs and you are willing to build it on a computer they might be really good options.

[@maxistork6060]

4ms mental note: just send ur module as a gift

[@MathHammer]

Thank you for the demo. I can see how this would be a fun and useful module for a small, portable case, perhaps as an effects with interesting things going on internally. Does the Plaits module use more CPU than other oscillators? Do oscillators tend to use much of the CPU relative to other items? How about filter modules and FM applied to the filter cutoff with a good amount of resonance? I guess I am curious more from a tech perspective.

[@voidcat6876]

hi mr jeremiah mc recording x3 , i need t ask you something , do you know if the metamodule can run the shape master? im honestly looking for a multitool for my setup and this looks like the thing for it and if it can run the Shape master it will give me access to custom lfo and envelopes for my hydrasynth and other hardware in my mini studio , thanks man and much love x3

[@RedMeansRecordingModular]

Unfortunately I don't know

[@voidcat6876]

@@RedMeansRecordingModular thanks for answering x3 i think im going to bite the bulet either way x3

[@iamjamessmith]

Thank you!

[@corticallarvae]

There is only one ring to rule them all and it’s kyma 7 on paca pacamara.. that’s where an apu has serious power… especially with granular fidelity.. max msp is definitely capable …. The apu is the prize..

[@lbGkifoo1bj12e9plhjfWA]

I wonder if the company name 4ms comes from a desire to keep everything less than 4ms processing delay?

[@ryanstevens283]

Does it have the vult with all the filters…

[@RedMeansRecordingModular]

not yet

[@Matthewsavant]

I want to like this it’s a great idea but it just seems too I don’t know fiddly. I’m about to pick up the Zoia Euroburo then got side tracked when I found about this…but I don’t know Euroburo still kind of strikes me as a better option even though it may be more “limited” I think creating patches with the Euroburo would be more hands on. One thing that is more attractive about this module would be using one (or maybe two) module at a time, like a chameleon module that can change into another module depending on your particular patch rather than a scaled down VCV rack in eurorack. I don’t know it’s still on my reader but I think I’ll grab Euroburo first…maybe I’m wrong we’ll see

[@ritec]

This module feels like everything modular was not supposed to be….that said it could be very useful in some cases.

[@poplaysgames6540]

If I wanted to put VCV into an actual rack, I think I'd rather put a 7" touchscreen HDMI display and some USB connectors in a panel, have mountings on the back for a NUC format PC motherboard, and pair it with USB MIDI I/O modules as needed.

[@linuxbender]

Thx, I sometimes make patches in VCV Rack, I also bought the extension for the DAW. Anyway, then I try to recreate them in my Eurorack instrument. I don't have that many modules and usually have to improvise. I like that, it always results in something new. I like this creative process. It's funny, it's just the way it is. I've seen the module and find it interesting. 4ms has great products, my favorite VCO is ensemble. Have you ever tried the new Art modules from TipTop Audio? What's your opinion? have a nice day

[@joelnicholson]

Interesting video, and I think it pairs nicely with Loopop's review the other day. I guess I'll find out what mine's like as lovely Elevator Sound in Bristol, UK, emailed me today to say my pre-order's in the post! :)

[@Varonno]

This is Nord Modular 2024

[@LonnonFoster]

This feels so much like a case of "hey, do you think we can do this" rather than "hey, here's a way to solve a problem people actually have". It's an interesting technical achievement, but it doesn't seem to improve either VCV or physical modular.

[@kcrosley]

The Nord Modular would like a word with you outside.

[@Jin-Hu]

Great review, I think for me it's just too contrived an approach for what is normally 49% intention and 51% wtf just happened with the physical realm

[@robbrobb5543]

Complaining about the gates and outs etc. just remember that expanders are inbound for this every thing.

[@MichaelMKM]

Cool idea, but too much menu diving I think

[@i_never_asked_for_an_alias]

ye, feel the same.

[@BlisterHiker]

I agree. This almost makes me feel like the idea of modular gets lost somewhere and we are making a circle back to virtual world.

[@safko_dsp]

I think the idea is really interesting and is an incredible engineering feat, but it doesn’t seem to bring much value to me (sorry 4ms, I LOVE Ensemble Osc). I had the same problem with Hector, where it was cool to have several modules and utilities packed into one module, but it does take a lot of fiddling to get set up. Something from the PC world that WOULD give me a ton of value in the eurorack world would be a module that CAN RUN VSTs and allow you to map knobs to parameters and create your own macros, similar to Meta! All the time I think about how cool it would be to have something like Chroma or Lossy or other simple effects in my rack.

[@MarioGodoyMusic]

I simply don't understand who this module is for. VCV into an ES-8/ES-9 feels so much easier and more versatile. Easy to map a midi controller if you need the hands on control. I love 4ms stuff, but this doesn't interest me. I hope they find their audience though.

[@one23johnson]

ES-9 + VCV/ Ableton is great.

[@one23johnson]

It’s a little hard mode to setup and configure so I wouldn’t recommend that to anyone just starting out though but it was able to keep me from purchasing a bunch of extra modules I made didn’t need

[@TimeScribe]

I think you have to know what type of user you are. It is working great for me but I like these computer in eurorack modules. I have the MetaModule in a 4ms Pod so it’s portable. I can sit on a couch or by the dining room table and work on patches. It feels like the Digitakt to me. It can work with other stuff but you can also just dig into what is on the unit. There are a lot of modules to start with. The 4ms modules, the Befaco Rampage, Mutable Inst ports, and lots of sequencers make it flexible and powerful. There are real issues that Red Means points out. Some of these will be ironed out with firmware updates and others we will just have to work around. It’s not a bad trade off considering all the things it can do. It has no problem making synth voices - subtractive, wave folding, fm… so the basics are covered. The possibilities from here are enormous. Not limitless but nothing is. IMO this module is off to a great start. It sounds great too. Lots of effects. Really strong out of the gate.

[@danngreen1]

Some people (like myself) don't feel as musically creative on a computer. So with this you get tactile knobs and jacks, but also the flexibility and power of software/virtual. Everyone has their own workflow, this is just another option.

[@Qwiv]

This this sucks. Midi Controller and VCV own this. Moving a cable to experiment takes way too long. 1 second in VCV. Only use case is to print a patch with you live. My IPhone and ES9 already do that and ES9 is the God of mixers for Euro.

[@DetroitMicroSound]

PLEASE Empress Effects, work on ZOIA again..... Are you guys just abandoning all of us users, or?

[@beansharicots]

I gave up on Zoia. The CPU was always maxed out.

[@DetroitMicroSound]

@@beansharicots Zoia is still an incredibly useful unit. Not giving up on mine, unless they make a more powerful Zoia 2, or better.

[@DetroitMicroSound]

Drinks are NOT allowed on gear tables, or gear stands, in my studio. Liquids (except oils) and electronics are NOT friends, and don't belong together. .

[@RedMeansRecordingModular]

Slurrrrrrrrrrppppppp

[@DetroitMicroSound]

@@RedMeansRecordingModular I didn't say don't drink. 😄