4MS MetaModule | Episode 01 | The VCV-Rack to Eurorack Portal Device

[@danielmcanulty1562]

Very nice final patch!

[@genmce]

Nice vid, I have one and have been using meta for a vca, probability gate for my hw ensemble and dual braids with filter and plateau, in same patch - two very different voices. I think today I will make a new one. This is like the ultimate utility module, for tools I don’t have, or fx. I like it.

[@CinematicLaboratory]

Thanks for sharing! So much to explore, try and build :)

[@phpn99]

I put this while taking a nap. Very relaxing

[@JasonGillmanJr]

This module is probably the reason I finally succumbed to the Eurorack gods. I went straight to the 4ms booth at Knobcon when the doors opened and got one.

[@CinematicLaboratory]

I hope it serves you well!

[@studio48nl]

Mêh, I don't know... It's very nicely done, but for this I will hook up my Nord Modular (G1) and will create polyphonic patches on there... I was missing the physical touch with wires, so this actually kills that idea again. I'm trying to go back to modular basics again.

[@CapriciousBlackBox]

I *have* the aforementioned "wall of modules" and turned my gaze from the Meta module when it was announced. The last thing I needed was *another* module. Then recently I gave it a look after spending some preliminary time with VCV, as well as populating a list of modules I don't have/would like that are available on the Meta and placed my order. I have yet to work with the module as it just arrived, but suffice to say this video has provided ample inspiration to get it going. I am looking forward to the expanders as well, and, self-control willing, the Meta module actually *saving me money* in the long run. I appreciate you taking the time to list the various limitations and caveats about learning curve and research that will ultimately be necessary. Cheers!

[@CinematicLaboratory]

Thanks for sharing your experience. I haven't touched it since I made this video. It still feels like some dealer has put 1.000 modules on my desk to give them a try.

[@kozmicstreamz]

Great review for someone considering on purchasing this module. I don't think we are ready for each other yet! :)

[@KenSwanson-p4i]

Thanks man, for doing the time on researching this module. Hmm .. 5 1/2" wide, and all that ability .. I do like the physical spacing/separation of conventional modules (vintage 2017-20) .. old dogs = old tricks. Even my gear's learning requirement amount, is still surprising to me. What I think would be great is a video cable out of this, to a separate, larger screen.

[@oscilop]

I love the MetaModule! It has it's limitations, especially not being able to push buttons but having to use the encoders for that is a weird UX. I need to try and see if I can midi cc them to a controller though. I'm definitely not going to get expanders as the whole point was to use this in a small case. Anyway, atm I mostly use it with one or very few modules in each patch. I needs Plaits? Boom it's there. I need Rings? Easy. I need VCAs, Envelope Generators. They are there! And so on. It expands my small case in the best of ways and I'll probably stick to using it like this instead of building super complex patches, but I am not excluding doing that in the future too. It just opens up so many possibilities and the UX is very solid as well.

[@JasonGillmanJr]

I think the "I need an X module today" is probably one of the biggest use cases for the MM. And the great thing is for that purpose, it's easy enough to just load the module, automap, and go (unless the automap does something wonky).

[@CinematicLaboratory]

@@JasonGillmanJr Thanks for sharing this. I did not discover the automap.

[@KenSwanson-p4i]

Thanks for this perspective .. it's making me think of patches, as is in, repetitive patches .. an example: drums, let's say .. I'm predicting that this may be one area where I may desire reclaim the same patch arrangement, frequently. Metamodule, appearing to be able to do that .. saving some time, and allowing an existing physical patch to remain, intact? PS, .. or I use Bitbox Micro and Pam's to do the above mention, .. for the same reasons.

[@CinematicLaboratory]

@@KenSwanson-p4i It should not replace the stuff you already own :).

[@KenSwanson-p4i]

@@CinematicLaboratory mhmm, .. so agree.

[@Probbie]

Totally amazing, but is this the death knell for Eurorack, or a shot in the arm?? 😮

[@jonaseggen2230]

My guess is that if anything this is more of a favour to other brands. If I got to properly tryout and like a virtual module very much, I would probably buy it and use meta for other things, like learning a new virtual module...

[@AmbientMusicStudio]

I've approached my MetaModule as a module in itself rather than a host for virtual modules. That is to say, I think less about the individual VCV modules and more about the tool or sound I want to achieve in my rack. I've built a couple versions of an algorithmic sequencer with it. That said, I really like it as an effects rack, or for messing around with the Mutable clones. I don't find it too horrible to patch directly on the module, but it's much nicer to work in VCV rack and then export.

[@Rrobosyn13]

Very well executed video demonstrating the pros/cons of the MetaModule. One critical comment with respect to the point made in the video at 10:50 stating "ETHICS: Didn't 4MS just clone Befaco?" In a recent interview, Dan Green of 4ms stated that the original concept for the MetaModule was that it would only run emulations of 4ms hardware. It was actually Befaco that convinced 4MS to open the framework to include the ability to run third party plug-ins, including Befaco's own plug-ins. I recall seeing comments from 4ms during the development of the MetaModule indicating that they were being very careful on the issue of third party plug-ins. I don't think any manufacturer has had their plug-ins included against their wishes. (Dan's comments about Befaco - kzbin.info/www/bejne/oWGqepKCYtiqqK8feature=shared&t=2037)

[@CinematicLaboratory]

Thanks for sharing this information. I've been wondering about it and I am happy you could clear this up.

[@phelper4554]

Would be nice if you could upload these patches to patch storage❤

[@leftcoastline]

Interesting unit to help fill out a rack when your wallet won't let you have it all. Nice to know its limitations. May consider once the ecosystem develops and bugs are worked out. Plinky vid when?

[@MelonSprout]

been to no end comparing the meta to zoia, poly hector, vinia, and now the new disting... i need buttons personally

[@laurilest]

Thanks for the video! What reverbs did you use here?

[@CinematicLaboratory]

I think I used the Plateau in MM and Desmodus Versio in the case.

[@synkrotron]

impressive I don't have the MetaModule and since investing in a disting NT this one has suddenly gone beyond what I can afford

[@stephenspackman5573]

I'm so torn. I come from the software world, so there's nothing here that intimidates, and the generality… -but then I came here to get away from the _feeling_ of computers. No, it's wonderful. I'm just a little sad that Meta and the Droid controls are in separate universes. Motorised faders, you know…. I can just tell I'll end up with one of these.

[@CinematicLaboratory]

I can completely relate to this. I am sure I will use my analog modular gear more often than patching in VCV and then move it to a module. It's just too many steps, it doesn't feel the same and it feels emulated. I experience a lot of wow moments with analog gear, patching everything up myself. I don't have those moments in VCV., simply because I know it's not real. It shouldn't make a difference, but it does. It's like driving a car in a game or having sex in a spacesuit. I have that same feeling with Meta. Meta 'feels' best if it emulates simple modules you'd need, but don't care too much about. If it runs a full Mutable patch, it will sound emulated because you'd need a full case to get something close. I also love to select just a few FX I don't own. There's a place for Meta, but don't let it 'steal' too much reality :)

[@CinematicLaboratory]

There's another huge difference. Making something for Meta or Droid feels like work. Patching an analog modular feels like a day off.

[@TheBeside]

what about the plinky guitar preset? is it yours ? thank you

[@sCealt]

It looks like a really good solution but how's the latency ?

[@CinematicLaboratory]

Jeremy from Red Means has tested latency and it's around 3ms and almost impossible to hear.

[@tColorsinspacerecordings]

What case is that?

[@ritosuckerino6763]

Give us the serge VC res EQ video!!!

[@CinematicLaboratory]

+800 euro... Give me a million subscribers :).

[@johncuba1612]

impressiv but i like the Disting NT a little bit more(: personal thing

[@CinematicLaboratory]

I can imagine that. I've been watching a few videos about it and it looks like a powerhouse.

[@tColorsinspacerecordings]

I want both! Hahah😂

[@weave_of_k]

This is going to be an unpopular take but these types of modules are taking the fun out of Eurorack as it’s basically like installing a computer in your Eurorack setup. At that point you might as well use a… computer.

[@KenSwanson-p4i]

I do get your sentiment. I did just reply to "Oscilop" who posted a few hours, after you. Even, if it's just for a few things, something on a whim, .. or an often repeated patch, this might fit the bill .. I'm starting to change my mind, from the "nice, .. but not for me" opinion, that I had.

[@brownmoney27]

It takes the fun out for you, for many other people it's adding a wealth of fun and possibilities to the process.

[@ritosuckerino6763]

Then don’t buy it. Ez pz. I won’t buy a module from a manufacturer that puts a KZbinr on their faceplate so joranologue is gone for me. I don’t care what others do.

[@luke_fabis]

​@@ritosuckerino6763What's your beef with Hainbach?

[@ritosuckerino6763]

@@luke_fabis nothing. I have never even watched a full video from him. People don’t buy modules if it’s odd HP or doesn’t come in black, the point is everyone has preferences and that’s fine. Modular world is all about having preferences.

[@justinurra2718]

Until more voices get ported I'm not interested, the ensemble is cool but every other voice is trash