Ambient is BACK

Most of my videos in the last year have been pretty heavily-focused on trying out Dreamsequence features with the eurorack being sort of ancillary. This session was a good example of my original vision for the project: a sequencer that can get out of the way and let the modular synth do what it does best, while shoring up some of its weaknesses. Namely, providing some structure to the composition-- a loose framework for the synth to improvise within.
This was the last of 3 takes and I had intended to get in there and try to break the patch with the camera rolling-- more often than not when I do this, it turns out to be my favorite of the session. But the patch's randomizations surprised me this time, my favorite part being when Beads repeated and pitch-shifted the 4-note strum that I had programmed in. I took this as a sign that I should just sit back and let things play out. I could have done more takes and tried to fix the weird sputtering out at the end, but I really can't complain with this one.
Patch notes:
Super simple one. Plaits into Beads with a healthy slathering of OTO BAM.
When the little case comes out, it usually means I'm forcing myself to focus on some specific goals. I had three things I wanted to do here:
1. Try feeding something other than Marbles into Dreamsequence's CV harmonizer (Pingable Envelope Generator).
2. Give Beads a shot with some of the feedback from a few sessions ago (i.e. actually patch the damn thing).
3. Try out the new seq probability parameter I just added to DS.
#1 was a bust. I don't know what I was doing wrong but I it was not happening. I ended up just using DS' Chord and layered in some notes from Seq with probability at 33%. Beads and I got along pretty okay this time.
I haven't messed with the percussion side of Plaits much since I have Rings and Elements, but I was impressed with how well it's pseudo-polyphony held up. I should use this module more.
DS events are still kinda chaotic to work with, but fill a gap I was always frustrated with when I was working entirely in Eurorack. I had a number of them firing. Off the top of my head: incrementing the notes in the chord, letting the seq pattern wander, changing from 7ths to a mode-based mapping, etc... I like having a mix of semi-random modulations as well as some points where everything resets and does exactly what I want, when I want.
I'm going to try to focus on making music this week but might find time to trickle out some low-hanging DS updates. Stay tuned.
More about Dreamsequence at l.llllllll.co/dreamsequence

[@cameronwindheuser]

thank you

[@UndulaeMusic]

I really dig your lighting and framing for these videos. Of course, the music is good too, but damn they might be the prettiest static shots of eurorack synths and plants I've seen on the internet.

[@ModularBeat]

Wow, thank you! If there is anything dishonest about these recordings, it’s definitely the video. There is always a metric ton of cables, loose gear, tools, and assorted junk just out-of-frame. Nothing a strategically-placed plant can’t fix 😂

[@r-omega]

You aren't kidding. Modular Beat is some of my favorite music but damn...damn...the "cinematography" is just 😍😍😍

[@ModularBeat]

🫶

[@Hessencemusic]

you're a machine man! seriously.... It's really a pleasure to meet people like you from whom you learn so much...

[@kvancgerek8656]

we are so back

[@ModularBeat]

Toy sounds ✅ Massive reverb ✅ House plants ✅ Let’s goooooo!

[@music4screens]

Beautiful shot and music. Lovely small setup

[@synthebo]

Ooooohhhhhhh 😮😮😮😮 😍😍😍😍😍😍😍

[@Saturata]

hey!

[@NothingHereButMe]

I'm learning modular (coming from a 'classical' composition background). A small system really appeals to me at this point so I don't get overwhelmed. What modules are you using here, because this sounds fantastic

[@ModularBeat]

Should be a very interesting experience for you-- I hope you find it liberating rather than limiting! I always try to make some patch notes in my video descriptions if you're looking for ideas. The sounds were from Mutable Instruments Plaits and Beads with some reverb coming from a desktop OTO BAM unit. The sequencing is all from Norns and Grid out in front. Most of the other stuff are pretty basic utilities.

[@mrnessss]

it sounds like you're watering your plants with music

[@ModularBeat]

It kept reminding me of mouth noises from a noisy eater! Your take is so much better 💦🌿

[@raneflewit6250]

what module i need if i use monome？

[@raneflewit6250]

for the connection

[@ModularBeat]

Crow! It’s the bridge between eurorack and Norns.