Behringer System 100 - Ambient Patching

This is a follow-up video on Behringer's System 100 modules. In it I give a breakdown of the first ambient demo patch I played in that first video, discuss integrating eurorack into my recording process, and showcase both an ambient track and a more up-beat demo track that also includes pads and drums (played on the Iridium and Spectrosonics' Stylus RMX).

[@9VDC]

What a great educator you are, thank you! Just the right tempo for me and packed with all I wanted to know. So calm, so clear. Well done!

[@rayguyon6563]

I'm just starting out on my modular journey. This is just what I needed. Thank you for taking the time to produce such an informative video.

[@andersnordby1194]

One of the simplest and best videos I have seen on Eurorack module patching and how to compose with them. Thank you!

[@leonmccormick2909]

I totally agree

[@mikaeljohansson83]

Not only are your videos a great learning experience they are also an inspiration in my own music. And add to that if I feel restless and can't sleep I just start one of your videos and I'll sleep like a baby:) Your voice is soothing and your music is beautiful and relaxing🤙

[@jasefosTV]

ALL of your videos are top-notch and utterly informative Tim! Your taste in music and demeanour, equally on par. I've just dipped my toe into modular world and started with these new System 100 clone modules and loving the journey!

[@TheDavidPoole]

Incredibly useful, Tim. Thanks for spending the time to do this for us!

[@gonzales2174]

Forty-three years ago, I used this system 100m in my home studio and system 700 in my studio, and worked on the electronic music part of the art festival participation work and creative opera. really nostalgic. I used it and got used to it. I wonder if I should buy it again.

[@josepha891]

Yes. Order the modules now.

[@kd4pba]

I hope you did at least build a system 100. It is a time machine for the emotions.

[@sidneybarrett8941]

Do you still have music in you? Then yeah, buy it again and let's hear it!

[@TheDavidPoole]

Well? Have you bought one yet?!? If not, why not? 😀 Lovely to hear your story! I'm sure if you did, or do, it will feel like coming home.❤ Cheers!

[@AGFio]

I appreciate the thoughtful approach in your videos. And the music is wonderful. Thank you.

[@mmeikel42]

Thank you so much for your detailed descriptions: for me a fantastic source of knowledge and inspiration!

[@apislapis]

Tremendous video Tim, with some great tips and a superb walkthrough of several demos. Thanks.

[@jakegraves5977]

Thanks, great break down. Would love to see more of these videos.

[@johanboberg]

I'm impressed how good it sounds, great music too!

[@theredyeti3787]

Thanks Tim!!!! I really appreciate the time and effort you have gone to, producing this excellent clip. I learned a heap, and paused to buy some extra modules.

[@darrenlee1938]

So much info to be gleaned from Tim’s wonderful videos. Helped me painlessly thru my modular journey. Thank you

[@rexcellencemagee6729]

Hi Tim, I’ve got an interesting way to keep records of my favorite patches. I took a picture with no cables in it, then used a pencil filter to simplify the picture, then made copies of the modules. I use my Access database on office and name it, then put that name and location of the sound on the patch sheet, I’ve come to name it. Lol. It may sound like a lot of work but it’s not and I often sample the ones I like so it’s a win win for me! I am the least organized person on the planet and my memory sucks so if I can do the extra effort, anyone can! Loved the video! I’ve watched it before but JUST completed my 100 series so needed a refresher! That memory thing I mentioned.

[@leonmccormick2909]

Mr. Tim it's really cool to see you use your DAW along with your Eurorack because I was starting to think everything was about to leave the awesome DAW setup, and just go back to sequencing. I saw the video you made just prior to this one and you have brought me a long way. I'm very new at this and really enjoying what's starting to happen with me and my gear. Keep up the great work and keep those awesome grooves coming. Now one of your biggest fans. You're the man!!!

[@1VperOctave]

Thank you for this series on the B sys 100 modules, I have enjoyed them enormously. Your care and attention to detail, combined with your fluent delivery (ok, that could have been good video editing, but in that case, add your skillful vid edits) is wonderful.

[@sonarfreq]

Another very informative video, thanks Tim.

[@ManCalledMif]

Excellent explanations of the signal path. Will probably help me learn my moog one quicker (It seems a bit too sophisticated at times, amazing as it is.)

[@srenbohn4904]

So beautiful, I just love the sound of those songs. I just got 8 modules and need to build a case for them. Can't wait ;-)

[@crspcrs7958]

Not only the Modules are very clear and structurated.. your Video and explanations is also ! Very Handy for everyone. Thank you very much for this! .... so much work ... wow

[@surfacenoises390]

Tim Shoebridge! You are the don. Your videos - and music - just keep getting better. Nice one.

[@seancraig5373]

wonderfully helpful video- thanks VERY much! I am new to modular-and learning a lot (with MANY thanks to you!). I'm building my 1st Eurorack-with the Behringer 100 modules. I've created 2 racks on Modular Grid (both labeled with your name ="Tim Shoebridge" and "dual Behringer 100 module rig" so everyone here can see BOTH racks you've built here. I sincerely hope that is OK! This way--folks can copy them and get the exact same system (if they wish) using Modular grid (or they can adapt the whole system as they wish).

[@sudbenzer6603]

I love your work. Keep it up and thank you!

[@AndrewJohnClive]

What a beautiful synthesizer. It’s going to be my first Modular build! That and the 55.🤘🏽

[@urbannpa]

Thank You so much for the music...and not just noise!.

[@atzeplewka7253]

What a wunderful easy learning Video, thats the right stuff

[@futumama1]

Very nice ambient, and you are so much creativ...!

[@hexateck]

great song at the end! well done TIM

[@ozhalljr]

Great demo. Very clever using the 962 sequential switch to change the clock into the 960!

[@darrenjharris9907]

lovely demo patch

[@AlexS....]

I like your colour scheme. Very easy to keep track of parts vs. mixer! Also nice music here! 8)

[@stefanaberg5814]

Beautiful music!

[@giovannigramegna8566]

Didn't know Robert Downey jr was into modular. Great job!

[@atzeplewka7253]

Many many Thanks, greetings from Berlin, please more Videos

[@JaleTM]

Great video, thanks!

[@dustop3r]

After watching your inspiring and very informative videos about the System 100 numerous times, I have ordered a Behringer 100M (4 voices eventuallay) system for my little studio! I will build my own cases out of IKEA Billy shelves (4 x 64HP) so that the modules can be snuggly stowed away in the Billy bookshelves next to my work desk :).

[@LockStoppageSandwich]

Nice one Tim 👍

[@paulrigby001]

Love the opening rap 👊

[@skipper6528]

Top stuff buddy

[@GeoffModulate]

I want one even more now. Aaaargh! :)

[@slimyelow]

Mega kewl!

[@BlueSB017]

Just bagged a bunch of 100 modules and sold my soul to the devil - your videos on this system have been that good! Nice one Tim!

[@aaronturner9976]

How are you finding it? Thinking of doing the same 😂 do the new 112 vcos stay in tune and track well from your experience? Cheers! 👌

[@BlueSB017]

@@aaronturner9976 really happy and surprised with the quality and I’m a pretty experienced Eurorack user with other systems. I went for 2 x 110s for oscillators in the end and no tuning issues with those.

[@aaronturner9976]

@@BlueSB017 oh nice, do you think its worth getting two 110s instead of the 112 and dual vcf, was just thinking there is probably more patchability with the separate modules but equally with a much higher price tag

[@conceptdevices]

Interesting how step 3 of the bass sequence becomes the primary first note in both mind set and based on the second sequence

[@BRNTmodularmusic]

It was so obvious! Uli wants us to tune our oscillators in 440hz and not 432hz! Lol .. :P Thanks so much for sharing your patch and ideas.

[@vfx-workshop]

hello ! thank you for taking time to breakdown your patch ! i assume that you are also using a delay/reverb ? may i ask you wich one ?

[@ChristopherOrth]

Thanks for this thorough video. I am about to order a set of System 100 modules, and seeing how you are using them was helpful. I've nudged my plans a bit towards an even better configuration. One question, are you running the Polyend as your only MIDI interface, or are you running two+ simultaneously?

[@TimShoebridge]

Christopher Orth Thanks a lot. So far I’m just using the one Polyend Poly2. 8 channels is enough for me now, but you can certainly link units together if you need more.

[@thomashelzle]

Totally love your work Tim, thank you so much for the calm music, the wonderfully paced videos and the great Minilogue XD Oscillators :-) One question: Did you ever try out Bitwig Studio? It supports direct CV output/input and things like oscillator autotune... Since all it's internal modulators run at audio-rate, you can extend your analog modular system with whatever you need on the fly... And it's internal modular system ("The Grid") is very well laid out too :-)

[@TimShoebridge]

Thomas Helzle Thanks a lot. No I need to check it out. Thanks for the recommendation 👍

[@JonGrimson]

Does Abelton have similar CV in/out capabilities? Autotune?

[@thomashelzle]

@@JonGrimson Yes, at one point they released several Max for Live devices for CV handling (www.ableton.com/en/packs/cv-tools/) after Bitwigs success with their native implementation. It's maybe worth mentioning that you need to have a DC-coupled Audio interface for CV-use. Expert Sleepers have some good ones I hear.

[@BartdeBoisblanc]

Great composition Tim. I was wondering were you influenced by Tangerine Dream?

[@braien25980]

hi, could you reproduce the base sound of mr fingers ,can you feel it, with the modules? Regards from Germany

[@mariopak4817]

Thanks a lot for this video. So the fx like reverbs are all plugins?.

[@petegleadall5785]

Great demo/walk through @timshoebridge! If you wanted to sync the Behringer 182 sequencer to your DAW, how would you do that? Thanks

[@TimShoebridge]

Thanks a lot. Some midi-to-cv converters can handle MIDI clock, but otherwise you need to send a midi "click" track from your DAW, then feed the gate generated by your midi-to-cv converter for that track to the trigger-in of the 182...

[@srenbohn4904]

I also got the module 305 myself and find it very nice and convenient. However one question keeps coming up in my head every time I use the standard osc for tuning: If a analog osc is drifting in pitch due to temperature changes, how can the standard osc then be precise ? I mean it may be that the Behringer one got a digital osc for that purpose, but it was also present on the original module from Roland back then.

[@susanajaureguisalmeron2246]

Wonderful,video to learn how this works…..m y question is……when you have such a beautiful patch done….when do you think about restart a new one and lose it forever?!?!

[@TimShoebridge]

Yes I think this is the biggest dilemma with every modular patch we create! Personally, I create sounds for a specific purpose, so once I am done with the patch I don't feel too bad about tearing it down and starting again. I sometimes take photographs before doing so and other times I may record some samples, but this is part of the modular experience and it is definitely not for everyone.

[@marcschlensog9370]

Thank you again for the great video and explanation. As I‘ve understood, you‘re using the DAW to control pitch and gate. How about other CVs? E.g., I haven‘t found a good solution to control a filter sweep via MIDI due to 7bit resolution. So I assume, that there‘s still a big part of „live recording“ by adjusting filters, LFOs, ... manually. Correct?

[@TimShoebridge]

Yes correct, I'm controlling CV+gate only. I'm not sure of the up-take of MIDI 2 but it promises 32 bit resolution so maybe there is hope once manufacturers start supporting it...

[@morganpatt13]

I am thinking of getting the Poly 2, I was wondering how you had the module connected to the computer is it connected using USB or midi using a midi device? Any feedback would really help.

[@izme4700]

So if one wants to keep that sound they create in eurorack do they just bounce it down to a sample ?

[@MrBeen992]

Modular is a new world to me. System 100m seems like a good entry choice. If I had 2 dual oscillators I would like to make 4 parts music. But why Behringer doesnt have a Midi to CV that lets us do just that. Am I supposed to buy 4 sequencer modules that are limited to 16 steps ?

[@TheBiggerNoise]

He’s only using two sequencer modules here, but you might take a look at a keystep pro. That would give you multiple parts of cv. You might also take a hard look at one or two semi-modular units. A minibrute 2s paired with a neutron would give you a very powerful starting point. The sequencer on the 2s is crazy powerful.

[@MrBeen992]

@@TheBiggerNoise I have a MicroBruto and a Behringer PRO-1 which both have 64 step sequencers. I wonder if I can make both sequencers start at the same time.

[@TheBiggerNoise]

aLeX LoPeZ do they have a sync input? I think the cable is TRS vs TS for normal patch cables

[@OhGodThe]

What is the DAW at the end, with the colorful sequencer tracks and mixer?

[@theclaverman]

Cubase

[@cornoc]

Could you just trigger the first sequencer with its own clock signal? If you split the trigger out and send it both to the second sequencer module and back into its own trigger input?

[@TimShoebridge]

Unfortunately not, it needs an external impulse of some kind...

[@pepemollinedo]

To start with the system 100 of Behringer what modules do I need?😊

[@killerautomat]

[@station2station544]

Are the 182 sequencer modules fiddly-knobs pitch quantized? I guess I could look that up.

[@TimShoebridge]

No unfortunately not, the same on the original Roland System 100M module

[@station2station544]

@@TimShoebridge thank you

[@vyvhope-scott]

Just caught up with this video, (I bought VCO, VCF and env a while back, bought the VCA today). Your decision to write on the DAW seems very sensible to me, I've found HW sequencers a huge distraction, but how do you get on with MIDI sync from Cubase? A lot of folk say there are lags due to PC MIDI timing priority and you can't trust it. Is it really an issue?

[@TimShoebridge]

I actually tried doing my own software programming of MIDI clock to build software sequencers. There's a lot involved and a lot of points in the chain that can cause problems along the way when running anything that sends or receives MIDI clock on a PC or Mac. To say there's an issue with Cubase in particular is I think wrong, those issues will be there with any DAW. All the mainstream DAWs will have a lot of logic in them to anticipate lag and overcome it, there are generally a lot of configuration options that I'm sure not many people look into. I do think that often it is the over-use of USB that causes issues. And it all takes some thought and experimentation to get right, eg. only send MIDI clock to devices that need it, make sure all your connected devices are not sending clock or discovery messages unnecessarily, filter out as much of the unnecessary MIDI messages at source as possible, avoid using USB hubs, avoid ground loop issues, have a PC dedicated to running your DAW rather than a computer you use for all your gaming, social media and online shopping needs etc etc etc...

[@vyvhope-scott]

Thanks for this @@TimShoebridge. Having spent an afternoon playing with it, I reckon the imperceptible timing errors are more than compensated for by the re-discovered convenience of being able to improvise sequences on a kbd and have them stored with the project on the DAW! Maybe it's more of an issue with ultra-fast banging techno.

[@MattWhitehead80]

Roughly how much would this set up cost? Including the case.

[@JaffaDelicious]

Somewhere in the region of £1,500 - £1,700 for just the Behringer modules plus a case (I'd go for the Behringer Go case instead of the TipTop Mantis case shown here)

[@MattWhitehead80]

@@JaffaDelicious thanks

[@DeathTrapProductions]

@@JaffaDelicious Kinda makes you wonder whats the point when you consider that cost and the available alternatives. The architecture is pretty antiquated tbh. But no less enticing. GAS is real.

[@JaffaDelicious]

@@DeathTrapProductions Yes and no (sort of). An original system 100 might cost upwards of £10,000 now, if you can find one. And a similar alternative in eurorack would probably cost twice as much as the behringer system. Of course you could always just download VCVrack for free and create something similar on your computer. Modular synthesis is one of those weird things that can't be explained, either it makes complete sense despite the cost or it seems like utter lunacy. There doesn't seem to be much middle ground.

[@leonmccormick2909]

@@JaffaDelicious Great analogy. Thanks bro!!

[@chrs1968]

Tim you are using other stuff that isn't System 100 I understand time and committment are ERM varied due to work commitments, I remember your original view video, I'm just looking for hints

[@nalaeel219]

I have a question. How much did the behringer system 100 cost to build?

[@TimShoebridge]

In UK pounds, modules start at around £70 and go up to £95. There is an all-in-one synth voice module, the 110, which I did not have at the time to demo, which costs just £88. So as far as eurorack goes, all the modules are very well priced. But of course, you need a powered case to put them in.

[@RP-mp4ow]

Was this on two Behringer system 100s? Where is the Reverb coming from?

[@TimShoebridge]

The music was made with the modules you see in the video. The reverb came from a lexicon multi effects unit. The demo track at the end is multi-tracked, you can see the various audio files in the screenshots of the DAW.

[@chrs1968]

I've got every module apart from the sample and hold ring mod, do I need it?

[@TimShoebridge]

You don't "need" it but you might "want" it. Honestly I would advise making music with what you have, and over time you'll figure out what you want to add. For me getting into eurorack the first things I found I really wanted were a good midi to cv converter, a good eurorack mixer module and a decent effects module. Those ended up being my priorities but yours may very well be different.

[@chrs1968]

@@TimShoebridge I have the sample and hold module now, I now just need some time to explore the possibilities, thanks for the videos 🙂

[@garybutcher9504]

Interesting vid, pronunciation of ENvelope was a bit grating its not an ONvelope!

[@MikkelGrumBovin]

first ! 🤪

[@genx1144]

No one cares.

[@chriserikbarnes]

In Soviet Russia the First posts you.