ALM Busy Circuits Squid Salmple // Fast & powerful 8 channel audio and CV sampler in Eurorack

[@robertsyrett1992]

Thanks for being one of the most consistent video uploaders for new modules, it is appreciated.

[@palemanuk]

agreed!

[@jdavis.fw303]

Just when I convinced myself that buying 3 or 4 Tiptop One or 2HP Play was gonna be my drum setup, this thing comes out. It's so nice!!!!

[@saren6538]

Who needs a manual :) I bought this yesterday because of this video ... one of you best :) great little jam as well 16 mins

[@penguinothewaves]

A missed opportunity: Saying "Func Cue" when discussing cue sets. Great module! Great video!

[@danobrien3292]

timeless, very nicely done; as always. Thanks for the primer.

[@DivKid]

Cheers Dan, much appreciate and a pleasure to be able to work with these things.

[@Makebelieve123]

Sa- lalala- lampal :-) ....love that Ben...Im going to make a Benample module just for vocals now !

[@DivKid]

hahaha

[@everydaydust4908]

Your videos are superb man, really informative and enjoyable to watch and your friendly nature makes it that wee bit nicer still - thank you!

[@kaeptn]

I second this - Divkid videos are a pleasure to watch!

[@secretcircuit]

I walnt this

[@max_q4539]

Ha..Mle too

[@zackcolbourne6921]

I also walnut this.

[@paulmcmc4005]

me tloo

[@Hummelsbusch]

You really are an inspiration. But it comes at a serious cost... Now I‘m craving for something I didn‘t even know I needed until now😊

[@RobertMaxwellMediaCorp]

Thanks for all the great patch exalmples

[@DivKid]

A pleasure, thanks for the supportive comment.

[@christianwheeler8386]

Man the live implications are impressive.

[@mikegeary8056]

You always make the best videos. I’m ordering one on Friday. Can’t wait.

[@BlueWolfSe7en]

Played with this at SB19, really fast & intuitive. Love the length of trigger input function, cv record & cv choke! Great video as always.

[@opwave79]

Thanks! I think I’ve been sitting on this long enough and I’ll finally get it. I’ve been going back and forth between module vs drum machine and I think I like the versatility of modules, especially samplers. With a controller I can play more complex patterns as I feel the need for.

[@Cutflower]

How was it?

[@beatsbyjiro8291]

I'm still waiting for someone to make an actual mpc clone with little mind pads, sequencer and sampler, seeems like it should be easy enough, the squid is dope though.

[@DivKid]

"easy enough" ... I wouldn't say anything about making hardware is particularly easy. Especially trying to condense the full functions of an MPC into a Eurorack module. I imagine many designers interested in such things are happier sticking with the modular environment as modular in nature and making the parts separately, pad controls, sampler, sequencer etc then you can build and patch your own to suit you.

[@beatsbyjiro8291]

@@DivKid true, hardware dev is difficult - in my defense (hehe), i would not excpect or even want the full features of a modern mpc, more so the basic functions of the mpc60/3000, an integrated sampler/sequencer; that said a Salmple running through the MUM triggered by a Beatstep is very close already :-)

[@BlueSB017]

Hmmm, out of all the samplers I have used in ER this is seriously tempting. Great Vid Ben.

[@BlueSB017]

two years later, just bagged one

[@kaeptn]

@@BlueSB017 congrats!

[@ledgendairy3056]

WOW 8 channels to record! I so lolve this moldule!!!

[@digo8167]

Just sold my STS. Its time for a SALMPLE!

[@aidanvinum]

Why did you sell it? I can’t decide what to get for a sampler module. Grrrr. Have you checked out the Assimil8or module?

[@richarquis]

"Salamalampledampledink, Salamalampledoo, I loooooove yooou..." You should get your kids to sing that and pitch it to ALM as an ad.

[@RMMChicagoOfficial]

Got one in my Euro now! LOVE it!

[@deladonics]

The demo patches are super good

[@jammystraub488]

Very handy. Thank you for making this.

[@Bonedo-Synthesizers]

Interesting concept. Thanks for the deep dive

[@DiegoGutierrez-hf4ke]

just what I was looking for 😊

[@jpromano_]

Super dope module!

[@MUNRO13]

Great exalmples. Just got this module and it’s great. Thinking if I still need my Digitakt.

[@kaeptn]

Did you end up using this over the digitakt?

[@MUNRO13]

@@kaeptn I sold the Digitakt and then ended up re-buying it as I couldn’t find anything else I was happy with that was as portable. So now I use both

[@saren6538]

Have this and the arbhar ... so far I prefer this

[@dovesofwar5872]

Glad to read this, I had an arbhar on pre-order for 2 months now and I just canceled to pick this up instead.

[@kalubandali2241]

i got a digitakt and i still want this. Lord i need help

[@ig88andribs]

Got one coming!! Really excited for this one. Sampling in eurorack done by ALM. What more do you want?

[@spinalbeatz]

Great work as always. Thanks.

[@GuitarsAndSynths]

Reminds me of the Elektron Octatrack except for Eurorack.

[@0rdinari]

You're the best!

[@rdean150]

Is 16 bit / 44k the highest the unit is compatible with, or is that just the highest that the preloaded banks happen to be?

[@MrRostislove]

That decay parameter must be sample length dependent somehow..i.e even for short samples the effect should be in place starting from 99 value...maybe ALM will update it later :) overall really awesome module!

[@audiodiwhy2195]

with 1.85 firmware the behavior is odd. It depends on the type of loop you have chosen, and if it's gated. For behavior you see on most samplers try gated loop = on (i.e., a loop type with "Gate" written in the loop type) and use a gate for the trigger in. If decay = 0 gate works the way you'd expect, the sample stops when you end the gate. But if env > 0 it will always play to the sample end, even if the gate is over, and then the decay starts on the looped portion. This took some getting used to.

[@kaeptn]

@@audiodiwhy2195 Is there no way to finetune the decay by simultaniously holding the function button lets say? I was worried it was acting a bit weird by the looks of it in the video. Does this mean that if I am playing a large loop, the loop will play fully when I release the note or if the gate to that sample ends? That is odd - how would you even adjust to that behaviour - just dont use salmple for longer sustained samples or have it drone on like an oscillator and apply a decay envelope to an external VCA? Confusing

[@kaeptn]

@@audiodiwhy2195 Oh crap I just realised the decay time value is 0 on 0 value then jumps to 100% of its length at 1 and then gets shortened correspondingly up until a maximum value of 99 where it is at the shortest decay. Did you try raise it to a higher value and see if that solves your patch? Guess that won't make a difference, eh? From the manual: "If a sample is set to loop the envelope will effect the loop as a whole (rather than a single sample)" - What do they even mean by that?

[@thesnipecatcher116]

Yep, that thing is really cool :)

[@BarnacleButtock]

Those cs80 notes sounded just like SNES Earthbound samples! Must have.

[@dovesofwar5872]

Might have missed this in the video, but are you handcuffed to the banks for all channels or can I load a kick from bank 1 on channel 1, then a snare from bank 5 on channel 2, ect?

[@big_wiff]

Came here wondering this… will dig into the manual. Might be a case of building custom banks for this use case

[@big_wiff]

Yep it’s possible with the Load 1 option. Check 31m onwards

[@dovesofwar5872]

@@big_wiff thanks for digging into that! I’m ashamed to say I’ve had this module for a year and never dedicated the time to figuring it out

[@CaptainProton1]

How does the transposition sound, is it full of aliasing like bitbox and Disting or is it nice and clean?

[@audiodiwhy2195]

I think the transposed sound is really good. My opinion anyway.

[@proxymerchant]

Thank you this helped.

[@ushnicyuvnikof2748]

This is the modern day sp1200 especially with the s950 filter moduel

[@atkmodular904]

ACE! I've been thinking a lot about a new, more modern and flexible sampler to replace my old Korg ESX-1 which is just about hangin in there. It was always going to have to be a Eurorack Module, so this jumps out as a nice contender. What other Sampler Modules would you (or anyone else for that matter) recommend?

[@danielprovder]

1010 Bitbox, Rossum assimil8tor

[@atkmodular904]

@@danielprovder Cheers Daniel. I had looked briefly at the Bitbox before, and though i'm aware of the Assimil8or i hadn't looked at it in depth really (mostly due to the price). So, the Squid seems to be a strong contender based on price alone. I'll do some more research on the topic.

[@kalubandali2241]

did you get one?? would you reccomend?

[@kaeptn]

@@atkmodular904 what did you end up with?

[@Elfaki19]

WHY THE FUCK IS IT 21 HP INSTEAD OF 20!?! I'm as mad about that as this module is dope as hell.

[@dubstationzero4908]

Great vid once again!! ordered one! quick question, if you were to send a kick triggered envelope to one of the cv inputs... could you do internal side chain/ducking ? started reading the manual and it looks like it wouldn't work because cv input ignores negative, and only attenuates , not vert? if i'm right could this be achieved via firmware update?

[@kaeptn]

did you get an answer?

[@MikeHancho663]

Am I thinking correctly that you “lose” every other channel if you’re using this for CV? I don’t see how channel 1 could be cv, and channel 2 audio or a different cv with The mixed outputs

[@schmooster]

awesome tutorial

[@CO5MA]

What would be your choice: Rossum Assimil8or or this Squid?

[@5etz3r]

tough choice for sure...... I lean to the assimil8or though

[@nathturn3869]

Nearly twice the price though

[@danielprovder]

Half the immediacy

[@NineHellHeaven]

Or bitbox?

[@kaeptn]

@@danielprovder what do you mean? the Salmple or the Assimil8or?

[@davidsimons5944]

Are all the samples heard on this vid included with the salalalalamplewample!? I love that non percussive sound at around 47 seconds. Is that on board?

[@audiodiwhy2195]

unit is great for percussion and snappy short sounds, as demonstrated. I own a salmper (w latest firmware) and I have not had luck with longer sustained loops. Last night I tried for 2 hours to make a simple 6 second loop of a sustained bottle blow, I wanted to retain the initial attack then loop the sample towards the end of the sound so I could sustain beyond 6 seconds. This didn't seem possible. I couldn't get rid of clicks; crossfade didn't work as I expected, Loop setting didn't seem to impact--it only looped from start to finish of the initial sample no matter what I did. Is this unit just for sound design using short bursts of sound? It is definitely good for that. Can anyone provide a link for making clean click and distortion free loops of sustained audio with this module? the way say ableton simpler can? Is the someone at ALM I can reach out to for help?

[@audiodiwhy2195]

I discussed with ALM and perfect circuit, both of whom were responsive and helpful. Bottom line appears to be, for longer sounds, that need to be retriggered during playback, squid salmper is not a good choice. When you retrigger a sound, while it's playing back, squid jumps back to the beginning of the sound--there is no 2ms fade out, no making sure zero crossing match etc. You can thus jump from 5V or wherever the sample output is at to 0V almost instanteously, which leads to the click. I assume this "feature" allows CV sampling to work--which it does very well. Of course classic audio only samplers coded around this using zero crossings and/or very quick fades but there appears in current firmware (1.85) there is no way around this limitation. Too bad.

[@DivKid]

thanks for coming back to share your experience and findings. Helpful for anyone reading. Cheers.

[@kaeptn]

@@audiodiwhy2195 Have they adressed this in the current firmware by now if you know it by any chance?

[@brianrodman1033]

What mode is your Mordax DATA in at the beginning that looks somewhat like a screen saver? Is that something that it can do with the current firmware?

[@DivKid]

the lissajous curves? That's current firmware yeah, hold the top right button in scope mode to access more settings then turn on the XY scope. Set the X and Y as channels 1-2 or 3-4 and use those inputs to create 2D shapes. You can then go turn off channels just to be left with the 2D image it creates.

[@brianrodman1033]

Thank you Ben. I’ve been enjoying turning it on when I’m not actively using DATA for the oscilloscope mode.

[@tiltedstudio]

Sneaky Mordax Reflection @35:00! +10 points!

[@incelstate2466]

I can't decide should I get multiple 2hp play, pico drums or this. This is large module and I have to take something out to make room for it.

[@michaelparks1632]

get a new case, ldo

[@kaeptn]

Depends on how important the features are over the things you would need to throw out. Just puzzle away all possible combinations on modulargrid to get the optimal setup for your needs. As the other guy said that might include getting a larger case. Or just re evaluating of the other modules and if you really need everything or if you can get another module in smaller formfactor that does the same job similarly, to make room for the Salmple. Planning Eurorack is minmaxing because of space, ergonomics, and price limitations, but leads to something truly beautiful in the end that is tailored perfectly to your needs and it is rewarding and alot of fun. It's kinda like building a charakter in a complicated ARPG game, haha =D

[@Symphoneers]

This (or hey, two of them) seems like it'd be absolutely wicked with the Robaux 16+. Hopefully it's not horrendously expensive. Edit: found the £399 est price in the superbooth video. So not cheap, but it does do the job of at least 3 different modules I've been interested in. Would be great if the final price were just a touch lower (wait for a sale maybe), would make it an absolute no-brainer.

[@xylic]

Only £338 if you order from Schneidersladen

[@MuslimShortanov]

Good video as usual ! Thanks a lot brother ! You do the great job. Can you please help me to understand what is the output type of cable should I use with this module. I see 4 outputs marked for 8 channels. And mix out mono ? How can I use this 4 holes to go out to 8 mono channels ?

[@kaeptn]

People stated the grouped outputs are summed to mono. In that case you cannot split it in any way - it is just a mono signal of two channels mixed together. You would use a normal eurorack mono patchcable.

[@davidsimons5944]

Since the squid name seems to imply a fishy theme how about calling it the salmon pool? Flows off the tongue a bit easier somehow!

[@ekoboydj]

Ben from which module off screen u sent the different triggers? (Not the Pamela)

[@ednasdiscomachine6049]

Hi Ben. This interests me. I currently have 5 Pico Drums modules(!) to give me 10 channels of audio, which I use for drum sounds predominately. It works really well, especially given the 12bit output! However, it would be useful to have something more robust potentially. I like the Salmple and will look at it in a bit more detail (and your video of course!). However, have you considered doing a review/walkthrough of 1010's Bitbox? As on paper, it looks amazing. My concern is that people have said they don't like the 'sound' of it? Whatever that means. Cheers.

[@kalubandali2241]

I have the same question! did you find a answer?

[@audiodiwhy2195]

@@kalubandali2241 I have both a salmple and a gen 1 bitbox 1010. Comparing say the same 808 kick sound on either--to me, they sound different. I'd suggest trying to listen to both before purchasing to see what you like better. Obviously It's subjective. I also understand the 1010 Mk2 sounds different than the other 2, but I haven't heard one of those yet. However Squid often clicks during a sample retrigger, which Bitbox doesn't do. IMO, that should be considered as well, the click bugs me a lot.

[@Atzensindkacke]

If I don't have enough triggers I can use the loop function and do for example eighth and sixteenth patterns?

[@jonaseggen2230]

Must be perfect for making psALMs?

[@VictorSteiner]

Damn .. I was so sure the vpme quad drum voice was the way to go ... this one ... might be better.

[@r3ijmsszf3bsrew7tw7o]

I'm conflicted between the Squid Salmple and the EricaSynths Sample Drum. Any idea on what could make them better for different use cases?

[@rdean150]

I have a Sample Drum, and it is fantastic. Pros: smaller than this unit, 3 CV inputs per channel, built in fx per channel, deep modulation options, can independently switch between individual samples per channel without altering the other channel (not sure if that's possible here), has a big screen with a super intuitive interface, can save projects/presets, can handle samples of arbitrary length (also don't know if that's possible here) - it is definitely not just for drum hits. It's really a great module, not sure I'm doing it justice here. That said, the Squid Salmple has a lot more channels, can record its own samples, and looks like it has pretty solid modulation options also. The Salmple can replace a full drum rack in a way that the Sample Drum cannot (without very creative modulation or complex samples).

[@motoboy6666]

@@rdean150 Both can record samples right? Also stuck between these. What seems awesome with the Erica is the precise slicing. It makes you feel like you dont need that many channels and can run a whole sampled kit on one track and some chord progression on the other channel. Though one.

[@kaeptn]

@@motoboy6666 Yes Sample Drum can also record

[@motoboy6666]

@@kaeptn Im pretty sure i now it cant

[@kaeptn]

@@motoboy6666 www.ericasynths.lv/media/sample_drum_instrukcija_A4_13PwdTA.pdf hit control+f and search for record

[@paulwilkinson1290]

Can you audition individual samples without loading their banks?

[@t3l3phasicworksh0p]

What's the module below the Mordax Data? Intriguing......

[@7177YT]

Grab a drink, watch the video, leave a comment is what he said. Sage advice! thx (:

[@smegma43]

ACE !!!

[@vbaechle121]

Great video as always!! Is it 19 or 21 hp? On Schneiders and ALM websites they state it's 19hp, but on Modular Grid it's 21 hp..

[@ig88andribs]

Manual says 19hp

[@dubstationzero4908]

confirmed 21... not that i've spent hours on modular grid planing for 19 .. DOH

[@vbaechle121]

@@dubstationzero4908 True story - you are not alone! :D

[@vbaechle121]

Are the seperate outs (1+2; 3+4;...) removed from the mix output when a cable is plucked in or are they still included in the mix output?

[@sumocloud]

They're removed

[@atom9249]

@@sumocloud nice, I guess that means you can use the 4 individual outs for CV and the mix for audio for example. anyway to change the volume of individual sounds ?

[@sumocloud]

@@atom9249 you couldn't use all 4 because then nothing would come out of the main, but yes. And yes, you can adjust the volume (and lots more, including envelopes, loop type etc etc) of individual samples

[@atom9249]

@@sumocloud oh yes, it takes the even ones too. So you could have 1 + 3 as CV and 5,6 and 7,8 as groups. Mm, not sure the value of the mix output if you can't take individual tracks out. I think it would be better if you could do 1,3, 5,7 via individual and 2,4,6,8 via mix.

[@sumocloud]

@@atom9249 it's a hardware limitation rather than a design choice. Personally I would prefer individual outputs. It's still the best sampler for drums in eurorack. And it has plenty of other tricks up its sleeve too. Sampling cv is not very exciting though.. What a convoluted, overly time consuming way to create modulation, and a waste of an audio sampler...

[@Natemasterflex]

Drool 🤤

[@kaeptn]

Delay / Reverb used in this video?

[@gurkenjoe8795]

What are you using for sequencing ?

[@DivKid]

Hello I can't be certain but by the age of the video it's probably the Winter Modular Eloquencer.

[@gurkenjoe8795]

@DivKidVideo thank you !

[@HenricWallmark]

1+2, 3+4, paired = meaning not split stereo but mono?

[@trump-1-win]

Please ,do you need a rack to install this one? . I have never use a modular hardware

[@kaeptn]

Yes! For example a Moog eurorack skiff case with a flying bussboard power supply like the 4ms row power next to the module - or some cases with inbuilt power supply like the 4ms Pod cases or the Intellijel Palette cases.

[@ZenMountain]

Just got my Salmple, everything sounds super distorted, not sure what is going on ... Anybody has had the same experience?

[@na-dj6ob]

Its based on being an old school sounding "lofi" sampler. It is not meant to be a pristine sounding unit. If you want super clean hi fidelity, you want either a bitbox or Assimil8or.

[@sumocloud]

Can you load up single cycle waveforms and use the v/o channels as simple oscillators like this?

[@sumocloud]

@Black Coffee Now imperfect looping. Not all samplers can do it. I still havent tried it though, maybe it works

[@kaeptn]

@@sumocloud did it work?

[@sumocloud]

@@kaeptn i still haven't tried. The v/o repitching is quite crunchy. It's more geared towards percussive samples. Which it is great for

[@kaeptn]

@@sumocloud ah yes that makes perfect sense. that is a great progress to my decision also, thanks! btw is the chrunhyness in repitching emulating any particular sort of classic gear by any chance?

[@Luke_Mile]

Hi! great,massive video as always. But it's your fault if I'll buy this. Not mine...oh no no no. And you'll speak with my wife of the matter. Question: what did you use to trigger the salalalalmple?! For you didn't use pamela workout...what do you suggest to couple with this beast...eurorack and not?! Pamela?beatstep pro?mi grids? What else especially for buchla end experimental style... Thank you for all. Your videos are superb. Luke

[@kaeptn]

and he never replied Sadge :(

[@n0tett]

Anyone know why these aren't available anymore?

[@DivKid]

message ALM though their site or socials and ask if more are coming. Might be hard to get parts at the minute or a new batch might be under way.

[@n0tett]

@@DivKid Thanks divkid, had reached out, waiting to hear back from them.

[@DivKid]

hope there's some more coming for you.

[@ModulerDrone]

yummy slumpler

[@w-h-y-]

ALM must like salmon. I believe it would still be pronounced phonetically as sample haha

[@mrotaveria]

sALMple, got it?

[@rdean150]

@@mrotaveria Powww Mind. Blown. I totally did not see that before. That makes this wordplay exponentially more impressive and fun.

[@mrotaveria]

@@rdean150 lol

[@NineHellHeaven]

@@rdean150 I didn't see it either. LoL

[@soupforare]

was in instabuy mode until I saw the ganged outs... I still will probably pick it up but used

[@dubstationzero4908]

to me that feature is a bonus

[@xylic]

Sorry for my ignorance but i have to ask, what does ganged outs mean exactly?

[@dubstationzero4908]

@@xylic summed/grouped

[@xylic]

@@dubstationzero4908 thanks :) not a dealbreaker for me, but i could see it would be for some ppl.

[@SoundProvider]

oh want!

[@Otocol]

are the combination outputs stereo or mono?

[@thesurgingmass]

Mono

[@jedgould5531]

Squid Salmple. Like Scottish Salmon. No L sound, see?

[@DivKid]

Matthew at Alm Busy Circuits wanted it to sound like a meal from some fine French cuisine (we spoke about it before this video), he didn't name it after Scottish (or not Scottish) Salmon ... but we'll have to get him on a live stream to talk the intricacies of his naming ... for now I'll stick to the more fun salalalalample

[@christophermarney777]

What's the ticket?

[@Mrpepito1989]

31:01

[@blackboxorchestra]

putting the funk in function... ...geah.

[@Alphastare23]

I keep thinking I've developed dyslexia with these companies spelling things worng. :/

[@benjaminizzo2551]

Lmfao!

[@MOGmog]

0:48 very EBTG！

[@aidanvinum]

This or...Assimil8or? Or sts....morph... my head is reeling.

[@kaeptn]

Same - what did you end up with?

[@Dudadius]

I try to avoid your videos when I'm on a money-saving trend.

[@johnnymidnight2982]

I like this, but it reminds me more of a drum rompler than a dedicated sampler.

[@fiddlestickzmuzik]

Sorry finding it hard to get past the name, is that intentional to miss spell sample..? why..?

[@xylic]

It's just a fun little reference to the company's name. Squid sALMple made by ALM Busy Circuits.

[@NineHellHeaven]

As someone else above said, it's sALMple

[@BeniRoseMusic]

Really? 2 years layer and no one wants to talk about that Zelda module with the sheikah symbol and hylian text on it??

[@fakshen1973]

I'll go with the 1010 Music BitBox for $100 more. You get much more value for your money.

[@edjwise]

Too many ads :(

[@fosferus]

Dude leaned a brand new module, made and edited half an hour video and uploaded it for free. I think a bit of compensation for his time is deserved.

[@rdean150]

@@fosferus I've had over 30 minutes of ads so far for this video, and I'm not even all the way through it yet. As I type this, it is currently playing the SECOND 13+ minute ad to have come up. By the time I finish the module review, there may have been more time spent playing ads than actual content, which is shocking for a video that's over 30 minutes long. I don't think it's necessarily specific to this channel though, over the past month or so I've noticed a significant uptick I the quantity and length of ads across most of the KZbin videos I've happened to watch.

[@rdean150]

Edit - ok nope, by the time I finish watching this review there will definitely have been more time served for ads than content. I know this because I can't take it anymore and I'm stopping this video. Sorry Divkid, I love your stuff but this is insane.

[@fosferus]

@@rdean150 hm, could be youtube, i don't watch a lot of videos. i don't know if creators can specify "lots of ads or just a few ads."

[@DivKid]

Hi @edjwise sorry about that, of course ads on a free video should be no problem but it seems you and others have had crazy amount of ads on this. Way more than I've experience and way more than I have the option of even turning on or off. I'm going to contact KZbin support about this.