Hemispheres for Ornament and Crime Part 1: Installation, getting started, and 5 patch ideas

Hemispheres is an alternate firmware for the Ornament and Crime Eurorack module. It completely changes how Ornament and Crime works by adding new ‘applets’ that can run in parallel, along with new applications for the module. The applets are simpler than the standard O_C applications, and are like utility modules for your patches
In this video (the first in a series on Hemispheres) I explain what Hemispheres is, how to install it, and show you how it’s different from the standard Ornament and Crime firmware. I also cover some of the applets in Hemispheres are show you example patches of using them. I’ve got more videos planned in this series, so don’t worry if your favourite applet isn’t covered - let me know in the comments and I can cover it in a future video.
There are dozens of applets available for Hemispheres which is more than I can cover in one video. I’ve broken this tutorial into multiple parts; stay tuned for Part 2 which dives deeper into the Darkest Timeline app in Hemispheres.
Teensy loader download: www.pjrc.com/teensy/loader.html
Hemispheres firmware download: github.com/Chysn/O_C-Hemisphe...
Links to handy manuals for Hemispheres: gearspace.com/board/modular-m...
Timeline if you want to jump to a specific piece:
00:00 Introduction
00:27 Download the Hemispheres firmware
02:03 Installing Hemispheres on your Ornament and Crime
02:55 Quick tour of the Hemispheres user interface
05:35 Basic patch using a sequencer and envelope generator
12:15 More advanced patching ideas; using Brancher and Burst trigger generator
16:22 Audio effect applets: LowerRenz modulator and DrCrusher, a bit crusher applet
20:04 Separate rhythm from melody using the Compare applet
25:48 Outro jam
Modules used in this video:
- ALM Pamelas New Workout: master clock module and modulation source
- Noise Engineering Mimetic Digitalis: 16 step sequencer times four. A great source of pitch voltages or random modulation
- Ornament and Crime: star of the show
- Klavis Twin Waves: fantastic small-form factor dual digital oscillator, with VCA and wave shaping
- After Later Stereo Ripples: two Ripples filters in the space of one.
- Doepfer A-180-2: dual mini VCA
- Happy Nerding FX Aid XL: amazing little FX module
- Befaco Out v3: output of audio to interface
Here are links to my other Ornament and Crime tutorials:
- Sequins dual 16 step sequencer: • Ornament and Crime Seq...
- Copiermaschine cascading sample and hold generator: • Ornament and Crime Cop...
- Harrington 1200 chord generator: • Harrington 1200 Orname...
- Acid Curds dual 8 step chord sequencer: • Acid Curds chord seque...
- Piqued quad envelope, LFO and trigger generator: • Ornament and Crime Piq...
- Quantermain: • Quantise all the Thing... O
#modulartutorial #tutorialvideo #uO_C #ornamentandcrime #mxmxmx #quantiser #eurorack #eurorackmodular #modularsynth #modularsynthesiser #synthtutorial #busycircuits #almbusycircuits #befacoout #smallmodularsystem #klavis #klavistwinwaves #klavismixwitch #tutorial #youtubetutorial #mimeticdigitalis #noiseengineering #afterlater #popples #stereoripples #stereofilter
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* Korg Wavestate: bit.ly/wavestateplaylist
* Synthstrom Deluge demos and tricks: bit.ly/delugevideos
* Getting the most from the Empress Zoia pedal: bit.ly/zoiaplaylist
* Exploring FM synthesis on the Electron Digitone: bit.ly/digitoneplaylist
* Using guitar pedals with your synths: bit.ly/guitarpedalsandsynths
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[@arno1215]

And the Oscar of the best O & C tutorials goes to ...

[@SynthDad]

And now for my acceptance speech I’d like to thank...

[@magnopere]

@@SynthDad no slap required 😂

[@pvillez]

Thank you for explaining this so clearly!

[@skillzdatkillzab]

SynthDad, you have a happy and informed new subscriber. Thanks for uploading

[@doublebyte01]

This channel is a gem!

[@SynthDad]

Thank you so much!

[@maxdiamond55]

great tutorial, can't wait to play with the comapre aplet.

[@Almanacs]

Thank you so much for this! I just installed it in mine! You just made my day.

[@SynthDad]

Glad I could help!

[@Landman_sounds]

More O&C stuff please! Super informative and a pleasure to listen to.

[@SynthDad]

Thanks, will work on more O_C videos for sure!

[@whatintheworld6501]

Incredible tutorial. Great work!

[@SynthDad]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@tcourt76]

Thanks for producing these videos! Your tutorials are great. Very descriptive and easy to follow. I just ordered my micro OC from After Later Audio. Can't wait to dive into the Hemisphere apps!

[@SynthDad]

Thanks - Hemispheres has a lot of value in any modular setup

[@not_in_sync5758]

The only one good hemisphere tutorial, thank you 🙏

[@SynthDad]

Wow, thanks!

[@ThesisOfSyn]

Another excellent video. Just started my first Eurorack project and your videos have cleared up so much. I’ll be sure to shout you out on my next video

[@SynthDad]

Great to hear that!

[@dtkincaid]

Thanks for the o_C content! Such a versatile module. Eventhough I've been using o_C for a while (both standard and hemispheres) I took a lot of good tips from this.

[@SynthDad]

Great to hear!

[@achellsuez]

Thanks, very helpful all around tutorial

[@GuitarsAndSynths]

Just ordered mine from Plum Audio to complement other support modules like Maths and Apex.This is a very good overview and tips for using O&C and I need to pair it up with my Pam's and Mimetic Digitalis modules for a powerful mobile toolkit in my Doepfer 6u suitcase.

[@GuitarsAndSynths]

My new OCP Plum audio arrived with Hemispheres and your video demystified how to use it! Mine has the cool VOR option to change voltage ranges possible from 0-10v, -3V to 7V and -5 to 5V with bi/uni voltage control options which is great fun. I find it way easier to use than Expert Sleeper's Disting EX and want a few more O&C modules so useful!

[@dedodan1]

Dear SIr you re the reason why I bought this wonderful multitask module thanks 🙏

[@SynthDad]

You are most welcome - thank you!

[@chitlun]

Tremendous work sir! I ordered mine earlier today… I think it’s safe to say I’ll be updating the firmware to Hemispheres when it arrives. What an astonishing wee box of magic it is! Cheers man 👍

[@SynthDad]

Glad you enjoyed the video and enjoy Hemispheres!

[@humankapital2000]

I learned a lot. Thank you very much!

[@SynthDad]

You’re welcome - thanks for watching!

[@Micropulso]

Many thanks for this video!❤

[@SynthDad]

You are so welcome!

[@X-101]

THANK YOU, i have O_C but only use 1/8th of the apps as many of them and don't understand and this is so helpful

[@SynthDad]

Glad to hear that - thanks for watching!

[@JeffPedlow]

YES YEEEEESSSS PLEASE keep this series up, Best hemispheres tutorial.

[@SynthDad]

I will - lots more video planned!

[@JeffPedlow]

@@SynthDad Awesome -- Check this out (maybe worth including in the description(s) as its HARD to find), the best hemispheres manual I've seen yet: gearspace.com/board/modular-mania-all-things-eurorack-and-modular-synths-effects/1250947-o_c-hemisphere-guide-pdfs.html

[@SynthDad]

@@JeffPedlow Good call - I'll add that now

[@eddyray666]

You absolute legend. I just got my uO_C and this was massively helpful. EDIT: What I meant to say was, thank you very much!

[@SynthDad]

Glad it helped!

[@TheNimasan]

Thank you so much. the solution is 2 O_C 's in the system. one with hemisphere and one with standard. all those paired with the 2 disting ex and you are good to go!! i really found my go to channel when it comes to o_C much support from munich/germany

[@SynthDad]

Two O_Cs are better than one for sure! Thanks for watching!

[@jjbing3]

Thank you for showing how to install the OS. I got it easily after figuring out my first usb cable wasn’t working.

[@hyprballads]

Great tutorial!

[@SynthDad]

Thanks!

[@DanielMaruniak]

Really great. Thank you.

[@SynthDad]

Thanks for watching!

[@rayderrich]

I just got Ornament And Crime with the standard firmware a few weeks ago, but just for the fun of it I will install the Hemispheres firmware and play around. Thank you for your inspiring videos.

[@SynthDad]

I'd suggest installing Phazerville which combines all of Hemispheres with the original firmware and some new apps. I've a video on it on my channel as well

[@rayderrich]

Oh sure thing, back to putting the USB cable in and programming once more, so cool that this is even possible at all.

[@lkurashov]

Thanks a lot!

[@quantumcadillac4748]

Really great tutorial thank you

[@SynthDad]

You're very welcome!

[@stevekirkby6570]

Looking forward to part 2 and beyond! I see it's a while since you made part 1 ... so hope this mini series is not abandoned? Thanks!

[@SynthDad]

I was just thinking today I really need to get back to this series. All these bright and shiney new modules are distracting me!

[@stevekirkby6570]

@@SynthDad Good to hear! I'm subscribed, so looking forward to it popping up :)

[@JB61264]

Great tutorial! Extremely helpful for getting me familiar with this swiss army knife of a module...when is the next tutorial? :) I have been playing around mostly with Enigma, would like to vote for Captain MIDI and Darkest Timeline to be covered

[@rainerd9890]

Hello again. I was looking into buying a quad LFO but decided instead to buy another Ornament an Crimes and install the hemispheres firmware on that using my original O_C with the standard firmware and quadraturia etc. Worked pretty much as you outlined except i had some trouble with the teensy loader and win7 but it eventually worked. Thanks again.

[@SynthDad]

Great - glad this helped!

[@TimRichardson1984]

i like your patch cables

[@SynthDad]

Thanks!

[@lfarrolas]

This is more than good, better than great, this is Public Service. Thank you very much! :-)

[@SynthDad]

Thank you - very nice to hear :)

[@jamessusbilla]

thank *YOU*

[@Ldj8395jebr4]

I really appreciate the pacing and detailed exploration in your videos. For those of us who appreciate the journey as much as the destination, you do us a great service by pointing us in the right direction and inspiring us to dig further!

[@SynthDad]

Thank you so much! Let me know if you have any suggestions for future videos

[@drd8974]

Me after I had played with Hemispheres for about 10 minutes: Oh crap now I need two o_C's. Flipping my 14 hp o_C for two 8 hp uo_Cs with one running original fw and the other running hemispheres has been one of the best modular decisions I've ever made.

[@SynthDad]

Same here - I think the two compliment each other really well

[@TRUEiMPROrecords]

Just installed Hemisphere and this made it all a breeze. Dad knows best!

[@SynthDad]

Thanks, glad you found it helpful!!

[@doiob.videos]

Thanks, Dad!

[@SynthDad]

You’re welcome!

[@MrZasori]

Cool 👍

[@marcdebroey2276]

Can't wait for part 2 and 3 and ....

[@SynthDad]

Stay tuned - working on them over the coming weeks!

[@ryanmartinez2876]

I can barely keep up! But, keeping up I am. :D

[@chrisplaza892]

As usual, incredible good video! Thanks a lot! Do you think it is worth having 2 o_C, one with the original firmware and one with hemispheres? If not, which firmware do you prefer? :) Thanks again!

[@SynthDad]

Thanks! I actually bought a second O_C, one for standard and one for Hemispheres. Gives me the best of both worlds!

[@graphomate]

Oh no, I just started to deal with the original firmware thanks to your awesome vids and now you start w/ hemisphere ... too soon 😉

[@SynthDad]

You'll need a second O_C soon ;)

[@graphomate]

It was my first SMD DIY; temps utils now :) I like the two apps approach of hemisphere. I think I will give it a try. Awaiting your next vids.

[@Lazzade-music]

Synthdad is just pure magic

[@Paul.Jame.s]

Hi @SynthDad , thanks for another awesome tutorial. I was just wondering which Micro USB cable you are using? Type A/B? Thanks in advance! Paul :)

[@SynthDad]

It’s a Type A to micro cable

[@Jaysusitsme]

Another informative and very explicit video. Could you make a video on Mimetic Digitalis? that thing confuses the bejesus out of me :)

[@SynthDad]

Thanks for the suggestion, I’ll put that on the list

[@nagruv_bbbb]

Daaddyyyy I want more O_c and hemisphere tutorial pleaaaase

[@SynthDad]

More coming soon!

[@nagruv_bbbb]

​@@SynthDad Oh so a good news

[@craig_z]

How do you find reading the text on that tiny screen? I've been interested in this module for a while, but always been worried I wouldn't be able to make out what I'm looking at (my eyes are not as young as they once were).

[@SynthDad]

The text is pretty easy to read, but of source that depends on the quality of the screen on the module you buy. I do have to look closely at it when I’m configuring settings as well

[@seanspartan2023]

Awesome tutorial... but I spent most of the video staring at your stereo Ripples. Was that a DIY project? I've never seen that black panel before 🤔 And I had to get a second o_C to run Hemispheres. It's a useful module. Similar to my Disting. So many uses

[@SynthDad]

Thanks! It’s a stereo Ripples from After Later. Really great variation on the original

[@mcshafty1]

Hi Synthdad. Have you the Hemisphere Logarythms branch? It has a great applet called tb3p0 - a 303 style sequencer

[@SynthDad]

I have seen it and definitely want to have a play with that new sequencer!

[@kdsf12]

I picked up a used ornament and crime. The previous owner set the screen to go dark for a shorter period of time than I would like. How do I get the screen to stay on? Press and hold the up button for "screen blanking" (from the instructions). It doesn't tell you how to do the opposite.

[@SynthDad]

As far as I know that is not a user configurable option currently

[@christophersnow335]

hey there --- what do i do when the loader says "too large" --- the git site says to load a different hex instead, but it is a dead link

[@SynthDad]

That often happens if your browser downloads the hex file as a text file and not a raw binary file. The browser then adds extra characters to the file which confuses Teensy loader. Try downloading as a binary file, or using a different browser. Let me know if that works

[@lukeglover1605]

Hello there, ive just started my O&C Rabbit hole so thanks for the videos! Ive been trying to research elsewhere but can find an answer so thought id bother you! Sorry. I followed your procedure, Mac, teensy, data wire, back of module, Botton, power etc but now the O&C doesn't power on at all. Any recommendations. Thanks again.

[@SynthDad]

Hmm, so when you connect the USB cable the O_C doesn't power on? Some builds of O_C require power from the modular case so the Teensy will boot up. Is that the issue?

[@lukeglover1605]

@@SynthDad Thanks for getting back! No, now the unit doesn't power on in the case or connected. I fear its bricked but I don't know how that could happen! Love your content BTW! thanks

[@studio48nl]

Hi, you mentioned the Darkest Timeline next... will you do one? Thanks!

[@SynthDad]

Yes, I'm on a summer break from making videos to rest and recharge and then I'll be back in a few weeks with new videos!

[@ProfessorSynth]

Done any more with the Blokas Midihub?

[@SynthDad]

Nothing recently. It’s sitting on my desk and I keep thinking I need to put it to use again

[@myblues]

Is it possible to go back to original O_c firmware? i just switched to hemispheres after watching this video, but would like to go back.. am i doomed and stuck with Hemispheres? the same install method doesn't seem to work when using O-c latest firmware

[@SynthDad]

Yes absolutely. You just download the stock firmware hex file and use it in place of the Hemisphere’s one. I do it frequently with no problem

[@myblues]

@@SynthDad thanks! I had wrongfully concluded that my o_C was a Lemon, as I was unable to reload the original firmware from hemispheres. I think it’s important to note, when switching firmware of any kind, use a micro usb cable that is designed to transfer data, not just for charging.

[@charliewilson7283]

Great video! is there anyone to load both the original and hemisphere firmware at the same time? I've heard of people compiling them into one hex file but never found out if it worked well.

[@SynthDad]

By default you can’t load them both at the same time as they take up the full memory image. But if you can code then it’s no trouble to develop your own version of Hemispheres apps and maybe port some of your favourite original firmware apps over. I bought a second uO_C, one for each firmware, as it was easier!

[@JB61264]

Do I need to 'purchase' the Teensy application in order to use it with uploading firmware to O_C? I tried with what looks like the freely available uploader and when I load the hex file, it says "file too big"

[@SynthDad]

No, the teensy application is a free download. Make sure you download the file as a raw binary and not try to save it as text.

[@JB61264]

@@SynthDad ugh, tried for the past couple days and no luck...keep getting the "file too big" message...i think i'm downloading the binary (its a .hex file right?) I'm on Windows (and see you're using Mac) I must be missing something unfortunately

[@Pamaracas]

Hi there, having exactly the same problem. I'm downloading the firmware as a .hex. Is that a raw binary? There is no option to save it as text.

[@JB61264]

@@Pamaracas what i found in my case was that I was not connecting to the teensy board on the O_C first (before running the teensy application). When I connected a data/power microUSB to it and then did the steps outlined in the instructions, it worked perfectly

[@faruambient]

thanks for this! I am getting the message too large in the teensy app and it wont do anything. Any idea how to solve this?

[@SynthDad]

This is to do with how your browser is saving the file. Is it trying to convert to a text file?

[@faruambient]

@@SynthDad in the end it was not a data usb cable.

[@SynthDad]

@@faruambient Glad you got it figured out in the end

[@robertdonatiello870]

When I try to load Hemispheres, I get a Teensy error message stating that the 'file is too large for the chip.' is there a work around? thanks!

[@SynthDad]

This happens when the file is mangled by your browser and saved as a text file. Can you be sure to Right Click and Save As and also try a different browser

[@robertdonatiello870]

@@SynthDad actually I tried again with a different usb cable (no ribbon power connected , just USB) and it was successful. Thanks!

[@Pamaracas]

​@@SynthDad Got it working. The instructions on the O_c website are confusing. They tell you to load the .hex into teensy and then push the button. It's actually the other way round. If you try and load the .hex into teensy before pressing the button you get the file too large error.

[@blancodisco]

@@Pamaracas thanks. this just fixed my issue right up. cheers.

[@kdsf12]

Does anyone know if there is a PC download for Ornament and Crime Hemispheres? My mac is too old to open the file. .HEX is a mac file.

[@SynthDad]

You need to run the Teensy loader program which is available for Mac, Linux and PC. Once you have that you open the .hex file in the Teensy loader, not on the computer directly. Also I recommend installing the latest Phazerville firmware, which I covered in a recent video. It combines all of Hemispheres with the stock apps, more features and lots of bug fixes

[@kdsf12]

@@SynthDadYeah, I figured this out later. One must drag and drop the .hex ON TO the teensy. Thanks for your help!

[@vertigev]

Wait, Twin Waves had a built in vca all this time??

[@SynthDad]

Yes on oscillator 1 it has a VCA. Very handy!

[@petedako]

Can you do one on Hemisphere's The Darkest Timeline, please? …or have you already done that and i missed it?

[@SynthDad]

That’s the next video which I’m working on now. Stay tuned, hopefully this weekend!

[@petedako]

@@SynthDad SUPER! thanks Dad!

[@ARPMAN]

How can I rollback to the original firmware?

[@SynthDad]

Download the original firmware from this address and repeat the procedure I show in the video, but using the file you just downloaded: ornament-and-cri.me/firmware/#method_a

[@goldenvirgo2110]

i need to help !! i want to update noise plethora by befaco firmware, somebody can help me?? .

[@SynthDad]

I don’t have one so can’t help you. Have you tried contacting their support?

[@goldenvirgo2110]

@@SynthDad yes I contacted befaco but despite their instructions nn I succeeded, I am sure that the module works but after an incorrect update nn works, could it be that it lost the sourcecode ?

[@daneguitarist1]

synth dad, i wanna bring some synths over and just have like a big old synth jam, ive got whiskey! lets get like five other synthers over too haha

[@daneguitarist1]

synthdadfest2023!!!

[@SynthDad]

I’m down for that!

[@daneguitarist1]

@@SynthDad mother fuckin synthdadfest2023 bbabbbbyyy!!!! I will gather the troops, what area of the world are you in by the way? haha im in kansas, but im a composer for lots of things so i travel and kick it with all sorts of synth homies

[@stupid4President]

UI walkthrought starts at 02:55 instead of 03:40 Basic patch 05:35 instead of 06:18

[@SynthDad]

Oh my - well spotted! Sorry about that. Fixed up the links now. Thank you

[@michelbertier5982]

Merci !

[@SynthDad]

THANK YOU!

[@jimneegs3887]

I can't for the life of me update my firmware. I know the cable seems to be the culprit most of the time, but I've tried multiple cables that I've confirmed are capable of data transfer on multiple computers running different OS. At this point I'm going to continue running the original firmware until I get a wild hair and decide to desolder the teensy from the back.

[@SynthDad]

What version of teensy loader are you using? The latest versions are for Teensy 4, but the O_C uses the older Teensy 3 platform, so needs an earlier release of Teensy Loader. I made that mistake too!

[@jimneegs3887]

@@SynthDad Nice, I will look into this, I was using the most recent version as far as I know.

[@jimneegs3887]

@@SynthDad So I looked around for a previous version of teensy loader without success. I then decided to try using arduino IDE and then I really got in the weeds lol. After a few hours of screwing around I am back at square one.

[@SynthDad]

@@jimneegs3887 Hi Jim, I just downloaded the latest Teensy loader (I've v1.56) and also downloaded a hex file for Phazerville suite (and extension of Hemispheres). Set the Teensy Loader into auto mode and it happily flashed the firmware onto my O_C. I'm on Mac OS. Let me know how it goes

[@jimneegs3887]

@@SynthDad I tried again with teensy loader and was not able to get it to recognize the board. At this point I think I'm going to continue using the original firmware, and at some point get a different teensy board and try to set it up from scratch. I appreciate your help, honestly I got better response from you than I did the manufacturer.