Jamuary 2021 - Part 2 (Volcas , PO-32, MicroFreak, and more)

Clips and discussion of the second half of Jamuary 2021. This video closes out with a MicroFreak preset that uses one of the new Noise Engineering oscillator modes - and that's where we'll pick up in the upcoming video about the MicroFreak 3.0 update.
TIMELINE
00:00 JAM 26 (Bottle and Volca Modular)
This was some found sound that I couldn't pass up. Long story, but I was trying to do something helpful to clean up a trail and heard this bottle in the distance. The Volca Modular undertrack is also found sound of a sort - I recorded it earlier that day to answer a subscriber's question about the VM and then I "found" it on my desktop, figured it might go nicely with the bottle. [full clip on IG]
00:15 INTRO
01:06 JAM 23 (Mixed Volcas)
Volca Mix. One of the few pieces of gear I've ever thought about just getting rid of. But in this clip I gave it a much better chance and want to keep it! I feel like the NTS-1 is just about made to go with it (or a Monotron). Look at the density of that setup. My regret about this shot is that I didn't actually take advantage of the variable reverb sends and tone it down a little on the Beats. A fun setup for sure!
03:11 JAM 24 (Volca Drum with a little Kick)
The Kick is limited to one sound at a time BUT by recording computer-generated CC "spam" (varying lots of parameters between sequence steps) with the built-in motion sequencing it can seem a lot more like a sort of drum machine with a variety of sounds. [Full clip on IG]. But then with the Drum it's the opposite: lots of sounds but you can't sequence it from an external device. I use code here to help with that (unlike the Kick case, the computer has to stick around for this as a relay of sorts) - it converts midi note values into pitch CC parameter values on the Drum. My first attempt didn't really show it that well [full clip on IG], so I tried again. I used a Y cable for audio out and fully panned parts/tracks on the Drum to be able to send the "horn" lead (track 1) out through the Slo reverb and then keep the rest of the tracks up close and dry. I feel like that gives an interesting spatial effect.
06:36 JAM 25 (ORCA sequencer)
I really like the ORCA sequencer. It's pretty brain expanding to learn, and I want to keep learning it. I think I ended up having to route MIDI through Live to get it to work. Two cv threads that control parameters on the Bastl Kastle.
09:07 JAM 27 (0-Coast and Model:Cycles)
Making KZbin videos can change how you think about gear. Like in JAM 24 I'm trying to show that the Volca Kick can be a drum machine or that the Volca Drum can play melodic parts also. I try to come up with (and show) ways to get more out of the gear. So I tend to think in terms of isolated boxes for the channel. BUT, here's a case of how to easily upend that philosophy. Just an aux cable to connect the two by MIDI. It was a great thing to explore. I want to take it further, also with the Model:Samples.
10:31 JAM 29 (Craft Synth 2.0 and SE-02)
I love these two synths and need to use them more. The bass from the CS2.0 is sort of shocking when the top and middle are filtered away. The SE-02 has tiny knobs and my hands are pretty big - but when you are used to patching the Kastle and playing with Pocket Operators the SE-02 still seems like a BIG synth to me.
12:06 JAM 30 (PO-32 Tonic)
The Tonic is amazing. This clip is another case of trying to extend the device - not just strictly use it as a drum machine. The MicroTonic plug-in (on pc) is great to use, the data transfer to the Tonic is easy, and I should do this more often. Someone on IG suggested that I do a full video on here about using MicroTonic and Tonic.
14:07 OUTRO / JAM 31 (MicroFreak and modular/cassette)
I realize it's probably old news to record two sources into stereo and then pan/level adjust them later - it's just that I rarely do it. I normally try to get whatever is being mixed (and panned) set the way I want and record that (it's faster but limiting). Anyway, in some ways this shot worked out surprisingly well. I recorded modular (mainly Akemie's Taiko and STO being sequenced, filtered, etc. by Micro Sequence, uVCF, and particularly the Black Code Source). The thing I did right was recording 4 or 5 different versions using different tempos and pitches so that when I slowed it down in Audacity I could get something that I wanted. One of them was good in terms of tempo and pretty much dead on for pitch - even the key that I had been playing the MicroFreak in a week earlier. I put the modular onto cassette and blurred it some with the Slo reverb, and left the MicroFreak audio dry. The new Noise Engineering oscillators are really nice. I think I got more comments about this post than any other throughout the month.
16:54 BLOOPER
Just not a day for making videos. Leaf blower guy outside. Table saw guy outside. And the cats were out of control for some reason.
LINKS
100r.co/site/home.html
monome.org/

[@羽衣甘藍奧頓]

I love the PO-32 Tonic. Have also the KO, Speak and Arcade. The 32 is high fidelity. The KO is of course the most flexible. I use the PO's on the fly to create ideas. Sometimes I integrate them into a bigger audio universe. They are much loved.

[@undulations]

Yes, I'm always amazed by what they can do. I just set the PO-24 out earlier, haven't used it in ages (I find the sounds on that one really nostalgic). I need to start using the KO when I travel, seems perfect for that. I did another Jamuary with the Tonic this year (Jam 29 Short), if you are interested.

[@羽衣甘藍奧頓]

@@undulations Dr Nim, I look forward to viewing all of your uploads. Your style and content is totally resonant with me. Each video is of interest even if I don't have the corresponding hardware. Your pace, delivery, creativity and depth of knowledge makes your material exceptional. I'm thoroughly enjoying learning all you have to share. Thank you again for all your work.

[@羽衣甘藍奧頓]

@@undulations I grew up coding on the Commodore 64, and so I have an affinity with bit tunes and therefore the PO Arcade is my nostalgia! FreeBeat raves about the PO Office, but alas I think I have all I can justify with the PO series. My new 'Gear Aquisition Syndrome' seems to firmly be affiliated with the Korg Volca series - they are simply gorgeous. I don't 'need' them because I have my MPC One, however, they are portable battery powered gems that have actually taught me a lot about sound engineering. The PO's have incredible sequencing cababilities, which the Volcas lack, however, the Volcas are introducing me to more 'live' performances. One day I hope to gain the confidence and knowledge to get all I need out of the MPC. One thing is for sure - music is incredible; sounds easy, yet so challenging to get 'spot on'. The personal rewards however, are unmatched when achieved. Even tinkering on a piano has brought tears to my eyes when I got an emotional piece right. So powerful.

[@thealmightycommenter]

Love your videos. Your cats. Your slow and intelligent explanations. Your music. Keep it up ❤️

[@undulations]

Hey, thanks very much for checking out the channel🙏!

[@alban6101]

Well, Sir, i hadn't finished yet to Watch this one, but, i must say ''thanks so much to open our shakra/mind'' with such an INTERESTING one ! As usual !

[@undulations]

Thanks! I appreciate that🙏!

[@senorcoconut5635]

Thanks a lot for explaining all your IG posts. Always a great pleasure.

[@undulations]

Thanks very much for checking it out🙏!

[@telegraph_hill]

Wow, love what you did with the tonic at 13:30

[@undulations]

Thank you very much🙏! I always feel like I should put new sounds on it but don't do it often enough🤔

[@maleficenthardware]

That Kastle controlled by Orca

[@undulations]

Thank you🙏! Orca has got a lot of interesting features, and I want to keep working with that Kastle setup👍

[@christianscazzieri]

This is a great series, I like the concept of these little "nuggets of wisdom" extrapolated from your daily journey into the world of electronic music. Totally love it. :)

[@undulations]

Thanks very much for checking it out 🙏!

[@alanc6752]

Great sounds, always interesting to watch your vids.

[@undulations]

Thanks very much for checking it out🙏!

[@foxholeartist]

Went through all the jamuary using Craft synth 2 with Beatstep pro. That synth is a monster in disguise. If you explore all the modulation possibilities in app, you can get a lot of movement and variation on a single patch

[@greycardinalmusic4975]

I really enjoyed this video - the background on the different tracks you were making and your explanation of the hardware. I've been curious about norns but not sure how to jump in. Would love it if you would do some videos about it.

[@undulations]

Thanks GC! I got it put together, put the operating system on the card, updated etc. - and just sort of sat there mesmerized by the thing's bootup/audio screensaver. I shot video of that process and will include the setup in a first video about it. I feel like the info on the Monome website is good - there were just a couple of points where I was glad that I had done similar things before. Anyway, thanks again for checking out the video🙏!

[@mathmanmrt]

i have to admit my taste in music runs a pretty wide range: i love merzbow, *pulse demon* is a goto for when i need to unwind and decompress, but i also like almost anything by brian eno, and in the right mood i find vaporwave fascinating. all of this is just to say that if you were to flesh out and expand on that piece with model:cycles and 0-coast i'm pretty sure i'd be happy to listen to it for an hour or so. that outro with the microfreak and the recorder is really getting me excited about your upcoming take on the update 3.0 for the microfreak. every time i get my microfreak out i reprise your excellent series on that fascinating and useful little synth. thanks again sir.

[@undulations]

Hey, thank you very much for this feedback🙏! I've finished quite a bit of the MF 3.0 video and hope to upload over the weekend. I feel like the new features are really adding a lot of new sounds to the (already amazing) device. I appreciate what you're saying about the 0coast+M:C clip - I do want to spend more time with that setup and develop it into something longer. As for the artists you mention - I am a fan of merzbow (should listen to more), and Eno - well, there was a time 7-8 years ago when Airports was almost all I listened to. Totally agree about vaporwave - it's a cool aesthetic (musical and otherwise), and I watch a lot of it on Instagram. A couple of years ago I spent a lot of time on Wikipedia and elsewhere just trying to understand vaporwave, how it developed. Thanks again!

[@fairytamer8144]

came here for the music, stayed for the cats. 😂 muscial composition is very inspirational.

[@undulations]

Thank you very much for the feedback! I really appreciate it🙏

[@HeIsMe1978]

Hi, been wanting to write you a few words for a while to say how thorough, insightful your videos are. Your series on the Volca Drum has really helped me since I bought one last week. In the video above you touched on a question I've been wanting to ask you: what gear do you use to mix your various sources in stereo? I'm looking to make the most of my instruments (a Bastl Kastle 1.5, PO-20 Arcade and the Volca Drum) and would love to get them in sync, work out a tune and record it to my computer (for further editing in Ableton Live, for example). I have a basic (though clean-sounding) 2 mono-in USB interface, and I'm browsing various options for mixing the output of the 3 synths. I was tempted by the Volca Mix, but when I see mixers like the Soundcraft Notepad-12FX (12 channels mixer with EQ AND multi-FX AND USB interface for $179/€149!), I have doubts... I'd love to have your thoughts on this... and maybe a video specifically on how you mix/record your jams would be terrific! Thanks, Doc!

[@undulations]

Hey, thanks very much for the feedback about the videos; I appreciate the support! As for mixing - first, I'd say take my answers with a grain of salt, because I tend to focus more on audio as part of my youtube and instagram posts - folks listening on their phones, videos about monaural synths - and less on actual audio releases. That said, I tend to have a couple of different stereo mixing schemes. Sometimes I try to get things right/balanced during recording, other times I put instrument(s) on one channel and balance/mix after the fact (as mentioned in this video). The only stereo mixer I have is the Nady Audio MM-242. I use the Bastl Dude or Koma Field Kits as mono sub-mixers. I almost always record synths into a field recorder (Tascam DR-05 or/and Zoom H4N). A lot of my synths and pedals are mono, but things like Volca Drum, Zoom MultiStomp, Korg NTS-1, and my Elektron gear are stereo. I really, really try not to miss capturing stereo when a device provides it. And then, I tend to do a lot of stereo-based work on the computer (either in Ableton or Audacity). I have various inexpensive audio interfaces but only use them on rare occasions - mostly I capture on a recorder and transfer. As for the Volca Mix? I'm almost positive there would be some better choice. It's really 4 channels, set up to take 2 mono volcas and 1 stereo volca. It has a lot of volca-specific features that you might not use or want unless you get more volcas. It has sound processing features that I feel like I can't control (maybe a limiter or compressor?). The Nady above has 8 channels for like a fourth the price. Now, if you do get something like the Nady then you will need cables: I use two kinds all the time 1) 1/8" stereo to dual mono 1/4" Y-cable and 2) 1/8" mono to 1/4" mono cable. Adaptors can do a lot of this too, and some may depend on if/how you are syncing things between the Arcade and the Drum. Anyway, I hope this helps. You already have 2 Drum channels, 1 Arcade channel, and potentially 3 Kastle channels (out, left i/o, right i/o). So 6 in all - not that you would do that every time, but it's worth thinking about (as well as leaving room for more gear down the road). Thanks again for watching👍🏻!

[@HeIsMe1978]

@@undulations Thanks! Your answers are indeed helpful (and as detailed as your videos ;-)).

[@StefanvanderKlooster]

oooooh, a Walrus Slö! Really got some Aphex Twin Ambient Works vibes going on there. Might you have a more detailed tutorial on how you split those sounds (horn part into Slö)? Your channel is my latest discovery. Talking gear, creativity, cats! Thanks again

[@undulations]

Hey, thanks much for checking it out🙏🏼! I can explain the setup here, and you might find it easier to see over on Instagram (where it's easier to zoom), post was 1/24/21, account is dr_nim2014. - It's basically just cables, adapters, and the Bastl Dude mixer (but other mixers could work as well). I used the panning feature of the Volca Drum to put the drum parts on one side, say Left, and the horn part over on the Right. Then i used a Y-cable to take the 1/8" stereo out of the Volca and have that split to become 1/8" mono with drums (red plug) and 1/8" mono with horn (white plug). The red plug (drums) goes straight into one of the 5 Dude Mixer 1/8" mono inputs. The white plug (horn) goes (via 1/8" female to 1/4" male adapter) into the Slö input. Then I use a 1/4" to 1/8" mono cable to go from the Slö output into another one of the Dude's inputs. Then the drums and horn are mixed into one single channel (the Dude is a mono mixer) with "fake stereo" coming out of the Dude (i.e. same mixed signal on both left and right channels) and going into the recorder. Note: using a different mixer/recorder setup can let you keep the horn/drums on different channels, allowing more mixing flexibility in software after the fact. Done that way you could do something like leave the drums in the center and pan the horn slightly to one side. Also, the panning on the Volca can be less extreme, so a third instrument, maybe a chime, could be left in or near the middle, becoming a combo of dry and reverb. Hope this helps!

[@StefanvanderKlooster]

@@undulations Thanks for clarifying that in such a thorough explanation. And quick as well! Appreciated enormously! What a cool trick with left and right channels. This tickles my creativity towards the Model Samples in ways to hook up pedals to that as well. All I need is a good mixer (currently looking into that). Do you have any recommendations for preferably cheap ones? I now have a Model Samples and a Korg NTS-1 I'd like to hookup to a mixer. Thanks again for your insights! Greetings from Amsterdam

[@undulations]

@@StefanvanderKlooster You're welcome, I'm happy to help. I use a Nady Audio MM-242 4-channel stereo mixer for a lot of things. More expensive mixers might improve the sound quality in some way, but I think it sounds fine (and most people probably listen to what I do on a phone speaker or earbuds anyway). It's inexpensive, compact, ac or battery, 4-stereo or 8-mono (and you can also treat the 2 stereo channels as 2 x 4-mono submixers allowing more mixing in software later). It's all 1/4" so goes well with the Samples and pedals (you'll may want a couple 1/8" stereo to dual 1/4" mono cables, i.e. Y-cables that adapt sizes - for the NTS-1 into the mixer and possibly mixer out to a recorder?). AND, i should also mention that it's nice to run the Samples into the NTS-1 audio in as a way to mix (can be done with a 1:8-1/4 stereo "headphone" adapter and an aux cable). You can do this just for fx (the nts-1 stereo delay and reverbs are very nice), but of course you can also add in the nts-1 voice. In that case, If the Samples volume is too low, you can use the nts-1 filter to mix better by reducing the nts-1 (internal/relative) volume. The nts-1 filter does not impact external audio. Best of luck👍🏻!

[@StefanvanderKlooster]

@@undulations Thanks again. Very useful input. I will look into that or a similar mixer. I was eyeballing a SubZero SZ-MIX06USB but I guess that one wouldn't allow me to do the split trick you mentioned, am I right?

[@undulations]

@@StefanvanderKlooster Not exactly sure, not familiar with that mixer - take a look at the Nady layout and panel, see how it compared👍🏻

[@scrampop3353]

Looking forward to your Norn explorations, snagged one back in December and it is quite engrossing. That said have been struggling to use the SQ1 with the Volca Drum, it doesn't seem to accept any sync in from the SQ1. Should I try using Ableton as a MIDI thru to clock both of them or will a Midi hub/box suffice?

[@undulations]

Hmmm... wow, it seems like SQ1 syncing Drum should work🤔 Could it be the global sync setting on one or the other device? Cable issue (I'm never quite clear whether an aux cable is required or just what ships in the Volca box)? Or maybe just MIDI out from the SQ1 into the Drum (make sure to use the Korg-specific breakout cable on the SQ1 - I'm always getting hung up by accidentally using an Arturia breakout cable which has the wrong pin specifications)? I really, really hope that you won't need to get Ableton involved with syncing the two (unless you want that, which in that case the SQ1 makes a nice pc-midi interface in it's own right). Let me know how it goes (sorry it took a while to reply).

[@legibby]

Man you go deep. As a fellow southerner obsessed with stuff that makes druggy noises....I’m curious where you live....my guess is Jackson MS or Birmingham....

[@undulations]

Born and raised in the mountains of Western NC👍 Thanks a lot for checking out the video!

[@foxholeartist]

Went through all the jamuary using Craft synth 2 with Beatstep pro. That synth is a monster in disguise. If you explore all the modulation possibilities in app, you can get a lot of movement and variation on a single patch

[@undulations]

Always amazed at the price and capability of the CS2.0🤯! I hooked it up to the Modal App for making tutorial, but I should do it more often🤔.

[@foxholeartist]

@@undulations it really shines with a little bit of sound construction and external control. Velocity response on BSP can turn one sound into a sequence of absolutely diverse things. Like, now I'm working on preset where velocity changes amount of FM modulation with extreme distortion and lower octave, and I get percussive and bassy sound, changing into a distorted drone at some point. And it really can change the sound drastically. Next step, I want to bind some controls on BSP control mode to modwheel/aftertouch parameters through midi to get whole range of possible modulations. Only thing limited on this synth is physical device itself- inside is a beast

[@undulations]

@@foxholeartist So true. I've always thought that if some sort of weird "you have to make an entire soundtrack on an airplane" scenario came up (unlikely, but still...) - I feel like it would be a goto part of that. So many great sounds out of the box, and the type of work you're describing with BSP and app really indicates a lot of untapped potential. I've wondered about a Sculpt at some point, but I recall not being easy to find.

[@foxholeartist]

@@undulations well, sculpt sounds like a good synth, but a bit basic concept. It's not that I don't like classic synths- I got Minilogue and absolutely love it. And microfreak goes for mod matrix. TBH, microfreak and CS2 sounds like a gear that would make you a soundtrack. Andrew Hwang had video "three producers one synth", where they used only sounds from microfreak. And it was before last update

[@undulations]

@@foxholeartist Yes, I feel like the MicroFreak is turning out to be a real personal favorite overall. The mod matrix is so strong, and the oscillators have grown a lot with the updates. I really enjoyed that episode/version of 4 Producers!