Leveling up your mixes with the Microcosm | Secret Weapons

[@markjohnstonofficial]

Thanks for watching! If you’re unfamiliar with the Microcosm and want to know the specifics about what the pedal actually does, I have an exhaustive deep dive on everything microcosm here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/gHisi6h_oJ6LbJY

[@sub-jec-tiv]

Love your videos. Hoping you have made a shoegaze album? Are you on Bandcamp, Spotify etc?

[@thankyouspaceexpert]

Genuinely believe this is the best guitar “content” on YT right now. Impassioned genuine and knowledgeable and shared with love and honesty. And let’s not even talk about that opening track? Are you hearing this? This is good shit.

[@markjohnstonofficial]

Ah geez. Thank you. I’m just trying to create the kind of stuff I would want to see on the gear I dig.

[@AD-kv9kj]

Are you secretly Shia LaBoeuf in disguise as Guthrie Govan?

[@coronelsakura2841]

Nope. Peter Green's back!

[@mattl4925]

When I got mine I did not expect drums to be my favorite thing to put through the Microcosm. It does rhythmic stuff so well

[@andivax]

What algorithms? Seq?

[@studieslessonstheoryetc141]

“They are wrong and they lack imagination” haha I may not usually be into “shots fired” moments these days - but love this

[@markjohnstonofficial]

Haha and, to be fair, these are not shots at people who only use the microcosm for ambient meandering. These are shots specifically at detractors who claim that’s ALL it can do.

[@KudaBear-jy1zl]

@@markjohnstonofficial Well I mean, they're pretty much right. It has a "sound" you can't get out, and it mostly does ambient stuff. Even the intro on this video is all ambient, just with rock stuff layered over the top... but the machine itself is just doing the same old random ambient stuff. I'm speaking specifically about if you are using it as a PEDAL, not syncing with a DAW, and I think that's what most people are doing. Nobody's buying this for a DAW. You can do the same stuff in a DAW with plugins easier, and probably cheaper. They buy this to use it LIVE as a pedal. In that use case, it pretty much is random and ambient unless you want to do extensive MIDI setups.

[@Gerhard468]

This is why I love your channel. You are as much sound designer as you are guitarist. Really, these days, gear is not the biggest limitation, but creativity is. That is why some people might not get the best out of something like the Microcosm. Personally, I watch your channel because you create some really inspiring sounds. And that is what I need, inspiration and creativity. The gear is secondary, and there are many ways to skin a cat. Most people will not believe me, but these days, you can do very similar sounds to something like the Microcosm with a guitar, an interface, and an iPad.

[@CaidicusProductions]

Man, the jam at the beginning of this presentation is just SO good.

[@sunnyschramm9650]

the blending with the strings and using hihat-loops with the microcosm was amazing to see and hear 🥰 very inspiring 👍

[@josholiver8328]

Thanks Mark, I brought the microcosm about 3 months ago on the back of your previous video. Just had a guitar night and was playing with it and my new DCX Boost (another great pedal so thanks for the heads up!). This is exactly what I need to help push my creativity up a notch! Thanks again!!!

[@michaelthornton1114]

Absolutely gorgeous intro, one of my favorite ones youve ever done and LOVE the heavier take on using Microcosm!!!

[@michaelthornton1114]

I liked my own comment cuz that's what a mosaic'd sample of me would do.

[@markjohnstonofficial]

I’m not gonna disagree. This is one of my all time favorite songs I’ve written. I was super unsure how well heavy guitars through microcosm would shake out in a mix and I love it.

[@ediththeband]

Bought the microcosm for (and still love using it as) an "interlude generator" live between songs. I definitely laughed at "mosaic d" comment, Hologram definitely knew what they were doing putting that as the first engine on here. This was a very inspiring use of this near-perfect pedal and a great example of why I love your channel.

[@nickreesyt]

Microcosm does really take a huge leap forward when synod up to midi into your track. some great sounds here Mark, kudos sir

[@basementlyle]

You're my go-to for any proper deep dive. Love your stuff. 😍

[@saltstream]

Epic intro Mark. Love that solid clocked Microcosm doing it's thing in complete harmony with the base tempo of the track and completely disregarding any interference from the other free flowing sound sources that occupy the same space and time. Walrus Audio could learn a lot from this video.

[@JeffHendricks]

If it's one thing that keeps me from dropping massive amounts of money on Walrus pedals, it's the lack of MIDI. That, plus I don't have massive amounts of money. So, two things.

[@saltstream]

@@JeffHendricks I could suffer the mono limitations if WA provided an external Tap/MIDI Clock function. They managed to do it with the Julianna [stereo options also] so I don't quite get how they have so many time based effects missing a simple clock feature. The mind boggles!

[@rockstarjoe]

I bought a Microcosm around the same time as you, and it never made it onto my board. It found a home almost right away on my external effects bus in my DAW. This pedal is amazing in that context. You nailed it.

[@redminus]

Great video. When it comes to straight up reviews/instructional overviews for pedals I always check yours first, but something like this feels like kind of the other side of that concept. Seeing practical hands-on examples of these use cases in the context of a finished track is really helpful, especially for something as dense as the microcosm. Thanks once again, and I hope you make more of these 👍

[@corbinschmitz]

Just got mine in the mail today, can't wait to dive in tonight 🤘

[@darthzen]

I love my Microcosm. I’ve had it for a couple of years and I call it my “Make Betterer” pedal. It makes everything I do sound better.

[@andrewfink8361]

Kind of like bacon?

[@darthzen]

@@andrewfink8361 Exactly. Danggit. Does this mean I need to start calling it bacon now? 😆

[@tonytaylor5087]

Love love my Microcosm. It’s such a well thought out piece of gear that you don’t mind clearing off space on the board for it.

[@squirelova1815]

I believe Mark may be so adorably wild and furry from habitual self neglect because he must be very, very busy working very hard at doing his very best to squeeze every drop of potential out of such incredibly great gear and so we also have the pleasure of thoroughly enjoying that and his God given musical gift. When I just can't physically handle making therapeutically healing music for myself, at least I have the joy of enjoying Mark's inspiring creations and his extremely helpful and keen revelatory observations for such deceptively complex and vastly potent gear as this. Please: Don't forget to eat once in a while Mark!

[@timhopkins3810]

This is a great little addition to your other content Mark, more of these intro breakdowns please 😊 only found your channel in the last 6 months or so but it’s quickly becoming my go-to for info on these pedals. Congrats on the 100k streams, you deserve many more to go past that milestone! 😊

[@docbobster]

Great video; lots of things I hadn't thought of. It is not my most used pedal, but it probably my single favorite pedal. In the first 6 months I turn everything up to full bleep-and-bloop intensity but lately I like to use it with the effects just barely audible. You can then change algorithms or presets at some point, and the textures change in a way that would be too jarring full on.

[@thomasfokas]

I’ve wanted this pedal for over two years if not three and finally got one last week. I ended up getting the limited black edition used (that ended up costing me $100 more). I don’t know if I would use it in this way as I have a shit ton of granular plug-ins that do much more than this thing. Sugar Bytes Graindad, Output Portal, and Arturia Fragments all do much more in a DAW context, but the Microcosm seems very geared to live on my pedalboard, or on my dawless analog synth table.

[@owlmeetscatofficialpage593]

Such an excellent representation of some of the incredible capabilities of this pedal! I have watched quite a few of your detailed reviews of some of my fav pedals, and man, you sure inspire! Clocking is so vital to having everything sit perfectly in a mix. I use a combo of Chase Bliss, Mood, BIg Sky, and Boss DD500 all locked on clock into a daw and smile. Nothing better than having soundscapes glued together in perfect sync. I look forward to more of your work. Love your tracks too!

[@jesusmachado9087]

You've earned yourself a follower

[@diegoebustamante]

The Arp Bit Crusher mode is so underrated

[@MilesAwayOfficial]

Love this dude! Great track. I have a similar workflow and showed it in my video on the Microcosm. It really excels when clocked to midi :)

[@astrarivm]

Best intro songs out there. Where can I listen to your music?

[@sub-jec-tiv]

Agree! Lack of imagination is the issue with any tool. Microcosm and Light Pedal are both incredible leaps. Incredible world we live in now.

[@jasonmcgary]

Game changer audio light pedal?

[@banwavy]

The Strymon Conduit is exactly what I’ve been looking for. I love my MC, all of it gives you inspiration and can be usable in so many different applications even without MIDI-syncing, but it for sure shines when it is. Great video 🎉🎉🎉

[@benjaminvictor4996]

You are right to call out those who can't wrap their head around pedals like these: First of all real musicians can make anything musical, but not everything is to everyone's taste. Secondly, the Microcosm is as simple or complex as you wish, an amazingly designed instrument. Third, as pedal it is a constant creativity machine offering musical input and accompaniment nearly like another member of the band. It is my most inspiring pedal, maybe overall musical device. Also, your introduction was amazing.

[@markjohnstonofficial]

It’s worth reiterating; I’m not calling out people who only use the microcosm like this but specifically the people who criticize it on the grounds that they think it’s all it can do. People who only want it for the ambiance are fine

[@wyattknox5612]

Damn. Fantastic video. I may need to finally pick up a Microcosm.

[@smallalien5860]

Very impressive on all levels.

[@LiveWorkWander]

You should know, Mark, that I'm about 40,000 of those views on your other Microcosm video.

[@kylecasey7089]

This is a must watch if you own the microcosm…along with your deep dive

[@vvcv__00]

I was going to buy another micro., until i was able to dial sounds (which i enjoy as much as Micros") very similar to MC's sounds, though with much more control, via my Meris LVX. Both very powerful tools, though I think i'm reaching for my LVX more often now that i'm FINALLLY able to dial the sound i want, and when, with the LVX. Great video! These two pedals can surely help jump start an entire piece/song, from a dinky melody, to where i'm trying to keep up with ideas. You know, like the way it felt/feels, when you first began to use a PC keyboard to write papers, where your ideas are moving faster than the words on the screen.

[@GastMusike]

Wow for, me this really worked best on the strings. That sounded great. I love the algorithms and sounds in Microcosm, but never really loved to use it in a live context as a guitar player. Even with the tap, I guess I need to practice with it more!

[@Dungeon_of_Regret]

To me the looper functions alone are my most used pieces. For example you can set it to play back in reverse and 2 octaves up the second you close the loop

[@patrickkoenigsfeld1253]

very inspiring. would love to see you live!! when and where!!??

[@jasonpaden8641]

Love the opening track!!

[@alafenetre81]

Thank you for talking first about music and not gear (that is more and more rare). I'm interested in the Microcosm but the word that worries me and that I heard in many reviews is "unpredictable". Making sounds with my guitar only is not my thing, I want to be able to use the Microcosm in various songs, in mixes. I'd like to learn what you describe: how to use the Microcosm with a DAW.

[@poesybeat]

This would make a lot of sense as a plugin for your DAW with built-in tempo sync. Of course you can accomplish most of this with the Step FX plugin that comes with Logic.

[@user-sr6dp4qe8h]

Do you ever have issues with the pedal’s bypass? Long time user here and what gets it put on my shelf for months at a time is the huuge volume drop when I turn it on. I’ve got it set to true bypass (I’ve found the buffered bypass extremely disappointing) and for such a wonderfully thought out and inspiring pedal it’s such a glaring weak spot for me that makes it hard to integrate.

[@rockersun]

Nice playing! i have a strymon Nightsky, they seem pretty close. I can't differentiate btw Delay and Reverb pedals these days.

[@Andreas_tropicalwinter]

That intro has so much to it...just great. Any chance putting that up to your patreon for download?

[@chriscasatelli6876]

Well done man! Great intro! Great info! Great job!

[@MikkelGrumBovin]

Excellent !

[@jesselandreth4497]

Now I feel bad for never really going past mosaic modes on mine 😅. Great video Mark! Really really helpful!

[@kernowjoey1127]

Hi Mark, thanks again for the great content, your first microcosm video was the catalyst to me buying one and i've had so much fun with it! can you explain a little more about how you go about using the microcosm on strings in the DAW? i've been looking for info online about how to use the microcosm with a midi keyboard for strings and other things in logic. I'm really new to trying to produce anything on the computer and i'm really stumped by this. thanks again.

[@coffeedudeguy]

12:42 Cyberpunk: the Pedal

[@markjohnstonofficial]

Honestly that’s an accurate way to describe it and I love it

[@marvinbocks5158]

The Microcosm is on my list since your first video about it. Guess it´s time for Santa to bring me one this year. 😁

[@jimmybowens]

I LOVE this, BUT; for us production noobs, is there any way you could illustrate the ‘re-amping’ bit where you process your soft instruments through the pedal? I’d love to know more about how you accomplished that.

[@markjohnstonofficial]

I did a pretty in depth video on re-amping here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y3i3iKVtjq18Z9k

[@darthzen]

Hologram has videos on their channel that walk you through it.

[@jimmybowens]

Thank you!

[@MichaelWWestbrook]

Great stuff here!

[@bireli91]

you are the best when it comes to making content that interests me ! ..... and there are things you might be just as good at.. I just don't know... but I think you must be wonderful on so many levels........ just considering this one video :)

[@gregs6424]

Do you have a video where you go into detail about MIDI clocking and the conduit?

[@Franciscosonur]

Hi mark great video as usual! just wondering how is your signal flowing ? from your daw via usb c to conduit and from midi out on the conduit going to the midi in in the microcosm? 2) when you are reamping the strings are u going directly from the daw to microcosm and the using a DI to return to LUNA? thanks : 😊

[@chrisbertels9071]

Curious the signal chain and where you tend to put the Microcosm. I’ve seen many love it last and others as early as possible to have stereo out through the rest of the board.

[@markjohnstonofficial]

It’s basically always as early as possible for me

[@Tim.Traveler]

Love this video and channel! Thoughts on running my Fairfield Shallow Water right before the Microcosm or at the very end….? 🤔

[@burywite]

Would love to get your thoughts on Microcosm vs. Mood mkii (for people like me who likely can't justify both)

[@darthzen]

I have both. If I could only keep one, it’s the Microcosm all day, every day. Mood is really fun and amazing itself, but you can do so much more with the Microcosm.

[@phladjki]

if you like characterful chaos: MOOD. if you like synced structure: microcosm

[@sleepingatsea3420]

Loved this! Really inspiring. Question, if I am using the QC as my interface and I connect the Microcosm via midi to the QC will it sync to my DAW tempo?

[@horizonishere]

Still can’t believe Norma Jean used it on Call for the Blood.

[@Dawg93]

Anyone have problems with this pedal not outputting anything occasionally? And sometimes the levels just being very very quiet?

[@joeyclamz2408]

Another useful video! Thanks for the great content! I went and got a Harmony guitar because of your channel and I am not disappointed! Any tips on setting up a pedal like the Microcosm through the recording interface?

[@markjohnstonofficial]

Yeah if you go back a few videos on the channel I did a video on reamping with the walrus audio canvas; in that video I show how I reamp in pro tools, logic, and Luna.

[@joeyclamz2408]

@@markjohnstonofficial oh shizz! thanks! I don't know why i thought re-amping was something else. This is what happens when you get stuck in your workflow. Derp.

[@dasczwo]

Ah: would be nice if you did another one for the looper. Mapped the speed and reverse button to my sofstep. Crazy. Check out andre lafosse looping it.

[@AmbientEndeavors]

I don't know where I am right now but I don't mind.

[@josed2828]

Hi do you know the Zoia from Empress Effect, do you think that it can do the same as the Microcosms...??

[@DecibelStudiosLA]

What would you recommend more the radial xtc or the walrus audio canvas? What’s the difference?

[@sennstrato7281]

I've always wondered if you are a stoner? It's legal here now in Minnesota 🎉🎉🎉

[@markjohnstonofficial]

I’m in California. Been legal here for a minute.

[@dasczwo]

Grait man. Its a black hole sucking you in and a whit hole spewing stuff out at the sametime. Oh hologram, hoq about a firmware v2.0? If there was a editor to tweak stuff and timing just a little… i see more and more landing on the used market here in germany, for less and less. Below 400€. Got mine new 650€+. shipping. Love it to death. Breath some new life in it hologram.

[@ComradeClassen]

Bro, you're like if Fyodor Dostoyevsky Discovered the Electric Guitar!

[@vreevroow]

It's so damned inconsistent, though. Getting it to actually respond to what I'm doing is a pain. I know it loves dynamics, but it's very very peculiar and I can't even set up the stutter right. I don't know what I'm doing wrong lol. Probably a skill issue, but like, shit, it's a pain.

[@AnniottOfficial]

Open discussion - if you had to choose between the Microcosm and the MOOD MkII for ambient mixes what would you choose? (please don't say both my wallet can't handle it 🤣)

[@markjohnstonofficial]

They’re both incredible. If you want longer form looping and ambient stuff that makes your guitar not sound like a guitar anymore, microcosm. If you like the shorter glitchier loops and want amazing wet effects that still keep your guitar sounding.. like guitar, mood.

[@AnniottOfficial]

@@markjohnstonofficial Thanks a lot for the reply! Wish I had a guitar shop near me that stocked all this awesome gear to try. Keep up the awesome content

[@ratikanto]

pretty expensive as well

[@xsm5525]

would love one but they're like 999 million pounds.

[@MonsieurSafari]

Isn’t it like that, that the dry signal sucks?

[@fender97]

Wow that's bordering on cheating! Sounds unreal...

[@KudaBear-jy1zl]

It's just alright. Too random, and everything from it sound the same. What it does is awesome, but it needs more control.