Are digital oscillators any good? - In depth with Klavis Twin waves MkII

Digital oscillators have quite some advantages over their analog counterparts. The Klavis Twin Waves MKII is a perfect example. It holds two oscillators that can function in VCO or LFO mode. It can achieve classic waves, but also does stacked waves, self-synced waves, ringmod, bit crush, and a variety of noise. LFO mode also covers sample and hold and interesting fluctuating voltage modes, and so on. In this video we take a deep dive with the module and explore the many benefits of a diverse digital oscillator.
Patreon: / monotrail
Twin Waves / Generic Affiliate links:
Perfect Circuit - US - bit.ly/3PIhmli
Sound of You - EU bit.ly/3DzdFYi
Clockface - AS - bit.ly/3YkDJ1B
Follow my channel ‪@Monotrailmusic‬ if you are interested in my music!
Timetable:
00:00 - Intro
01:46 - VCO features
04:31 - VCO algo’s - Single waves
07:46 - VCO algo’s - Stacked waves
11:47 - VCO algo’s - Bit crush
12:43 - VCO algo’s - Self-sync
15:32 - VCO algo’s - Ring mod
15:54 - VCO algo’s - Noise
17:19 - LFO features
19:28 - LFO Algo’s - Cyclic
25:19 - LFO Algo’s - Aperiodic
29:34 - Advanced features
Special thanks to Legendary & Crazy Patrons:
Michael Rutchik
Wayne Cowan
Steve Williams
Glnds
Kickroot
Christoph von der Heyden
Giorgio Festa
Sebastijan Semiz
James thompson
Redheart/Freak Nasty
Quinn Fahey
Let’s connect!:
Instagram: / monotrail
Facebook: / monotrailmusic
Soundcloud: / monotrailmusic
Bandcamp: monotrail.bandcamp.com
KZbin: / monotrailmusic
#eurorack #klavis #twinwaves

[@MonotrailTechTalk]

Thanks to Klavis for sponsoring this video! But like to stretch the co-op was on my request. I am excited to use this module in life performances, as well as a couple of upcoming videos! Twin Waves / Generic Affiliate links: Perfect Circuit - US - bit.ly/3PIhmli Sound of You - EU bit.ly/3DzdFYi Clockface - AS - bit.ly/3YkDJ1B

[@michaelt_tamtam]

It's almost a complex oscillator in only 8hp. This module is on my wishlist

[@MonotrailTechTalk]

Very true. Works great as classic oscillator/modulator setup, dual VCO, and so on!

[@daughtersofdivorce6803]

Oh my goodness. This unit is about to become such a fundamental part of my setup. The additive and harmonic algorithms are everything I wanted from both my 4ms SWN and Ensemble Oscillator but was never quite able to achieve. This module is like the best of both of those huge modules in a dual voice, compact, feature loaded machine!

[@MonotrailTechTalk]

Hey, glad to hear you are enjoying it! It's the core of my live setup now, very happy with a stable and flexible dual osc at the core of that :)

[@colourbasscolourbassweapon2135]

ngl all I got are moogs no cap@@MonotrailTechTalk

[@rfinz]

thank you for the vid! this has been on my list for a while and it's nice to have more indepth info

[@MonotrailTechTalk]

Glad it was helpful!

[@pawnotdaw4559]

I’ve had a twin waves for a couple of years and thanks to you I just found out about the octave switching when pitch locked!thanks. I’ve been using Chalkboard to do that

[@MonotrailTechTalk]

Hey, glad I added some knowledge :) It's a nice feature for sure!

[@gumbochamp]

Great video for a great module. Helped me discover lots of new levels to the TW. Have been listening to it for hours today. The trick where it can cycle through algorithms is fantastic. For anyone looking to try it: on VCO 1, hold the LFO-AM button for a few seconds, then scroll along to Algo Select. Finally, run modulation/sequence into input 2 (under the FM/AM pot). Given how much functionality they pack into 8hp, I would love to see what Klavis come up with in a bigger VCO.

[@MonotrailTechTalk]

Hey, that's good to hear, glad you got some inspiration from it! And it's a fun trick for sure. Think if you play with more controlled sequences/algo switching it can lead to great results. Have to explore it more myself!

[@sebp400]

you sold me on my next oscillator. I like using the chords apps in Ornament and Crime but I m limited in terms of voices. this is perfect.

[@MonotrailTechTalk]

Glad to hear the video gave some insight! All the best :)

[@Landman_sounds]

Awesome video. I had no idea about the 1v/oct modes. I guess I need to rtfm 🤦‍♂️. Such a good little oscillator!

[@MonotrailTechTalk]

Thanks, and no worries, I'll do it for you ;)

[@a_boundless_plangency]

I was taking a serious look at the Kalvin Twin. It’s obviously a powerful feature packed oscillator!

[@MonotrailTechTalk]

Sounds like a good plan! It is indeed :)

[@cidst8]

It’s dope AF! Do it!!!

[@apeirogonmusic]

Yes Digital Oscillators are amazing I own 7 Digital Oscillators No Analog Oscillator in my setup Analog needs to warm-up to stabilize and even then go they out of tune constantly Which kills my patches But Analog Saw or Square Are bestial compare to their digital counterparts Excellent Video Klavis is creating quite unique modules all in compact format Cheers

[@MonotrailTechTalk]

7. That's a nice number :) For live purposes I have to agree, that's why TW will stay in this case for sure, done with tuning and detuning during performances. There are for sure some analog oscillators I love though, both have some powers! All the best :)

[@KarolOstrovsky]

Fantastic demo! Thank you for going through the details of this very usable module. You also seem to have the very new Eowave Tempête Magnétique in some of the patches. It looks like a very interesting filter. Is there any chance you might have a similar deep dive with it in the near future?

[@MonotrailTechTalk]

Thank you! And yes, very high chance, in the very near future ;)

[@sophiestellakis]

This video is really a great help for using this module better. Thank you! I wonder how the small module Tweakers can be used. Offset fonction is very unclear to me, and I would be happy if you could make some day a video with tweakers and some examples with explainations AND sounds, that’s one of your greatest qualities as a teacher I think : the combo great explainations+great musical examples. Cheers!

[@MonotrailTechTalk]

Glad you like it! As for tweakers, it's a powerful little module! If you haven't seen it yet, you should watch my video on the 3xMia from Happy Nerding. That explains the basics of utility that tweakers covers as well. It's a bit older, but still useful: kzbin.info/www/bejne/g4rXfaCoi91ng7s

[@sophiestellakis]

@@MonotrailTechTalk oh great! I will for sure 👍 thanks!

[@walrtbstudios5430]

I need this video. I bought the Twin Waves II on a recommendation but find it difficult to get my head around- and I’ve never even tried to use the second VCO. This is one of those cases where rtfm didn’t help at all…

[@MonotrailTechTalk]

Glad to help! Think the scope might be good to visualize the algorithms a bit. And you should definitely use the osc2 button! :)

[@CatFish107]

Cool that this one does audio rate modulation well. Some digital modules throw a fit if they see cv in the negative range.

[@MonotrailTechTalk]

True, think digital made huge jumps over the last 20 years :)

[@LarsBjerregaard]

Great demo! Seems like a suitable heir to Braids, nice VCO.

[@MonotrailTechTalk]

Thanks! Think it's a contender :)

[@tebi1kurieudidon172]

Hydrasynth and an input is indeed the path I chose.. But I'd even ad that the Hydrasynth frustrates me compared to Vital... Hardware is good for some things, but the more I dig into it the more it is clear that software has its place too..

[@MonotrailTechTalk]

Everything has it's place! Different options fit different needs :)

[@MrHihowryou]

Cool video! Do you ever think the screen on the zeroscope is too small for what you're trying to do? Thinking about buying one... thanks!

[@MonotrailTechTalk]

Thanks! I love the zero scope! It can do one or two input signals, they can be clocked if you like. It can do tuning, and you can adjust the range and time. That's it. I love it because it's compact, and it can quickly give insight in what's going on with a signal. I often use it just to get a clear picture, and the small screen is enough. If you want more fancy, colored, multi channel, different display ways etc, have a look at the Mordax Data. Divkid uses it all the time. Looks a lot better on camera, but more expansive, and bigger.

[@CatFish107]

I would love to see what kind of strange tones and the techniques you might use with a phase locked loop.

[@MonotrailTechTalk]

Still have a couple of core Doefer modules on my list. The ppl is one of them. But so much nice thins to explore, it's hard to pick :)

[@louistoussaint0]

Hello Can you try the Vhikk X osc? Thank for your content

[@MonotrailTechTalk]

Interesting module! Didn't came across my path yet :)

[@Avaruuskettu]

What software are you using to draw your gorgeous diagrams? I have been trying to find a good way to document my own patches without success. Currently I just take a photo and write notes, but it seems there should be a better way.

[@MonotrailTechTalk]

Hi there! I worked for a long time as a freelance graphic designer and use Adobe Cloud, specifically Illustrator and Animate for the flowcharts!

[@cidst8]

Only analogue VCO I have is an Erica Fusion VCO2, absolutely shreds for nasty distorted bass. Otherwise I prefer digital- Osiris, Polygogo, Odessa, Spectraphon, Twin Waves, etc…

[@MonotrailTechTalk]

Nice! That's a lovely list. Think a good mix is best indeed, enjoy!

[@psynautic]

just a nitpick, but the panel says VCO, isnt that a misnomer?

[@MonotrailTechTalk]

Says VCO/LFO? But even that is definitely an understatement, if that's what you mean :)

[@newignis]

I agree, though technically there is indeed voltage control applied, the term VCO is normally used for an oscillator consisting out of electronic components without using digital algorithms. But the module is fantastic, and I’m glad it doesn’t detune.

[@WithTheGrain]

I don’t like digital because I enjoy working with more basic/stripped analog modules over menu diving. I can totally see why people would prefer digital, but I enjoy the Lego process of combining the modules and finding unexpected results.

[@MonotrailTechTalk]

Fair enough! I think digital offers a lot of interesting options, but of course different people have different goals and motives to use modular. The classic one knob per function wish is completely fair! All the best :)

[@mikegeary8056]

IME oscillators are better, yes. Just kidding you need both. Digital can be way more versatile, sometimes you need analog though.

[@MonotrailTechTalk]

Hey, agree :) The title is a bit pokey, but both have their strengths, a mix is the best solution I guess!

[@HousePlant_Ambient]

Fuck. You don’t sold me to this

[@MonotrailTechTalk]

Don't mean to sell you anything! Just to show what things are capable off, you can decide :)

[@reecedeyoung6595]

Digital euro rack modules (and digital music gear in general) frustrate me. There's all this gear with dedicated processors just to run a fixed algorithm 🤡. Expert sleeper has the right idea. Generic ins/outs for converting between digital and analog + any algorithm the CPU can handle. Running a digital oscillator into a separate digital filter 😬 you'd be better off with a single fully digital synth. The analog control voltage gets converted to digital, so it has no advantages over a fully digital synth. On the contrary converting back and forth between digital and analog will degrade the signal quality. IMO you'd be better off getting a Hydra synth and a eurorack input module

[@MonotrailTechTalk]

Totally depends on your goals! The Hydrasynth is a beast for sure. But wouldn't make any sense for me to bring that in a live set. I want two independent reliable flexible oscillators that I can incorporate in a modular compact performance. Also there's no downside to converting analog control voltages to digital. That happens in 50% of the modules in this case, like Clouds, the sample player, Basimillus etc. But have to agree converting audio to digital can be problematic. But I have never messed with a digital filter in eurorack! Are there even any?

[@reecedeyoung6595]

@@MonotrailTechTalk modulating a digital source with cv is vastly inferior to using the internal modulation of a fully featured digital synth. For your needs for a bit more money, couldn't you use a micro freak, disable the volume and filter mod and use it like a digital osc? You could save resources by using its internal modulation and sequencer. isn't that granular filter digital? Looked it up, and they say it's analog, but granular is a fundamentally digital process. 🤔

[@MonotrailTechTalk]

Hmm, not 'vastly inferior' at all. Of course the most important part is the quality of analog-to-digital conversion. Depending on that there could be some limits, if so that would be noticeable when doing high audio rate modulation. But in 90% of the cases it's practically completely irrelevant, for example when you modulate the reverb time of a digital FX module, or the speed of an LFO. Granular, is the process of creating grains. That has noting to do with digital. Grainity's regular and granular side are both completely analog ;)

[@reecedeyoung6595]

@@MonotrailTechTalk Inferior in the sense that using the internal modulation is cheaper, generally much more feature rich and has no loss in resolution compared to using cv inputs that convert your signal into digital. Even for someone like yourself who has all the envelopes, LFOs, attenuverters, and mixers you need to shape complex control voltage. You still lose the ability to save to presents. I like the eurorack format and modular in general because it creates beautiful sounds that can't be replicated through digital means. However the work flow despite being fun is limiting compared to digital instruments. If it wasn't for the sound quality advantage I'd use other methods.

[@nectariosm]

Nice click-baity thumbnaiil. They are not better, they are different. The "problem" is the plasticky texture they have, which can be compensated, to a degree, by going through some saturation/filter/colourful mixer/VCA. Of course that is besides the point as the do things, analog oscillators can't touch. I've gone through many digital oscs and I am down to 4 digital and 8 analog VCOs. The Klavin Twin is nice.

[@MonotrailTechTalk]

Haha, yeah, had to give that a try. Works though, people comment ;) But totally agree, different is the right word. Both have strengths, was just a nice entry way for me to talk about the Twin Wave options. Noise, random vectors, etc etc, all good examples of digital advantages.

[@nectariosm]

@@MonotrailTechTalk for sure and regarding the click baity comment, I am not judging...your channel is brilliant and you gotta use the "KZbinr tricks" in order to stay afloat in these days of insane amount of content, getting posted every day.

[@noisehead]

I think oscillators in general are very bad :)

[@GeorgeLocke]

Have you tried the Malekko/Richter anti oscillator? Might be perfect for you. 😉

[@newignis]

Or just a guitar? 😊

[@Tofu_Pilot]

Absolutely not, not even a little. For sure they are dope but not better than others. Also, analog oscillators are not better than digital oscillators. I have both digital and analog and there is zero chance i’d not have noticed a winner in the competition. There are some things you just cannot do with one or the other style of oscillator so having the one that does what you need makes it the “better” one for your needs and that’s about it. One huge drawback of digital oscillators is they very often have a screen. That is nbd to many but I don’t need anything with a screen in the rig. I have a computer if I need some screen time.

[@MonotrailTechTalk]

Haha, agreed. The title is a bit pokey on purpose, both have their place and I find they fit very well together ;)