How to make a TINY live techno modular synth in only 62HP.

[@tameless2494]

As a eurorack noobie, the thought process going into the patch building is far more valuable than any "gear hype" video I've ever seen. Phenomenal video.

[@soundandstuff_leo]

same here

[@russellwoodstechno]

very well said.

[@bobdelul]

Another pro tip on the tip-top one. Try and sort your samples by how heavy or intense they are. For example. Have it so that you have subtle kicks when the file knob is closed and hard heavy kicks when fully open. I found that this can really help giving some control over the overall energy of the patch since it’s easy to remember what kind of samples are stored where based on the knob position.

[@NineHellHeaven]

Nice one 👌

[@benearle271]

Such a good tip...!

[@mRw0oK]

3000 iq here, thanks alot

[@CRLFNKL]

You're using 100% of your brain capacity

[@rhythmdroid]

dude, that's actually really useful...

[@hoppy303]

The best part of this video is from 0:00 to 1:12:56

[@mmcc8657]

I have obviously missed something , personally would suggest 0:00 to 0:01

[@nomodz4real]

When you tuned into the radio channel just a tad more and played with the slider I got the biggest smile on my face, cool stuff

[@jetpacksnake9741]

nomodz4real what time is that at

[@nomodz4real]

@@jetpacksnake9741 14:34 or so

[@DreamlessElectronic]

Yea, man. To figure out what to get next, play with what you've already got. I hear that. This whole video was just amazing to watch.

[@RickyTinez]

damn this is inspiring! im constantly changing the palette and this gave me a ton of ideas. 💪

[@MegaTwinty]

No surprise finding Ricky Tinez around here!

[@mylarmelodies]

Thanks m8 🙌

[@Studio-solutions-com]

I like the idea of keeping it small, like building your own groovebox rather than a synth monstrosity...!

[@GuitarsAndSynths]

indeed his use of the radio for white noise is very clever indeed! I have an Elektron for this kind of stuff. Same size more powerful.

[@kevteop]

@@GuitarsAndSynths funnily enough I bought a cheap battery-powered radio last summer in the hope of picking up some long wave broadcasts for sampling, which it sucked at, but I still got my £15 value out of it - thanks, Argos!

[@tanchwa3740]

5:54 life hack, if you ever need a cheap external clock source, just use an electronic metronome

[@mylarmelodies]

Ooh that’s a great shout

[@GenevieveCostello]

hah, i was just about to write this question of what is the external clock source; thanks

[@intafon]

Heh, I've been trying to spec out a palette case, and have been considering a Pams Workout with a 1U Steppy, (instead of the Algorithm) which would solve the clock question. However, you'd have to give up some 1U real-estate, as I think only the steppy and the quadratt would fit at that point (plus either a usb power or 1U LPG).

[@paullibeskindt6942]

Lol nice

[@AndrewPRoberts]

?!?!?!?!?!?!? How have I never thought of that

[@MrMalthusMusic]

Love Surgeon so much, we managed to pool enough cash to get him to come play in Brisbane, Australia years ago. It was fucking nuts, such an incredible dj. His Glade festival set is probably my favour mix of all time. Your radio white noise trick @ 14:00 is grouse, I have sampled radio so many times on my OP-1 but never thought to run the OP-1 radio into the modular, nice mate.

[@jbanales69]

This should go into the KZbin Modular Synth videos Hall of Fame. Along with the Generative Patch one.

[@studio48nl]

The threetom MS-22 is Madness! 'Anything going through it' will sound new, old, classic, refreshing... no surprise there is a waiting list.

[@modalflip]

Loving more of these demos of smaller systems. I think the community would really appreciate more of these kinds of setups being demo'd and walked through - there's a wealth of knowledge here from "rack hacks" that make cramming multiple voices into a small rack like Palette possible (in your case, Percall!)

[@Digiphex]

I always wanted to see the bare case and then your thoughts as you add each wire. This may be the best synth video I have ever seen. Thank you.

[@claudecoup423]

Mannnnn I love these videos. As someone new to modular, these walk throughs make so much sense. These might be real simple sounds but they FAT as hell!!

[@duelinmarkers1]

"Who needs an LFO when you've got a left hand?" 😆

[@ibenzal]

haha I was about to write the same quote.

[@Dante_Eydel]

Damn, I was 50 minutes in before I realized it was a >1 hour video. that shows how interesting this is.

[@AngryBulldogg]

I found myself in a similar place. Think i got to 35 mins before i realised everything around me went dark. Too much for my limited brain to take in but just couldn't stop myself watching and watching and watching

[@sAllylikesbloodJ]

The longer these videos are, the better it is :D So refreshing to see the modular world explained so clearly

[@Femkroner]

Didn't look at the length of the video before starting. 15 minutes in now, I've got a six pack in the fridge and already a propped full shopping list at Thomanns. Thanks MM ^^,

[@mylarmelodies]

Ha thanks!! Shameless Thomann affiliate link here as it helps me eat! www.thomann.de/gb/index.html?offid=1&affid=845 (Lmk if you have any qs)

[@goodboid]

I feel this is the first time I've actually understood a modular setup! Very exciting.

[@mylarmelodies]

Best compliment I could hope to get - thanks!

[@Aquana01]

Same for me!

[@scttcmpbll]

Love that radio technique, I've done it with 4 portable radios and a Mutable Fames

[@roxaschain-don7322]

I love this video a lot! You break down exactly what is going on as you go along and introduce ideas in a performance setting rather than a dry instructional and it's helped me learn so much!

[@stephengreco5115]

This is a master class on modular. Too often we get caught up in gas instead of limiting and forcing ourselves to get our modules to go further than originally intended or even simpler all that they were intended.Well done mate! So inspiring.

[@mylarmelodies]

Thanks Stephen 👍

[@magnuslilleberg1941]

Nice one! I'm in the process of planning a ER-setup, but with a Planck-scale budget I've been seriously considering a full on DIY approach (I know my way around electronics, programming from assembly to OOPs, and wield a soldering iron with some degree of confidence...) But I'm beginning to realize that with the time this would take I may as well mount it all inside a coffin if I expect to spend any decent amount of time with my dream system! Thank you for showing me how flexible a minimal setup actually can be with proper planning!

[@ron2298]

Thank you so much for your videos. You are a awesome teacher. Some people like myself are a little slow understanding and have to be hands on to learn. The way you do these videos nice and slow and explain it as you go I can follow along and tailor my system to your instruction (different modules being the issue) and not have to pause the video rewind it play it again and so on lol. 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻🤟🏻🤟🏻 Really great to be able to learn so much from one video. Stay safe Godspeed.

[@JakubKorzeniowski]

whoaaaaa, the radio trick is one of the most creative things I've seen!

[@justinsaunders1459]

Love the minimal build ideas here - and the focus on performance! thanks for the video!

[@owenthesoyboy]

PercAll giving some interplay between the synth and bass lines is fantastic for such a cool mini rig!

[@stephanmobius1380]

For those who don't know: there IS a pitch quantiser in the 'disting'-module on the right. But it would have to switch modes and mylar would loose the delay. But he'd have crazy playable melodies instead.

[@torviification]

U mean that the module that is out, next to the delay, on the table, is the pitch quantiser? and is connected to the eurorack case?

[@stephanmobius1380]

@@torviification No, the right most module. It's a multi function module and has a quantizer-mode should he decide to not use the echo/delay mode.

[@adamsimons7280]

+1 on installing the modules “upside down”, see ricky tinez’s video on the palette case. done the same with mine and it makes it a whole lot more accessible imo. the noise random tools will give you that clock source and white noise source as you’ve said elsewhere. and the slew is handy as an extra asr envelope if you ever need one. would look at using a mixup as a mixer and for your send/returns potentially. it connects directly to the ins/outs on the palette case too so can save you some 1/4” to 1/8” adaptors down the line too. learning modular has a nice video on patching up the mixup as a stereo effects send.

[@Sequenceserenade]

Love this video and learned so much! I’m a digitakt user and midi guy so the modular world has been a tad bit of a reach for me. This really helped me understand some of the possibilities and inner workings of sound design. -Thank you sir

[@gmreynoldsjr]

Watched this when it came out, didn't get it. Just watched it again, recreated it in VCV....oh man. This is why I got into modular. Freaking brilliant.

[@DubsteadyMusic]

As a physical instrument (guitar. Bass. Piano player), DAW producer and recently 100% sold on hardware synths, I wasn't sure getting into eurorack was really for me until you turned the radio into hi hats. Even from a music production standpoint I now need the modules that will make that happen

[@frankdev]

this is such a thorough video. i was losing stamina and then I heard the chords output and now i'm back in. damn that sounds nice

[@sqwook]

Alex, please do more like this, it's so enjoyable listening to the track while listening to you talking about how your making it, would be fun to use this video as the input of the Percall

[@Acronso]

This is my favorite synth series on youtube :) love the concept and the way you explain things. Explanation to music ratio is spot on! Keep up the great work!

[@sarmism]

Great video, and a really useful insight into some live improv techniques in a small system. Love the look of the Befaco module and that tiny MS filter. Thank you!

[@sarmism]

I wonder if you could swap out one of your external in 1u jobbies for some sort of LFO or clock to eliminate need for Beatstep?

[@mylarmelodies]

@@sarmism This would be the one! intellijel.com/shop/eurorack/1u/noise-tools-1u/ If it were squeezable in

[@sarmism]

@@mylarmelodies that looks like a great little module.

[@MDJ5]

i clicked on this video for background while i rearrange my system. i didnt imagine how much i would end up wanting a filter ive never heard of ~ that thing is slick

[@PerseusTraxx]

I was given a radio like that in my early teens, and used to have wires trailing all round the room to pick up Colin Dale's Abstrakt Dance Show on a Thursday night on Kiss FM, before Classic started broadcasting on the range I could pick it up on. Still have it in a drawer, as I new there's be a future use :)

[@mit136speichenumdiewelt]

The best eurorack modular video ever seen on youtube.

[@HrafnNordhri]

Thanks for this! You explained some things that others gloss over. For example.. I've been asking about how to use the audio out of my Volca Bass. People said "you need an input" and now I understand why.

[@NeilMartinIsHere]

I watch all of your vids and I think this is my favourite. I've watched it... more than once. I'd love more tiny rack or live rack vids! Thank you for your effort.

[@Jaysusitsme]

This has explained a lot to me how modular synthesis works! thanks for sharing. Please make more, I’ve seen systems that overwhelm me and I don’t know what’s going on, with this it breaks down and keeps it simple.

[@mylarmelodies]

Thanks Keith, yes more coming! This is the aim

[@Jaysusitsme]

mylarmelodies I look forward to the videos 👍🏻

[@CHONK-Music]

I bought the percall kit while watching this video the first time around. Amazing module even if I can't get channel 3 working!

[@dionysiaex5538]

Alex, you continue to be one of the most interesting electronic music makers on here. And now I've said that, how about some more DFAM vids? Because you are the DFAM king.

[@mylarmelodies]

thanks m8 - yeah would be good to do a proper DFAM tutorial!

[@zizlog_sound]

12:44 using a short wave radio on the ultra short wave (FM) band. There would probably more static noise on the short wave bands.

[@DR_01]

Thanks!

[@mylarmelodies]

Ahh thanks!!!

[@SpiritOfOrange]

I really like the idea of Radio 4 being “chopped”.

[@GuitarsAndSynths]

Ace! I've been looking to build one to pair with my two Elektron devices (Octatrack+A4) and Make Noise 0-coast. I would get the Expert Sleepers Disting EX over the normal disting for double the fun. Also add a MIDI to CV so I can sample/sequence from my Octatrack. So my case would need to be 84HP versus 62HP. No biggie, get the Intellijel 84 HP case.

[@PaulBoos]

Finally, getting this - Really love what you are saying about having some about having 2 things going and one thing ready. That shortwave radio for noise is brilliant! I've def got some ideas to use within my semi-modular set-up and the utilities I have in my small rack. This also gives me some ideas for the few additional modules I plan to add to it. That Intellijel case seems to offer quite a bit also. Anyway, there were some fantastic ideas here and I def see my self using a good many of them.

[@dmitryovsiannikov4476]

You are one of the greatest teachers, thank you so much for sharing your knowledge.

[@mylarmelodies]

Thanks!! 🙌

[@MattJoyce01]

What a teacher! i have no gear at all and super interested in what you're doing.

[@MattJoyce01]

I have at least 3 module ideas for VCV Rack from this.

[@nathturn3869]

That filter sounds frigging awesome 😍

[@ThreetomModular]

Why, thank you, kind internet stranger 😁

[@jasonesty3880]

I just ran across this. This is super inspiring. Thanks for explaining your thought stream and workflow.

[@johnschade6343]

Great video. Def gonna check out that podcast. Seems like exactly what someone getting into modular should hear before buying anything

[@loslosbaby]

Rewatched the video: my brain took it in toooootally differently! Good going!

[@mentataudio]

Really nice to see how your process driven music making translates across to the smaller system. It really sounds like you because you're using the same process and approach just with different modules. A refreshing change from the focus on specific modules and pieces of gear in this scene, this shows that developing a process can be more important than what you buy.

[@mylarmelodies]

Thanks m8 - yes you've got it exactly...apart from certain things like using RND Step as it gives a stable voltage, I'm trying to avoid making systems that really require specific modules to work...the ideas should be general to get you thinking more about process than getting hung up on having 'just the right thing'!

[@mentataudio]

@@mylarmelodies A great way to do things, it's about creativity rather than gear. I've ended up with my own approach which is different to yours but been very influenced by the idea of developing a process. That said, I have had a go at emulating your single sequencer, multiple parts approach on my cirklon using grab auxes which is fun for improvising.

[@deejaydubla]

The Percall is the first module I've seen in a long while where I immediately thought: I need that. Absolutely my next build from Thonk... Also: the Steve Davis reference made me chuckle

[@mylarmelodies]

Yeah that Percall is a real godsend - also note a somewhat similar Doepfer module exists called the A-142-2 (with attack!), though it’s half the channels. God bless Dieter (but also Manu)

[@nathturn3869]

The Percall is a great module. I would say though that the build is very congested, but I’m sure you’ll be ok

[@domtak]

Skis from Bastl does something similar in 5hp. No volume control but it does have a separate access to the envelope and vca. There’s some normallimg on there too

[@illogick9062]

when the radio signal is introduced is when I'm like 'I NEED THIS IN MY LIFE NOW!"...

[@adamoliver82]

Brilliant video. loved this . Been watching Steve Davis on telly all day , he's a legend that man.

[@mewraz]

This is the best video on the entire internet!

[@boydw1]

Would love to see more of these suggested system videos.

[@russellbambergertwo]

Ayo nice tbls profile picture

[@boydw1]

@@russellbambergertwo Wadiyatalkinabeet?

[@zroeder]

Wow, you did just an amazing job clearly explaining this system. Really impressive video!

[@reheller]

This is one immensely valuable video! Soooo many good tricks you show here that let this system fly musically! Thank you 🙏

[@gaeel330]

Thanks for this video! I just pulled the trigger on a case and my first few modules. I know I can easily let things get out of control so I wanted to limit myself from the get go. I got a 4U 84HP case, and I'm looking at builds like this one to navigate my way to a fun, "fully"-featured system that will fit in that case, +/- a couple fx pedals and a Pocket Operator It's motivating to see that it's not necessary to have a big 15U system just to get started, and as fun as it is to watch what Colin Benders can do with his wall of modules, it's nice to know I can go quite a long way with much less

[@devtank]

Yes Surgeon is the shiz. Im happily pinged for using his work without permission on one of my vids. Happy to promote the genius.

[@mylarmelodies]

Strongly agree. Did a podcast with him you might enjoy! Why We Bleep is the pod 🙌

[@solongyouth]

hungover on a Saturday watching mylarmelodies videos again. i don't own any modular. this was great, thanks.

[@chauffeurCA]

Awesome stuff - learned a lot. Thanks for sharing the great info man. Steves MS-22 & Percall on the horizon me thinks. @1:04:50 that just bangs.

[@10chipmunk]

These suggested system vids are the mutts nuts mate! both so far have immediately made me want to go have a play with some new ideas :)

[@hoppy303]

Any chance we see/hear Tony Surgeon on 'Why We Bleep'? :pray:

[@mylarmelodies]

If Tony would, I would!

[@OB1techno]

THIS THIS THIS

[@256k_]

please please please

[@Jaysusitsme]

mylarmelodies There must be a way to make this happen! Tony seems like a great guy and I’m sure he’d love to share his thoughts on techno / modular etc

[@nickolasyounker]

@@mylarmelodies I think an interesting topic - could talk about some early surgeon and what it tried to explore. Some background - In early Detroit/Robocop dayz - Surgeon was on this label called "HEJ" with Michelle Herrmann (aka Punisher (soundcloud.com/punisher/sets/pun-in-the-sun) which is waaaaayy later - but still a great example of style) and Sassmouth - honestly it changed the way I look at Techno (but all those 3 have separated (or at least I dont know if they still keep in contact) and it's a shame because they made some things that could have been considered genres - Love this breakdown you provided - Don't know why everyone is like "if Tony would" - sure he would totally do your podcast - why not? - It's fuckin ACE!

[@birdsiview6845]

That’s a really great trick with the hamm line in !

[@howardkendrick4039]

Yay, mini mods are the way. I am now down to 208hp total mods. Downsizing makes you utilize efficiently. Looking at similar size build. Keep up the good work

[@hairychris444]

That radio trick is genius. Would never have thought of that in a million years.... but field recording/etc was never something that I was comfortable with.

[@ungloi6835]

Yeah, not bad, but I'd want CV control of channels ;)

[@denovaire]

trick's been used by John Cage many many years ago :)

[@tomnicholson1653]

Haha!

[@ReFractalus]

Superb instructional. I FINALLY managed to make something that resembles both in functionality and sound your 62HP system presented here, and I literally only have the 2HP Euclid: all the rest I used substitutes and additions. I learned a lot, thank you so much! I did use 295 HP though: I never bothered with size when making decisions for my rack :) Now to add a voice to play some arpeggio's; that MS22 filter sounds sweet, and thinking of a Cs-L for osc. It's gonna be great, and my dream of being able to perform, for a few friends at least, is finally coming closer. Both from Colin and yourself, feels like having a 'Masterclass' right here on YT. Thanks again!

[@woutervanteerling]

man this is the first video that convinced me that I can and do understand this stuf! thanks!!

[@mylarmelodies]

🙌

[@lorcamusic]

Great tutorial, more of this please! Learned a ton and inspired!

[@machineouverte6947]

Great work! The outside radio as noise source is indeed a clever trick

[@SorchaSublime]

that percall module looks like it would be fun with the CV controllable radio in the KOMA field kit

[@kevteop]

I'm quite new to Eurorack and didn't know about the Percall but did wonder why there were so many complicated envelope generators when all I really mess with 90% of the time is decay. Brilliant module.

[@GuitarsAndSynths]

probably for the same reason why there are so many different modules? People invent and create infinite possibilities. Makes it hard for us new to modular what to buy.

[@DanielPerryMusic]

Before I got into modular, I used to run a radio through a tremolo pedal for hi hats. Having it close to Classic FM can create some cool results

[@alexlokanin3312]

i'm constantly amazed by synthesizers

[@alexanderfrowen1978]

Hello Mylar, seen as you haven't made a suggested systens video in a while is it reasonable to request a a viable minimal party number2?

[@PaulBoos]

Wow - really cool - don't have time to watch it right now, but that opening composition is dope. Will definitely come back to it...

[@studilocker4439]

Don't forget it ;) just a reminder

[@ACAB-qz9zg]

Really digging this series, watched both videos a few times now.. would be really cool to see your take on a jungle beast.. lots of sampler modules with maybe Nerdseq as the heart for full tracker sequencing love

[@digitaldocking]

I’m so glad I came across this video. It’s been a great guide for getting started on the system I want to build.

[@mylarmelodies]

Thanks m8 - good luck!! What are you going for?

[@digitaldocking]

@@mylarmelodies So far I’m starting with the Cre8audio NiftyBundle (built in MIDI and audio out sold me on it), Erica Synths Trigg, Erica Synths Drums, and Noise Engineering Sinc Bucina. My goal is to eventually be able to achieve some of the same elements you have going on here.

[@intafon]

Chopped radio “hats”, gain staging to “normalize” levels - 2 of my favorite tricks! I particularly like using AM radio, since the ghost signals are significantly weirder. I’ve really liked radio and vocal chopping since hearing Prefuse 73’s “Point to B” and other tracks on the same album (2001!). I need another S&H and preordered an additional disting- thinking I should check out the RND Step again... the choking of the chord signal reminds me of @ricky tinez’s recent review of the qbit surface - that module has some nice features.

[@CinematicLaboratory]

Indeed wicked and totally awesome rhythm section, the radio is brilliant. At some points it sounds just as huge as the live system.

[@annonymousname2.0]

Ricky tinez would be all over this. Awesome sauce my dude

[@syedali2943]

Was enjoying the video, but then you pulled out the SW radio move, legend mate! Defo my new fave youtuber 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽

[@PreRendered]

Tons of insights and really cool techno jams. Can't really complain about that.

[@soejrd24978]

Keep up this series! Absolutely love the techniques and patching ideas

[@bodoelsel]

Excellent and very inspiring.

[@twiglet2214]

Has anyone ever told you you've got lovely hands - very expressive.

[@mylarmelodies]

🙌

[@michaeltuskan9043]

🎛🤏Yes!!!! Love your work, my new favorite artist!

[@2p1n2]

The masking tape, is gaffers tape, make shure you get the one used on sound/light consoles, it leaves less glue traces than the tape we use to fix ie broken moltons/masking uggly bass players etc

[@richardkimberley9201]

Fantastic, i was mesmerized. How would you change this setup for 84hp, much changed in 4 years?

[@JoeJohnston-taskboy]

Pretty sweet rig. Thank you for walking through how you thought about which modules to include. I confess to having a little sticker shock when computing the cost of this "minimum" rig. Just the Intellijel case along with that first row of 1U components is about $540. Excluding the Algorhythm, the Befaco, and Tiptop, the rest of the modules are about $1200. I would guess the three excluded components would add another $600 or so. So this small rig is about $2500 worth of equipment. I am not saying this rig setup isn't worth it (all the components and the case are excellent), but I am suggesting that if you are new to eurorack gear, perhaps there is a less expensive rig loadout that to experiment with first.

[@mylarmelodies]

Yes, consider the functions you’re seeing demonstrated (and the patch) rather than the specific modules themselves. You could do much of it with Doepfer modules at a much reduced cost, or with VCV rack for free. But be in no doubt that modular is not a cheap way of doing stuff. The key is that you can build a physical instrument that does something specific that no off the shelf device can - even if there are off the shelf groove boxes, they’re not quite the same. That makes it rather good value in another sense, even at $2500.

[@howardkendrick4039]

Love the radio live input... got me thinking

[@yvanbister]

This is probably still the best modular video out there. Any chance you would do a v2?

[@olivelarouille]

So good! It looks good, sounds good and it is interesting for the brains! Good job!

[@olivelarouille]

I think I need to make one so I can touch it too :D.

[@wackenthaljef]

Thks 2 u mylar...im french and ur easy 2 understand hopfully!

[@BrianKupferschmid]

I’ve been practicing a similar concept. I’m working on creating systems that are based on a particular theme, but in 60 hp. One case is a sound on sound system with effect sends, as well as on board effects, whilst the other is a variation on an East Coast modular Synth. Trying to allow yourself as much flexibility within a limited space is not impossible, but quite the challenge.

[@pablogermangomez6008]

Hi Brian, have a question for you, why exist the East Coast modular Synth/West Coast, whats the diference, I Start to mount an Modular system about the last year and I dont know if these diference exist until today. A lot of thanks! Pablo

[@hairychris444]

​@@pablogermangomez6008 It's a rabbithole! Very much simplified, Moog were East Coast, Buchla West Coast. Moog developed synths with simple oscillators routed into a filter (subtractive synthesis) and an interface (keyboard) that musicians were familiar with, Buchla developed synths that had complex oscillators and had usually more experimental interfaces/controls. So someone saying that they have an East or West Coast style synth means that they will have one based on either Bob Moog's or Don Buchla's design philosophy. But the fun is that you can mix module of both styles in the same system.

[@pablogermangomez6008]

@@hairychris444 Thank you Chris!! Was a nice tip. I will be research about these subject!!!