Eurorack Drumming Tutorial with Mutable Grids, Circadian Rhythms & Switched Multiples

[@WillisZzz]

"You never know what's gonna happen; and it might suck... But you have to try..." Words to live by!

[@serenemachine9110]

Luckily it definitely did not suck especially the last couple of minutes.

[@xDenneyx]

Thanks for this and especially for not assuming that we all know what utility modules like switched multiples are. Really helps me to know what it is I want for my system. Also, great jam at the end. Cheers!

[@jasevaughan7829]

James Denney Yarmo Denney?

[@GlitchWolf]

Don't ever stop what your are doing Mr. Melodies. You are really fantastic at exploring modular ideas (the generative music, and melody progression). I think it's great that you share these concept with the modular world with such a light, but still deep, fun and informative approach. A great personality exploring great ideas. Keep it up!!

[@Ingenieur_Robotique]

Superb video. Cheers. Think I watched this some years back and it was too much to take in but so glad it came up on my feed again. You've just answered a whole bunch of questions I've been toying with. Nice one. Love it.

[@alexmckenzie42]

This channel is a huge resource - thanks!

[@Jaysusitsme]

I have Cercaidan Rhythms & MI Grids - I was going to But VPME Circadian Circles V2 (just to make certain aspects more interesting), but thanks to this video I've saved about 200 GBP in just having to buy a switched multiple. TY Mylar! I owe you a pint.

[@greencontact]

Your live performance modular is essential material, keep these coming, as a beginner these have showed me so much and probably saved me from buying modules i dont need. Thank you!

[@mylarmelodies]

Thanks mate, quite urgently working on the next installment now, watch this space!! :3

[@greencontact]

mylarmelodies I sure will and cant wait to see whats coming!

[@caidurkan2916]

This gets filthy, so not only is it a great informative demo/tutorial of an explorable approach to modular drum synthesis but its also a tune

[@DR_01]

Thanks!

[@mylarmelodies]

Thank you!!

[@CapRockout]

Man, I'm kicking myself for not having watched this and your live rig videos sooner. I've watched plenty of your other videos (and subsequently ordered many modules), but in this one you have nailed what I've been wanting to do with my own rack's percussion. There are times when I want to be able to deliberately input my own rhythms, but also times when I want a bit of randomness and variation or just add complexity. Definitely getting myself a switched multiple! Lots of other great ideas too. I'll be jamming in no time. Cheers!

[@FileTransferProtocol]

I love the Easter egg at exactly 4:35 on this. Nice touch!

[@jamiekuntz7179]

24:28 reminds me of a modem connecting.. love it man well done

[@georgekay372]

Every single one of these videos gets me to sketch yet another module design for my diy modular....

[@jasevaughan7829]

Spot on, i actually bought a Doepfer switched mult about a yr ago and just started using it this way last week with grids and other trigger sources. Nice idea using the accent out to trigger the rotate on a switch. Gonna try it

[@mcshafty1]

Loving the jam you get into. Awesome patching man

[@MartinDoudoroffLLC]

Good essay. While I’m not in this for live performance or dance music, it’s still helpful to go through the thought process, and certainly bits of this thinking are perfectly applicable to my own stuff. For example, I can immediately see from this how I would benefit from a simple switched multiple.

[@DukeOfPrune]

Amazing demonstration! Thank you very much for making that rabbit hole even deeper...

[@soejrd24978]

Love your vids man, you make eurorack very accessible

[@TheLaserLightning]

This absolutely slaps... awesome.

[@darrencampbell636]

Can I say, I love all the weird and wonder sounds these things can make but I have absolutely no clue what bag of this does and it's looks scary complicated haha! I would love to get into this stuff but alas I think money and steep learning curve disheartens me from it haha! So I will keep returning to your vids as they always entertain and the sounds are awesome too!

[@Dan2Hibiki]

Very interesting as always, thanks mylar

[@SamMcEwin]

Man that looks like a lot of fun. Great video!

[@greatlakestrader]

Bringing some great vibes brother! Love it when you include Tiptop drums in your mix.

[@madebymccoy]

Love it, excellent ideas for self-generative beats... I’ve just picked up a Grids, and other than the obligatory play around after unboxing, not had chance to play it. But this has given me a strategy now to just go fully generative with a Plog and a Turing Machine, and not just treat it like a simple drum sequencer!

[@Rafaelfo.]

This is exactly what I was looking for, thank you!

[@fiddlestickzmuzik]

your videos n jams are like really good drugs.. always want more.

[@theuntouchables808]

This is a really sick setup. It's really clever how you use it as a "" groove box "". Eurorack is intimidating as it is. This video for some reason make it look a bit more friendly. One thing thing I would point out are those on off switch on the left of the casses. I would stress me out playing live and I'd accidentally turn off on of the racks. I been mixing for over 20 yeas and when ever I where a big sweater the sleeve sometimes moves the pitch specially if the turntable/ cdj is to close to mixer.... Just a thought. Keep these vid coming..

[@mylarmelodies]

Ta - I’ve never pinged the power by accident, but YMMV...

[@kttkttkt]

In case you plug it just like that, it combines through 1k modular level output impedance(standard short protection resistor that 99.9% modules has). So i think it is perfectly fine to do it, it is fool-proof. But if one is 0 and another 5, you get two resistors in series with ouptput in the middle-> voltage divider with 2.5V on the output. So it may not flip some thresholds. Normally you OR-wire gates through diodes, so drop is just around -1v.

[@kttkttkt]

yep, A-186 is diode based "or wired" multiple, so it would be the same and for the money you can solder 6 of them, only danger is, that it will suck your soul into the DIY synth world

[@reason2910]

can't stop watch this. Best drum video I've seen full modular. If this on modular grids?

[@Contang0]

holy crap those rhythms are insane.

[@pantalalabs]

LOVE your videos!!! Thank you for sharing

[@JustinUrban1]

This has become my new musical mission. I’ve never done modular so I’m trying to figure out how to go about it. I did get the Rhythms sequencer. I have the Neutron semi modular and I have the black box version of the Lifeforms SV-1, which I intend to mount to the Roland SYR rack I just got.

[@Deaphdot1]

this just changed everything for me... thank you so much

[@mrotaveria]

Good thinking man. Very inspiring stuff. Thanks.

[@fran_ky2536]

The Zularic Repetitor is another useful rhythmic complementation to my modular drum box

[@mylarmelodies]

Yup, want one too...

Hey, amazing video

[@moket808]

A circadian rythms tutorial would be very welcome :)

[@precarious333]

Great video as always! Grids is a lot of fun. Interesting to use the various outs to trigger things other than percussion as well, like vactrol gates. Also interesting to the use the accents to to trigger percussion sounds other than what the main out is triggering, or vactrol gates again. That way both will correlate to changes in settings. So many possibilities!

[@precarious333]

Also, for anyone interested in switched multiples, Synthrotek Either-OR module gives you 8 channels of proper OR switchable between 2 inputs and the 2 added together (or, alternately, muted - selectable by jumper). What's nice is you can cascade the channels as needed, so 8 separate OR operations, or any configuration of multiples. The other advantage is with OR you won't get the voltage of multiple triggers piling up risking damage. Plus the module is passive so no power required. The down side is it's 14hp compared to the Doepfer A-182-1 which is only 6hp. www.modulargrid.net/e/synthrotek-either-or-eurorack-or-module Another cheap alternative is Low-Gain Electronics Short Bus which operates more like the Doepfer module but uses actual OR logic to combine triggers/gates from 7 inputs to one of 2 outputs. Center position of switch is mute. So basically 2 channels of OR logic, with 7 channels available to either or mutes. Only 6 hp and passive. www.modulargrid.net/e/low-gain-electronics-short-bus-v2 Slightly different approach between these two. Both very useful depending on your needs. Do you need 8 channels of OR with 2 inputs each? Or 2 channels of OR with 7 shared inputs? I own both just in case. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

[@GuitarsAndSynths]

I agree modular is tons of fun and amazing. I am using a Make Noise 0-coast as starter point with my Elektron gear.

[@brianrodman1033]

Renaissance Man the 0-Coast is an amazing synth. Great place to start. Even as an addition to a full eurorack set up or to have a small ultra portable instrument. One of my favorite things I’ve done with it was a Krell patch.

[@massimookissed1023]

6:44 That's connecting trigger/gate *outputs* of modules to trigger/gate *outputs* of *other* modules. You wanna hope those outputs have some protection built in... (They should do, just incase you touch a patch lead jack tip to a metal chassis.)

[@mylarmelodies]

Yup they do - it’s generally a sketchy technique to be fair, but it does work on Doepfer certainly

[@walrtbstudios5430]

I intend to take modular in front of an audience at some point (after retirement, which is not far off), and this is invaluable- especially as I have a Grids clone on its way.

[@Mrpepito1989]

21:00

[@AnthonyBerg]

@4:34 DOEPFER A-182 FTW (LOVE YA SEEVIO!!) AND U DIETER!!

[@BadChizzle]

I think I really liked that performance. Got very going there, didn’t it?! Ending was Cool Cool!!!

[@Symmetry77]

great jam

[@daniel2622]

Sublime ending!

[@housemachine509]

Great video I learned a few things

[@gearpunk9632]

very cool. thanks for sharing.

[@ludotex]

that's a fun groovebox!

[@starwars007oele]

Thanx for all the great ideas. The small pot next to the knurlies.....,is that some dipsauce? 🤔😂 Greetz 👍✌️

[@microcosm6871]

That was badass

[@caseyjholmes]

Great video

[@smartassrecords]

I use the CR to trigger a nord drum2 and a q bit rhythm to trigger samples in bit box , I never thought of using a switched multiple , i may try this , but i like blending the 2 drum sounds . I also get so many ideas from your videos.

[@geecen]

You'd be better off making an or gate with switches really. If you combine gates like this you're relying on the modules you're using to to have protection. They usually do, but it's best practice to use or gates, or mixers obviously.

[@vAlkemistv]

This makes sense,, curious about mixing CV as well.. This probably isn't a great idea right?

[@owenott8202]

Thank you for writing this!!! I was cringing during that short segment. Probably does work fine for most modules but what a terrible way to find out if it didn’t.

[@owenott8202]

@@vAlkemistv yeah a dc coupled mixer or an or gate is the safe way.

[@0Metatron]

Wicked video thanks

[@xpump876]

Nice demo! I have encountered issues combining passive outputs an/or combining diode outputs w/ voltage drops that can cause modules not to trigger --- Synthrotek passive OR Module (diodes used)s a cool 8-chan diode (A-A&B or B --->out switch ) Synthotek "OR" Like DIY? I really dig these (2) BARTON DIY Modules: For signal switching/routing (cv or audio ) or creating rhythm patterns BMC39 Very inexpensive and lots of fun BARTON BMC45. Matrix Router Store and recall 16 analog switch routing patches Select patch 1 - 16 with CV input and send a pulse to Load it {Send any of the 4 inputs - triggers, gates, cv’s, audio - to any of the 4 outputs } BARTON BMC39 Step Rhythm Sequencer One can select any on/off sequence within a even numbered note events 4,8,16 up to 32 trigger events and Save into channels A and B to later Load any (2) of the saved 16 patches

[@1975neilmcm]

Great video any chance of a sketch of the diy multiple switch going to build a few I think.

[@christopherlynch4347]

Great stuff... Surprised to not not see Frames in the mix somewhere

[@redline6561]

I've been hoping @mylarmelodies would do a video on Frames actually... :)

[@fibranijevidra]

Love the video!

[@somnaut]

Holy guacamole. After this Covid nonsense, i want to go hear you play live

[@mylarmelodies]

Thanks - me too!! x

[@bonjourmyfriends]

If you're only using the switched multiples for gates and triggers, you would be much better off doing a DIY switched OR logic module. Look at the Low Gain Short Bus. It's basically the exact same passive module you already made, but with diodes on each switch to make sure the voltage only flows in one direction. Look at the picture of the module on Schneidersladen, you can see front and back.

[@dettifoss]

Looks cool. Do you know if there are DIY kits available for the Short Bus?

[@FunkTree]

I like the screw bowls top left:)

[@mylarmelodies]

Funk Tree Iron rich snacking for long sessions

[@shinrinyoku69]

were this soundcloud, my WOW would be placed on the drop at 23:32. Thanks for another great video.

[@Synthikat]

nice patch!

[@dwwwwd5081]

Where I can find more music like this (released or not) ? Or artists who play this kind of music?

[@LowGainElectronics]

You should check out the ShortBus modules

[@LowGainElectronics]

It was designed for combining Gates/Triggers 7 channels not 8 though. But at least the diodes keep your module outputs safe.

[@rustle9369]

oh dear god what have i done watching this my life as a knew it is over

[@mylarmelodies]

welcome welcome x

[@rustle9369]

i'm extremely interested in making music without a step sequencer unless its quite organic the grids defiantly looks like a good choice - no idea where to start with melodic stuff though

[@ph-du1dh]

I'm pursuing a similar setup as yours and just restored my Sequential Switch thanks to your video 🙂 How are you resetting your sequential switch?

[@mylarmelodies]

I can’t remember what I used at the time but I recommend putting a mute switch in the path of the reset so you can choose whether it happens or not, can be really useful for extra control of what’s triggered.

[@stuartbennett4301]

Beginner question here: how can I add variation to velocity if I’m using, for example as this is my current plan, a trigger riot into a Vermona DRM1? Is there a module or method to achieve that? I’ve been using TR08 & 09 so far but it’s not working for me as well as I’d like when it comes to quick changes.

[@mylarmelodies]

Thanks! If the DRM1 has velocity input then possibly yes - if it doesn't, you could pass the entire DRM audio output through a VCA and control it with a step sequencer to add velocity too it...?

[@stuartbennett4301]

Awesome, and I’m guessing I could use the individual outs on the drm to do that to just hihats for example. I’ve seen you mention the Ladik S-143 for this job, is that a good option or are there others you would recommend? It’s small and cheap both of which I like the sound of 🧐

[@LEdHeadW]

@@stuartbennett4301 you could modulate the velocity (if it exists) or the vca level as mylar suggested with stepped voltage from something like Pam's, or a Turing machine, or a S&H connected to noise or whatever to add velocity variation to your hi hats or other percussive elements. There are probably other ways to do it too.

[@stuartbennett4301]

Thanks 👍🏻 I went with a Trigger Riot, Squid Salmple and just added Euclidean Circles. I like the two sequencers very much and the Squid is a good module but im a bit underwhelmed by the sound and the combined outputs are irritating when it comes to adding effects.

[@SELEKTROw]

Nice video, got my system last summer and your vids are very informative, this one tho is great as its EXACTLY what i'm trying to to with my system, reminds me that that hours of jamming non-tracks is what its all about! my Anushri persuaded me to modular and now I love grids, Im putting back together my 606 with mods to act like your circadian and the Tiptop drums. Just got a seq switch last week and started shuffling gates too but now i need another for pitch sequences! also got a radio music to build Im curious tho, you only have the one sequencer, I know its the mighty metropolis but is it playing the braids and atlantis? do you feel you need more pitch sequencers?

[@YTNUKLR]

hey Alex! have you ever tried the noise engineering confundo funkitus?

[@mylarmelodies]

No but always liked the look of it - get em quick as they’re discontinued aren’t they?!

[@YTNUKLR]

mylarmelodies ya they are. Going to try integra funk sometime, but i adore CF! Mylar-approved 😉

[@gooneybird808]

Ace! I really like this set up, you changed it though recently huh? I'll god check that out..that was cool though!

[@mylarmelodies]

Yep, check my vids for latest incarnation, have fundamentally changed my approach - not that this isn't valid for making music! Or live even, but I think you'd want to be VERY VERY well practiced, or to have a pal to share duties with.

[@thomasbrown3325]

Nice video, thanks. One thing I didn't quite understand: If the Grids accent advances the switch to the accent input, what advances the switch back to the non-accented input? And why do you need the switch at all--couldn't you just plug the Grids accent out to the drum module's accent in?

[@markorendas1790]

AHHHAAHAHAAAA!!! THE LED !! MODULES!!! GRIDS!! MORE LED!! YOW!!!

[@makke1195]

Fire!🔥

[@DJfreddyfresh]

it might suck lol story of my life!, but those times when magic happens.. thats the battle we live for.. tweak on

[@thetaflux6267]

i'm trying to do something similar, making a live modular groovebox. Right now i'm stuck on what to sequence my modules with. I'm trying to decide between the trigger riot and the circadian rhythms, and I'm also completely at a loss for a melodic sequencer. How do you think the grids + circadian rhythms compares with the trigger riot?

[@FelipeTellez]

rewatching this for the nth time

[@HumanMotives]

Haha same!

[@darkwinter6028]

On your switched multiple, insert some current limiting resistors between the switch and the jacks to prevent damage to the output drivers. Off the top of my head, something in the 5K to 10K range should do. However, to do this properly, the output drivers really should be connected via an OR gate...

[@GuitarsAndSynths]

Can you use the Plonk module or the Erica Synths pico drums module for decent drums on their own for an affordable modular drum setup?

[@mej6519]

steveio's percussion and hats programming is awesome, yet seriously musical at the same time.

[@mylarmelodies]

m ej Still haven't really solved how he does his (since he certainly doesn't use Grids)...but then it's not about doing exactly what he does - more just if I can apply any of it to my own stuff really...

[@krachwerkstatt8112]

who is steveio? i would like to see his work if possible. thank you.

[@krachwerkstatt8112]

Thanks!

[@brianobush]

Stevio here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/rmfLe5RoobeFna8

[@krachwerkstatt8112]

i learn much from your videos, and i also learnt ACE:), the new Doepfer A-150-8 octal Switch could be even better for the Hat thing. 2 In and Out for each channel. i would like to know your opinion. thanks a lot and i would say ACE-)

[@reason2910]

rad man

[@zackeriah87]

Quick question! If I want to sound like Zero 7.. what modules/synths would I need?

[@mylarmelodies]

Analogue Solutions CB88

[@zackeriah87]

Thanks a ton..!! I will check that out right now.. Cheers from Chicago! -Z

[@DJfreddyfresh]

How happy are you with Circadian? I've found any pattern over 8 steps becomes a bit complicated as opposed to say Eloquencer, nice video man

[@mylarmelodies]

I also tend to do simple stuff with it but it’s so well built and solid, it’s definitely your best choice for simple XOX stuff. Nice to pair with other gate sequencers like Grids and Euclidean Circles

[@brokenscart7989]

What EQ do you do with your drums? Mine always get ‘lost’ admission by synth sounds. I EQ on my mixer but doesn’t make a great deal of difference.

[@mylarmelodies]

Sidechaining can help massively! Make room for them by cutting the other elements down

[@brokenscart7989]

@@mylarmelodies thanks. I hear other videos online where people don’t seem to be doing these things and the drums are always still so distinct

[@mylarmelodies]

Could be a question of levels/balancing, or better orchestration (less sonic overlap by design)

[@brokenscart7989]

@@mylarmelodies I think I just swamp the soundscape in bass. Because bass is nice. I’d lov/appreciate a video from you on this subject, EQ and avoiding overlap etc etc, your stuff is pretty much what I aspire to make! Thanks for your responses.

[@reason2910]

more drum videos please

[@ebcd1831]

how do you make that passive multiple? is there a diy page for it?

[@mylarmelodies]

I have for patrons but it’s very very simple, just look at a pic of the Doepfer passive multiple PCB and reverse engineer it! ;)

[@iqnill]

The NoBots moved all their stuff to Think and switch multi is not there... Would you link the schematics please?

[@mylarmelodies]

It’ll be back soon

[@stefanhansen5882]

Again, your videos are absolutely great! Being a newbie and wanting to have a modular for live music, can you tell how much a system like this costs? Thanks!

[@mylarmelodies]

Thanks - it’s worrying to consider how much, but in the region of 2k

[@mylarmelodies]

Bearing in mind VCV rack is free!

[@stefanhansen5882]

@@mylarmelodies 2,000 GBP??? That's not much for all that. I expected it would be close to 6,000 GBP! For all of it?

[@mylarmelodies]

Stefan Hansen Buying everything second hand, DIY case etc, shouldn’t be £6k unless I’m in total denial

[@stefanhansen5882]

@@mylarmelodies Ah! I meant brand new, to be able to compare it with buying a brand new traditional synth.

[@smartassrecords]

Were you able to get your hands on the skipmin ? if not i have an extra one , I'd be willing to trade for one of your switch multiples that you made .

[@mylarmelodies]

Kelly Brown Smartassrecords Are you sure? Would definitely be interested in that. Shoot me a mail: [e-mail] Thanks!

[@jamiesmith1776]

hey mate what is the settings that you have the metropolis set at to get the melody working like that?

[@Mrpepito1989]

Are these your own samples on the Radio Music or 'stock' and just heavily distorted by effects of delay?

[@mylarmelodies]

Peppironi89 Toms stock, but I do have some of my own on there - though I don't think it was playing mine

[@Mrpepito1989]

Ace!

[@rodolphefontaine6750]

What do you use to generate the drums / hh / clap / ... sounds ? By the way, I am exploring the Eurorack/modular and I have a quite simple question. You have several tracks/outputs (kick, hh, ... bass, ...). How does it work to get all those tracks in one output ?

[@mamadmadcap]

can i do the same using the drum section of the beatstep pro instead of the circadian rhythms?

[@lokiidub]

cool vid... whats your take on vcas and drums????

[@JB-xv4bw]

Great as always, where is this case from?

[@mylarmelodies]

jb_beylan Ross Lamond for the main briefcase, the top is a Moog 104HP case! x

[@JB-xv4bw]

I also really like those two little bowls of mushrooms there on the left

[@robertsyrett1992]

Do you have a pet or are those bowls off on the left filled with screws?

[@mylarmelodies]

Robert Syrett they're filled with befaco knurlies for me to snack on

[@robertsyrett1992]

#totallynotrobots

[@MausLab]

ACE!

[@DrMoe.Lester]

On combining triggers into the switched multiple, whether its bad to link 2 into 1: Isn't this what a unity mixer can be used for?

[@mylarmelodies]

Yes, but you don't get the routing and muting unfortunately!