Neutral Labs Scrooge - Beat From Scratch, Demo and Explainer

[@OscillatorSink]

ADDENDUM: I say in the video that the x/y sockets on the scrooge are outputs - they are not, they are inputs, which open up a world of cross-patching potential which I don't even touch in this video... But maybe later...

[@robotriddims]

ooooo! if they take audio as well maybe kinda envelope follower stuff even.....

[@michaelkonomos]

I love your videos. The depth you go into is great. The creativity and thought that goes into it all. Masterclass.

[@OscillatorSink]

@@michaelkonomos thank you so much! I know the long form videos aren't to everyone's tastes, but I try to show the stuff I'd want to see.

[@bricelory9534]

what a powerful, fascinating sounding piece of kit. One day I want to learn to solder, and I would love to pick up the DIY kit for this. Most drum machines don't interest me because my musical language currently doesn't do much with standard beats. But this industrial, glitchy little beast makes my ears perk up. Thanks for demoing this!

[@OscillatorSink]

@@bricelory9534 thanks for watching! There is a set of those glitchy industrial "rustles" that this machine makes that give me head tingles!

[@TeddyBaas]

Very cool, A few years I would have pulled the trigger and bought it but these days spending $600 plus tax for this is something thats hard to do. If it was $300 I would be all in.

[@pheotus]

There is a diy kit.

[@4ToMiCoR4Ng3]

Top 👍 I ordered the DIY kit yesterday. Then I found the first 3 KZbin videos and left praise for each of the other two. I didn't know you like that before. But I love your video as a valuable and much needed relaxed workflow video. Love it.

[@OscillatorSink]

@@4ToMiCoR4Ng3 thank you! Enjoy the build!

[@4ToMiCoR4Ng3]

@@OscillatorSink Thank you, I definitely enjoy that. And again, your workflow video at exactly this speed with exactly the same information content per unit of time is currently the most important thing for me personally.

[@KelvinHemas]

Wow, fascinating. Looks like so much fun and sounds really interesting. You explained it well also

[@OscillatorSink]

@@KelvinHemas it's a load of fun - the interaction between the sequencer and the synthesis is the perfect combination of control and surprise.

[@evilnoisyelectronics]

Seems like this machine is great fun to use and very inspiring!! I normally enjoy the unpredictability and the "happy accident" factor in the gear I use but I have to admit that sometimes you can get lost,,, this machine with its sequencer seems very well balanced between the unexpected and control... and the lofi distorted evil sounds are truly amazing. As always you made a great video!!! Congratulations

[@OscillatorSink]

@@evilnoisyelectronics cheers! You're absolutely right about the balance of "unexpected and control" - you always have control over the direction, but not necessarily the mode of transportation!

[@hellf.o]

Damn this is so good! It kinda reminds me about Twisted Electrons BlastBeats a lot! Whish they had a full assembled version too😅

[@OscillatorSink]

We're living in a blessed time period if weird drum machines are your vibe!

[@unfamiliarenvironments]

I was waiting for the slew of passive drum modules/machines to start after the NOON - apparently the floodgates are opening, may the modular gods have mercy upon our souls 💀⚡

[@OscillatorSink]

We're in our passive era for real. I think the real genius this one is the pairing of the passive circuits with a sequencer that really *gets it* and gives you access to those sounds so quickly. It would probably be the ideal sequencer for Noon honestly!

[@unfamiliarenvironments]

@@OscillatorSink agreed yeah - I love the freak show that NOON is but sometimes you really do need some limitations and this box seems to be nicely organized and a little tighter scope soundwise - a little less option paralysis and perhaps a bit more predictability for when you need some focus not feverish extraterrestrial expanse

[@jane_coldthrone]

Sounds fantastic ! Thanks for that ♥ Maybe this is the piece of equipment that finally will push me into more "rhythmic territories" (?) Who knows ... but I'm definitely considering to buy it, sooner or later ;) Imagine pairing this one with some Bastl/Casper stuff ... the crunchier, the better !!

[@OscillatorSink]

@@jane_coldthrone "the crunchier the better" - words to live by!

[@chitlun]

A very enjoyable 50 odd minutes Mr OC. I haven’t had much GAS of late but this has seriously piqued my interest! Just how DIY is the build version I wonder, as I’m not too good with a soldering iron.

[@nyppy]

There's a build guide in the Scrooge website where you can see all the details. All SMD components are presoldered, it's just the pots, buttons and sockets. Takes 1-3 hours depending on skill level. If you've ever soldered before, it's doable.

[@kevinaaronson]

I LOVE my Noon but this looks like more functionality for less money. Definitely on my radar.

[@OscillatorSink]

@@kevinaaronson I think the Noon is still super interesting and seems to be voiced differently to my ears at least, but the genius of Scrooge is having a sequencer built in that is designed to get the best from the voices.

[@Retrobeet]

Another great video. This kit looks so compelling. Ive never built any DiY synths before. I notice on THONK that it states that the kit comes pre soldered? Do you know if that makes the kit significantly easier to build? Keep up the good videos. I enjoyed all of your Digitone videos!

[@OscillatorSink]

@@Retrobeet thank you! There are build instructions on Neutral Labs' site, if you want to get a feel for what's involved.

[@victorroberts4637]

I want one! Question is - can the poke work backwards? Or - is there a way to get the raw CV per track out from the sequencer?

[@OscillatorSink]

@@victorroberts4637 the Ext track gives you one sequencer track that is designed for just that, but not tracks 1-5, no.

[@victorroberts4637]

@ awesome thanks!

[@nyppy]

There are plans for a small expander module that will expose all 8 tracks to the outside. Eurorack only, obviously, though I guess you could also mount it to the back of the desktop case if you enjoy some woodworking.

[@longshotkdb]

Nothing technical to add... I think you understand as well as I. Almost. 😂 How and ever I don't think we can overstate the value of a soft, well spoken human being among the machines. *It's all about contrast don't you know. ∆

[@OscillatorSink]

@@longshotkdb ADSR ASMR

[@calderwood9641]

Are the outputs line or euro level?

[@OscillatorSink]

@@calderwood9641 the, main outputs are 6V peak to peak, so that's in Eurorack range (but there's a volume control to bring it down), the individual outputs are 3v peak to peak, so the higher end of line level/lower end of euro level.

[@calderwood9641]

@@OscillatorSink Nice range of voltages to play with others. Thanks! Great video, ordered a Scrooge yesterday.

[@OscillatorSink]

@calderwood9641 enjoy!!

[@jm6734]

so is everyone just gonna ignore explaining basic tempo settings on this thing :D

[@OscillatorSink]

@@jm6734 it wasn't my intent for this to be a tutorial and it's in the manual, but for reference, it's func+tempo, then turn the left knob. I actually do it later in the video. You can also sync via midi and analog clock (which I did mention towards the start of the video)