Modular Synth (not a spaceship, this is an instrument)

[@andrewhuang]

Ok so after seeing the synth in this video I think it could be bigger

[@unknownmemoirs]

Don't you mean it's going to be bigger? ahem

[@GoviaM]

andrew huang

[@forbiddensun9524]

100% jajaj

[@ogmarq2737]

Andrew going craaazy

[@MultiKombo]

Time to buy another rack then

[@samuraiguitarist]

Rob there's a standing invite to come check out the world's weirdest guitars, pedals and gimmicky gadget collection.

[@clydecactus8653]

This would be a beautiful thing.

[@BeardTech]

That: I'd happily crank through my bus speakers for all to hear

[@ajknote3347]

We need Rob with your midi guitar/any other crazy guitar and a bunch of pedals! Pedal time with y'all would be GREAT. Maybe even hit up JHS pedals too and have a trifecta. Love love love your channel.

[@TRKTKO]

That'd be awesome, y'all can do a jam with em.

[@pablobarrios7681]

That would be awesome!!!!

[@ShadowFalcon]

So, watching this, I'm definitely getting the sense that, "playing" a Modular Synth, is less like being a musician playing an instrument, and more like being a conductor directing an orchestra. Definitely amazing to watch.

[@envispojke]

Yep. You're controlling how things control other things.

[@stevewinwood3674]

Best comment on this video.

[@Sliverism]

It never occurred to me that a modular synth is rather like a pipe organ but omg...

[@TheSilverShadow17]

@@Sliverism An electronic remaster of a pipe organ that lets you create any kind of melody you want, hell even create sounds and tones from different time periods if you really wanted to haha

[@spiralmoment]

It can be whatever you want it to be. Thats what's cool about modulars.

[@frankk5588]

them looking at the main camera makes me feel like the modular synth

[@Cyclically]

pov: you’re a modular synth being messed around by andrew and rob

[@prettypointlessvideo]

Pov rob wont stop messing with ur nob

[@lardkraken8231]

@@prettypointlessvideo 😳

[@Cyclically]

@@prettypointlessvideo pov: you're a modular synth and they keep plugging wires in and out through all of your holes while messing around with your knobs

[@ReplicateReality]

@@Cyclically too far

[@mattsnyder4754]

“WHY AM I DOING THIS. LETS GET SOME INVISIBLE HANDS TO DO IT.” ^the precise moment Rob became a modular guy.

[@lordundhimself1310]

Saw this after I made a similar comment lol

[@inexpensive_housing-2948]

"you understand, invisible hands are the ruler of everything" or w/e tally hall said

[@sleepy-gamer]

They grow up so fast 😢

[@dnl_lcknr690]

literally came to the comments as soon as it happened, this is the moment it really turns into a jam session

[@obamagaming7264]

@@inexpensive_housing-2948 mfw mechanical hands 😳😳

[@JohnGottschalk]

Andrew is trying to create a self-generating song/soundscape, Rob is trying to create an instrument that he can play.

[@justinstone1821]

Exactly my thoughts, I don't think he understood that the sound being manipulated is what you'd get if you held down one note on a keyboard lol.

[@JohnGottschalk]

@@broodjeworst9701 my comment is?

[@barmacidic2257]

@@broodjeworst9701I think you might be the enemy of art actually. The fact that you can’t see the artistry in what Andrew Huang wants out of a synthesizer doesn’t make it “not art”. It’s not anywhere near the level of AI generated “art”, the human involvement is much greater with synths than with AI.

[@barmacidic2257]

@@broodjeworst9701 lmao, don’t breathe, eating is better. That’s an equally irrelevant and untrue statement. They’re equally important.

[@victorvondroom]

@@broodjeworst9701 kid no one is impressed, touch grass

[@tschimoler]

Rob: Let's try to make the prettiest sound possible. Rob, 2 seconds later: Let's turn all the knobs to maximum!

[@micowata]

Pretty much all my patch stories.

[@ShaggyRobot]

Let`s just start turning knobs and see what happens :)

[@Aleziss]

and can't stop hitting that freakn spring reverb...

[@Znijik]

Like a true musician.

[@firewolf11567]

That's science, baby.

[@a.w_.]

Andrew: dialing in new parameters with both hands Rob: S P R I N G

[@Charlie-ev3ze]

Rob “Can We put reverb on it?” Scallon

[@jjyy8289]

30:45 When he said "do you wanna make a snare drum from scratch?" it really hit me that synths are just a factory that can produce every instrument and then program people to play them.

[@tomekk.1889]

Yeah but it takes a ridiculous amount of experience to be able to do that

[@charycourt]

i realised that metronomes are just synths, from this video

[@physicschaosdev]

@@tomekk.1889just plug an envelope into the volume of noise, should be a good snare to start with noise->amplifier ^ envelope

[@SleepingLionsProductions]

​@@physicschaosdev it takes a lot of experience to fine tweak it tho. Gotta find the right noise, choose the right speed for the envelope and pitch etc. It is pretty easy if you know the concept.

[@physicschaosdev]

@@SleepingLionsProductions it doesnt have to be precise, just have fun with it, i use white noise or pink noise

[@Jongamebeer]

I feel like this is Rob's BBC show whenever he goes around learning about instruments and music from all over the place.

[@GoldenPoopD]

it basically is already. these are some of the highest quality videos anywhere on youtube, even better than a lot of actual tv shows

[@FynnFTW]

isnt that THE Dream? Making Music for a living and exploring even more of it?

[@yungpm]

I read that sentence incorrectly.

[@codesent2125]

@@yungpm 🤣🤣

[@rodwavings]

big black coc

[@stockicide]

I never realized two people could jam on the same synth without getting in each other's way. What an interesting way to collab.

[@seedmole]

Anything is possible with a large enough synth

[@una_10bananas]

I think Andrew and Rob are quite in tune too

[@lorde_spooky]

Admittedly it's a fucking enormous synth, anything smaller and it might be harder or you might get in each other's way more

[@TheSilverShadow17]

@@lorde_spooky The sheer size and complexity is worth it in the end since you're given vast amounts of control over what type of sounds you want to create.

[@lorde_spooky]

@@TheSilverShadow17 oh i agree, i was just trying to say that it would be much harder for two people to jam on the same synth like this if it was a normal size setup, much easier to get in each other's way

[@sublimingmule6356]

I love how you went from "let's make something beautiful" to "industrial hellscape"

[@harveyhandbanana]

I don't know if you've ever gotten to play with something similar to this but it always devolves into the system going full runaway. I did that with a friend's pedal board once and I had to cut the power to everything to get it to stop

[@sublimingmule6356]

@@harveyhandbanana nice!

[@geografiainfinitului]

I think they both are learning

[@Van_Hoofenstein]

I like how this video goes from basic modularity in synths, to engineer levels, to random chaos in 45 minutes

[@uwize5897]

the end sounds like it would be a brutal doom theme

[@dlawlis]

I think that's how Eurorack goes for most people.

[@canon5204]

The only thing I like about Rob Scallon more than Andrew Huang is video length. Sweet, sweet, 45 minutes of modular geeking

[@emmarossignol4445]

Agreed. Andrews videos are great and they take so much effort so I totally get it, but I love when he puts out a 25-30 minute video

[@raimondsstokmanis1892]

Most people have short attention spans.

[@spanzotab]

Andrew's videos are like a beautiful cheesecake dessert and Rob's are like a full 5 course meal. Sometimes the cheesecake is exactly what you need but sometimes you haven't eaten all day and you need that 5 course.

[@qgp]

theyre both awesome. but yeah i literally sat through this whole video and geeked out with them ahaha

[@kianooshshakeri7864]

This shows how complex yet subtle the world of music is. This makes me emotional for some reason.

[@susanhawkes2519]

Humbling how much sound there is out there to hear.

[@geografiainfinitului]

Basically this is performance, I like how Andrew ego is not showing up lets Rob learn and they both learn new things.

[@ReacherVG]

Andrew, you should definitely start a series where you invite various KZbin musicians to play with your modular synth. Would be so cool to see what these talented people could do with it!

[@SpadeNya]

Second completely! He's such a chill dude and clearly has spent many a night just enjoying his time with the instrument.

[@Moloch6666]

wow yes! that would be awesome!

[@danielvanatta8884]

I fourth that notion.

[@pacoside1092]

I quintup it. It could even be like an hour long "live" or at least uncut video of the evolution of the song, with minimal talking, as kind of a "listening party".

[@trollkarlenjp]

yup!

[@IceTemple13]

I feel like a really chill video would be just a really long unedited cut of Andrew making a patch. Modular ASMR

[@elliott7268]

Andrew has a second channel with exactly that. Search Sulture sound.

[@flyingrobotpig]

@@elliott7268 thank you!! I was wishing he had some vids like that, super glad to hear that there is

[@robinr22]

*Suture Sound

[@MittensOnly]

Two things on this: 1, I would pay a lot of money to see a live mod-synth show 2, I would pay an hourly fare to play with a modular synth

[@orotoi1]

Was thinking the same (2).. There is no way I can affort one but would love to jam on one for some times..

[@falaghsepehr5504]

@@orotoi1 You can actually find free virtual modular synth though. Cardinal for example is an open-source vst plugin you can set up for yourself.

[@orotoi1]

@@falaghsepehr5504 ye i know.. But I would love to have hands on such a hardware..

[@falaghsepehr5504]

@@orotoi1 I know... but Cardinal is a good starting point imo

[@robertevans7534]

You could also pair something like VCV Rack (or I assume Cardinal as well) with a midi assignable controller. You may not have all the options, but it gives you physical controls at a fraction of the cost.

[@xtrplpqtl]

Rob: "Is there a mute button?" Andy: *yanks the patch cable out of the module*

[@AxxLAfriku]

should i skip school for youtube video making? i making good stuff but i need much time to making. maybe replace school with making videos. i have two girlfriends. thanks for your opinion dear x

[@dhir5560]

@@AxxLAfriku no

[@dhir5560]

@@AxxLAfriku get your deploma first cuz u need that if your KZbin doesn’t work out

[@Gladdig]

@@AxxLAfriku disgusting

[@fredquevillon3727]

@@AxxLAfriku By seing the way you write sentences, you should stay in school.

[@TDR85]

"Let's make something that sounds pretty." *Creates what a panic attack sounds like.

[@gorlothmaclaren1924]

Panic attack down a tunnel

[@mattpassos5689]

@@gorlothmaclaren1924 in a video game on a train

[@ASLUHLUHC3]

Hahaha

[@SlyHikari03]

Sounds cool to me…

[@NatureBetsLast]

I'm in tears

[@D1G1T4L1NF3RN0]

That sequence they get into at about 39:00 is so nasty bro. I would literally pay money to have a whole album of that kind of stuff. Makes me feel like I could run through a wall.

[@GrouchyJelly]

Aphex Twin has entire albums like that (Richard D. James Album and Drukqs especially!)

[@rami-succar7356]

www.youtube.com/@jerobeamfenderson1 :)

[@sidveeka]

ScreamerClauz - Mutwa There's some killer sound 4 ya!

[@WillywonkaHC]

Hotline Miami

[@ayytihsgnikcuf5292]

Reminded me a bit of some Mr Oizo tracks

[@modelcitizen1977]

At the 34 minute mark some real magic starts. A pure expression built from nothing and never to be heard exactly the same way again. This is really cool and greatly enhanced my understanding of why modular has such a following.

[@KaityKat117]

i mean you can hear it the same way again by going to the 35 minute mark o3o

[@dylanharris3110]

Andrew's Spaceship Synth is quite possibly the most intimidating piece of musical equipment I've ever seen

[@MarcelAmmerlaan]

Nah, checkout kzbin.info/door/x74vAHCehhLOeQNwbJcGyQ (Colin Benders). The guy does this and much more. Even live jamming performances.

[@iKrizNL]

Have you seen deadmau5's studio

[@sheepshoop6190]

The Emerson modular system is insane.

[@bermchasin]

you must have never seen the triangle before. deceptively simple!!!!

[@VitrificationOfBlood]

@@MarcelAmmerlaan came here to say this, Colin benders is a modular genius!

[@guitar24789]

for anyone to explain their setup to another is frustrating but collaboration is key.. respect to these dudes for creating and learning together...

[@xosgar]

Now I get why John Frusciante spent 10 years experimenting with modular synths. This is a whole new world to explore.

[@TheXVenus]

He makes some cool stuff too imho

[@Qliphirot]

Hoping he doesn't take it to RHCP

[@blitheringrando1410]

Frank Zappa would lose his mind seeing this modern day synth setup

[@zachkariotis9982]

@@Qliphirot don't worry, he won't. that's what I love about john frusciante is that he will always understand his place in a musical context and play for the song, not for the experimentation.

[@mattn.2520]

Radiohead created their song Idiotque using modular synths just like this. They brought it on tour, was amazing to see it live.

[@R28rus]

Yay! Andrew and Rob together again! Make more videos like this guys, your creativity blending together is awesome!

[@CrymsonNite]

the problem I'm sure is location, Rob's in America, Andrew's in Canada, so they don't hang out often, and the pandemic made it impossible. I loved the videos with Andrew, Rob, Joel, and Dave together, those were great.

[@boob5798]

how is ur comment 11 hours old but the video only 9

[@morlun838]

@@boob5798 stream probably

[@majipan2719]

@@boob5798 i'm sure it's some patreon thing, patrons have earlier access to Robs videos

[@Immopimmo]

This is such a mad scientist way of making music. I double plus heart it!

[@JTX30000]

Yes. It's one of my favorite things to do!

[@josav09]

Having studied computer engineering I can picture the waves at the beginning and the algorithmic functions each module "executes" later on. This is programming music with analog circuits... FUN

[@paradox9551]

you can definitely see the e^ix involved in all of this!

[@chupasaurus]

@@paradox9551 In sine waves only obviously. Actually I've really learn the trigonometry and algebra through programming knobs in a DAW.

[@nadadada3938]

Worst part, me too, I am just seeing it as an algorithm and you now, this is why music pi is so cool

[@danyomega1472]

Fortunately me having a majors in Telecommunication Engineering, I understand everything that's going on. I remember making weird noises with a VCO in our lab 😃

[@murphvienna1]

This is exactly what got me into basic synthesizers and later on to Reason

[@paulandersbullecer3152]

I love how the song went from smooth fairy tale-esque vibes to bip-bop robot futuristic vibes, to underground city hiphop vibes. Absolute thing of beauty.

[@buhuhuh7757]

I'm not a musician, but as a programmer this is basically what i do, just patch modules to modules so this appeals so much to me.

[@soniccucumber6639]

Same here. Would really like to program such synth

[@withak30]

VCV Rack is basically a modular synth simulator for your computer, you can do everything they did but for free.

[@futur_sunds]

So is this your first time hearing of a modular synth? Or how did you find this video if your not a musician?

[@buhuhuh7757]

I watch a channel related to hardware engineering and programming that also features a lot of synth stuff and this just popped up for me. @@futur_sunds

[@phutureproof]

@@futur_sunds popular channel it gets recommended, how do you use this site

[@davidvalliere4907]

Andy: "You want to make a snare drum from scratch?" Rob: (pupils dilate)

[@slice-the-pi]

lmaoooo accurate

[@eyeofcthulhu5362]

Andy? ok...

[@manavm]

I love the dichotomy of an instrument that gives the the most possible control you can get over the sound you make, but the best way to play it is to let it do things itself instead of controlling everything.

[@tylerm124]

Im so in love with the fact that you guys messing around went through like 20 weird genres of music

[@huntermorgan6177]

I would seriously kill to just see a unedited video of Andrew just making sounds for an hour and zoning out

[@pierfrancesc0]

I think you can find stuff like that on his second channel, Suture Sounds :)

[@NeoBechstein]

all in

[@LilDeuceDeuce]

I had no idea you could physically interact with a spring reverb like that, that's amazing...so many interesting sounds and insights in this video!

[@aidan_mundy]

Check out his recent video on Reverb Machines, your mind will be blown! He has a whole jam session playing the reverb springs like an instrument

[@Hasserfyllt]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/ZpjNlIiYatSnfbM&t= you are welcome

[@jpatt1000]

If you tap the right hand side of a Moog Grandmother (or any synth with a spring reverb) you will get a bang through the spring reverb like that.

[@LilDeuceDeuce]

@@Hasserfyllt That's awesome thank you

[@LilDeuceDeuce]

@@aidan_mundy Nice somehow I missed that one, will check it out

[@emersonvae]

So 7 months later and I have watched this video probably 5 times. This is by far my favorite video on KZbin. It's just two friends making music and having fun. There is no arguing, no struggle for attention on camera, just the most real video I have ever seen. Mix that with the incredible hobby of modular synth and you have the best video on the platform. :)

[@ascdrgn3481]

I know getting across the pond is tough rn but a video where Rob and Andrew visit LOOK MUM NO COMPUTER's Museum of Everything Else would be so awesome

[@Chris-vr8cd]

They should visit Heinbach

[@ambershadow1]

Oh hell yes! That would be awesome

[@potterydogproduction]

A whole uk and Europe tour would be sweet

[@terminalglimmer]

HI I'M LOOKMUMNOCOMPUTER AND IN TODAY'S EPISODE I'M GOING TO CIRCUIT BEND ROB SCALLON

[@Resomius]

OK, that would be absolutely cool!

[@R28rus]

I love how Rob went from "oh, explain what that thing does" to straight up jamming

[@TheBanana93]

Blows my mind how quickly he picks up instruments!

[@ericoreilly8368]

I know,! If you saw his video on the history of guitars with the all the old stringed instruments like the lute? And the oud? He was rippin on those ! Lol, even the historian dude was like " whoa" LOL.

[@tiigerpoiss2004]

Rob seems to be ulitmate jammer, you give him any instrument and he finds way to jam with it.

[@ericoreilly8368]

Hes like a big kid in these vids, its awesome, genuine enjoyment on his face. Lol. Informative too!

[@leahreminimashups]

this is the most entertained I think I've ever been by a KZbin video, I was genuinely sad when it ended. i'd love to hear the uncut synth audio on it's own. I feel like I have a whole new appreciation for electronic music now

[@StreuPfeffer]

"And this is how we rebuilt 'rain' on a modular Synth" 5 Hour video with a room sized modular synth.

[@hamidbabaali10]

😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@codesent2125]

Now run this thru the MIDI of the pipe organ

[@StreuPfeffer]

@@codesent2125 I wo9uld love to see a service with midi sounds. maybe composed by rob? Mainly as a childrens service or so not a full serious one. Maybe check the midi issues they had before having them again

[@ChristopherBuecheler]

Man, layer some guitars over a few of the patterns you guys created, and you've got a pretty passable Nine Inch Nails sound.

[@beamlarochelle5001]

Hahaha totally

[@HenritheHorse]

Trent's modular walls are amazing!

[@VodkaSelekta]

Try running a guitar through the FX as well

[@HenritheHorse]

@@VodkaSelekta Guitar through analog wavefolder and filter is great!

[@Death_By_Media]

And anything with an acoustic guitar is instant Bob Dylan 🙄

[@richasay9077]

“Let’s make something pretty.” 54 patch cables later. “I understand that!” 2907 years later, archaeologists find Rob mummified in rainbows of silicone insulated copper wires.

[@CA-FE-C0-FF-EE-00]

This one made my evening :D Thank you :D

[@JTX30000]

... With the biggest grin possible...

[@geografiainfinitului]

I think they both are learning new things that's what happens when you teach something to someone.

[@Mayhemzz]

I feel like the cables alone cost more than my entire musical setup. Also, I want to see Andrew in a mad scientist costume making crazy sounds with this thing.

[@ActualKaktus]

The cables are stupidly expensive

[@Junior-eq7gb]

I tought about both being mad scientist all along lol

[@emmanuelcrespy8878]

there's a dude doing exactly that called : "LOOK MUM NO COMPUTER" He did a totally crazy 1000 oscillator contraption : kzbin.info/www/bejne/mWTanGyNjLmZhNU

[@ejjes]

Yeah those stack cables cost a pretty penny

[@raseingan]

Now we need a once a year synth band that's called 13th of November.

[@WordsofHeresy]

This has actually helped me understand how these work. I got a free mod synth Sim and had no understanding of what I was doing, this really clarifies how these work

[@GrandmasterofWin]

Honestly after hearing the bit around 30:05, all the dirty bass in the last 5 minutes, and seeing how well you two were able to improvise together it's a sin if you don't make at least one track. That was some incredible stuff.

[@alexanderxul]

They made an album together 😂

[@ianbyrne465]

@@alexanderxul three albums together. But I agree with OP, I'd love to see them use this beast for at least a full track

[@alexanderxul]

@@ianbyrne465 tru

[@f1ne2]

It's not only a sin but a sin wave

[@drheck]

@@ianbyrne465 where can I find those?

[@rowanvincent5762]

Every time I think I want to get into modular synths: Andrew: This is a module. Me: you lost me

[@boratezel]

It's basically making your own custom synth. Imagine each module is essentially an effects pedal, and you're chaining them together in the order of your choosing

[@nom6758]

@@boratezel you lost me at module

[@boratezel]

@@nom6758 it's your own custom synth, like building your own computer

[@TheBoglodite]

Or i look at the price and then im out lol

[@way2sh0rt07grad]

@@boratezel or better yet, your own guitar pedal board

[@hereticalhimbo]

it took 42mins and both andrew and rob are just making absolute fire

[@loganmartin5286]

Rob was trying his hardest to make it a physical instrument with that spring reverb 😂

[@ryno4ever433]

That's the beauty of it though. It CAN be and that kinda experimental stuff is what makes synths so cool.

[@therealnynetynyne360]

Trying shit nobody ever thought of doing is how Eddie van Halen got his virtuoso status among most guitar fans.

[@marialiyubman]

That moment in synthesis class when I realized I couldn’t find the “volume button” because in order to turn down the annoyingly loud oscillator, you need to physically patch it through to a potentiometer (?….it’s been a while..) in charge of amplitude and then you get a “volume button”, not a second before. And my mind exploded all over the classroom lol 😂 Believe it or not, it’s been the most valuable lesson in terms of acoustic instruments, how their sound is created and their conversion into electrical signal. Also, once you try creating the sound of a violin string being played with a bow and you realize it’ll take you ages to find all the natural overtones of the strings, the wood, the room, the hair on the bow….. how it host the room and your position in it… that’s when you start appreciating nature.

[@markm0000]

That’s awesome how you’re interested in this type of music creation. That’s true about nature. You don’t know what you got until it’s gone.

[@Bentroen_]

Oh, this has got to be one of my favorite comments :) The fundamental part of producing sounds is actually quite simple (waves!), but what you can do with it to generate interesting sounds has so many nuances! That's what's really beautiful about music!

[@krs-fltutorials4487]

You are just describing timbre.

[@Bentroen_]

@@krs-fltutorials4487 Or, rather, the complexity of timbre?

[@GiantGreenGecko]

Do u think its possible to appreciate nature before having this experience? /s

[@isaacqn3s]

Does anyone else think Andrew is a great teacher? The way he explains things is simple yet thorough to me… maybe I’m just too damn high right now lmao

[@hightension01]

Right at about 35:47 was one of those perfect little moments where suddenly everyone working on a track syncs up perfectly and everything just comes together. Suddenly everything just works.

[@av8av8av8]

when the recreational kicks in

[@vincev4630]

42:29 too. That track sounded darrrk

[@robertrodes1546]

It's been a long time since I studied electronic music in college (1982!), but as I recall, you get random notes by modulating white noise with a sample-and-hold signal. And by the way, in case you've discovered the process of "building the sound from scratch" on your own and want to read up on it, it's called "additive synthesis." I'm glad you guys are experimenting with this. (p.s. we had a 7-step sequencer that was about half the size of a spinet piano, and was really state of the art at the time.)

[@TheMphc]

Haha, I loved reading this comment. We've come a long way since the '80s, that's for sure! By the way, I watched your video of you playing Scarlatti Sonata in G, and couldn't leave a comment because commenting was disabled. I just wanted to say that you played beautifully and that I loved the piece!

[@jonathong138]

@@TheMphc Because of your comment, I went and watched his video. Beautiful playing for sure.

[@mauricemonster4350]

Wait till you get a load of that eclipse ;)

[@ToyKeeper]

Sample-and-hold is one way to generate random values, but it's far from the only way. Most of the randomness in this video came from digital controllers using math to generate random numbers and perform logic. Additive synthesis is a very specific type of synthesis which usually refers to adding sine waves together at harmonic intervals to create timbres. This is contrasted to subtractive synthesis, which starts with a harmonically-rich tone like a square or sawtooth wave, and then removes or dampens frequencies with a filter. Subtractive is the most common type. In this video, they mostly used other techniques. However, I recall a couple times they mentioned using a filter, so some of it was subtractive. And it looked like the bass oscillator may have used some additive waveforms as starting points for its blend... not sure. It may have been FM or wavetable instead, or something else entirely. It appeared to generate two single-cycle waveforms and blend between them kind of like a small wavetable, but the two endpoints were being changed too.

[@prismolearts6693]

It feels like this modular synth is to playing an instrument what pen plotting algorithms are to drawing, absolutely love it

[@IanMT56]

What a fantastic idea, having Rob learn about synthesizers along with the viewers. And having Rob come up with musical ideas with Andrew having the know-how just makes me feel like I'm playing along with them.

[@samme0311]

I love how rob just sees andrew's tenthousand+ dollar setup and decides "yeah Im gonna slap this"🤣

[@spitgorge2021]

@Joshua R i mean its kind of made to slap

[@microchrist6122]

This is why people play in bands , for these vibes of pure collab creativity

[@UMadBro13]

They just have such a fun friendship, there’s so much knowledge being transmitted from Andrew, and Rob is just geekin, excited to learn from his friend :’)

[@ZitëGheiste]

Rob: So if I turn this knob, the pitch changes? Rob: So if I turn this knob, the pitch changes? Rob: So if I turn this knob, the pitch changes? Rob: So if I turn this knob, the pitch changes? Rob: So if I turn this knob, the pitch changes? Ok I understand now.

[@Lolgkvsatcz]

Bwahahahaha ‼️‼️‼️‼️‼️‼️😂

[@krystof5271]

Tbf there were a lot of knobs that change the pitch

[@marin7013]

Yeah right me too

[@nickzoic]

Rob: I found a metal thing under tension with a pickup on it! Andrew: ... Rob: I'm gonna slap it

[@nickademus489]

Just sick. All of it. So many little grooves you guys got into. I couldn't stop watching you guys play around. So fun. Thanks for sharing!

[@SeconDin420]

I love that Rob goes from “let’s make the prettiest sound we can” to “bleep bloop bop robot” in 7 seconds

[@TheJammerman]

Man, I’m about 7 hours deep on a huge school project for Sound Design, I’ve been having a lot of trouble with it and am feeling pretty burnt out, I said I’d take a little breather and watch something and this video is here. We had to learn a lot about synths using Reason because of COVID and this video is really helping make sense of everything we learned about. Thanks so much for always taking to time to make such digestible and comprehensive content. You’ve taught me so much. Cheers man

[@t.g.v8889]

Rob hitting the spring reverb and then laughing out loud is my favorite part of this video

[@odiec5567]

I feel like this format could make a great live show. Two folks talking about the tech, then they build some sounds and beats and maybe jam over the top of it.

[@citrusblast4372]

And maybe each episode they have a themr or goal in mind

[@niwasox3]

This really reminds me of programming. Almost all programming languages you come into contact with are imperative, telling the computer what to do in sequence. On the other hand, query languages let you specify the data you want to plug in and how the result should be shaped and the computer is free to decide how to get there. They are incredibly powerful and beautiful once you know how to use them, but it's really hard to let go and not try to hammer an imperative mindset into them at first. You don't try to play them like an instrument, but shape the sound you want and let the synth do its thing.

[@better.better]

this is exactly what the first computers used to be like: full rooms of modules and patch cords that all fit inside one processor now

[@danyomega1472]

Current digital sythesizer are using this exact logic. They're embedded processors programmed to control a sound generator IC which creates the music

[@beepst]

Try Max 7 or Supercollider.

[@Elriuhilu]

If anyones has used 3D modelling software like blender and used the thing where you can create surface textures by connecting little effects modules with lines to control the order in which effects are applied, those were designed to simulate using something like this synth. The concept of having discrete modules that do specific things and being able to connect them together sequentially with cables is very intuitive and is easier to visualise than something where the actual connections are not physically visible (like in software where the sends are denoted by text you have to deliberately look for). Other places where physical cables are used to patch connections between electrical circuits to join them together are electric guitar effects pedals and the old analog telephone exchanges in which an operator would connect a patch cable between your connection to the exchange and the connection of the person you wish to speak with. Simulated patch cables in software also appear in programming IDE-s, but I'm not sure exactly how they're used because I don't know how to write code.

[@Unearthing]

Find someone who loves you as much as Rob loves that pitch knob.

[@THuang-lt1ob]

This might be the only instrument you can actually play WITH a friend. Its so sad that the power of absolute customization/personality is so expensive

[@Meevious]

I have good news! Most instruments can be played with a friend for fun if you're keen enough. =) A lot of large instruments, like the piano and harp have a history of more serious and practical duet composition and performance (adding a second person enhances it, rather than just making a fun challenge, like trying to duet with a harmonica or a guitar). Search for piano duets and prepare to be amazed.

[@embeddedsanctuary4348]

you can totally do that with software synths, just start messing with the synth, and the other person can man the keys, and vice versa. I've had some fun jamming with friends that way, just making any sound that comes to mind, and messing with effects.

[@FourthDimensionPyro]

I would not be dissapointed if I saw him with this setup creating music like this live at a concert.

[@mxspokes]

Something like this would likely be an installation somewhere, or something like Neil Peart's kit where it's encompassing the artist.

[@quinxx12]

Look mum,no computer does it with his home-built modules.

[@snardash_1197]

I love the interaction of Rob not having any clue on how to do anything but having ideas and Andrew figuring out how to make those ideas como to life lol

[@adamhagen6639]

The amount of knowledge Andrew has is actually ridiculous.

[@andiprogshop3097]

I think i may have found the Chuck Norris on that kzbin.info/www/bejne/a5iuqp-kh7abhZY oder kzbin.info/www/bejne/eZjTkpRnbM2spqs

[@brendanschmitz321]

You talk like someone on Reddit 😂

[@dewmeister]

@@brendanschmitz321 LMFAO

[@blvrrimg]

@@brendanschmitz321 this has no meaning

[@yung_the_inhaler941]

This was awesome see y’all reaching over each other and collaborating … rob was a filthy scratcher doeee 🔥37:00

[@o2by4]

I could watch 5 hours of you guys playing around with that every week

[@BTB88]

I absolutely love this! This needs to be a series. Modular is often a solo experience. Having 2 people patch together and feed off each others choices is so cool.

[@brendosapien]

It's amazing that the sound evolves with the video to become clearer and more beautiful just as Rob's understanding of it increases. It's quite the living bit of poetry

[@dougbrowning82]

Rumor has it that Moog put a keyboard on his synthesizers so that musicians would recognize them as instruments. Apparently, he was criticized by other synthesizer makers for the move.

[@Ekebis]

wendy carlos was the one who suggested it iirc

[@zachhaywood1564]

I'm new to synths, how were individual notes played one at a time before they added keyboards?

[@M7M777777]

@@zachhaywood1564 I suppose with adjusting electrical current using dials - like they do in the video

[@NegativeReferral]

@@zachhaywood1564 Buchla (Moog's main competitor) used touch pads similar to the one on a laptop. RCA used a piano roll.

[@shaunfaesolar]

@@zachhaywood1564 step sequencers are a popular method. But the cool thing with synths is you don't need to be playing notes at all.

[@A.B.H_da-goat]

When rob scallon is making music with a space ship and invisible hands you Know you're in for a treat

[@averin5193]

this swiftly went from ALMOST calm and controlled, to complete and utter madness and i'm ALL for it

[@BirdOfCreation]

I love seeing you two together. Genuine friendship and common passion. You're very dynamic and refreshing. And I definitely sound like a 45 year old mom watching men in their 30s saying "have fun, kids".

[@huntermorgan6177]

I've never touched modular, but it seems like Rob really wants to "play" the sounds while Andrew lets something else take the wheel with just a few guidelines. Both mentalities compliment each other well.

[@31pas0]

When you know nothing about how this stufff works, the only thing you could do is wiggiling some knobs, just like if somebody gave you a guitar and you don't know how to play it, you just randomly strum the strings. With some knowledge you typically stop just messing around, start building concepts how modular ‘could‘ sound and what it's capable of. So it's not about mentalities, it's about knowing the instrument.

[@nom6758]

@@31pas0 unskilled people like to boil down hard work into "mentality" or "talent" while ignoring all the hard work and time required to get that good, because they dont have what it takes to put in the same amount of effort.

[@anthonybrett]

@@31pas0 "the only thing you could do is wiggiling some knobs" Although I understand what your saying, its amazing just what you can do by randomly "wiggling some knobs". Ive watched school kids screw around with modular synths they knew nothing about and after a minute or two create a sound that is utterly amazing. I don't doubt that "understanding" how the building blocks work helps, but when your working with modular...never underestimate chaos.

[@EthanRadell]

@@anthonybrett beautiful. You tend to figure out what knobs are doing what as you go anyway. While your path won't be clear to getting where you want, you can still get there with some experimenting. Part of the beauty of synths is the very low barrier of entry as far as skill and knowledge.

[@anthonybrett]

@@EthanRadell Agreed. Thats what I love about modular the most. Starting out with no goals. No presets...just a journey!

[@infini9262]

Rarely can i say this but i actually had fun simply by watching a video. Making music is my most favorite thing to do and just by seeing you guys co-pilot that spaceship i almost got that same feeling that i get when i'm learning how to play a new instrument. That was really awesome!

[@ordinaryproductions1306]

I love how Rob is able to tweak playing the modular and make unique sounds just by having a more practical, hands on approach

[@bricelory9534]

I agree it is cool - and I believe it is one of the many ways to really use a modular synth. The KZbinr and musician LOOK MUM NO COMPUTER also comes to mind in that he will use his modular to set up sounds and then perform by changing some of the settings manually. You get a real Mad Scientist vibe from it, which is awesome too!

[@Avetho]

@@bricelory9534 Its like doing most of the calculations and making most of the specialized equipment to land on Titan, _but you decide its going to work better by taking manual analogue control, _*_and it works beautifully._*

[@flekkzo]

@@bricelory9534 LMNC is the madest of all music scientists. In a good way.

[@lp-xl9ld]

When I first learned that synthesizers existed--and they probably hadn't been around too long at that point--my initial reaction was "Damn, I'd love to see one of those things in person and then turn it on and just see what kind of sound I could get out of it..." You've fulfilled a dream I've had for better than fifty years. I am SOOOOOO envious.

[@methyod]

depending on where you live, there might be a shop specializing in modular synths in your area, and they often have demo setups ready for people to try out. some stores can be a bit unwelcoming but most of them are happy to let you hang out for a while and ask tons of questions, if they're not busy.

[@NitsuaKirito]

@@methyod aswell, guitar centers often has some synthesizers set up, normally not any modular synthesizers, but synthesizers still

[@monad_tcp]

they are very cool, I play with the cheaper option: software

[@stinkymart3173]

You should check out programs such as VCVRack and Sunvox, they're free on PC and Mac. VCV is much closer to the true modular experience, Sunvox is a tracker that uses a modular instrument/ effect matrix.

[@AndrewHillis_2024]

I UNDERSTAND THE CONCEPT OF LINKING UP ALL THE MODULES WITH THE WIRES BUT I WOULD LIKE TO HAVE A DEEPER UNDERSTANDING OF WHAT IS GOING ON 'UNDER THE HOOD' SO TO SPEAK ! ! ! GREAT VIDEO ! ! !

[@Aaronfurious]

34:11 was sooo money, could listen to that sequence for days! Also, second favorite was shortly after when Rob manually changed the sequence with the touch interface.

[@thenumbdave]

I've watched a lot of videos of modular music but now, thanks to Rob asking the right questions like what is a CV? and Andrew being clear with his answers I actually have a clear idea of what a modular setup is. Great video! There's a point where something clicked and they both just start jamming, it was like watching a light bulb coming on.

[@PiPArtemis]

I said the same thing to my wife while I was watching Any other video I've seen on synth kinda assumes you already know what they are, how they work, etc.. and so I've never been able to wrap my head around them until this video

[@aliensporebomb]

If you consider that back in the day that Tangerine Dream had over 200 modules it really makes you think. Great video explaining how stuff like this works. Really cool!

[@educostanzo]

I want to take a minute to appreciate the joy of people getting together with the main purpose of making beautiful sounds with strange devices.

[@jesseallen2190]

There was a literal transition from structuring the instrument to letting it do it’s own thing. The music got 100 times better. Very cool

[@nibblrrr7124]

5:30 An analog VCO doesn't have moving parts, it's an electronic circuit that makes electrons/electric field potential flow back and forth. In contrast, early Hammond organs had one "tonewheel" for each note, each mechanically spinning at different speed, and converted to an electric signal by a magnetic pickup - like in a guitar. It weighed a lot, and the motor needed several seconds to spin up to speed whenever you powered on the organ. Classic electric pianos like a Rhodes or Wurlitzer are also electro-mechanical instruments, with hammers like its acoustic counterpart, but instead of strings they strike metal tines or reeds, next to a pickup. "Analog" just means its components like capacitors and coils vary voltage continuously - as opposed to digital chips, which are basically computers that calculate the value of a signal should at the next step in time, as a number stored in binary, which is then converted to an actual voltage by an A/D converter.

[@Symmetriad]

I spent a good 20 years making music in trackers and DAWs, and a few years ago I hit a wall with them. Modular is how I've gotten seriously enthusiastic about music again, and a big part of it is just being able to jam on random tangents exactly like the guys are doing in this video. Even if I never finish another track again in my life, modular has been worth it just to reconnect with music on that visceral level. Embrace the spaghetti!

[@TellerMorose]

I'd pay good money to hear 5 hours of Andrew and Rob jamming on this mothership

[@clockWorks10]

I never realized just how much went into this kind of music making. This is so cool, and really helps me to respect the craft. You gotta be like a music engineer to do well with this stuff. Super cool.

[@maggiepie8810]

I never fully understood the beauty of blips and blops, until I watched this. Ps. I think you guys just made the sound I'd imagine R2D2 would make as a rapper.

[@zachhaywood1564]

Fun fact: R2D2's sounds were made on an ARP 2600.

[@kittykat490]

Every time you guys landed on something that i was like "god this is the coolest thing ive ever heard" the next iteration was inevitably so different and even cooler wow

[@cohengiesbrecht]

This is genuinely one of favourite videos on KZbin. I think this is my 4th or 5th time watching it and I get something new out of it each time

[@malindukumaradasa3851]

Rob is like a baby who's got introduced to a new fun toy. Also Andrew and Rob is like doing two very contrasting things. Rob keeps trying to "play" the knobs while Andrew keeps trying to "introduce" new signal automations. This was such a mess. Loved it ❤

[@gab.lab.martins]

Truly love how you made a snare sound out of a detuned note and white noise. And it actually sounds like a snare. I can't have this thing. I'd spend the whole day messing with it, forget to eat, forget to sleep, and never get anything done ever.

[@NeoBechstein]

More or less it's the way all the pioneers made their electronic drum kits. Kraftwerk, Bruce Haack... etc

[@GloriaHbsk]

the humor you bring to your videos is just perfect!

[@Simoneister]

The patch was getting NASTY, frikken loved it