Squarp HERMOD + Eurorack Sequencer Chat

#MATTHS chats through his first impressions of the Squarp #Hermod + #eurorack sequencer module that has just been released.
Whats your favourite sequencer and why? Leave your comments below!
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[@nodz007]

I found the whole way to add notes to the screen with different level of granularity very confusing and with lower levels having to scroll through multiple pages. It looks like this issue is present on the new version as well as the screen shots show the same behaviour in the bottom right of the screen,

[@matthsmatthsmatths]

Yes I remember that too. It felt like quite a slow process at first.

[@luisonly]

Performer has 8 cv and 8 gate outputs. not six.

[@nicholasbaines7868]

What a dude!! Love his explanation of why one would use different sequencers for different purposes. Really puts my mind back on a steady track!! Top class teacher and even better performer!!! Brake those sequencers matttttt!!!❤❤❤❤

[@mastermachetier5594]

For sequencing I use a music things Turing machine . I take the output into a series of a S&H inside of a Zoia . This lets me take individual steps to a step sequencer in the Zoia and use logic modules to control how those work. I can also use related voltages to as many instance of the sequencer as I want for modulation or anything I can imagine

[@joeymc5272]

You should do a full tutorial on hermod+. Almost no tutorials out there for hermod+. Similar to the original but still different.

[@matthsmatthsmatths]

Id love to! I just don't own one, so sadly can't :-)

[@joeymc5272]

@@matthsmatthsmatths oh really? To bad wish you did. Hopefully you get one eventually its awesome.

[@effiksmusic]

Interesting update of Hermod. I use the DROID for @dermannmitdermaschine for chords and chord progressions. Actually I’m sequencing everything in my case with DROID (4 drums, 4 voice etc.) on the fly. Or I’m using the arp and Turing Machine like sequencer inside DROID. But I set my eyes on the Hermod as a Midi recorder to record and recall tracks or parts of tracks.

[@matthsmatthsmatths]

Oh cool. Yes the DROID looks very capable of that. Having a MIDI recorder is going to be useful for sure and the Hermod could work well.

[@user-gq6sf4si6j]

Maybe im old fashioned but sometimes less is more. I use eurorack to get away from computers and there are more and more computer modules. But hey each to their own.

[@MarkoDeLaVoota]

Sequencers are beautiful ~Klaus Schulze

[@matthsmatthsmatths]

🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻

[@jupitor919]

I use the MPCOne.. it’s quick and easy and makes sense to me.. I bought a SQUARP Pyramid first, but I couldn’t jibe with it.. I still have it and don’t touch it..

[@DJThermite]

My main sequencer is Ansible from Monome. Love the grid as a performance/programming interface. But I've been looking around for something different to add more performative sequencing of CV for things like timbre

[@edmuggles]

Five12 vector handles chords well. Nice and simple

[@matthsmatthsmatths]

Indeed! Yes I hear that. I have not used one - always been interested in that one. Anything that handles chords is easily is attractive for me.

[@edmuggles]

@@matthsmatthsmatths it can handle a 4 note chords pretty cleanly, i tend to use it via midi to something like the poly cinamatic or Xiqal dementions Mk3 i recently worked out you also have two channels of CC messages that you can include the part

[@cristhiandoming3516]

This jumped up on the list. I use Intellijel Tete+Tetrapad Combo into the Input CVs of Hermod(old) and Nerdeseq so i'm in key all the time and it's simple to record my CVs already programmed in Tete over the years. The new ones going to eliminate the need of the Intellijel Modules from improvisation I make with those pads and make room for more hp. Stoked to see chord modes demos and such guys!

[@matthsmatthsmatths]

Ooooh nice work. I like this workflow. Thanks for sharing it!

[@FakthorX]

Im using an ACL sinfonion for chords.. takes alot of hp but worth having the interface! I emailed squarp about hermod+ asking if the pads could function as an mpc style live input.. they hinted it might be an update.. 😁

[@matthsmatthsmatths]

The ACL seems super powerful and makes total sense for chords I imagine. Oooh thanks for the info re the potential update - it would make sense. 👍🏻

[@FakthorX]

@@matthsmatthsmatths thanks for making the video

[@BlackMan614]

I'm just about done w/ Eurorack sequencers. I am only using the simple CV mod types like Tirana. The menu diving... hold shift key... endless encoders... mini LED screens.... enough!! I'll just use Expert Sleepers and use my DAW as a sequencer. Great timing/ease of use FTW.

[@matthsmatthsmatths]

I hear what you are saying. I use both the DAW and sequencers - my studio setup is hybrid in this way. When I play live I may also just use a DAW and ES9/ES8 to provide what I need because when I play live, I am very much not using much of the sequencers power. Having said that, in the studio I love using them because of the unknown and often inspirational output they give through unpredictability etc. 👍🏻.

[@paueraka5097]

Oxi one is a good alternative and not need space in my rack. For the rest of the sequencers all are brilliant but i need always space in my suitcase.Thanks for the content.

[@matthsmatthsmatths]

Never used the Oxi but I hear good things about it!

[@shearprzeslica87]

For chords I use the WMD Arphitecht with Triad expander, so I keep "scale" fixed to my song/performance's musical scale, but feed in 2 cv's for "notes" and "triad" input so I generate a 3 note triad from 2 cv's

[@matthsmatthsmatths]

Nice! I need to look into that. I cant find any videos of anyone doing this

[@dankeplace]

I really don't care what you use, after seeing what you did at EMON, I was blown away, and your gear, well you have mastered it, it wouldn't make my music any better BUT I can really appreciate how YOU use your gear. I have ceased trying to emulate what others own, with how they get specific sounds. What I do now is listen intently to how specific gear sounds, then see whether it suits me. I try not to emulate what others do as I think I have found what I can do with my gear. Yourself and others have been great teachers, as students though, I think its important we find our own identities (which includes capabilities). This is why my opening statement was what it was, your gear would not make my music better, but seeing how you use it, it's just a pleasure to watch.

[@matthsmatthsmatths]

This is such a great comment. Thank you! Yes, I too have spent years trying to emulate and get the same kit as others only to find out you are chasing a fallacy. This has inspired me to do a video on this. Great contribution and thanks for the kind words.

[@geraldgoodiii6993]

Nerdseq is the ultimate live seq. It’s like Ableton live session view but in a module and running tracker style.

[@matthsmatthsmatths]

I love the Nerdseq. I seriously don't use it to its potential. I barely touch the surface. I need to do a deep dive one day!

[@H_ologramic]

Feels sacrilegious but lately ive been sending the iOS app Fugue Machine's midi data to my case, only using two of it's playheads as I've only two voices currently but its still a blast! Normally use a Metropolix

[@matthsmatthsmatths]

I love the Fugue Machine! You can get great results so easily. I would love to see that ability to have the playheads in DAWs or in sequencers of eurorack. Such a simple yet cool/musical feature.

[@Fred_Free]

The annoying background music made me stop watching after two minutes.

[@matthsmatthsmatths]

Hi Fred - thanks for commenting and letting me know. All the best.

[@user-gq6sf4si6j]

​@@matthsmatthsmatthsI found the elevator music quite relaxing actually 😂 good vid 👍

[@TheVoltar100]

Nice explanation : Good Job 👋 from Lyon(France)

[@matthsmatthsmatths]

Glad it was helpful! Hello to Lyon! 👋

[@sl33pw4lk]

The Hermod Sequencer is not my favorite to use in the studio, but it is my favorite for live shows for a few reasons - the many ouputs, easy to switch between projects, very playable in sequence mode to make decisions on the fly within the performances, plus the ability to play live expressively with a Qunexus plugged into it. I immediately ordered the Hermod+ - should have it in by Monday.

[@matthsmatthsmatths]

Interesting. So you’re into this more for live performance. Do you tend to manipulate this live or just let it run sequences? Interested to know more 👍🏻

[@sl33pw4lk]

@@matthsmatthsmatths well, I should say this - I use it as the basis to prepare live shows with. So I will build sequences in the context of the performance / song, and then mix it up live according to whim. I'm not inputting note data into sequences live, but I am engaging effects, jumping between sequences, and using one of the CV/gate pairs to play live over a running performance. Apparently the new one allows faster queuing up to switch projects, so you don't have to plan filler to hide the transitions. Also the clock/reset jacks are a huge new addition - no longer giving up a gate output for that.

[@matthsmatthsmatths]

Ah okay. This is super useful to know. I like this approach

[@vertigev]

​@@sl33pw4lkI would definitely watch a video of this if you made one

[@chadthecurator1974]

does the Hermod record the changes from MPE on the QuNexus?

[@AndyVonal]

Thanks for these insights, Matt... always useful! I was considering a Ground Control but will definitely give this a look.

[@matthsmatthsmatths]

Ground control looks great. Quit big but lots of functionality and a keyboard. Let me know what you go for

[@AndyVonal]

@@matthsmatthsmatths HIya Matt... back for another look and this is now top of the list - will get it very soon. Thanks for helping with the decision-making!

[@noisehead]

Amazing video, pleaso dont stop making these :)

[@matthsmatthsmatths]

More to come!

[@Probbie]

Great overview mate. I have the original Hermod and what's missing for me is the ability to run each track at a different rate, like I could on Eloquencer. Doesn’t look like Mk2 has this either.. 😢

[@vertigev]

Oh it doesn't?? That's a deal breaker for me.

[@Probbie]

@@vertigev You might want to check for yourself..

[@Rockky67]

Good stuff, nice to see more choice. Just one correction - the Performer has 8 cv and gate outs, not 6. I’m generating chords mainly from my DAW via Hexinverter Mutant Brain MIDI, but instead of playing straight chords with shared gate I tend to use modules that have rhythms like the Noise Engineering repetitors and the Bastl Kompass to arpeggiate those. I have settled on a hybrid system with the DAW (Reaper) mainly responsible for laying out the whole of a ‘song’, but with other things like the Performer driving complex CV sequences or fast hi hat patterns and introducing per note probability that Reaper doesn’t yet offer. I also like to use O_c with Hemipshere firmware with Branches and Burst apps to do a random burst of gates every now and then. Oh and from the DAW I make use of HY plugins HY-SEQ32 a lot now as it does give me probabilities and modulatable parameter locking inside Reaper. And I use VCV Rack with all the Turing Machine, Grids and other sequencing modules in there. Finally, I do have a Varigate 4+ which I only really use for acidy basslines as it has slide, ratchets etc and is nicely hands on.

[@matthsmatthsmatths]

Doh. 8 and not 6 yes! I need new glasses 😂 I’ve owned that module for about 3 years so I should know better. Oh well. I like that idea of not using a shared gate and I guess then you can get different rhythms per voice. Makes it sound really interesting and evolving.👍🏻

[@Rockky67]

@@matthsmatthsmatths I’ve got an early example of me playing with that idea. It’s nothing too great, but gives you an idea kzbin.info/www/bejne/mqvLlKB8fpasqtE

[@EBMZEQUENZER]

Various sequencers to sequence various sequences : even to sequence other sequencers? 😁 Cheers 🥂

[@matthsmatthsmatths]

Thats it! Sequence sequencers with sequencers :-)

[@EBMZEQUENZER]

@@matthsmatthsmatths If the sequences can be sequenced within the sequencer then the variations of the sequences in the said sequencer can be sequenced and automation can also be sequenced, than this module is capable of sequencing a formula for time travel .............. oh boy : this had gone to far 😁😁Cheers 🥂

[@EBMZEQUENZER]

@@matthsmatthsmatths Do you know of any Modules emulating : SIMMONS SDS drums?

[@matthsmatthsmatths]

@@EBMZEQUENZER it goes way beyond that - we are talking new universes 😆😂

[@matthsmatthsmatths]

@@EBMZEQUENZER sorry I don't but I guess you could load samples of them into a sampler?

[@ghavinga]

Thanks Matt for covering the new Hermod. I am also using several sequencers, including the Hermod. I just finished setting up a new case (2 Many Synths) with the Hermod as brain. This case is dedicated to more ambient style music. Featuring the Odessa, Graphic VCO, Arbhar and a Plaits clone. The Hermod is also sequencing over USB through Conductive Labs MRCC to a Sequential Pro 3. I just finished making my first recording when I spotted your new video. I do like the idea to collaborate making videos, but so far I have found producing videos and getting them uploaded too much work. I simply don't have time to spare. (added in edit) By the way I really enjoyed your Superbooth 2023 performance (the one in the sun ;-). Very inspiring. My other case (in a different location) for playing live, is inspired by your live performance. For live I am using a Cirklon 2, I have been very lucky (and patient) to be able to get one from Colin and Barbare at Sequentix last year.

[@matthsmatthsmatths]

Wow, sounds like you are on a proper modular journey! Lots going on there and it sounds very comprehensive. I know what you mean about making videos - it does take ages. I will be back to live-streaming as soon as my case is built! Thanks for dropping by again :-)

[@kostantinosmag2986]

Nice ✨🎹✨✨🎹✨

[@matthsmatthsmatths]

Thanks ✌️

[@mastermachetier5594]

The nerdseq looks cool AF but I just can’t get into tracker workflow

[@matthsmatthsmatths]

I was worried at first but then I just clicked. Im not even sure if I am using it right! 😆

[@NONFamers]

I have the original Hermod Sequencer and I use it a lot - both for sequencing and for controlling parts of my modular rig from my DAW (Cubase). I also use it in tandem with my Squarp Pyramid MIDI sequencer, and they work great together, one controlling the other. I am interested in the Hermod+, although I have a few issues holding me back. The TRS MIDI scheme is not exactly to my liking. Firstly, two standards exist for TRS midi, and secondly, it is much too easy to confuse a TRS midi with a nearby analog input or output, feeding MIDI signals to gear that cannot handle it. The choice to have function text printed on the soft buttons instead of the case front may not be a wise choice - soft pads tend to be worn a bit faster than hard buttons. I do like the 16-pattern direct access via the pads. On the original Hermod, changing between patterns is fiddly at best. I tend to program my way out of this, but that approach limits spontaneity. A hands-on experience with the Hermod+ might change my views, however. These are early days, and it will be interesting to see what other people come up with using this exiting sequencer.

[@TheVoltar100]

A question regarding the Hermod +: Which TRS midi cables should I use A or B?

[@smartassrecords]

I use track 2 from metropolix to instruo's harmoniq into the ziqual or the hydra synth or the daw , absolutely glorious results .

[@matthsmatthsmatths]

Thanks for sharing! Sounds ace. What is the metropolix doing to the harmoniq?

[@smartassrecords]

@@matthsmatthsmatths try 1 is the "bass line " , try 2 of metropolix is determining the "Root " note of the harmoniq , I use modulation to determine chord quality , may min etc....