"Switch, please!" - Modular patch ideas for switches (w/ Switchblade)

If you follow my videos you may have noticed that I recently got a Switchblade module from Acid Rain Technology. After spending some time with it now, I found that a lot of my patch ideas for this module don't quite fit within my usual "3 Modules" restrictions. Most of these ideas can be demonstrated with just three modules, but they end up lacking one or two components to produce something that sounds interesting. So I figured I'd make a slightly different video to get some of these patches "crossed off my list", so to speak.
Instead of the usual patch diagrams, I've tried to represent these patches with "abstractions" of the modules I've used. I'm thinking this might make it easier to see how you could apply the same concepts to whatever modules you want, as long as you have access to the same basic functions. Do let me know what you think of this format! I might end up making a couple more videos in this vein, later on.
~~~
The Switchblade is a very straightforward module: just three little 2-to-1 switches with either momentary or latching operation. What I like about this design is that switches actually make a lot of sense to have in multiples: Combining the three simple switches in different ways (sometimes with some outside aid) enables more functionality than just what you see on the surface, such as 4-to-1 sequential switching, 1-to-2 switching, generating several sub octaves or clock divisions, etc…
Patch one (0:00): Creating a melodic sequence from DC voltages and a sequential switch; Creating a 4-step sequential switch with three 2-to-1 switches; Using a switch to add random steps to a melodic sequence.
Patch two (3:05): Patching two 2-to-1 switches (two sources to one destination) to work as a 1-to-2 switch (one source to two destinations).
Patch three (3:54): Using the 1-to-2 setup to create a ping pong effect.
Patch four (4:25): Using the 1-to-2 setup to send alternating notes from a single source into two different effects.
Patch five (6:03): Using momentary switches as VCAs.
Patch six (7:10): Using a momentary switch as a logic AND gate.
Patch seven (8:39): Switching clock streams with random timing.
Patch eight (9:55): Generating sub octaves from an audio signal (or divisions from a clock signal).
~~~
Cheers!
As always, if you like the channel and want to support it in some way, please consider buying some of my music via comparativeirrelevance.bandca...
linktr.ee/comparativeirrelevance

[@mikebrodhead]

So many great ideas here.

[@KevinPrice]

It turns out you are at least as dangerous for making me buy modules as that guy who says "Ace!" :D

[@ComparativeIrrelevance]

Haha! Mylar Melodies, with his "Ace!"s and his silky voice, has sold me on a couple of modules too! :-P

[@alexbarn]

Great video....I was researching Switchblade as my first switch module and came across this....so helpful and educational, thank you!

[@Cantrip1957]

Very helpful, hypnotic and musical. Thanks

[@benasaro1043]

Great video! Lots of cloth here for creating ideas! Thanks for this! I have used Function as a clock source, but the idea of using Maths as dual clocks is very cool/inspiring!

[@ComparativeIrrelevance]

Thanks, Ben! I do love the concept of using multiple clocks. Combining clocks in different ways, even just summing them, can produce some very cool results. You could start with two completely out-of-sync clocks, and they'll inevitably end up creating their own unique rhythm. Or just modulating clock signals in general - like using Function as a clock source for a sequence, but applying different kinds of modulation to its timing parameters. It's such a quintessentially "modular" idea, I think, manipulating timing like that. Not readily available in other forms of electronic music production, and it can even be tricky to replicate with human musicians.

[@HumanMotives]

Love the tips!!

[@MrPeyghman]

Amazing videos ! Keep them coming ;) ive been dying to find that sort of content on yt !

[@ComparativeIrrelevance]

Thanks, MrPeyghman, I'm glad you like it! :)

[@rhialto39]

So useful and clear. I love your videos.

[@ComparativeIrrelevance]

Thanks!

[@kollagebeats]

Love this, some great patch ideas.

[@ComparativeIrrelevance]

Thanks! :-)

[@dpomn9311]

this channel is gold, thanks man

[@osten5419]

I second your statement. Definitely one of my favorite channels. Informative and beautiful.

[@ComparativeIrrelevance]

Thanks guys! ✌️

[@VCVRackIdeas]

Thank you! Once I did videos about ideas of using sequential switches in VCV Rack and some ideas are similar with yours! By the way - great design of the video!

[@ComparativeIrrelevance]

Cool, I'll have to check out that video!

[@jonaseggen2230]

This is so beautiful and sound so human! Nice camera angle to, with that whiteness in the background. Imagine if they would send a self-generating musical box like this into space on the next "Voyager".

[@ComparativeIrrelevance]

Thanks, Jonas! :-)

[@vertigev]

Very nice tutorial, and the diagrams are very helpful, thank you. Looks like the Switchblade is discontinued, do you know of any modules that can serve a similar purpose?

[@ComparativeIrrelevance]

Cheers! There are plenty of alternatives to the switchblade, most of which have their own particular bells and whistles. A very straightforward choice would be the Doepfer A-150. It only has two switches where the switchblade has three, but it's cheap enough that one could always get a second. I suggest going to modulargrid.net and checking the "switch" category, for a complete overview. Some switch modules go way beyond the simple basics that I covered here.

[@usaroman]

Nice music, but can't see where the switches are located on the modular. What is the actual switch module??? Thanks 🎉🎉🎉

[@ComparativeIrrelevance]

It's the little black panel 4HP module right in the middle of the rack (it's an Acid Rain Switchblade module).

[@DBPawlan]

Could a similar effect be used by either sending a CV offset or increased voltage to the probability input on an MI Branches? This would skew the channel selection one way or the other and possibly if combined with a logic module, ever offer more permutations? Haven't tried it yet so just brainstorming a bit here...

[@ComparativeIrrelevance]

What effect are you referring to specifically?

[@DBPawlan]

Just the effect of combing switches to give you a non-linear sequence, almost a pseudo-random effect I guess. I don't have the switchblade and am just trying to figure out how I could do it without one.

[@ComparativeIrrelevance]

I see. Yeah, you could use Branches in the way that you suggest - set it all the way to one side, and feed it a CV that'll push the probability 100% to the other side, and you'll be able to use it more or less like a switch for gates/triggers. That method will let you circumvent the coin toss randomness, if you want. If you were to patch two different clock signals to the two sections of Branches and use the same CV to control their probabilities, then you could mix the A-output from one section and the B-output from the other to get alternating clocks (use the CV signal to switch between them).