The Sound of the Object. 3 Hours of Generative Modular Ambient

Still trying to come to grips with the philosophy of generative music. This piece is not performed, but constructed-what you hear is the sound of the thing, not a song made with the thing. We can only experience music in linear time, but this entire musical object exists at the point of its creation. And in fact, this is just a 3-hour sample of what is potentially an infinite creation.
So this is a generative ambient patch suitable for sleep, contemplation, meditation or general background atmosphere. The notes were quantized in C Major but pitched up slightly at the effects stage (Clouds reverb), so it ends up being closer to C#.
Patch notes:
Clocking & Trigs - Pamela’s New Workout
Pitch generation - 2hp TM
Attenuation - Intellijel Triatt
Quantization - Intellijel uScale II
Tone generation - Erica Synths Black Wavetable VCO
Filtering - Erica Synths Dual VCF
Filter modulation - MakeNoise Maths
Amplification - Intellijel Quad VCA
Amplitude Modulation (Envelope Generator) - Erica Synths Dual EG
Visualization (post-filter) - Dave Jones O’Tool Plus
Atmospherics/Reverb - Antumbra Smog (uCLouds / Mutable Instruments)
Output - Intellijel Audio I/O
A little audio enhancement from Elektron Heat Mk2 (off screen to the left)
Eurorack case by Pittsburgh Modular (EP-208)
Inspired by a KZbin tutorial from Modular Curiosity and the music of Brian Eno

[@TinyMaths]

Several years ago, kind of by accident, I realized I was letting go of my somewhat narrow view of what 'music' is supposed to be, partly because I was getting a bit 'tired' of a lot of the music I had been listening to for years. Found myself pursuing more unusual music. Modular synthesis has played a large role in that; and just listening to some 'out there' performances by Jazz musicians, and what was called CHILL. To me, that music was so far from the mainstream; it was a breath of fresh air. When I was a lot younger, it was cool to listen to this or that; but nowadays, I suspect that colleagues at work would think me crazy if they heard what I sometimes listen to. But I don't care anymore. We've all been spoon fed these specific categories of music and insist that, what we've been exposed to and are familiar with is REAL music. But really, I sometimes feel we've been a little bit hoodwinked by the radio stations that focus on what's popular, the common denominator (which in themselves can be great, but there's just so much more out there). About a decade ago, here in London UK, I struck up a friendship with a few musicians and then got to see many unsigned artists, and was blown away by the freshness and variety of the music. Those experiences pulled me even further out. What appeals to me about this particular generative ambient music is the unexpected; the unfolding which, to my ears, I can't predict. It feels more like some kind of movie soundtrack, one that isn't necessarily meant to have a verse, and a chorus and a bridge etc, or a specific form like AABA, or some other commonly used roadmap; it seems so anyway. It just ebbs and flows and you have no idea exactly what's coming. That seems to keep me interested.

[@HANECart1960]

If more citizens of the world had your view of music listening we would have a much better world. I am a musician and composer myself and right from my early 20's i made a pledge of listening to a wide variety of music and have heard and loved a huge vista of sounds!! As in eating, having a wide balanced variety of food in your life, and wide variety of ALL types of music is like nutrition for the soul!!🙂

[@Cosmic_Sunrise]

Incredibly well put, friend. I feel the same way. I often find it difficult to put into words why exactly I find myself drawn to generative, ambient, modular based, electronic music; Particularly as someone who has spent the majority of my focusing more on the “acoustic” side of music. Thank you for taking the time and thought to share and explain your passion. The power of words is truly incredible, and it’s always great to see somebody else who recognizes this - Especially in today’s world. Keep on making waves, my friend! 🌊🎹🎧🎤💫

[@Cosmic_Sunrise]

Incredibly well put, friend. I feel the same way. I often find it difficult to put into words why exactly I find myself drawn to generative, ambient, modular based, electronic music; Particularly as someone who has spent the majority of my focusing more on the “acoustic” side of music. Thank you for taking the time and thought to share and explain your passion. The power of words is truly incredible, and it’s always great to see somebody else who recognizes this - Especially in today’s world. Keep on making waves, my friend! 🌊🎹🎧🎤💫

[@clamm9792]

Went through the same experience a few years ago. I was a VERY strict metal-head that listened to STRICTLY metal music. Got tired of the same shit and made a soundcloud account (Yes, I know, 'Soundcloud quality' blugh). Ended up spending all night listening to Kero Kero Bonito, and a million other crazy j-pop, EDM, and synth-bass-genre tracks and that really helped me diversify into the treasure trove of good music that I never tried. Here I am today

[@Oscilatii]

best !

[@johnnybeaver4093]

Wonderful patch. For me, the philosophy hinges on whether it's a machine, an organism, a creature, a person, a network, or a landscape. I feel like it's both all and none of those things. Closed systems are fascinating.

[@edgeeffect]

I got into generative by reading Brian Eno and Chaos Theory at the same time.... Linking Eno's delightfully lazy methodology with the ideas of Complex Systems and Strange Attractors.

[@pastelmage]

edgeeffect i just checked out your page and fell in love with your videos. audio and visual.

[@andrewharkin2363]

edgeef

[@clplc9710]

You're absolutely right 👍

[@todesco4160]

PLEASE Never delete this!! I really want to start building my own modular synth, i don't really know where to start, but watching/listening to music like this really excite me

[@flleeppyy9959]

This video will probably exist your entire lifetime, or at least, the lifetime of his channel, or KZbin itself. You have no need to worry about it disappearing.

[@Sharkbate211]

Start with vcv rack

[@servvo]

start off with a small loan of a million dollars

[@willdenham]

Reminds me of 70's and early 80's atmospheric music for films, especially Cronenberg, Carpenter, Kubrick, thrillers and sci-fi. There's so much resonance and mood.

[@digital_crickets]

After a sudden trip to the emergency room, this music just got me through a painful night. Listened to it twice! Very soothing to the soul, and much appreciated!

[@jszack]

Oh wow-so glad you found it helpful, and wishing you a speedy recovery. Thanks for the message.

[@canmisir]

Track Listing: 00:00 Pray Upon - Huge Molasses Intro 05:34 Sensei Samosa - Not A Big Deal (Apollogetic Remix) 11:23 Panama Drowns In Its Own Juice - Bleach Revisited 22:12 Terry Shoots From The Hip - Let The Flash Live (Original Mix) 27:12 Perpetual Deepfakers - Find & Replace (Problematic Love Redux) 38:33 Lav Has No Labels - Shelter Keep Dog (Remaster) 48:23 Prom Awkward - Dolled Up For No Reason (Club Retorque) 1:10:02 Wouldn't Couldn't Shouldn't - Can't Get Out of Bed (Depressed Alien Torch) 1: 24:29 Wombat #5 - Portal Wombat (Original Mix) 1:35:12 Pixieland - 360x240 Was Enough (Dancey Interlace) 1:49:23 Memer's Dreamscape - IMPACT (DJ Drop Shadow Rework) 2:01:21 Upstate Bound And Down - Let The Boy Watch (Ambient 4x4 Chatter) 2:23:12 Lazy Lad Love Lucrative Lessons - London Loverboys (Mono Master) 2:42:37 What's Going On / Off - 4NUNBLUNTS (Original Mix) 2:56:02 Somethings Of Swing - Dire Strombolis (Fade Out Mix)

[@kwinland]

Brilliant :)

[@keathmueller2430]

bump

[@Frip36]

What are you on about Canmisir?

[@palmsout]

such a nice simple patch, and a good example of how a turing machine + quantizer, combined with an otherwise standard signal chain, is enough to create a lovely infinite generative patch.

[@markbooth]

I’m commenting as I appreciate the simplicity of this patch. Only two clock outputs, one maths modulation, one voice with one VCA control. The technical simplicity to elegance ratio is to be admired here.

[@jszack]

Thanks--so glad you are enjoying it!

[@paulbarton4395]

I'm impressed you can tell just by looking at the setup. What is the math modulation doing? Im trying to make some stuff like this in Reason before I start buying hardware

[@markbooth]

@@paulbarton4395 have you tried VCV Rack? You can test all the Mutable Instruments and Instruo modules in software, as well as loads of generic ones. I even interface that with my hardware setup using an Expert Sleepers ES9

[@vincentsky]

has taken me several years to truly appreciate this. 👏🏻. well done.

[@gnuPirate]

I'm so glad people do this, it's a public service! What a great setup! Thanks for sharing the beauty of your synth.

[@DudokX]

This is very nice background ambience for when I am playing Starsector. Amazing atmosphere, mainly when exploring some far away star systems or nebulas for derelicts.

[@madscientrix]

that sounds wonderful

[@TheSympathyOfAllThings]

Thank you for this. Loved what you had to say in the description. I've grown really enamored with modular music like this recently.

[@SoundAuthor]

This is bloody fantastic. These atmospheres are so minimal and warm. I love it.

[@H_ologramic]

Gorgeous, also oblique strategies!

[@Diego_Occhipinti]

Great!! I've been working on this (let's say trying to create auto-generated musical landscapes or sketches) for 4 years. I work my tracks in Logic pro since I can't' afford a modular synth by now and because I'm just discovering Modular Synthesis world . I'be been earning my living as a musician since 1998. Always loved composing but there was a moment when I realized that what I wanted to say wasn"t THAT important and it could be much more better to let the music speak for itself. Or, for saying it in Brian Eno's words, stop being the "architect" to become a "gardener" and let music be. Sorry for my english and for the lengh of this comment, but I REALLY APPRECIATE THIS TRACK and couldn't find many people interested in this in my community.

[@Max-cz2qp]

You should have a look at vcv rack, its a free software modular environment (extra modules can be bought). It's a great tool to start exploring modular before actually taking the plunge.

[@Diego_Occhipinti]

@@Max-cz2qp Thank you!! I've recently discovered it and I'll take your advice as soon as I repair my Macbook.

[@Max-cz2qp]

​@@Diego_Occhipinti Enjoy my friend! You should take a look into a (second hand) Moog mother 32, if you ever want to get into hardware. They are relatively cheap and packed with functionality. No need for expensive cases with just a few modules and limited functionality to start with ;), but a monster of a semi-modular and the best part... it's a Moog!

[@Diego_Occhipinti]

@@Max-cz2qp Thanks a lot. I've also been wondering whethwer a Mother 32 could be a good startup or not. So there it is, you' ve just aswerwed my question. Thanks again. Keep sharing your journeys into soundscapes and your musical visions. Good life

[@Frip36]

Interesting. I'll stick to my Legos.

[@spray7679]

closed systems are utterly interesting. sounded awesome, congrats

[@MisterNiles]

My Oblique Strategies sit in the same place. Nice sounds. Cool patch.

[@tom.derksen]

For me, one of the best parts about this video, besides the lovely ambient soundscape, is your philosophical description of what is going on...

[@cheharrison7107]

This is amazing thank you, helps me calm down when things get too much. The deep tones are mind blowing. Have a good day.

[@RAVS_73]

Great description. I love the fragility and temporary nature of a patch, sometimes it is with reluctance and some regret when I power down my little set up, knowing full well it will not be the same when it's powered back up again. Great work.

[@Frip36]

sometimes it is with reluctance and some regret

[@echoheadband]

This is incredible. I could listen ALL DAY. And inspiring as well. I’m just getting into modular synthesis and my first few eurorack modules have just arrived. This is definitely the type of thing I want to explore. Thanks for sharing!

[@murraytoews5353]

You had me at "Oblique strategies", brother.

[@wickeddubz]

How to make ambient videos: setup a box that makes sounds, turn on the camera, the recoder, aaaand we are pretty much done. Great drones , thumbs up!

[@jszack]

Thanks--there's definitely a lot to that first step and tons of time that goes into getting the sounds just right before you let it go and turn on the camera!

[@wickeddubz]

@@jszack you are absolutely right. But not all are aware of this background work. Making beautiful algorythms for music machines requires tech knowledge and good music flavor.

[@kinderobi]

dude... you just putted me into such a deep trance, really well done friend!

[@agamemnonc]

Respect for the Eno tribute (oblique strategies)

[@jeffreygrove]

I was going to say the same thing!

[@Frip36]

@@jeffreygrove no you weren't

[@quaddle4086]

2005, teacher - "the computer can't do the work FOR you", 2019

[@karazee404]

it can't patch itself yet so technically you still have to program the machine for it to work, it's your patch, your creation...

[@MrRagnarxx]

@@karazee404 Give it a couple years and some reinforced learning enthusiast is gonna change the game.

[@Labroidas]

That's a funny comment, but to be honest this is a piece of art that a human put a lot of hours of work into to make it sound like that. There is no artificial intelligence involved, this is a carefully and finely tuned random sound generator.

[@maleficenthardware]

The music (yes) and your observations are great.

[@sierpeman]

This is awesome, I'm not a modular guy myself but everything that comes out of here sounds great.

[@roxanbarder5968]

I strongly needed a change of reality with music. This is it.

[@aheath73]

Nice! Beautiful work… especially appreciate the patch notes in the description. Really helps to visualize the signal flow… 🧐

[@magnus5170]

You may think, dear viewer, that what you're hearing is the sound of a synth. But what you're actually listening to right now are the synapses firing off in the brain of a sleeping elephant.

[@glennmorrisontv]

incredible

[@phr33k4z01D]

What???

[@diverbrent]

simply brilliant, truly love the oscilloscope showing the patterns...

[@jszack]

Thanks! Glad you're enjoying it.

[@InvertedPopesMusic]

This is brilliant and what a rig. I to have Oblique Strategies and use it quite often. Will be studying your modules as I have a long way to go until my rig gets anywhere near yours. Impressive and not to many patch cables. ;-)

[@jszack]

Thank you! Your positive feedback inspires me to make more like this... fortunately this one isn't too complicated. It's all about getting the basic idea of what needs to happen with the sound and then dialing in the tone you want.

[@edgeeffect]

Yeah... I didn't really notice until you pointed it out.... a delightfully minimal patch-cable setup, isn't it?

[@samhernandez4488]

Wonderful ambient tones

[@r5t6y12]

Note to self: Get this song down in one of your Sony boxes on SHQ.............(8^)

[@r5t6y12]

I wonder how many people hav falling asllleeeeppppp ttttttooooooooo tthhhiiii................zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

[@OMG_so_Nerdy]

Beautiful stuff. I play it at work sometimes. It is perfect for busy days. Musical, atmospheric, calming. My colleagues seem to enjoy it as well. Nice setup btw. Have always kept myself away from modular gear, because GAS is bad enough for my wallet to begin with 😁

[@santiagoinfantino2368]

Saw your channel two days ago and I totally fell in love with these ambient beauties you got. Greetings from Berlin!

[@criddycriddy]

As a Tangerine dream fan of the album exit this amazing piece you’ve brought alive has echoes of that era of sonic brilliance... thanks pal will be watching your releases with interest ✨

[@Audhentik]

great patch! would love to hear more like this:)

[@Dude_Bro_Onficial]

This sounds like what would play when you get shot out of a space shuttle into the endless abyss of space.

[@RichardPepperBrownakaRed]

This is continuous audio journey. It's still playing and we use the object to tap in and tap out.

[@MoneyMcNast]

Absolutely astounding

[@garaughty]

Gorgeous tones & textures zacklur !

[@geoffreystuttle8080]

Love the Oblique Strategies

[@lordsaccharine]

well this has been a blissful listen for the morning. Thank you man and machine.

[@FrancoW1]

Nice job! Really love it. I also created some self-generating patches, just in a faster tempo and with me fiddling around with the filter, so they're more like electronic songs instead ambient pieces. Made two albums that way and uploaded both to Spotify and other platforms. But I still feel like there's so much more to explore. The next project will be more of an ambient self-generating patches kind of thing. :) Just like your piece here and the stuff Alastair Wilson does. Keep it up! :)

[@Cosmic_Sunrise]

This is wonderful. Thank you for your creations! This is one of my favorite patches that I have recently come across.😎 Subbed! Keep on making those tasty waves, friend!

[@WilliamThomas2040]

Really enjoyed this, thank you!

[@dertyp___]

Worked very well for my meditation session today. Great atmosphere you got with this setup!

[@bagoston325]

This is going in my sleep playlist. Such nice ambience you created here! Is there more coming in the future? I'd love to listen to more!

[@jszack]

Thanks! Definitely planning to do more, and comments like yours keep me motivated! Much appreciated.

[@mentat7984]

Gorgeous. So minimal yet so perfect.

[@bone666138]

Oblique Strategies on top really seals the deal ⚡️

[@AT-AT-AT-AT]

just got here. thank you! 😊

[@ScJ1309]

I love this! sounds so beautiful, you should give us a walkthrough all your modules for those thinking about staring on modular synths

[@jszack]

Thanks! Glad you enjoyed it. Yes, I did a walkthrough at one point but didn't like how it turned out. Maybe I can record that again this weekend.

[@chrisarndt4424]

@@jszack I would also be super interested in seeing this! I only recently downloaded VCVrack and I love messing around with it, but I have no idea how to create something generative like this.

[@cellardoreproductions]

This is very good. I have been making generative music using software and plan to build up my modular set up to do it with that.

[@ChrisBennettGameDesign]

This is a helluva path. 🙌🔥🌊

[@TiminatorFL]

Still my early morning go-to. Simple and energizing.

[@Riktenstein]

I like this a lot. Would make a great alarm clock.

[@getjaketospace]

Listened to this over the last week or so while working at my desk. I loved it! I agree with some other comments, it gives me John Carpenter vibes in a really cool way. Also just a nice vibe for the background

[@jszack]

Thanks so much, Jake! Glad you've been enjoying it.

[@waltersmetak]

Excellent piece!

[@HakeMati]

This is just what I was looking for!. Thanks!

[@dudearlo]

this straight up put me to sleep. in a good way :D like i was passed out xD woke up when it stopped too.

[@JoshHoliday13]

I love it, just getting started with modular synths been a artist & producer for some time

[@yanasitta]

Ef it, I'm getting a Pittsburgh Lifeform.

[@BvrInstruments]

Nice setup👍

[@bentstruments]

Absolutely brilliant. A complete joy to enjoy!

[@nitroxylictv]

so many emotions

[@Brain4Zombie]

My goal is to learn this :)

[@ye77a]

i finally found the sound to mediate ! thank you

[@canissum]

That was perfect for a study session.

[@jszack]

D. J. Carmen Thanks-glad you liked it!

[@flleeppyy9959]

I am listening to this exactly for this purpose c:

[@mindlessinterior]

im reminded of the droning present in the later portions Everywhere at the End of Time Stage 6. I think Long Decline Is Over.

[@oakiron6455]

this is a Simulacra of the Soul.

[@BrettYoakum]

this is awesome! i'm starting to get into modular synths, and i'd like to build up to being able to do something like this. The idea of generative music is really interesting to me

[@BadGaming101]

loved this thanks very relaxing

[@mistergenerator5430]

Maintains infinite interest.

[@Dogboy73]

Love this. I'm really interested in generative music from modular as well. It's one of my main focus points. I have similar HP as you have + a Kilpatrick Phenol. Not sure I've made the best choices with my modules. I think partly because I'm also into rhythmic / techno stuff as well. Anyway, all part of the journey ;-)

[@jszack]

Thank you! Have another one coming shortly, and then I plan to do a walk-through. This one really doesn't require too many modules. Period Trigger > Random CV > Attenuator > Quantizer > VCO > Filter > Envelope > VCA > Texture (granular/fx). Yes--we all rotate modules in and out as we figure out what works for us. As you'll see in my next vid, the modules have changed somewhat from what they were in this one, completed a year ago(!).

[@9kaeve]

This is beautiful

[@bazsinator12]

Very nice wording of this magical little wooden box. I love selfgenerative modular music and it's a perfect example of this. How large was the file you uploaded in the end? Thanks for sharing with us! Cheers ;)

[@VeganCheeseburger]

Lovely. Inspiring.

[@jszack]

Aaron Shaver thanks! Glad you enjoyed it. I have more things planned (though mostly doing short form work on Instagram right now).

[@thekevinc]

now thats what i call music

[@jszack]

Thanks!

[@phoenixrising1576]

sound of the universe

[@BeeOstrowsky]

This is amazing. I wish there was more of it; I'll have to see if there's a way to queue up multiple copies on mobile. And as much as I enjoyed it with my phone face down last night, I also dig watching the spectrothingy on the living room TV. I'd also enjoy hearing you construct this sound-what does the first component in the chain sound like, and what do you add next, etc?

[@jszack]

Thanks, Ben Ostrowsky ! I’ll work on making more of these kinds of things. And think about doing some videos, maybe live-streams, where I walk through the different modules and strategies for building sounds if that would be interesting.

[@devkkev9066]

Very nice!

[@noslowerdna]

Good stuff

[@beyondexosphere3259]

Good one 🙂

[@bradphair7698]

Reminds me of some of the music from Chernobyl. Love it.

[@planker]

So that's what the Transistor God looks like.

[@6884]

The thing that shocks me the most is that the magneto is not being used!!

[@jszack]

Sometimes, less is more!

[@BritishMilitariaCollector1702]

Nice ❤

[@kostantinosmag2986]

GREAT

[@sunloveone]

Stunningly relaxing...

[@jszack]

Thanks! So glad you're enjoying it.

[@niccoloavanzi]

OBLIQUE STRATEGIES

[@agentsnax7115]

May I send you voice samples? I sing in tunnels and caves and other echoic chambers and I think it may go well with your style of slow beautiful synth

[@madscientrix]

love that o-tool oscillator visualizer thing! also, what are the machines you have on either side of the rack? looks so curious I wonder what you’re up to! xx

[@jszack]

Thanks! Yeah, the o'Tool is great--there are other Eurorack oscilloscopes, but I like the size of that one and it's always been part of my rack. On the right is a Creality 3D Printer I was using at the time. On the left is a rack that has an Elektron Analog Heat Mk2 I was using as well, just for a little added warmth, but not really critical to this setup.

[@Diego_Occhipinti]

Oblique Strategies! ;)

[@JaredNichols909]

This is beautiful. I love Eno's stuff. I could listen to this back to back with Ambient 4. Do you have this for sale anywhere?

[@jszack]

Thank you! That’s very kind and I’m glad you’re enjoying it. I’ve begun to make my music available streaming and purchase on various platforms. Just search for Zacklur. Very much appreciate your support and encouragement.

[@ConsoleGlow]

This triggered a very trippy dream :) with outerworldly structures and life forms. Really strange and funny. (Just woke up)

[@Xonline9]

what progam do you run this through? absolutely fantastic - I would love to see if it's possible to actively syngergize this with other continuous media (live stream, via a server etc)

[@mystevie31]

That's a great sound.

[@macktlo9]

Serene...

[@aacgggtaddaatga1112]

Kopfhörer, Räucherstäbchen und ein Rauchen. 👍😁

[@wajobu]

Sounds great, and it's fun to explore the possibilities. How do you like the Pittsburgh Modular case? Have been pondering this very case. I've been enjoying layering generative and "played" synthesizer sounds...kind of letting one inspire the other. A really nice rig you've compiled!

[@jszack]

Thank you! I love the Pittsburgh Modular case. It's beautiful and the hardware is solid. I've never had to worry about power for any modules and I haven't had any issues with the sliding nuts, which allow me to get everything positioned just right and never worrying about tolerances on faceplates. I picked up some black hex nuts (with a screwdriver just for them) and nylon washers, which makes installations and adjustments a breeze. Couldn't be happier and I've thought about buying another, larger version, but have resisted because I think 208 is a great size for exercising self-control. :-)

[@wajobu]

Thanks!

[@nizer7147]

It’s a great case! My only gripe is that it’s pretty heavy. It’s solid though so i can’t complain too much...until I’m walking through a long airport with it like a briefcase. Cheers!