This is an AMBIENCE machine

This video explores using the Strymon Starlab with various eurorack modules and semi modular synths. I also explore using it with piano.
At one point I mention Modular Grid which is basically a great website where you can design your own custom eurorack setup, get all the information about power requirements, HP, explore different modules, and a lot more. Check it out at www.modulargrid.net
If you would like to check out more of my music, please visit my website at www.amberelmmusic.com
Or stream my music on whatever service you use. Thanks for watching!
Chapters
Intro 00:00
Getting into Modular 00:37
Comparing VCV rack to IRL eurorack 00:45
Lessons from a Eurorack beginner 01:43
Introducing Starlab 04:43
Closer look at Starlab 05:09
Audio Example with Pittsburg Modular’s Taiga and Starlab on “sparse” mode 07:13
Audio Example with Moog Subharmonicon and Starlab on “diffuse mode” 14:18
Audio Example with Piano and Starlab on “dense” mode 18:20
Final Thoughts 24:52

[@gabrielkalb]

piano part remembers me music for airports, very good man

[@amberelmmusic]

Thanks! And thanks for watching.

[@rayderrich]

I own Taiga, and can only dream of Starlab. Thank you for this video.

[@amberelmmusic]

Thanks for watching. The Starlab is a pretty fun module.

[@garaughty]

Awesome tones & demos Ryan !

[@amberelmmusic]

Thanks! I appreciate it.

[@danikoenig]

welcome to the rabbit hole. good work thank you

[@amberelmmusic]

Haha. So true. Thanks for watching.

[@raafmodular]

Great that you are exploring the deep wide waters op modular synths. By the way, some of my best sounds were born out of “mistakes” and taking “the wrong turn.” I think this is one of the great things of modular synths they always seem to surprise and challenge you even if you know what you are doing. ❤ Looking forward to see what you create next, have fun and good luck!

[@amberelmmusic]

Thanks! These “happy accidents” are something I’m really enjoying about modular.

[@brhodes0]

Great presenting style with very interesting examples - subscribed!!

[@amberelmmusic]

Thanks! I appreciate it.

[@chatolars]

Excellent . Subscribed !

[@amberelmmusic]

Awesome! Thanks for watching.

[@Ashanath-Music]

I love ambient music, trying some experiments myself. Big like and subscription. ❤

[@amberelmmusic]

Thanks for watching. I’ve been getting more and more into ambient stuff. It’s just so fun to make.

[@F.R.B.]

✨magic ✨

[@amberelmmusic]

Thanks!

[@TurkmanSouljah]

Thank you. Super Well done. Subbed

[@amberelmmusic]

Thank you! See you around the channel.

[@Unison_Detune]

Nice direct presentation style, got ground loop/noise over left side of cans. L&Subbed.

[@amberelmmusic]

Thanks for the heads up. I’ll have to figure that out. Thanks for watching.

[@simonjefferytaylor]

I love mine, its so so great

[@amberelmmusic]

It’s pretty excellent. Thanks for watching!

[@Winterdagen]

Lovely sounds, especially the piano part ♥ Go give using it's output in stereo a try though, that'll really make it shine:)

[@amberelmmusic]

I definitely will! Thanks for the comment and for watching.

[@someonewhobitthedust9124]

Subbed, great video.

[@amberelmmusic]

Thanks!

[@wheniwaswater-2903]

Great video! Love Magneto! Sold my Starlab. Wasn’t as impressed with that as I was running my Modular through the Strymon Nightsky or running it through the send/return on my Hexmix/Hexpander. The Magneto is worth the HP. I can’t say the same for the Starlab. Following!

[@amberelmmusic]

Thanks! Bummer you didn’t love the Starlab, but if you have the nightsky I totally get it.

[@Bills_Place]

My advice on getting into modular is listen to the advice here & plan ahead, or basically just do the opposite of what I do. PS I often run Magneto into Starlab, but Karplus mode on Starlab would be a great time to reverse that order.

[@amberelmmusic]

Thanks for watching. Karplus into magneto is pretty fun.

[@chitlun]

Excellent stuff man! We had an exchange on one of your earlier vids regarding Maths… I was pointing out the first two modules I got were that and Pam’s. Funnily enough, the second two were Magneto and Starlab. I, like yourself, was looking to build an FX rack, coupled with some utility to augment my existing semi-modular set up, I also have the wonderful Matriarch. When I first powered up my rack with the Starlab in, I put my Subharmonicon through it and I probably didn’t move for the next two hours, I was totally mesmerised! Great vid but I’m curious as to why you didn’t patch the ‘Lab out in stereo?

[@amberelmmusic]

Ya I remember. I’ve got Maths in my reverb cart now haha. I had the same experience hooking Starlab and magneto to grandmother. (Matriarch is my next piece of divorceware). To be honest it was just an oversight. I had hooked it all up to test out some sounds, got sort of into what I was doing, and never finished the patch. Do you have your music anywhere?

[@champagnepandaog3305]

just got recommended this, no way u have only 600 subs

[@bisongo7089]

same haha 😂 but he’s awesome!

[@amberelmmusic]

I appreciate it. Thanks for watching.

[@amberelmmusic]

Thanks so much.

[@TheGoldenWreath]

Is there a “spill over” function for texture modes when switching between the three settings? And is there a way to get it back to factory reset ?

[@PSILOCYBINISTHEWAY]

the comparison is quite real. upon entering the eurorack domain you do in fact die.

[@amberelmmusic]

Lol. Thanks for watching. That’s a pretty great comment.

[@badoedipus2551]

Like your videos, just discovered you.. mind if I challenge your positions a little? I bought my first modular system about a month ago with a Behringer system 55. I went that way cause it’s a lot of synth for the money (I’m kinda poor) and it meant I didn’t need to do a ton of research into a zillion modules just to get started. I wonder if it’s a thing.. dealing with a design from the late 60’s versus modern designs, or maybe some temperamental difference.. but I deeply feel I’m patching / programming half unconsciously, not really aware of where I’m going.. and that’s a big part of what I’m failing in love with… the adventures into the unknown. I suppose that’s what I’m into sound design wise anyway? But this month I’m looking into getting a poly hector, so that might change things a little bit.

[@amberelmmusic]

Hey @badoedipus2551 thanks for watching. ABSOLUTELY challenge my positions. One of the main reasons I wanted to build this community was to get others feedback and opinions. That said, I was coming at it from the angle of trying to get a specific sound. There is absolutely an argument for sort of patching with your eyes closed. I think whatever gets you to enjoy it and make awesome sounds is the right way to do it. Hope you keep watching and commenting! Happy patching!!!