This module makes infinite music | Stochastic Inspiration Generator Demo

[@agentb27]

I have owned the Vermona Melodicer, two SIGs (one currently), and the AntiKulture Precision Disrupter... they each have strengths and weaknesses, but I have come to some conclusions on their relative merits. I owned Melodicer first, and it is the easiest to use of the three, but by "ease of use" I do not mean better or more controllable, but consider the learning curve to get started and confident with the controls. But easier can and does mean less control and capability. For instance, it is quite easy to specify a continuous range of octaves for one's melody to populate on Melodicer, but on SIG, one selects from five octaves individually, so one can mix the lowest bass notes with the highest notes while leaving out the octaves between them (and this is not an uninteresting approach). Without comparing all their various controllable functions, it can still be said that what one gets roughly twice as many, at a cost of multiple button presses to get there and a somewhat crowded panel. Definitely harder to get facile on SIG, but there are very useful inscriptions on the panel to guide you. As for the congestion, that is always a double-edged sword in modular, and I appreciate the compactness. That being said, I wish SIG had pots with taller shafts. Let me give Melodicer its due, most notably, I got some good results without too much effort. Just as the same could be said of any sequencer operating with randomness as one of its essential capabilities, this is the "why" behind the "dicer" half of the Melodicer, where two buttons are employed for "tossing the dice" to change up to a new melody or rhythm... I assume/guess they generate a new seed to begin recalculation, and that this seed does serve to assert itself over the interpolations that follow. The Precision Disrupter employs what appears to be a very similar capability with its two "disrupt" buttons, though the module is very different in most other respects. The SIG just keeps on cranking, not being capable of some reset to the character of its interpolations, as long as it is in "stochastic mode" (as opposed to when looping). Melodicer will change the course of its interpolations... though I would be hard pressed to define them as a specific "style" or "character,' but rather a restart, after which the Melodicer also just keeps on cranking. It's been a while though, I could be wrong. And this function on the Precision Disrupter is far more important to its function, because it only lays down a new 16 step pattern that will repeat indefinitely, absent the operator playing the module via its various controls, multiple memory locations, or using its limited CVs; (there's only two, which is two more than SIG or Melodicer. One of the most distinct advantages of the SIG over either of the other products is its ability to manage four tracks. The Precision Disrupter's having only a single melody track (not counting its slide and accent lanes) is probably its greatest weakness. This is also a distinct weakness for Melodicer, but the Disrupter's many other capabilities suggest a kinship with other performative sequencers like Metropolix, that make that specific limitation less critical - I see the Disrupter as a great sequencer for the bass lines that are so important to modern electronic music, while the SIG shines more (for me, at least) in lead lines. This is not to say I haven't built satisfying bass lines on the SIG. The Disrupter offers a clock divider, direction controls, and (less importantly), swing, all of which would be wonderful additions to SIG... I used to have a second SIG running on a modified clock, though I would definitely prefer if I could change the SIGs clock on a channel by channel basis. Swing would be less important... The SIG has done very well for me so far on a rhythmic clock, and that is one of my favorite tricks with it. I'm going to soon see how it does with more radical clock manipulations. If it's not yet obvious, I love my SIG. I mention above how it would benefit from a clock divider, and there a very few other recommendations I would make at this moment. I wish linearity worked differently, because as it is, it overrides one's octave settings unless the SIG is closely attended to via its ascend and descend pots. I wish these two functions could be limited somehow in duration, perhaps to 16 beats or something settable. SIG is performative in a different way than a Disrupter, with a layer of "stochasticism" between each function, because it is always dealing with probabilities, so looping is one of its more important performative aspects. The Disrupter, in turn, is always a loop, or maybe any one of 16 stored and recallable loops, but for getting into the timeline and manipulating those loops, it is less (and differently) performative than the aforementioned Metropolis. The Melodicer, despite its looping ability is definitely third place in that contest. Long post, huh? I could of on....

[@mylarmelodies]

Epic insight. Thank you for all this!!

[@agentb27]

I have unfairly left a certain issue dangling amidst all that noise I made above. The question implied but neither asked nor answered within the third Graf is: We don't have dice or disrupter buttons on SIG, so how do we change mood or style or just change things on it? The answer is... we do it the old fashioned way (sort of). We change one or more notes... add some note from a corner of the key that we have been ignoring... just change the probability on one or several notes... suddenly remove some overly powerful interval... any or all of these, and many other settings will alter the feeling. It usually won't happen instantaneously, of course, and it can be surprising or strangely moving. One thing I find myself doing is letting the SIG crank like a radio while I am working. It's a way you get to at least appreciate some of what is inherent in some specific combination and proportion of notes. Five notes in C, some pauses, a few ratchets, and not that much else, all swirling through my Poly Cinematic right now...

[@stochasticinstruments]

Beautifully put. Thank you. And, yes, as if the principal were ever in doubt, SIG is very good at (re-)teaching the old adage that less is more.@@agentb27

[@jodd5534]

Thanks for taking the time. I have the same comments on the sig, and also it is my favourite sequencer in the rack. Torso T1 being my favourite overall

[@TheNimasan]

But either melodiser nor disrupter has 4 cv/gates they just have one. The great thing about sig is the 4 cv/gates you can select with a push of the button.

[@RedMeansRecording]

I think this would be great at 3 times the size with a lot less shift functions. Wonderful sounding demo!

[@borisborisov500]

yeah, I have had this for a while and don't use it enough due to that.

[@danielboen1397]

I replaced this module with an OXI One sequencer and haven't looked back.

[@alexdangles7856]

yes please, amazing concept, would be super fun and super playable as knob per function

[@MattLongstaff]

If they did that the Melodicer might threaten to sue!

[@DL11123]

@@MattLongstaff as far as I'm aware sig was announced publicly before Melodicer, so Vermona wouldn't have much, if any ground to sue

[@brianbrill]

My SIG is criminally underutilized. Now I'm inspired to change that, thanks!

[@mylarmelodies]

Love to hear it Brian, the best GAS is for that which you already own.

[@stochasticinstruments]

Great! 🙂

[@CinematicLaboratory]

Thank you so much, this saves me reading the manual and just enjoy an entertaining and musical masterclass.

[@mylarmelodies]

👍 Defo do read the manual tho as I don’t cover absolutely everything here!

[@Kompa55_Music]

Reading the manual seems to be a lost art! @@mylarmelodies

[@Kompa55_Music]

Loves these deep dives of yours. Inspires my own videos. Keep it up.

[@mylarmelodies]

Thanks Jon, another one coming up tomorrow!

[@MotorHolmes]

The modules on the/making up the side of the case is wild

[@turbotambourine]

Ha! Incredible sequencer for sure! Especially within such a small footprint. Seems brilliant the way the probability works. I feel like this would be endless fun! Especially with the ease of moving onto something else and returning to it without thinking about needing to save.

[@gaeel330]

Only just started the video, and I love the Big Honking Button on the side of the case like that, really cool idea!

[@mylarmelodies]

🦢

[@michaelfaymusic]

I cannot think of a module I own I would’ve rather had a Mylar video on. Wonderful!

[@ranzee]

It's a bit like NDLR for eurorack :) I like it :D

[@FUNKINETIK]

Great demo with really nice melodic sequences, very oriental sounding in places. A really well thought out module.

[@stochasticinstruments]

Thanks dude! :-)

[@tarenvegas]

Aweinspiringly beautiful music at the end; a fine, fine medicine. Thank you.

[@Perversion12]

Love the John Cage "blank panel." I have no blank panels in my setup, as I switch things around weekly or sometimes multiple times weekly...but if I was to have one in my rack, it would be that one.

[@Gmartin4049]

fully adjustable marbles on steroids. met the guy at Bristonica and instantly wanted one. really cool module and his new one.

[@praveensharmanyc]

Going back and forth between this and marbles trying to decide which to keep! Both are great!

[@mylarmelodies]

We’re spoiled for approaches aren’t we

[@stochasticinstruments]

Marbles is a great module but I guess I'm biassed as SIG's creator :-) I would mention its 4 channels though...

[@daughtersofdivorce6803]

I'm looking at this and seeing many reasons to ditch my marbles. Shit...

[@SageCircuits]

I know this is all about the SIG, but that Xpander filter is glorious!

[@mylarmelodies]

Good innit!! Very 'IDM' in the right modes and with the right sources

[@georgefspicka5483]

Fascinating. I believe one of the first ensembles to use synthesizers and their offspring, was Tangerine Dream in the 60s. I've been a composer and jazz pianist for 50+ years, plus I've composed electro-acoustic projects, and wrote orchestral pieces for synthesizers. I found y'all via the videos of Nils Berglund. In all the one's I watched so far, the music and video fit each other well :)

[@kmakiri9156]

Just had to order that 4'33 Panel. Best reference I have seen in a decade or so :D

[@debbie09090]

I love the SIG and I love your videos too! Great to see you demo this complex little powerhouse of a module.

[@mylarmelodies]

Thank you

[@stochasticinstruments]

Thank you Debbie! :-)

[@freakbag]

Had SIG for a week and continue to be amazed. I now spend less time setting up trig/cv/env/etc. and more time on voice quality.

[@m0rgen]

Sees modules mounted on the side/end of the case. Mind blown. Please tell me you have a big red button on the far end too so you can play this pinball machine style.

[@mylarmelodies]

Haha, I literally do have two arcade button modules either side!! The case in question is a sinusoda.com

[@effiksmusic]

@@mylarmelodies I had the same idea with a arcade buttons on the side of my case. I think it works great with a joystick.

[@mylarmelodies]

Need to try a joystick - the Intellijel Planar too big unfortunately

[@effiksmusic]

@@mylarmelodies the most joystick modules are 12hp. But I found the 7J from Transient Modules in 8hp.

[@justinwinn9597]

Great video! My SIG+ module does a lot of the heavy lifting in my setup and I love it! I tend to pair it with 2HP Loop in Frippertronic mode (with an oscillator inbetween) to create build lovely melodies and textures.

[@Probbie]

Great stuff mate. I've had SIG for some time but learned some great tips here 👍

[@TOMLEW1S]

Sold, this is genuinely fucking marvellous - super musical and fun.

[@kellymerrill5294]

Well done, definitely considering this one now.

[@RabRabNZ]

I just noticed the pinball buttons, bloody genius!

[@ChristienGagnier]

I like this thing but I don't have a powered rack. What must I purchase in order to power it? I can just imagine what it'd be like with my O-Coast

[@mylarmelodies]

You do need a powered case - on the small end there are 4ms Pods, Tiptop Happy Ending Kit, one other option is the cases system I'm using here actually, the Sinusoda cases are expandable!!

[@kowalskymann]

love your round the corner rack 😊

[@forresttrimble1789]

is it worth having a turing machine and a SIG+ in a small rack? i will end up with three voices and two drum modules attached to a grids. just wondering if using the three tracks is efficient or if having a turing machine would make things faster to manipulate in live sets. Hope that makes sense hah

[@mylarmelodies]

Oh defo having multiple approaches is a good thing, Turing is great in that it’s so very simple and quick, this is a bit more involved but of course lets you be far more intentional. You’d definitely need a quantiser to go with the Turing Machine so it can match the scale you’re choosing on the Stochastic!

[@walrtbstudios5430]

I love my SIG, and would not part with it. However, it has associated flaws… You will need trimmer toppers if you want to see at a glance what’s dialled in, and you will need to watch a few videos on it (I can recommend Robin Vincent’s lengthy, but thorough, demo) because the manual is somewhat- er, opaque (Phin: I retire in December and if I ever get my head properly around the module I’ll rewrite it for you). That said, it is one of the finest happy accident machines out there, and as stated above, I would not part with it. Bravo Alex for tackling it.

[@KPsTboy]

I painted the indents and voila.

[@rlanguillat]

@@KPsTboy same thing - why the hell do you need toppers, when you can simply use white out? 🙂

[@KPsTboy]

@@rlanguillat Admittingly, toppers do have a nicer feel, but I'm a cheapskate 😉

[@walrtbstudios5430]

@@rlanguillatBecause for the price of a cup coffee I can make the module look as though it’s been modified professionally rather than attacked by a hyperactive pre-schooler with tippex. At my age my hands aren’t as steady as they were…

[@rlanguillat]

@@walrtbstudios5430 looks super pro with Tippex - no worries 😉

[@shane_l8085]

Sick, what are the pad sounds at the end coming from?

[@mylarmelodies]

All from that case! The chords are Plaits

[@RabRabNZ]

I would love a SIG in battleship sequencer size to have direct control over everything, I have to check the quick start guide for recording loops and other functions in the deeper menu. And 8 Channels would be nice!

[@h2o1969]

Wow, I really like this thing.

[@freddy_cyclone]

Very Melodicer vibes. - which is incredible and a few years old now and definitely would have paved the way for this. If you haven't delved into that, i'd get that.

[@DL11123]

I believe SIG was actually public announced before melodicer. SIG is 3/4 years old now

[@mylarmelodies]

Yep just checked that. (Omsonic) SIG was shown in 2019, Melodicer in 2020 - AFAIK.

[@stochasticinstruments]

@@DL11123 Actually, I invented the SIG concept in 2009! 🙂

[@freddy_cyclone]

@@stochasticinstruments @mylarmelodies oof nice! Thanks for letting me know. It's incredible - great work

[@lenylecointre3304]

I saw that the oxi one had a stochiastic mode. Did someone have tested it ? on paper it seem similar for the basic use. But some function are missing

[@DanHillman]

What??? I live near Plymouth, wonder if they've got any B stock units haha!

[@stochasticinstruments]

Come and see one in action at dBs Institute Plymouth this Saturday 11th from 1100! (Open day where I'll be jamming!)

[@DanHillman]

@@stochasticinstruments oh maaan I’m out on tour! I know some dBs tutors and have been in a demo band for some students to record years ago. I’d have loved to come along and see it in action! Any other times?

[@TheGoldenWreath]

Can this do unquantized pitch like Rene?

[@hadesbox]

is that a DIY case or what brand is it? Its really interesting the side modules

[@fredscallietsoundman9701]

Waw, extra modules on the sides ! How about the back ?

[@MarkBokowiec]

Excellent review - I have ordered one :-)

[@mntbighker]

Now someone needs to compare the STIG to the Melodicer. I only have the STIG. The Melodicer seems more performance friendly, but STIg has 4 channels and most of the same capabilities?

[@mshrm_music]

the Vermona Melodicer is pretty similar, only one track but very playable and with excellent Vermona build quality. I never see it mentioned when people discuss this kind of sequencer, unfortunately

[@mylarmelodies]

Never really looked into the Melodicer but it definitely seems like the closest alternative from a quick glance, although it seems the SIG would give more control over the formation/structure, plus more channels? Would need someone more familiar to confirm!

[@mshrm_music]

more channels is a definite plus for most people, I only needed the one and the interface on the Melodicer was more to my liking, SIG seems a little cramped with the mini pots. it hits the sweet spot for me in terms of control vs random, it seems to always give me something nice to use with minimal effort. highly recommend jamming on one if you ever get the chance! wonderful demo as always, SIG is on my radar if I ever expand

[@ProfessorSynth]

@@mshrm_music If? 😁

[@mcolville]

@@mylarmelodies Melodicer is basically a one channel version of this thing, but weirdly, it's bigger. :D Less chording (or whatever, holding one button while pressing other buttons).

[@-umbrarium]

A great module indeed!

[@apaleslimghost]

i'm 0:30 into the video and already i want it, god damn you mylar

[@real_anxst]

I really love my SIG. It was the sole pitch sequencer in my little live case for a while, but it just proved to be too uncontrollable to be the only sequencer there. Amazing instrument though.

[@mylarmelodies]

What do you pair it with?

[@stochasticinstruments]

Thank you! Remember, SIG is designed to duet with you and also plays really well with 'standard' sequencers too, so combining it with something works brilliantly! :-)

[@real_anxst]

@@mylarmelodies No space to pair it with anything, I moved it to my studio case so if it decides to leap octaves into the stratosphere when i turn on linearity I can just reset and start over. I replaced it with a Metropolix in my live case.

[@JohnTrasher]

​@@real_anxstyour thoughts on metropolix vs this? I tend to leave my metropolix turned off and went all midi (no random/generative)

[@marcdebroey2276]

Love mine, great video !

[@SurfaceDweller]

Beautiful music!

[@MelonSprout]

i saw the addac one up on reverb, how does this compare?

[@stochasticinstruments]

It's got 'stochastic' in the name but it's a completely different module, it's really just an (albeit very capable) envelope generator, not a generative source or sequencer like SIG.

[@snörre23]

I am not sure if i could tell the difference to just use a simple sample and hold, random gates, maybe modulate the envelope. Or good old marbles.

[@chasethevioletsun9996]

What case is this with the side-mounted modules? I think I'm in love...

[@mylarmelodies]

That would be sinusoda.com/ !

[@VincentsVideoVisions]

Seems pretty cool but ive got sequencers covered in spades. Two Turing Machines (thanks to this channel), a Metropolix (once again, thanks to this channel), an Erica Synths Black Sequencer, a Steppy/Mimetic Digitalis combo, and a Korg SQ64. And my MPC One, technically... 😅

[@hadesbox]

is that a DIY case or what brand is it? Its really interesting the side modules, fantastic review on the SIG!

[@mylarmelodies]

It’s a Sinusoda case! Vid incoming on that

[@TheNimasan]

have it since almost a year and it slowly become the #1 in my list pushing moephagene on#2.

[@cksample]

it's like a smaller more powerful version of the Vermona MeloDICER. Nice.

[@rampageExtremeGamer]

I LUV my SIG+ 😍

[@robgrainger5314]

Looks to me like a restricted version of SSEYO Koan or Wotja in hardware rather than software. Which may be a good thing.

[@MyPruha]

I watch a lot of modular videos. it's always a sequencer + some kind of atmosphere and delays. and it's all. Almost all the content produced by the people I follow is about sequencers. please make a selection of infinity sound effects techniques. how to get constantly changing sounds that can be introduced at the end of a phrase, for example, or by touching a finger? what set of modules is needed for this?

[@mylarmelodies]

Something like the Malekko Voltage Block is good as a 'preset' system for instant changes. That and lots of random voltage modules, sample and holds

[@Lcrymlgy]

Love the three sided case. Is it yours, or is it available?

[@mylarmelodies]

It's available! It's called Sinusoda, actually a case SYSTEM: sinusoda.com/

[@Lcrymlgy]

@@mylarmelodies oh, I know the sinusodas, but I hadn't seen/realized they could be open on the sides

[@mylarmelodies]

true. just finished a demo of them, watch out for it!!

[@MelonSprout]

any way to go back to a loop after youve found a new one

[@mylarmelodies]

No, once you re-loop it loses the old one! Just gotta record it

[@stochasticinstruments]

...you could switch to a different track though: all the tracks have independent loops@@mylarmelodies

[@steveblingitz682]

What's that big red button on the left side? Self-destruct in case a thief breaks in?

[@mylarmelodies]

Ha! A Big Honkin' Button on the side of a Sinusoda case: sinusoda.com/ (I should fully wire it to a burglar alarm)

[@parristaylor]

Side mounted big honkin button is 💯

[@wishbonebrewery]

Lovely stuff :)

[@mylarmelodies]

Thanks Adrian!!

[@vampiresforesl]

"Each of these sliders corresponds to a key" . . . it seems like each corresponds to a pitch?

[@mylarmelodies]

Ha yes, I mean key on a musical keyboard!

[@kirkegodfrey414]

If i wanted hardware, i'd want one of these!

[@djdozoz]

The feature that I could never understand is Force Barline, I'm still confused. LOL

[@mylarmelodies]

Add time signature, make riffs more satisfying?

[@clonecrow217]

I love mine, so many uses beyond sequencing notes...

[@mylarmelodies]

Yeah modulation sequencing and drum sequencing interesting too right?

[@clonecrow217]

@@mylarmelodies Yep...and using CV to select different samples!

[@i_never_asked_for_an_alias]

LOL @ that That John Cage module.

[@SELEKTROw]

Park the sig+ for a sec... who has modules on the side of their case!😮

[@mylarmelodies]

Ha, yes that'll be sinusoda.com/ !!!

[@loftfive-p9k]

I got one of the first runs. Great module and idea, pretty bad interface. Having so much functions that are dependent on a hidden position of a micro trimmer is pretty unfun and gets confusing quickly to the point where you're just resetting every parameter each time you want to change anything. I also notice I believe a change in behaviour after updating to the new version that you can't switch the keys while the thing is looping, and reloop with the new keys without first letting in a. bunch of random notes. This would let you do chord progressions, and sound like 10x better. It's fun and smol and decently playable but I thought I would give my 2c since my posts on MW get ignored. Regardless the module is probably a keeper for me, if nothing besides use as 4 random looping channels to feed into sinfonion. If they make the feature change it would basically be like a manual sinfonion of sorts, esp if you paired it with a harmonaig in diatonic mode. If a v2 came out with a medium sized screen, more direct controls, twice the panel size - instant buy

[@ADHDev1234]

What a case? What's that?

[@mylarmelodies]

That's a sinusoda.com/ case!

[@isaacc7]

I really like wheat this module is doing but my goodness does it look cramped and fiddly. Eurorack is where all the cool new stuff happens but my heart is with 4u. Wonder if there is anything like this in that world. There’s probably a way to emulate it with Serge stuff with enough cables lol.

[@andrewmarshall195]

What an amazing thing this is....hmmm...tempted, very tempted...Still never said hi to you at synth events in person, I think you were talking to someone at Synthfest with regards the Music Easel and I was stood there acting confused :D Will defo say hi next time!!

[@mylarmelodies]

Ahh dang, yes definitely do!! See you at Superbooth?

[@stochasticinstruments]

Thanks Andrew! :-) Yes, order through the site and we'll sort you out with one!

[@returnofthemilk]

Oh my! A side honk. I need a side honk.

[@mylarmelodies]

🦢📯

[@tanchwa3740]

Its like a combo of metropolis and turring machine

[@stochasticinstruments]

...and 4 envelope generators, portamento and built-in music theory! 🙂

[@davebetts900]

That's amazing, shame you can run your whole synth set up through it, that would be epic.

[@PDJMDS]

I'm still off the opinion that if you really want to explore algorithmic composition you're better off using supercollider or maxMSP. All these hardware devices are so cumbersome and limited in comparison. But hats off for trying

[@mylarmelodies]

Fair enough, but I suspect the flipside argument to that is that Max is hard to pick up - and this is done for you, and isn’t inside a computer. How would you best learn enough to emulate this in Max?

[@PDJMDS]

@mylarmelodies true it requires a learning curve. However supercollider my weapon of choice is free and you can do so much more with it. And there are some excellent learning resources. You not restricted to the ideas about algorithmic composition of others either. I love modular synths, i have marbles which is great. But nothing in the algorithmic domain is flexible enough for me. And i wouldn't emulate this, I'd come up with my own ideas

[@MarkBokowiec]

I agree to some extent - I have been programming with Max since 1990 - before the DSP functions were added - ie MSP! However at the ripe old age of 70 I find myself drawn back to hardware - ie.Eurorack! Back to my roots maybe - knob twiddling on VCSIII's etc. You can't beat the tactile response/feedback from dedicated modules IMHO.

[@synkrotron]

okay, in for a penny... 🙂

[@synkrotron]

ace

[@katelikesrectangles]

love the sideways big honking button

[@firstandlast4415]

nice video, I like. jam on it... wikki wikki wikki.

[@TerekkiTerekki]

Not influenced

[@krishna34674]

stochastic hand cramp generator

[@sibbyeskie]

When did everyone get tired of “random” and saying “stochastic” instead? It’s totally pleonastic.

[@mylarmelodies]

There’s definitely worse things to worry about

[@stochasticinstruments]

Because it's not random. A fair die *is* random bc it's equiprobable (6 possible outcomes all equally weighted) and so is S/H Noise > Quantizer (12 notes, or a scale, again all all equally weighted). SIG lets you weight the notes so you leverage how music works with the root note being more important, then the fifth, then the third or whatever...as well as different octaves, durations and so on. A small difference, but a very important one given that S/H Noise>Quantizer gets boring after 10 seconds precisely because it's NOT weighted!!! 🙂

[@mitdemall]

What the hell is this case?? xD

[@mylarmelodies]

Ha, a sinusoda case!

[@the_glove]

Is everyone ready to admit eurorack is too fiddly and 5u was a Better idea ?

[@mylarmelodies]

Kosmo format is waiting in the wings for you

[@liantrosretrospectiva4134]

great video and musical results as usual... some parts could be released as tracks... real talented guy too much talking with insufferable voice and intonation, also as usual KZbin should have separate sound/music and speech tracks so you can keep the music and use subtitles instead

[@mylarmelodies]

Thanks for your kind words

[@borisborisov500]

@@mylarmelodies it's alright, I'll say it for you... what a wanker

[@kenniferlopez1]

Rad Sir!