When two become one: DISTING EX by Expert Sleepers // Review, tutorial, vs DISTING MK4

[@sliceofsparta8985]

This is the most versatile module in eurorack and it's not up for debate. You may not like its sounds or menus, but nothing else offers what this baby does in 8 freaking hp. Expert Sleepers are legendary for creating such an awesome module!

[@winddealer1]

Wow, another quality editing opus. The epitome of fantastic video editing skills surpassed only by the incredible content value. Love the attention to details, video shots, close ups, narration all augmenting and redefining the already highest bar. Loopop - the defacto one stop destination. Keeps us coming back for more.

[@thebadterrorists5323]

Agreed well said.

[@johnkrummrich4948]

Fist I heard of the auto sample I knew about the velocity and round robin playback I was going to get the 1010 micro to auto sample and have to rename all the files This is huge Thank you so much

[@durrgaga]

Thank you, another very well produced video. Darn it, I got my second Disting 4 as a Christmas present, if I had but known!!

[@AlexGraettinger]

That autosample concept is mind boggling and amazing holy shit.

[@RedMeansRecording]

Holy SHIT I'm getting one. Hot damn.

[@moxom3854]

I have two of these on pre-order, very excited for them to hit the shop floor. Thanks for the in-depth review.

[@rdean150]

Agreed about the LED jacks. Incredibly useful to know what's going on with each output. Particularly useful with Expert Sleepers highly customizable multifunction modules, but would still be useful on many other manufacturers' modules. Os should license that technology out to other makers.

[@CarlColglazier]

I imagine the tech is in house? I haven't been able to source the parts from anywhere.

[@robsinHL]

@@CarlColglazier Did you ever find them? Still haven't seen any

[@CarlColglazier]

@@robsinHL nope

[@fernandowhitaker735]

Just an observation: the Disting MK4 does actually fit into Intellijel Palette cases! Great video, as always!

[@robsinHL]

True, the EX does not, had to 3D print an insert to raise it up. Not the most attractive thing, but it's only solution for a Palette.

[@thehangingfox]

@@robsinHL do you have the STL file? I want one of these in my palette, but sad it wont fit

[@GuitarsAndSynths]

Mine just arrived and it is such a great module for smaller setups.

[@robsinHL]

For someone like me who had maybe 10 total modules, with no sampler, ADSR generator, delay or FX or wave folder options... it was invaluable. Still is even though I have those modules, because there is still about 20 things it does that I don't have covered.

[@fakshen1973]

That auto sample mode... lovely. Nice bit of kit. Expert Sleepers also has a history of continual expansion and development of the Disting programs, so the module should increase in value for the purchase price. Most wanted module of 2020 for me.

[@jesset3241]

Great review! Such a cool upgrade & expansion of the already unbelievably useful Mk4! I’ll have to get one as soon as I have some free HP.

[@pat2rome]

Augustus Loop, amazing name.

[@paulbrocklehurst7253]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/oqvQq42Xd5WeqdU

[@fablesofsilence]

Thanks for this video and ace to avoid repeating what the ES team already did. I am playing around with the piano multi-samples and it is just sooo nice! And the built-in auto-sampler! Amazing.

[@GuitarsAndSynths]

A definite must for every modular setup.

[@StefanWolfrum]

Very informative, very valueable! Thanks, Ziv! 👍

[@loopop]

My pleasure!

[@els1f]

I just keep staring at whatever that DOT thing is. It looks so cool 😮 Edit: ooooh THAT'S what they do Edit: I feel like we would have traded one of our limbs for that multisample function alone just a few years ago😄

[@richarquis]

"I'll wave my hand and change the setup..." Lo and behold, it turns into the 1980's mutant lovechild of Keith Haring and Madonna. My god, those cables are practically radioactive.

[@synkrotron]

Soft Piano is my favourite at the moment :-) Great review, by the way, thanks

[@honigferd]

Awesome video and module. I honestly think the autosampler on its own is worth the money and space. One thing to take into consideration with those modules though: While they’re amazing, they’re rather power hungry.

[@robsinHL]

Mine gets hot, when not even being pushed. Makes sense with all of the power conversions happening.

[@markliebman2212]

My oh My! So much functionality in so few HP!

[@frasersimpson3914]

appreciated the Verve reference at 8:54

[@prema9878]

Did not noticed it before but, loopop’s “Hi” is like Joe Pera’s “Nice”

[@danielprovder]

Or Hainbach's warm "welcome back"

[@GustavKlingt]

I would like to have the "wave my hands and change the setup" module ;-) We love your channel loopop, Thank you !!

[@Gainn]

Hope I can work out what Dis Ting is by the end of the vid.

[@leftmono1016]

It’s every ting

[@zefsku3206]

nice.

[@kalubandali2241]

what a beautiful module

[@Hut-181]

I don't have the midi expander and finding it tricky to make it work purely over CV. I'm using gate and pitch from a keystep, but wierd things are happening such as gate being inverted and sound just generally terrible.. Looks like this will take some micro-fiddling to get up and running..

[@t1mmy13]

Yesss, Disting with a proper screen. RIP my money

[@i_never_asked_for_an_alias]

How about a setup with only a bunch of disting's set to different algorhytms and modes ? ;-)

[@McEnroe911]

You sadist

[@designator7402]

8:54 CAUSE ITS A BITTER SWEET SYMPHONY THIS LIFE YEEEAH

[@BottleBass1977]

Ah, yes, you spotted that too :D good tune

[@designator7402]

@@BottleBass1977 It's my mom's absolute favourite song, so it is forever ingrained into my brain, and any lose association will trigger it.

[@alveydoug]

You need a camera on the end of your left thumb. :-). Seriously though, they need to come up with a Bluetooth “display echo”, to phone/tablet display. My tri-vocals could never focus on those displays. It may be too useful to do without. Poly SubHarmonicon was very cool to hear!

[@unsoundmethodology]

Man - this is a very desirable module. The auto-multisample blew me away. I only _just_ got a MiniBrute 2S a week ago (thanks much for your videos on that, btw! Made my decision on picking it up easier, and they've taught me a lot) and I already have an overstuffed list of modules I want to get to use with it.

[@davidbaker231]

7:10-- "I just don't understand why the whole world doesn't use these..." referring to the I/O jacks that light up to show signal presence & polarity. Are those jacks commonly available? Would a module-- A: have to be a digital module that controlled those LEDs as part of its system function, or-- B: are those jacks purely analog and just have a circuit that controls the LEDs depending on the signal running through? If the answer is B and the additional cost isn't a deal breaker, then you've got a point and we should see more of these jacks on other modules.

[@ExpertSleepersLtd]

It's B.

[@shokdj1]

On the building site I’m working on they spelt social distancing wrong on the signs, I’m glad I googled distinging

[@ish233]

I like expert sleepers, they go into some in depth

[@domtak]

The numbering on the panel is classic Expert Sleepers obfuscation... previously we have Z, X, Y and now we have 5, 1, 2 and 6, 3, 4.

[@bigkingsha]

Gotta get my hands on disting dismonth!

[@moonzero-xm7014]

8:55 - OK, why the fuck have I ignored this module up until now. Insta-buy in like 2 seconds. Holy cow. Thanks a lot for this! 21:25 - whaaaat! I was not prepared for this! It functions like that?! Holy shit. That's insane. Damn. Soooo nice. Thanks!

[@ofootyeabicc201]

Next video for generative music series: Pam's new Workout and the new Quantizer? Saw it in your case, though I'd ask.

[@TurkmanSouljah]

👍🏿👍🏿👍🏿👍🏿 thank you loopop

[@KNHSynths]

Very interesting extension, thanks for sharing ! Just one question about another subject : how do you the timeline segmentation (the red line with title) ? I found no doc about this.

[@turbochargedfilms]

If you're talking about KZbin's new timestamps, here you go kzbin.info/www/bejne/fou3hKd-r7yFrq8

[@nkozi]

just now realizing there was the new subharmonicon in the shot for a moment

[@mntbighker]

In dual mode can you use an effects algorithm on one and sample player on the other? In single mode you can have either effects algorithm or sample, but not both at the same time. At least that's the impression I got from the video I saw on wigglers. So conceivably you might need two of these things to accommodate your signal path needs. Or I could be new, and I didn't understand the Q/A when he said it would be asking too much to expect to do both at the same time.

[@loopop]

yes, in dual mode you should be able to use any algorithm you want on any of the sides (I didn't try all the combinations which is why I say "should...")

[@robsinHL]

The sampler is only in single mode, so no. I know because that was what I wanted to do the most and ended up buying a Versio Iteratis... which is obviously a much better (expensive) delay solution. Have tried to figure out a sampling solution too, but no luck. At the moment I'm just using my MPC and patchbay to route

[@deanjones5229]

Hi Loopop! Great video, it's made me think of swapping out a 10hp adsr/lfo module and my MK4 for this. It would make sense for its size! I was wondering if you've got any samples that you share through patreon? I really love the idea of sharing samples, I'd totally love the subharmonicon samples etc you created here, it's great for people who can't fully afford the hardware but could add some flavour of that sound in a track. I think bringing sampled instruments into the modular case this way is fantastic. Many thanks

[@loopop]

Thanks very much and yes there are quite a few sampled instruments on my patreon!

[@cooloutcoexist]

I love that StreetFighter reference :-D

[@VictorSteiner]

Am I understanding this right, that I could record 4 octaves of my Mother-32 and sample them and then be able to play it with 8 voices? An 8 voice polyphonic Expert Sleepers Mother-32? Please confirm :D

[@loopop]

Confirmed :) It will be the same single sound you sampled of course, but yes.

[@homeslice1479]

Edit: apparently auto sampling isn't coming until firmware 1.2, and the currently publicly available version is 1.1.1 (as of May 21, 2020) I've been through it several times and can find NOTHING in the manual about auto sampling. That's such an awesome feature, too!

[@loopop]

Indeed, I was trying out a prerelease beta

[@SouthShoreSonics]

The display looks really really small. Have the manufacturer's taken there older demographic into consideration. At 56, I have a hard time reading the small display on my Blofeld, so I can imagine I'd need a magnifying glass to see such a small display.

[@ExpertSleepersLtd]

The manufacturer is rapidly creeping into the older demographic :) It's small but it's pin sharp.

[@ElCharvo]

@@ExpertSleepersLtd Have the EX and 3 -but my eyes struggle with the screen -maybe a Disting Gen X version ?

[@robsinHL]

No one needs my approval but I love mine, could have 2 more of them and theyd all be fully utilized. I guess the challenge is that at some point you have to stop and say, should I just get an ES-8 or ES-9 and connect to my laptop for what are then infinite algorithms.

[@cymbolic_space1832]

Wonderful as always! But my question remains. What Expert Sleepers module would be the best for CV to MIDI out?

[@loopop]

Thanks! Why not email them?

[@cymbolic_space1832]

@@loopop you know that's a great idea, and I was about to until I saw the Befaco VCMC and that's my answer right there! Thanks!

[@loopop]

Oh yeah you asked about ES - becafo VCMC is awesome!

[@cymbolic_space1832]

@@loopop and it comes it kit form to boot! been doing some acoustic drums triggering modular, and am going to take it one step further: integrate digital synths.

[@ExpertSleepersLtd]

It's actually the General CV, though it's not that module's primary purpose.

[@KibweBrathwaite]

The disting4 was already NUTZ. This is now fucking NUTZ!!!

[@robertsyrett1992]

1:17 Disting bingo! You think I should replace my two disting mk4 modules for one of these? I do like that he's loaded up the sd card with samples. I have woefully underutilized that aspect of my distings because of the hassle of loading them in the proper format and list. Also it would take half the time to update the firmware :)

[@loopop]

It so much easier to use, if you like Disting, you're going to like using this a lot more

[@H3ath]

This video is not helping decide whether to build out a eurorack setup or buy a subharmonicon. It is excellent nonetheless, thanks for all the quality content :D

[@loghead2437]

Have you done any tutorials on any newer firmwares?

[@loopop]

not yet

[@samaBR333]

8:54 - "This is the bittersweet... Distiiing Eee Xxxx aaah ahhh""

[@casualnoises2808]

These jacks with leds added looks so cool. I would like to get some, can anyone give me a manufacture reference?

[@loopop]

Please contact ES directly, perhaps they'll share some insight

[@drtchock]

thank you for mentioning that it's too deep for intellijel cases!

[@XxXSEPIOXxX]

? I have it in mine just fine?

[@XxXSEPIOXxX]

I have a 104hp 7u

[@MrBEnIbb]

What if I want to send midi out the Es 9 to the midi Converter into the disting ex to the midi converter?

[@VladyYakovenko]

Is there a way to sample my modular like that with ableton? Simpler and sampler have no automatic sampling. Can I connect the disting to my ES-9 and send notes from there?

[@loopop]

Not built in that I know but there's software called Sample Robot that can do it and if you're on a Mac MainStage can as well

[@johnkrummrich4948]

Any idea if there is a midi Thru setting on this I have 3 preordered and want to know if I need a mult Thanks

[@loopop]

Yes, it has an option to change out to thru

[@johnkrummrich4948]

loopop thank you

[@danielgrace7887]

Does the MIDI breakout module require its own power, or does it draw power from the Disting?

[@loopop]

Daniel Grace no power required for the midi breakout

[@thomas_ad]

“Less cowbell” 💰

[@Rollur1234]

What does the red slot far left on your eurorack do?

[@loopop]

It's part of the Arturia case - check out my video about RackBrute to see it in action

[@Rollur1234]

@@loopop hahaha

[@inspector-tech]

So in dual mode I can play samples on one side then simultaneously use the other side to process efx???

[@loopop]

Should work!

[@inspector-tech]

@@loopop Well I guess I'll find out on my own. Just bought one!!

[@designator7402]

EDIT: Turns out this is not actually true! Shame on me for taking rumors as truth. 7:09 I can tell you exactly why the rest of the world does not use those LED-Ring-jacks: Because they're patented. The rest of the world CAN'T use them legally.

[@loopop]

Patents can be licensed. Hopefully.

[@ExpertSleepersLtd]

@@loopop Sorry who has a patent now?

[@loopop]

Expert Sleepers other commenters have said you do... don’t you? If not then what’s wrong with all the other module manufacturers - those jacks are awesome

[@designator7402]

@@ExpertSleepersLtd Wait, you don't have that? If that's the case I will retract my statement and apologize for spreading misinformation.

[@ExpertSleepersLtd]

@@designator7402 I don't.

[@Braunld]

Disting mk 4 SO CHALLENGING

[@homeslice1479]

Braunld vo1t illustrated manuals. You’re welcome.

[@jekanyika]

3:55 These days you can get a mkIV on ebay for just over $100 yet EXs are still $300 or more so there is a bit of a difference.

[@risro.O]

how about an update with the poly wave table etc ?

[@zannfilm9645]

Was just thinking about buying two MK4's but now...does this include all of the algorithms from the MK4?

[@loopop]

yes, with a better display - certainly get this and not two MK4's IMHO

[@zannfilm9645]

@@loopop Thanks for confirming that so quickly, appreciated. Yes, the EX is definitely the way I will go. Great channel by the way. One of the best dedicated to audio gear on KZbin.

[@ExpertSleepersLtd]

23:54 It will fit in a Pod X, for what it's worth.

[@shankr]

Was gonna say the same thing here :) I am using a Disting Mk4 in a Pod X right now.

[@ExpertSleepersLtd]

@@shankr The mk4 is less deep and will in fact fit in a Palette as well.

[@31d1]

where'd you get that nice MIDI cable?

[@loopop]

I don't remember sorry...

[@mikelazarev5833]

I think one of the biggest differences between Disting and other standalone modules is that Disting is 100% digital and is all done in software, whereas other modules may be analogue (depending on the function). Not a real con, per se, but something worth noting, since effects like delay or even LFO here are driven by code. Side note: would be cool to take the auto-sampled WAVs and turn them into a VST that can be played in Kontakt. Perhaps this is already possible?

[@Edouard16]

I got two of them for my Monster Frame but one question lingers on. If a pair of Mk4 is called EX Plus Alpha, how do you call a pair of EX Plus Alpha? 🤯

[@rdean150]

EX Plus Alpha TURBO

[@Worldwave]

Question: How do you get the gain to actually.. yknow. not be silent?

[@overand]

You may need to update your firmware; there is an issue with what came with it, that can lock the Z knob (functionally) in dual mode if you were set to single mode. Workaround: just reboot.

[@MrBEnIbb]

So what should i buy Make noise maths or disting mk4?:

[@gluepet2074]

yes

[@homeslice1479]

To go with what?

[@turbochargedfilms]

Oh cool, now I can finally afford a used MK4! 😂

[@richnewman]

You'd think so, but alas...

[@SouryaSen]

Still rocking a mk3 that I picked up used... xD

[@mpmi7588]

Can someone PEASE explain Sample & Hold? I've searched and it seems to be some kind of secret on what it does/means.

[@loopop]

There’s a whole chapter about it in my book - if it doesn’t answer everything contact me for a refund ;)

[@mpmi7588]

@@loopop Hey thanks. I wanted to buy your book but you actually told me that since I'm a beginner, that it would be too advanced for me. So I never got it. Lol. Shoot me a link. I'm not on patreon. I'll just buy it at full price

[@loopop]

@@mpmi7588 Sorry since I update the book every month - it's only a patreon subscription. By the way, if/when you get it, let me know which topics you'd like me to cover the basics of. I'm always happy to make it more beginner friendly (like my relatively new Eurorack for beginners guide in it). Thanks for your interest.

[@mpmi7588]

@@loopop Thank you and will do

[@maquettemusic1623]

So it's a modular plugin? cool.

[@yanasitta]

dis ting is awesome

[@viDUBla]

I JUST ordered mk4 damnit

[@thebadterrorists5323]

Woooh I wonder how many units this video sold for Expert Sleepers? Looks like I've spent this months dinner money.

[@RikMaxSpeed]

Excellent video as ever, but I find it really odd that modular synths, once the preserve of analogue hands-on electronic authenticity, are now housing complex digital CPUs, with audio-rate input sampling (think aliasing and max frequencies) and even ROMplers!! The world has gone nuts! 🌎 🥜 To this point, Ziv, would be interesting to A/B a straight input->output of the device through your nifty FFT screens using input signals with lots of high frequency content (say above 16kHz, FM for example) from some other truly analogue gear.

[@loopop]

I'm loving the "digital invasion". You're right BTW that for certain audio rate stuff, low powered digital processors may fail (I didn't test this one specifically), but for so many things digtial has a place. We're building modular synths - our own dream instrument - no reason not to bring in the best of both worlds. So, yeah, digital audio rate modulation may break or alias some times, but I've yet to see an analog synth multi sample a piano. Well, maybe a mellotron...

[@rdean150]

@@loopop Speaking of which, I'd love to get my hands on one of those ADDAC + EHX Mel9 modules. I also have been longing for the ability to produce decent (i.e not lofi) playable piano sounds from my modular. I love that you seem to be championing this desire as well. I've got several sampler modules already but the new Bitbox Mini seems the most promising due to its autosampling with velocity. Are the Disting Ex's auto-samples higher quality than the new Bitbox? It kinda looked like the Disting may have more options and control, like sample rate and depth. Are the autosampled formats (naming, layering) compatible with each other? Like record on Disting, play back on Bitbox?

[@DannoBoston]

There is more functionality in this one module than in many synthesizers!

[@huck_nyc]

where can i find that app?

[@loopop]

It's called Modes

[@MARTINORMANCV]

I would do my Social Disting gag again, but we're almost out of lockdown now (and it's not that funny...).

[@KPsTboy]

With the Disting Mk4 I need a manual, with Disting EX I need glasses...

[@distantfloats]

Great, just when I bought two mk4's 3 months ago :(

[@luxnox9303]

Ive been wanting the newest gen of disting for months, now I wont be able to hold back.

[@bry2k]

Wait.... 12:43 ...did you actually say "less" cowbell? Blasphemy! I gotta fevah! And the only prescription is more cowbell!

[@JubileeGiggles]

Augustus Loop... just got the joke.

[@chromosundrift]

Link to loopop's disting mk 4 video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/noaXcoSbn7OqoZY

[@LeonTrimble]

do you shave your hands?

[@loopop]

No

[@tazcerogers2947]

He pleasures me deeply with every video

[@McOwenWilson]

I like the module, but boy did people lose it on reddit. So many complaints that it’s ugly and dumb. Expert Sleepers have never had flashy looking modules. Buncha whiners. I’m happy this exists.

[@LexLucid]

Honestly thought you said Buchla whiners.

[@ZombieLincoln666]

This seems like the kind of thing that sounds great on paper but using it is a pain.

[@glnnk_art]

People before the EX: I'll definitely get two or three of the MK4, they are so useful! Cue the EX, combining two MK4s plus more: SHIT now I need two or three of those, they are even more useful!

[@robsinHL]

Exactly. Bought EX first, then I realized I needed more. Bought the MK4, and promptly returned it, its a POS next to the EX. The Dual mode screens are so much better than the MK4 as a single unit. Just the display, but the unit itself seems more powerful, less buggy things happening

[@sonikboom007]

Well the jacks are good but god dammed i hope they improved them. Blow on a cable plugged into any jack and poof ur cable falls out

[@loopop]

yes, these are better

[@sonikboom007]

@@loopop huzzzaahhh!

[@Frakaphoto]

too bad it’s dam deep and don’t fit in intellijel pallet.

[@naught101]

512 634

[@HH-Thorsten]

An Ant needs a Magnefier to read this display