Why to Modular - 6 - With Guitar

[@aveytare]

how are you getting the guitar signal into the system? i know you’re using ears, but are you using a 1/4” to 1/8” cable or something else?

[@Knobs]

Yep, it's just a 1/4" to 1/8" cable

[@gregoryvartian-foss1103]

@@Knobs I really love this series. It's so well done and having recently built my first modular system these videos couldn't have come at a better time. I'm curious since I started with an OP1...can I run my OP-1 through an audio I/O module and use the modules (like the Erbe Verb) as effects and then run the signal back out? Thanks again for these vids...amazing :)

[@Knobs]

Oh absolutely. All these formats - pedals, modular, synths - they can all be used together. The only thing is balancing the levels. The S.B.G is great for that because you can boost the OP-1 signal on the way in, and bring it back down on the way out.

[@daemonelectricity]

It's nice to have some higher powered attenuators/preamps in your case for things like guitar. It's worth picking up a Gozinta or a Sputnik Audio preamp type module.

[@execna]

This is Bob Ross levels of relaxing

[@ChrisTheGregory]

The best description I can come up with for some of those sounds is "Sigur Oak Twins of Canada"

[@josue.guevara]

You're the Erik Satie of guitar+modular. You should consider taking some time off to create a full piece of music.

[@patcupo]

Gear demos are a genre of music now. Knobs is doing just fine.

[@dubr3662]

"Knobs" inspires so much! Worldwide!

[@DivKid]

your videos continue to be as ambient and lovely background washes as they do engaging and binge worthy. Excellent!

[@ricknemrecords]

Wow....this was beautiful my friend.

[@sunburst3353]

This is probably the best modular demo I've seen and heard on YT. Very entertaining to listen to.

[@VirtualModular]

OK, so I know this video was 3 years ago but would love to see more stuff on modular guitar. And for everyone commenting on the cost, just use VCV Rack which is free (as long as you have a decent computer/interface) and don't mind using software instead! Like you say, CV is the real game changer, because you can take regular effects and make them completely different using randomness, sample and hold, probability etc. I've done a few demos on this but planning a lot more.

[@restingbassface23]

This is one of my favorite videos of yours. I bounce between building pedalboards for bass and guitar as well as modular effects racks, basically falling down multiple rabbit holes simultaneously. There were a few modules on here that I had to make note of, clever little tools for the musical toolbox. Great video Knobs, you’re the man

[@shitmandood]

That does it. It's high time I got into this eurorack game...Now that I can hook my guitar into it, that gives me an excellent excuse to harness its raw energy & mystery. Thank you!

[@Dayglodaydreams]

There should be a video with the Metallique speaker for the Ondes Martenot where they show us what one is made of, where they take it apart, and put it back together, and show how the sound is made, and then show it playing modern equipment.

[@kylecasey7089]

I am almost finish putting together my first Modular rack for my guitar and I came across this video. I have been a fan for years and this video really gave me some ideas. Knobs you are the MAN! My only issue is I am trying to also run the Modulars into guitar pedals.

[@evil_in_your_closet]

This is what i was thinking about and waiting for! thanks!

[@fernandoscotti3774]

I keep coming back to listen to the piece between 3:08 and 3:37. that's something. thank you, knobs :)

[@WJL91]

Great sounds! Reminds me of Fennesz. Weirdly, I can't seem to get the right output (or any at all) from plugging my Strat into my Mutable Ears, even cranked it's barely audible in my rack. Is your SBG doing something to the level on the way out here? Would really appreciate your help! Thank you

[@christopherecatalano]

For newbs, it would be kind of nice to see a few possible starting modular kit lists with synth sounds, FX, and external audio processing...lowest $$$ to I can only dream $$$😺

[@avantlanuit]

Cool session

[@dubr3662]

it keeps getting better and better. with guitars!

[@morismateljan6458]

"Twinkling loop crumbs" enchanted my hand to press like.

[@UnfinishedIdeas]

I'd love to see this setup being used for instruments like Saxophone and Piano

[@mirrorishmusic]

Infinite fun sounds to be conjured up here

[@TheInfiniteFret]

This is what I love about KZbin. I think to myself, "I wonder how that would sound". I search KZbin and get the answer. In this case, "that" sounds pretty cool.

[@TheSpeenort]

I'm patiently (almost) waiting for you modular guys to start getting into surround sound. Stereo would be a good start but the total surround would be apex. I work with Yerpa58 and whenever I broach the subject he looks askance at me. Imagine if you will, your soundscapes swirling, leaping, and morphing from all over. As you move a sound, imagine adding Doppler effects. A whole new realm of possibilities!

[@friender6160]

I think Suzanne Ciani performs in quadraphonic, so its being done.

[@twerk182]

I had friends doing it for fun in the studio back in the 90's. The only problem you run into recording that way is people aren't set up to listen like that... I mean 5.1, 7.1... engineers have always considered the possibility of going crazy like that. It's much easier to do it live. Edit: I wish I could remember the model number... but there's an old Yamaha delay/reverb rack that can be programmed differently through 4 speakers.

[@christopherecatalano]

twerk182, yeah, thinking some sort of dedicated venues. I would like to explore more of this kind of thing some day, but seems the mixing requirements would be kind of scary.

[@HarryFullerCT]

Search Loopop and Suzanne Ciani.

[@TheSpeenort]

@@friender6160 Thanks for the tip, I'll look her up. I'd sure like to see modules that deal specifically with surround.

[@interstellardriftambientgu5834]

I will definitely try modular!

[@gaiusdrusus]

Wish I could like this video more than once. I would love to see more guitar/modular videos. Thanks!!!! Like 20 to the 20th power.

[@graxjpg]

Just stumbled upon your channel. After thinking about it a little, my multi effects unit has like 14 control sources (including three waveforms of very low LFOs) and more than 90 modulation destinations. Time to get tricky..

[@snoopyoverthehills]

now we‘re talking! thank you!!!

[@OFFMike]

Hey that series is one of the best about modular for me, I’m discovering the 0-coast and wondering, how I can complete is strength, for sound design modulate and processing. It’s helping, cause you make musical stuff like I should with modular. Thanks

[@thewomanwithnohead]

ASMR for guitar players !

[@lazarazal6539]

fantastic

[@howardanderson3061]

Wonderful sounds, I purchased the Intellijel Rainmaker because I totally fell for it. This is my first module, looks like it won’t be the last. Lol

[@TravellingSynths]

Love this! So creative and playful

[@LerLoons]

That magneto is insane .

[@stubrakon9683]

Thanks!!😃

[@raycordmusic]

Really great! Merci!

[@SheepDotWave]

The hardest part of entering modular I'm learning is restraint. You can build some monsters on modular grid that strike fear into the heart of even the bravest wallets.

[@iiivanoeee651]

This is beautiful thank you 💞

[@Christopherjazzcat]

That's some pretty amazing flexibility. I'd love a rig like that to go with my pedalboard.

[@rousejeremy]

Mastercard sends their regards.

[@Reprodestruxion]

Check out the boredbrain intrfx for audio input output

[@thommysaraceno2862]

MORE!!

[@delivrance3961]

Lovely!

[@diafenix]

i really wish you would make an instrumental album.

[@lorenzopoluzzi1429]

Wow: amazing. One more. Please.

[@Psychonautilus]

Great video! Sonically the most pleasing eurorack & guitar vid I found. And great use of small setups/cases. Just one question: Have you actually explored the topic modular & guitar further? I.e. are there more videos? Did a quick browse but couldn't find any...

[@floplord4140]

What would be the order to buy these in? And what would be the smallest bundle that makes sense? Could I have something to work with if I just had ears and Warps?

[@Efkts]

AMAZING!!!!!

[@SabertoothShaman]

you sold me...down the rabbit hole I go...

[@annedeoedipus7849]

Can anyone recommend modules for guitar-essential ones so it works and effects modules that you enjoy.

[@Nachtdwaler]

No crunchy distortions? :'(

[@ConnorGremory]

how much would that whole modular system cost

[@lostboy5861]

Easily over a thousand but its more so something you fill up over time not at once which gives you time to learn each module - so start with a case that'll at least be $100 and a $100 power supply then build from there delay, reverb, etc and you can find all different types of cases and power supply's at different price points

[@nostalgia_junkie]

uggghhhhh i wish i could play as pretty as youuuuu

[@dad_breams]

no no no no no no no stop the madness. you already got me dished out for an octatrack now all this ?!?! thanks though. i love you, but my wife doesnt

[@diafenix]

i feel you man

[@DeeJay003]

Same.

[@Fedor_Tkachev_Music]

Swap that SBG with Knobfarm Ferry - and voila! - you have stereo output in the same HP!

[@NickHchaos]

..and yet almost no one talks about acoustic guitar and modular (what I do, but more in tandem rather than one through the other)

[@JANDRE08]

What is the ears model called and what is the little red one for foot control called? Btw I loved the loops

[@sprthhfk]

You da best, knobby

[@auddioduck6492]

I’m looking to get into this but I’m lacking in a lot of knowledge. Does anyone have any suggestions for me?

[@yoink6299]

Where should I find out how to modular?

[@leroy0053]

Quick question bro. If I get ears, SBG and the utilities pedal that would pretty much be the basic foundation for me to run guitar right? I know what effects and such I want. Biggest thing I want to make sure I got down is bringing the guitar up to volume levels via ears. Then have SBG to send out to record or just to other pedals of need be. And ADDAC (red module) for expression control. Looking to order all these like next week. G with magneto and I think clouds. And a sampler possibly. Thanks for ya dope vids homie!!!!

[@jonathanehlinger4321]

Hi Knobs, at around 6:40 you are playing a loop into Morphagene and then it sounds like playing over it. How are you accomplishing this? Does the Morphagene pass through audio while playing back what’s been recorded?

[@el_nalgon]

Any chance we could get an audio file for the full intro music?

[@Knobs]

The title screen or the little intro bit with Magneto?

[@el_nalgon]

the one @ :26. It's mesmerizing

[@atarisworldadmin]

Do you have any recommendations for starter modules for a guitar/effects focused eurorack system? Also where did you get such small cases?

[@HarryFullerCT]

Doepfer makes a 32hp A-100 mini case that is powered for $120. I started with a Moog 60hp case and TipTop Audio power module for around the same price. Doepfer also has an A-119 Instrument input/Envelope follower that is an alternative to the Ears module shown here. They also have an A-177 module that is similar to the ADDAC shown here. For starter effects a PICO DSP by Erica synths gives you a lot of bang for the buck, so does a Disting MkIV (provides a whole lot more than effects)

[@robbiemichael3867]

@Nate L Will I need something to bring the audio back down if I just want to put the audio into my mixer and then into my audio interface?

[@robbiemichael3867]

@Nate L thanks for the info

[@robbiemichael3867]

So if I want to put my minilogue into a modular system will I still need one of these guitar thingys (ears)

[@JoshRichmanDesign]

Awesome sound @7:40 kindly airy reverse reverb shimmer drone. How was this done? Reminds me of Moderat intro song also used in Annihilation the movie for the alien scene.

[@JoshRichmanDesign]

m.kzbin.info/www/bejne/jmfXqHuQeMt6qrM

[@jonathanehlinger4321]

It’s just the Erbe verb. Size is completely clockwise (infinite room size) and decay is also near infinite (basically a reverb drone in the background that keeps changing). It’s a pretty incredible reverb. Definitely very different than any other reverb I’ve used including avalanche run and empress reverb.

[@jonathanray4987]

so good. now I want a guitar :)

[@maXXer00]

Just great, love Knobs Ps. Module Ears works wIth bass pickups as well?

[@josephf7306]

Great video. Your best of Why to Modular. But do you need Ears as a boost if you've got the SBG? I thought SBG was an in/out that can boost external line level.

[@Knobs]

Yep, S.B.G can handle both. I thought it was important to have both modules in there simply to show some options.

[@itsdrawkcab5899]

So amazing, this made me consider modular!! I love chords through modular systems, but most eurorack videos I see are mono. Would it be possible to plug in a synth, for example the juno 106, into this modular system, instead of a guitar signal and get similar results?

[@m.f.3347]

if it makes sound it'll work

[@TheEveningEconomies]

So what cable do you need to go from guitar to ears?

[@SheepDotWave]

He answered above, it's just a 1/4" to 1/8" cable he's using.

[@rolohaynes5259]

Does anybody know how he's powering the small rack at the begining. I'm wanting to build one myself, but I thought that you needed a module for power, like the 4ms ROW for example?

[@dirthawk]

Rolo Haynes alot of cases come with power installed, so no need to waste hp on power

[@SomeplaceWonderful]

This definitely falls into the "you get what you pay for" category because you get a whole whopping ginormous lotta with the various "featured modules". See what I did there? ;) Gotta go and empty my retirement fund now... ... and sell all my current pedals... ... donate some blood... ... and I really only need one kidney... right? Kidding aside (maybe only) "Knobs" takes an approach to demoing gear that is IMO the most informative and entertaining of the lot on YT. If only you guys could keep the chattiness to a minimum, though. ;)

[@josuezacahua8331]

If I run the guitar through a VCO does it becomes a synth voice guitar sound? If so, would it capable of polyphony to play chords? I mean would it be like a regular distortion pedal or what is the difference? Cheers

[@VirtualModular]

Not exactly, a VCO makes sound and doesn't generally process external sounds. But what you could try is running the guitar signal into VCO sync input. Modulating the VCO frequency gives you the classic sync sweep sound, but on a guitar. It does sound distorted, but in a different way to regular distortion. I'm planning a video on this soon using VCV Rack.

[@acrossmymind6423]

Guitarists who like running a pedal chain pre with your guitar, 6:50 is: Guitar as a control signal :3

[@christopherparsell7753]

Just wondering, what guitar(s) are you playing in this video?

[@santiagogutierrez1594]

Uh oh...im noticing with each episode...i lose a “little” bit of money. 😂

[@OHHnoYOUdidntMAN]

Why do modular* ?

[@KentuckyMusic]

💕

[@beepbeep2446]

Is it possible to mic an amp for this, and send that signal into the eurorack for modulation?

[@michaelpalumbo8694]

definitely, but you might still want some kind of interface module. i quite like the befaco instrument interface aka i2 module (as it also provides envelope and gate/trigger outs), and paired it with the ALM SBG.

[@doggedidea980]

Is there a way i can turn the effects i've tweaked into samples i can reuse?

[@VirtualModular]

Yep, just record into a computer, edit and make loops/drones. Or tape if you want lo-fi 😄

[@earljohnson8851]

What guitar was used for this?

[@timgittar]

Another inspiring seven or eight minutes. Thank you. Some content creators are saying they're getting burned out. Do you feel the same?

[@elyssapalmer2298]

What chorus are you using at 3:10? It sounds incredible!!

[@Knobs]

Shallow Water by Fairfield Circuitry

[@elyssapalmer2298]

Knobs oh wow I didn’t realize it could do that! I guess it’s more of a tape warble than chorus? Like if I wanted more “traditional” chorus sounds I should go w something like walrus’ Julia?

[@madebythebird]

Bliss at 110

[@yoink6299]

With modular, do you usually have to start with a sound to make a good sound? Or can you make a normal sound(not just noise) with nothing?

[@maxisyourfriend]

You need a sound source of some kind. This might be something plugged into an external input (like this video) or an oscillator. There are even modules out there that allow you to plug a memory card full of samples into them. Whether something is "good" or "just noise" is up to your own ear. Do you like the sounds a synthesizer makes? In a way, all synthesizers are modular synths pre-stitched together. That's thinking about it backwards, but it's one way to look at it.

[@yoink6299]

@@maxisyourfriend A module with a memory card slot would be amazing

[@Natemasterflex]

Will you do modular with a kazoo next!?!? 😉

[@Knobs]

Yes, the hour long kazoo special

[@Snuckyfication]

Lol! I'll take you up on that! Maybe together with a thumb piano?

[@stillvisionsmusic]

Someone actually sells an electric kazoo (which is just a piezo grafted onto a kazoo) but I’m sure with the right resonators and enough reverb it would sound amazing.

[@mindexpansionpuzzles]

Do another video on the Octotrack MkII. There is so much left unexplained.

[@Sonicsmith]

How did you know our next move? :D

[@gettingcomfy]

please stop....my wallet....

[@diafenix]

hahahahahahahahahaha wallet status: zombie

[@luisfilipefigsantos]

amazing but is F@king expensive :D

[@funkyfurballs1078]

This is all interesting but I need my gear demo fix!

[@Intramental]

OMG!

[@huemorris6099]

My guitar is a button. 😲

[@Dismoeyy]

Can somebody explain the title of this series? It sounds weird to me

[@leegranger9568]

Like 712

[@thenarproject7186]

oh dear more gear.....................

[@mikedurden]

You have Art for the Ears listed as the case maker, but when I go to their site I don't see these small cases as one of their products. Were they custom made? And looks like the power supply is built into the case?

[@Knobs]

Yep! Custom cases, power supply built in. Just shoot Dave an e-mail with what you want, he's great.

[@pavlovs_frog]

just curious, how much would one of the smaller ones typically cost? the lil 3u one is exactly what i'm looking for

[@mikedurden]

awesome, thanks for the reply!@@Knobs

[@paultorbert6929]

JOHNNY GREENWOOD, are you paying attention ???? this could be you.........

[@mrchrisroden]

Has been doing modular for years.

[@paultorbert6929]

differently, though..... not as guitar processing.

[@mrchrisroden]

paul torbert you sure about that?

[@paultorbert6929]

@@mrchrisroden no, I am not sure.... I am unsure of anything..... maybe I'm not sure I should even be alive.

[@TheEveningEconomies]

Ffs sake, looks like I'm building a modular skiff then

[@madmac66]

Why spend $500 for a chase bliss pedal when you can spend $1500 get the same tones and look like a hipster

[@TheInfiniteFret]

To entertain KZbin viewers, or course! Personally, I was curious if such a setup would be useful to fill unused Eurorack spaces if I every go that route in my recording setup.