ben
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Post by ben on Dec 5, 2018 18:58:44 GMT
I have a question - do you use external kayboard for your AE Modular? If so, what's your favourite? Or maybe using modular keyboard/touch surface/etc.? Any suggestions? I was thinking to buy maybe Arturia Keystep with CV and Gate out, but meanwhile decided to make a small super simple version to fit directly into modular rack. Either these small switches or something else doesn't seem to respond correctly, so Gate function isn't working or makes some glitches. But found a way around by feeding CV OUT to ENV and then to VCA and everything seems to work properly.  |
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Post by robertlanger on Dec 5, 2018 19:26:17 GMT
It depends on the personal taste; the Arturia Keysteps are fine, they offer CV/gate and MIDI.
But my personal taste goes towards an integrated keyboard; my plan is to make it with sensor keys, two rows with 8 keys each and a scale selection, plus octave switches. Up to now I use mostly the Novation Circuit as MIDI controller for AE and I like the concept of the keyboard there, so I will adapt it quite similar.
BTW: Great to see all your DIY modules! This is exactly how AE is meant!
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ben
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Post by ben on Dec 5, 2018 20:50:54 GMT
Thank you, robertlanger . Yeah, I totally agree with integrated keyboard, no-strings-attached, no need to plug in anything, always there when you need it. And looks good too. Keystep is also good for some quick arpeggiator/sequence thingies (and not expensive too), that's also what caught my eye. Looking forward to what you'll come up with. p.s. saving money for some more AE modules - sometimes DIY isn't good enough  |
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pol
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Post by pol on Dec 8, 2018 21:03:14 GMT
I use the Beatstep Pro as a keyboard for the AE modular, and obviously sequence with it too. I use the midi out, and one day will use the other sequence via CV/Gate but that's triggering my MS20 presently. The BSP is great as a quick trigger out/sketch pad etc. and can do so much more but I have to say I haven't delved really deep into it yet...
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Post by spacedog on Dec 24, 2018 12:41:41 GMT
I currently use either my BeatStep Pro (mainly for sequence development, but OK as a controller) or my KeyStep (mainly for ambience generation, but which has the added advantage of a sequencer/arpeggiator). Both of these work perfectly well in my confined space, although the BeatStep does have a habit of producing hanging notes on the modular. Of course, I'm now thinking about the USB module, so that I can power the controller from the modular.
Seeing the DIY solution from ben above made me remember the PatchBlocks that have been gathering dust in a "bits and pieces to play with" container. I bought one each of the KeyBlock, MIDIBlock and Synth PatchBlock and tried my hand at some simple programming (mainly FM) that I used on some of my Soundcloud tracks a while ago. This looks like it would be an excellent solution as a small and simple controller for my AE Modular - an experiment to set up. It might also spur me on to get on with writing the Generative Sequencer that I really bought the kit to do.
Sadly, I just checked and the products aren't available any more as the company has been bought out. Looking around, some are still available in retailers, but I imagine the price may start to go up as they become less common. I'm not sure what the future is for the products, as they were bought out it might be interesting.
If you haven't seen them, here's a link:
I could just dip my toe into the Arduino world (as a friend keeps telling me to do), but I am trying hard to curb my inner engineer and to concentrate on the music.
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ben
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Post by ben on Dec 27, 2018 0:04:35 GMT
never saw Eurorack Patchblock modules, looks cool. Well I couldn't more agree regarding to making music/making music instruments, there's usually only one way, either this or that. It's very hard to keep the balance. Damn I wish there was 36 hours instead of 24.  |
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pol
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Post by pol on Dec 27, 2018 21:55:22 GMT
I currently use either my BeatStep Pro (mainly for sequence development, but OK as a controller) or my KeyStep (mainly for ambience generation, but which has the added advantage of a sequencer/arpeggiator). Both of these work perfectly well in my confined space, although the BeatStep does have a habit of producing hanging notes on the modular. Of course, I'm now thinking about the USB module, so that I can power the controller from the modular.
Seeing the DIY solution from ben above made me remember the PatchBlocks that have been gathering dust in a "bits and pieces to play with" container. I bought one each of the KeyBlock, MIDIBlock and Synth PatchBlock and tried my hand at some simple programming (mainly FM) that I used on some of my Soundcloud tracks a while ago. This looks like it would be an excellent solution as a small and simple controller for my AE Modular - an experiment to set up. It might also spur me on to get on with writing the Generative Sequencer that I really bought the kit to do.
Sadly, I just checked and the products aren't available any more as the company has been bought out. Looking around, some are still available in retailers, but I imagine the price may start to go up as they become less common. I'm not sure what the future is for the products, as they were bought out it might be interesting.
If you haven't seen them, here's a link:
I could just dip my toe into the Arduino world (as a friend keeps telling me to do), but I am trying hard to curb my inner engineer and to concentrate on the music.
There appears to be stock at Bax music of Patchblocks - www.bax-shop.co.uk/studio-bundles/patchblocks-minijam-studio-bundle-complete-collectionI've used them once for some 19" racks for my studio and were very good. |
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Post by spacedog on Dec 27, 2018 22:08:28 GMT
Thanks pol some decent prices there - I am tempted by a second MIDI Block (so that I can process via code). They also have the Eurorack version, which is quite rare now, I think and is an interesting way to produce some CVs. |
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pol
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Post by pol on Feb 14, 2019 21:34:42 GMT
Just acquired an Arturia Minibrute 2, which now sits next to my AE Modular; the plan is they will be connected via the patchbay to the AE, and they will interact. Planning to buy a couple in 4 I/O modules so everything is safe.... More anon.
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Post by admin on Feb 14, 2019 21:38:41 GMT
I just bought the Arturia KeyStep and it works really well via MIDI.
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pol
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Post by pol on Feb 15, 2019 16:31:26 GMT
I just bought the Arturua KeyStep and it works really well via MIDI. I thought about the Keystep; I have the Beatstep Pro as the Keystep wasn't out when I bought it. The Keystep is more like what I would of liked for an analogue style sequencer/controller but I gain a lot of that functionality is on the Mini brute with a noise source & Patchbay as well. My plan is that the midi in on the AE will fed from my main sequencer going forward, and then use CVs & gates etc. as needed, either from the Minibrute or BSP. I also intend the SEQ16 module will do more work as well. Just ordered the 4 I/O module to help with connectivity... Once everything is sorted, I'll feedback to the forum. |
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Post by thehandoflenin on Feb 15, 2019 22:03:42 GMT
Not sure I’d suggest it yet... as us Kickstarters are sort of beta testers and expensive Although we are promised a new firmware upgrade this weekend with most of missing features now implemented. SoundMachines Arches I have been impressed with the new version 2 Midi Beam |
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Post by dmoney2000 on Mar 26, 2019 16:49:42 GMT
Been waiting to say this until more modules came in and I had the kinks worked out, but the Elektron Analog Keys is an EXCELLENT controller for AE modular. I was able to calibrate the AKs CV output to the 2osc'd so that I had good tracking across 4-5 octaves. The AK has a dedicated CV sequencer track, as well as 2 cv envs and lfos. You can also send clock or straight cv values, and with 4 channels of CV output you can do much more than pitch and gate! The AK's sequencer track can do all the same things that would be available on the AK's internal voices; sequencing, arpeggiating, etc are all possible. If keyboards aren't your thing, the Analog Four does all the same stuff in a desktop module. Highly recommended!
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