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Post by spacedog on Feb 3, 2019 19:11:23 GMT
It's in your DNATheme: Create a track or short example piece that uses the SEQ16 module, or if you don't have one use the TRIQ164 (or the earlier variant the STEP10). If you don't have any of those, feel free to use whatever sequencer you may have at hand. Submission window: Monday 4th Feb -> Monday 11th Feb (23:59:59) Background: The SEQ16 module is a great addition to the AE Modular and some interesting examples will help to show it off more. This challenge may even stimulate some interesting uses of the module. This doesn't need to be a traditional sequencer piece, there are lots of ways to use the sequencer module.
To be fair to those who haven't bought the SEQ16 (yet  ), a submission using the TRIQ164, or its earlier variant the STEP10, is equally acceptable - as is something that uses an external sequencer driving the AE Modular. Nobody is disadvantaged here.
Have fun and get sequencing.
The challenge is set, and runs during the submission window set out above, however, please feel free to add entries or leave comments after the initial challenge has ended. Each entry should contain:- Link to audio or video example (embedded preferred)
- Short (or not so short) patch notes, explaining how you have built on the above theme
Your entry can be as short/long as you wish, a simple sound or a track, use external fx or synths, do what you can in the time you have - go wild, make the challenge yours! You are welcome to use previous entries, as inspiration, build on them to form something new, or just use in a different way, you are welcome to submit multiple entries. If you are posting on social media (youtube, soundcloud) , please tag with #AEChallenge and #AEModular, and include a link back to the challenge thread here on the AE Modular forum. Everyone is actively encouraged to comment on entries, provide feedback and ideas... you are welcome to continue commenting/discussing outside of the submission window. the more we discuss the more we all learn
This is part of the AE patch challenge series - if you would like more information, or have ideas for the challenge, please post on the patch challenge thread.
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Post by thetechnobear on Feb 4, 2019 12:53:33 GMT
hmm, I'm going to need to get creative on this one, Ive only a STEP10, which of course is limited to gate/trig outputs... but I've an idea  |
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Post by admin on Feb 8, 2019 7:29:54 GMT
Again this took quite a few attempts. I find that I sit in front of the AE, start patching with an idea and then if nothing really "clicks" I just rip out all the patch leads and start from scratch next day. So this is actually the 4th try!
I used both the TRIQ164 to trigger rythmic phrases and also the SEQ16 to cycle through some melodic changes but only every 16 "beats".
This time I'm mixing a few different variations of one voice into the MIX4 before adding it together with the "snare", delay ping pong and the filter sweep for a bass.
All 3 oscillators are used, as well as both filters and all 3 envelopes (one envelope is even being used more than once for different voices!) and one LFO is the clock of the whole setup.
At the end all goes through the Shimmer effect on the MultiFX.
All filmed in one take using an iPhone 5c with audio coming through the Behringer UR-222 audio interface.
No further post processing, it's all live!
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Post by admin on Feb 8, 2019 7:33:25 GMT
hmm, I'm going to need to get creative on this one, Ive only a STEP10, which of course is limited to gate/trig outputs... but I've an idea The TRIQ164 is really cool. I love the 4 channels. I usually use at least 2 of them in every patch. This time I used the 16th trigger output as a clock for the SEQ16 which would also work well for ambient stuff as it gives you 16 beats on the same note. |
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Post by thetechnobear on Feb 8, 2019 20:10:18 GMT
Again this took quite a few attempts. I find that I sit in front of the AE, start patching with an idea and then if nothing really "clicks" I just rip out all the patch leads and start from scratch next day. So this is actually the 4th try! yeah, I'm pretty much the same.. I thought at first it was because of the small patch wires of AE modular making it difficult to trace, but Ive found I do the same on Eurorack too. For me, its like my train of thought follows the patch cables, once that thought has gone - Ive no idea of the intention behind the patch any more. but I think its a good thing, and its definitely fun ... and your getting great results! this is really nice admin , its a really sweet sound, and a nice melody SEQ16/TRIG164, yeah, I know i keep debating about getting these... its really nice having hands on analogue sequencing - but Ive already got two really capable sequencers (a pyramid and a hermod), so seems a bit OTT for me. but no doubt, I'll keep thinking about getting them  anyway... for this challenge, ive done something a bit different, all in the AE modular... if it ever finishes I'll post it tonight! (currently saying another 2.5 hours! ... I hate having slow internet!) |
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Post by spacedog on Feb 8, 2019 20:48:05 GMT
Again this took quite a few attempts. I find that I sit in front of the AE, start patching with an idea and then if nothing really "clicks" I just rip out all the patch leads and start from scratch next day. So this is actually the 4th try! I used both the TRIQ164 to trigger rythmic phrases and also the SEQ16 to cycle through some melodic changes but only every 16 "beats". This time I'm mixing a few different variations of one voice into the MIX4 before adding it together with the "snare", delay ping pong and the filter sweep for a bass. All 3 oscillators are used, as well as both filters and all 3 envelopes (one envelope is even being used more than once for different voices!) and one LFO is the clock of the whole setup. At the end all goes through the Shimmer effect on the MultiFX. All filmed in one take using an iPhone 5c with audio coming through the Behringer UR-222 audio interface. No further post processing, it's all live! Really enjoyable, admin, and all the more impressive for being an actual live performance.
Now I really need to get my finger out, I spent way too much time this week remastering some old rehearsal sessions. They sounded good, but it didn't get the weekly challenge finished.
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Post by spacedog on Feb 8, 2019 21:07:27 GMT
that really nice admin , its a really sweet sound, and a nice melody SEQ16/TRIG164, yeah, I know i keep debating about getting these... its really nice having hands on analogue sequencing - but Ive already got two really capable sequencers (a pyramid and a hermod), so seems a bit OTT for me. but no doubt, I'll keep thinking about getting them anyway... for this challenge, ive done something a bit different, all in the AE modular... if it ever finishes I'll post it tonight! (currently saying another 2.5 hours! ... I hate having slow internet!) I only have a BeatStep Pro as my main sequencer outside of the AE Modular, but I thought that I could do something "interesting" with extra triggers and CV sequencing, hence why I bought the SEQ16. I was lucky, my TRIQ164 came as standard when I bought my starter set. Whilst I do fire in sequences from outside, I do use the SEQ16 to add lots of synchronised movement, which works well for what I play.
As an all-singing, all-dancing sequencer module, I think we have to wait for something else. That SEQ16 is a real bargain though
I have a few older sequencers that I could take out of storage to add even more interest, including a REALLY old MAM SQ16, which has some novel features that includes a translated manual that is almost impossible. Combined with a machine interface that feels harder to use that a real DNA sequencer, it doesn't encourage use. Every year, I get it out again hoping it will click with me. It doesn't
That last point leads back to the SEQ16 on the AE Modular, it is really easy to use. It's limited because of that, but if set up appropriately, it can provide a nice performance sequencer - OK, now I have to prove it |
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Post by admin on Feb 8, 2019 21:24:28 GMT
For me, its like my train of thought follows the patch cables, once that thought has gone - Ive no idea of the intention behind the patch any more. but I think its a good thing, and its definitely fun ... Exactly! Often I like the first part and maybe the second and then I can't find a third part to go with it but by then everything is a tangled mess and I can't even figure out anymore which OSC or filter or env is part of which part. So easier to start from scratch again. But even if I don't write it down, I think I learned something new subconsciously. In that way I find I'm playing the AE more like a guitar without a manual or teacher. I just stick things into other things and find out what works. When I worked with VCV or VSTs I stressed way more about "doing it the right way ... this into that" and so on. Not so with the AE. I feel way more creative and the constrains of having only limited modules (just like with a guitar you only get 6 strings) is fuelling this creativity. and your getting great results! I really appreciate your encouragement! It's good to have a group where those things can be shared. My wive and kids go more like: "can we like your new youtube video without having to listen to it?"  |
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Post by thetechnobear on Feb 8, 2019 23:51:57 GMT
finally uploaded so as I don't have a sequencer for AE modular, I decided to create my own - "Turell" A generative sequencer, like the Turing Machine, but modified to allow me to implement a Krell type patch this video has a few excerpts of me playing with it, and a bit of an explanation into what it is, and does. It was an interesting journey... I spent quite a lot of time looking at how the noise module works, and how random it is, and how you can attenuate its range, the difference between attenuation via 2ATT and a mixer. Another thing, I messed with was creating a random clock to drive the 10 step, to help me gets some more randomness in modulation. A fun challenge |
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Post by admin on Feb 9, 2019 2:30:34 GMT
so as I don't have a sequencer for AE modular, I decided to create my own - "Turell" A generative sequencer, like the Turing Machine, but modified to allow me to implement a Krell type patch Turell ... sounds almost like Tyrell, the corporation that built the murderous androids in Bladerunner. Awesome . So although you had quite a long thread about the build of this module I lost track of it. I would love to build it and then explore what other programs once could come up with for it. We could have a code library for it. |
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Post by thetechnobear on Feb 9, 2019 15:14:14 GMT
go for it, its an easy build (though Ive learnt i do need to tie the inputs down with a resistor to stop them floating when disconnected ) coding is fun... its quite different from normal coding, as you need to be very careful to keep the running loop time-constant, also pitch is challenging as Im finding Ive got voltage drop... what this means is rather than 5v, I actually only have 4.6-4.7v (!) , so when in the digital realm I output 1023, I get ~4.6v., 511 = 2.3v! this is an 'issue' with pitch, since its v/oct you want 2v at 2 octave regardless of reference voltage (?), this means you need to trim the voltages. what makes it more complex, is while the above is theoretically true.. Im not sure the oscillators are not dependent on rail voltage for their reference i.e. they may also be susceptible to voltage drop ... but I'm seeing different voltages on different ribbons (i.e. part of the racks) really I need to discuss this with robertlanger ... to see what the facts are, and also are they the same for all oscillators e.g. osc2/d ! (hmm I think an email is in order ) (I will say, Ive an untested suspicion that its my Bela Mini module that is pulling the voltage level down... which may explain some of my tuning inconsistencies in the past) as I said... these challenges always end up teaching you lots! |
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pol
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Post by pol on Feb 9, 2019 15:50:00 GMT
This is the AE modular doing its own thing - no manual intervention after I pressed play on my Beatstep Pro (to provide the midi clock). I didn't want to just do a 8 or 16 note riff, this is a single pitch on the oscillator; there is pulse width modulation via a slow LFO which is why it fades out occasionally. The Seq16 is driving the filter resonance; the Nyle filer using Bandpass mode. The burst of noise is the Step10 triggering via a ENV/VCA, rather like as it won't repeat on the same "beat" of the 16 step modulation for 9 or 10 repetitions... The various various tempos are set via the Binary Divider, using the 2,4 & 8 outputs from the same (midi) clock.  A photo of the patch is below.  link
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Post by spacedog on Feb 9, 2019 21:20:29 GMT
finally uploaded so as I don't have a sequencer for AE modular, I decided to create my own - "Turell" A generative sequencer, like the Turing Machine, but modified to allow me to implement a Krell type patch this video has a few excerpts of me playing with it, and a bit of an explanation into what it is, and does. It was an interesting journey... I spent quite a lot of time looking at how the noise module works, and how random it is, and how you can attenuate its range, the difference between attenuation via 2ATT and a mixer. Another thing, I messed with was creating a random clock to drive the 10 step, to help me gets some more randomness in modulation. A fun challenge
Not only did I really enjoy the patch, but what went on behind it was great. To be able to have such a detailed explanation was both helpful and intriguing in equal parts.
I also decided to take a journey with this challenge, I just had a break to take stock. I have used just the AE Modular, but with some effects (as I don't have the MULTIFX) and I just started patching - I even made notes. I got a totally crazy sound that I then used to fulfil a second challenge to myself: creating a Klein Bottle in Reaper.
The Klein Bottle is an interesting routing/feedback pedal from VFE Pedals, I am sure some of you even have one. I don't, but I thought I could have some fun creating one - how difficult could it be...? So, purely as an interim measure (I'm returning to the challenge now), here's a heavily-effected starter entry (via my Klein Bottle routing a delay, a reverb and a Shepard Tone generator, which reminds me of DNA).
It's short, but not really very sweet.
More to come...
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Post by admin on Feb 9, 2019 22:04:15 GMT
That is a really nice sound! However the pictures didn't come through, could you check that? I'd love to see your patch notes. |
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pol
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Post by pol on Feb 9, 2019 22:28:57 GMT
That is a really nice sound! However the pictures didn't come through, could you check that? I'd love to see your patch notes. Thank you, the link button works to take you to the photo; I can't get the inset image bit to work when creating/editing a post so did next best thing.... |
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pol
Wiki Editors
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Post by pol on Feb 9, 2019 22:36:56 GMT
Thought I'd do 1 with the Seq16 providing the pitch... It starts with one oscillator, the 2nd oscillator is faded in and the drive increased on the Wavefolder module. The shape has a slow LFO modulating it. The Flanger from the MultiFX unit is then faded in and feedback turned up to the edge of creating another pitch. Noise is faded it/out; the noise is gated from the Seq16 via ENV/VCA modules. There's a bit of (Wasp) filter cut off frequency and resonance fiddling before fading the oscillators out before leaving just the noise and filter. No patch photo as phone is charging! |
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Post by admin on Feb 10, 2019 0:04:57 GMT
Thought I'd do 1 with the Seq16 providing the pitch... Wow this has quite some drive! I love the throaty bass sounds. Are the percussive sounds also made on the AE? |
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pol
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Post by pol on Feb 10, 2019 9:52:45 GMT
Thought I'd do 1 with the Seq16 providing the pitch... Wow this has quite some drive! I love the throaty bass sounds. Are the percussive sounds also made on the AE? Yes, all AE. The percussive sound is probably the noise and/or filter modulation |
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Post by NightMachines on Feb 10, 2019 16:34:02 GMT
Here's a quick entry from me as well: Nothing fancy (and a bit long), I just used all of the SEQ16's outputs to control pitch, cutoff, PWM, delay time, three envelopes and logic, while playing manually with the reset state and knob values. Two oscillators are playing through a filter each, one does a background drone and the other one receives the SEQ16 pitch CV. Now off to watch and listen to the other entries |
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Post by spacedog on Feb 10, 2019 18:22:04 GMT
I had a lot of fun playing with the SEQ16 today.
My experiementation was designed to help me to understand how I could create the complex sequences that I use in my music, but entirely within the AE modular (i.e. not using an external sequencer). Overall, I learned a lot and I can see how I can make more use of the SEQ16. I can also see that I will need to add a couple of modules (some of which don't exist yet ) to do more of what I want.
Here's the experiment, I'll explain the process below.
Here's a simple overview of the process, such as it was:
- Tune the oscillators (I tuned them all, so they were available without having to break off) - obvious, but easy to forget if you're just jamming
- Tune them again as the first one had drifted a bit by the time I'd done them all.
- Run the SEQ16, using an LFO as a clock) into the Ocsillator and tune CVI-VI and the ACC - I elected to use a simple minor pentatonic
- Retune the oscillator as it had drifted, which them meant retuning all of the CVs again - at least I was quicker the second time
- Use the GATE output to trigger an ENV, which was set up to respond to the Repeat on the ACC, this then triggered the VCA, which was passing the Oscillator and the Wasp filter (modulated by a second LFO and passed through a VCA, which was triggered by an ENV modulated by the sequencer LFO, with fine adjustment via the ATT module) - all simple stuff
- Work out how and what could be adjudted in real-time without needing five hands and the coordination of an F1 driver
- Live performance with adjustments to the SEQ16 sequencer length (hairy as I was moving the patch lead along the individual outputs, connected to the Reset); plenty of adjusting the step CV values (already tuned); and, a bit of additional tweaking to te already modulated filter.
- Adjust a few things and run some other live performances. In the end I kept the first two that I did anyway.
- Make sure I had good notes, pull patch leads and have drink.
- Note: I did use external effects (reverb/delay/phaser) as I don't have the MULITFX. No Klein Bottles this time in Reaper, just simple mixing and rendering.
Phew.
Some learning points for me are that I need more ENVs and VCAs to do this properly. I also use the 3VCSWITCH and the DIVIDER to do better ratcheting - maybe in unison with the ENV trick. I would love a way of just moving up and down an octave without retuning - perhaps we can do this, if so please tell me, otherwise I think the DIVIDER might help me.
Once set up, the SEQ16 is powerful, although the setting up takes some patience. Once done, it does provide performance capability, maybe iin unison with something else, or more SEQ16s I did think that I could have automated the sequence length changes using the TRIQ164 to hit the Reset, using a slower clock. Something to try. Of course, some form of quantiser would have made life simpler, but that's for the future.
I enjoyed it. Time to go listen to some of the others now, with a nice drink.
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Post by NightMachines on Feb 10, 2019 18:35:21 GMT
I would love a way of just miving up and down an octave without retuning - perhaps we can do this, if so please tell me, otherwise I think the DIVIDER might help me. On the regular VCO you have CV1, CV2 and FM inputs for pitch. Simply send CV1 the SEQ 16 pitch CV and CV2 an attenuated gate signal (like from the DIVIDER, as you mentioned) to pitch the VCO up. You can probably also run the pitch CV from the SEQ16 into the 4ATTMIX in DC mode, turn the volume pot up completely and then use the other mix inputs and pots to dial in other voltages to offset the SEQ16 CV with. |
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bert
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Post by bert on Feb 10, 2019 20:41:09 GMT
A lot of good stuff this week. Thanks for the patch notes, that's really useful.
I don't have a SEQ16. What I like to do to make melodies is connect my TB-03 to the modular. Today I played around with a single sequence driving two oscillators, using the TRIQ164 to "mask" different parts of the sequence for each oscillator, and then processing the two paths differently before mixing them together. This way you can create a lot of variation in a single melody.
I'm sorry it's getting late now and I don't feel like doing a proper entry anymore  Hope to come up with something tomorrow. |
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Post by spacedog on Feb 10, 2019 21:32:02 GMT
I would love a way of just miving up and down an octave without retuning - perhaps we can do this, if so please tell me, otherwise I think the DIVIDER might help me. On the regular VCO you have CV1, CV2 and FM inputs for pitch. Simply send CV1 the SEQ 16 pitch CV and CV2 an attenuated gate signal (like from the DIVIDER, as you mentioned) to pitch the VCO up. You can probably also run the pitch CV from the SEQ16 into the 4ATTMIX in DC mode, turn the volume pot up completely and then use the other mix inputs and pots to dial in other voltages to offset the SEQ16 CV with. Thanks, NightMachines , it worked, although I had little control as I couldn't think of where to derive a precise voltage. Instead, I just hooked up the NOISE module through the 2ATT/CV (the 4ATTMIX is on my list ) and tweaked that. I got a sound like a Clanger at times, but it did move the pitch, as advertised.
I also quickly tried my thought about the TRIQ164 to trigger the Reset on the SEQ16 and it worked a treat. You only have to click the buttons instead of repatching. Took a while to get it so it was obvious when it would work. Another question, can you chain the output channels on the TRIQ164...? Apologies if that's been answered elsewhere.
Another observation, when I'm fiddling trying to get the leads in place, brushing others (in particular clocks) does produce some odd effects. I pulled a few out and then took a while to work out where they went.
I think we had a good week with that challenge, great fun. Who can guess what next week will bring...? I did have some thoughts about durations and staggering the challenges, but I'll take that to the main challenge thread.
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bert
Junior Member
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Post by bert on Feb 11, 2019 21:38:04 GMT
Here is my entry (Dropbox link). First you hear the sequence from the TB-03, then the version coming from the AE. In the end I decided to use just one oscillator instead of two. I was struggling to get the two oscillators in tune with each others, until finally I discovered that one oscillator (the 2OSC) just doesn't track that well and made everything sound off, so I use only the VCO. The basic idea of the patch is still the same though (see previous post). Note that you'll get a richer sound if you listen with headphones, because I also added some stereo effects. Each channel has a different mix of the two paths, and, inspired by another post on this forum, I let some components move between left and right ear.
I will add a schematic.
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Post by spacedog on Feb 11, 2019 22:06:34 GMT
Here it is, my entry (Dropbox link). First you hear the sequence from the TB-03, then the version coming from the AE. In the end I decided to use just one oscillator instead of two. I was struggling to get the two oscillators in tune with each others, until finally I discovered that one oscillator (the 2OSC) just doesn't track that well and made everything sound off, so I use only the VCO. The basic idea of the patch is still the same though (see previous post). Note that you'll get a richer sound if you listen with headphones, because I also added some stereo effects. Each channel has a different mix of the two paths, and, inspired by another post on this forum, I even let some components move between left and right ear. Nice sounds, bert. I should have read more carefully before I went off to listen as I was suddenly taken back to when I owned a TB-303 and I wondered how you did that I sold it for virtually nothing. |
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), a submission using the TRIQ164, or its earlier variant the STEP10, is equally acceptable - as is something that uses an external sequencer driving the AE Modular. Nobody is disadvantaged here.
Hope to come up with something tomorrow.