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Post by funbun on Jul 18, 2023 12:28:25 GMT
The AE Modular synthesizer from Tangible Waves is considered awesome for several reasons:
1. Accessibility and Affordability: The AE Modular synthesizer is designed to be accessible and affordable, making modular synthesis more attainable for a wider range of musicians and enthusiasts. Its compact size and modular format allow users to start small and gradually expand their system as their budget and needs grow. This affordability and accessibility make it a great entry point into the world of modular synthesis.
2. Versatility and Flexibility: Despite its compact size, the AE Modular synthesizer offers a surprising amount of versatility and flexibility. It features a range of modules that can be interconnected and patched in various ways, allowing for a wide sonic palette and creative possibilities. Users can experiment with different signal paths, modulation sources, and sound shaping techniques to create unique and personalized sounds.
3. Intuitive Interface: The AE Modular synthesizer is designed with a user-friendly interface that prioritizes ease of use. The modules are color-coded and clearly labeled, making it easier for users to understand the signal flow and control parameters. The intuitive layout and straightforward operation allow musicians, even those new to modular synthesis, to quickly grasp the basics and start creating music.
4. Portable and Compact Design: The compact size and portability of the AE Modular synthesizer make it highly convenient for musicians on the go. Its modular format allows for easy disassembly and reconfiguration, making it suitable for live performances, studio setups, and mobile music production. The ability to carry and transport the system with ease adds to its appeal and practicality.
5. Expandability and DIY Spirit: The AE Modular system embraces the DIY (do-it-yourself) ethos, encouraging users to customize and expand their setups. Tangible Waves provides a wide range of modules that can be added to the system, allowing users to continually grow and evolve their synthesizer according to their specific needs and interests. This expandability fosters a sense of experimentation and exploration within the modular community.
6. Active Community and Support: The AE Modular synthesizer has a vibrant and supportive community. Users can connect with fellow musicians, share ideas, and exchange patches and techniques. Tangible Waves provides resources such as tutorials, manuals, and firmware updates, ensuring that users have the necessary support to get the most out of their AE Modular system.
These factors contribute to the awesomeness of the AE Modular synthesizer from Tangible Waves, offering an accessible, versatile, and customizable modular synthesis experience for musicians and enthusiasts.
NOTE: Yes, all this came straight from ChatGPT. Specifically I asked, "Why is the AE Modular synthesizer from Tangible Waves so awesome?"
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Post by robertlanger on Jul 18, 2023 12:53:26 GMT
WTF!! 
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Post by admin on Jul 18, 2023 12:56:19 GMT
That all stacks up nicely, just a slight case of "hallucination": "The modules are color-coded ..." hmm  |
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Post by Gaëtan on Jul 18, 2023 12:57:09 GMT
There are some really funny parts though
"The modules are color-coded" : I must be colour blind
"Its modular format allows for easy disassembly and reconfiguration, making it suitable for live performances" : I, too, like to disassemble and reassemble my modular during live performances.
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Post by pt3r on Jul 18, 2023 14:20:33 GMT
The modules are colorcoded?  I must be as colorblind as a German Shepherd cause they all look grey to me  . |
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Post by sharps on Jul 19, 2023 1:46:26 GMT
In last year's news, LLMs work. Who knew.
Sorry, that's probably a bit too snarky. But I really, really am fed up at this point with people poking ChatGPT and then posting the outputs around like that's doing something insightful or useful. These systems do, actually, work. They can generate plausible text on every topic. It's even mostly correct, for a big model like GPT3.5/4 (powering ChatGPT) or Claude etc. There's a few errors in this example (modules can be colorful if you mix manufacturers, but generally they aren't color-coded as such) but it's pretty close to correct. Those errors would probably fade away with better prompting techniques like chain-of-thought, or better model features like web requests as a tool.
And this forum is on the internet and indexed by google, so sure, it's in the various web based corpuses. I think "take every link with >3 upvotes on reddit" was a data cleaning / tidying strategy at some point, so it should not be surprising that this forum, the front-page of the Tangible webpage, and various other discussions of AE (modwiggler, elektronauts) got slurped up into the training datasets. So it can speak about AE modular.
If this surprised you, then you haven't been paying attention. Which is actually probably okay! It's not been too relevant to music-making, so far. But this is where we are now (or rather, where the public releases were eight months ago, lol), and the rate of change with AI progress is still accelerating. AI models will certainly go multimodal and do text-to-audio at some point in the next few years. I think there already are text-to-audio models: they're just not online for anyone to use, fast/responsive, and at a high level of quality... yet. The same anxiety and questioning that the visual art community is having over AI generated imagery with MidJourney/Stable Diffusion/DALL-E is coming for the music community.
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Post by sharps on Jul 19, 2023 1:49:12 GMT
Also, try asking it for a pros/cons vs both Eurorack and VCV, then see if it's still so flattering  it's written like ad copy because that's sorta what you prompted for ('why is it awesome' kinda assumes the awesomeness rather than questioning it). Ask for a critical evaluation and overview, ask with a budget, ask with some background given for someone making a purchasing decision, it may give you very different answers. |
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Post by funbun on Jul 19, 2023 6:40:17 GMT
Sorry to offend you. I was just having a bit of fun. Here are the inputs you requested:
ChatGPT Prompt: Compare and contrast the AE Modular synthesizer vs Eurorack and VCV. Give a critical evaluation and overview of the AE Modular system and compare each with $500 USD budget on each.
AE Modular, Eurorack, and VCV are all modular synthesizer systems, but they differ in terms of format, cost, flexibility, and capabilities. Below is a comparison and critical evaluation of each system with a $500 USD budget for each.
1. AE Modular Synthesizer:
AE Modular is a budget-friendly modular synthesizer system developed by tangible waves. It features a compact, portable format with 3.5mm jacks and is designed to be accessible to beginners. The modules come pre-built and are easily connected using patch cables.
Pros:
- Cost-effective: AE Modular is one of the most affordable options for getting into modular synthesis.
- User-friendly: Its simple layout and pre-built modules make it beginner-friendly and easy to understand.
- Portability: Its compact size and lightweight design make it highly portable.
Cons:
- Limited Module Selection: The AE Modular system has a smaller module selection compared to Eurorack, which may limit its sonic possibilities.
- Build Quality: Some users have reported that the build quality of the modules may not be as robust as more expensive options.
2. Eurorack:
Eurorack is the most popular and widely adopted modular synthesizer format. It consists of modules in standardized sizes (3U height) with 3.5mm jacks, allowing for endless combinations and customization. Eurorack systems come in various sizes and configurations, catering to different needs and budgets.
Pros:
- Versatility: Eurorack offers an extensive range of modules from various manufacturers, providing limitless possibilities for sound synthesis.
- Quality: Higher-end Eurorack modules often boast superior build quality and performance.
- Expandability: As your budget and needs grow, you can easily expand your Eurorack system by adding more modules.
Cons:
- Cost: While it offers the most possibilities, Eurorack can quickly become expensive, especially with high-quality modules.
- Complexity: The vast array of modules and options may be overwhelming for beginners, requiring more time to learn and understand the system.
3. VCV Rack:
VCV Rack is a software emulation of a Eurorack modular synthesizer, allowing users to create virtual modular setups on their computers. It offers a wide selection of modules and is a great way to explore modular synthesis without a substantial financial commitment.
Pros:
- Affordability: VCV Rack is free to download and use, with additional paid modules available for expansion.
- Learning Platform: Beginners can experiment with modular synthesis concepts before investing in physical hardware.
- Vast Module Library: VCV Rack's open-source community continually develops new modules, expanding its capabilities.
Cons:
- Lack of Tangible Interface: Some users prefer the physical interaction and tactile experience of real modules in Eurorack or AE Modular.
- Processing Power: Running a large VCV Rack setup may require a powerful computer, which can be costly if you don't already have one.
Comparison with a $500 USD budget:
- AE Modular: With a $500 budget, you can start with a basic AE Modular system that includes a few essential modules like oscillators, filters, and envelopes. However, the limited module selection might restrict the complexity of your patches.
- Eurorack: A $500 budget for Eurorack can get you a small but functional setup with a few affordable modules. While it won't match the versatility of more expensive setups, you can still create interesting sounds.
- VCV Rack: As VCV Rack is free to use, you can allocate the entire $500 budget for additional paid modules and expand your virtual system significantly. This makes it a highly cost-effective option for exploring modular synthesis.
In summary, the AE Modular system is an excellent entry point for beginners on a tight budget, while Eurorack offers unparalleled flexibility and expandability, albeit at a higher cost. VCV Rack serves as an accessible learning platform for those who prefer software-based experimentation. Ultimately, the choice between these systems depends on individual preferences, budget constraints, and desired levels of complexity and versatility.
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Post by funbun on Jul 19, 2023 6:52:21 GMT
I'm sorry friend, but we have been making generative music in the modular synthesizer community since the 1960s. Quantized control voltages with purely analog modules. We've had algorithm-based digital modules since 2009, Mutable Instruments. From our perspective MidJourney/Stable Diffusion/DALL-E are all decades behind, and we've done it with by far simpler means. Modular synths have always been able to play themselves.
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Post by admin on Jul 19, 2023 6:53:50 GMT
Hi all,
First off, please cool down everyone. We are trying to keep this a safe and friendly place where ideas can be voiced and explored as long as they are within the context of the art of making electronic music. I don't know about you guys, but when I see a post that I find uninteresting I usually just move on and think that I'm not the intended audience.
However I found both viewpoints of value. Clearly the use of LLMs is still fairly new and mostly unexplored when compared to other technologies which have been around for years longer, so I think it's totally fair to post a 'conversation' with ChatGPT if it is within our forum's guidelines. Personally I love to get ideas for prompts to widen my understanding of what LLMs can do for me.
Likewise I also understand that ChatGPT can hallucinate and lie and plain don't work for some things so I agree that one should treat its output more critically and also explore other prompts to really probe its 'understanding' of a topic. (I know it doesn't understand things ... but it feels like it)
So please keep discussing this here, but could I please implore you to refrain from any type aggression, passive or active, towards each other.
Cheers,
Carsten.
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Post by funbun on Jul 19, 2023 7:07:07 GMT
Yes, It's been a good help for me in terms of helping write my YouTube channel titles and descriptions. It saves time.
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Post by pt3r on Jul 19, 2023 7:55:12 GMT
I wonder whether ChatGpt would be able to explain how to patch a specific solution on AEmodular, for example how to patch the sound of a bouncing ball? How to create a kick drum or a snare drum? What available modules can be used and hw to patch them. That would be quite impressive. Not only would it need to know how to synthesize a certain sound but also figure out which modules in the AE universe are available and what their capabilities are.
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Post by pt3r on Jul 19, 2023 8:52:27 GMT
Here is anther thing I was wondering, does an AI show initiative? i.e. does it out of the blue decide to do something that it was not told to do before via a prompt of some kind. Look this A.I. generated this piece of music or art or text or program, is all fine and dandy but has an A.I. spontaneously decided to create a music or visual art or a text? In much the same way that my modular system only sings me the song of its people if I patch it to do so, with me taking the aesthetic decision whether that song should be heard by other mortals, unless I'm an A.I. myself On the internet no one knows you're a hamster. |
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Post by Gaëtan on Jul 19, 2023 9:21:36 GMT
The only thing an LMM does is chain words together based on probabilities from the texts it's been fed. It has no agency and no understanding, which is why it struggles a lot on very technical subjects like modular synths. It could probably become better at that if it had more text to draw from.
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Post by funbun on Jul 19, 2023 11:16:12 GMT
ChatGPT Prompt: "How could I make a bouncing ball sound with the AE Moduler synthesizer from Tangible Waves?"
Creating a bouncing ball sound with the AE Modular synthesizer from Tangible Waves can be a fun and creative task. To achieve this, you can use a combination of modules to generate the percussive and rhythmic elements of the bouncing ball sound. Here's a step-by-step guide to creating a basic bouncing ball sound:
Oscillator: Start by using an oscillator module, such as the "OSC" module in the AE Modular system. Set the oscillator to produce a short, percussive sound. You can use a square wave or a noise source for this purpose.
Envelope Generator: Connect the output of the oscillator to an envelope generator module (e.g., "ENV"). The envelope generator will shape the amplitude of the sound, creating the percussive attack and decay characteristic of the bouncing ball.
Envelope Settings: Adjust the envelope generator settings to create a short and snappy envelope. Increase the attack time slightly to give the sound a quick rise, resembling the initial bounce of the ball. Set a short decay time to simulate the ball's rapid drop after bouncing.
Amplifier: Connect the output of the envelope generator to an amplifier module (e.g., "VCA") to control the volume of the sound.
Trigger Source: To trigger the bouncing ball sound rhythmically, use a trigger source module (e.g., "TNOISE" or "TRIGG"). This module will send a short pulse to the envelope generator, initiating the sound of each bounce.
Trigger Settings: Adjust the trigger source settings to control the rhythm of the bounces. You can experiment with the trigger rate and duration to achieve the desired bouncing ball effect. Faster trigger rates will create a rapid bouncing sound, while slower rates will simulate a slower bounce.
Optional Effects: To enhance the bouncing ball sound, you can experiment with adding effects modules. For example, you might try adding a bit of reverb or delay to simulate the ball bouncing in a room or space.
Patching: Connect the trigger output of the trigger source module to the trigger input of the envelope generator. Then, connect the output of the envelope generator to the input of the amplifier module.
Adjust and Experiment: Play around with the various parameters, such as envelope settings, trigger rate, and effects, to fine-tune the bouncing ball sound to your liking. Be creative and experiment with different modules and patch configurations to achieve unique variations of the bouncing ball sound.
Remember that the AE Modular synthesizer is highly customizable and expandable, so you can add more modules or modify the setup as you see fit. Have fun exploring the possibilities and creating your own bouncing ball sound!
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Post by pt3r on Jul 19, 2023 12:48:00 GMT
Time to get me one of those TNOISE modules. So yes that explanation does not even come close to producing a bouncing ball patch in AE modular, but then again I did not expect anything better. |
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Post by funbun on Jul 19, 2023 21:30:16 GMT
hehe! I have no idea of where that TNOISE came from. Maybe Robert has a new module in the works!!! It didn't even mention LPGs or looping envelops or gravity envelops. Certainly could not have helped me patch Giant Steps, but it is fun to see what GPT comes up with despite its limitations.
I use it as a personal assistant for my YouTube channel. It saves so much time in integrating keyword search data into the titles and description.
For those interested I also input these prompts:
Why is the Serge synthesizer so awesome?
The Serge synthesizer is often regarded as an awesome instrument for several reasons:
Modular Design: The Serge synthesizer is a modular synthesizer, meaning it consists of individual modules that can be interconnected in various ways. This modular design allows for incredible flexibility and customization, as users can create unique signal paths and patch configurations to achieve a wide range of sounds. It empowers musicians and sound designers to experiment and explore their creativity.
Sound Quality: Serge synthesizers are known for their exceptional sound quality. The modules are carefully designed to produce clean, rich, and complex tones. The use of high-quality components and meticulous craftsmanship contributes to the overall sonic excellence of the instrument. The Serge's sound can range from smooth and warm to harsh and aggressive, making it suitable for a broad spectrum of musical genres.
Unique Module Design: Serge synthesizers feature a distinctive module design that sets them apart from other modular systems. The modules are often banana-jack based, using a unique patching system that allows for easy and flexible connectivity. Serge modules also have a reputation for being highly intuitive and user-friendly, making it easier for musicians to understand and control their sound.
Experimental Capabilities: Serge synthesizers are revered for their experimental capabilities. The modular nature of the instrument encourages users to explore unconventional sound synthesis techniques, making it a favorite among experimental musicians and sound artists. The ability to create complex and evolving soundscapes, generate unusual timbres, and push the boundaries of traditional synthesis is what makes the Serge so exciting for those seeking innovative and avant-garde sounds.
Legacy and Influence: The Serge synthesizer has a rich history and a significant influence on the development of electronic music. It was created by Serge Tcherepnin, a composer and engineer who collaborated with notable figures like Morton Subotnick and Don Buchla. The Serge system gained popularity in the 1970s and continues to be highly regarded today. Its influence can be heard in a wide range of music genres, from ambient and experimental to electronic and pop.
These factors, among others, contribute to the reputation of the Serge synthesizer as an awesome instrument that continues to captivate musicians, sound designers, and electronic music enthusiasts around the world.
Why are Selmer saxophones so awesome?
Selmer saxophones are widely regarded as awesome instruments for several reasons:
Superior Craftsmanship: Selmer has a long-standing reputation for exceptional craftsmanship. Each Selmer saxophone is meticulously handcrafted by skilled artisans, ensuring precision and attention to detail in every aspect of the instrument's construction. The use of high-quality materials and the expertise of the craftsmen contribute to the instrument's overall quality and playability.
Consistent Quality: Selmer has consistently maintained high standards of quality control throughout its history. This means that players can rely on the consistent quality of Selmer saxophones, knowing that they will receive an instrument that meets or exceeds their expectations. The consistency in manufacturing allows musicians to focus on their performance without worrying about the instrument's reliability.
Rich Tone: Selmer saxophones are renowned for their rich, resonant, and expressive tone. The design and construction of the saxophones, including the shape of the body, the quality of the brass, and the precision of the keywork, all contribute to the instrument's unique sound. Selmer saxophones are favored by many professional saxophonists for their ability to produce a warm and vibrant tone across different registers.
Playability and Response: Selmer saxophones are known for their excellent playability and responsive nature. The keywork is designed to facilitate smooth and effortless playing, allowing for quick and precise finger movement. The ergonomics of the instrument, combined with its balanced weight distribution, make it comfortable to hold and play for extended periods, reducing fatigue for the musician.
Legacy and Prestige: Selmer is a legendary name in the saxophone world, and its instruments carry a sense of prestige and history. The company has a rich heritage, with iconic saxophonists like Marcel Mule and John Coltrane endorsing and playing Selmer saxophones. The association with these legendary musicians and the brand's longstanding presence in the music industry contribute to the instrument's desirability and reputation.
Wide Range of Models: Selmer offers a wide range of saxophone models to cater to the preferences and needs of different players. Whether it's the Selmer Mark VI, the Selmer Super Action 80 Series II or III, or the Selmer Reference models, each model offers unique characteristics and tonal qualities, allowing musicians to choose an instrument that aligns with their musical style and preferences.
These factors, along with the rich history and legacy of Selmer as a saxophone manufacturer, contribute to the widespread admiration and popularity of Selmer saxophones among professional saxophonists and enthusiasts alike.
Why are Yanagisawa saxophones so awesome?
Yanagisawa saxophones are highly regarded as awesome instruments for several reasons:
Exceptional Craftsmanship: Yanagisawa saxophones are meticulously handcrafted in Japan with a strong emphasis on craftsmanship and attention to detail. The company has a long-standing tradition of employing skilled artisans who utilize their expertise to create instruments of exceptional quality. The precision in manufacturing, along with the use of high-quality materials, ensures that each saxophone meets rigorous standards of craftsmanship.
Superb Sound Quality: Yanagisawa saxophones are renowned for their outstanding sound quality. The combination of precise craftsmanship, meticulous design, and the use of high-quality materials results in a rich, warm, and vibrant tone. Whether it's the bright and focused sound of the soprano saxophones or the rich and powerful sound of the tenor and baritone saxophones, Yanagisawa instruments consistently deliver a high level of tonal excellence.
Excellent Intonation: Intonation refers to the accuracy of pitch across the entire range of the instrument. Yanagisawa saxophones are known for their exceptional intonation, meaning they play in tune across all registers. This is crucial for musicians, as it allows them to perform with confidence and accuracy, especially in ensemble settings. The precise keywork design and meticulous craftsmanship contribute to the instrument's superior intonation.
Playability and Responsiveness: Yanagisawa saxophones are designed with the player in mind, aiming to provide an instrument that is highly playable and responsive. The keywork is ergonomically designed for comfortable and efficient finger movement, allowing for greater technical proficiency. The saxophones are also known for their quick response, enabling the player to articulate notes with clarity and precision.
Innovation and Research: Yanagisawa is known for its commitment to innovation and continuous improvement. The company invests in research and development to refine their saxophone designs and manufacturing processes. This dedication to innovation has led to advancements in key mechanisms, acoustic design, and material selection, further enhancing the performance and playability of their instruments.
Durability and Reliability: Yanagisawa saxophones are built to withstand the demands of professional use. The instruments are constructed with durability in mind, ensuring that they can withstand the rigors of frequent playing and travel. The high-quality materials and meticulous construction contribute to the saxophones' reliability, allowing musicians to rely on their instruments in various performance settings.
Artist Endorsements: Yanagisawa saxophones have garnered endorsements from numerous professional saxophonists worldwide. Renowned players choose Yanagisawa instruments for their exceptional quality and sound. These endorsements further validate the instruments' reputation and desirability among saxophonists.
Combining superb craftsmanship, exceptional sound quality, playability, and reliability, Yanagisawa saxophones have earned a well-deserved reputation for being awesome instruments that are highly regarded by professional saxophonists and enthusiasts alike.
In fact I prompted about Serge, Selmer and Yangisawa before AE Modular. I don't post these as spam. It's simply the line of prompts I was thinking about one day. I just wanted to see what the machine would spit out: good, bad and ugly. Take it for what it's worth.
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Post by pt3r on Jul 20, 2023 6:01:56 GMT
Most important question; Why are those horns so bloody expensive? I have now two vintage horns (alto and bari), which serve me well but one can't help but to dream of owning a yani or a Selmer mark VI or even an SBA. But I also need to my AEmodular. #choices and priorities. |
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Post by funbun on Jul 20, 2023 11:07:13 GMT
I have no idea. They have gotten very expensive over the years. That's one of the main reasons I went to modular synths, e.g., way cheaper, far more sonic capabilities. At this point I would have to have a double woodwind quintet to do what I do with my AE.
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Post by sharps on Jul 20, 2023 23:44:31 GMT
I'm sorry friend, but we have been making generative music in the modular synthesizer community since the 1960s. Quantized control voltages with purely analog modules. We've had algorithm-based digital modules since 2009, Mutable Instruments. From our perspective MidJourney/Stable Diffusion/DALL-E are all decades behind, and we've done it with by far simpler means. Modular synths have always been able to play themselves. Visual art has had fractal generators and other generative art for ages. I actually love it and like to play with Apophysis myself, and procedural generation in 3d... but it's not the same thing. People who wanted illustration (mostly) weren't settling for fractal art instead. Partly because it's actually an art form in itself that doesn't give good results easily, party because it has a distinct style that doesn't always fit.
These current generative visual art systems give polished, finished pieces in response to short English descriptions. I don't think the analogy to generative modular holds.
But I guess by the time you're enjoying generative melodies on niche modular systems, you're not in it for the fame or money. Machines can't take my job if I don't have one, lol.
IMO it has negative worth.
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Post by admin on Jul 21, 2023 4:13:09 GMT
IMO it has negative worth.
Hi sharps, I really wish we could keep this forum a friendly place. While I really value your contributions and happy to see healthy discussions where viewpoints are challenged in a constructive way, I don't think that abrasive comments like this are helpful to anyone. If you see a post here on the forum that you think is of "negative worth" to you, then please just skip that post and comment on any of the many other posts which you may find more interesting. Everyone is here and committing their time, not because they have to, but because they want to. Because it makes them happy. For some of us it's like a family of sorts, or a wider circle of friends. We respect our various opinions and when we don't agree with a statement we try to lay out our position as considerate as possible so as to not tread on each other's toes. Otherwise people will be turned off and leave and we will miss their particular view. I hope we can all get along and be friendly ... times are tough enough, we don't have to make it worse for anyone. Cheers, Carsten. |
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Post by robertlanger on Jul 22, 2023 9:21:55 GMT
Damned, how does ChatGPT knows about the still secret trigger source modules "TNOISE" and "TRIGG"  ? ...  Thanks for sharing your thoughts, sharps! IMO, it's abolutely important to reflect VERY carefully what these AI technologies mean in the long run; for me personally, it's the first time I feel a technology to be somehow frightening; but nevertheless, one can have fun with the stuff like funbun did, and it can be super helpful for software development (I use Codeium within VS Code for a while), and it was SUUUPER helpful for me to finally write the VMIX-10 manual (a task I was procrastinating for very long time, because it's nothing really new to say, so I appreciated to get the basic text and outline being generated). I'm really grateful that we are not really deeply involved in AI topics with our mostly analog machines; and therefore I enjoy having this niche with lots of super friendly people! |
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I must be as colorblind as a German Shepherd cause they all look grey to me 
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it's written like ad copy because that's sorta what you prompted for ('why is it awesome' kinda assumes the awesomeness rather than questioning it). Ask for a critical evaluation and overview, ask with a budget, ask with some background given for someone making a purchasing decision, it may give you very different answers. 
? 