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Hello everyone! Due to personal circumstances this will be a shorter blog post, just for a quick catch up on news. Superbooth 2024 was again an amazing event and the cherry on top this year was that I shared not just a booth, but also an AirBnB with our third party makers, John (Wonkystuff), Toms (Kyaa), Gregory and Zeno (BF Synths) and we had a lot of fun. To me this is the spirit I want for the AE modular community, everyone working together, helping and supporting each other. Hopefully this example will entice more people to become creative and create new modules for the AE format. Even if you're just starting out in electronics and just have a great idea, there are people and resources in our community which can greatly help you to get started and beyond. We showed off some new modules, but the main attraction was definitely the new IMDI system which adds MIDI capability to modules. Wonkystuff has pioneered this with the MIDI modules which are already for sale in his shop, Kyaa will include this protocol in his upcoming Tracker module and I showed a few working prototypes at the booth. There is even a post of Gearnews about this new protocol (in German): https://www.gearnews.de/tangible-waves-imdi/ You can find more information in the videos below and once those modules are ready for sale, we'll describe them in much more detail in one of the next blogs. However one of the modules is ready and in the shop: FADRMIX6 This is a performance mixer, very much like the MIXCONSOLE but with faders(!) and 6 channels. You can find it in our online shop.  KYAA Another fun module to see was Kyaa's prototype of a Tracker sequencer. Even as a very early prototype it looked very impressive and duly attracted a lot of attention. Wonkystuff countered this development with a new module called (tongue in cheek) NaT (not a tracker) … which looks also like a very fun and quirky module to play with, especially in a live situation. Again you can see this presented in the videos below. You can find more info about Kyaa's work and modules on his website: https://kyaa.co/  BF Synths Gregory from France and Zeno from Belgium have officially announced their partnership as BF Synths and are producing existing (but slightly improved) modules from their earlier works, eg. 555 OSC, 5 Step, Dual Sloth and Le Module 01 (pronounced zero-un!) and have promised new and exciting developments in the future. Most impressive to note is that all their modules are produced completely in Europe and assembled by hand. You can find more information on the forum: https://forum.aemodular.com/board/36/bf-synths and on their Tindie store: https://www.tindie.com/stores/bfsynths/
Wonkystuff John brought a really nice rack filled with analog drum modules … all controlled via MIDI using the mtr/8 module which converts MIDI to analog triggers. He also showed off the NAT and a very nice looking passive matrix mixer which uses magnets to make the connections. This mixer is again a collaboration with Matt Wand who also designed the BioT module a few years ago.
You can find more information at the Wonkystuff online store: https://wonkystuff.net/product-category/hardware/ae-modular/ And on the forum: https://forum.aemodular.com/board/20/wonkystuff Superbooth Coverage We are always happy to see Chris from Sonic State at the booth and here is his excellent video: Of course Carsten aka The5thVolt was at the booth as well this year and he has interviewed everyone, which you can see in these two videos below: After the last day we were all quite tired and got back to the AirBnB to chill out, but Carsten again got us to talk about the experience and review what went well and where we could improve next year. If you're keen to "meet" the "gang" then you can watch us chat in this video: This is it for today. Apologies to everyone who has posted great music and performances. Normally we try to feature as many of those as possible in the newsletter and we will try to get back to the normal layout of the newsletter next month. March was another busy month with a lot of development work for modules which I am hoping to show off at Superbooth, which isn't that far away anymore! Currently I'm working on the the following modules:  μOSC: This is an oscillator module in the micromodule form factor; and although it has only two knobs and one button, it's quite powerful! The list of features:
IMDI MAIN: This module is at the core for the new internal MIDI system which we are calling "IMDI". The development has progressed nicely. The module will do the following:
μIMDIPROC: This module acts as a flexible processor for IMDI signals; things like velocity processing, note filtering, quantization, note delay, MIDI/IMDI merge and a lot of crazy effects for MIDI data can be done! Still in a quite early development phase, but hopefully we will have a prototype to show at Superbooth in May. If you have suggestions / wishes for processing MIDI data, please let us know. μIMDIBUF: For more complex setups where there are several IMDI related modules involved, this module acts as a signal buffer / multiplier, similar to a MIDI thru box. Music from the Community
VCASE-7 Live at Emom by Namke - Taking a few Wonkystuff modules in a super tiny VCASE-7 and playing a live set at the local EMOM … It's brave, for sure, but the result is also quite beautiful. Check it out: https://forum.aemodular.com/thread/3084/vcase-7-live-emom AEM and Volca Modular experiments by saltatempo - the Korg Volca Modular is the ideal companion to the AE modular especially when using the VMBRIDGE module to let the two systems interact with each other. Here are some interesting experiments: https://forum.aemodular.com/thread/3075/brothers-volca-modular-castor-pollux Cloudy Sky by Running In - Check out this lovely ambient track which combines the Neutron, Eurorack modules (Clouds) with AE Modular (Cirrus and TBD). Day in the life of a Fishing Tackle Designer … by Black Warrior Lures - This is another beautiful documentary style video by the multi-talent fisherman, tackle designer, jazz composer and videographer. The Elephant and the Lagoon by Maydonpoliris - Follow the elephant as it wanders along the lagoon in this slow tempo groove with cool sounds all throughout. A real treat: Dragged Across by 101 - Listen to this bombastic sound scape which hides so many intricate little sounds among the main sequence:
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PAN/XFADE
The new PAN/XFADE does exactly what the name suggests. It works either as a signal panner, meaning one input signal is moved continuously between the left and right output, or, in crossfade mode, where it blends between two input signals into one output. Of course controllable by CV and working for audio signals as well as DC control voltages.
You can purchase this module in our shop.
uBASE QS
This base module for micro modules is made to fit into the new QS cases and is now for sale in our shop.
QS Connectors
Combine two QS cases together with these connectors. These connectors also connect the power rails between the cases so only one master module is needed. They come in different flavours which you can buy in our shop:
The new PAN/XFADE does exactly what the name suggests. It works either as a signal panner, meaning one input signal is moved continuously between the left and right output, or, in crossfade mode, where it blends between two input signals into one output. Of course controllable by CV and working for audio signals as well as DC control voltages.
You can purchase this module in our shop.
uBASE QS
This base module for micro modules is made to fit into the new QS cases and is now for sale in our shop.
QS Connectors
Combine two QS cases together with these connectors. These connectors also connect the power rails between the cases so only one master module is needed. They come in different flavours which you can buy in our shop:
New Modules From Wonkystuff
These modules are not necessarily "new", just that they haven't been introduced here on the blog before. But all the below modules are available on the Wonkystuff website.
Kaestle ARP
This module is the third in the series of clones of the Bastle Kastle. It is a melodic generator and sine wave generator. You can find more information and purchase it here:
https://wonkystuff.net/product/kaestle-arp/
Kaestle ARP
This module is the third in the series of clones of the Bastle Kastle. It is a melodic generator and sine wave generator. You can find more information and purchase it here:
https://wonkystuff.net/product/kaestle-arp/
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rbss/2
This is a new version of the beloved random bit-shift sequencer. All parameters are now CV controllable and it sends individual triggers for each bit which is great for creating random drum patterns. Of course you would combine this with the range of
https://wonkystuff.net/product/rbss-2/
sd110
This is an analog snare drum module with a circuit derived from the Boss DR-110 SD. Because it's highly tweakable it comes in the full form factor rather than as a micro module.
https://wonkystuff.net/product/sd110/
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2x4!
This is a dual 4 bit counter in micro module format. It generates two 4 bit trigger signals which count in binary according to an input clock. What is it good for? Drums? Triggering things … or you can feed it into the next module, the R2R for generating interesting CV.
https://wonkystuff.net/product/u2x4/
ur2r
This is an 8-bit DAC which takes 8 inputs as binary and outputs analog CV. This combines well with the 2x4! module or other trigger inputs.
https://wonkystuff.net/product/ur2r/
News and Music From the Community
The RSKT AE Modular Video Library
This mega tutorial project just keeps giving and this month we are presented with a video each for the 2LFO and NOISE modules. Immense respect to RSKT who makes even the most humble module look and sound like a star. Check it out:
This mega tutorial project just keeps giving and this month we are presented with a video each for the 2LFO and NOISE modules. Immense respect to RSKT who makes even the most humble module look and sound like a star. Check it out:
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FOLSOM by pt3r - Can drums get any darker than this? We don't think so, but maybe you want to rise to the challenge? Check it out:
https://forum.aemodular.com/thread/3070/folsom
Aphex Twin's Flim with AE on Drums by cpruby - This is not an easy piece to program, but cpruby managed this and explained the process in this post:
https://forum.aemodular.com/thread/3067/covering-aphex-twins-flim-drums
Fishing Drones by Black Warrior Lures - @funbun showing off his fishing grounds in his new tinnie while playing a slightly ominous drone. Fish beware!
Deep Blue by running in - A very atmospheric piece in which the AE Modular (with Cirrus) is playing alongside the Neutron and Micro Brute. Check it out:
DIY
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Fader and Distribute DIY Modules by gerif - Check out these fun DIY modules which seem like the perfect way to get started with DIY. Instructions included!
https://forum.aemodular.com/thread/2988/fader-modul
https://forum.aemodular.com/thread/2988/fader-modul
Meetings and Events
DEEP SPACE 909 Electronic Music Festival, 13th April 2024, Schloss Plötzkau, Germany
This is a music festival featuring Open Air Electronica, Drum & Bass and Deep Techno. Robert from Tangible Waves will be showing off the AE Modular range!! If you happen to be in the north-eastern parts of Germany (it's not too far from Berlin) on that weekend you should check it out.
All information on this Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/events/208995895632027
AE Modular Zoom Meetup
The first meetup of the year happened on Saturday 24th of February with a good turn up of people. It's inspiring to hear from each about their music and DIY projects and some of the presented topics lead to lively discussions. At this meeting we talked about laser controllers, ribbon controllers, Australian songbirds, a new prototype of a tracker module and some really cool software synths and sequencers.
Some people lament that they can't come to Saturday events, because they are partying too hard ;-) and for those lucky individuals we've come up with a schedule of different weekdays each month:
- March, 26th (Tuesday)
- April, 28th (Sunday)
- May, -- no meetup -- (Superbooth)
- June, 29th (Saturday)
- July, 30th (Tuesday)
- August, 25th (Sunday)
- September, 28th (Saturday)
- October, 29th (Tuesday)
- November, 24th (Sunday)
- December, -- no meetup -- (Xmas holidays)
- January '25, -- no meetup -- (Summer holidays in Australia)
We are always happy for new people to join the meetups, so just tune on one of the next meetings! More info on the forum at (you must be signed in to the forum to see this page):
https://forum.aemodular.com/board/29/online-meetups
First of all, I wish all of you, our customers and the AE Modular community a very happy, healthy and successful new year! Here at tangible waves we are looking forward to doing our part of providing you with new and improved products which we hope will inspire you to be creative and make the music you want.
While we had a few major products released last year, the CIRRUS Classic, RAINS and most importantly the SAMPLYR, I think that the most exciting product wasn't actually a module, but the new Quickswap Case. This incredible versatile new case system was designed by Toms aka Kyaa and is produced here at tangible waves in partnership. The fact that this case makes it so easy to swap modules in and out will change how people use modular synths fundamentally and I think that by adopting this new case, people will move towards smaller systems which they configure on the fly for each musical occasion.
Another big development of which we will definitely hear and see more of this year is the new modular MIDI system which was initially created by John Tuffen aka Wonkystuff and which you can already experiment with by using his first batch of modules mb/1, mco/1 and the like. However tangible waves has come to an agreement with John and we will produce a joint standards document so that all manufacturers can create modules which can listen and talk MIDI via patch cable. This standards document is also supported by Sean, a computer science professor who is currently working with us on preparing this standard for submission to the Sound and Music Computing conference (SMC 2024) and thereby giving this incredible academic rigour. Watch this space, there are a number of very powerful and exciting new modules in the design and prototyping stages already.
We are also very much looking forward to the first official SupAEbooth where tangible waves and the major 3rd party manufacturers Kyaa, Wonkystuff, Keurslagerkurt and M4vrick will share one large stand at Superbooth 24 and present a variety of AE Modular which hasn't been seen before at this venue.
While we had a few major products released last year, the CIRRUS Classic, RAINS and most importantly the SAMPLYR, I think that the most exciting product wasn't actually a module, but the new Quickswap Case. This incredible versatile new case system was designed by Toms aka Kyaa and is produced here at tangible waves in partnership. The fact that this case makes it so easy to swap modules in and out will change how people use modular synths fundamentally and I think that by adopting this new case, people will move towards smaller systems which they configure on the fly for each musical occasion.
Another big development of which we will definitely hear and see more of this year is the new modular MIDI system which was initially created by John Tuffen aka Wonkystuff and which you can already experiment with by using his first batch of modules mb/1, mco/1 and the like. However tangible waves has come to an agreement with John and we will produce a joint standards document so that all manufacturers can create modules which can listen and talk MIDI via patch cable. This standards document is also supported by Sean, a computer science professor who is currently working with us on preparing this standard for submission to the Sound and Music Computing conference (SMC 2024) and thereby giving this incredible academic rigour. Watch this space, there are a number of very powerful and exciting new modules in the design and prototyping stages already.
We are also very much looking forward to the first official SupAEbooth where tangible waves and the major 3rd party manufacturers Kyaa, Wonkystuff, Keurslagerkurt and M4vrick will share one large stand at Superbooth 24 and present a variety of AE Modular which hasn't been seen before at this venue.
New Products
| DRUMKIT 010 R2 This is a new and improved version of the lofi drumkit module with better sound quality and, most importantly, without the "high-pitched noise" which some have experienced with the old version. Customers who have issues with the high pitch noise on their existing previous version module can contact us for receiving a 20% discount on this new version! You can purchase it now in our shop. uBASE-QS 2 This is the counterpart of the uBASE module for the new Quickswap case! Due to the quite different mechanical design, the uBASE module cannot be mounted in the Quickswap case; but of course you want to use micro modules also in the new case! The uBASE-QS 2 allows exactly this; it can carry up to four micro modules, and additionally it has sockets to access all bus signals like CV, gate, MIDI control/start/stop/clock plus +5V and ground. The uBASE-QS can be plugged into the Quickswap case like all modules, screwless. You can purchase it now in our shop. |  |
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Third Party Products
Pikocore (beta) by Fauxcyrillic
This flew a bit under the radar as it's really a concept beta, but it's a promising concept of trying to adapt the standalone unit which was designed by infinitedigits. It will take a Raspberry Pi Pico filled with wav files and allows you to jump around and play different positions of the current file. It's chaotic and weird and wonderful. Check it out in the online shops:
https://lectronz.com/products/pikocore-beta
https://www.tindie.com/products/fauxcyrillic/pikocore-beta/
And the discussion on the forum:
https://forum.aemodular.com/thread/2899/soon-ish-pikocore
TELEX by Fauxcyrillic
This is an upcoming module which is a sort of clone of the Monome Teletype module. It allows you to connect a USB computer keyboard for live coding! Check out the discussion on the forum:
https://forum.aemodular.com/thread/2909/telex-monome-clone
This flew a bit under the radar as it's really a concept beta, but it's a promising concept of trying to adapt the standalone unit which was designed by infinitedigits. It will take a Raspberry Pi Pico filled with wav files and allows you to jump around and play different positions of the current file. It's chaotic and weird and wonderful. Check it out in the online shops:
https://lectronz.com/products/pikocore-beta
https://www.tindie.com/products/fauxcyrillic/pikocore-beta/
And the discussion on the forum:
https://forum.aemodular.com/thread/2899/soon-ish-pikocore
TELEX by Fauxcyrillic
This is an upcoming module which is a sort of clone of the Monome Teletype module. It allows you to connect a USB computer keyboard for live coding! Check out the discussion on the forum:
https://forum.aemodular.com/thread/2909/telex-monome-clone
Upcoming Products
The following products are currently focused in development and will be released soon.
MIDI2CV - This module transforms MIDI signals to multichannel CV. It can handle MIDI over 3.5mm minijack socket as well as USB MIDI and also data of the new modular MIDI standard. It has 8 CV outputs, 4 gate outputs, MIDI realtime info (start/stop/clock) and via a menu, the configuration can be defined freely, like single monophonic channels, 4-voice polyphony, free controller-to-CV assignment etc. An optional extender module adds another 8 CV and 8 gate/trigger outputs.
IMDI MAIN - This module, developed in partnership with Wonkystuff, is an extended version of the mb/1 and provides extended functionality for receiving MIDI via 3.5mm socket and via USB-C socket, then distributing it to other MIDI capable modules in the AE system via regular patch wires.
2LFO R2 - This is an updated version of the dual LFO which is completely redesigned for easier and more consistent production. It will also offer a switch for a super slooooow mode.
PAN/XFADE - as the name implies, a module for managing panning and crossfades. Depending on the selected mode, it can either pan one input signal to two (stereo) outputs, or crossfade between two input signals into one output. Of course with CV control, and for audio and CV signals!
GRAINS R2 - This updated version will be a departure from its Eurorack roots and offer more inputs, outputs and LEDs for showing three digital outputs. This is based on suggestions by Sean Luke, who has recently released dozens of new firmwares for the existing GRAINS module. But it still remains 100% compatible with the original GRAINS, so all currently existing patches will still work on the GRAINS R2!
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News and Music from the Community
Modular MIDI, a submission of advanced uses of MIDI in a modular synthesiser environment. This paper is currently being worked on by Sean Luke, John Tuffen and Mathias Brüssel and will form the academic basis of the new AE Modular standard for MIDI modules. A draft version and introductory white paper are available for discussion on the forum. Your input is very welcome!
https://forum.aemodular.com/thread/3026/soliciting-feedback-paper-modular-midi
The RSKT AE Modular Video Library
No less than 4 new videos have been released this month on RSKT's mission to upload a tutorial for every single module in his growing AE Modular system. Please check them out as you will likely find interesting and new uses of even the "boring" bread and butter modules like VCAs and even the attenuators. But the real treat is the multitude of great sounding patches which RSKT uses to show off each module's features.
https://forum.aemodular.com/thread/3026/soliciting-feedback-paper-modular-midi
The RSKT AE Modular Video Library
No less than 4 new videos have been released this month on RSKT's mission to upload a tutorial for every single module in his growing AE Modular system. Please check them out as you will likely find interesting and new uses of even the "boring" bread and butter modules like VCAs and even the attenuators. But the real treat is the multitude of great sounding patches which RSKT uses to show off each module's features.
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Time Slips by Running In
This beautiful track is just perfect to gently guide us into the new year.
This beautiful track is just perfect to gently guide us into the new year.
Ambient drones from Orchid's Void
While George aka Orchid's Void usually combines many synths for his tracks, this one is made exclusively with the AE system going into a reverb pedal. Check it out!
While George aka Orchid's Void usually combines many synths for his tracks, this one is made exclusively with the AE system going into a reverb pedal. Check it out!
Universal Degradation by Solipsistnation
This fully AE arranged track is almost "old school" in that it is all AE without external synths or effects. It's a great showcase of the system and the various third party modules.
https://forum.aemodular.com/thread/3023/universal-degradation
This fully AE arranged track is almost "old school" in that it is all AE without external synths or effects. It's a great showcase of the system and the various third party modules.
https://forum.aemodular.com/thread/3023/universal-degradation
| Anti f:Orm vol. 10 - Track by pt3r This compilation of interesting soundscapes features one track by our master of ambience, check it out and consider buying it! https://godhatesgodrecords2.bandcamp.com/album/anti-f-orm-vol-10 |  |
| Cold's Creep by Black Warrior Lures It's winter in half the world and this album celebrates the cold, the snow but also the hope for spring. This album feels a bit different to Damon's other albums with being more ambient, but the sounds are just as intriguing as ever. Check it out and please consider buying it! https://blackwarriorlures.bandcamp.com/album/colds-creep |  |
Patch Challenge #31 - Bring the beat back
Here are a few contenders for this drum oriented patch challenge. You can still submit your own tracks here:
https://forum.aemodular.com/thread/3004/patch-challenge-bring-beat-back
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DIY
| Hedgehog 2XOR Module This is a beautiful breadboard module of a dual XOR circuit. We'd love to hear some sounds! https://forum.aemodular.com/thread/3038/riccio-hedgehog-module-triangle-polyramp |  |
| LED Strip Module This is a very funky lightshow connected straight to what's happening in your AE Modular. Check it out in the video above. You will find more info and discussion about this on the forum: https://forum.aemodular.com/thread/1810/led-strip-module | |
AE Modular Online Meeting
Last year we discussed that we could meet on a different day than Saturday. So please vote which day other than Saturday you would be able to meet!
https://forum.aemodular.com/thread/3037/which-day-modular-online-meetup
https://forum.aemodular.com/thread/3037/which-day-modular-online-meetup
In preparation for this blog post I've reviewed my December posts from the last few years and it seems to me that for all the daily and weekly ups and downs, life at tangible waves hasn't changed all that much. It all goes back to this day, the 16th of December 2016, when I started the Kickstarter campaign which was so successful and has led me to this path which I've now been travelling on for 7 years. Every year has been with its own challenges: always more orders than we can fulfil in a reasonable time, always personal challenges with health and other vagaries of running a small business in Germany. But at the same time I have been infused with incredible happiness and the feeling of how lucky I am to be able to do what I love and for the overwhelming support and positive feedback I receive from you, the amazing AE Modular community.
Everytime I see a video or listen to a track posted on the forum is a confirmation that I'm doing the right thing and that any problems I have to overcome are worth it. You know that I love designing modules and tinkering with new prototypes, but that alone wouldn't carry me through as much as seeing the way the community is embracing it and supporting not just me, but each other in such a beautiful way.
Over the years, the number and variety of modules has grown incredibly and while the 3rd party modules have not just increased in number, but also have impressed me with their incredible quality, I felt that I also had to step up my game. I've hinted about a renewed push towards better quality, more durable components and much needed revisions of existing modules before, but today I've made the greatest step so far: From today, all modules will be offered by default with the black faceplates at no extra cost to you. (The grey faceplates will remain as an option however, for those who want to keep their system's “classic” look ).
As you will see below, we will now also start selling the new Quick Swap Case, which was developed over almost 2 years by Toms aka Kyaa. This case, while necessarily much more expensive than our standard cases, is showing a glimpse of the future for AE Modular. The incredible quality, durability and versatility is unmatched, not just for AE Modular, but for any modular format! It will forever change how people will plan and use their systems, at home in their studio or on the road in live situations. I am incredibly thankful to Toms for sharing this invention with me and our collaboration to bring this to the wider community.
Another incredibly exciting development which comes from a collaboration with John aka Wonkystuff is the development of a new MIDI format. First developed by John and currently on sale in his store are the new breed of modules which transmit and read MIDI data via a normal patch cable. This seemingly simple paradigm is so powerful that it, too, will change the use of AE Modular in the future immensely. John, me and Mathias are collaborating to make this new “MIDI via patch cable” a much more integrated part of the AE Modular system and the types of modules which this enables will be truly mind boggling! Watch this space!
The interaction between tangible waves and the 3rd party creators is just as open, respectful and marked foremost by the love to share knowledge and to support each other as it is in all AE Modular community channels. And next year this will culminate in a truly Inception-like twist when we will present together at the Superbooth with our own (Sup)AE Booth which will include tangible waves, Kyaa, Wonkystuff, Keurslager Kurt and hopefully others!
It seems impossible that each year will bring a new superlative, but I think that in the AE Modular community with its friendly and open spirit of discovery and invention, nothing is impossible!
Wishing you all a Happy Christmas and a wonderful start in the new year 2024!
Everytime I see a video or listen to a track posted on the forum is a confirmation that I'm doing the right thing and that any problems I have to overcome are worth it. You know that I love designing modules and tinkering with new prototypes, but that alone wouldn't carry me through as much as seeing the way the community is embracing it and supporting not just me, but each other in such a beautiful way.
Over the years, the number and variety of modules has grown incredibly and while the 3rd party modules have not just increased in number, but also have impressed me with their incredible quality, I felt that I also had to step up my game. I've hinted about a renewed push towards better quality, more durable components and much needed revisions of existing modules before, but today I've made the greatest step so far: From today, all modules will be offered by default with the black faceplates at no extra cost to you. (The grey faceplates will remain as an option however, for those who want to keep their system's “classic” look ).
As you will see below, we will now also start selling the new Quick Swap Case, which was developed over almost 2 years by Toms aka Kyaa. This case, while necessarily much more expensive than our standard cases, is showing a glimpse of the future for AE Modular. The incredible quality, durability and versatility is unmatched, not just for AE Modular, but for any modular format! It will forever change how people will plan and use their systems, at home in their studio or on the road in live situations. I am incredibly thankful to Toms for sharing this invention with me and our collaboration to bring this to the wider community.
Another incredibly exciting development which comes from a collaboration with John aka Wonkystuff is the development of a new MIDI format. First developed by John and currently on sale in his store are the new breed of modules which transmit and read MIDI data via a normal patch cable. This seemingly simple paradigm is so powerful that it, too, will change the use of AE Modular in the future immensely. John, me and Mathias are collaborating to make this new “MIDI via patch cable” a much more integrated part of the AE Modular system and the types of modules which this enables will be truly mind boggling! Watch this space!
The interaction between tangible waves and the 3rd party creators is just as open, respectful and marked foremost by the love to share knowledge and to support each other as it is in all AE Modular community channels. And next year this will culminate in a truly Inception-like twist when we will present together at the Superbooth with our own (Sup)AE Booth which will include tangible waves, Kyaa, Wonkystuff, Keurslager Kurt and hopefully others!
It seems impossible that each year will bring a new superlative, but I think that in the AE Modular community with its friendly and open spirit of discovery and invention, nothing is impossible!
Wishing you all a Happy Christmas and a wonderful start in the new year 2024!
Happy Christmas Discount
We are offering a 10% discount on all orders from today until the end of the year with the following code:
XMAS2023
(This code is valid from today until 31st of December 2023)
XMAS2023
(This code is valid from today until 31st of December 2023)
New Products
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Quick Swap Case
This case was designed by Toms aka Kyaa and is now being licensed and produced by us here in our workshop at tangible waves. This makes it much easier to sell and distribute globally. The case is made of very strong aluminium with a black, matte finish. If you haven't seen the video in which Toms has introduced the case at Superbooth in May, please watch it here:
The Quick Swap cases come in all variants of 3 widths (12, 16, 20) and 4 heights (1-row … 4-row); additionally, cases can be combined via an ingenious connector board that does not only the mechanical connection but also connects the power supply.
Please note that not all modules fit into this case, especially a few older ones and some 3rd party modules. Most importantly the old Master module will not fit and needs to be replaced with the newest version (see below). We will adapt all modules to be QS case compatible; promised!
Please go to the individual product pages in our online shop for:
And here is just one more teaser of a prototype for a handle for even more versatility of the QS case.
New MASTER R5 Module
Mainly because the previous revisions didn't fit into the Quick Swap Case, we're releasing a new version of the Master Module which will not only fit into the new case but also adds a new set of DIP switches for decoupling MIDI signals from the bus.
If you have bought a Master module within the last 12 months, you can order the new module version at a discount of 25%. Please get in touch with us to get your discount.
You can buy the new Master module from our shop.
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6TRIGBUTTON
This module is perfect for live performances as it gives you 6 push buttons that send triggers. It's great for starting a sample on SAMPLYR, advancing or resetting a sequence on SEQ8/16 or playing finger drums.
You can buy the 6TRIGBUTTON from our online shop.
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New Micro Modules
We are continuing on our journey to make everything smaller! The latest batch of micro modules are:
- uENV - a single envelope generator with CV control, AD/AR mode and exponential/linear characteristic
- uXMIX- a micro version of the XMIX module which features 2 different types of mixers, an attenuator plus an inversion channel
- uWNDCOMP - this is a window comparator which takes an input voltage and then sends out three independent gate signals indicating that this voltage is either higher, lower or within the bounds of the offset and window size voltages.
You can purchase these now in our shop.
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VMIX-10 R2
The first revision of our tiny mixer was a total hit, especially with musicians who love to make music with the Volca instruments from Korg. Unfortunately some of the Volcas would be quite noisy when powered via the DC outputs from the VMIX-10 which lead to the introduction of the noise blocker cable (which we no longer produce). This new revision of the VMIX-10 features specially designed DC isolating circuits on the 4 power outputs which eliminates the noise issue when used with the Volcas.
You can buy the new R2 version of the VMIX-10 in our online shop.
SAMPLYR Programmer
The SAMPLYR module is by far the most complex digital module which we've designed ourselves here at tangible waves and we admit that there may still be a few quirks which will only become apparent once enough people are playing with it. Therefore we will soon release a small device plus a comfortable updater software which you can use to upload new firmwares from your PC to the SAMPLYR module using a USB cable.
The first revision of our tiny mixer was a total hit, especially with musicians who love to make music with the Volca instruments from Korg. Unfortunately some of the Volcas would be quite noisy when powered via the DC outputs from the VMIX-10 which lead to the introduction of the noise blocker cable (which we no longer produce). This new revision of the VMIX-10 features specially designed DC isolating circuits on the 4 power outputs which eliminates the noise issue when used with the Volcas.
You can buy the new R2 version of the VMIX-10 in our online shop.
SAMPLYR Programmer
The SAMPLYR module is by far the most complex digital module which we've designed ourselves here at tangible waves and we admit that there may still be a few quirks which will only become apparent once enough people are playing with it. Therefore we will soon release a small device plus a comfortable updater software which you can use to upload new firmwares from your PC to the SAMPLYR module using a USB cable.
RSKT's Video Library
Rhys aka RSKT is incredibly productive and releases his online video tutorials quicker than we can watch them! They are incredibly thorough and entertaining. Each video comes with sound demos which could be full music tracks in their own right. Hats off to Rhys, he has certainly raised the bar for AE Modular tutorials a mile high and his influence on the community, especially to newcomers is invaluable.
There's now a dedicated sub board on the forum for his announcements:
https://forum.aemodular.com/board/34/rskt-video-library
You can of course also go straight to his videos on his YouTube channel:
https://www.youtube.com/@RSKT_music
Music from the Community
 | Analog by @aditivienna is an incredible debut album, made with a whole room full of cool gear, but a big part was the AE Modular system. This album is "an adventure", full of chiptune wonder and a surprising final track which reveals everything! You should definitely check it out and send some $$$ - it's Christmas after all! https://forum.aemodular.com/thread/2962/album-release-analog-aditi |
Deep Waters by @runningin is a beautiful droning creation which is quite fitting for the season with its chorus of bells. A great use of the TBD and CIRRUS modules!
https://forum.aemodular.com/thread/2958/deep-waters
Black Warrior Lures on TV!! This is predominantly a documentary about his life and work as a fisherman on the Black Warrior river in Alabama. However it is underlaid with Damon's usual intricately arranged synth lines which he performs live on the river bank. Watch the TV clip here: https://video.aptv.org/video/black-warrior-lures-ibg1ax/
 | Some Mo' Dorian by Black Warrior Lures is inspired by the above TV shoot and subsequent live performance, but with a bit more polish from a controlled studio environment. It's beautiful album and you should check it out: https://blackwarriorlures.bandcamp.com/album/some-mo-dorian |
Pursuit of Doctrines by @solipsistnation is a drone with RAINS clangs:
https://forum.aemodular.com/thread/2945/pursuit-doctrines
AE+TAPE=TAEP? by Keurslager Kurt. This thread features two recordings made with the same recording setup but different synths. This is K playing on his softer, more ambient side, which we love just as much as his jumping Techno tracks!
https://forum.aemodular.com/thread/2932/ae-tape-taep
 | MINLM by @pt3r!! Can we just all agree that there is no artist on the AE Modular forum who produces more music on a continuous basis than Peter? He gifts us with so many different sounds and genres, it's like it's Christmas every day! This is his most recent album of all one-patch-no-daw tracks. https://forum.aemodular.com/thread/2946/minlm |
DIY
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It's all about cases this month! @georgemuralkh took matters into his own hands and promptly designed these beautiful 3D printed cases. As you can see by the length of this thread, it garnered a lot of attention already. Not sure if the files will be released soon, so watch this space! https://forum.aemodular.com/thread/2968/3d-printed-cases-prototypes
It's also all about the GRAINS! A veritable explosion of new GRAINS firmwares has happened not quite overnight, but in an incredibly short time all thanks to Sean aka @feijal who apparently has nothing better to do than to plumb the depths of what's possible with the GRAINS. So far there are 22 new firmwares available from @feijal's code repository. You can also follow the discussion here: https://forum.aemodular.com/board/24
Events and Meetups
AE Modular Zoom Meetup
This year's final meetup was held on Saturday 2nd of December 2023 and was a great success once again.
This year's final meetup was held on Saturday 2nd of December 2023 and was a great success once again.
Next year we will experiment with different alternating days so hopefully we will be able to attract people who could not join the weekend meeting. The idea is to have the meeting on a Weekday one month and on the Saturday the next month.
Please visit the forum for more information and future meeting dates.
I'm so happy about the release of AEtherwaves, the 5th album of our amazing forum and Discord community. It is always a source of wonder for me to see and hear the many different ways in which the system which I've created is being used. There is so much variation in the songs which I could never have even dreamed about when I started the tangible waves journey almost exactly 7 years ago now. While I wish I had the time to make music myself, I'm just incredibly thankful that you, the community, are so generous in making your creations available in this format. ​
AE Modular featured in German Synthesizer Magazine
​​We are very honoured to have been featured in Germany's most prominent eponymous Synthesizer Magazine in a special edition which gives people, who are new to modular synthesis an easy entry. Especially for this edition we created three new full mini systems based on the VCASE-7 which can now be purchased in our shop (links below). These are described in detail in the magazine and there's also a nice introduction video by The 5th Volt, for the first time in German language!
You can purchase the Synthesizer Magazine special modular synth edition here:
​https://synthesizermagazin.de/products/sonderausgabe-das-modulare-synthesizer-magazin-print
New Products
The VCASE-7 seems to inspire many on the forum to go "small" and to come up with creative combinations of modules which will fit into the tiny 7 unit space of this Volca sized case. Then we were invited to collaborate with the German Synthesizer Magazine and came up with the idea of 3 systems which would be useful out of the box for different purposes and now you can purchase these in our shop!
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- VSYSTEM-1 is a true analog synth with a sequencer
- VSYSTEM-2 is a digital wavetable synth with effects, eg. reverb, chorus, shimmer, etc.
- VSYSTEM-3 is a lo-fi drum machine with a sample player
​If you have an idea for a cool mini system configuration, then please let me know, either via the contact form here on the website or via the forum:
https://forum.aemodular.com/board/4/tangible-waves-ae-modular
Other Products
SAMPLYR is now finally shipping for real!
As explained in the last blog post, we discovered a few software bugs just before releasing the module and had to fix all those before shipping it to everyone who has ordered it. And along the way we also added a few additional features! But all orders are now shipped and the software is better than ever!
Thanks to RSKT for being a beta tester and not just finding all the bugs just in time, but also for making this cool overview video for the SAMPLYR module. Also to Matt for suggesting features which I would have never thought of.​
As explained in the last blog post, we discovered a few software bugs just before releasing the module and had to fix all those before shipping it to everyone who has ordered it. And along the way we also added a few additional features! But all orders are now shipped and the software is better than ever!
Thanks to RSKT for being a beta tester and not just finding all the bugs just in time, but also for making this cool overview video for the SAMPLYR module. Also to Matt for suggesting features which I would have never thought of.​
​Problems with the TBD Open Source Software
If you are a forum regular you may have witnessed the long running thread about issues with missing presets in the TBD module. As it is all based on open source software and not a hardware issue we had to involve the creator of the project, Robert Manzke, and one of the most prolific plugin developers for TBD, Mathias (aka @visuellemusik) to troubleshoot and work towards a resolution. It's tricky as there are many interconnected parts, but it seems that a fix is either already there, or at least close. Well done to everyone involved, especially user @tIB who not only reported the issue in the first place, but became an integral party in its resolution process. You can read all about it in this thread:
https://forum.aemodular.com/thread/2040/tbd-troubleshooting
AEther Waves Vol. 5 has been released! ​
Many thanks to the community of artists and fans of the AE Modular for giving away their hard work (although I think you all had fun doing it, too). The mastering was done perfectly by Scott aka DeepSEA of Audio Detroit LLC and the album cover was provided graciously by Rhys aka RSKT who is not only a consummate musician, but also a very talented graphic artist.
Again, all proceeds are sent directly to Musicians without Borders in support of their work to bring music to young people who are living in regions which are affected by war and terror (of which there are now way too many, unfortunately!). So please go and buy the album, it's only 5 Euros!
Again, all proceeds are sent directly to Musicians without Borders in support of their work to bring music to young people who are living in regions which are affected by war and terror (of which there are now way too many, unfortunately!). So please go and buy the album, it's only 5 Euros!
​DIY
Add terrifying sensors to your AE Modular
User @feijal suggests these super cute and quite affordable sensors which can be connected to the AE Modular via the bus power and send CV directly to modules, as they operate on 0-5V. This could give your system immediate expressiveness! Read more here:
https://forum.aemodular.com/thread/2853/adding-terrifying-sensors-ae-modular
GRAINSurgery is not for the faint of heart, but can give much power!
This thread is all about making the GRAINS be controllable via direct MIDI messages when partnered with the mb/1 module from Wonkystuff. You need to do some soldering and there's a new firmware, but it may be worth it! Find out more here:
https://forum.aemodular.com/thread/2835/grainsurgery-midi-input ​
Events and Meetups
Synthfest in Sheffield
This was a great meetup of synth manufacturers and enthusiasts in the UK and luckily we had John from Wonkystuff to show off not only the AE Modular, but also his own fabulous module creations, especially the new MIDI modules. He was even interviewed by Sonicstate, which you can view here:
This was a great meetup of synth manufacturers and enthusiasts in the UK and luckily we had John from Wonkystuff to show off not only the AE Modular, but also his own fabulous module creations, especially the new MIDI modules. He was even interviewed by Sonicstate, which you can view here:
​Monthly Zoom Meetup
This was a bit later in the month than usual, but again there were good discussions, especially around various DIY topics.
We are always happy to see new people at these events. If you would like to join, please find more information on the forum (you must be logged in to see this post):
forum.aemodular.com/board/29/online-meetups
Everything has been delayed.
The SAMPLYR module has been sent to a few beta testers who really put it through its paces and found some issues and gave very good suggestions for additional features which we need to get added into the firmware first before sending it out to all customers. Production and order fulfilment has been seriously delayed lately because of alternating illness of staff. Development of new products has been on hold while I was organising a private move out of the apartment my partner and I have been living in for some years, which took much more time and energy than I thought.
In short .. for a small company like ours, when life gets in the way, it affects business more than it would a bigger one.
Unfortunately this affects you, our dear customers, and for that I am deeply sorry! And in order to make it up to you I would like to announce our ….
The SAMPLYR module has been sent to a few beta testers who really put it through its paces and found some issues and gave very good suggestions for additional features which we need to get added into the firmware first before sending it out to all customers. Production and order fulfilment has been seriously delayed lately because of alternating illness of staff. Development of new products has been on hold while I was organising a private move out of the apartment my partner and I have been living in for some years, which took much more time and energy than I thought.
In short .. for a small company like ours, when life gets in the way, it affects business more than it would a bigger one.
Unfortunately this affects you, our dear customers, and for that I am deeply sorry! And in order to make it up to you I would like to announce our ….
Autumn Discount of 15%
from now until the 31st October.
Just use the discount code: HAELLOWEEN23
from now until the 31st October.
Just use the discount code: HAELLOWEEN23
On another note we are working on a strategy of continuous improvements which will affect many aspects and the overall quality of the AE Modular system over the next 6-12 months:
These changes will take time and we will report on them over the next few months. However if you have any comments or questions, please get in touch either via the forum:
https://forum.aemodular.com/board/4/tangible-waves-ae-modular
or via the contact form on our website:
https://www.tangiblewaves.com/contact.html
- New case options including the new quick-mount case developed by Kyaa
- Improved front panels as standard
- New and revised/improved standard modules
- Slower development with a focus on more rigorous testing before releasing new modules
These changes will take time and we will report on them over the next few months. However if you have any comments or questions, please get in touch either via the forum:
https://forum.aemodular.com/board/4/tangible-waves-ae-modular
or via the contact form on our website:
https://www.tangiblewaves.com/contact.html
New Products
MIDI Modules from Wonkystuff
These were already covered in the July Newsletter but they are now officially for sale on the Wonkystuff website!
These were already covered in the July Newsletter but they are now officially for sale on the Wonkystuff website!
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The new MIDI system consists of the 1U base module mb/1 which is a MIDI multiplexer: it accepts MIDI signals via a 3.5mm socket and then transmits all 16 MIDI channels on individual output sockets for consumption by the other MIDI modules in this system. It's important to understand that the outputs transmit MIDI serial data and not CV!
The other modules in this system are micro modules for which you would need a uBase to install them in your system:
The website has much more information about this, you should definitely check it out!
https://wonkystuff.net/midi-a-new-signal-type-for-ae/
Also here is a short video which shows how the mco/1 works:
The other modules in this system are micro modules for which you would need a uBase to install them in your system:
- mco/1 is an oscillator which is fully controlled via MIDI signals
- mcc/4 translates 4 MIDI CC messages to CV
- m/tr8 translates MIDI key presses to trigger signals which can be used to trigger drums or envelopes in the AE system
The website has much more information about this, you should definitely check it out!
https://wonkystuff.net/midi-a-new-signal-type-for-ae/
Also here is a short video which shows how the mco/1 works:
We at tangible waves are also preparing an extended integration of MIDI functionality into AE modular, e.g. to handle polyphony easily, and getting comprehensive modulation possibilities via MIDI.
Music from the Community
Call for submissions: AEther Waves Vol. 5
It's time for another community album! The last 4 albums were a blast and why stop? Please send in your tracks by the 23rd of October. More information on the forum:
https://forum.aemodular.com/thread/2812/aetherwaves-vol-5-submissions-wanted
Live Performances
Namke Communications has performed with a minimal AE Modular setup in a beautiful setting and luckily for us it was all filmed and recorded! Check it out:
It's time for another community album! The last 4 albums were a blast and why stop? Please send in your tracks by the 23rd of October. More information on the forum:
https://forum.aemodular.com/thread/2812/aetherwaves-vol-5-submissions-wanted
Live Performances
Namke Communications has performed with a minimal AE Modular setup in a beautiful setting and luckily for us it was all filmed and recorded! Check it out:
The 5th Volt was invited to play at a small synth gathering with the theme "Deep Ocean". The recording of this all AE Modular composition can be seen here:
New Albums
It's always exciting to see complete albums being made with the AE Modular. And the ones below are
 Dead City - Foxermod has dropped his very first full EP made completely with the AE Modular system. It's clearly a work of love and just an outstanding achievement musically and for the AE Modular eco system. Please check it out and purchase it on Bandcamp: https://foxermod.bandcamp.com/album/dead-city-ep  Hills like Drops of Blood - Many Small Functions made his debut on Bandcamp with this ambient, drone and percussion focused album. It's a real treat and you should check it out: https://manysmallfunctions.bandcamp.com/album/hills-like-drops-of-blood |  The Vibes of Prime - Black Warrior Lures aka funbun has produced a new album using his new found "solo" voice consisting of a combination of a random bit shift sequencer, sample and hold and the SLOTH module from Keurslager Kurt. This sounds really good and you should check it out: https://blackwarriorlures.bandcamp.com/album/the-vibes-of-prime |
On Youtube
Chariots on Fire - 101 (Dolittle)
This was made with the AE Modular and the Yamaha TX81 for pads.
Chariots on Fire - 101 (Dolittle)
This was made with the AE Modular and the Yamaha TX81 for pads.
Vingerlik - Keurslager Kurt is "fingerlicking" good and shows how you can make big sounds with a small synth setup and a powerful effects pedal (in this case the Hologram Microcosm)
VCASE-7 adventures
L+R Studies for Stereo - Keurslager Kurt shows off his new mini case with a few modules to great effect in this forum post.
https://forum.aemodular.com/thread/2781/studies-stereo
DIY
GRAINSurgery … adding MIDI to GRAINS
This hack looks dangerous and will definitely void any warranty for your GRAINS, but the benefits are immense in that it adds full MIDI functionality to GRAINS. Obviously you will need to load firmware which can make use of this functionality, but that may be forthcoming. More info at: https://forum.aemodular.com/thread/2835/grainsurgery-midi-input
This hack looks dangerous and will definitely void any warranty for your GRAINS, but the benefits are immense in that it adds full MIDI functionality to GRAINS. Obviously you will need to load firmware which can make use of this functionality, but that may be forthcoming. More info at: https://forum.aemodular.com/thread/2835/grainsurgery-midi-input
Events and Meetups
Zoom Meetups are still happening typically on the last Saturday of each month with a growing number of attendees. Everyone who is a member of the forum is invited to join for a fund discussion of anything related to AE Modular, electronic music and music production in general.
More information here:
https://forum.aemodular.com/board/29/online-meetups
Knobcon - September 8-10 in Chicago
Kyaa had a stall there and reportedly had a lot of fun showing off the AE Modular system, SAMPLYR, Quickswap (including the new powdercoat finish, and the suitcase hinge), Euclid Grid in Eurorack-format and a specially made Euclid Grid in a Tin-Can!
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UPCOMING Synthfest UK - October 7th in Sheffield
If you are nearby, you should definitely go to this year's Synthfest UK and visit John from Wonkystuff who will be eager to show you the new MIDI modules!
More info: https://www.synthfest.co.uk/
Wow this blog is super late! The last 3 months have been a non stop rush. First preparation for Superbooth, then the rollercoaster that is Superbooth, then I was sick with COVID (again) and then a relentless stream of orders and work on the SAMPLYR module. So my apologies for the late updates.
Superbooth was amazing as always. It is really a great experience not only to meet our trusted and new potential customers, but also the other exhibitors. Over the years we have become a sort of extended family, and Superbooth our grand gathering in the middle of the year.
Here are a few impressions:
Superbooth was amazing as always. It is really a great experience not only to meet our trusted and new potential customers, but also the other exhibitors. Over the years we have become a sort of extended family, and Superbooth our grand gathering in the middle of the year.
Here are a few impressions:
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We also had a visit from Luke from Sonicstate again. Have a look:
New Products
SAMPLYR is now for sale!!
It’s a sample player which loads samples of any length from micro SD. Samples have to be stored as 8bit mono WAV files. You can set the sample start and end points as well as a loop start and end point. Here is a demo video on how this sounds:
It’s a sample player which loads samples of any length from micro SD. Samples have to be stored as 8bit mono WAV files. You can set the sample start and end points as well as a loop start and end point. Here is a demo video on how this sounds:
While the hardware for this module was stable months ago, it took much longer to work on the firmware.
But this is now done and you can order the module from our shop.
New case by KYAA
This has been leaked and talked about a lot, but seeing and feeling this super quality case was amazing. We can’t wait to see this in production. This video shows Toms talk about it in more detail:
Le Module 01 by M4vrick
This is a chord oscillator not unlike the Solina, but with different waveforms. It sounds amazing! Check out this video by RSKT to get more info and some ideas on how to use it in a patch:
The first batch of this module was sold out a week ago, but a new batch is promised to arrive soon. Please register your interest in this thread on the forum:
https://forum.aemodular.com/board/32/m4vrick
https://forum.aemodular.com/board/32/m4vrick
| AEuroPi by Fauxcyrillic This is another programmable module which is similar to the Ornament & Crime (which is unfortunately no longer available due to chip apocalypse). It is a CV control module which can be programmed in Micropython. It has the following features:
You can get up to date information about this and other projects by Fauxcyrillic on the forum: https://forum.aemodular.com/board/33/fauxcyrillic |  |
| 555 Oscillator by Keurslager Kurt This is a fully analog oscillator with superb tracking and sound. It has the following features:
You can purchase it from Tindie: https://www.tindie.com/products/keurslagerkurt/kurt-m4vricks-555-vco-for-ae-modular/ |  |
Wonkystuff news
John has been hard at work to create a new series of modules which will revolutionise the way we use MIDI in our AE Modular systems. So far this series consists of the following modules:
mb/1 - This is the base module in full size 1U. It has a 3.5mm MIDI input jack and 20 patch outputs: one for each of 16 MIDI channels, plus reset, clock, start and a MIDI through. The revolutionary thing about this is that each of the 16 channels transmit the fill MIDI serial protocol via the patch cable! This introduces a third signal path to our modular systems: Audio, Control Voltage and now MIDI!
mco/1 - This is a micro sized fully featured oscillator which has a MIDI patch input and audio, trigger and gate outputs. Although it has a convenient hardware tuning knob, all other parameters are accessible only via MIDI control messages (CC).
mcc/4 - This translates various MIDI CC messages into control voltage for use within the AE rack. Out of the box the following messages are supported, however other CC commands can be configured:
- a: Pitch bend
- b: Modulation (CC 1)
- c: Breath control (CC 2)
- d: CC 3
m/tr8 - This is a micro module which translates MIDI key presses into trigger signals which can be used to trigger drums or envelopes in your AE rack. Out of the box it registers middle C as the first trigger and the following seven notes/keys for subsequent triggers.
All of these modules are currently in development. Check out the forum for any updates! However here is a sneak peak from Superbooth:
New shop front for EU customers - Due to the UK's Brexit it has become a bit difficult to ship anything to the EU, which has prompted Wonkystuff to open a second storefront for EU customers only. This manages postage and any customs charges a bit more conveniently:
https://lectronz.com/stores/wonkystuff
Music from the Community
RSKT (the capable musician) has been very busy making videos for the AE modular system. These are all of very high production value and his style of explaining makes it very easy to follow and understand. He is also a gifted musician and the patches at the end of each video are gems in themselves. We’ve already linked to the video about Le Module at the top of this newsletter, but here are a few more which are excellent:
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Album Marmor by Jerngevir (aka @gaetan)
This a very nice atmospheric work made 100% in the AE rack. The two songs use the same patch in different ways.
https://jerngevir.bandcamp.com/album/marmor
 | Album Sequences by Black Warrior Lures aka @funbun One track on this album answers the question we have all been asking ourselves when lying awake in the dead of night, “can the AE play Shakespear?” Go and listen to Twelfth Night’s Storm and you will agree, that yes, AE is definitely up for Bill’s finest! The other tracks are also very good and make much use of the new Rains and Cirrus modules. https://blackwarriorlures.bandcamp.com/album/sequences |
 | Album TAKES, TOKES & TOKENS by Deofol aka @pt3r From the master of drones comes a superbly rhythmic and melodic album which explores new modules straight out the rack. https://deofol.bandcamp.com/album/takes-tokes-tokens |
Making the most out of a tiny system
Matt Wand aka @rockysmalls showed it first in this jam at Superbooth where he created huge soundscapes with only the AE Rains and AE Cirrus modules with some micro helpers in a tiny VCASE7 rack.
This prompted The 5th Volt aka @admin to make a more “classic” MicroStAEtion which features a dual oscillator, very grungy filter and 8 step sequencer also in the VCASE7. It’s great for jamming as you can see in this video:
AE Modular Live Set in Brooklyn, NY by @rami - Playing live with a modular can be a daunting task, as we discussed many times in our Zoom meetups. Rami shows how it’s done in this 50 minutes long performance. And the audience is loving it!
Live in Australia by @maydonpoliris - This is another daring modular live gig at a wintry outdoor modular meetup near Sydney. Get into it and let the groove put you in a trance!
So much more!
As always, this blog can only list a small sample of the music that’s uploaded to the Forum and Discord. The last 3 months have been full of new music created by our fantastic community. Please check it out either on Discord or on the Forum:
https://forum.aemodular.com/board/5/ae-music-performances
Events and Meetup
At the last Zoom meetup in July we saw a few new faces which was great! It's a good forum to catch up on the latest news and to chat about personal projects or to ask questions. There is now a kind of "core" group of people, but we are always happy to see new people who may bring a different perspective to our discussions.
Next meetup is on the 26th of August (27th for the Australians). Please check the forum for more information.
I have to admit that I have made a mistake which could have plunged us in serious legal trouble and I’m very lucky and grateful that it was resolved in a good way after all.
What has happened?
In March 2022 I released a new filter module which was based on the circuitry of the Soviet-Era Polivoks synthesizer and I asked the community what I should call this module. I wrote a few blog posts about this and we also had a poll on the forum to let the community determine the name. With overwhelming majority the name “Kuzmin Filter” was chosen and I released the module under this name. I also advised that I would send 70% of revenue from the sales of this module to UNICEF to help children who were affected by war.
What I didn’t do, was to contact Mr. Vladimir Kuzmin to ask his permission to use his name! This was a gross oversight on my part and absolutely not OK. Mr. Kuzmin wrote to me recently and made me aware that he didn’t give his permission to use his name. Luckily he was very nice about it and was happy when I instantly took the module off the shop. He also pointed out that my posts made it seem as if he was endorsing the donations to UNICEF, which could be problematic for him, as he lives in Russia. Therefore I am issuing the following statement:
The module, formerly sold on this website with the name “Kuzmin Filter”, was not endorsed in any way by Mr. Vladimir Kuzmin nor were the donations made to UNICEF from the sales of this module endorsed by Mr. Kuzmin.
I have apologised profusely to him, which he has graciously accepted. He has also made it clear that while the name is protected, the circuitry is not, and that I can release the module under a different name. Therefore, the module isn't available in the shop at the moment.
This situation could have been much much worse if lawyers got involved and it could have easily killed tangible waves! So I feel very lucky and very grateful for the way in which Mr. Kuzmin has conducted this affair. I also would like to make it very clear that, although the name was chosen by members of the forum, the responsibility for not checking in with Mr. Kuzmin lies with me alone. No one else is at fault.
But now we can move on and this filter module will soon be released with a new name. I’m thinking of “Grunge Filter” or “Gnarly Filter” which, to me, best describes the sounds you can get out of this module.
What has happened?
In March 2022 I released a new filter module which was based on the circuitry of the Soviet-Era Polivoks synthesizer and I asked the community what I should call this module. I wrote a few blog posts about this and we also had a poll on the forum to let the community determine the name. With overwhelming majority the name “Kuzmin Filter” was chosen and I released the module under this name. I also advised that I would send 70% of revenue from the sales of this module to UNICEF to help children who were affected by war.
What I didn’t do, was to contact Mr. Vladimir Kuzmin to ask his permission to use his name! This was a gross oversight on my part and absolutely not OK. Mr. Kuzmin wrote to me recently and made me aware that he didn’t give his permission to use his name. Luckily he was very nice about it and was happy when I instantly took the module off the shop. He also pointed out that my posts made it seem as if he was endorsing the donations to UNICEF, which could be problematic for him, as he lives in Russia. Therefore I am issuing the following statement:
The module, formerly sold on this website with the name “Kuzmin Filter”, was not endorsed in any way by Mr. Vladimir Kuzmin nor were the donations made to UNICEF from the sales of this module endorsed by Mr. Kuzmin.
I have apologised profusely to him, which he has graciously accepted. He has also made it clear that while the name is protected, the circuitry is not, and that I can release the module under a different name. Therefore, the module isn't available in the shop at the moment.
This situation could have been much much worse if lawyers got involved and it could have easily killed tangible waves! So I feel very lucky and very grateful for the way in which Mr. Kuzmin has conducted this affair. I also would like to make it very clear that, although the name was chosen by members of the forum, the responsibility for not checking in with Mr. Kuzmin lies with me alone. No one else is at fault.
But now we can move on and this filter module will soon be released with a new name. I’m thinking of “Grunge Filter” or “Gnarly Filter” which, to me, best describes the sounds you can get out of this module.
Products
Ornament & Crime remains unavailable
More bad news due to the “chip-ocalypse” - which affects the O&C module as it is based on the Teensy 3.2 development board. This is most likely to be discontinued, or, at least, it’s going to be a very long time before it will become available again. Better don't put much hope into it. See this screenshot below:
More bad news due to the “chip-ocalypse” - which affects the O&C module as it is based on the Teensy 3.2 development board. This is most likely to be discontinued, or, at least, it’s going to be a very long time before it will become available again. Better don't put much hope into it. See this screenshot below:
Unfortunately the O&C firmware is made specifically for the 3.2 version and will not work on the new 4.0 board. Time will tell if and when the original firmwares will be ported. Until then, the O&C module will stay unavailable.
“Le Module 01” from M4vrick
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Fresh out of France is this amazing new module called “Le Module 01” made in collaboration by Gregory (@m4vrick) and Zeno (@keurslagerkurt). It is a complex wavetable oscillator which plays chords and sounds really good! Here you can and hear it in action:
More information and how to order on the forum:
https://forum.aemodular.com/thread/2593/french-home-vco-module-le
Music from the Community
Therapy by @glitchyfrog - this incredible track about depression is hauntingly beautiful!
https://forum.aemodular.com/thread/2607/therapy
https://forum.aemodular.com/thread/2607/therapy
Lone Dark Sequence by @mathias - This beautiful track comes with a full patch description in the forum post below!
https://forum.aemodular.com/thread/2570/lone-dark-sequence
Split Groove by @pt3r - This is an interesting MIDI experiment. Check out the groovy track and patch notes:
https://forum.aemodular.com/thread/2580/split-groove
jAEst rAEn by @waporwave - This track is so polished and smooth, it should be on a Bandcamp album!! Showing that the AE can interface well with the Reaper DAW:
https://forum.aemodular.com/thread/2581/jaest-raen-modular-reaper-cover
The coolest Room by Beaucarnea Collab - @maydonpoliris and @pols on vocals! The Youtube video with images made with Midjourney AI..
https://forum.aemodular.com/thread/2577/coolest-room-beaucarnea
Etherbunny by @pt3r - A different kind of Easter fun. Imagine going on an Easter-Egg-Hunt in a dark cave, hundreds of meters below ground ...
https://forum.aemodular.com/thread/2584/ether-bunny
The Ominoculus Abendment by @krakenkraft - We are not quite sure what we are listening to here, but it sounds strangely hypnotic! Definitely a very interesting composition:
https://forum.aemodular.com/thread/2595/ominoculus-abendment
Lost in the Bush & Rattlesnake Tarantula by @maydonpoliris - experiments with the uTone module
https://forum.aemodular.com/thread/2597/lost-bush-rattlesnake-tarantula
XY Plotter and AE Modular by @hand - this was an art installation where the AE was driving a real plotter … check out the very meditative video
https://forum.aemodular.com/thread/2587/hand-xy-plotter-ae-modular
Droplets, or it’s raining today by @ampersand - It’s raining RAINS modules and here is the first one which was shared on the forum to great interest
https://forum.aemodular.com/thread/2589/raining-today
DIY Projects
DIY Sequencer with variable gate time by @mikmo -
https://forum.aemodular.com/thread/2604/diy-squencer
https://forum.aemodular.com/thread/2604/diy-squencer
Events and Meetups
AE Modular Online Meetup
A few new faces showed up for the April meetup and a few who couldn’t make it the last few months. @m4vrick was there to promote his new module “Le Module 01” (see above) and @kyaa showed us a prototype of a new case he’s been working on for a while. Shoutout to Keith, who was in the conference room with Kyaa and who is a recent convert to the AE Modular system. He also invented a kind of mouth controller which sends MIDI events according to your mouth movement (not breath!) More about this in a later thread on the forum.
The meetups are fun and while there seems to be a core group emerging, we are always happy to see new faces (or new voices if you don’t want to show your face). You can find out more about the meetups on the forum (you have to be logged in to see this page):
https://forum.aemodular.com/board/29/online-meetups
The next meetup will be on the 27th of May where we can discuss any news fresh from Superbooth! For details check the forum link.
Superbooth ‘23
This is it … the long wait will soon be over and a bit over 2 weeks we will be heading to Berlin for Superbooth! If you can make it to Berlin, then we would love to see you at our stall W475 on the ground floor in the big hall to the left of the foyer.
You can purchase tickets and find out more at: https://www.superbooth.com/en/
For the last few weeks I have worked on a module which I wanted to release years ago. Some of you may remember the time when we had the “Sunrise” page on our website which listed the upcoming modules in their various stages of development. Well today I checked the internet archive and saw to my horror that this module was promised to be released 4 years ago! Clearly I underestimated the technical challenges, and the feature creep and then the chip shortage … In fact I’ve developed multiple prototypes for this module because of various things not working the way I wanted and then a chip not being available anymore. However I’m getting really close now and I hope to show off this module at the upcoming Superbooth together with a few other surprises.
Without further ado …
Introducing SAMPLYR
Without further ado …
Introducing SAMPLYR
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This module is the super charged version of the sample player module I started developing in 2018. This super compact 1U module can play one sample at a time which can be loaded from a bank of samples from a micro SD card. The samples are organised in 10 folders with 10 samples each for a total of 100 samples. Once a sample has been selected it can be played via the trigger/gate input and the pitch controlled via 1v/oct input. Samples can be of any length as they are streamed directly from the SD card and are stored as 8 bit resolution WAV files.
The OLED display will show you the waveform of the sample and makes it easy to select the start, end and loop points. There are a few CV inputs which will be variably assignable to different parameters, like sample select, sample start/end and loop start/length.
It is planned to be shipped not only as the bare module, but with a nice factory sample library which will also include samples of a well known sound designer, created exclusively for the SAMPLYR module.
This module will be demoed at Superbooth and hopefully be available for sale shortly after.
Finally, the CIRRUS CLASSIC and RAINS are being shipped!
Although we had released these Mutable Instruments clones of Clouds and Rings already in December last year, it took until now that we are finally able to ship them, ahem… A major delay was caused by the fact that the production at our Chinese PCB factory was planned before the Chinese new year festival (where most companies are closed for several weeks), but due to certain communication misunderstandings, the production could start only after the holiday season. Additionally we had to implement a few refinements which we only noticed after receiving the boards and which we had to solve via manual soldering. But all this is history now, and we are shipping all the open orders containing these gems now! These modules are sooo awesome - you will not regret the waiting time!
Music from the Community
@williamrobin - The moving hand begins to write … for better or worse - This experimental track is kicking us off into the March edition of user contributed music on the forum. It’s the first post by this user and shows how the AE modular can be used creatively to break the bounds of conventional music.
https://forum.aemodular.com/thread/2529/moving-hand-begins-write-worse
@funbun - A Few Steps More - Who would have thought that the AE modular could be used to intonate this piece of one of the greatest masters of Jazz of all time. This patch is inspired by John Coltrane’s “Giant Steps” and it shows what can be done with the limited tools available in this rack … a truly great achievement!
https://forum.aemodular.com/thread/2532/steps-more-gaint-modular
https://forum.aemodular.com/thread/2529/moving-hand-begins-write-worse
@funbun - A Few Steps More - Who would have thought that the AE modular could be used to intonate this piece of one of the greatest masters of Jazz of all time. This patch is inspired by John Coltrane’s “Giant Steps” and it shows what can be done with the limited tools available in this rack … a truly great achievement!
https://forum.aemodular.com/thread/2532/steps-more-gaint-modular
@mathias - Different Angles - This ambient patch uses different LFOs which are mixed together for providing movement. Check out the patch diagram below for inspiration.
https://forum.aemodular.com/thread/2543/different-angles
@dmoney2000 - Maximum Pretense - A zesty ambient acid patch with some beautiful visuals in the background.
@pt3r - Voiceless Drop - metallic clangs and clongs in a very groovy pattern. Check it out:
https://forum.aemodular.com/thread/2548/voiceless-drop
@martynaudio - Megalithic Transport Network Part 2 - This is the much anticipated second part of this very atmospheric work. Check it out for the drones and rhythms.
https://martynstonehouse.bandcamp.com/album/megalithic-transport-network-phase-2
@thomblane - Biodata Sonification Live Performance - Thom performed live at the exhibition “Natural Connection” in Munich. This is a great set which you can listen to while contemplating how to incorporate plants and other living organisms (other than the human player) into a modular synth performance.
https://forum.aemodular.com/thread/2566/kunstraum-der-munich-live-performance
@maydonpoliris - Heartbreak at 140 - A monthly newsletter wouldn’t be complete without at least one track by the master of experimental banger grooves! This shows off the power of the MM Divider when combined with the new Heartbeat module.
Other News
Patch Challenge #28 - Minimalism - This challenges you to use the least number of modules for making a track. This is a great challenge especially for those who have “huge” systems with dozens of modules. Take it back to basics … or experiment. A few people have responded with great results. Check it out:
https://forum.aemodular.com/thread/2556/patch-challenge-28-minimalism
Patch and Recipe Book - What started as a single thread has now been promoted to a sub board where anyone can post patch ideas and recipes. There are already a few great ideas but we are always looking for more!
https://forum.aemodular.com/board/30/patch-recipe-book
https://forum.aemodular.com/thread/2556/patch-challenge-28-minimalism
Patch and Recipe Book - What started as a single thread has now been promoted to a sub board where anyone can post patch ideas and recipes. There are already a few great ideas but we are always looking for more!
https://forum.aemodular.com/board/30/patch-recipe-book
DIY
EuroPi for AE Modular - Check out this new module which is based on the EuroPi by Allen Synthesis and converted successfully to the AE format by @ampersand. This thread has all the information:
https://forum.aemodular.com/thread/2537/europi-ae-modular
https://forum.aemodular.com/thread/2537/europi-ae-modular
Smart Encoders - At the last Zoom Meetup @mikmo talked about these nifty I2C encoders which come with a little board and make it super easy to hook into any Arduino based project.
https://forum.aemodular.com/thread/2560/smart-easy-use-encoder
Controller Box - @mikmo has been working on this project for a while with the goal to have a case just for hosting a few manual controllers for his AE system. Currently it contains a ribbon cable and two joysticks. Check out the forum post for more info and arduino code:
https://forum.aemodular.com/thread/2533/diy-controller-box-ae-synth
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Events and Meetups
AE Modular Online Meetup
We had another very enjoyable meetup in March where we discussed what everyone is currently working on with their AE system and any cool patch ideas.
While there seems to be a core group of people joining the meetup every month, we are always happy to welcome new people, even if they just want to hang out and listen! The only condition is that you have to be a member of the AE Modular Forum to access the Zoom details which change every month and are advertised closer to the date.
Superbooth 2023
We are busy preparing for the upcoming Superbooth and hope to see many of you there in person. We will be joined at the booth by Carsten who is the Forum @admin aka The 5th Volt and John aka @namke who is the most prolific creator of 3rd party modules under his bran Wonkystuff.
Tickets are sold here: www.superbooth.com/en/tickets.html
Author
Robert Langer, founder of tangible waves. Here, I will share some thoughts, background infos and news about AE modular and tangible waves.
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