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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!
​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.​ ​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!
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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
Any News?
This month there is no news to report from the tangible waves headquarters. All hands are on deck busy to fulfil orders for our customers who have been waiting for much too long. However the AE community has been as active as ever and that is definitely worth reporting!
Music from the Community
Acid Rest by Dēofol (feat maydonpoliris) - A collaboration made in …. (you fill in the blanks) showing you the Australian Bush like you’ve never seen or heard it before! Check it out: https://forum.aemodular.com/thread/2486/acid-rest-ofol-feat-maydonpoliris
Precipicio - A wonderfully mellow track posted by @frndo, check it out:https://forum.aemodular.com/thread/2489/precipicio
MO)))O)))N drO)))ne - Inspiration struck @Mafic_Pulse after experiencing the mighty Sunn O))) in a live concert and he produced this epic drone with his AE system. If you have good speakers then you should turn them all the way up for this!
https://forum.aemodular.com/thread/2493/mo-dro-ne
https://forum.aemodular.com/thread/2493/mo-dro-ne
Earcandles Live Set - This is a video of a live performance in Sydney by @rodney who performs what looks like open heart surgery on an unsuspecting AE Modular rig! A delight for all the senses!
https://forum.aemodular.com/thread/2513/earcandles-live-set-video
Beaucarnea - Four reasons to stay - This collaboration album between @maydonpoliris and @pol has gained another track since it started last year. This one is atmospheric, rhythmic and slightly mystical. Check it out:
https://forum.aemodular.com/thread/2501/beaucarnea-2-tracks-2023
New Album - Phrygia’s Dance - This is a special album from @funbun aka Black Warrior Lures. After 3 years of composition this is a milestone in his exploration of minimalistic fusion music which is inspired by the works of La Monte Young, Terry Riley and Steve Reich and it’s all performed with the AE Modular! Check it out:
https://blackwarriorlures.bandcamp.com/album/phrygias-dance
https://forum.aemodular.com/thread/2513/earcandles-live-set-video
Beaucarnea - Four reasons to stay - This collaboration album between @maydonpoliris and @pol has gained another track since it started last year. This one is atmospheric, rhythmic and slightly mystical. Check it out:
https://forum.aemodular.com/thread/2501/beaucarnea-2-tracks-2023
New Album - Phrygia’s Dance - This is a special album from @funbun aka Black Warrior Lures. After 3 years of composition this is a milestone in his exploration of minimalistic fusion music which is inspired by the works of La Monte Young, Terry Riley and Steve Reich and it’s all performed with the AE Modular! Check it out:
https://blackwarriorlures.bandcamp.com/album/phrygias-dance
Boopy track - They Will Be Green - This is a fun track by @solipsistnation to bop your head to and shuffle your feet. Definitely worth a listening to:
https://forum.aemodular.com/thread/2499/boopin
DelugAe - a beautiful song made with the AE Modular and the Deluge by @mathias. It’s a bit of a challenge to combine the AE with other instruments, but it’s very well done in this track.
https://forum.aemodular.com/thread/2510/delugae
Mirage - This is another track where the AE Modular is embedded into a whole with other instruments. It’s dreamy, atmospheric and beautiful … like a walk in an ancient forest. Check it out:
https://forum.aemodular.com/thread/2512/mirage
Apparatus Cherry - As we’ve heard last month, our master of the Drone has got some serious beats and he shows them off in this new track! Listen with the volume up, but take care of your speakers:
https://forum.aemodular.com/thread/2519/apparatus-cherry
CHALLENGE - Do your own Tangerine Dream - The gauntlet was thrown by @maydonpoliris who valiantly issued the first track inspired by the founders of Berlin School electronic music. A few others followed with impressive tracks, all worth checking out! Even though there is a cutoff date … don’t be deterred … if you feel like doing Berlin School, you can post your tracks any time!
https://forum.aemodular.com/thread/2488/tangarine-dream-cutoff-date-28th
https://forum.aemodular.com/thread/2499/boopin
DelugAe - a beautiful song made with the AE Modular and the Deluge by @mathias. It’s a bit of a challenge to combine the AE with other instruments, but it’s very well done in this track.
https://forum.aemodular.com/thread/2510/delugae
Mirage - This is another track where the AE Modular is embedded into a whole with other instruments. It’s dreamy, atmospheric and beautiful … like a walk in an ancient forest. Check it out:
https://forum.aemodular.com/thread/2512/mirage
Apparatus Cherry - As we’ve heard last month, our master of the Drone has got some serious beats and he shows them off in this new track! Listen with the volume up, but take care of your speakers:
https://forum.aemodular.com/thread/2519/apparatus-cherry
CHALLENGE - Do your own Tangerine Dream - The gauntlet was thrown by @maydonpoliris who valiantly issued the first track inspired by the founders of Berlin School electronic music. A few others followed with impressive tracks, all worth checking out! Even though there is a cutoff date … don’t be deterred … if you feel like doing Berlin School, you can post your tracks any time!
https://forum.aemodular.com/thread/2488/tangarine-dream-cutoff-date-28th
Events and Meetups
February Zoom Meetup
This started out very cosy with only 3 people at first, but then more and more regulars dropped in and we had some great discussions. Topics included:
The meetups are a great way to connect with the people of the AE community and although there is now a small group of regulars, anyone is welcome to join at any time.
We would love to see you at the next one!
For information about upcoming Zoom meetups, log in to the forum and go here:
https://forum.aemodular.com/board/29/online-meetups
This started out very cosy with only 3 people at first, but then more and more regulars dropped in and we had some great discussions. Topics included:
- What inspires you to make music? Most people mentioned other music, nature, repeating patterns and generally sounds from the world around us.
- How to do Berlin School music? In reference to the challenge (see above) there were some pointers on how to get started. They should find their way to that thread some day…
- This led to the suggestion that we should start a thread on the forum to collect patching tips and tricks. A bit like the patching challenges, but more helpful and more easily reproducible. Watch this space!
The meetups are a great way to connect with the people of the AE community and although there is now a small group of regulars, anyone is welcome to join at any time.
We would love to see you at the next one!
For information about upcoming Zoom meetups, log in to the forum and go here:
https://forum.aemodular.com/board/29/online-meetups
Meet Wonkystuff at Superbooth, Berlin, Germany - 11-13th May
It’s confirmed, John from Wonkystuff will be at the ‘booth for 3 days. You will most likely find him somewhere near our tangible waves table. We would love to meet you there!
Buy tickets here: https://www.superbooth.com/en/tickets.html
It’s confirmed, John from Wonkystuff will be at the ‘booth for 3 days. You will most likely find him somewhere near our tangible waves table. We would love to meet you there!
Buy tickets here: https://www.superbooth.com/en/tickets.html
I would like to wish all our customers and members of the AE Modular community a happy and above all, healthy new year!
We are now in the 7th year of operation since the successful Kickstarter in late 2016 and we have great plans for this year. But first the good news: Antonia is back from her extended hospital stay, which will be a huge relief for all of us and also will hopefully mean that we will get through our backlog much quicker than we have while she was away.
We are now in the 7th year of operation since the successful Kickstarter in late 2016 and we have great plans for this year. But first the good news: Antonia is back from her extended hospital stay, which will be a huge relief for all of us and also will hopefully mean that we will get through our backlog much quicker than we have while she was away.
Last month we released the first two clones of Mutable Instrument modules which use a chip which is relatively good available and hopefully will be for some time (fingers crossed). There are more MI modules in that line which use this chip and we’ll try to release those just in time for Superbooth.
I’m still excited about the possibilities of the micro modules and have a few ideas for extending the range further this year. I have concluded that the ½ height format is too cumbersome, especially when thinking about specialised cases, so this format is now discontinued and we will only release ⅓ modules from now on. There will be a new mixer module (replacement for the only ½ sized module) and a few different sequencer modules among others. I hope you’ll like where this is going.
There are also a few older modules which are in need of improvement with better sound quality and additional features, so stay tuned for those.
Of course we will also be present at this year’s Superbooth and I hope to meet some of you there in person, if you can make it!
But apart from what we’ll be doing here at the tangible waves workshop, I’m especially looking forward to what YOU will be doing with the AE Modular and I hope to hear and see many more amazing creations on the forum and social media!
I’m still excited about the possibilities of the micro modules and have a few ideas for extending the range further this year. I have concluded that the ½ height format is too cumbersome, especially when thinking about specialised cases, so this format is now discontinued and we will only release ⅓ modules from now on. There will be a new mixer module (replacement for the only ½ sized module) and a few different sequencer modules among others. I hope you’ll like where this is going.
There are also a few older modules which are in need of improvement with better sound quality and additional features, so stay tuned for those.
Of course we will also be present at this year’s Superbooth and I hope to meet some of you there in person, if you can make it!
But apart from what we’ll be doing here at the tangible waves workshop, I’m especially looking forward to what YOU will be doing with the AE Modular and I hope to hear and see many more amazing creations on the forum and social media!
New Products
| SELECTOR The SELECTOR is in a line with the 3VCSWITCH and SWITCHMATRIX4x4 modules; it’s also known as “Sequential switch” in former modular synths. It has 8 inputs for any kind of signals, no matter if audio CV or gate, and one of them can be routed to an output in different ways: Either by a knob, or by a CV, or by clock pulses to advance by 1. And it can also operate as a dual unit with 4 inputs each. You can purchase this module in our online shop. |  |
| VOLTAGE TESTER This nifty little tool can help you understand if you have enough power in your case for all your modules. You can plug it either into a free socket on the bus cable, or via the included adapter, to the extension header at the front/rear side of the case. Then, 5 LEDs show the supply voltage, either green for "ok" (supply voltage is in the range of 4.9 - 5.1 volts), or other colours for too high or too low voltage in steps of 0.1 volts. You can purchase this module in our online shop. |  |
TBD Android App
This came as a complete and very welcome surprise: with this mobile phone app you can control the TBD module from your phone without the need of a PC! Currently this only works on Android phones and you need to connect a USB cable between your phone and the TBD. This app was developed by a new user @betaboon and he currently offers it as a free download from the Google app store:
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.aemodular.tbd
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.aemodular.tbd
If you have any questions or would like to report any issues, please head over to the forum where you can find more information: https://forum.aemodular.com/thread/2435/tbd-android-app
Music from the Community
Interstellar Drive Extended Mix - @deepSEA presented this video of how he made his track for the last Aetherwaves album. Check it out: https://forum.aemodular.com/thread/2477/deepsea-interstellar-drive-extended-youtube
First two fishing trips - @funbun has taken up his fishing rod and jumped into his trusted boat to present us with his first two fishing adventures of the year. Always worth a watch and the soundtrack is, of course, all made with the AE Modular:
https://forum.aemodular.com/thread/2445/first-fishing-trips-2023
First Jam - We always love to hear and see the first creations that newcomers to the AE Modular community present. This one is long and beautiful and shows that the AE can hold its own next to much more expensive gear. https://forum.aemodular.com/thread/2471/first-recorded-ae-modular-jam
First track in 2 years - @pol has done a few collaborations last year, but apparently not finished a single track all by himself. This is the first one in two years and it’s very cool and surprising. Check it out: https://forum.aemodular.com/thread/2464/first-completed-track-ae-years
Huir Lab Exploration - this track features the AE modular in combination with a Behringer 2600 and it sounds really good. Check it out: https://forum.aemodular.com/thread/2449/new-patch-experimentation
41.619, 1.78538 - these could be coordinates to a cool synth studio or to a secret space station. We’ll never know, but it sounds great!
https://forum.aemodular.com/thread/2425/41-619-1-78538
Space - and another spacey contribution by @mathias, check it out:
https://forum.aemodular.com/thread/2444/space
It Blends! - this little soundbite was made by @duddex with the VCDO blender firmware on the Core.A synth made by Wonkystuff. Check out how tiny this system is!
https://forum.aemodular.com/thread/2444/space
First two fishing trips - @funbun has taken up his fishing rod and jumped into his trusted boat to present us with his first two fishing adventures of the year. Always worth a watch and the soundtrack is, of course, all made with the AE Modular:
https://forum.aemodular.com/thread/2445/first-fishing-trips-2023
First Jam - We always love to hear and see the first creations that newcomers to the AE Modular community present. This one is long and beautiful and shows that the AE can hold its own next to much more expensive gear. https://forum.aemodular.com/thread/2471/first-recorded-ae-modular-jam
First track in 2 years - @pol has done a few collaborations last year, but apparently not finished a single track all by himself. This is the first one in two years and it’s very cool and surprising. Check it out: https://forum.aemodular.com/thread/2464/first-completed-track-ae-years
Huir Lab Exploration - this track features the AE modular in combination with a Behringer 2600 and it sounds really good. Check it out: https://forum.aemodular.com/thread/2449/new-patch-experimentation
41.619, 1.78538 - these could be coordinates to a cool synth studio or to a secret space station. We’ll never know, but it sounds great!
https://forum.aemodular.com/thread/2425/41-619-1-78538
Space - and another spacey contribution by @mathias, check it out:
https://forum.aemodular.com/thread/2444/space
It Blends! - this little soundbite was made by @duddex with the VCDO blender firmware on the Core.A synth made by Wonkystuff. Check out how tiny this system is!
https://forum.aemodular.com/thread/2444/space
#jamuary Jam - a beautiful jam by @moruial using the AE modular together with the biggest mixer we’ve ever seen! Check it out:
https://forum.aemodular.com/post/20700/thread
Ghost flight over the Hebrides - This is another track by the collaboration duo Beaucarnea by @pol and @maydonpoliris and it features the new uBitcrusher and uProbagate modules as well as the Moog filter plugin on the TBD controlled via the cool Android app which we showed above. Check it out: https://forum.aemodular.com/thread/2457/ghost-flight-over-hebrides-beaucarnea
Folding SpAcE - another space inspired track by relatively new user @Mafic_Pulse which features the AE Modular in combination with the new Roland SP-404 MkII. Check it out:
https://forum.aemodular.com/thread/2432/folding-space
Album Releases
 Wide Shores by Deofol The master of the Drone is getting more and more beat oriented and on this album shows off a very jazzy and almost danceable (if your Wednesday) tracks. Definitely check this out! https://deofol.bandcamp.com/album/wide-shores |  HEAL by Black Warrior Lures This album is full of quirky tracks which we have come to love from user @funbun. There is even a patch challenge on this album! Check it out: https://blackwarriorlures.bandcamp.com/album/heal |  A Prayer for Selma by Warrior Lures This is a tribute to the town of Selma in Alabama, USA, which was ravaged by a tornado on January 12th 2023. This collection of tracks is as jazzy as we expect from @funbun! Check it out: https://forum.aemodular.com/thread/2481/prayer-selma |
DIY
Project GRAINSILO - This is a project which allows one or more GRAINS to be controlled directly via USB MIDI from a Raspberry Pi using Supercollider. If you don’t mind the coding then you should definitely check it out:
https://forum.aemodular.com/post/20891/thread
USB MIDI for the GRAINS - This is the code used in the above project to control multiple GRAINS using MIDI. If you ever wanted to do this, then check it out:
https://forum.aemodular.com/thread/1900/midi-control-grains-using-library
Another beautiful wooden case - presented by @apiel in this thread: https://forum.aemodular.com/thread/2472/another-wood-case
https://forum.aemodular.com/post/20891/thread
USB MIDI for the GRAINS - This is the code used in the above project to control multiple GRAINS using MIDI. If you ever wanted to do this, then check it out:
https://forum.aemodular.com/thread/1900/midi-control-grains-using-library
Another beautiful wooden case - presented by @apiel in this thread: https://forum.aemodular.com/thread/2472/another-wood-case
Futuristic AE Modular System - this monster rack is a symphony in black and purple neon and the creation of @betaboon. Now we just need to hear some sounds coming out of this beauty ;-)
https://forum.aemodular.com/post/20856/thread
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Poll
Do you use the MIDI connector with your AE modular? It may not be everyone’s cup of tea to use MIDI in a modular setup, but the AE system provides this connectivity out of the box with the Master module so leave your vote whether this is important to you or not: https://forum.aemodular.com/thread/2466/aemodular-midi
AE Modular at Georgia Tech
In a very welcome forum post, Dr. Lanterman of Georgia Tech's Electronics department advised that his course "ECE4450 Analog Circuits for Music Synthesis" will have students design a module in the AE format as their final course assignment. Lectures from previous instalments of this course can be watched on Youtube and are a great way to get started with DIY! Read more about this here:
https://forum.aemodular.com/thread/2479/georgia-techs-ece4450-format-project
https://forum.aemodular.com/thread/2479/georgia-techs-ece4450-format-project
Events and Meetups
January Zoom Meetup
Our first Zoom meetup of the year was on the 21st January and it was well received as usual. The main topics were about new 3rd party modules, how to manage customer reactions to new and improved module versions and how to get (or stay) motivated to make music.
The next meetup will be Saturday 25th February 2023 at the usual time. For more info, check the forum closer to the date.
Superbooth, Berlin, Germany - 11-13th May 2023
We would love to meet you there, so time to get organised! You can already buy tickets here:
https://www.superbooth.com/en/tickets.html
I never thought that being in a hardware business is hard. In fact I never thought about being in a hardware business at all! This whole AE thing started out as a crazy idea which somehow got traction on Kickstarter and it just developed and grew and took over my life. Since mid 2018 I am working full time at tangible waves and since then I’ve been joined by a great team of staff who are working diligently at producing modules, assembling racks and getting orders out of the door. Who would have thought that we would be faced by this century’s most challenging times just as we got really started? We had our ups and downs over the last few years and currently things are a bit more challenging than before and I have to apologise again to everyone who is still waiting for their deliveries … Things have been a bit shaken up over the last few months due to personal issues, but we are still working as hard as we can (even on weekends) to whittle down the immense backlog.
However, I’m still incredibly inspired by the wonderful community of AE Modular users and the mostly positive feedback we receive for our work. I also have a long list of ideas for modules which I want to develop and produce over the next year, so all hardship aside, I’m mostly positive and really looking forward to what the new year will bring. My focus will most likely be on the micromodules which have seen a lot of interest from the community and also a line of Mutable Instrument clones which has now become more important since Émilie has shut down her business this month.
I can’t say this often enough, but I am immensely grateful to each and all of you who have bought a system or module and have put it into your life, your music, your art. Listening to the AEtherwaves album or watching any of the many Youtube videos of your tracks is making me indescribably happy and inspires me to keep going and to create more modules for you.
A huge thanks also to my team here at the tangible waves workshop. Unfortunately, Antonia is on a longer hospital stay at the moment (no worries, it’s a necessary treatment for some chronic health issues she faces for a long time), but Leonie stands in now and has familiarised herself with the non-trivial shipping and order management stuff in record time :-) All of them, Antonia, Tamara and Leonie have gone above and beyond, not just by assembling and shipping out all the orders, but by making the workshop a really fun place to work at.
The tangible waves team wishes all of you a happy Christmas and a healthy and successful new year 2023!
However, I’m still incredibly inspired by the wonderful community of AE Modular users and the mostly positive feedback we receive for our work. I also have a long list of ideas for modules which I want to develop and produce over the next year, so all hardship aside, I’m mostly positive and really looking forward to what the new year will bring. My focus will most likely be on the micromodules which have seen a lot of interest from the community and also a line of Mutable Instrument clones which has now become more important since Émilie has shut down her business this month.
I can’t say this often enough, but I am immensely grateful to each and all of you who have bought a system or module and have put it into your life, your music, your art. Listening to the AEtherwaves album or watching any of the many Youtube videos of your tracks is making me indescribably happy and inspires me to keep going and to create more modules for you.
A huge thanks also to my team here at the tangible waves workshop. Unfortunately, Antonia is on a longer hospital stay at the moment (no worries, it’s a necessary treatment for some chronic health issues she faces for a long time), but Leonie stands in now and has familiarised herself with the non-trivial shipping and order management stuff in record time :-) All of them, Antonia, Tamara and Leonie have gone above and beyond, not just by assembling and shipping out all the orders, but by making the workshop a really fun place to work at.
The tangible waves team wishes all of you a happy Christmas and a healthy and successful new year 2023!
New Products
Even though the order backlog is a constant pressure on my conscience, I just can’t help myself - I just have to make new modules! Following the sad demise of the CIRRUS module due to the global chip shortage I’ve been working for months on a replacement. I’ve also thought about new ways to mount the increasingly popular micro modules.
CIRRUS CLASSIC
Yes, we have the chips! This is a 100% clone of the original CLOUDS module from Mutable Instruments and I have managed to make it with a chipset which is available at the moment. It doesn’t come with as many features as the first CIRRUS module (which is based on the Microcell clone), but it can do all the things you love about granular processing. It comes with either the original firmware or the Parasite alternative firmware pre-installed and you can purchase it today from our shop.
CIRRUS CLASSIC
Yes, we have the chips! This is a 100% clone of the original CLOUDS module from Mutable Instruments and I have managed to make it with a chipset which is available at the moment. It doesn’t come with as many features as the first CIRRUS module (which is based on the Microcell clone), but it can do all the things you love about granular processing. It comes with either the original firmware or the Parasite alternative firmware pre-installed and you can purchase it today from our shop.
(The boards are currently in production, so the module will be actually ready for shipping at the end of January.)
RAINS
Finally you can patch the internet’s most iconic ambient patch “Rings into Clouds”, as this module is a 100% clone of Mutable Instruments’ Rings. It is a resonator which accepts an incoming short sound burst or simply a trigger and can apply various physical modelling algorithms to sound like a tube, a metal bar, a drum or plucked strings which can be pitched. It’s a great complement to the CIRRUS CLASSIC module and can be purchased from our shop.
RAINS
Finally you can patch the internet’s most iconic ambient patch “Rings into Clouds”, as this module is a 100% clone of Mutable Instruments’ Rings. It is a resonator which accepts an incoming short sound burst or simply a trigger and can apply various physical modelling algorithms to sound like a tube, a metal bar, a drum or plucked strings which can be pitched. It’s a great complement to the CIRRUS CLASSIC module and can be purchased from our shop.
uCASE
This is a special case for holding a row of ⅓ micro modules. It comes in the 3 standard widths and can be attached to any AE Modular case using the standard connection kits. This is a great addition to a small performance oriented rack. You can purchase it from our shop.
uCASE CONNECTOR
To attach the uCASE to an existing AE case with maximum space saving, we have created a new connector; similar to the hinge kit, but fixed. Works for connecting regular AE cases too! You can purchase it from our shop.
 |  |
VMIX-10 Success Story
The VMIX-10 has been a huge success and, as mentioned above, it has brought tangible waves to a whole new community with a product which fulfilled a much lamented need. In these challenging economic times, the sales of this product alone have made a big difference to our company’s bottom line.
So it was that one of our new customers came by spontaneously to show me how the VMIX-10 has become the central hub of his Volca studio .. in a van! (BTW: We love meeting our customers in person - a very rare event.)
So it was that one of our new customers came by spontaneously to show me how the VMIX-10 has become the central hub of his Volca studio .. in a van! (BTW: We love meeting our customers in person - a very rare event.)
purchas(photos posted with permission from Sebastian Loncar)
VCASE-7
Having the same dimensions as the very popular Volca range of instruments it fits perfectly into this ecosystem. The VCASE-7 takes this idea even further in that it is a tiny rack which comes with power, audio out and headphone amplifier and has room for 7 units of AE modules. If you ever wanted to combine AE Modular with your Volcas … this is the perfect rack for that. You can purchase it from our shop.
VCASE-7
Having the same dimensions as the very popular Volca range of instruments it fits perfectly into this ecosystem. The VCASE-7 takes this idea even further in that it is a tiny rack which comes with power, audio out and headphone amplifier and has room for 7 units of AE modules. If you ever wanted to combine AE Modular with your Volcas … this is the perfect rack for that. You can purchase it from our shop.
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Music made by the Community
Let’s start this off with a new member of the AE community, RSKT, who has wasted no time after receiving his starter rack and made this really well done tutorial followed by a track which shows off how simple modules like S&H can have great impact.
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Flying a Chopper into an Arctic storm by @maydonpoliris is a high energy track:
Minimal Monday by @pt3r seems to have been inspired by The Peripheral, a book by William Gibson which has recently been turned into a TV series on one of the major streaming services.
https://forum.aemodular.com/thread/2356/minimal-monday
Old boat with a new motor is another cool documentation style video by @funbun which combines a great story with impressions from the fishing life style underlined by catchy AE Modular tunes
Distorted Growth is a new album by @glitchyfrog which you can listen to on Soundcloud, Spotify and Apple Music:
https://forum.aemodular.com/thread/2345/on-spotify-distorted-growth-album
Voices is the track @moruial made for the last AEtherwaves Album and this video adds really nice visualisations to it:
The Retreat is a new album by @funbun which can only be described as a Maesterpiece! Check it out:
https://blackwarriorlures.bandcamp.com/album/the-retreat
How small can you make your system and still amuse a crowd with a live performance? @namke shows us how it’s done with this super minimal live set:
https://forum.aemodular.com/thread/2365/8-inch-beat-version-live
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And finally here is a live performance with what could be the biggest AE Modular system in existence … beautifully performed by @malibuinterface
Meetups and Events
AE Modular Zoom Meetup
The last Zoom meetup of the year 2022 was on December 3rd with special guest Frae LaSci who runs the Future Sounds workshops for teenage girls at the Willie Mae Rock Camp in New York. The main thing that makes this school special and conducive for teaching electronic music is that Frae took much care to create a space that has a vibe that makes the girls comfortable and relaxed so they find it easier to be creative. The delivery of the workshops follows a model that is 25% speaking and 75% listening to the students (the opposite from normal school). Most projects focus on small deliverables which consist of experiments: stated hypothesis is tried in experiment and discussed in reflection. Making mistakes is OK and strongly encouraged after the Jazz saying: if you make a mistake, make it again and it sounds deliberate.
Here you can see a performance by the girls with quite a few different electronic instruments and see if you can spot the AE Modular Synth Explorer!
Next Zoom meetup will be 21st January 2023. More details will be posted on the forum.
Natural Connection, Munich, 13th & 14th January 2023
This will feature various installations where plants interface with electronics to make art. User @tomblane from our forum will present the Organa a Biodata Sonification module for Eurorack and AE Modular. You can find more information about the module here:
https://forum.aemodular.com/thread/1908/biodata-sonification-module?page=2&scrollTo=20458
And you can sign up for the event here:
https://fb.me/e/2fD0dykL9
Superbooth, Berlin, 11th - 13th May 2023
Just putting the date in your calendars if you are planning to come to the world’s biggest synth event! Tangible waves will be there and we would love to meet you!
https://www.superbooth.com/en/
This will feature various installations where plants interface with electronics to make art. User @tomblane from our forum will present the Organa a Biodata Sonification module for Eurorack and AE Modular. You can find more information about the module here:
https://forum.aemodular.com/thread/1908/biodata-sonification-module?page=2&scrollTo=20458
And you can sign up for the event here:
https://fb.me/e/2fD0dykL9
Superbooth, Berlin, 11th - 13th May 2023
Just putting the date in your calendars if you are planning to come to the world’s biggest synth event! Tangible waves will be there and we would love to meet you!
https://www.superbooth.com/en/
 | This was a quite unspectacular month and although there are always many orders outstanding and new modules to design, test and release, I took a few days off for a trip to Venice - an urgently needed break. The Biennale was in full swing and between espressos and cappuccinos I enjoyed all the wonderful things presented in the multitude of exhibitions with works from all over the world. The exhibition places alone are so amazing there! If you ever can make it, I recommend it! What would life be without art or music? For me at least it would make no sense at all! So in this case this trip gave me so much energy again that I can now positively look forward to the next few months of building synths for this amazing community. |
New Prices
The price increase, which I announced last month, is now coming into effect. But I stand to my word and if you feel financial pressure and still want to make music, please contact me via this form and we will work something out!
New Products
FILTERBANK914
The FILTERBANK914 module which was introduced in last month’s blog post is now available for purchase at the shop.
The FILTERBANK914 module which was introduced in last month’s blog post is now available for purchase at the shop.
New Module Tease by Kyaa
Kyaa has been teasing his new module on Discord and at the last Zoom meetup. It is a multi purpose module which can be loaded with the Radio Music firmware (by Tom Whitwell) or the Prok drum synthesiser code from Prok Modular. This module has not yet been released for sale so check the forum for any news!
Music by the Community
 | AEtherwaves Vol. 4 - will be released on Friday, 3rd of November to coincide with Bandcamp Friday. The album will feature 33 completely new tracks made by members of our AE Modular Community. Again, all proceeds from album sales will be donated directly to the non profit organisation Musicians without Borders which is working with youth in war torn regions to overcome the trauma of violence with the help of making music. Once the album has been released, you can check it out at https://aetherwaves.bandcamp.com/ |
| Horror Films 2022 - This is a collaborative album of Horror tracks made in the spirit of Halloween! A few of our forum members have made tracks for this album. All proceeds go towards a non profit organisation Feeding America. Check it out here: https://auralfilms.bandcamp.com/album/horror-films-2022 |  |
 | Megalithic Transport Network by @martynaudio - This album was also made completely with the AE Modular and explores classic Berlin School and Kosmische Musik. Check it out here: https://martynstonehouse.bandcamp.com/album/megalithic-transport-network |
| Daisy by @thomblane - This beautiful EP was made completely with the AE Modular and is Thom’s debut on the forum. It is really quite the achievement. Check it out: https://thomblane.bandcamp.com/album/daisy |  |
 | Raptor Mating Dance by @maydonpoliris - This is a new album release on Bandcamp with 12 tracks of his very unique and interesting style. Check it out: https://maydonpoliris.bandcamp.com/album/raptor-mating-dance |
No Kooning by @krakenkraft - this little track sounds like it could belong on the Horror album above as it sounds a bit like a John Carpenter movie soundtrack.
https://forum.aemodular.com/thread/2286/kooning
Cccccccorona by @glitchyfrog - it’s rare, but always welcome to hear the sound of AE mixed with vocals even (or especially?) when it’s in German. https://forum.aemodular.com/thread/2285/ccccorona
Ghoulish Drummer by @pt3r - this is another horror inspired track from our drone master. This comes with a very stylish and mysterious video.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gPaZ5N9ksJc
Vectrex and AE Modular jam by @frix - This is a cool short video with very cool drums and stunning visual effects. https://forum.aemodular.com/thread/2206/hello
All the modules by @mathias - This is a very melodic generative patch using most, if not all, modules in this 2x16 case. https://forum.aemodular.com/thread/2305/all-modules
Usug’s Rage by @reductionist_earth_catalog - A bit of banger with a catchy beat and inspired by a D&D game session which saw an Orc Barbarian take on two mighty Wyrms in a single round of combat: https://forum.aemodular.com/thread/2325/usugs-rage
Patch Challenges
Since the first AE Modular Zoom meeting @pt3r was busy putting out new patch challenges to make us think about our modular in different ways and to challenge our ordinary ways. These are always fun and we encourage everyone to try these at home and even to record them and share on the forum. There is a very encouraging crowd and you can only learn more about your instrument! These were this month’s challenges:
#23 No Predictions - Try to build a patch that generates triggers and or gates as random as possible without resorting to the usual suspects, so no Noise module.
Show us your creativity.
#24 - Bread and Butter - Only ENVelopes and VCAs are allowed and some output so we can hear your creations. Perhaps a bit of FX to make the medicine go down? That's up to you.
#25 - There is no Spoon - create sound with “no input mixing”, but watch those feedbacks and don’t let them get out of control!
#26 - Ugly Ducklings - Build a patch with your most overlooked module and finally convince us all but mostly yourself of its usefulness.
#23 No Predictions - Try to build a patch that generates triggers and or gates as random as possible without resorting to the usual suspects, so no Noise module.
Show us your creativity.
#24 - Bread and Butter - Only ENVelopes and VCAs are allowed and some output so we can hear your creations. Perhaps a bit of FX to make the medicine go down? That's up to you.
#25 - There is no Spoon - create sound with “no input mixing”, but watch those feedbacks and don’t let them get out of control!
#26 - Ugly Ducklings - Build a patch with your most overlooked module and finally convince us all but mostly yourself of its usefulness.
DIY Projects
Bluetooth MIDI to CV with ESP32 - This project by @duddex is a great way of controlling your AE Modular from any Bluetooth MIDI controller, ie. an iPad or similar! All you need is a spare ESP32 micro controller and some time to follow these instructions: https://forum.aemodular.com/thread/2287/bluetooth-midi-cv-esp32
Meetups and Events
UPCOMING - November AE Modular Zoom Meetup - 26th November
Please put this date into your calendars as it will be the last meetup of this year, so we make it special! More information on the forum (you have to be logged in to access this post)
https://forum.aemodular.com/thread/2319/modular-online-meetup-saturday-november
Wonkystuff at Synthfest UK
Please put this date into your calendars as it will be the last meetup of this year, so we make it special! More information on the forum (you have to be logged in to access this post)
https://forum.aemodular.com/thread/2319/modular-online-meetup-saturday-november
Wonkystuff at Synthfest UK
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Apparently the Wonkystuff stand at this event was well received and surrounded by people interested in AE Modular and the tiny, colourful modules that Wonkystuff produces. Two new modules for the micro series were introduced: a Hihat and a Cowbell!
October AE Modular Zoom Meetup
The Zoom meetup was held on the 22nd October and this time there were 12 people present from all around the globe. A very special guest was Paula Maddox the creator of the wonderful WAVETABLES module which is loved dearly by everyone in the AE Modular community. She shared her experience of developing modules for different formats and how refreshingly easy it is to design a module for the AE format when compared to bigger formats like 5U.
It seems almost like a lifetime ago, but it was only last year that we had to increase our prices for the first time after 4 years. Back then it was a tough decision to make, but it needed to be done in response to increases in cost due to supply constraints (the Chip Shortage) and other cost increases which were mostly due to the COVID pandemic.
Unfortunately things have not improved after the pandemic got mostly “under control”. Putin’s brutal war in Ukraine has not just caused incredible hardship to the people of Ukraine, but has led the whole world to the brink of a global recession and the repercussions of this are felt in almost every industry. Especially the volatility of currencies is making it very hard to budget and to keep a small business afloat, or even make a small profit.
So it is with a very heavy heart that I have decided to raise prices for all products again, even though it is going against everything that I believe in. After all, I founded this company with the promise of “Modular Synthesis for EVERYONE” especially for those who cannot otherwise afford the entry to making modular music. This means that I have two announcements:
1. The price increase of 15% for all products will come into effect on 1st of November 2022.
2. There will be a way to request a personal discount, if you cannot afford the increased prices.
The personal discount offers a pathway for anyone who feels strongly that they can not afford the increased prices and wishes to still participate in the modular world. There will be a special form on the website where you can request a discount for personal reasons. I hope that everyone who struggles financially, but wants to express themselves through modular electronic music, will contact me through this form, so that we can work out the best way to bring more music into these increasingly challenging times.
To all our customers, those that have been with us for years and those who have just ordered for the very first time, I want to express my sincere gratitude for your support, understanding and ideas. You are making this whole venture possible and meaningful and I couldn’t keep doing this without you.
I hope we will all get through this challenging period together and that you keep on making your incredible music while I’ll create more modules. There is a huge list of modules to build and I hope to share them with you over the next few years!
New Product
Unfortunately things have not improved after the pandemic got mostly “under control”. Putin’s brutal war in Ukraine has not just caused incredible hardship to the people of Ukraine, but has led the whole world to the brink of a global recession and the repercussions of this are felt in almost every industry. Especially the volatility of currencies is making it very hard to budget and to keep a small business afloat, or even make a small profit.
So it is with a very heavy heart that I have decided to raise prices for all products again, even though it is going against everything that I believe in. After all, I founded this company with the promise of “Modular Synthesis for EVERYONE” especially for those who cannot otherwise afford the entry to making modular music. This means that I have two announcements:
1. The price increase of 15% for all products will come into effect on 1st of November 2022.
2. There will be a way to request a personal discount, if you cannot afford the increased prices.
The personal discount offers a pathway for anyone who feels strongly that they can not afford the increased prices and wishes to still participate in the modular world. There will be a special form on the website where you can request a discount for personal reasons. I hope that everyone who struggles financially, but wants to express themselves through modular electronic music, will contact me through this form, so that we can work out the best way to bring more music into these increasingly challenging times.
To all our customers, those that have been with us for years and those who have just ordered for the very first time, I want to express my sincere gratitude for your support, understanding and ideas. You are making this whole venture possible and meaningful and I couldn’t keep doing this without you.
I hope we will all get through this challenging period together and that you keep on making your incredible music while I’ll create more modules. There is a huge list of modules to build and I hope to share them with you over the next few years!
New Product
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You may remember the mystery module which we showed in last month’s blog. Here is a picture of the real deal … It's modelled after the legendary Fixed Filter Bank 914 by Moog. There are 12 fixed frequencies (technically these are bandpass filters) which can be attenuated on the incoming signal and in addition the very low and very high ends of the signal can be controlled too. The filter bank works differently compared to a usual equalizer: In an equalizer, the signal bands can be attenuated or amplified by a certain amount (usually -12dB to +12dB) whereas the filter bank settings can attenuate the frequency bands completely to zero. It’s a great tool to focus / emphasise certain frequencies which is typical for acoustic instruments. Klaus Schulze said in an interview, he can create a human voice out of white noise through a filter bank :-)
Another nice feature of the FILTERBANK914 module is that there are separate outputs for the even/odd numbered bands, meaning you can use it to create a kind of pseudo stereo effect.
This module will soon be available in the shop.
Music made by the Community
Record your Music!
If you haven’t yet recorded your jams with the AE Modular and always wondered how to do this, or if you are a total pro and happy to share your workflow, please visit this thread and comment or ask questions about recording your AE Modular (and other gear):
https://forum.aemodular.com/thread/2264/talk-recording-music
AEtherwaves Vol. 4 Submissions by 20th October!!
The submission deadline for the 4th volume of our community album AEtherwaves is coming closer. Last year we had over 40 submissions, and it would be so amazing to replicate this again this year! More info here:
https://forum.aemodular.com/thread/2254/aether-waves-vol-submissions-wanted
Halloween Compilation Submissions by 28th October!!
If you have another track in you (after your submitted one to AEtherwaves ;) ) you might want to send it to Aural Films to have it included in their Halloween Compilation. All proceeds from that album will go to a charity that helps US American families in need. Musicians from all genres will be submitting their music, so let’s get a few AE Modulars into the mix! More info here:
https://forum.aemodular.com/thread/2250/halloween-compliation-track-request
Exquisite Corpse still looking for parts!!
The Exquisite Corpse project started by @maydonpoliris is still open for submissions. This is a fun little experiment for when you just want to do a 20 second sound snippet. Get all the information here:
https://forum.aemodular.com/thread/2192/exquisite-corpse
Patch Challenge #23 - No Predictions
After the first AE Modular Zoom meetup user @pt3r thought to rekindle interest in the fabulous patch challenges. If you are not familiar with them, they are little modular puzzles to make you think deeper about the possibilities of your modular and to stimulate your creativity by asking you gently to do things a bit differently than usually. This one is all about randomness without the usual random suspects (looking at you NOISE and RBSS). It's never to late to submit patch notes or a short performance. Check it out here:
https://forum.aemodular.com/thread/2271/patch-challenge-23-predictions
Klondike Incident
As if to prepare for Halloween comes this horror track from our mast of the drone @pt3r .. Check it out at
https://forum.aemodular.com/thread/2270/klondike-incident
Droning Around
Inspired by the “recording your music” thread @duddex uploaded his first song which features the DRONX, DRONE38 combo:
https://forum.aemodular.com/thread/2267/droning
Laser Sun Drop
This acid ambience piece by @glitchyfrog is not only a great piece of AEmbient sound craft, but also started a healthy debate about noise gremlins in the AE Modular system and what to do to get rid of them…
https://forum.aemodular.com/thread/2253/laser-sun-drop-acid-ambience
| Megalithic Transport Network Go and grab this awesome new album from Martyn Stonehouse. It was recorded live using the AE Modular: https://martynstonehouse.bandcamp.com/album/megalithic-transport-network |  |
| Live Jam from 101 Dolittle Here is a nice dolittle jam from @101. Check out the cool suitcase which hosts and protects the AE Modular! | |
| NOLS Live set in Bristol This recording is from the Exchange in Bristol where @nols performed live and almost killed everyone in the audience with a murder bass sound. You should definitely watch this, but take care to to play this too loud! | |
| AE Modular Debut Jam This is not bad at all for a first try with the AE … user @frndo from Argentina shows off an interesting way to trigger video effects by hand: | |
| 3RGOT Collab Jam Users @maydonpoliris and @pt3r are now probably the most prolific uploaders of original content on the forum. So it’s great to see them collaborating and mixing their individual styles into this ambient-glitch-techno-horror-scenario. We need more collabs!! | |
| DIY Projects Gate to MIDI converter User @reductionist-earth-catalog has shared this rather elaborate project in which a DIY module contains an Arduino Nano which sends incoming CV/Gates via USB to a USB host which then converts those to MIDI signals. There is enough hardware hacking and software fiddling to keep you occupied for a few days! https://forum.aemodular.com/thread/2265/gate-midi-converter |  |
Meetups and Events
First Online AE Modular Meetup was a success!
On Saturday 24th September was the very first AE Modular online meetup via Zoom. There were 9 people from a wide variety of time zones, some had their morning coffee, some afternoon tea while toasted with an evening beer! The meeting went for close to 2 hours and was thoroughly enjoyed by all. You can read more about it in this thread on the forum:
https://forum.aemodular.com/thread/2258/modular-online-meetup-saturday-september
(sorry you have to be a logged in member of the forum to read the post!)
8th October - UK Synthfest with Wonkystuff!!
This year's UK Synthfest will host @namke aka Wonkystuff as an exhibitor! If you're nearby (or even on the same isle) then definitely go and visit him!
https://www.synthfest.co.uk/exhibitors
22nd October - Second AE Modular Online Meeting
This will happen again via Zoom at 8pm UTC. Please see more info in this thread on the forum (only visible to forum members):
https://forum.aemodular.com/thread/2272/modular-online-meetup-saturday-october
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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