The renaissance in modular synthesis has sent a strong message. Open-ended sound design, made by connecting sonic capabilities, can inspire musicians’ imagination.
Now, part of the joy of racks of modular gear is the chance to feel these connections in your hand – plugging cables, turning knobs. But that doesn’t mean that the required hardware is always the most convenient or accessible way to work. Why not have the same sorts of powers in your laptop, too? And why not work in an environment that is itself already modular? And why not choose between using just software or connecting your software to hardware?
If you’ve ever asked those questions, OSCiLLOT might be for you. From the lovely Max development house Max for Cats, OSCiLLOT is a toybox full of useful sound-making modules.
This isn’t a faux hardware modular – think of it more like a toolset of Ableton-ish soundmakers (from drum machines to convolution reverbs to synths) that build on their digital construction – but that you can use in the sorts of ways you might use hardware.
Running software alone has some benefits. You only need a hundred bucks, assuming you’ve got Live Suite (Max for Live is required). You don’t run out of cables. You don’t run out of space.
But this software will also play with hardware if you’ve got it. With compatible audio interfaces, you can route signal in and out of your computer to analog modular hardware, too, taking advantage of all the Eurorack goodness we saw at NAMM. (CDM has a round-up to make sense of all that coming soon, by the way – we figured you already had seen the news, but could use a handy field guide that brings it together.)
There’s a lot in this package:
Oscillators
Filters
Mixers
Modulators
Amplifiers
Sequencers
With those, you can build, say the makers, “FM, additive, or subtractive synthesizers, as well as filters, convolution reverbs, mixers, frequency shifters, sequencers, drum machines, and compressors” – and more from there.
There are already some pre-patched instruments and effects. You can use them as presets, or start tearing them apart to hack them into your own creations – a nice way to learn.
And in case you forget this is software, there’s also six-voice polyphony, patch annotation and saving, and the ability to neaten up or hide the display of patch cords.
Oh, yeah, one more thing – don’t forget, this is Max/MSP. So you aren’t limited to these modules. There’s an “SDK” that lets you build your own modules in Max.
All in all, this offers an interesting rival to running something like Native Instruments’ Reaktor inside Live. Reaktor has its own library of pre-built, higher-level modules – which, in turn, you can combine and re-patch and so on. Now, what’s unique in OSCiLLOT is that you can re-patch on the fly, modular style, and easily add in hardware. I can certainly see a place for each (or for more traditional Max patching and the like), really dependent on your workflow and aims.
This deserves a review. Guess I know what’s on my desk for February.
To add hardware, you need a DC-coupled audio interface. (Hmmm… time to do a new listing of which interfaces work.)
http://www.ableton.com/en/packs/oscillot/
You need a DC-coupled interface. Need to edit out the ‘Non-‘
Otherwise the DC component of a signal is removed by a capacitor, so things like control voltages don’t pass through.
yes
oops rectified!
No you don’t! It’s software!!! DC-coupled interface’s are for interfacing with hardware modular gear. Any soundcard will do.
I was referring to the specific phrase in Peter’s article where it said it required a non-DC-coupled audio interface to interact with modular synthesizers, not saying you needed a DC-coupled interface to work correctly.
You need a DC-coupled interface. Need to edit out the ‘Non-‘
Otherwise the DC component of a signal is removed by a capacitor, so things like control voltages don’t pass through.
yes
oops rectified!
No you don’t! It’s software!!! DC-coupled interface’s are for interfacing with hardware modular gear. Any soundcard will do.
I was referring to the specific phrase in Peter’s article where it said it required a non-DC-coupled audio interface to interact with modular synthesizers, not saying you needed a DC-coupled interface to work correctly.
You need a DC-coupled interface. Need to edit out the ‘Non-‘
Otherwise the DC component of a signal is removed by a capacitor, so things like control voltages don’t pass through.
yes
oops rectified!
No you don’t! It’s software!!! DC-coupled interface’s are for interfacing with hardware modular gear. Any soundcard will do.
I was referring to the specific phrase in Peter’s article where it said it required a non-DC-coupled audio interface to interact with modular synthesizers, not saying you needed a DC-coupled interface to work correctly.
great but BEAP is exactly the same M4L modular systeme and it’s free
great but BEAP is exactly the same M4L modular systeme and it’s free
great but BEAP is exactly the same M4L modular systeme and it’s free
Sooo familiar.
Sooo familiar.
Sooo familiar.
Now that BEAP is in Max 7 right out of the box, I think they’ve just missed out on lots of sales… but i’d be interested in a comparison between them
Now that BEAP is in Max 7 right out of the box, I think they’ve just missed out on lots of sales… but i’d be interested in a comparison between them
Now that BEAP is in Max 7 right out of the box, I think they’ve just missed out on lots of sales… but i’d be interested in a comparison between them
with the increasing popularity of both hardware and software modulars perhaps it makes sense to bring up AMS/ingen again.
http://drobilla.net/software/ingen/
http://createdigitalmusic.com/2006/08/linux-rock-star-new-linux-music-making-blog/
http://libremusicproduction.com/tutorials/creating-modular-synths-using-ingen-and-ams-lv2
https://objectivewave.wordpress.com/2014/02/08/tutorial-a-simple-modular-synth-with-ingen-and-ams-lv2/
with the increasing popularity of both hardware and software modulars perhaps it makes sense to bring up AMS/ingen again.
http://drobilla.net/software/ingen/
http://createdigitalmusic.com/2006/08/linux-rock-star-new-linux-music-making-blog/
http://libremusicproduction.com/tutorials/creating-modular-synths-using-ingen-and-ams-lv2
https://objectivewave.wordpress.com/2014/02/08/tutorial-a-simple-modular-synth-with-ingen-and-ams-lv2/
with the increasing popularity of both hardware and software modulars perhaps it makes sense to bring up AMS/ingen again.
http://drobilla.net/software/ingen/
http://createdigitalmusic.com/2006/08/linux-rock-star-new-linux-music-making-blog/
http://libremusicproduction.com/tutorials/creating-modular-synths-using-ingen-and-ams-lv2
https://objectivewave.wordpress.com/2014/02/08/tutorial-a-simple-modular-synth-with-ingen-and-ams-lv2/
Bitwig is fucked, haha
im not a bitwig user nor interested, but i find comments like this a bit crazy. A 99$ 3rd party addon for an already expensive full suite of software != native support with no additional costs.
Bitwig is fucked, haha
im not a bitwig user nor interested, but i find comments like this a bit crazy. A 99$ 3rd party addon for an already expensive full suite of software != native support with no additional costs.
Bitwig is fucked, haha
im not a bitwig user nor interested, but i find comments like this a bit crazy. A 99$ 3rd party addon for an already expensive full suite of software != native support with no additional costs.
this is sweet , im also interested in some fundamental live updates. wonder what abletons up too
Yes, I would not want to spend more money on a DAW that can’t even handle automation delay compensation, this device would be fine for live use but until Ableton can keep automation in sync, I am done investing in that platform.
this is sweet , im also interested in some fundamental live updates. wonder what abletons up too
Yes, I would not want to spend more money on a DAW that can’t even handle automation delay compensation, this device would be fine for live use but until Ableton can keep automation in sync, I am done investing in that platform.
this is sweet , im also interested in some fundamental live updates. wonder what abletons up too
Yes, I would not want to spend more money on a DAW that can’t even handle automation delay compensation, this device would be fine for live use but until Ableton can keep automation in sync, I am done investing in that platform.
Now we’re talking .. i guess Bitwig 2 is going to have something similar built in?
Yes, though they’re somewhat different in implementation. Bitwig’s own instruments and effects are already constructed in this modular environment, and unlike Max, it’s supposed to be fully integrated with the host. (What that means in practice, we’ll see.)
On the other hand, this allows you to mix and match Max/MSP patching, which is a very big deal – huge in terms of the patches out there in the world and the people with the particular skills.
Now we’re talking .. i guess Bitwig 2 is going to have something similar built in?
Yes, though they’re somewhat different in implementation. Bitwig’s own instruments and effects are already constructed in this modular environment, and unlike Max, it’s supposed to be fully integrated with the host. (What that means in practice, we’ll see.)
On the other hand, this allows you to mix and match Max/MSP patching, which is a very big deal – huge in terms of the patches out there in the world and the people with the particular skills.
Now we’re talking .. i guess Bitwig 2 is going to have something similar built in?
Yes, though they’re somewhat different in implementation. Bitwig’s own instruments and effects are already constructed in this modular environment, and unlike Max, it’s supposed to be fully integrated with the host. (What that means in practice, we’ll see.)
On the other hand, this allows you to mix and match Max/MSP patching, which is a very big deal – huge in terms of the patches out there in the world and the people with the particular skills.
I just bought this, and I must say I am impressed. It’s a nice concept but, even more important, it sounds good! Oscs, filters and effects are really high quality I think. I can’t wait to test it with my modular!
I find it hard to believe that it sounds good as good as Reaktor as most other Max4Live and Live synths are rather ‘limited’ sonically even while being very interesting otherwise. That’s why i’m hesitant spending the money… but then again sound quality is not everything and is also relative.
Believe me, it sounds good. A lot of effort and knowledge has been put it into this, you can feel it from second one. And if you have a hardware modular and you use it with live, I think this is a must have.
ok thanks, i will check it out.. and sure the connectivity is awesome.
I just bought this, and I must say I am impressed. It’s a nice concept but, even more important, it sounds good! Oscs, filters and effects are really high quality I think. I can’t wait to test it with my modular!
I find it hard to believe that it sounds good as good as Reaktor as most other Max4Live and Live synths are rather ‘limited’ sonically even while being very interesting otherwise. That’s why i’m hesitant spending the money… but then again sound quality is not everything and is also relative.
Believe me, it sounds good. A lot of effort and knowledge has been put it into this, you can feel it from second one. And if you have a hardware modular and you use it with live, I think this is a must have.
ok thanks, i will check it out.. and sure the connectivity is awesome.
I just bought this, and I must say I am impressed. It’s a nice concept but, even more important, it sounds good! Oscs, filters and effects are really high quality I think. I can’t wait to test it with my modular!
I find it hard to believe that it sounds good as good as Reaktor as most other Max4Live and Live synths are rather ‘limited’ sonically even while being very interesting otherwise. That’s why i’m hesitant spending the money… but then again sound quality is not everything and is also relative.
Believe me, it sounds good. A lot of effort and knowledge has been put it into this, you can feel it from second one. And if you have a hardware modular and you use it with live, I think this is a must have.
ok thanks, i will check it out.. and sure the connectivity is awesome.
Predictable that people would think of BEAP instantly, but this is SO much more. BEAP is great, but this is a lot more and much better integrated with Live, and by the looks of it, this is capable of SO much more! The amount of work that must have been put into this… Still I think we need to see a lot of good demos on what it can do before people are really going to start jumping on it. Most of the potential users are probably already into Max (like me,) so we really need to see why this can be useful and maybe save us some time? Then there is the crowd who didn’t really like the patching-experience of Max. This looks a lot easier, and it looks really fun if you are getting into synthesisers + Modular hardware is too expensive for most people. I hope it sells well and I’ll be eagerly awaiting some demo-videos with cool patches!
Predictable that people would think of BEAP instantly, but this is SO much more. BEAP is great, but this is a lot more and much better integrated with Live, and by the looks of it, this is capable of SO much more! The amount of work that must have been put into this… Still I think we need to see a lot of good demos on what it can do before people are really going to start jumping on it. Most of the potential users are probably already into Max (like me,) so we really need to see why this can be useful and maybe save us some time? Then there is the crowd who didn’t really like the patching-experience of Max. This looks a lot easier, and it looks really fun if you are getting into synthesisers + Modular hardware is too expensive for most people. I hope it sells well and I’ll be eagerly awaiting some demo-videos with cool patches!
Predictable that people would think of BEAP instantly, but this is SO much more. BEAP is great, but this is a lot more and much better integrated with Live, and by the looks of it, this is capable of SO much more! The amount of work that must have been put into this… Still I think we need to see a lot of good demos on what it can do before people are really going to start jumping on it. Most of the potential users are probably already into Max (like me,) so we really need to see why this can be useful and maybe save us some time? Then there is the crowd who didn’t really like the patching-experience of Max. This looks a lot easier, and it looks really fun if you are getting into synthesisers + Modular hardware is too expensive for most people. I hope it sells well and I’ll be eagerly awaiting some demo-videos with cool patches!
I’ve had limited experience with hardware modulars but the thing that to me makes them unique is the way CV can be controlled / processed. That and modules like clock dividers. These things don’t tend to be replicated in software modulars, do they?
I’ve had limited experience with hardware modulars but the thing that to me makes them unique is the way CV can be controlled / processed. That and modules like clock dividers. These things don’t tend to be replicated in software modulars, do they?
I’ve had limited experience with hardware modulars but the thing that to me makes them unique is the way CV can be controlled / processed. That and modules like clock dividers. These things don’t tend to be replicated in software modulars, do they?
No word of BEAP? This is obviously exactly it, packed in some more convenience (and polyphony). Wondering if they need to pay royalties to stretta from the $100. The max for cat thing is kinda funny and kinda stupid. I hope people a clear that you don’t need any of this to talk cv/gate (to the outside, a combatible interface provided).
No word of BEAP? This is obviously exactly it, packed in some more convenience (and polyphony). Wondering if they need to pay royalties to stretta from the $100. The max for cat thing is kinda funny and kinda stupid. I hope people a clear that you don’t need any of this to talk cv/gate (to the outside, a combatible interface provided).
No word of BEAP? This is obviously exactly it, packed in some more convenience (and polyphony). Wondering if they need to pay royalties to stretta from the $100. The max for cat thing is kinda funny and kinda stupid. I hope people a clear that you don’t need any of this to talk cv/gate (to the outside, a combatible interface provided).
i can’t believe there is no mention of BEAP ! Come on, it’s a rip off !
It may not be obvious on first sight to some but the wonderful Berklee Electro Acoustic Pedagogy system (aka BEAP) from our friend Stretta is somewhat different. The most significant differences are that OSCiLLOT works in Live and can be patched there, while BEAP is integrated in Max 7 and can be patched in Max 7 (or in Max 6). You can not patch BEAP in Ableton, you have to go to Max. OSCiLLOT is polyphonic, BEAP is monophonic. Another thing thats different is the selection of modules. While some modules may be similar in functionality, due to their nature of forming a modular synth, most of them have different features and a different sound.
I highly recommend BEAP if you work in Max – it’s a wonderful synthesis education system for Max.
We developed OSCiLLOT simply because we want to patch in Ableton while working on music.
I hope that outlines the differences to your satisfaction.
p.s.: see also this interview for some more background info:
http://sonicbloom.net/en/creating-a-modular-system-for-ableton-live-exclusive-interview-with-the-makers-of-oscillot-part-1/
Thanks a lot for your comment. While I totally see your point about the advantages (Even though I’m totally able to use BEAP inside Live, since Max runs inside Live, no wonder) and the product and also the price seems legit.. What I find very unlikeable though is the appearance “Look what we have done”. When it would have been more honest and respectful to say “Look what we developed further” or even just mentioning the inspiration. This is selling others ideas without bothering giving them credit.
that seems more than a little unfair. it’s not as if the very wonderful Mr Stretta invented modulars, or software ’emulations’ of modulars in Max or elsewhere, nor would he claim to have done so. if you are going to make a modular in Max, well its gonna have modules and they are going to be connected with virtual cords, so …
I’m sure the dudes over at maxforcats are super ashamed they didn’t live up to your idea of total righteousness. I know it’s hard to believe but sometimes people share similar ideas.
Thanks for your answer, and sorry for having been a bit overreacting. I never tried live patching BEAP in M4L, to be honest, but i don’t see why it wouldn’t work. Same thing goes to polyphony.
i can’t believe there is no mention of BEAP ! Come on, it’s a rip off !
It may not be obvious on first sight to some but the wonderful Berklee Electro Acoustic Pedagogy system (aka BEAP) from our friend Stretta is somewhat different. The most significant differences are that OSCiLLOT works in Live and can be patched there, while BEAP is integrated in Max 7 and can be patched in Max 7 (or in Max 6). You can not patch BEAP in Ableton, you have to go to Max. OSCiLLOT is polyphonic, BEAP is monophonic. Another thing thats different is the selection of modules. While some modules may be similar in functionality, due to their nature of forming a modular synth, most of them have different features and a different sound.
I highly recommend BEAP if you work in Max – it’s a wonderful synthesis education system for Max.
We developed OSCiLLOT simply because we want to patch in Ableton while working on music.
I hope that outlines the differences to your satisfaction.
p.s.: see also this interview for some more background info:
http://sonicbloom.net/en/creating-a-modular-system-for-ableton-live-exclusive-interview-with-the-makers-of-oscillot-part-1/
Thanks a lot for your comment. While I totally see your point about the advantages (Even though I’m totally able to use BEAP inside Live, since Max runs inside Live, no wonder) and the product and also the price seems legit.. What I find very unlikeable though is the appearance “Look what we have done”. When it would have been more honest and respectful to say “Look what we developed further” or even just mentioning the inspiration. This is selling others ideas without bothering giving them credit.
that seems more than a little unfair. it’s not as if the very wonderful Mr Stretta invented modulars, or software ’emulations’ of modulars in Max or elsewhere, nor would he claim to have done so. if you are going to make a modular in Max, well its gonna have modules and they are going to be connected with virtual cords, so …
I’m sure the dudes over at maxforcats are super ashamed they didn’t live up to your idea of total righteousness. I know it’s hard to believe but sometimes people share similar ideas.
Thanks for your answer, and sorry for having been a bit overreacting. I never tried live patching BEAP in M4L, to be honest, but i don’t see why it wouldn’t work. Same thing goes to polyphony.
i can’t believe there is no mention of BEAP ! Come on, it’s a rip off !
It may not be obvious on first sight to some but the wonderful Berklee Electro Acoustic Pedagogy system (aka BEAP) from our friend Stretta is somewhat different. The most significant differences are that OSCiLLOT works in Live and can be patched there, while BEAP is integrated in Max 7 and can be patched in Max 7 (or in Max 6). You can not patch BEAP in Ableton, you have to go to Max. OSCiLLOT is polyphonic, BEAP is monophonic. Another thing thats different is the selection of modules. While some modules may be similar in functionality, due to their nature of forming a modular synth, most of them have different features and a different sound.
I highly recommend BEAP if you work in Max – it’s a wonderful synthesis education system for Max.
We developed OSCiLLOT simply because we want to patch in Ableton while working on music.
I hope that outlines the differences to your satisfaction.
p.s.: see also this interview for some more background info:
http://sonicbloom.net/en/creating-a-modular-system-for-ableton-live-exclusive-interview-with-the-makers-of-oscillot-part-1/
Thanks a lot for your comment. While I totally see your point about the advantages (Even though I’m totally able to use BEAP inside Live, since Max runs inside Live, no wonder) and the product and also the price seems legit.. What I find very unlikeable though is the appearance “Look what we have done”. When it would have been more honest and respectful to say “Look what we developed further” or even just mentioning the inspiration. This is selling others ideas without bothering giving them credit.
that seems more than a little unfair. it’s not as if the very wonderful Mr Stretta invented modulars, or software ’emulations’ of modulars in Max or elsewhere, nor would he claim to have done so. if you are going to make a modular in Max, well its gonna have modules and they are going to be connected with virtual cords, so …
I’m sure the dudes over at maxforcats are super ashamed they didn’t live up to your idea of total righteousness. I know it’s hard to believe but sometimes people share similar ideas.
Thanks for your answer, and sorry for having been a bit overreacting. I never tried live patching BEAP in M4L, to be honest, but i don’t see why it wouldn’t work. Same thing goes to polyphony.
The “non-DC coupled” typo has already been noted. I would add that this software will also work with the Expert Sleepers ES-3/ES-6.
I was going to mention that, but you beat me to it. Of course, to do that you need an ADAT lightpipe interface for your computer. I’m using the PreSonus 1818VSL, which works great with Expert Sleepers.
The “non-DC coupled” typo has already been noted. I would add that this software will also work with the Expert Sleepers ES-3/ES-6.
I was going to mention that, but you beat me to it. Of course, to do that you need an ADAT lightpipe interface for your computer. I’m using the PreSonus 1818VSL, which works great with Expert Sleepers.
The “non-DC coupled” typo has already been noted. I would add that this software will also work with the Expert Sleepers ES-3/ES-6.
I was going to mention that, but you beat me to it. Of course, to do that you need an ADAT lightpipe interface for your computer. I’m using the PreSonus 1818VSL, which works great with Expert Sleepers.
When my Max-head mates ask me about “the Eurorack experience” my standard smart-ass answer is ” imagine a Max/MSP with killer sound, killer interface, loadsa knobs, instant gratification but where every time you hit Command-C / Command-V it costs you 300€ ”
OTOH, in comparison a modular in Max has many drawbacks, but when you run out of modules or voices, instead of becoming homeless you … copy / paste !
Isn’t nature wonderful ?
so … “six voice polyphony” … huh ???
why ?
that really does seem more than a little odd to me.
I get monophonic, I get “only limited by your imagination or cpu”-aphonic, I could even sort of get ( for practical “keep things simple for routing” reasons ) 16 or even (just about, and with reservations ) 8 note polyphonic. But six note polyphony ? huh ?
Did midi guitarists take over the world when I wasn’t looking ?
Whatever happened to black midi ? 😉
Seriously, party people, this is Max. WTF ?
… but, since it IS Max, this should also be very simple to fix.
So, dear Cat people, can you please make polyphony user-selectable ( or at least, how you say ? more ! ) or, if not, can anyone who already has this ( and knows a little Max ) have a glance and see how complicated it would be to un-Catstrate it ?
Sorry.
Apart from that, this does look pretty interesting. I too would be interested in a comparison with Beap ( especially concerning ease of integration with Eurorack, via Expert Sleepers hardware etc … )
I assume that was a combination of personal choice / resource management.
Exactly. We thought quite a while about this. Of course, if you know a bit of Max, you just change a number in the code but we tried to find the best compromise between polyphony, resources, etc.
Hi, thanks for the comment, and glad to know that this is indeed relatively easy to change, but given that “the best compromise” will inevitably differ from user to user, depending on the system that they are running it on, and what they are trying to do with it at the time, would it not make things more flexible, and ultimately more attractive to potential buyers if the polyphony parameter was more readily accessible ? ( … as it indeed is in many softsynths, samplers etc) I would respectfully suggest that it would be preferable to simply make it a setup parameter that defaults to 6 ( if that is what makes most sense to you ) but can be changed from project to project without having to jump in and hack the code each time ) Not necessarily a deal breaker, but to be honest I can’t really see the advantage of NOT doing that, especially if it is as easy to do as you suggest. ( Just a constructive suggestion … )
Thanks for your feedback – this is very valuable input for future updates!
When my Max-head mates ask me about “the Eurorack experience” my standard smart-ass answer is ” imagine a Max/MSP with killer sound, killer interface, loadsa knobs, instant gratification but where every time you hit Command-C / Command-V it costs you 300€ ”
OTOH, in comparison a modular in Max has many drawbacks, but when you run out of modules or voices, instead of becoming homeless you … copy / paste !
Isn’t nature wonderful ?
so … “six voice polyphony” … huh ???
why ?
that really does seem more than a little odd to me.
I get monophonic, I get “only limited by your imagination or cpu”-aphonic, I could even sort of get ( for practical “keep things simple for routing” reasons ) 16 or even (just about, and with reservations ) 8 note polyphonic. But six note polyphony ? huh ?
Did midi guitarists take over the world when I wasn’t looking ?
Whatever happened to black midi ? 😉
Seriously, party people, this is Max. WTF ?
… but, since it IS Max, this should also be very simple to fix.
So, dear Cat people, can you please make polyphony user-selectable ( or at least, how you say ? more ! ) or, if not, can anyone who already has this ( and knows a little Max ) have a glance and see how complicated it would be to un-Catstrate it ?
Sorry.
Apart from that, this does look pretty interesting. I too would be interested in a comparison with Beap ( especially concerning ease of integration with Eurorack, via Expert Sleepers hardware etc … )
I assume that was a combination of personal choice / resource management.
Exactly. We thought quite a while about this. Of course, if you know a bit of Max, you just change a number in the code but we tried to find the best compromise between polyphony, resources, etc.
Hi, thanks for the comment, and glad to know that this is indeed relatively easy to change, but given that “the best compromise” will inevitably differ from user to user, depending on the system that they are running it on, and what they are trying to do with it at the time, would it not make things more flexible, and ultimately more attractive to potential buyers if the polyphony parameter was more readily accessible ? ( … as it indeed is in many softsynths, samplers etc) I would respectfully suggest that it would be preferable to simply make it a setup parameter that defaults to 6 ( if that is what makes most sense to you ) but can be changed from project to project without having to jump in and hack the code each time ) Not necessarily a deal breaker, but to be honest I can’t really see the advantage of NOT doing that, especially if it is as easy to do as you suggest. ( Just a constructive suggestion … )
Thanks for your feedback – this is very valuable input for future updates!
When my Max-head mates ask me about “the Eurorack experience” my standard smart-ass answer is ” imagine a Max/MSP with killer sound, killer interface, loadsa knobs, instant gratification but where every time you hit Command-C / Command-V it costs you 300€ ”
OTOH, in comparison a modular in Max has many drawbacks, but when you run out of modules or voices, instead of becoming homeless you … copy / paste !
Isn’t nature wonderful ?
so … “six voice polyphony” … huh ???
why ?
that really does seem more than a little odd to me.
I get monophonic, I get “only limited by your imagination or cpu”-aphonic, I could even sort of get ( for practical “keep things simple for routing” reasons ) 16 or even (just about, and with reservations ) 8 note polyphonic. But six note polyphony ? huh ?
Did midi guitarists take over the world when I wasn’t looking ?
Whatever happened to black midi ? 😉
Seriously, party people, this is Max. WTF ?
… but, since it IS Max, this should also be very simple to fix.
So, dear Cat people, can you please make polyphony user-selectable ( or at least, how you say ? more ! ) or, if not, can anyone who already has this ( and knows a little Max ) have a glance and see how complicated it would be to un-Catstrate it ?
Sorry.
Apart from that, this does look pretty interesting. I too would be interested in a comparison with Beap ( especially concerning ease of integration with Eurorack, via Expert Sleepers hardware etc … )
I assume that was a combination of personal choice / resource management.
Exactly. We thought quite a while about this. Of course, if you know a bit of Max, you just change a number in the code but we tried to find the best compromise between polyphony, resources, etc.
Hi, thanks for the comment, and glad to know that this is indeed relatively easy to change, but given that “the best compromise” will inevitably differ from user to user, depending on the system that they are running it on, and what they are trying to do with it at the time, would it not make things more flexible, and ultimately more attractive to potential buyers if the polyphony parameter was more readily accessible ? ( … as it indeed is in many softsynths, samplers etc) I would respectfully suggest that it would be preferable to simply make it a setup parameter that defaults to 6 ( if that is what makes most sense to you ) but can be changed from project to project without having to jump in and hack the code each time ) Not necessarily a deal breaker, but to be honest I can’t really see the advantage of NOT doing that, especially if it is as easy to do as you suggest. ( Just a constructive suggestion … )
Thanks for your feedback – this is very valuable input for future updates!
Serious competition for NI’s Reaktor, methinks!
Serious competition for NI’s Reaktor, methinks!
Serious competition for NI’s Reaktor, methinks!
Haters gonna hate. It’s a very good sign that you’ve created something special. Purchased.
Haters gonna hate. It’s a very good sign that you’ve created something special. Purchased.
Haters gonna hate. It’s a very good sign that you’ve created something special. Purchased.
Super nice
Super nice
Super nice
does anyone know if the outdated Java issue with Max for Live been addressed yet? (see, e.g. https://cycling74.com/wiki/index.php?title=Java_on_OS_X_10.9_%28and_later%29, https://www.ableton.com/answers/is-installing-apple-java-se-6-unavoidable-to-use-max-for-live-on-mavericks, etc.)
And thanks for the explanation regarding how this new product/project is different from BEAP. That was my first question, so glad that @maxforcats chimed in.
does anyone know if the outdated Java issue with Max for Live been addressed yet? (see, e.g. https://cycling74.com/wiki/index.php?title=Java_on_OS_X_10.9_%28and_later%29, https://www.ableton.com/answers/is-installing-apple-java-se-6-unavoidable-to-use-max-for-live-on-mavericks, etc.)
And thanks for the explanation regarding how this new product/project is different from BEAP. That was my first question, so glad that @maxforcats chimed in.
does anyone know if the outdated Java issue with Max for Live been addressed yet? (see, e.g. https://cycling74.com/wiki/index.php?title=Java_on_OS_X_10.9_%28and_later%29, https://www.ableton.com/answers/is-installing-apple-java-se-6-unavoidable-to-use-max-for-live-on-mavericks, etc.)
And thanks for the explanation regarding how this new product/project is different from BEAP. That was my first question, so glad that @maxforcats chimed in.
Competion for Reaktor in terms of instrument building possibilities, which is great by itself.
However i think that sonically the Reaktor instruments will have the edge..at least that’s what my ears are telling me now when listening to Live and Max4Live synths. But of course those Reaktor ensembles are also musch more DSP intensive.
Competion for Reaktor in terms of instrument building possibilities, which is great by itself.
However i think that sonically the Reaktor instruments will have the edge..at least that’s what my ears are telling me now when listening to Live and Max4Live synths. But of course those Reaktor ensembles are also musch more DSP intensive.
Competion for Reaktor in terms of instrument building possibilities, which is great by itself.
However i think that sonically the Reaktor instruments will have the edge..at least that’s what my ears are telling me now when listening to Live and Max4Live synths. But of course those Reaktor ensembles are also musch more DSP intensive.
Is feedback supported? Meaning proper ‘end of the chain feeds the front’ etc etc.
v. 1.01 features a Feedback module which let’s you overcome this.
Is feedback supported? Meaning proper ‘end of the chain feeds the front’ etc etc.
v. 1.01 features a Feedback module which let’s you overcome this.
Is feedback supported? Meaning proper ‘end of the chain feeds the front’ etc etc.
v. 1.01 features a Feedback module which let’s you overcome this.
If you have any probs with max 7.0.1 (there are some issues like when adding a module) just use max 6.1.9. Works awesome! This is some seriously fun modular system!
If you have any probs with max 7.0.1 (there are some issues like when adding a module) just use max 6.1.9. Works awesome! This is some seriously fun modular system!
If you have any probs with max 7.0.1 (there are some issues like when adding a module) just use max 6.1.9. Works awesome! This is some seriously fun modular system!
this a really cool idea that can pushed even further, a more realistic gui that looks like a real modular, that you could replace modules like the website modulargrid.net, it would take some time to emulate all that hardware but worth it in the end..
this a really cool idea that can pushed even further, a more realistic gui that looks like a real modular, that you could replace modules like the website modulargrid.net, it would take some time to emulate all that hardware but worth it in the end..
this a really cool idea that can pushed even further, a more realistic gui that looks like a real modular, that you could replace modules like the website modulargrid.net, it would take some time to emulate all that hardware but worth it in the end..
No info about modules, no real demo videos and 99$ for a max patch? Hell, no.
There is a lot of info about the modules in the maxforcats site.
No info about modules, no real demo videos and 99$ for a max patch? Hell, no.
There is a lot of info about the modules in the maxforcats site.
No info about modules, no real demo videos and 99$ for a max patch? Hell, no.
There is a lot of info about the modules in the maxforcats site.
At first glance, this seems much more intuitive than Reaktor, if one is working in the Live environment by default. I’ve owned Reaktor since v3 and haven’t ever felt inspired to really dig into rolling my own instruments in it. Exploring others’ Reaktor creations seemed satisfying enough. I particularly like the Nord Rack emulation by Büttner.
Saving for a wedding and honeymoon right now, but the first $99 I have to blow on something for myself is going toward Oscillot. I think these kind of products do a good job of promoting the creative symbiosis of hardware and software. Looking forward to using this with the J74 VolcaControl M4L devices.
At first glance, this seems much more intuitive than Reaktor, if one is working in the Live environment by default. I’ve owned Reaktor since v3 and haven’t ever felt inspired to really dig into rolling my own instruments in it. Exploring others’ Reaktor creations seemed satisfying enough. I particularly like the Nord Rack emulation by Büttner.
Saving for a wedding and honeymoon right now, but the first $99 I have to blow on something for myself is going toward Oscillot. I think these kind of products do a good job of promoting the creative symbiosis of hardware and software. Looking forward to using this with the J74 VolcaControl M4L devices.
At first glance, this seems much more intuitive than Reaktor, if one is working in the Live environment by default. I’ve owned Reaktor since v3 and haven’t ever felt inspired to really dig into rolling my own instruments in it. Exploring others’ Reaktor creations seemed satisfying enough. I particularly like the Nord Rack emulation by Büttner.
Saving for a wedding and honeymoon right now, but the first $99 I have to blow on something for myself is going toward Oscillot. I think these kind of products do a good job of promoting the creative symbiosis of hardware and software. Looking forward to using this with the J74 VolcaControl M4L devices.
i love and use ableton, and this looks awesome , max for cats / sonic bloom have a ton of great stuff. My only grip with ableton is that I feel we can use some fundamental improvments and features to the program at a little quicker rate, considering the ableton live community is creating all these devices and new tricks. And im not bashing that at all cause i love and use all these great devices. I would just love some more features in ableton such as bounce in place edit inside clips, more powerful editing tools in session view to process audio as well as tighter integration with max. Again dont get me wrong the features we got in albeton live 9 were sick, just wondering if were gunna get more soon considering they have lots of time with the community creating great new things. ok im done is anyone even reading this?
I’ve often wondered the same thing about Ableton and why it takes so long to add any significant features but the truth is (and I come from a somewhat software background) when you’re working with code it not always as easy as just adding something in. Inevitably when you add one thing, something else breaks… And when you’re working with a codebase that’s a decade old well… So as frustrating as it is waiting for certain things to be added natively to Live I can understand and sympathise with how difficult it is to implement such changes to a very established piece of software.
i love and use ableton, and this looks awesome , max for cats / sonic bloom have a ton of great stuff. My only grip with ableton is that I feel we can use some fundamental improvments and features to the program at a little quicker rate, considering the ableton live community is creating all these devices and new tricks. And im not bashing that at all cause i love and use all these great devices. I would just love some more features in ableton such as bounce in place edit inside clips, more powerful editing tools in session view to process audio as well as tighter integration with max. Again dont get me wrong the features we got in albeton live 9 were sick, just wondering if were gunna get more soon considering they have lots of time with the community creating great new things. ok im done is anyone even reading this?
I’ve often wondered the same thing about Ableton and why it takes so long to add any significant features but the truth is (and I come from a somewhat software background) when you’re working with code it not always as easy as just adding something in. Inevitably when you add one thing, something else breaks… And when you’re working with a codebase that’s a decade old well… So as frustrating as it is waiting for certain things to be added natively to Live I can understand and sympathise with how difficult it is to implement such changes to a very established piece of software.
i love and use ableton, and this looks awesome , max for cats / sonic bloom have a ton of great stuff. My only grip with ableton is that I feel we can use some fundamental improvments and features to the program at a little quicker rate, considering the ableton live community is creating all these devices and new tricks. And im not bashing that at all cause i love and use all these great devices. I would just love some more features in ableton such as bounce in place edit inside clips, more powerful editing tools in session view to process audio as well as tighter integration with max. Again dont get me wrong the features we got in albeton live 9 were sick, just wondering if were gunna get more soon considering they have lots of time with the community creating great new things. ok im done is anyone even reading this?
I’ve often wondered the same thing about Ableton and why it takes so long to add any significant features but the truth is (and I come from a somewhat software background) when you’re working with code it not always as easy as just adding something in. Inevitably when you add one thing, something else breaks… And when you’re working with a codebase that’s a decade old well… So as frustrating as it is waiting for certain things to be added natively to Live I can understand and sympathise with how difficult it is to implement such changes to a very established piece of software.
BEAP IS FREE AND BETTER!! Don’t waste money or support these greedy capitalists!
https://github.com/stretta/BEAP/wiki/BEAP-Modular—Overview-and-Install
wow calm your tits
BEAP IS FREE AND BETTER!! Don’t waste money or support these greedy capitalists!
https://github.com/stretta/BEAP/wiki/BEAP-Modular—Overview-and-Install
wow calm your tits
BEAP IS FREE AND BETTER!! Don’t waste money or support these greedy capitalists!
https://github.com/stretta/BEAP/wiki/BEAP-Modular—Overview-and-Install
wow calm your tits
All MOTU interfaces are DC-coupled. If you have a non-DC-coupled Interface you can use the Expert Sleepers FH-1 or ES-3 to interface with your modular synth. I have MOTU 828mkiiiH and ES-3. Oh… and a big sexy modular!
All MOTU interfaces are DC-coupled. If you have a non-DC-coupled Interface you can use the Expert Sleepers FH-1 or ES-3 to interface with your modular synth. I have MOTU 828mkiiiH and ES-3. Oh… and a big sexy modular!
All MOTU interfaces are DC-coupled. If you have a non-DC-coupled Interface you can use the Expert Sleepers FH-1 or ES-3 to interface with your modular synth. I have MOTU 828mkiiiH and ES-3. Oh… and a big sexy modular!
Im using Oscillot. I find it more stable that Beap plus Beap is monophonic and oscillot is 6 voice. Im not sure how easy it is to hack in and make it polyphonic ive not tried yet. I have integrated a module from Beap into Oscillot. The wave table one and it was really easy. There is just an issue with the pitch tracking i need to figure out im not sure about. I dont have any hardware but I am really interested in acquiring some modules and inter modulating between hardware and software. But there is only one stereo audio in/out on a max instrument right so how do you freely intermodulate between multiple hardware/ software modules. Ive not tried yet but from what they are saying oscillot needs to be run in M4l right so basically what im saying is how to you interpatch between the software and hardware coz i think i want to give this a go.
Im using Oscillot. I find it more stable that Beap plus Beap is monophonic and oscillot is 6 voice. Im not sure how easy it is to hack in and make it polyphonic ive not tried yet. I have integrated a module from Beap into Oscillot. The wave table one and it was really easy. There is just an issue with the pitch tracking i need to figure out im not sure about. I dont have any hardware but I am really interested in acquiring some modules and inter modulating between hardware and software. But there is only one stereo audio in/out on a max instrument right so how do you freely intermodulate between multiple hardware/ software modules. Ive not tried yet but from what they are saying oscillot needs to be run in M4l right so basically what im saying is how to you interpatch between the software and hardware coz i think i want to give this a go.
Im using Oscillot. I find it more stable that Beap plus Beap is monophonic and oscillot is 6 voice. Im not sure how easy it is to hack in and make it polyphonic ive not tried yet. I have integrated a module from Beap into Oscillot. The wave table one and it was really easy. There is just an issue with the pitch tracking i need to figure out im not sure about. I dont have any hardware but I am really interested in acquiring some modules and inter modulating between hardware and software. But there is only one stereo audio in/out on a max instrument right so how do you freely intermodulate between multiple hardware/ software modules. Ive not tried yet but from what they are saying oscillot needs to be run in M4l right so basically what im saying is how to you interpatch between the software and hardware coz i think i want to give this a go.