New Modular Concept

[roy thinnes]

This is a prototype patch of what I'm - admittedly cocky - calling New Modular Concept.
What I'm aiming here is
- having better usability. Instead of having a confusing mass of Modules attached to cables, only vital control elements as well as a browser are in focus.
- expandibility: instead of Presets, sounds are saved on Module basis. This means that you can add and delete Modules without ruining the whole Patch. (Of course you have to adjust the control settings of newly added Modules for your taste.)
- getting rid of the Preset list. I want to select and save sounds right on the Synth's surface, not by opening an extra window. The whole thing should more feel like a real synth and not like a software toy.

There are three kinds of NMC Modules:
- the Browser: select Sounds and copy/write Sound date to memory. In theory up to 128 different Sounds could be saved but for better usability I've limited the Browser here to 64 Sounds.
- Control Modules: edit the Sounds.
- Circuit Modules (at the bottom of the Patch): the usual Modules where you make your Modular circuit.

Sound Selector: browse/save/recall sounds:
To select a sound, just click on one of the little buttons on the left of the Sound names.
If you want to save this Sound (e.g. after editing it) to another location, press the Write: Select Memory Location button. Select the new Sound number, and then press the Write to Memory button. It will automatically revert to the Browse/Play/Edit stage.
The FM Patch:
-The Modules should be familiar and self - explaing, maybe except FmMatrix4x4 Control.
Every Sine wave (A - D) can FM every other sine wave; the modulation amount can be set in the matrix.
Sine output controls are in the last row.
The Algo graphic is just a hint, it's not making real connections.
-Many Sounds are using Clock time, so there is a Tempo module in the right upper corner which you want to adjust if using the patch in a rhythmic context.

I'm curious what you think.
Download here

I almost forgot to thank Sharc.
Without him, this wouldn't have been possible .

[t_tangent]

Wow, that looks like some serious fun and a fantastic concept. Great to see you back at it Roy, we missed you.

And thanks to you and all involved.

[Peter Drake]

Very nice, I'm excited to play with this.

[roy thinnes]

Unfortunately I've used an outdated Delay control module when I made the patch (wrong delay times except @48kHz SR).
I've corrected it and uploaded the patch again. Sorry!

But thanks for replying!
If you've got any improvement proposals, please let me know.
I already see some room for improvement in
-better control handling (knob movement vs. Module movement ) and
-Module surface layout (clarity and overall design)
-maybe quick tips / help on Module Panel?
-Module presets.

[dawman]

Later today I will run a LAN to my rig, download and try this out.
Should work with SR Pro, which I use for every change in my Project Window.

I will let you know how it works out.

Thanks RoyT.

[yayajohn]

Tried it, I like it. I think you are on to something Roy!
Glad to see you active here again.
Thanks.

[dawman]

I'll try again later, couldn't bring up the link.
Tried CWModular.org site but couldn't find anything mentioned.

[Spielraum]

... I'm curious what you think. ...

you are great, good approach!
my recommendation:
add a MiniButton "Bind2SS" in the Ctrl-module to bind modules out if necessary, temporarily.
Eg: i can go through the basics with the same fx setting, and finally save them again?
and if i keep spinning, i could also mix parameter blocks of individual modules from different presets, ... etc
for more flexibility in sounddesign
cheers

[roy thinnes]

Good idea!
Next version will have Macros
A bit complex to program but worthwhile.
On Soundselector (now called Master) you'll have four new controls which can affect a variety of parameters.
Like, control cutoff, lfo speed and Q with just one single knob (bidirectional).
Or, simpler: control Cutoff with Macro 1, Q with Macro 2, EG times with Macro 3 etcetera.

[Spielraum]

nice!

[roy thinnes]

Second NMC patch.
Again with just a bunch of Modules, but this time with Macros.
-You cannot assign every parameter to a Macro, just the blue-ish ones.
-To assign a parameter to a Macro, open the Module's panel.
-Little boxes on the Module surface give you a hint whether it is assigned or not.
-On Master Module, you can give the Macros specific names.
-I took up Ron's idea of locking SoundSelect if wanted. For that, use the Lock buttons on top right of the Module.

-The Rev1 Reverb is a bit humpy sometimes, but I like it.
-With FxRouter you can set Fx order quickly.

I hope you like it.

Download

[dawman]

Thanks Roy.

[roy thinnes]

You're welcome Jimmy.
I'll do more Modules when I've got time...

[dawman]

I’m building a new PC w/ WiFi so I can download stuff without having to run a 100 foot LAN that the dog chews on.

[Spielraum]

now tested, the workflow is fantastic to use!

brainstorm>>
i only miss a sound selector pad for external selection 0~127 via PopUp, Textfader or Pot.
your directly selectable "8x favorite sounds" in the mastersector could be equipped with selector 0~127?!.
Finally, you could then assign your favorites yourself ~~

[roy thinnes]

(Back from holidays )
Thanks for testing Ron.
The restriction to only eight Sounds was only to save space (and time to design a different layout).
When more Modules are available I'll redesign the Master Module to have more Sounds slots for sure.