The Vector scorecard mentions midi through the expander, but that's only DIN. The module itself has PLENTY of midi. Sorry about this! EDIT: Vector is coming to the Lab :). And it has repeats.
Only played live twice, with Pams Bloom and harmonaigh in that order. Works really well I think, but for my next case I want the Vector as I want to read the notes. But thanks for all your inputs. Really enjoyed this video.
I wish I checked out modulargrid instead of only including what I know. Please note these are no 'good/bad' ratings, they're intended as a functionality overview you can match to your music style. Bloom can't sequence Bohemian Rhapsody, but that doesn't make it a bad sequencer. I hope it helps people to make their own checklist before they buy an expensive machine.
Love your Kraftwerk remixes :) I used to use an eloquencer and then I used a metropolis and now I'm settled on the vector. It's amazing how much personality each different sequencer brings to the table
I was expecting to have a copyright issue on the cover versions but CZcams did not detect any of the compositions. I did 'It's more fun to compute' on the PC with the SAM voice from the old Commodore 64. Definitely going to use this track as a modular version at my next live gig :).
I've been watching your videos for a while now, having embarked on my modular journey only two years ago. While I thoroughly enjoy all of your videos, this one is another level. This is almost like plugging into the Matrix and learning modular. Almost. Whats missing is my own capacity to understand much of it. 😆 Truly excellent presentation - it must have been a LOT of hard work. I have to go back and find Episode 01, and I'll look forward to future installments!
This is one of the most difficult videos I made so far. The 'trans europe' arrangements took me three days on ground control and westlicht. And half a day on NerdSeq. But it was great fun!
Sequencers in modular are a journey of their own. Glad you bought all of them. I’ve tried many of the ones on this list and I have to say for melodies the Vector is my favorite and the Drum Sequencer (not shown here) is my favorite for rhythms. I never jelled with the Nerdseq, I look at a monitor all day long, modular is my time not to look at a monitor… LCDs are enough.
Wow, I'm not into modular, but as you explain stuff quite universally and look on things from a high altitude, it helped me understand the structure of electronic music better and get some tips to try on my sequencer (the Squarp Hapax). Also your stuff looks stunning 😍
Professional footage, well done! I think meanwhile you can replace quite a lot of that stuff by using an Oxi One sequencer. Desktop format but plenty of CV-outs as well as Midi and USB. It covers most of the functionality you mentioned in your video. Four sequencers only but up to 32 Tracks simultaneously.
I've seen the Oxi used by many modular artists these days so I guess it solves a lot of issues. For me, personally, it takes away a bit of the charm of overcoming modular limitations. But these artists perform live almost every week. If I had to perform frequently, I'd definitely consider it.
Great timing…I put a question on Reddit yesterday for Sequencer recommendations and a few of the replies where covered in your video. Great job, very insightful and just in time :)😅
As I've gotten into modular I've realised sequencers are the key to it all, with the way they influence everything you do. And you only know if one works for you, by trying it out. Which is how I've ended up with Black Sequencer, Turing Machine, Ryk m185, Mimetic Digitalis, Vult Anima, Stochastic Inspiration Generator and Muxlicer. For the complex "song" type stuff I fall back to Ableton with an ES-9.
Would've been interesting to see the Cirklon's CVIO breakout thrown into this comparison, though obviously not really something you can just go out and buy.
Using a Vector with a Metron (clocked together around the back with a Pams). I find this mix great for my music but sometimes get funky with a Teletype and see what happens! I have enjoyed this series so far :)
That's the disconnected scenario and it's probably the best solutiion for generative dance music. I have a few videos about Teletype and I wrote a drum machine that responds to an LFO or any CV. A bit like Grids with beat density. So cool.
I've got the Eloquencer, the Metropolix and just recently got the Rene (now that finally some are available). All very different, which is what I wanted. Great video. NerdSEQ looks like a beast but not sure I'd have the patience for it.
To me black sequencer is my #1 Euclidean circles #2 Eventho a trigger s. And westlicht # 3 out of the case is the oxi one the king without a shadow of a doubt.
René MK2 is also special because of that cartesian aspect. At first glance it looks like a simple 16 step sequencer that can mutate patterns by modulation of the X and Y axis in a 4x4 matrix. Finally you read the manual, memorize that button combos and unlock the Z axis to step through the planes in a cube… each dimension multiplies the possibilities and the complexity of the patterns that you can achieve.
This is fantastic! i've just been doing drones so far and the next step is going to just be a sample and hold and a quantizer, but at some point I want to actually be able to sequence things, and this is perfect for defining what I even want so I can look at tools that can do that well.
I hope it helps you to create your own checkist and make a good choice! I have so many sequencers and they're all different. I guess Vector will also be joining my set this year to sequence my Mutable collection.
Frap Tools' Usta for shure can repeat notes. One stage can trigger up to 16 gate events, as they call them. How? On a gate layer simply press a stage encoder so the corresponding stage led becomes green and there you go... :) By the way, your videos are real gems. I love watching them and always save that for moments when I'm definetely not in a rush, so I can appreciate these little pieces of art properly. Thank you for the eye/ear candy as well as for sharing your thoughts and knowledge.
Wow, i did not know! Frap tools has this 'one manual for all modules' and it's not easy to learn all features. I'll check! I absolutely love Usta. And I'll never make scorecards ever again :)
@@CinematicLaboratory Yeah, Usta is one nice sequencer! Although, in terms of workflow, I see quite some potential for improvements. After one week of using it now, I have a whole list of requests/recommendations to Frap Tools. I really hope they listen to customers and consider updating the firmware some day. Your scorecards have been fun. No need to regret anything.
This is very helpful for me as I try to figure out which sequencer would be best. I'm trying to decide if I need a dedicated modular sequencer or if I can use other modules to modify the sequences I create on Digitakt/Midi-to-CV. I think I can add a kind of generative layer over the Digitakt sequencer with logic, gate, function generator, euclidean, and pitch quantize modules. Either I will succeed or my head will explode. Only time will tell.
OMG THAT TRUMPET 🎺 AT 8MIN. There’s an OLD jungle track from the mid 90s that has a trumpet line like that … Same synthesis trumpet sound. Was like a liquid dnb sounding track 😊
That's actually Deckard's Voice. The melody is from Kraftwerk's 'It's more fun to compute' which inspired a lot of post 80's people. It's also featured at the end of the video and I have a full track somewhere as background music on my channel. Yes, it's on Coastal Synthesis czcams.com/video/0UkT4m7a6gU/video.html
Thanks for the clarification. I am aware I made a few mistakes here and there. However, it's not on the front panel so I had no idea it could run midi.
There are just too many sequencers out there, and the point of the 'compare' was to compare on a high level so you can find out what's important in YOUR future sequencer and your music. Like don't get a Metropolis if you want to program rhythms and songs. Also I am not a eurorack dealer so I have to work with what I have. In the meantime I've added Moskwa II + Expander so even an up-to-date video would get old very fast :).
@@CinematicLaboratory I hope you didn't get me wrong, that was an impressive line-up... you covered most of what I would consider interesting, and that at the highest level I could imagine... I wish I had the opportunity to toy around with these sequencers... the problem is there are so many great sequencers out there, and each of them can probably do more than I will ever need, but it's hard to know whether you gel with the specific workflow and paradigms before you actually sit down and use it... BTW, I just bought the Moskwa 2 + Ostankino, as a step up from Qu-Bit Octone... I also considered Metropolis and ryk-185, which are probably in the same area on the sequencer map, cannot really tell why I chose the Moskwa, maybe because I liked the Octone - at some point you just have to decide... I think it's fun using different sequencers and see where they will lead you... Anyways - Thanks for the great music and info you provide here! 👍
You put a lot of effort into those scorecard graphics, thanks for that, v useful. (What did you use to make those btw ? Fruits of the new space ?). After agonizing over Westlicht vs. Vector, I did in fact end up getting the Westlicht several months ago. But it’s clear that certain kinds of sequencers lend themselves to certain kinds of music so ultimately perhaps you need multiple sequencers to cover your own use cases I guess. I (re)watched your reverbs video today and wondered if it needed an update… 😉
I know it's not modular, but I had a Digitakt which probably can tick all the boxes too... I sold it, but if I would only be allowed to have one small 'apparatus', it would be the Digitakt. Sold it for a NerdSeq 😉 *still need to figure out quantizing via tables...
@@CinematicLaboratory very true. I has been long my missing drums and sequencer for Eurorack with two CV.OCDs, but I sold it for a Varigate 4+, DOT and Crater, Chimera, 2HP hat. Half a year later it's replaced again by a NerdSeq (with MT16 and midi expander), Bitbox Micro and Chimera, hoping to maximize the Bitbox via midi and use it also for drums (which is possible).
@@CinematicLaboratory Would you say, that the Keystep pro also falls into this category? I think, the Nerdseq also is not far away due to its capabilities… great video!
This song at the end of the video..... It is on a Noise Engineering video about Mimetic or Vox Digitalis? is it you? congrats for all your content, it is really inspiring, learning everyday thanks to you :)
I think you're referring to 'It's more fun to compute' by Kraftwerk which is on the 'PC' slide to the end of the vid. I recreated it in the DAW. It's a wink to the first part of the video (Trans Europe Express also by Kraftwerk) and the thumbnail art. When I was young, Kraftwerk was about the most innovative music I've ever heard, but I did not always perceive it as music at that time. They were decades ahead of dance music and still a great inspiration to the modular community.
It's not a rating system, it was intended to help you identify features you'd find important, and check which sequencers have them. It's more like a functional guide, e.g. if generative sequencing is important, then 'these' will deliver. Or if you want to sequence drums, 'these have drum channels'. The more yellow, the more they excel in something. But it's just a guide, not a 'this is the best'. Rene MK2 doesn't do so well if this were a rating system, but it's still one of my favorites.
@@CinematicLaboratory ooh. I getcha. I just didn't get the difference between four yellow and four green dots, and why the most complicated user interfaces would have full marks for user friendliness.
The NerdSeq is so super powerful but I guess I'll sell mine. I don't have a lot of time for modular anymore and getting back into the NerdSeq always feels like studying for a master's degree every three months. Simple things like a chord or other form of polyphony are just SO un-intuitive. I really tried to love it, but for me, it's super un-intuitive. But I understand why people chose it that make music as a job.
I can totally relate to that. Without this video I would have never used it. I have it for about two years and it was just lying around. I started reading the manual and watching videos a few days ago. Many of these videos refer to old firmwares. It's also very hard to find the right information. Something simple as a 'scale' is impossible to find on YT. I found it in the most recent manual and it was still a puzzle. But now I am intrigued and I really want to learn it.
@@CinematicLaboratory Every time I get doubtful about my Nerdseq, I try something new on it and realise how amazing it can be, even in it's simplicity. I love that you can program different islands of ideas on one page and jump around, and it has fantastic random parameters and probability automation too.
That's interesting! I wonder what your workflow looks like! As for the studio, I lost all new pictures this week due to a backup crash. If all goes well, the studio will be ready for decoration in May and then I can start IKEA hacking.
Have you got the new Nerdseq IO expander yet. Find the recent video on Nerdseq and random. Between the new firmware and the new Midi/I2C/USB/encoder knob module.. holy cow this thing has leveled up. My expander is on the way. There should just be a new Nerdseq Pro with it built in. That one knob changes the game entirely.
Cinematic thank you for making this sequencer video. I have many of the same sequencers as you do and I noticed you always give preference to the Westlicht. I am curious as to why? I do not have the Westlicht but I feel that the Eloquencer can basically do the same things. Is this the case? Trying to find out if I should add the Westlicht to my collection. Much appreciate it.
I must admit that I know Wesllicht Performer best, so I am biased. Objectively, I'd say only the Metron offers better drum programming, but it doesn't have melodic sequences without the Voltera expander (which is complicated to use). It doesn't have the generative power of Vector, but it comes very, very close. WP easily 'beats' Vector with drum programming. It has the best user interface I've seen, and it's the cheapest sequencer of power sequencers (if you're able to find a good build because it's DIY). But my video clearly shows there's no sequencer around that will fit all your needs in all workflows. However, if I could keep only one, it would be the WP.
I think the Black Sequencer is amazing and I can highly recommend it. I checked out the functionality and it can do everyting you'd wish for. The main reason why I didn't cover it is that I don't own one - and I am not planning to because I already have way too much sequencers.
You'll need the expander to run a full drum kit and it doesn't offer a pattern programmer like on an X0X style drum machine. I would never get Vector for drums but I'd surely use it with a WMD Metron.
@@CinematicLaboratory yes the expander of course is necessary btw I like the healing frequencies amazing you should focus on that matter deep zone😉🙏thanks have a nice loop 🔁✨
Received the Vector this week. Amazing machine, but it also became painfully clear that the videos on YT did not do it justice just by covering the basics. It has 10% basics and the other 90% are the real must haves. Not to mention it's getting near firmware 3.0, which is my cue for a Vector video.
@@CinematicLaboratory Glad to hear that 😉looking for your videos tutorials we owners and lovers of vectors sequencer needs a serious ones and you are the right guy for that 🙏✨💖
Great comparison! You mention that (gate) ties are still a problem for the Westlicht - could you elaborate on that? I was considering getting one at some point, and from what I gathered, the documentation says a step is tied when its note-length is set to maximum.
When you see the video at @02:23, the 'note ladder' needs a tie at the last step to make it sustain. There's no glide on that step. It doesn't sound right and I think it's two gates with 100% duty cycle instead of a long note on/note off. It depends on your module how it will react to a tie. Bitbox didn't respond as I expected and it often didn't play that last note while shooting the video. But it can be a setting I missed! I don't know everything.
You also needed to grade the Performer higher on clock, given it is one of the few sequencers that can run each sequence as a different clock rate. This one feature keeps it in my rack even though the buttons/leds are so meh.
That's in the 'generative' section (for me) and the Westlicht is almost completely blinking yellow :). I did not 'rate' the clocks, I just wanted to point out which sequencers need a clock (like Rene and Mimetic) and which ones have an internal clock.
@@CinematicLaboratory gotcha. I almost always run a base line at 1/4 speed with longer gates using step modulations at clock speed or higher… then some octave offsets sequenced at like 16th speed to lead or melody. Totally not generative.
I couldn't find any information about it in the manual. It has step length, but I am not sure if it repeats the gates like Metropolis. But I'll receive my Vector next week and dive in.
@@CinematicLaboratory Yeah I guess it is a bit hidden in the manual, a second press of the "Len/Rpt" button brings up the repeat options, 1-8 times per step, I think you'll like the Vector!
You're right. I completely forgot. I haven't seen any videos or demos about the Black Sequencer so far so I have no idea how good it is or how it differs from the others. The idea behind this video is to help you figure out if all the features you'd need are there. I checked the manual and it 'scores' great on all categories. It can do repeats (!) and it has excellent modulation support. For a sequencer it also offers great rhythm support by sending trigger patterns through a modulation track. The built in envelopes and LFO's are also special. Sorry I missed it, but if you have an eye on it (or own it), it's a great choice. All Erica gear is amazing. I wish I owned all modules on ModularGrid, but that's never going to happen...
@@CinematicLaboratory it‘s only monophonic, so not really a contender vs the NerdSeq, but in the 1-note-per-track category it has become my favourite very quickly. It feels so non-digital with the large endless encoders that you can also push bit at the same time so modern.
One thing that was missing for me was the use counterpoint or polyphony. I know you can do this with metropolix. Is there any other sequencer that you worked with that does counterpoint?
@@stephenmarsh6746 thank you however I am famiar with vector sequencer but I’m wondering about polyphony/counterpoint without the use of external midi device. At this time I am just thinking about adding a second metropolix.
I am unfamiliar with the concept of 'counterpoint' and I'll dive into it. As for polyphony, it's still either midi or programming a lane/track for each voice when they have one CV/Gate per track. As for Midi, Toolbox is the best I found so far, but it's discontinued - and it requires a midi voice to actually play chords or clever modules like Instruo Troika with three 1V/oct inputs.
Ah... Figured it out. Counterpoint is 'easy' to program with a sequencer having eight lanes like Westlicht where each has 64 events in various time signatures/resolutions and then you can globally transpose them any way up or down. I did not know the concept, but it inspires me to do a separate episode on it. I am definitely a melody/harmony person so maybe there's something new to discover definitely something I've never done before. I bet there are a lot of people who are unfamiliar with the concept.
@@CinematicLaboratory counterpoint of two or more musical lines establishes a harmonic relationship with each other but maintains the individualistic linear progression.
@@mongrol8356 The westlicht 'retrigger' is a burst of 2, 3 or 4 triggers in the same beat. A repeat extends the bar. So if you have 16 events in a bar, and one step has a repeat of 4, the bar becomes 19 steps. It's a Metropolis feature where you only have 8 stages/steps but you can set how many times a note repeats before it goes to the next stage. It's not 'linear'.
These sequencer types are in the 'analog memory' class and are - imho - in the 'premier league' of modular where you have to use 5 or 8 notes that can have infinite pitch settings. I think it's fun to see how analog memory can compete with a battleship in the generative area. But you'd need a clock divider, sequential switch and a quantizer, and plenty of HP. But you're right, I should have - at least - mentioned them.
@@CinematicLaboratory it's clear enough from context that a simple 4 step sequencer is a difference in kind. I guess it's just that the 0 ctrl has figured in several of your videos, and it is more complex than many other analog sequencers.
Man the production quality of your videos just blows me away. Amazing!
Seriously! These videos look expensive, like whatever this is about, I cannot afford it.
Thanks, Phorr! If you'd see a behind the scenes you'd be surprised how messy it is.
The Vector scorecard mentions midi through the expander, but that's only DIN. The module itself has PLENTY of midi. Sorry about this! EDIT: Vector is coming to the Lab :). And it has repeats.
Only played live twice, with Pams Bloom and harmonaigh in that order. Works really well I think, but for my next case I want the Vector as I want to read the notes. But thanks for all your inputs. Really enjoyed this video.
Summary at the end is epic. I know you had to put a lot of time into this. Cinematic with another top shelf production for modular headz consumption.
I wish I checked out modulargrid instead of only including what I know. Please note these are no 'good/bad' ratings, they're intended as a functionality overview you can match to your music style. Bloom can't sequence Bohemian Rhapsody, but that doesn't make it a bad sequencer. I hope it helps people to make their own checklist before they buy an expensive machine.
Love your Kraftwerk remixes :) I used to use an eloquencer and then I used a metropolis and now I'm settled on the vector. It's amazing how much personality each different sequencer brings to the table
I was expecting to have a copyright issue on the cover versions but CZcams did not detect any of the compositions. I did 'It's more fun to compute' on the PC with the SAM voice from the old Commodore 64. Definitely going to use this track as a modular version at my next live gig :).
Currently VERY impressed by the Vector so far.
I love all of your videos, but I'm absolutely loving this series. It's making a difference in how I approach my music making. Thank you!
I've been watching your videos for a while now, having embarked on my modular journey only two years ago. While I thoroughly enjoy all of your videos, this one is another level. This is almost like plugging into the Matrix and learning modular. Almost. Whats missing is my own capacity to understand much of it. 😆 Truly excellent presentation - it must have been a LOT of hard work. I have to go back and find Episode 01, and I'll look forward to future installments!
This is one of the most difficult videos I made so far. The 'trans europe' arrangements took me three days on ground control and westlicht. And half a day on NerdSeq. But it was great fun!
your videos are so well produced thank you so much great stuff
Thanks! Much appreciated!
Sequencers in modular are a journey of their own. Glad you bought all of them. I’ve tried many of the ones on this list and I have to say for melodies the Vector is my favorite and the Drum Sequencer (not shown here) is my favorite for rhythms. I never jelled with the Nerdseq, I look at a monitor all day long, modular is my time not to look at a monitor… LCDs are enough.
Amazing video. So much work has gone into this. Every moment sounds beautiful. Thank you.
My wife uses a Cirklon for sequencing modular - it is way the best thing out there. Fortunately the studio she works at bought it for her!
Thanks for sharing! I've seen it coming by, but I need to stick to eurorack on this channel. If I need to make a song, I go to the PC :)
“Techno is just ambient with a beat.” This could be a t-shirt. 😉
I think I'll print one for Superbooth 23!
Wow, I'm not into modular, but as you explain stuff quite universally and look on things from a high altitude, it helped me understand the structure of electronic music better and get some tips to try on my sequencer (the Squarp Hapax). Also your stuff looks stunning 😍
Thanks and a big wow back. I forgot to include Hermod, which is also a great sequencer but the UI is unusable for my old eyes.
Professional footage, well done!
I think meanwhile you can replace quite a lot of that stuff by using an Oxi One sequencer. Desktop format but plenty of CV-outs as well as Midi and USB.
It covers most of the functionality you mentioned in your video.
Four sequencers only but up to 32 Tracks simultaneously.
I've seen the Oxi used by many modular artists these days so I guess it solves a lot of issues. For me, personally, it takes away a bit of the charm of overcoming modular limitations. But these artists perform live almost every week. If I had to perform frequently, I'd definitely consider it.
Great timing…I put a question on Reddit yesterday for Sequencer recommendations and a few of the replies where covered in your video. Great job, very insightful and just in time :)😅
I like Eloquencer and Black Sequencer a lot as well as 512 Vector. These fit my workflow and easy to create presets for recall later.
Love the Nerdseq, great video
As I've gotten into modular I've realised sequencers are the key to it all, with the way they influence everything you do. And you only know if one works for you, by trying it out. Which is how I've ended up with Black Sequencer, Turing Machine, Ryk m185, Mimetic Digitalis, Vult Anima, Stochastic Inspiration Generator and Muxlicer. For the complex "song" type stuff I fall back to Ableton with an ES-9.
Thanks for sharing your amazing lineup, I bet it will help people to find their way!
Would've been interesting to see the Cirklon's CVIO breakout thrown into this comparison, though obviously not really something you can just go out and buy.
Awesome, thank you very much!!
Using a Vector with a Metron (clocked together around the back with a Pams). I find this mix great for my music but sometimes get funky with a Teletype and see what happens! I have enjoyed this series so far :)
That's the disconnected scenario and it's probably the best solutiion for generative dance music. I have a few videos about Teletype and I wrote a drum machine that responds to an LFO or any CV. A bit like Grids with beat density. So cool.
absolutely amazing !!!
This was incredibly useful! 🎉
Great timing! I’m in the market :). Thanks!!
I've got the Eloquencer, the Metropolix and just recently got the Rene (now that finally some are available). All very different, which is what I wanted. Great video. NerdSEQ looks like a beast but not sure I'd have the patience for it.
To me black sequencer is my #1 Euclidean circles #2 Eventho a trigger s. And westlicht # 3 out of the case is the oxi one the king without a shadow of a doubt.
Great video!! Congrats!!
great series!
René MK2 is also special because of that cartesian aspect. At first glance it looks like a simple 16 step sequencer that can mutate patterns by modulation of the X and Y axis in a 4x4 matrix. Finally you read the manual, memorize that button combos and unlock the Z axis to step through the planes in a cube… each dimension multiplies the possibilities and the complexity of the patterns that you can achieve.
Rene MK2 doesn't look 'special' in the feature comparison, but it's my favorite improvisation sequencer, especially when combined with a 0-CTRL.
This was great, thanks!
This is fantastic! i've just been doing drones so far and the next step is going to just be a sample and hold and a quantizer, but at some point I want to actually be able to sequence things, and this is perfect for defining what I even want so I can look at tools that can do that well.
I hope it helps you to create your own checkist and make a good choice! I have so many sequencers and they're all different. I guess Vector will also be joining my set this year to sequence my Mutable collection.
amazing content
Frap Tools' Usta for shure can repeat notes. One stage can trigger up to 16 gate events, as they call them. How? On a gate layer simply press a stage encoder so the corresponding stage led becomes green and there you go... :)
By the way, your videos are real gems. I love watching them and always save that for moments when I'm definetely not in a rush, so I can appreciate these little pieces of art properly. Thank you for the eye/ear candy as well as for sharing your thoughts and knowledge.
Wow, i did not know! Frap tools has this 'one manual for all modules' and it's not easy to learn all features. I'll check! I absolutely love Usta. And I'll never make scorecards ever again :)
@@CinematicLaboratory Yeah, Usta is one nice sequencer! Although, in terms of workflow, I see quite some potential for improvements. After one week of using it now, I have a whole list of requests/recommendations to Frap Tools. I really hope they listen to customers and consider updating the firmware some day.
Your scorecards have been fun. No need to regret anything.
You need to sequence the sequencers.
Gracias
This is very helpful for me as I try to figure out which sequencer would be best. I'm trying to decide if I need a dedicated modular sequencer or if I can use other modules to modify the sequences I create on Digitakt/Midi-to-CV. I think I can add a kind of generative layer over the Digitakt sequencer with logic, gate, function generator, euclidean, and pitch quantize modules. Either I will succeed or my head will explode. Only time will tell.
OMG THAT TRUMPET 🎺 AT 8MIN.
There’s an OLD jungle track from the mid 90s that has a trumpet line like that …
Same synthesis trumpet sound.
Was like a liquid dnb sounding track 😊
That's actually Deckard's Voice. The melody is from Kraftwerk's 'It's more fun to compute' which inspired a lot of post 80's people. It's also featured at the end of the video and I have a full track somewhere as background music on my channel. Yes, it's on Coastal Synthesis czcams.com/video/0UkT4m7a6gU/video.html
Thanks. It's very usefull.
Wow Robert!
good stuff fra!
Excellent video. Please be aware that Eloquencer has 8 cv and 8 gate instead of 6 as stated in the scorecard
Sorry! It must have been copy/paste error (Nerd has six). Thanks for clearing that up!
Respectfully, Metropolix 1.4 adds Midi via USB. expander available though not essential.
Thanks for the clarification. I am aware I made a few mistakes here and there. However, it's not on the front panel so I had no idea it could run midi.
Great & exhaustive overview, thank you! It wouldn't be fair to complain about the omissions, would it? 😀
There are just too many sequencers out there, and the point of the 'compare' was to compare on a high level so you can find out what's important in YOUR future sequencer and your music. Like don't get a Metropolis if you want to program rhythms and songs. Also I am not a eurorack dealer so I have to work with what I have. In the meantime I've added Moskwa II + Expander so even an up-to-date video would get old very fast :).
@@CinematicLaboratory I hope you didn't get me wrong, that was an impressive line-up... you covered most of what I would consider interesting, and that at the highest level I could imagine... I wish I had the opportunity to toy around with these sequencers... the problem is there are so many great sequencers out there, and each of them can probably do more than I will ever need, but it's hard to know whether you gel with the specific workflow and paradigms before you actually sit down and use it...
BTW, I just bought the Moskwa 2 + Ostankino, as a step up from Qu-Bit Octone... I also considered Metropolis and ryk-185, which are probably in the same area on the sequencer map, cannot really tell why I chose the Moskwa, maybe because I liked the Octone - at some point you just have to decide... I think it's fun using different sequencers and see where they will lead you...
Anyways - Thanks for the great music and info you provide here! 👍
Soul sonic force ! 😮
You put a lot of effort into those scorecard graphics, thanks for that, v useful. (What did you use to make those btw ? Fruits of the new space ?). After agonizing over Westlicht vs. Vector, I did in fact end up getting the Westlicht several months ago. But it’s clear that certain kinds of sequencers lend themselves to certain kinds of music so ultimately perhaps you need multiple sequencers to cover your own use cases I guess. I (re)watched your reverbs video today and wondered if it needed an update… 😉
I know it's not modular, but I had a Digitakt which probably can tick all the boxes too... I sold it, but if I would only be allowed to have one small 'apparatus', it would be the Digitakt.
Sold it for a NerdSeq 😉 *still need to figure out quantizing via tables...
I bought the expanders when I was researching/learning NerdSeq. Can't believe I 'ignored' it for so long. I am definitely going to dive deeper.
Digitakt definitely falls in the PC/Workstation category (see last slide of the scorecards :).
@@CinematicLaboratory very true. I has been long my missing drums and sequencer for Eurorack with two CV.OCDs, but I sold it for a Varigate 4+, DOT and Crater, Chimera, 2HP hat. Half a year later it's replaced again by a NerdSeq (with MT16 and midi expander), Bitbox Micro and Chimera, hoping to maximize the Bitbox via midi and use it also for drums (which is possible).
@@CinematicLaboratory Would you say, that the Keystep pro also falls into this category? I think, the Nerdseq also is not far away due to its capabilities… great video!
@@CinematicLaboratorynerdseq has more power than we think and is great for research ir playing live even as drum machine. Best one module 👌👍
Nerdeq ..
Ableton in a module
Was so easy to work with
I used to use one
Now use Akai force but I miss an all modular setup
Cirklon and Hapax for the win.
I would add DU-Seq to your list of “pulse” sequencers
This song at the end of the video..... It is on a Noise Engineering video about Mimetic or Vox Digitalis? is it you? congrats for all your content, it is really inspiring, learning everyday thanks to you :)
I think you're referring to 'It's more fun to compute' by Kraftwerk which is on the 'PC' slide to the end of the vid. I recreated it in the DAW. It's a wink to the first part of the video (Trans Europe Express also by Kraftwerk) and the thumbnail art. When I was young, Kraftwerk was about the most innovative music I've ever heard, but I did not always perceive it as music at that time. They were decades ahead of dance music and still a great inspiration to the modular community.
Cool video. Don't quite understand the rating system at the end though.
It's not a rating system, it was intended to help you identify features you'd find important, and check which sequencers have them. It's more like a functional guide, e.g. if generative sequencing is important, then 'these' will deliver. Or if you want to sequence drums, 'these have drum channels'. The more yellow, the more they excel in something. But it's just a guide, not a 'this is the best'. Rene MK2 doesn't do so well if this were a rating system, but it's still one of my favorites.
@@CinematicLaboratory ooh. I getcha. I just didn't get the difference between four yellow and four green dots, and why the most complicated user interfaces would have full marks for user friendliness.
The NerdSeq is so super powerful but I guess I'll sell mine. I don't have a lot of time for modular anymore and getting back into the NerdSeq always feels like studying for a master's degree every three months. Simple things like a chord or other form of polyphony are just SO un-intuitive. I really tried to love it, but for me, it's super un-intuitive. But I understand why people chose it that make music as a job.
I can totally relate to that. Without this video I would have never used it. I have it for about two years and it was just lying around. I started reading the manual and watching videos a few days ago. Many of these videos refer to old firmwares. It's also very hard to find the right information. Something simple as a 'scale' is impossible to find on YT. I found it in the most recent manual and it was still a puzzle. But now I am intrigued and I really want to learn it.
@@CinematicLaboratory Every time I get doubtful about my Nerdseq, I try something new on it and realise how amazing it can be, even in it's simplicity. I love that you can program different islands of ideas on one page and jump around, and it has fantastic random parameters and probability automation too.
Metropolix: Acid rating A++ 😁
Totally agree!
I much prefer modular patching without sequencers, but this is a deep overview. How is the new studio coming along, kind of curious 😊
That's interesting! I wonder what your workflow looks like! As for the studio, I lost all new pictures this week due to a backup crash. If all goes well, the studio will be ready for decoration in May and then I can start IKEA hacking.
VERY interested in the IKEA hacking special, Broder bits getting harder & harder to come by..
Have you got the new Nerdseq IO expander yet. Find the recent video on Nerdseq and random. Between the new firmware and the new Midi/I2C/USB/encoder knob module.. holy cow this thing has leveled up. My expander is on the way. There should just be a new Nerdseq Pro with it built in. That one knob changes the game entirely.
Thanks! I'll check it out.
Cinematic thank you for making this sequencer video. I have many of the same sequencers as you do and I noticed you always give preference to the Westlicht. I am curious as to why? I do not have the Westlicht but I feel that the Eloquencer can basically do the same things. Is this the case? Trying to find out if I should add the Westlicht to my collection. Much appreciate it.
I must admit that I know Wesllicht Performer best, so I am biased. Objectively, I'd say only the Metron offers better drum programming, but it doesn't have melodic sequences without the Voltera expander (which is complicated to use). It doesn't have the generative power of Vector, but it comes very, very close. WP easily 'beats' Vector with drum programming. It has the best user interface I've seen, and it's the cheapest sequencer of power sequencers (if you're able to find a good build because it's DIY). But my video clearly shows there's no sequencer around that will fit all your needs in all workflows. However, if I could keep only one, it would be the WP.
Thank you for another great video! Have you tested the Erica Black Sequencer? What do you think about it?
I think the Black Sequencer is amazing and I can highly recommend it. I checked out the functionality and it can do everyting you'd wish for. The main reason why I didn't cover it is that I don't own one - and I am not planning to because I already have way too much sequencers.
@@CinematicLaboratory Thank you for a good answer! I dig your videos, thanks!
In vector you can do drum and chords too just need the right settings 🙏
You'll need the expander to run a full drum kit and it doesn't offer a pattern programmer like on an X0X style drum machine. I would never get Vector for drums but I'd surely use it with a WMD Metron.
@@CinematicLaboratory yes the expander of course is necessary btw I like the healing frequencies amazing you should focus on that matter deep zone😉🙏thanks have a nice loop 🔁✨
Received the Vector this week. Amazing machine, but it also became painfully clear that the videos on YT did not do it justice just by covering the basics. It has 10% basics and the other 90% are the real must haves. Not to mention it's getting near firmware 3.0, which is my cue for a Vector video.
@@CinematicLaboratory Glad to hear that 😉looking for your videos tutorials we owners and lovers of vectors sequencer needs a serious ones and you are the right guy for that 🙏✨💖
Vector can do note repeats btw
Yes, now I know after purchasing one :).
Great comparison!
You mention that (gate) ties are still a problem for the Westlicht - could you elaborate on that? I was considering getting one at some point, and from what I gathered, the documentation says a step is tied when its note-length is set to maximum.
When you see the video at @02:23, the 'note ladder' needs a tie at the last step to make it sustain. There's no glide on that step. It doesn't sound right and I think it's two gates with 100% duty cycle instead of a long note on/note off. It depends on your module how it will react to a tie. Bitbox didn't respond as I expected and it often didn't play that last note while shooting the video. But it can be a setting I missed! I don't know everything.
You also needed to grade the Performer higher on clock, given it is one of the few sequencers that can run each sequence as a different clock rate. This one feature keeps it in my rack even though the buttons/leds are so meh.
That's in the 'generative' section (for me) and the Westlicht is almost completely blinking yellow :).
I did not 'rate' the clocks, I just wanted to point out which sequencers need a clock (like Rene and Mimetic) and which ones have an internal clock.
@@CinematicLaboratory gotcha. I almost always run a base line at 1/4 speed with longer gates using step modulations at clock speed or higher… then some octave offsets sequenced at like 16th speed to lead or melody. Totally not generative.
At 7:40ish, what oscillator and verb is that? Sounds amazing 🤩
That's not modular. It's the U-he Zebra VST. The video ends with a PC arrangement of a Kraftwerk song and I solo'ed the lead and pad tracks.
The Vector can repeat steps, or ratchet
I couldn't find any information about it in the manual. It has step length, but I am not sure if it repeats the gates like Metropolis. But I'll receive my Vector next week and dive in.
@@CinematicLaboratory Yeah I guess it is a bit hidden in the manual, a second press of the "Len/Rpt" button brings up the repeat options, 1-8 times per step, I think you'll like the Vector!
Any reason the Erica Synth Black Sequencer wasn't being tested?
You're right. I completely forgot. I haven't seen any videos or demos about the Black Sequencer so far so I have no idea how good it is or how it differs from the others. The idea behind this video is to help you figure out if all the features you'd need are there. I checked the manual and it 'scores' great on all categories. It can do repeats (!) and it has excellent modulation support. For a sequencer it also offers great rhythm support by sending trigger patterns through a modulation track. The built in envelopes and LFO's are also special. Sorry I missed it, but if you have an eye on it (or own it), it's a great choice. All Erica gear is amazing. I wish I owned all modules on ModularGrid, but that's never going to happen...
@@CinematicLaboratory it‘s only monophonic, so not really a contender vs the NerdSeq, but in the 1-note-per-track category it has become my favourite very quickly. It feels so non-digital with the large endless encoders that you can also push bit at the same time so modern.
No mention of teletype?
I absolutely adore teletype, but there are people who are plugged into the Matrix, and people who program it.
I have a bloom and thinking to sell it and buy a metropolix… Should I do it ?
you can never have too many sequencers...
One thing that was missing for me was the use counterpoint or polyphony. I know you can do this with metropolix. Is there any other sequencer that you worked with that does counterpoint?
Any of the multi-voice sequencers would be capable of counterpoint. The 512 Vector can do polyphony over MIDI.
@@stephenmarsh6746 thank you however I am famiar with vector sequencer but I’m wondering about polyphony/counterpoint without the use of external midi device. At this time I am just thinking about adding a second metropolix.
I am unfamiliar with the concept of 'counterpoint' and I'll dive into it. As for polyphony, it's still either midi or programming a lane/track for each voice when they have one CV/Gate per track. As for Midi, Toolbox is the best I found so far, but it's discontinued - and it requires a midi voice to actually play chords or clever modules like Instruo Troika with three 1V/oct inputs.
Ah... Figured it out. Counterpoint is 'easy' to program with a sequencer having eight lanes like Westlicht where each has 64 events in various time signatures/resolutions and then you can globally transpose them any way up or down. I did not know the concept, but it inspires me to do a separate episode on it. I am definitely a melody/harmony person so maybe there's something new to discover definitely something I've never done before. I bet there are a lot of people who are unfamiliar with the concept.
@@CinematicLaboratory counterpoint of two or more musical lines establishes a harmonic relationship with each other but maintains the individualistic linear progression.
Performer 0.3.1
Indeed, such a huge update.
You are not using anymore the Stolperbeats?
Sure I do! It's an amazing sequencer but it can only do gates and no melodies.
Westlicht has repeats? on the gate page
Those are ratchets.
@@CinematicLaboratory Whats the difference?
@@mongrol8356 The westlicht 'retrigger' is a burst of 2, 3 or 4 triggers in the same beat. A repeat extends the bar. So if you have 16 events in a bar, and one step has a repeat of 4, the bar becomes 19 steps. It's a Metropolis feature where you only have 8 stages/steps but you can set how many times a note repeats before it goes to the next stage. It's not 'linear'.
Are 4 yellow dots better than 4 green dots?
Yes. @16:31 :) Please note it's not a matter of better or worse, it's related to what you may find important.
0 ctrl doesn't rate, huh? Or is it just in another category - these are all more or less "battleship" sequencers. Except for MD.
These sequencer types are in the 'analog memory' class and are - imho - in the 'premier league' of modular where you have to use 5 or 8 notes that can have infinite pitch settings. I think it's fun to see how analog memory can compete with a battleship in the generative area. But you'd need a clock divider, sequential switch and a quantizer, and plenty of HP. But you're right, I should have - at least - mentioned them.
@@CinematicLaboratory it's clear enough from context that a simple 4 step sequencer is a difference in kind. I guess it's just that the 0 ctrl has figured in several of your videos, and it is more complex than many other analog sequencers.
awesome review
Does this mean you haven’t tried the Misha yet ?
I have Misha. I think it's so specialized it may be featured in a future episode of this series. I would not recommend it as your only sequencer.
@@CinematicLaboratory True, I was kinda imagining how one would train themselves to compose based on intervals rather than notes 😂
@@symbiat0 Here's my first encounter in case you've missed it. czcams.com/video/9PDouvgbtck/video.html