I'm an old rackhead, waited for a physical box to run vcv for many years. Can't express how stoked I am to watch a Loopop video on such a device while waiting for my order to show up. (;
@@drysabre2242 Omri is the best no doubt. i wonder if mindmeld will work on this. hell id get one of these just for FX. i just dont get how they didnt use a touch screen for certain things
you mean es9 has been integrating vcv with physical for years? MM seems like a joke, no touch screen, cpu from 2011 overloaded, single spin and press encoder editing and internal patching, buggy, cant do this cant do that, i got a headache watching this for 10 minutes. “does not spark joy”.
You obviously didn’t watch the whole video… Meta Module is in VCV Rack, that’s how you can save a VCV Rack Patch and export it to the Physical Meta Module (via the virtual VCV Meta Module.)
Pretty wild. Another potential alternative is Bitwig’s Grid. You won’t get VCV modules there, but it provides an impressive array of modular building blocks to patch together, and it has pretty strong hardware I/O integration if you have a suitable interface.
First of all, thank you loopop. Once again, you've made my life easier and I don't have to look at the manual so much. 😀 Here's a note for people who have a negative or bizarre view of the module. Have a look at the countless VCV setups (patches) online. I'm sure you'll find a lot of ideas that you would never have thought of yourself. I'm totally into VCV, I know it's massively inspiring and I'm sure you have hundreds of modules that you can't afford. Mutable modules are also all digital (except for blades). So what's the point? 4ms MetaModule is for me the most creative invention in years. I'm now patching my massive VCV setup with a Eurorack Bastl VCF. How cool is that? 🙂
Saw this on the preview for super booth and knew I had to have it. I was hoping there would be more data on 4ms website prior to launch, but loopop always comes through for us on new stuff. I have it on pre-order and can't wait!! This is perfect for my mini rack setup. I am hybrid and this makes it even more cost effective to not have to give in to euro gas. LOL
I just met it here, and my first intention was to buy it. Then I asked myself - do I want to spend $600 plus taxes for something my MacBook +controller can do? As I commented already, the only real benefit is for a live performance when quick patch change is necessary and auto map is available at a spot. This is really neat. What is your intention to use it? Do you think I am missing the point?
@@drysabre2242 I think this is a personal thing with this one. I don't own alot of modules. I have been hybrid on purpose with my iPad. I find that having the knobs would be really good for me. I run things through a ES-8 using my iPad which works great, but it gets weird sometimes using your fingers on the screen to control things. I think all the time about not going nuts with modules and for the most part I have been able to use VCV rack to be able to explore things that I don't physically have access to and it's allowed me to learn alot. I can see grabbing the extension module for more knobs and jacks as well. I will have to think about that wifi module... maybe a need to keep from pulling the sd card all the time. The thing I love about VCV rack is the ability to buy virtual instances of modules at a low cost. If this is ported over to the meta module this is even more awesome.
@@loopop Favorites in VCV Rack are saved in the settings.json file located in the VCV Rack user folder. We would just need to write a simple script to generate the favorites list and add it to the settings.json file.
Awesome work as always mate, I find this being amazing product you can test modules you want with VCV rack and tactile approach, enough patch points etc. I wouldn't use it for VCV composing and driving it to its limits, its rather - you want this digital oscillator - load, try, see if you click. I sold so much modular because of these things and stayed with most unusual gear because it works for me.
I never delved into modular mostly because I feel frozen as a consumer trying to enter the modular market. Not only is it expensive, but it’s totally over saturated and is a rabbit hole of time and knowledge. But this….this thing seems like it’s beginner friendly. Too cool, definitely will look into this in the (not so near) future
To me, the most interesting part of this is being able to organize the controls of a complex patch in a way that makes sense, instead of having them spread across a bunch of modules. It would also be great for someone who wanted to travel with a small rig. You could easily switch in and out a module or two while having a few core hardware modules.
It's an interesting way to port out a VCV rack setup for a live performance if you don't want to link in a laptop with your setup but it seems like that's the extent of it's value. It's so much less efficient to edit anything using the module compared with just doing it on a computer such that I don't really see anyone wanting to do that. To me it seems like the VCV rack version of sampling onto a Bitbox rather than dealing with patches live. It's a little more useful live since you can adjust some parameters but way less than you could do if you were just running VCV on a laptop with a good midi controller. Seems interesting, the workflow just seems worse than using VCV directly to me. Just my opinion though.
@@drysabre2242yeah I think the main benefit is for people that already have lots of hardware Eurorack VCOs and want to use the abundance of generative sequencers in VCV. As a sound generation or processing module it's less powerful / practical than a cheap laptop so probably not worth it for that, unless you really want a hardware Plateau 😂
@@VirtualModular I have a lot of hardware synth - custom System 66 (Moog 5U), Moog Voyager RME, SlimPhattty x4, Minitaur, Arturia MatrixBrute, DSI Prophet, PoyEvolver, Evolver, Moog M32x2, DFAMx2, Subharmonicon, Waldorf Kyra, Blofield, Pulse, Novation Supernova II, Arturia Origin, UDO 6, Elektrons - A4, MonoMaschine, Maschinendrum, Rhytm, Digitakt, Digitone, DeepMind12 Rack, Nord A1, and this is cry far from the entire list. And tons of effects. I have Torso t-1, OXI, Misha and NDLR - they do the generative sequencing perfectly. There are number of software generaticve tools besides VCV itself, and while MM is very interesting, I amy trying to refrain from buying it.
I’m just glad I have a hybrid setup with ins and outs between DAW and eurorack and can use full fat VCV Rack Pro. This is very cool for performers though provided it’s stable.
Not really though. Zoia works with very fundamental blocks. VCV in a box can have much more complicated modules meaning you need far less routing to get things done. Also it's expandable by third parties. Something zoia (sadly) is not. So they share a concept but the execution is very different.
@@SyntheticFuture Yes. yes - of course I wrote about "concept". It is very obvious that the execution is different... however I think Zoia has an option to load custom patches so basically it is expendable.
@@SmallWorldBigThings custom patches yes. Custom modules no. And that's where this is more flexible. You are not stuck with Empress Effects rather slow development rate 😅 Downside of a walled garden of course.
At first I wrote this off as gimicky, but now I'm rethinking my whole row of Mutable Instruments, this could make a good way to free up some space, still not sure I like all the menus though. Decisions, decisions !
What were your thoughts on the latency in the default 48kHz, 64 block setting? My main interest would be to use this module as a midway point in a larger patch (for extra utilities, modulation sources, effects, etc.) instead of as a start or end point in a patch. But I'm hesitant that it would cause latency and then be out of sync with other elements in the patch that wouldn't be going through the MetaModule (like if I was using an external clock to trigger something both in the MetaModule and other modules outside of the MetaModule). I know you said it was about 4ms of latency, so just curious if you think it would be audibly noticeable on a tight rhythmic patch for example.
It's hard to like since it's, like, four different interfaces layered on top of each other. It's an interface to select patches, an interface to edit patches, an interface to interact with the patch, and the internal software interfaces of VCV. It'd be more appealing if the concept were built on a mod matrix type of thing instead - a spreadsheet grid with a column for I/O and columns for each module.
I was super excited first but then I asked myself - do I want to spend 600 bucks to have something that works worse than my MacBook? Indeed, a laptop and controller will do the job easily. The only real benefit I see is for a live performance. It is definitely better and faster workflow especially if switching between patches. As for the channel - Ziv, you are the best.
Does your MacBook have a whole bunch of parch points? As far as i can tell the advantage is bringing virtual modules into the real world. You're right that there'd be little advantage if you don't have any parchable gear interface it with
@@dyscotopia I have a lot of hardware synth - custom System 66 (Moog 5U), Moog Voyager RME, SlimPhattty x4, Minitaur, Arturia MatrixBrute, DSI Prophet, PoyEvolver, Evolver, Moog M32x2, DFAMx2, Subharmonicon, Waldorf Kyra, Blofield, Pulse, Novation Supernova II, Arturia Origin, UDO 6, Elektrons - A4, MonoMaschine, Maschinendrum, Rhytm, Digitakt, Digitone and Ocktatrack, DeepMind12 Rack, Nord A1, and this is cry far from the entire list. And tons of effects. I have Torso t-1, OXI, Misha and NDLR - they do the generative sequencing perfectly. There are number of software generative tools besides VCV itself, and while MM is very interesting, I am trying to refrain from buying it. What is in your wallet?
As always great demo/review. The $ value and hp space saved just in 4ms modules available alone makes this a great deal. Might make taking Eurorack on the road more feasible. The economics of a company like 4ms doing this puzzles me though. Doesn’t this effectively kills sales of their discrete modules? I didn’t see anything on the 4ms website about the expansion modules, do you know if those are being released later than the Aug 27 date for Metamodule?
Thanks! Yeah it's pretty bold of them to include their modules, and even more so to release them for free to VCV users. I don't know when they'll be on the VCV library but it shouldn't be long
I’ve spoken with Dan of 4ms. He strikes me as a guy who truly enjoys sharing his ideas with creatives, not as purely profit driven. I think this passion is what has lead to their presence and success in the eurorack space. The Meta Module will likely lead to MORE sales of their dedicated modules as people starting out or with smaller systems experience them for the first time with a very reasonable up front cost in terms of both initial cash outlay and HP. Many will quickly find modules they use in a large amount of their patches and thus seek out the simplicity of direct patching them in their systems, leaving the Meta for less utilized specialty modules. For the cost of 2 complex modules, you gain access to hundreds to get addicted to😂
I love Eurorack because of the immediate hands-on controls, clear labels, and not needing to mess with software settings, poorly designed user interfaces, and software bugs. So this thing is certainly not for me.
Ideally this would be a case, where the screen is 84hp wide, 3u high, and then 6 or 7 u of space for physical modules, and all the knobs and patchpoints are the first module in that system. However, it would need a touch interface, more cpu and maybe a mouse input.
This would eliminate most needs for the digital-friendly utilities people would need for common chains they make with PNW or other menu diving stuff. For example if I can patch in a dedicated quant/euclidian/switch patch, that would be excellent. Great video as always!
This video makes my bank account cry in fear. I'm fairly certain that I'll finally dive into Eurorack if they have this module available for sale at Knobcon in a couple weeks.
This is my nightmare. Deep diving into a screen / computer while using modular isn't fun. However - I can see how this could be very useful if you just kept this patched for one purpose.
geesus christ, i might as well like this video too, but no way i will use this haha im super glad it exists, but its like... a non menu divey homies nightmare haha great video bro! love ya lots! You got me thru some tutorial times!
You seem to be using it as a desktop synth but in thr video you refer to it as eurorack. What is the case you're using? It looks quite nice. I don't have any eurorack gear but i do have a lot of analog synths wirh patch points that would make for a lot of creative patching opportunities
Yeah you can use it in a bigger eurorack case of course but to me the charm here is that you make your own "standalone" synth/effect - and works just fine with other semi modular synths. The case is by 2manysynths
were do you have from those moduls from 4 ms in VCV Rack ? did they get together with the MethaModul ? becouse there is nothing from 4ms in VCV Browser. Thanks
I think as a composer of classical and 70-80's style songs, I am completely lost on the musical application of devices like this. Looks fun to tinker with, so maybe that what it's about. Hobbying around with it. I cannot envision making anything musical with it except perhaps movie sounds for scary scenes or something like that. Perhaps I am missing something about what this is for.
excellent review- really loving the demo patches in the latter portion. any chance we might see these up on patchstorage down the road (when they add in the mm category) ?
Thanks! The first two and the last one are on my Patreon (the third is a factory Djembe patch). Someone already took my last one and put it (modified) on Patch Storage... the other two are modified jaynothin patches, mostly his though so perhaps ask him to post them I don't want to take credit
The idea of virtual module management was implemented in 2011 at Korg Kronos. Isn't it? Only there is a touchscreen , but here they decided that it was not necessary...
Hey Loopop, Can you, in future, mention whether the TRS Midi input is A or B? It is extremely frustrating that manufacturers, or whoever is responsible for having two types, hasn't also made it immediately clear which kind of cable and which kind of input is being used. It would be hugely beneficial if you were to just throw it in there, making is standard to say "It has a TRS Midi A port" or "TRS Midi B port" when mentioning it. Thanks for another engaging presentation, Loop.
ive been waiting for this one. i see the framerate when you scroll its pretty laggy. i wonder if the scope which i was intending to use is going to be faster than that. also modules with visual feedback
Im seeing when you turn knobs the numbers show a value of 0 - 100 as you turn the knob, does that mean knob resolution is 100 steps? Whats the knob resolution?
@@geusensdriesmusic that doesnt sound good though, because theres 20000 frequencies right so if you were sweeping a filter you'd want more accuracy than 100 steps.
@@catscanmeowIt doesn’t work like that. In vcv you can enter several decimals (f.i. 6.367% etc) for parameters, and you can easily smoothen, slew, scale and offset voltages. It’s just a visual indication, but under the hood it’s far more precise. So I really don’t see any issues there. You can even type in the exact frequency you’d need. It’s extremely accurate.
@@geusensdriesmusic but we're talking about a hardware eurorack module here, i dont think you can type values on a hardware module. And also, typing values even on the computer seems very not that conducive for a fun fast and free music writing workflow, hardware with high resolution knobs is going to be the better experience
Would this be the ultimate eurorack quadraphony module ? Dreaming of replacing the ER-301 in my quadraphony setup (with the Push 3 SA as the centerpiece)...
Great video as always, loopop. Not mentioned in the comments but once the VCV emulation gui is on the whole screen, is there away to screen record or take a snapshot of the patch?
The Mod Devices Duo and Dwarf are supposedly able to run Max patches in a hardware pedal. They also have a plugin called Cardinal that’s a port of VCV Rack, with some similar possibilities to this new 4ms.
To answer your question: Why would you want to use 96 kHz sample rate? Because you are using a 96 kHz sample rate fr your DAW project to lower RTL overall. For example, I use a UA Apollo with UAD2 plugins running either Logic or Luna. RTL is about half (
Thanks! just saw this comment for some reason only now - anyway, tested this for you - I loaded 11 on an empty patch and got to 79% CPU - I'm guessing that's enough to leave spares for the actual patching and a reverb
@@loopop thanks for this. interesting, that's a bit disappointing, given plaits neon optimisation. I get my MM next week, so will do more tests then - then I can start to think about good use-cases for MM.
I’ve been wanting to get into modular four a free years now to add to the mi mini brute 2 but can’t afford most modules let alone experiment with them and I still can’t afford this but this is attainable for what it does
Hmm, needs a bigger display, mouse / touchpad, faster CPU... I think I have something like that around here somewhere... only paid $200 for it IIRC... called a "lap" something...I know it's around here somewhere...
Ya, I was thinking about using this as a dedicated sampler module only. Stack a few STS copies into it and go to town. This might be less frustrating if you approach it with particular uses in mind rather than hoping for the Eurorack of Everything module.
I love the power of modern hardware and it's limitless possibilities. But that is also the problem, people spend so much time programming these things and a lot of people lose their inspiration. Stuff like this is certainly great for sound designers though..
loopop, you're making CZcams a better place
Agreed 200%
I'm an old rackhead, waited for a physical box to run vcv for many years. Can't express how stoked I am to watch a Loopop video on such a device while waiting for my order to show up. (;
Eurorack inside a eurorack inside a eurorack inside a eurorack
Fully expecting a digital version for VCV rack 😋
I should have watched the video first 😂
The Euroracktrix!
Rackception
It is called MetaModule after all. 😂
It's no proton, that's for sure.
Omri Cohen in a box
#hoppolach
Tanks for mentioned it. I just looked up and I think Omri's modules + my old Novation Zero will do the job perfectly.
@@drysabre2242 Omri is the best no doubt. i wonder if mindmeld will work on this. hell id get one of these just for FX. i just dont get how they didnt use a touch screen for certain things
you mean es9 has been integrating vcv with physical for years? MM seems like a joke, no touch screen, cpu from 2011 overloaded, single spin and press encoder editing and internal patching, buggy, cant do this cant do that, i got a headache watching this for 10 minutes. “does not spark joy”.
czcams.com/video/JH3kuz0RH10/video.htmlfeature=shared
Now lets port metamodule to vcvrack
Let's not tear a hole in the universe, yeah?
"That's meta. I hate meta"
Norm
You obviously didn’t watch the whole video… Meta Module is in VCV Rack, that’s how you can save a VCV Rack Patch and export it to the Physical Meta Module (via the virtual VCV Meta Module.)
Amazing 😂.
A meta-meta-....-module
Can be a nice way to kill a pc
😅😅😅 nr.1 comment ever
If 4ms added support for a mouse connection via usb to be used for making connections that would be incredible
noise engineering would be such an awesome addition.
I really hope ALM and instruo join too given the fact that they already have vcv modules
@@phelper4554if Instruo, ALM and Synthesis Technology are added, would be a instant buy for me
I dont think they give away their BIA or ALIA modules
Pretty wild. Another potential alternative is Bitwig’s Grid. You won’t get VCV modules there, but it provides an impressive array of modular building blocks to patch together, and it has pretty strong hardware I/O integration if you have a suitable interface.
Also the poly beebo
This just made me think, what if we’re just an emulation / patch inside some higher beings euro rack?
This made my day 😂
First of all, thank you loopop. Once again, you've made my life easier and I don't have to look at the manual so much. 😀 Here's a note for people who have a negative or bizarre view of the module. Have a look at the countless VCV setups (patches) online. I'm sure you'll find a lot of ideas that you would never have thought of yourself. I'm totally into VCV, I know it's massively inspiring and I'm sure you have hundreds of modules that you can't afford. Mutable modules are also all digital (except for blades). So what's the point? 4ms MetaModule is for me the most creative invention in years. I'm now patching my massive VCV setup with a Eurorack Bastl VCF. How cool is that? 🙂
Whaaaaaaaat?!?! 😱🤯 This is amazing! It's that thing you always think about at some point in the night, but they did it lol
Saw this on the preview for super booth and knew I had to have it. I was hoping there would be more data on 4ms website prior to launch, but loopop always comes through for us on new stuff. I have it on pre-order and can't wait!! This is perfect for my mini rack setup. I am hybrid and this makes it even more cost effective to not have to give in to euro gas. LOL
I just met it here, and my first intention was to buy it. Then I asked myself - do I want to spend $600 plus taxes for something my MacBook +controller can do? As I commented already, the only real benefit is for a live performance when quick patch change is necessary and auto map is available at a spot. This is really neat. What is your intention to use it? Do you think I am missing the point?
@@drysabre2242 I think this is a personal thing with this one. I don't own alot of modules. I have been hybrid on purpose with my iPad. I find that having the knobs would be really good for me. I run things through a ES-8 using my iPad which works great, but it gets weird sometimes using your fingers on the screen to control things. I think all the time about not going nuts with modules and for the most part I have been able to use VCV rack to be able to explore things that I don't physically have access to and it's allowed me to learn alot. I can see grabbing the extension module for more knobs and jacks as well. I will have to think about that wifi module... maybe a need to keep from pulling the sd card all the time. The thing I love about VCV rack is the ability to buy virtual instances of modules at a low cost. If this is ported over to the meta module this is even more awesome.
A gas cure was my initial thought to.
You could always set up a favorites list in VCV that only uses the supported modules to make it easier to find the modules that it supports.
Yes, I'm aware of faves, but is there a fast way to do that or do I have to favorite each of the 600 modules manually?
@@loopop Favorites in VCV Rack are saved in the settings.json file located in the VCV Rack user folder. We would just need to write a simple script to generate the favorites list and add it to the settings.json file.
@@edtotman2952 if someone did that it would be fantastic and I would hope 4ms added it to their downloads/manual!
Awesome work as always mate, I find this being amazing product you can test modules you want with VCV rack and tactile approach, enough patch points etc. I wouldn't use it for VCV composing and driving it to its limits, its rather - you want this digital oscillator - load, try, see if you click. I sold so much modular because of these things and stayed with most unusual gear because it works for me.
Love miRack and Drambo for iPad
I just cancelled my pre-order and will focus on miRack/Drambo instead.
MiRack is such a great app!
Thanks Loopop. I've got one on pre-order. I'm very excited about the possibilities.
I never delved into modular mostly because I feel frozen as a consumer trying to enter the modular market. Not only is it expensive, but it’s totally over saturated and is a rabbit hole of time and knowledge. But this….this thing seems like it’s beginner friendly. Too cool, definitely will look into this in the (not so near) future
To me, the most interesting part of this is being able to organize the controls of a complex patch in a way that makes sense, instead of having them spread across a bunch of modules.
It would also be great for someone who wanted to travel with a small rig. You could easily switch in and out a module or two while having a few core hardware modules.
It's an interesting way to port out a VCV rack setup for a live performance if you don't want to link in a laptop with your setup but it seems like that's the extent of it's value. It's so much less efficient to edit anything using the module compared with just doing it on a computer such that I don't really see anyone wanting to do that. To me it seems like the VCV rack version of sampling onto a Bitbox rather than dealing with patches live. It's a little more useful live since you can adjust some parameters but way less than you could do if you were just running VCV on a laptop with a good midi controller. Seems interesting, the workflow just seems worse than using VCV directly to me. Just my opinion though.
totally agree
@@drysabre2242yeah I think the main benefit is for people that already have lots of hardware Eurorack VCOs and want to use the abundance of generative sequencers in VCV. As a sound generation or processing module it's less powerful / practical than a cheap laptop so probably not worth it for that, unless you really want a hardware Plateau 😂
@@VirtualModular I have a lot of hardware synth - custom System 66 (Moog 5U), Moog Voyager RME, SlimPhattty x4, Minitaur, Arturia MatrixBrute, DSI Prophet, PoyEvolver, Evolver, Moog M32x2, DFAMx2, Subharmonicon, Waldorf Kyra, Blofield, Pulse, Novation Supernova II, Arturia Origin, UDO 6, Elektrons - A4, MonoMaschine, Maschinendrum, Rhytm, Digitakt, Digitone, DeepMind12 Rack, Nord A1, and this is cry far from the entire list. And tons of effects.
I have Torso t-1, OXI, Misha and NDLR - they do the generative sequencing perfectly. There are number of software generaticve tools besides VCV itself, and while MM is very interesting, I amy trying to refrain from buying it.
I’m just glad I have a hybrid setup with ins and outs between DAW and eurorack and can use full fat VCV Rack Pro. This is very cool for performers though provided it’s stable.
Empress ZOIA is a little bit similar....
Not really though. Zoia works with very fundamental blocks. VCV in a box can have much more complicated modules meaning you need far less routing to get things done. Also it's expandable by third parties. Something zoia (sadly) is not. So they share a concept but the execution is very different.
@@SyntheticFuture Yes. yes - of course I wrote about "concept". It is very obvious that the execution is different... however I think Zoia has an option to load custom patches so basically it is expendable.
@@SmallWorldBigThings custom patches yes. Custom modules no. And that's where this is more flexible. You are not stuck with Empress Effects rather slow development rate 😅 Downside of a walled garden of course.
At first I wrote this off as gimicky, but now I'm rethinking my whole row of Mutable Instruments, this could make a good way to free up some space, still not sure I like all the menus though. Decisions, decisions !
Wow ❤❤❤❤❤ virtual patch into digital/analog. This would take me a decade :DDDDD
It's Eurorack all the way down!
Pre-ordered mine, should be arriving next week - a fantastic video to reinforce my decision, since this seems absolutely magic!
Everybody's trying to make Ableton in a box but these guys just made reason in a box
Ehhhhh. I’ll keep my vcv rack / expert sleepers :)
Thank God I haven't went past semi modular.
My wallet can barely afford the grear I have.
What were your thoughts on the latency in the default 48kHz, 64 block setting? My main interest would be to use this module as a midway point in a larger patch (for extra utilities, modulation sources, effects, etc.) instead of as a start or end point in a patch. But I'm hesitant that it would cause latency and then be out of sync with other elements in the patch that wouldn't be going through the MetaModule (like if I was using an external clock to trigger something both in the MetaModule and other modules outside of the MetaModule). I know you said it was about 4ms of latency, so just curious if you think it would be audibly noticeable on a tight rhythmic patch for example.
4ms of latency wouldn't be noticeable except perhaps on drum parts and even then you'd need very keen ears
4ms is the same as the latency 5 feet from a loudspeaker or an audio source like an instrument or drum.
It's hard to like since it's, like, four different interfaces layered on top of each other. It's an interface to select patches, an interface to edit patches, an interface to interact with the patch, and the internal software interfaces of VCV. It'd be more appealing if the concept were built on a mod matrix type of thing instead - a spreadsheet grid with a column for I/O and columns for each module.
I was super excited first but then I asked myself - do I want to spend 600 bucks to have something that works worse than my MacBook? Indeed, a laptop and controller will do the job easily. The only real benefit I see is for a live performance. It is definitely better and faster workflow especially if switching between patches. As for the channel - Ziv, you are the best.
Thanks!
Does your MacBook have a whole bunch of parch points? As far as i can tell the advantage is bringing virtual modules into the real world. You're right that there'd be little advantage if you don't have any parchable gear interface it with
@@dyscotopia MacBook +ES-8/9
@@dyscotopia I don't have any PARCHABLE gear. I have bunch of patchable gear.
@@dyscotopia I have a lot of hardware synth - custom System 66 (Moog 5U), Moog Voyager RME, SlimPhattty x4, Minitaur, Arturia MatrixBrute, DSI Prophet, PoyEvolver, Evolver, Moog M32x2, DFAMx2, Subharmonicon, Waldorf Kyra, Blofield, Pulse, Novation Supernova II, Arturia Origin, UDO 6, Elektrons - A4, MonoMaschine, Maschinendrum, Rhytm, Digitakt, Digitone and Ocktatrack, DeepMind12 Rack, Nord A1, and this is cry far from the entire list. And tons of effects.
I have Torso t-1, OXI, Misha and NDLR - they do the generative sequencing perfectly. There are number of software generative tools besides VCV itself, and while MM is very interesting, I am trying to refrain from buying it.
What is in your wallet?
As always great demo/review. The $ value and hp space saved just in 4ms modules available alone makes this a great deal. Might make taking Eurorack on the road more feasible. The economics of a company like 4ms doing this puzzles me though. Doesn’t this effectively kills sales of their discrete modules? I didn’t see anything on the 4ms website about the expansion modules, do you know if those are being released later than the Aug 27 date for Metamodule?
Thanks! Yeah it's pretty bold of them to include their modules, and even more so to release them for free to VCV users. I don't know when they'll be on the VCV library but it shouldn't be long
I’ve spoken with Dan of 4ms. He strikes me as a guy who truly enjoys sharing his ideas with creatives, not as purely profit driven. I think this passion is what has lead to their presence and success in the eurorack space. The Meta Module will likely lead to MORE sales of their dedicated modules as people starting out or with smaller systems experience them for the first time with a very reasonable up front cost in terms of both initial cash outlay and HP. Many will quickly find modules they use in a large amount of their patches and thus seek out the simplicity of direct patching them in their systems, leaving the Meta for less utilized specialty modules. For the cost of 2 complex modules, you gain access to hundreds to get addicted to😂
@@loopopThey're available to download and install as a plugin already
Geodesics made the cut! Yessssssssss. I preordered, and have been waiting to see the final initial cut of modules.
I love Eurorack because of the immediate hands-on controls, clear labels, and not needing to mess with software settings, poorly designed user interfaces, and software bugs. So this thing is certainly not for me.
You never need to do any of that, just build in VCV and then it's all good to go
Clear Labels and poorly designed user interfaces!? 🤣😂🤣😂🤣 thats what you get with real hardware modular.
Ideally this would be a case, where the screen is 84hp wide, 3u high, and then 6 or 7 u of space for physical modules, and all the knobs and patchpoints are the first module in that system.
However, it would need a touch interface, more cpu and maybe a mouse input.
This would eliminate most needs for the digital-friendly utilities people would need for common chains they make with PNW or other menu diving stuff. For example if I can patch in a dedicated quant/euclidian/switch patch, that would be excellent.
Great video as always!
This so cool!
What is next-4MS Ableton module?
This is a great idea! and a great review as always.
What a wonderful little machine !!
Almost like a rackable iPad
from 2014
Well, HELLO hybrid-synth setup. Very nice demo!
The latest patch is beautiful
The 12 knobs are an awesome feature
obligatory can it run doom tho
Probably
If it runs VCV Rack I doubt running Doom will be any problem. But will it run Crysis?
This video makes my bank account cry in fear. I'm fairly certain that I'll finally dive into Eurorack if they have this module available for sale at Knobcon in a couple weeks.
This is my nightmare. Deep diving into a screen / computer while using modular isn't fun. However - I can see how this could be very useful if you just kept this patched for one purpose.
geesus christ, i might as well like this video too, but no way i will use this haha
im super glad it exists, but its like... a non menu divey homies nightmare haha
great video bro! love ya lots! You got me thru some tutorial times!
Oh man just when I had my finger on the buy button for TE TP-7! Decisions decisions!
36:34 a haunted toilet ! 😂
So what are we thinking as far as this versus the Euroburo?
so excited for this module.
This seems so good ! thanks for the review :)
It’s modular inception!
You seem to be using it as a desktop synth but in thr video you refer to it as eurorack. What is the case you're using? It looks quite nice.
I don't have any eurorack gear but i do have a lot of analog synths wirh patch points that would make for a lot of creative patching opportunities
Yeah you can use it in a bigger eurorack case of course but to me the charm here is that you make your own "standalone" synth/effect - and works just fine with other semi modular synths. The case is by 2manysynths
Because it is Eurorack?
were do you have from those moduls from 4 ms in VCV Rack ? did they get together with the MethaModul ?
becouse there is nothing from 4ms in VCV Browser. Thanks
I think they're going to be adding them soon, perhaps check on their site or email them
Yo dog, I heard you like Eurorack...
Beat me to it. Lmao
Wow this looks really cool.
I think as a composer of classical and 70-80's style songs, I am completely lost on the musical application of devices like this. Looks fun to tinker with, so maybe that what it's about. Hobbying around with it. I cannot envision making anything musical with it except perhaps movie sounds for scary scenes or something like that. Perhaps I am missing something about what this is for.
excellent review- really loving the demo patches in the latter portion. any chance we might see these up on patchstorage down the road (when they add in the mm category) ?
Thanks! The first two and the last one are on my Patreon (the third is a factory Djembe patch). Someone already took my last one and put it (modified) on Patch Storage... the other two are modified jaynothin patches, mostly his though so perhaps ask him to post them I don't want to take credit
The idea of virtual module management was implemented in 2011 at Korg Kronos. Isn't it? Only there is a touchscreen , but here they decided that it was not necessary...
I can hardly imagine a more masochistic invention 😂
This has nothing on a Casio VZ-1😅
Roland made a module like this where you could use an iPhone/iPad to make your own modules.
Oh? what'S it called? never heard of that.
The Aira modules? Worlds apart from this
GASed hard for this for a few days, but I've already invested in an ES-8 and -6 to use VCV Rack so I'm good. For now.
I half expected a 4x Ensemble Oscillator patch at the end..
I actually was going to make one but ran out of time
Hey Loopop,
Can you, in future, mention whether the TRS Midi input is A or B? It is extremely frustrating that manufacturers, or whoever is responsible for having two types, hasn't also made it immediately clear which kind of cable and which kind of input is being used.
It would be hugely beneficial if you were to just throw it in there, making is standard to say "It has a TRS Midi A port" or "TRS Midi B port" when mentioning it.
Thanks for another engaging presentation, Loop.
Thanks - I typically do as you probably know - here I didn't have access to the module or specs
@@loopop Ah, I gotcha. I guess I've missed that you've mentioned it. Apologies, and thank you again.
So no MIDI out?
Thank you for introducing this. Very informative. yet, it is not available in my country.
Perfect droid buddy
ive been waiting for this one. i see the framerate when you scroll its pretty laggy. i wonder if the scope which i was intending to use is going to be faster than that. also modules with visual feedback
I think I need this.
Im seeing when you turn knobs the numbers show a value of 0 - 100 as you turn the knob, does that mean knob resolution is 100 steps? Whats the knob resolution?
I don't know if it's higher than that, perhaps email the company and let us know back here!
Vcv rack uses percentage for knob values in many cases. So that’s probably what’s going on.
@@geusensdriesmusic that doesnt sound good though, because theres 20000 frequencies right so if you were sweeping a filter you'd want more accuracy than 100 steps.
@@catscanmeowIt doesn’t work like that. In vcv you can enter several decimals (f.i. 6.367% etc) for parameters, and you can easily smoothen, slew, scale and offset voltages. It’s just a visual indication, but under the hood it’s far more precise. So I really don’t see any issues there. You can even type in the exact frequency you’d need. It’s extremely accurate.
@@geusensdriesmusic but we're talking about a hardware eurorack module here, i dont think you can type values on a hardware module. And also, typing values even on the computer seems very not that conducive for a fun fast and free music writing workflow, hardware with high resolution knobs is going to be the better experience
Sure is an exiting time to be a gear head. Another great video leaving me lusting after shiny music tech that I can't afford.
yes a lot of people are exiting eurorack
very cool
This is such a good idea time to sell my expert sleepers es9 😅
Uroboros? Recursion? What's next? VCV Rack module that with simulate Metamodule?
Freakin brilliant idea.
Would this be the ultimate eurorack quadraphony module ?
Dreaming of replacing the ER-301 in my quadraphony setup (with the Push 3 SA as the centerpiece)...
Great video as always, loopop. Not mentioned in the comments but once the VCV emulation gui is on the whole screen, is there away to screen record or take a snapshot of the patch?
Thanks! Do you mean a screenshot of the module's screen? No, you can't, but you can save the patch
Big up Jaynothin 🥰
Will that polyphonic plaits patch be available on your Patreon? If so then you’ve a new subscriber 😊
Sure happy to upload it :)
“Reason” in a box with dedicated i/o’s
Does the USB port support USB hubs, or a dock, to connect multiple USB midi devices?
Omg. Brilliant!
I need something like this, but for Max ;-)
The Mod Devices Duo and Dwarf are supposedly able to run Max patches in a hardware pedal. They also have a plugin called Cardinal that’s a port of VCV Rack, with some similar possibilities to this new 4ms.
Not really, you can convert gen~ patches to MODDuo plugin format, but gen~ is different in some ways from Max
To answer your question: Why would you want to use 96 kHz sample rate? Because you are using a 96 kHz sample rate fr your DAW project to lower RTL overall.
For example, I use a UA Apollo with UAD2 plugins running either Logic or Luna. RTL is about half (
Can't you just change buffer size? Rather than unnecessarily running at 96k
There's no need to use 96k unless you have buggy or badly designed drivers. Higher sample would make it worse in most cases
Dreams do come true
Great video !
Q. How many plaits module can you load ?
eg to get a polyphonic plaits voice from midi
Thanks! just saw this comment for some reason only now - anyway, tested this for you - I loaded 11 on an empty patch and got to 79% CPU - I'm guessing that's enough to leave spares for the actual patching and a reverb
@@loopop thanks for this.
interesting, that's a bit disappointing, given plaits neon optimisation.
I get my MM next week, so will do more tests then - then I can start to think about good use-cases for MM.
I’ve been wanting to get into modular four a free years now to add to the mi mini brute 2 but can’t afford most modules let alone experiment with them and I still can’t afford this but this is attainable for what it does
Hmm, needs a bigger display, mouse / touchpad, faster CPU... I think I have something like that around here somewhere... only paid $200 for it IIRC... called a "lap" something...I know it's around here somewhere...
Looks useful, but lack of a touchscreen seems like it will make it painfully slow to use
Any granular or sampler module?
Sampler yes - STS; granular - clouds; I didn't go over all the modules, maybe others!
Ya, I was thinking about using this as a dedicated sampler module only. Stack a few STS copies into it and go to town. This might be less frustrating if you approach it with particular uses in mind rather than hoping for the Eurorack of Everything module.
This has gone full circle.
o m g this is the future
I have touched eurorack in about a decade, maybe longer, this is an absolute gateway drug to that world.
My dream would be to build a Rena/Morphagene/Arbhar/Cosmos space thing with this if the cpu can hold my imagination.
at what point will people just use a laptop in their performances.
hey loopop can you transfer over patches with a usb cable only? or will this only work with wifi expander?
no you can't transfer over a USB cable unfortunately - only using a USB drive, SD card or the wifi expander
I love the power of modern hardware and it's limitless possibilities. But that is also the problem, people spend so much time programming these things and a lot of people lose their inspiration. Stuff like this is certainly great for sound designers though..
I see 13 rotary encoders
12 pots one encoder
How does meta module stack up vs the percussa xmx / ssp? (I think it can implement vcv rack)
Wish you could drop max / Pd patches into it. Looks like an interesting tryout/problem solver. A bit menu-divey tho.
There’s a module in VCV Rack in which you can load Pd patches. Maybe it’ll get ported to Meta.
@@geusensdriesmusicPrototype? That hasn't worked for a few years, would be cool if they fixed it
@@VirtualModular believe it’s that one yes. Only tried it a few times long time ago.
Expander would be great.