Harmonàig - Polyphonic quantizer overview Instruō 2026-09-24 | Harmonàig - Polyphonic quantizer overview
glōc patching w/ Ben Instruō 2025-01-14 | Ben (@obakegaku) sits down with Mathew to talk through how he utilises glōc.Feeding a single clock-out signal from Lúbadh into glōc, he creates multiple tempo-related but heavily modulated probabilistic clocks. These outputs are fed to trigger pitch sequencing and voltage offset scripts, clock multiple sample and hold and retrigger a delay fx sent across the patch.
Jason H. J. Lim - Performance WT35 short Instruō 2025-01-07 | Hello!This is a recording from October 24th 2024 at Wavetable, Edinburgh.I was part of the line up for the second "Instruō takeover" and performed along side Georgina Penstkart and Obakegaku. Both of whom I have had the pleasure of working with at Instruō for may years now!The evening also featured visuals from Sevendeaths and Obakegaku (which were amazing).This is the second live set I have written and performed using a combination of drum set and modular.This patch also features use of (version 1) Sensory Percussion sensors and software from Sunhou.seAnd the Drumbeam from AFK.Both these devices offer incredibly versatile expansion to acoustic drums!The patch itself uses an almost exclusively Instruō rack, with the addition of an Expert Sleepers ES-9 interface which allowed for integration of the acoustic drum set audio and control signals with the modular.Acoustic audio is live sampled into arbhar for granular processing. Parameters of the grain engines are controlled dynamically from the Drumbeam.VCV Rack was utilised for processing of the Drumbeam midi signals and conversion to control voltage output via the ES-9.Sensory percussion sample triggering comes from sensors applied to the snare, rack and floor tom.I was very fortunate to have been given access to some incredible recordings from Dr Sebastian Lexer (co-creator of the Arbhar), from a previous live performance on prepared piano.I curated layered sample libraries applied to each drum.The control and playback from the configuration allows for a huge amount of dynamic control. Multiple zones of the drum heads and rims were used to cycle groupings of curated samples which expanded the performable timbres of the drums hugely!This performance setup is going to continue to evolve. I learned a lot curating the system and setup for this performance. I have many more ideas to try out next!
Jason H. J. Lim - Performance WT35 Instruō 2025-01-07 | Hello!This is a recording from October 24th 2024 at Wavetable, Edinburgh.I was part of the line up for the second "Instruō takeover" and performed along side Georgina Penstkart and Obakegaku. Both of whom I have had the pleasure of working with at Instruō for may years now!The evening also featured visuals from Sevendeaths and Obakegaku (which were amazing).This is the second live set I have written and performed using a combination of drum set and modular.This patch also features use of (version 1) Sensory Percussion sensors and software from Sunhou.seAnd the Drumbeam from AFK.Both these devices offer incredibly versatile expansion to acoustic drums!The patch itself uses an almost exclusively Instruō rack, with the addition of an Expert Sleepers ES-9 interface which allowed for integration of the acoustic drum set audio and control signals with the modular.Acoustic audio is live sampled into arbhar for granular processing. Parameters of the grain engines are controlled dynamically from the Drumbeam.VCV Rack was utilised for processing of the Drumbeam midi signals and conversion to control voltage output via the ES-9.Sensory percussion sample triggering comes from sensors applied to the snare, rack and floor tom.I was very fortunate to have been given access to some incredible recordings from Dr Sebastian Lexer (co-creator of the Arbhar), from a previous live performance on prepared piano.I curated layered sample libraries applied to each drum.The control and playback from the configuration allows for a huge amount of dynamic control. Multiple zones of the drum heads and rims were used to cycle groupings of curated samples which expanded the performable timbres of the drums hugely!This performance setup is going to continue to evolve. I learned a lot curating the system and setup for this performance. I have many more ideas to try out next!
Instruō - Cš-L [Production Behind the Scenes] Instruō 2024-12-28 | Hello!I'm uploading this video during that limbo period between Christmas and New Year.If your seasonal routine is anything like mine then you'll be killing time between larger meals than are necessary!This was the last test phase of the last production batch of Cš-L of 2024.It's a sequenced patch routine that tests all the I/O and internal routing configurations.I have done this many many many times over the past ~7 years... It's a very familiar pattern of sounds to everyone here in the workshop!I've thought about setting up a camera and recording processes like this for a while.I kinda enjoy weird content like this myself... I find it fascinating watching footage of processes.When something has been done so often it becomes muscle memory. I think there's something quite hypnotic to watching it be done.There are various stages of the production of modules that are very repetitive. I do quite enjoy having a range of very different tasks that are part of this weird job.Working through a Cš-L in this stage is very much muscle memory now. And the resulting sounds are so familiar I can QC check them quite efficiently.Several years ago I had the good fortune to meet and work with the late and great Phill Niblock while I was based in Boston & NYC.Phill, perhaps being best known for his drone compositions, worked across creative mediums.During several concerts I was part of as a performer, there were epic projected backdrops of some of his *The Movement of People Working* film footage.These films captured people working in rural environments around the world.The jobs being done are tasks that have clearly been performed many many many times!So much of it is very necessary work: fishing, farming, weaving, processing of crops, repairing tools.All very necessary tasks required by small rural communities.In comparison, I do feel a bit like what I do is quite a silly job!...I don't really have any point here!I was just reminded of Phill's video work, and the chances I had to get to know him and work with him a handful of times. And of course how much I've enjoyed his work which was as much about "process" as it is about an end product.I enjoy behind the scenes content, and Instruō very much began as a behind-the-scenes–documentation of process–focussed creative project.It's an element I am keen to revisit and explore more.Where Instruō has grown to over the past 8-9 years is still crazy to me, and I feel extremely fortunate to be able to do this for a living.And on top of that, being able to work with such a great team that make this company possible.Thank you all for your continued support.I'm very excited for 2025!I hope you have a great new year when it comes.Cheers!~Jason
Instruō - øchd Expander DIY tutorial && VCV Rack update Instruō 2024-12-23 | The full øchd-ober-fest video can be found here:youtube.com/watch?v=2AXaIudWa54~~~Hello!Happy end of 2024 :)I hope you've had a good year.I would like to thank everyone that has supported Instruō this past year and previous years. The company has grown a lot since I was pottering about in my spare room.I have the pleasure of working along side an incredible team.A lot of the work these past few years has been very much behind the scenes.2025 is going to be exciting! I'll leave it at that!This is a video I've been meaning to do for a while. Since we launched the øchd expander.The expander module itself was a really fun challenge. I wanted to utilise what the øchd generates in as efficient a way as possible to expand its utility.Much of the theory behind it I prototyped in VCV rack. Especially the DAC section.This is a full real time step by step of how to DIY the signal processes and outputs of the øchd expander.There may be more efficient ways of achieving these and many modules out there provide the same utilities, but this is a collection of patches that I reach for then I need such things.It's a bit technical, but I hope the video introduces some ideas for patches.Thanks for watching!~Jason---00:00:00 Instruōduction00:01:13 What we're building00:02:09 VCV Rack00:03:00 øchd Expander sections rundown00:03:24 Section 1: full wave rectifiers00:05:04 "compare" module, comparator utility00:05:25 LFO distribution to rectifiers00:06:00 Patching rectification00:09:02 completing Section 100:10:40 Section 2: diode logic00:11:49 LFO distribution to diode logic pairs00:12:53 Max and Min extraction00:14:15 waveshaping with øchd self patching00:15:13 Min/Max comparison to source signals00:16:11 completing Section 200:18:15 Section 3: trigger extraction00:19:00 Trigger vs LFO phase relationship00:19:37 LFO distribution to trigger extraction00:20:08 extracting square from triangle LFO00:21:26 Trigger duration from comparator threshold00:21:50 completing Section 300:23:04 øchd expander output cascade00:25:07 Section 4: R-2R ladder DACs00:26:33 Building the circuit in a simulator00:30:29 R-2R ladder DAC explained00:32:13 binary counting00:33:00 digital to analogue ramp generation00:33:26 manually defined bits00:34:01 extracting bits from the øchd00:35:13 R-2R DAC equivalent in VCV Rack00:38:05 precision voltage definition00:38:47 DAC1 modelling00:39:09 MSB/LSB00:39:47 discrete voltage amplitudes per bit00:41:10 DAC reconstruction in VCV00:44:20 mapping øchd LFOs as bits00:46:16 DAC2 modelling00:47:35 DAC3 modelling00:50:03 DAC4 modelling00:51:00 DIY øchd expander complete!00:53:55 VCV rack update
Instruō - glōc Overview Instruō 2024-12-05 | Introducing glōc, a clock generator and processor. Capable of turning a single internal/external clock input into a stream of related clock sources. Predictable division/multiplication, complex trigger/gate sequences via probabilistic masking - or any combination of both across each of its 7 clock pulse outputs. Onboard dynamic phase alignment, smart tap tempo detection and locked vs live modes make glōc excellent for performative and generative temporal exploration!• Tap tempo clock generator• 1 clock input to 7 output Clock processor• Manual or CV control over the spread of clock divisions/multiplications • Probabilistic “coin-toss” logic for random phrasing• Probabilistic density masking for repeated phrasing• Manual Pulse width control over Clock Pulse outputs• Dedicated Clock Reset input• Live and Lockable Clock output states• Smart tempo follower and manual button• Save and recall settings between power cycles~~~Info on the signature model tràigh:youtu.be/AfdHsUG6XjQ~~~00:00:00 Instruōduction00:00:37 Feature Overview00:01:29 What's to come in this video00:02:05 glōc:00:02:21 glōc: init state00:03:05 glōc: external clocking00:05:04 glōc: clock phase alignment00:07:17 glōc: SPREAD00:08:33 glōc: PWM00:09:58 glōc: parallel clock outs00:12:22 glōc: PROBABILITY00:12:39 PROBABILITY: random phrasing density00:13:49 PROBABILITY: repeating phrasing density00:16:24 glōc: self patching00:17:49 glōc: RESET00:18:41 glōc: Lock programming00:20:40 glōc: Lock state saving00:21:33 Tonal percussion example
Instruō - tràigh [Signature Edition] Instruō 2024-11-20 | Hello!Jason here.Thank you for watching this video :)This Signature Edition limited re-release of the tràigh low-pass filter module is available for purchase direct from Etsy:etsy.com/uk/listing/1823345653/traigh-signature-modelI am producing a limited batch which will be available for purchase while stock lasts.This revised module was developed as a creative side project over the past month or two as a means of dealing with the unfortunate situation of having a very large pet greyhound with a relatively large diagnosis of cancer.Winston was confirmed to have a stage 2 soft cell sarcoma earlier this year. He underwent a surgery on September 24th during which the tumour was successfully removed. (He has recovered very well and quickly!)Due to the location of the sarcoma there is a high likelihood of cancer cells remaining at a microscopic level. If left unchecked they will likely return as a tumour with a chance of metastasising.Winston began a 4 week treatment of radiotherapy on November 4th.As of writing this we are now past the half way point and he is responding very well with no significant side effects presenting.Each treatment requires full general anaesthetic, so I have a very dopey boy every Monday, Wednesday and Friday for the entire month of November.The vets do provide him with some roast chicken each session when he wakes up. So he seems quite happy with his current unusual routine.It's been a wild ride!As any pet owners out there will know, we can get very attached to our 4 legged friends.My coping mechanism for dealing with stress has always been to throw myself into creative projects.This time round I am hoping that I focussed on something with a chance of proving to be proactive in combatting with the situation.Any sales of this limited run of filter modules will be helping contribute to, and hopefully cover, Winston's Vet bills.I documented the process of redesigning the tràigh for this release.The content is long form... The first session's run time is over 4 hours long!I'm currently working through some audio clean up and camera cuts.This behind the scenes video series will go live very soon.For anyone interested in this VCF and/or synth design and electronics, I hope it might serve as some informative viewing. For the first longer session I am joined by David as a design session co-pilot. David has worked with me here at Instruō for the several years and helps keep operations running very smoothly!If anyone has any questions regarding this project, please don't hesitate to reach out at jason@instruomodular.comThank you for all the support you've shown me through Instruō's journey so far!I am confident that there will be many many more to come, with Winston lounging comfortably by my desk for years to come.~~~tràigh is a classic transistor ladder low pass filter with a -24dB/octave slope (4 pole). Derived from classic East coast designs, tràigh is suited for creating fat, warm subtractive voices. With its built in three channel mixer, its optimised design allows for summing multiple audio signals and softening them into a warm, comforting cushion of sound.With this new revision come a couple of feature updates:• All LED faders now display signal amplitude as dynamic brightness• All fader potentiometers are shaped to a smooth audio tapered (logarithmic) response for natural feel over amplitude mix control• Between inputs 1 to 2 and 2 to 3 are a pair of CMOS frequency dividers which will produce sub octave square wave signals from the source input signals00:00:00 Instruōduction00:02:02 What's new with tràigh00:02:23 Frequency dividers00:03:12 New Look?00:03:36 Why tràigh again?00:05:46 What is tràigh00:05:55 Subtractive Synthesis00:06:28 Interface00:06:38 Input/Output Level00:07:16 Post Processing (arbhar)00:07:42 Voice layering00:08:07 super super super super super super saw00:08:56 Voice doubling (square)00:10:03 Sub-octave short cut00:12:22 Wavefolder divisions00:14:51 Patch expansion00:16:28 tràigh modulation00:17:40 Exploring circuit mistakes!00:18:10 Subtractive (behaving)00:18:43 Sub-octaves (behaving)00:19:09 Sensitive Subdividing00:22:23 Unexpected feature00:24:13 Sub harmoniser00:24:50 Wavefold + instability00:28:03 tràigh production plan
Exploring ambience with arbhar - Sample Library. Now available to download 👌 Instruō 2024-11-17 | ...
A look into the makings of the arbhar sample library. Available to download now from our website👊 Instruō 2024-11-14 | ...
arbhar - Sample Library is now available to download from our website! Have fun exploring granular👊 Instruō 2024-11-10 | ...
arbhar - Working With Pre-Recorded Samples Instruō 2024-11-07 | In this video Sebastian Lexer (Designer of the arbhar) takes you through an in-depth video guide to the arbhar functions available in arbhar v2’s Clone/Load/Save menu. It allows working with pre-recorded samples, layer audio and preset loading and saving options from and to a USB flash drive.The first chapters relate to Clone/Load/Save menu controls and sample audio formats.The tutorials on layer cloning, loading single and multiple audio files into individual layers are followed by discussion of loading and saving entire Scenes that allow the user to load the entire audio content and configuration of the arbhar in a single action.In between there’s a short tutorial on how the Onset detection can be used for ‘finger controlled’ sample triggering.The video is wrapped up with an overview on how to obtain and manage the Instruō arbhar Sample library and a ‘secret’ method of how to create a quick custom preset setting that is loaded on booting up the arbhar.Enjoy arbhar samples.You can download the arbhar sample library pack here - instruomodular.com/sample-librariesThe chapter timestamps allow access to the individual topics. USB Flash Drive - 00:10 Recommended Audio File Format - 01:02Clone/Load/Save Menu - 01:31 Select Files/Folders with Layer - 02:25Clone Layers - 03:44Load a File into a Layer - 08:27Load Short Files into a Single Layer - 11:10Loading Scene and Preset - 13:26Selecting a Scene - 14:02Loading a Scene - 14:50Onset Triggered Sample Playback - 18:23Saving a Scene - 19:23arbhar Sample Library download - 24:21Making an individual Preset for the USB Drive - 26:22
I’ve had the pleasure of beta testing the drumbeam by afk audio. There kickstarter starts today!🥁 Instruō 2024-11-05 | ...
Harmonic patching - saïch/harmonàig Instruō 2024-09-22 | This in an excerpt from a patch workshop at Modular Meets Leeds a few years back.Harmonàig is controlling the chords from a saich which forms the base of the patch composition
FM with tonality! Instruō 2024-09-18 | neóni offers Through-Zero FM functionality with AC and DC coupled operation. It's behaviour allows for complex waveforms with less non-harmonic sidebands. Less clang, more bang!
àradh can swoop in and help with your dynamic management! Handy patch trick! 👀 Instruō 2024-09-17 | ...
Out Now! We have updated and added new features to an instruō classic! Reintroducing the cèis [2] 👀 Instruō 2024-09-12 | ...
Instruō - cèis [2] Overview Instruō 2024-09-12 | The Instruō cèis[2] is a fully analogue voltage controlled ADSR envelope generator. The ADSR function generator is the model pioneered by the East-coast mindset and is extensively used in subtractive synthesis patches. The cèis[2] gives the ability to externally control the attack, decay, sustain, and release stages of the envelope while also emitting trigger and gate signals for each segment, offering maximum versatility from a classic tool.This version [2] revision brings additional flexibility and control through a completely redesigned logic extraction circuit for the segment gates, envelope re-trigger input, and a precision throughput for voltage controlled slew limiter capabilities.• LED button for manual control and indication of output CV level• Fader and CV control over all 4 segments• Gate output per segment• Fader LED for segment stage indication• Gate/Trig modes which can force completion of the Attack duration when triggered• Hold mode for sustain segment lock for CV slew use• Combined trigger output which fires when there is a change in segment• Variable envelope response shape from linear to exponentialInstruōduction 00:00:00What's new? 00:00:54TRIG|GATE|HOLD 00:01:27Trigger and RETRIG 00:02:08New logic extraction circuitry 00:02:46CV controlled slew 00:03:05What's to come in this video 00:03:23Subtractive Synthesis Synopsis-is: A.D.S.R Fundamentals 00:04:02Audio Signal Path 00:05:56Keyboard Control 00:08:32Basic amplitude gating 00:10:19Gate to ADSR to amplitude 00:11:48The traditional ADSR 00:12:30Gate following 00:13:59Control signal path for timbre 00:16:53A classic subtractive patch 00:19:06Decay/Release gate controlled 00:20:23Completing the keyboard control (RETRIG) 00:22:02cèis[2] upgrades 00:25:29Patch polishing 00:26:29Rhythmic control and percussion patching 00:30:48Enveloped resonant filter Kick voice 00:31:16Decay time CV 00:35:52Noise pulse percussion 00:37:27Linear/Exponential 00:39:25Sequencing and envelope 00:40:09Adding a synth voice 00:40:46Adding rhythmic complexity 00:42:49Trigger delay 00:43:27Trigger burst generator 00:46:08CV controlled SLEW 00:50:02Attack - Rise / Decay - Fall 00:52:33Slew slew for logic extraction 00:54:24Melodic interval logic extraction 00:55:36Manual melody interval logic extraction 00:57:15Sequenced melody interval logic extraction 00:58:34Rise/Fall independent logic output 00:59:59Audio rate waveshaping 01:01:58Signal throughput configuration 01:02:43Square to triangle conversion 01:03:24Negative CV range extension 01:04:26Logic as comparator for PWM 01:06:05CV controlled PWM 01:07:34Envelope as a LPF? 01:08:30Expanded control methods 01:09:54Parallel envelope generation and logic 01:10:21
A look into the workings behind a balanced signal and why it is usfull in your system. Enter cuïr 👊 Instruō 2024-08-29 | ...
Flanger effect with Lubadh Instruō 2024-08-18 | The Lubadh is arguably a multi-effects processor!So many effects are based on simple audio delays. Here is the sweet spot for a classic tape flanger effect using a single deck on the Lubadh
àradh - East Coast Instruō 2024-08-13 | àradh being utilised as the filter and VCA in these East Coast patch examples. Setting the VCA 'pre-filter' lets you use the VCA as an extra saturation stage that drives the signal into the filter.
arbhar turning your mono signals stereo. In this case, a granular super saw voice. 👌 Instruō 2024-08-07 | ...
Design archive - microPhaser Instruō 2024-08-04 | Here's a little behind-the-scenes of designing the microPhaser cartridge for the @Befacosynth FXBoy module.I got involved after catching up with them at @superboothberlin in 2023.I had a very short turn around time to develop the prototype to meet the release schedule.It was a really fun challenge and I'm very proud to have been a part of such a cool collaboration.Please check out my full in depth video on the microPhaser here:youtu.be/mo_jAeX6btU?si=hi6npynaX6BNo5dnAnd check out the module here:befaco.org/fx-boy
àradh being used as both a filter and VCA and use of the strike envelope to control cutoff & VCA👌 Instruō 2024-07-31 | ...
cruïnn - stereo super saw Instruō 2024-07-30 | Exploring sound examples from a stereo super saw synth voice using the cruïnn.
cruïnn - Stereo Super Saw Instruō 2024-07-30 | Exploring sound examples from a stereo super saw synth voice using the cruïnn.The sequencer or keyboard sends voltages to cruïnn while simultaneously triggering the envelope generator. The CV output of the envelope generator opens two VCAs, allowing cruïnn to pass through. Two LFOs modulate the cutoff frequencies of two filters, creating a stereo modulation. Depth and Rate parameters are increased to apply phase modulation.
Throwing Reverb Instruō 2024-07-28 | Manual controlled reverb throws with analogue "coin-toss" chance of wet or wet+dry.How do you like getting hands on with effects?
Filters are weird! 🤔 dåpf can simultaneously not be a filter but any filter you want Instruō 2024-07-24 | ...
Tš-L - Folded PWM Instruō 2024-07-16 | In this video, we explore some sound examples from a folded PWM synth voice using the Tš-L as the primary audio source.Connecting the PWM Output to the Wavefold CV Input allows for four levels of timbre control via the PWM knob/PWM CV Input, the PWM Waveform Crossfade knob, the Wavefold knob, and the Symmetry Bias knob. The sequencer or keyboard sends voltages to Tš-L while simultaneously triggering the envelope generator. The CV output of the envelope generator opens the filter and VCA, allowing Tš-L’s signal to pass through. More traditional East Coast patches would incorporate separate envelope generators for the filter and VCA.
A folded PWM synth voice using the Tš-L as the primary audio source. Instruō 2024-07-16 | In this video, we explore some sound examples from a folded PWM synth voice using the Tš-L as the primary audio source.Connecting the PWM Output to the Wavefold CV Input allows for four levels of timbre control via the PWM knob/PWM CV Input, the PWM Waveform Crossfade knob, the Wavefold knob, and the Symmetry Bias knob. The sequencer or keyboard sends voltages to Tš-L while simultaneously triggering the envelope generator. The CV output of the envelope generator opens the filter and VCA, allowing Tš-L’s signal to pass through. More traditional East Coast patches would incorporate separate envelope generators for the filter and VCA.
Instruōctional Live Excerpt Instruō 2024-07-14 | How many times do you start/restart patching when developing a live set?Is there a workflow order that you tend to stick with?
Our jokes are bad, but our modules are good! Meet cuïr our final stage output module. Instruō 2024-07-10 | ...
Creating unpredictable rhythms in VCV Rack. Instruō 2024-07-09 | David from the instruō team creating unpredictable rhythms in VCV Rack utilising two cnōcs.
How do you choose what goes where? Instruō 2024-07-07 | These are timelapse recordings of us building Instruō systems, I think, for Superbooth 2023.Arranging a system is a lot like writing a set list.How do you decide what goes where?Any particular rules of module type placement?
Creating unpredictable rhythms in VCV utilising two cnōcs with David from the instruō team Instruō 2024-07-04 | ...
Patching with: David Pollock | cnōc cnōc Instruō 2024-07-04 | This is David Pollock.David Pollock does a lot behind the scenes here at Instruō.He also patches!This is David Pollock patching.This particular patch demonstrates some techniques focussed around the cnōc.Please enjoy David Pollock's patching :)
Flash back to a performance and Q&A hosted by @signal-sounds Full length in our YouTube channel Instruō 2024-07-03 | ...
Multi-tap octave delay with Lubadh Instruō 2024-06-30 | Multi-tap octave delays with Lubadh!@TheUnperson digging into various delay effect techniques with Lubadh.What's your goto preset?Full unpers0n takeover video in bio 👆#instruo #instruolubadh #delay #synthesisers #eurorackmodularsynth #scotland
