News - IRREGULAR CLUSTER

03/28/2024 - 05:08 PM

Super fast and stylish notebook - ASUS ROG Strix G16

Super fast and stylish notebook - ASUS ROG Strix G16
ASUS ROG Strix G16 - i9-14900HX / RTX 4080 / 32 GB RAM
It was time to replace my somewhat old Lenovo x280 with an ASUS ROG Strix G16 (G614JZR-N4031W). The difference is so enormous. In terms of CPU and GPU performance, this notebook even outperforms my desktop PC. I've never had that before. A really great and pretty device. Looks good, feels good and is incredibly fast. Highly recommended! 😍

Benchmark

Benchmark
Notebook
i9-14900HX / RTX-4080 / 32GB-RAM / 1+4 TB NVMe
Desktop
i7-13700KF / RTX-3070TI / 32GB-RAM / 2+2 TB NVMe
CPU-Z Single Thread
865
869
CPU-Z Multi Thread
140066
12562
Cinebench R23 Multi Thread
28670
30615
3DMark TimeSpy
18736
15472


12/21/2023 - 07:29 AM

Razer Huntsman V3 - Analog Opto-Mechanical Keyboard

Razer Huntsman V3 - Analog Opto-Mechanical Keyboard
Razer Huntsman  V3 - ASUS PG32UQXR
Of course, an analog keyboard shouldn't be missing from a modular system. 😉

The Razer Huntsman V3 has second-generation analog opto-mechanical switches, with freely adjustable stroke and retrigger functions, adjustable for each individual key. Sounds good? Yes, indeed!

This keyboard replaces two keyboards for me. A mechanical keyboard with Cherry MX Red-Switches (Corsair K68 for Gaming) and a mechanical keyboard with Cherry MX Blue-Switches for programming and writing. With the Razer Huntsman V3 I can now freely adjust any stroke from 0.1 mm to 4 mm. The typing experience on this keyboard is simply excellent. By far the best keyboard I've ever had. Sorry IBM. 😁 There is even a controller emulation with touch dynamics, like an analog joystick. Could be an exciting keyboard for music applications.

09/30/2023 - 04:52 PM

My system is complete!

My system is complete!
+2
Quad Mantis - Final Rack 3 & 4
+2
Quad Mantis - Final System
Hip hip hooray! The last module for now, my second Intellijel Scales, has finally arrived. From now on, only defective or significantly improved modules will be replaced. 😊

09/06/2023 - 10:49 PM

Have you color coded your system?

Have you color coded your system?
Quad Mantis
In a larger modular system, it is very helpful to color code your cables. For example, I have the following color selection:

Audio => Green
CV and LFO => Yellow
Trigger and Gate => Black
Clock, Transport and Reset => Red
Temporary experimental route => White

This allows certain signals and structures to be tracked a little faster and saves a lot of time and nerves.

08/31/2023 - 02:08 PM

Xaoc Devices - Odessa & HEL

Xaoc Devices - Odessa & HEL
Xaoc Devices - Odessa
Hooray! Finally I have an excellent additive oscillator in my system. 😄 I also added the associated HEL module so I can create progressive chords with the Odessa. I look forward to the cornucopia of new sounds! Now only my second Intellijel Scales is missing. Unfortunately it is "Out of Stock" at the moment. Things should improve next month. So I have to wait patiently...

08/04/2023 - 05:22 PM

Short Summer Break

Short Summer Break
+3
IO Hawk - Legacy 2.0
+3
IO Hawk - Legacy 2.0
+3
IO Hawk - Legacy 2.0
I have found a new companion for my short summer break. The IO Hawk Legacy 2.0. It is the German version of the Vsett 10+. A really nice E-Scooter and it drives pretty darn good too. I can highly recommend it! Pure fun.😍

Update...

So far, 3000 km without any real problems. After 500 km the handlebar started making creaking noises. 10 minutes of time for proper greasing and the noise has disappeared since then. So far there is nothing negative to report.


06/26/2023 - 12:46 PM

Xaoc Devices - Belgrad

Xaoc Devices - Belgrad
Xaoc Devices - Belgrad
Xaoc Devices Belgrad is a really wonderful and super fat sounding analog filter. One of its special features is a double filter stage, with two resonance points that give each passing sound a unique character. The resonance points can be spread and combined in many ways. With it's 10 distinct frequency responses, there's a big playground to explore. All important parameters can also be controlled via control voltages. A really great filter that offers a wide range of possibilities to shape your sound and should not be missing in any system!

FEATURES

  1. All analog, dual core filter design
  2. 10 distinct frequency responses
  3. Wide tuning range, approx. 4hz to 28kHz
  4. Low noise audio path
  5. Voltage controlover the resonance and peaks balance
  6. Nonlinear feedback and cross-modulation
  7. V/octave input
  8. Adjustable input overdrive


06/23/2023 - 07:03 PM

Surprise package

Surprise package
Xaoc Devices - Belgrad
I currently have exactly 100 modules in my system, and for the first time I had a problem with my order 101. Instead of a new module, I only received a used and defective module, with a broken switch and old revision number. The packaging had no scratches and the broken switch wasn't in the box either, so the supplier is innocent. I think, some prankster has probably previously exchanged his old module for a new one. And from the damage it looked like, quite a bit of force had to be used. This does not happen in normal use. I suspect someone wanted to mount a black plate and that didn't work. Luckily, the module was replaced by MusicStore without any problems. Thanks very much! I can't wait to get my hands on the new filter and hope the delivery arrives safely.

05/06/2023 - 10:22 AM

I have my eye on you

I have my eye on you
Mordax - Data
Mordax Data is a really useful tool to keep track of all control voltages and audio signals. And besides that, it's also a dual oscillator with a wave shaper, a quad clock with a divider and offset function, and also a reliable tuning utility. Four input channels (with through outputs) can be used simultaneously for signal monitoring. Audio, clock, gate and trigger signals can be sent to four additional outputs.

What can I say? Bye bye offset problems! 👋😄

05/01/2023 - 10:14 AM

Input Channel Abuse

Input Channel Abuse
Allen & Heath - SQ5 Back
You know it's time to expand your SQ5 when you're already using the talkback input as a line-in. Luckily, the SQ5 allows you to patch the talkback input so that it can be used as a regular line-in. A preamp, compressor and EQ are also included, just like the regular inputs. I have already split the two stereo inserts on the back into 4 mono channels. Thanks to the patch matrix! As a last option, I now only have the stereo insert on the front to split up. This would then use up all 23 channels of the SQ5. It's time for a DX168 expansion to put an end to this terrible channel abuse. 😑

04/30/2023 - 09:21 AM

Tick tock around the clock

Tick tock around the clock
Quad-Mantis - Eurorack
After lots of experimentation with clock signals, I'm back to using Trigger Riot as the master clock. When I used the Hermod as a master, many attached sequencers had a clock offset between two notes, which is very difficult to handle. Now only the Hermod is 1/16 note behind the first clock signal. This can easily be corrected with an inverted sub clock signal, or by activating clock push mode in the Hermod. And besides that, with the Trigger Riot you can also send the reset signal before or after a pattern and also trigger it manually. Unfortunately, Hermod cannot do all of this, which severely limits the flexibility as a master in interaction with other sequencers. Trigger Riot's reset signals also work as they should with all attached sequencers. The buffered multiple of 4ms has proven to be the most stable for the distribution of the clock and reset signals in my system. For comparison I had buffered multiples from Doepfer and Intellijel, these have their strengths in the distribution of CV signals.

04/29/2023 - 06:34 AM

Xaoc Devices - Timiszoara

Xaoc Devices - Timiszoara
Xaoc Devices - Timiszoara
The magical spring is here and new modules are even growing in my rack... 🌱 And here is my new companion, the beautiful Xaoc Devices - Timiszoara 24–bit stereo DSP with up to three voltage controllable parameters. So now I have 8 effects in the mixer and 3 in the rack, I think that should be enough for now. Actually, I don't need anything else, except a few cables. But I'll somehow close the last gaps with something useful. Maybe a flux capacitor fits in...

Still on my wishlist: Xaoc Devices ODESSA plus HEL and a second Intellijel Scales

11/18/2022 - 11:31 PM

Busy...

Busy...
Recording Rig - i7-13700KF
Unfortunately I've been pretty busy the past few months. There was hardly any free time. But at least I was able to upgrade my recording rig*.... With a bit of luck things will look better from mid February. 😎

*HW-Info

MSI Pro Z690-P DDR4 / Intel i7-13700KF (16C/24T) / MSI MAG Coreliquid P360 AIO / 32GB G.Skill Trident Z RGB 4000MT/s (CL16-16-16-36 Dual Channel / Dual Ranked Samsung B-Die) @CL14-14-14-34 1.42 Volt / SA-Voltage 1.20 Volt Gear-1 / Gainward Geforce Phoenix RTX 3070 TI / 2x 2 TB Samsung 980 Pro HS NVMe / 2x 1 TB Samsung 860 Evo SATA / FSP CMT520 Plus with FSP850-51AAC / Allen & Heath SQ5 - 32 Channels 96KHz In @16 Samples (1.67ms) / 32 Channels 96KHz Out @16 Samples (2.50ms)


12/28/2021 - 12:43 PM

Circadian Rhythms

Circadian Rhythms
+2
Quad-Mantis - Performance Rack
+2
TipTop Audio - Circadian Rhythms
I'm afraid I'll have to rebuild everything again. But for this module every effort is worth it. 😅

Update: The rearrangement is done! Check out my setup page for a closer look

11/10/2021 - 10:12 AM

Vučko would say now: Sarajewoooooo-ooo-o-ooo

Vučko would say now: Sarajewoooooo-ooo-o-ooo
Xaoc Devices - Sarajewo Analog Delay
I already have first-class delays and effects in the Allen & Heath SQ5 mixer, but I'm still missing a delay that I can modulate. And finally here it is, the Xaoc Devices - Sarajewo BBD Analog Delay. A really good sounding analog delay with many modulation options. That's what I've been looking for!

The missing Ostankino II, which completes the Moskwa II Rotosequencer, was also delivered today. And there was even more! The last 3 HP gap in the bottom row is completed by a 4ms buffered multiple. Tic tac toe - three in a row. 😄 

11/06/2021 - 04:51 AM

Moskwa II - Rotosequencer

Moskwa II - Rotosequencer
Xaoc Devices - Moskwa II
The cold season is here and it's time to get back to the modular synthesizer. And what could be nicer than starting directly with a new module? One of the last gaps will be filled with the new Moskwa II Rotosequencer. Unfortunately, the Ostankino II expander that goes with it has not yet arrived. But in a few days the duo will be complete and unleash their full potential. 

12/12/2020 - 05:24 AM

Intellijel Bifold

Intellijel Bifold
Intellijel Bifold - Dual Channel Serial/Parallel Wavefolder
After what feels like an eternity, thanks to the corona nonsense, the long-awaited Intellijel Bifold is here and ready to play. Like a filter, a wave folder offers many possibilities to shape and color the sound. And here you have two of them in one module. A crossfade control allows you to choose from different modes.


08/17/2020 - 05:14 PM

Zadar - Quadruple Envelope Generator

Zadar - Quadruple Envelope Generator
Xaoc Devices - Zadar - Quadruple Envelope Generator
Zadar is a really extraordinary quad-envelope generator, which is ideal as a modulation source. Envelopes can be mangled in many different ways. For example, you can stretch them, compress them or let them influence each other.


06/18/2020 - 12:26 PM

One and one were having some fun...

One and one were having some fun...
TipTop Audio One - Sample Player
I love those One's, they are super fast and easy to use, exactly what I was looking for! And finally, my sample player section is complete. 😊


06/18/2020 - 08:59 AM

Tête - Intelligence for Tetrapad

Tête - Intelligence for Tetrapad
Intellijel Tête - Intelligence for Tetrapad
Lots of new things to learn with this wonderful extension for Tetrapad. Endless possibilities open up. 😅 I think my head is about to explode. So many new toys...  The biggest task is to find a new workflow. Let's go! ✌


06/12/2020 - 06:34 PM

Quad-Mantis

Quad-Mantis
Quad-Mantis - A dream came true
Dear God, please let me stay on this planet for a few more years so that I can enjoy this wonderful instrument.

06/10/2020 - 02:51 PM

Erica Synths MIDI To Clock V2

Erica Synths MIDI To Clock V2
Erica Synths - MIDI To Clock V2
The Hermod becomes a reliable Master Clock with Erica Synths MIDI To Clock V2. But the new Hermod firmware finally enables also a clock push mode. This means that Hermod can now also be used very well as a slave.


05/15/2020 - 02:02 PM

Tetrapad

Tetrapad
Intellijel Tetrapad - Multi-Dimensional Performance Touch Controller
Even more control with Intellijel Tetrapad - Multi-Dimensional Performance Touch Controller. Now all that's missing is the Tête extension. You can then record everything with it.


04/07/2020 - 02:04 PM

Planar²

Planar²
Intellijel Planar² - Recordable Vector Joystick
A little more control and human feel. Planar² gives you everything you need. 4 individual modulation channels and two bi-polar channels in addition. What more do you need? Ah, yes, of course you can also record everything.


04/07/2020 - 11:38 AM

Doepfer A-183-2 Offset-Quadriga

Doepfer A-183-2 Offset-Quadriga
Doepfer A-183-2 - Offset Generator
Indispensable little helpers. Why isn't that part of every LFO?


03/03/2020 - 02:04 PM

Dixieland

Dixieland
Intellijel Dixie II+ - Full-Featured Triangle Core VCO/LFO
Hooray! Now they are finally complete.😄 The three musketeers in Dixieland. I love those O's. They are fast, strong and massive sounding VCOs. Very stable and quickly adjustable.


12/16/2019 - 12:36 PM

4x Mantis = 832 HP

4x Mantis = 832 HP
IRREGULAR CLUSTER - Quad Mantis 832HP Powerhouse
Quad-Mantis - Enough space for new toys.


12/16/2019 - 11:49 AM

Squarp Instruments - Hermod

Squarp Instruments - Hermod
Squarp Instruments - Hermod
A couple of new hands - 8 sequencers in one module, with real polyphony and easy to use. With a connected controller you can even record directly with it. Very convenient!


11/20/2019 - 11:17 AM

A special gift

A special gift
Mutable Instruments - Clouds
Wow! 😮 Today I received a special and unexpected package from my brother Tony deKaro. Thank you for this extraordinary gift! You are crazy! 😍

I will keep your Clouds in honor and it gets a special place. Thank you, bro! I really can not believe it! 😊


10/14/2019 - 00:36 AM

Probability Test Patch

Probability Test Patch
IRREGULAR CLUSTER - Probability Patch
After a long time and a musically wasted summer, here's another little patch...

08/06/2019 - 11:18 AM

Intellijel Scales

Intellijel Scales
Intellijel Designs - Scales
The little predecessor µScale II was already awesome, but the new version beats everything.


07/12/2019 - 00:52 AM

Polyphonic Modules - Doepfer A-141-4 / A-105-4 / A-132-8

Polyphonic Modules - Doepfer A-141-4 / A-105-4 / A-132-8
Polyphonic Modules - Doepfer A-141-4 / A-105-4 / A-132-8
Now it's getting exciting! Polyphony for a Modular Synth with Doepfer A-141-4 Quad Poly VCADSR / A-105-4 Quad Poly VCF 24 dB SSM Low Pass Filter / A-132-8 Octal Poly VCA


07/09/2019 - 10:46 AM

Doepfer A-118-2 Noise / Random / T&H / S&H

Doepfer A-118-2 Noise / Random / T&H / S&H
Doepfer A-118-2 - Noise / Random / T&H / S&H
Small and functional. The new Doepfer A-118-2 Noise / Random / T&H / S&H.


07/02/2019 - 11:19 AM

A few new modules have arrived

A few new modules have arrived
IRREGULAR CLUSTER - Dual Mantis
It's hard to stand on one leg... So a second Z3000 had to be added. And a third 2hp Mix was also added.

06/08/2019 - 07:48 PM

Doepfer A-140-2 - Dual Mini ADSR Envelope Generator

Doepfer A-140-2 - Dual Mini ADSR Envelope Generator
Doepfer A-140-2 - Dual Mini ADSR Envelope Generator
Lots of space saved with the Doepfer A-140-2 Envelope Generator. Now another Z3000 fits into the case.


05/30/2019 - 05:31 PM

Nature - Random Patch II

Nature - Random Patch II
IRREGULAR CLUSTER - Nature Patch
My first try with a few new modules. A small random ambient patch...

05/25/2019 - 12:12 PM

TipTop Audio - Z3000 Smart VCO MKII

TipTop Audio - Z3000 Smart VCO MKII
TipTop Audio Z3000 - Smart VCO MKII
Say hello to my new buddy! 😎 A really excellent VCO - TipTop Audio Z3000 Smart VCO MKII. And as always, one of those isn't enough. 😅


05/04/2019 - 01:47 PM

Xaoc Devices - Batumi - Quad LFO

Xaoc Devices - Batumi - Quad LFO
Xaoc Devices Batumi - Quad LFO
More modulation sources with Batumi Quad LFO.


04/09/2019 - 12:43 PM

Intellijel Designs - Shifty

Intellijel Designs - Shifty
Intellijel Designs - Shifty
Finally, I can make overlapping notes, or pseudo-polyphony.


03/30/2019 - 01:14 PM

Intellijel Designs - Polaris

Intellijel Designs - Polaris
Intellijel Designs - Polaris
The missing link has arrived... Intellijel Designs - Polaris - Multimode VCF. Sounds really excellent with Intellijel Dixie II+.


02/23/2019 - 12:50 PM

Random Mandala

Random Mandala
IRREGULAR CLUSTER - Random Mandala
My first try with Mutable Instruments Marbles & TipTop Audio Trigger Riot

02/07/2019 - 11:17 AM

TipTop Audio - VCA

TipTop Audio - VCA
TipTop Audio - VCA
We all know, you can never have enough VCAs in your System and this one is really great!


12/14/2018 - 04:10 PM

Vegas-Pro Test

Vegas-Pro Test
Vegas-Pro Test
This is just a little real-time test with a few Vegas Pro GPU effects ...

12/14/2018 - 01:03 AM

TipTop Audio - Trigger Riot

TipTop Audio - Trigger Riot
TipTop Audio - Trigger Riot
Now the party starts slowly... The electric mandala is born. Trigger Riot is a cornucopia of infinite melodies and rhythms. The Matrix mode easily outperforms all existing clock dividers and rhythm machines.


12/12/2018 - 11:49 AM

Mutable Instruments - Plaits

Mutable Instruments - Plaits
Mutable Instruments - Plaits
For two ears you also need at least two Plaits.


12/04/2018 - 10:38 AM

Mutable Instruments - Marbles

Mutable Instruments - Marbles
Mutable Instruments - Marbles
When I was a kid, I liked to play with marbles. Let's see if this is still the case. 😉


06/16/2018 - 12:43 PM

Allen & Heath SQ5 Mixer

Allen & Heath SQ5 Mixer
Allen & Heath SQ5 - Digital Audio Mixer
Finally, I do not have to use a PC anymore 😄 A dream came true. No more latency problems or too few resources. Mouse click orgies are just absolutely unintuitive. And no controller can be as good as a real module. Long life the hardware!