Just Bought a Desktop Semi-Modular Synth, and I'm Incredibly Frustrated

[Bassist4Eris]

Here's another free synth I found this weekend. I have no freaking clue how to do any sound design on it (yet) but golly it has some nice presets.

Dawesome Zyklop - free synth - Tracktion Software

Experience Zyklop's sonic thrills with the Re-synthesis V2 engine. Fun, creativity, and exploration in every sound created.

www.tracktion.com

 

[Bassist4Eris]

SUCCESS!!! I'm so excited I've got caps lock on! We have achieved synchage. (Which, as every Seinfeld fan knows, is way better than shrinkage.)

The Talkbass Helper of The Day awards go to @Correlli and @TOOL460002. Between the former's video and the latter's suggestion, I was able to sort this out. However, I appreciate EVERYONE'S efforts in this. I'll share the solution for anyone else having troubles.

First, this:

Then, this:

 

[40Hz]

I downloaded Cardinal a few months ago, opened it once, took one look at it, and got immediately intimidated. Thanks for this video; I'll be sure to check it out later. Maybe I'll get some usage out of this after all.

The reason why it can be intimidating is because most people try to teach it on real modules, which often obscures the basic functions of the modules and how they affect the signal chain.

I keep thinking about writing a guidebook for modular synthesis in clear language that starts with the core concepts and builds from there without the usual academic foot dragging. Because it’s really not that complicated. Or doesn’t have to be unless you want it that way. Truth is, it’s so basic it can paradoxically be hard to grasp at first. So yeah… Maybe that’ll be my project for next year.

 

[logdrum]

I'm definitely getting clock out to the interface, because I'm using those MIDI ports to sync a drum machine and a Korg Monologue. I tried using them for the Grind, to no avail. Your post does however remind me that I should try seeing if the Monologue will sync over a USB cable. I'm guessing it's possible that Reaper is only sending clock to the interface, but I'll need to try some stuff to be sure.

EDIT: Never mind the thread did not refresh. I saw you had success

Can you try playing a keyboard controller that is tested to control other synths with MIDI channel set to ch 1 and plug it to the 5 pin MIDI in of the Grind . Verify the DIP switches on the back are on CH 1 also. Then do a simple patch and play on the KB of the Grind. Then try the same note on the keyboard If that is not working then your unit is bad. If that is working then via USB without going through the interface connect to your DAW. Set MIDI to Ch 1 there as well. Fire up a virtual keyboard and play a note,. If no sound then the USB interface is not working return the unit.

I just tried this with my Crave which is functionally similar to the Grind

 

[Bassist4Eris]

EDIT: Never mind the thread did not refresh. I saw you had success

Can you try playing a keyboard controller that is tested to control other synths with MIDI channel set to ch 1 and plug it to the 5 pin MIDI in of the Grind . Verify the DIP switches on the back are on CH 1 also. Then do a simple patch and play on the KB of the Grind. Then try the same note on the keyboard If that is not working then your unit is bad. If that is working then via USB without going through the interface connect to your DAW. Set MIDI to Ch 1 there as well. Fire up a virtual keyboard and play a note,. If no sound then the USB interface is not working return the unit.

I just tried this with my Crave which is functionally similar to the Grind

Thank you all the same for your efforts! Much appreciated.

 

[Bassist4Eris]

Just as a denouement to this incredibly helpful thread, here's my first attempt at using the Grind in a piece of music. It's the plucky sound that starts the track, which reminds me of a King Crimson guitar part circa 1980. I even got brave and stuck a patch cable into the thing, connecting the LFO square wave to the Morph control. I really want to be Aphex Twin, but I know so little you probably can't even tell.

Dropbox

www.dropbox.com

 

[TOOL460002]

Just as a denouement to this incredibly helpful thread, here's my first attempt at using the Grind in a piece of music. It's the plucky sound that starts the track, which reminds me of a King Crimson guitar part circa 1980. I even got brave and stuck a patch cable into the thing, connecting the LFO square wave to the Morph control. I really want to be Aphex Twin, but I know so little you probably can't even tell.

Dropbox

www.dropbox.com

From one Aphex wannabe to another: Nice work! Funky line you made with that thing. The synthy bass part that starts around 30sec is definitely an Aphex sound. I have to dock points for the vocal samples not being weird and brittish though.