Patch from Scratch: Analog Feedback Loop in Eurorack (Cybernetic Music) | Simon Hutchinson

Patching up an analog feedback loop in Eurorack with some generic modules.
I don't do a lot of videos talking about Eurorack for two main reasons: (1) I've actually only been doing Eurorack for a couple years now, even though I've been doing digital synthesis and sound design for decades, and (2) I don't want my videos to be about any particular piece of hardware that you need to get (as always, I'm not sponsored by anyone). But, the patch I put together in this video could be done by any number of modules, all I have is a sine wave, a ring modulator (multiplier), a reverb, a filter, and a limiter/compressor/saturator (anything to stop hard clipping). Put them together, feed them back, and you have some dynamic, analog generative soundscapes.
Previously, I've shown how to do the same thing in Pure Data: • Pure Data Screaming Me...
In Kyma: • Audio Feedback Loops i...
And in Reaktor: • Patch from Scratch: Re...
Oh, and you can control it with an accelerometer too! - • Accelerometer-Controll...
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#SoundSynthesis #SoundDesign #ExperimentalMusic

[@kimmy_future4265]

Reminds me of old early sci fi movies. They must have been doing something similar. Always loved those sounds.

[@SimonHutchinson]

Yes! Definitely! Good ears.
So, there's little documentation about the specifics, but the soundtrack for "Forbidden Planet" by Bebe and Louis Barron was built from these kinds of cybernetic, feedback circuits (more here: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bebe_and_Louis_Barron). That said, also the spring reverb has that really old-school sci-fi sound!

[@kimmy_future4265]

@@SimonHutchinson Forbidden Planet is one of my faves! Krell music is fun stuff lol.

[@goddoggoddoggoddog]

Beautiful!

[@xcentricdiff]

Excellent! So I did an [osc~]*[rev3~] ring modulation feedback in Pd (similar to your 'Screaming Metal' example from 2022-05-16) The learning part: well, the response you illustrate at 2:01 doesn't happen in the digital world (well, duh! [0 * donuts = 0]). So question: is there a signal always bleeding out of the analog reverb such that the ring modulation is non-zero from the git-go? Quick addition: I primed the [rev3~] in my Pd patch with a short pulse and the feedback kicks in and works beautifully. Also, I then replaced the [osc~] with your "Bad Sine Wave" patch (2022-04-04) -- modulating the "badness" on that patch produces a nice subtle control over the feedback through the reverb. THANKS!

[@SimonHutchinson]

Very cool stuff! Analog doesn't necessary always have the signal bleeding, it's just that analog math is going to be different that digital. Like, it's analog, can I really promise that the "zero" is truly a zero? Or are little imperfections and resonances being introduced into the system somewhere. Anyway, sound like you've got some cool projects going on! Hope you're enjoying the sonic results!