One of the most influential people in modern synth history. It's crazy how much Mutable Instruments philosophy and design has impacted eurorack - and with everything being open source as well.
Random fact: _Spectral Madness_ was the original idea for Clouds when Emilie started developing the prototype, and for quite some time was what the module was supposed to become. But in the end, she scrapped it and relegated it to one of the hidden modes. This is something I recall her having said on the old defunct Mutable forum, way back when.
One of the best tips I got for clouds was to attenuate your modulation pretty aggressively - or else it can quickly start making those "hearing T-Rex flying an F14 while you're on acid" feedback explosions. Which are cool! But not always what the patch needs.
I've had Clouds since it came out and it's one of those modules that are 50/50 for me. I never know if I'll get something beautiful, or if it will drive me completely crazy. It always amazes me how you effortlessly navigate modules like these. This was a great video, and I would definitely love to see what you do with the "Parasites" firmware.
I had always been put off by Clouds in the past by reading comments from folks saying they couldn't get anything usable from it. It's definitely a tricky one to navigate. I'm looking forward to checking out the alt firmwares!
I never get tired of Clouds, tbh. My favourite way to patch it is as part of a rings-into-clouds-into-rings feedback loop, but I still love it as a subtle end-of-chain effect too... It's just killer.
@@ar8ch560 th-cam.com/video/Y8RNqdkfUYk/w-d-xo.html Volume warning. This is from midway through some noodling. I find it works best with something to start the loop -- strumming Rings just before patching the external input works, but I like using a filter that can self-oscillate in the feedback path.
You inspired me. Piping some human speech into Clouds (in my case the Typhoon iteration) and Beads is nothing more than mind-blowing. Such amazing drones!
You are quite simply the context master IMHO. Effortlessly deep and always scarily appropriate jams. Such a pleasure to be taken away. Thanks man As for alternative firmware explorations, I'd be super keen to see a Peaks - Dead Man's Catch and/or Frames - Parasites episodes.
Good stuff as always mate. Clouds was really revolutionary module. It can do so much, especially with Parasites firmware. Now, more up to date stuff like Arbhar and Mojave of course can do more, but Clouds/Monsoon can always be placed in a rack.
@ I mean Bristol based shop made a module with individual controls that help parasites firmware and adds more control to the sometimes too big of a reverb.
I have a good sized Mutable system, but currently using Typhoon (Super Parasites firmware) rather than Clouds. However, I am keeping an eye out for good deal and will eventually pick up the OG. I look forward as always to seeing what you do with this module.
@@TheUnperson Yes it is, however it will not run on the OG Clouds. It give you 8 different modes in total (including original ones). There's a good article on the After Later Audio site that breaks down all the versions of Clouds, different firmwares and what works with what.
Great video - would love to see more of your "take" on Clouds. Have a look at the Parasites firmware and see if it's something that would interest you. It expands the possibilities even further with a couple of brand new modes, but also adds some features and tweaks to the main mode that I personally like. And everything in the stock firmware is still available with parasites too.
Much like your Pam’s video I knew I was familiar enough with the module but still checked out the video to see what cool stuff you were going to do with it. Where does that Bones audio sample come from?
Nice demo, thanks. In my humble opinion, it's not difficult to make (what I'd call) static sound input sound great - either on Clouds or Beads. The difficulties start once you introduce more complex melodic lines/pieces, as they can very quickly muddy the soundscape (or maybe just overwhelm everything). It would be really interesting is to know what (exactly) Emilie thinks the main improvements of Beads is/was over Clouds, and why remake a module.
Gonna be looking out for that clouds vs Beads video now that you got this lol. I’ve always thought about grabbing clouds too even though I feel like I kind of have it with beads. Being that beads is so well explored with you your thoughts on it will definitely be interesting!
I feel like I’m being watched over by a guardian angel 😂 Just recently got Monsoon and was having quite a time wrangling it. Wasn’t able to find many current videos. The old ones are good, but feel a bit dated. Super hyped for this fresh look!
Clouds is great but I much prefer the updated clones, Typhoon and Monsoon with the knob per function and greatly expanded CV inputs. Input and output gains knobs. Don't have to cycle through anything to turn up that legendary reverb. Also, immediate access to crank down the feedback in a desperate emergency scramble when things to bananas.
The rule of thumbI tend to follow with clouds is very little feedback, very little reverb. I can apply mud elsewhere in the signal path. I like to save reverb for just before output from the rack, so all my voices sound like they're playing in the same space.
Clouds is still pretty magic, even though arguably there are better granular fx in both software form and Eurorack hardware. I think the main problem is everyone went mad for it and overdid it, particularly the Rings into Clouds thing, which became a bit of a cliché. It became a victim of it's own success to an extent. Also, over in VCV land there's a polyphonic Clouds clone and also a polyphonic Rings, if you really want 16 channels of Rings into Clouds. Now that makes some huge textures 😂
@@TheUnperson it's not quite as insane as you'd think, but proves there is still some mileage in the Clouds algorithm! If you just play a regular 3 note chord, you obviously only get 3 copies of the effect. The trick I use is taking a mono source and patching it into a poly mult, which forces the signal onto multiple channels (16 is the max but may cripple your computer!). I found it's good for making textures which you can then sample. Not sure I can post links in a comment, but I made a tutorial last year and shared a few of the patches on a website called patchstorage. They're still up if anyone wants to try it 😏
@ it’s a great time. I think the issue keeping it under wraps is it really needs a dedicated panel otherwise it’s not immediately intuitive - but it’s a blast for sure. A great reason to go for the Typhoon instead of the Monsoon clone (in addition to the extra VCAs or potential to use it as an output)
if you put rings into clouds into beads will the world flip and go back to normal? I think too many ringsinto clouds flipped it into the alt reality we live in now. do it and save us all! ha!
Love to Emilie Gillet! Thanks for all the cool instruments, pal!
Completely agree ~ a genuine legend.
One of the most influential people in modern synth history. It's crazy how much Mutable Instruments philosophy and design has impacted eurorack - and with everything being open source as well.
@@chiaroben2972 She's up there with Dr. Moog, Buchla, A.R.Pearlman, and Dave Smith in my book.
Unapologetically, everything into Clouds, forever ❤
I can't believe I haven't had a Clouds until now!
this is the way
Except Rings, because illegal 💀
@@fragster42 never lol
Random fact: _Spectral Madness_ was the original idea for Clouds when Emilie started developing the prototype, and for quite some time was what the module was supposed to become. But in the end, she scrapped it and relegated it to one of the hidden modes. This is something I recall her having said on the old defunct Mutable forum, way back when.
Very interesting! I've barely explored it so will have to spend some time getting to know it.
One of the best tips I got for clouds was to attenuate your modulation pretty aggressively - or else it can quickly start making those "hearing T-Rex flying an F14 while you're on acid" feedback explosions. Which are cool! But not always what the patch needs.
I've had Clouds since it came out and it's one of those modules that are 50/50 for me. I never know if I'll get something beautiful, or if it will drive me completely crazy. It always amazes me how you effortlessly navigate modules like these. This was a great video, and I would definitely love to see what you do with the "Parasites" firmware.
I had always been put off by Clouds in the past by reading comments from folks saying they couldn't get anything usable from it. It's definitely a tricky one to navigate. I'm looking forward to checking out the alt firmwares!
I never get tired of Clouds, tbh. My favourite way to patch it is as part of a rings-into-clouds-into-rings feedback loop, but I still love it as a subtle end-of-chain effect too... It's just killer.
That's an amazing idea ~ gonna be trying it out for sure!
I tried Clouds into Rings once years ago and didn't find any luck 😢 Would love to hear any examples you have of the feedback loop in action!
@@ar8ch560 th-cam.com/video/Y8RNqdkfUYk/w-d-xo.html Volume warning. This is from midway through some noodling. I find it works best with something to start the loop -- strumming Rings just before patching the external input works, but I like using a filter that can self-oscillate in the feedback path.
@ incredible! So otherworldly. Thanks for the demo!
So many features and hidden features of the beast that is Clouds! Looking forward to seeing how and where you take it!:)
Yea I'm starting to realise there's a lot more to explore!
Looking forwards to seeing how you put Clouds through it's paces.
.. and spaces. 😊
Finally you get to compare Clouds to Beads. Clouds sounds really cool too. Different for sure.
I'm loving the character of Clouds so far :)
I would be 100% for you doing a Beads vs. Clouds shootout.
Great. Now I need to rebuy clouds. Thank you for this :)
I am waiting on you revisiting Tides V2. The chords that thing makes are … insane.
Great, now I need to buy a Tides! 😆
More magic from your desktop! Sounds excellent. I just managed to get hold of Beads so I'm super thrilled by that! 😎
Nice one! Beads isn't too easy to come by these days 😎
You inspired me. Piping some human speech into Clouds (in my case the Typhoon iteration) and Beads is nothing more than mind-blowing. Such amazing drones!
It really works so well with human speech!
one of the greatest modules ever existed!!! i will keep mine foreverer!
I can't believe it took me so long to get one!
No matter how many granular modules come out I will never stop using clouds, it's a work of art if ya ask me
I'm starting to think that way too ~ can't believe I haven't owned a clouds until now!
You are quite simply the context master IMHO. Effortlessly deep and always scarily appropriate jams. Such a pleasure to be taken away. Thanks man
As for alternative firmware explorations, I'd be super keen to see a Peaks - Dead Man's Catch and/or Frames - Parasites episodes.
Glad you're enjoying the videos! I do always keep an eye out for bargains on old MI modules so hopefully more vids to come.
Sublime 😊…looking forward to a Rings into Clouds and various firmware videos. Love your channel !
Thank you! I haven't even tried Rings into Clouds yet so looking forward to seeing what all the fuss is about haha!
I’d really like to see/hear a comparison between clouds and beads as you did with braids and plaits…
Good idea! I'll add it to the list :)
Good stuff as always mate. Clouds was really revolutionary module. It can do so much, especially with Parasites firmware. Now, more up to date stuff like Arbhar and Mojave of course can do more, but Clouds/Monsoon can always be placed in a rack.
I'm definitely checking out the alt firmwares!
@ I mean Bristol based shop made a module with individual controls that help parasites firmware and adds more control to the sometimes too big of a reverb.
Bones is a tune. Kind of a Satyricon era Meat Beat Manifesto meets Tipsy Trip Tease thang going on ;)
I have a good sized Mutable system, but currently using Typhoon (Super Parasites firmware) rather than Clouds. However, I am keeping an eye out for good deal and will eventually pick up the OG. I look forward as always to seeing what you do with this module.
Is Super Parasites an alt firmware for Clouds?
@@TheUnperson Yes it is, however it will not run on the OG Clouds. It give you 8 different modes in total (including original ones). There's a good article on the After Later Audio site that breaks down all the versions of Clouds, different firmwares and what works with what.
Excellent demo
Thank you!
Great video - would love to see more of your "take" on Clouds. Have a look at the Parasites firmware and see if it's something that would interest you. It expands the possibilities even further with a couple of brand new modes, but also adds some features and tweaks to the main mode that I personally like. And everything in the stock firmware is still available with parasites too.
Thanks! I'm definitely planning some more Clouds videos in future :)
Rings into Clouds is a good system.
I like good systems!
I'm stoked to see your alchemy at work ❤ 🔥 🙏
Granular transmutation!
@TheUnperson awesome patches. Well done today ✌️ ☮️
Clouds never gets old.
It's new to me :D
Much like your Pam’s video I knew I was familiar enough with the module but still checked out the video to see what cool stuff you were going to do with it. Where does that Bones audio sample come from?
Nice demo, thanks.
In my humble opinion, it's not difficult to make (what I'd call) static sound input sound great - either on Clouds or Beads. The difficulties start once you introduce more complex melodic lines/pieces, as they can very quickly muddy the soundscape (or maybe just overwhelm everything).
It would be really interesting is to know what (exactly) Emilie thinks the main improvements of Beads is/was over Clouds, and why remake a module.
Thanks! The older versions of MI modules definitely seem more grungy ~ in a good way!
Love it 🙌
Thank you :)
Muffable Improfriends Claus. Love it.
Thank you for the demo. Much az ❤😊😂
Cheers!
Great video as always! I totally recommend giving the Kammerl Beat Repeat firmware a go, I'd love to hear your output from it.
Ohhh that sounds like my kinda thing!
@@TheUnperson I think you'll like it, there's a lot of fun to be had there!
Gonna be looking out for that clouds vs Beads video now that you got this lol. I’ve always thought about grabbing clouds too even though I feel like I kind of have it with beads. Being that beads is so well explored with you your thoughts on it will definitely be interesting!
So soon you're gonna have Beads, Mojave, AND Clouds? 😂
I feel like I’m being watched over by a guardian angel 😂 Just recently got Monsoon and was having quite a time wrangling it. Wasn’t able to find many current videos. The old ones are good, but feel a bit dated. Super hyped for this fresh look!
The Angel of Modular has got your back haha!
Good video!
Thanks!
"Rings into clouds" became cliche for the same reason "Gibson into Marshall" is a cliche. Because it makes brain and body go ⚡😮🤤
I'm looking forward to some ⚡️😮🤤!
The Monsoon Clouds version opens the module up, it's so easy just to use it as a Reverb and ride the feedback. But it's always interesting.
I'm really excited to try out the different modes and alt firmwares!
I wear out the mode button on Clouds, but Monsoon is a pleasure to use with the extra slider controls.
Clouds is great but I much prefer the updated clones, Typhoon and Monsoon with the knob per function and greatly expanded CV inputs. Input and output gains knobs. Don't have to cycle through anything to turn up that legendary reverb. Also, immediate access to crank down the feedback in a desperate emergency scramble when things to bananas.
Oh man that sounds way better! I'm gonna have to check out the clones now!
More clouds vids!
Coming up!
The rule of thumbI tend to follow with clouds is very little feedback, very little reverb. I can apply mud elsewhere in the signal path. I like to save reverb for just before output from the rack, so all my voices sound like they're playing in the same space.
Yea it can easily get very muddy. Subtlety is key!
I love beads but find myself in clouds mode more often than not
I had no experience with Clouds and was expecting a less good Beads but it's really different with an unique character.
Clouds is still pretty magic, even though arguably there are better granular fx in both software form and Eurorack hardware. I think the main problem is everyone went mad for it and overdid it, particularly the Rings into Clouds thing, which became a bit of a cliché. It became a victim of it's own success to an extent.
Also, over in VCV land there's a polyphonic Clouds clone and also a polyphonic Rings, if you really want 16 channels of Rings into Clouds. Now that makes some huge textures 😂
That's insane! I might have to try that out!
@@TheUnperson it's not quite as insane as you'd think, but proves there is still some mileage in the Clouds algorithm! If you just play a regular 3 note chord, you obviously only get 3 copies of the effect. The trick I use is taking a mono source and patching it into a poly mult, which forces the signal onto multiple channels (16 is the max but may cripple your computer!).
I found it's good for making textures which you can then sample. Not sure I can post links in a comment, but I made a tutorial last year and shared a few of the patches on a website called patchstorage. They're still up if anyone wants to try it 😏
I suggest a plot twist: do Clouds into Rings with Rings in formant filter mode xD Whuaaa, whuaaa...
Great idea!
No one talks about Kammerl much - I wish people would
It is incredible. Everyone who has Clouds should check this one out.
I hadn't even heard about it until your comment ~ will definitely be checking it out!
@ it’s a great time. I think the issue keeping it under wraps is it really needs a dedicated panel otherwise it’s not immediately intuitive - but it’s a blast for sure. A great reason to go for the Typhoon instead of the Monsoon clone (in addition to the extra VCAs or potential to use it as an output)
What module is used for the vocal sample?
7:49
It's the 4MS Sampler
if you put rings into clouds into beads will the world flip and go back to normal? I think too many ringsinto clouds flipped it into the alt reality we live in now. do it and save us all! ha!
It sounds risky.. what if it creates something even more abnormal?!
@@TheUnpersonmaybe clouds into rings to reverse the spell? 😂
If I can see all your bones, I'm probably going to stay away from you.
I see you and I marked our beatsteps the same way lol
Why didn't they put labels on the top?!