Hi to everybody, I have always been a fan of generative music software since Atari 1040 age when I played with M by David Zicarelli of Intelligent Music (now Cycling '74) and Realtime by Eric Ameres. Later, on PC, I used a lot both Koan and Noatikl from SSeyo. Now there is Wotja but is too much expensive. Recently I've seen some videos about Scapeshift by Tim Exile (a Reaktor ensemble I think). I'd like to know if in the community there are other users that like this kind of software and also if there are other interesting programs to try. Thanks and happy new year.

 

Last edited: Dec 28, 2024

If you look on patchstorage.com the front page lists a bunch of software projects that include quite a few in the generative / modular category. VCV Rack seems to dwarf the popularity of any of the others but those numbers are probably skewed by the fact that other softwares have their own universe of sites/forums where patches would be shared. If you're into generative, I highly recommend VCV rack. I didn't even touch my DAW for close to a year after I discovered it -- that's how addictive it is and it basically rewired my brain in terms of how I approach composition.

 

You can still use old Atari software through Steem emulator it has midi out which you can send to any other DAW, plugin or hardware synth.
Good old Atari, it had lots of generative stuff.
In our days people tend to build their own generative programs in different environments like PureData MaxMsp TidalCycles
Also several synths like BespokeSynth or Wren, VCVrack-Cardinal allow to build compositions in a modular synth way.
Bitwig with its Grid is another way.

 

Last edited: Dec 27, 2024

Thanks for your hints, I'll take a look. Pure Data and MaxMsp are too difficult for me. I'm trying to make something with Bitwig Grid looking at Polarity videos that are very well done. Yeah, Atari had a lot of generative stuff but using STeem is not so confortable. In this site, made by Tim Conrardy, there is a repository of the music software for Atari (https://exxosforum.co.uk/atari/mirror/tamw/timidi.htm). Also Algomusic and HG Fortune made some interesting VST plugin, 32 bit only (you need JBridge). I own an Eurorack synth (it was of my unforgettable brother) but don't have the space to place it. Maybe VCV Rack is the solution (what about Softube Modular?)

 

Full Bucket Music - ModulAir (Free)

The main features of ModulAir are:
- Fully modular architecture
- Up to 18 modules per patch
- 57 module types available
- Polyphonic Voice and monophonic Master modules
- Up to 64 voices polyphony

www.fullbucket.de/music/modulair.html

Wayoutware - TimewARP 2600 (29 EUR)

The ARP 2600, a favorite among many legends like Joe Zawinul, Depeche Mode, Roger Manning Jr., and Pete Townsend. The ARP 2600 bridged the gap between modular and non-modular synths with its ingenious normalized patch design.

www.airmusictech.com/virtual-instruments/timewarp-2600/
www.kvraudio.com/product/timewarp-2600-v2-by-air-music-technology

KarmaFX - Synth Modular 2

KarmaFX Synth Modular 2 is an advanced and highly flexible Simulated Analog Modular Synthesizer and Effect Unit.

https://karmafx.net/products

 

that knob on the lower left should be turned to 7 o'clock, not 12 o'clock,
hope that helps....

 

It surely does.

 

@Garamondo Furbish @Colrik thanks for your instructions. Actually the synth has been never used since my brother passed away, all the cables, knobs, sliders are in random position. My brother was a master of the instrument and crafted with his hands another modular synth (he was electronic engineer). I took the photo to sell it but I never did.

 

Softube modular is cool and all, but the library doesn't even come near anywhere close to VCV's mostly open sourced library.

 

probably would have got more bids, if the knob was in the correct position. Thats a lot of knobs to keep track of. See if you play something like that you need a secretary to take photos of all the settings, a programmer to memorize all the specifications and an octopus to change the patch cord and knob settings whilst you play a midi keyboard.

You need a big room to run an instrument like that, and a big crew. But you get a big sound, so it all comes together in the end.

By the way, my cousin Dwayne built pretty much the same setup, but he was a fry cook and not an EE, so maybe some circuits had their own unique wiring paths, anyhow come to find out, one tuesday in may or was it July? - Well whatever, Dwayne's tinkering on the OmniTron 9000, as he liked to call it, tryin to play In-A-Gadda-Da-Vita, the long version, and he's about 16 minutes into it, when he starts hearing weird voices and decides an Interstellar fleet is approaching from the Andromeda Galaxy and will be here in another 35 years.

Well he hasn't played that thing since either. and he won't let us sell it.

sometimes music takes us to strange places and we have to find our own way home...

 

TAL-Mod is a virtual analog synthesizer with an exceptional sound and almost unlimited modulation possiblities.
https://tal-software.com/products/tal-mod

 

Just an interesting generative concept.it may helps..