The Modular IV upgrade for Scope is a tremendous step forward for Modular synth users with a vast array of new modules and an improved framework.  But to consider it as just a synthesizer would be a mistake.  Audio and MIDI tools are included, so a modular device could be used as an insert effect or anywhere in a Scope project that requires some user customizable processing.

 

For my introduction to Modular IV I decided to rebuild my favorite Modular 2 patch as a learning exercise to become familiar with the basics of patching Modular IV.  Whilst this may have seemed straightforward enough from the outset, I found I had to delve a lot deeper to get anything up and running, even though just 'copying' an old patch meant that theoretically, I did not need full on knowledge of synthesizer theory.

Since I lacked the DSP to load up both Modular 2 and Modular 4 in the same project, I first loaded up Modular 2 only and took screen shots, one of each color cable showing.  The color codes for the cables represented in Pad Machine as follows :

  • BLUE.  Incoming MIDI notes are decoded into control voltages that control how the oscillators and envelopes should respond to the MIDI not on/off and pitch information.
  • ORANGE.  Synchronization of the ADSR envelope generators.
  • RED and GREEN. Audio signals routed from Oscillators into mixers and filters.
  • YELLOW. GATE and MIDI signals.

Next, I unloaded the Modular 2 and dragged a Modular IV 'Empty Modular' patch into my project.  Here I added the modules shown on my Modular 2 reference screen shots and entered all parameter values to match the values in the Modular 2 patch.  Then I started by adding the BLUE cables to Modular IV, and working my way through RED, ORANGE and YELLOW.

Each time I started on a new color I made the others invisible by using the color coded cable switches seen at the top of the Modular IV.  Viewing only one set of cables at a time makes work much easier, especially with a project such as this where there is around 50 cables to get right.  One mistake and you can spend hours looking for that pesky wrong cable.
 

 

  • Firstly, connect all four of the Modular IV outputs to your Scope mixer.  This will help in debugging.  If you get no sound from your patch, try connecting one of the multiOSC outputs to 'Audio Out 3' (making sure the volume is not turned up too loud on your monitors).

  • If you now get sound (a continuous sound), you know that there is something amiss in the routing between the multiOSC and the final output.

  • Although the output levels of the 'Mix', 'polyOut', Delay and Chorus modules may 'appear' to be turned up, move all output knobs and sliders slightly.  It is possible that output settings on audio processors do not take effect if you set them before any cables were attached.

  • Saving and retrieving patches.  If you have problems recalling patches, try creating a new bank. 

This is how I managed to get the Pad Machine to work, so hopefully these tips can help you in similar 'missing output' or 'no patch recall' scenarios.
 

Download the Dante / JAV Pad Machine for Modular IV here
 
 

 

But copying Modular 2 patches was a somewhat limited exercise unless I could enhance it with Modular IV modules, so I needed assistance.  XITE-1/4LIVE applied his Modular IV knowledge and quickly added some modifications to turbo charge Pad Machine for live performance:

  • Large MIDI Monitor LCD

  • LfoC3 An improved LFO

  • MVC-C for improved MIDI response

 
 
 

 
Dante and XITE-1/4LIVE December 2010