Maths, to be, or not to be?

[Arpangel]

I’ve had my Maths module for ages now, and it rarely gets used, it’s so full of potential, but it’s so complex at the same time, and nothing is clear about its operation, the artwork and labelling don’t make things any easier, at all.
I can’t sell it, because I know, that at some point, I’ll need it, probably when run out of attenuators, or LFO's, or mixers, but this is the problem, if you’re using one channel of Maths as an LFO, that means you can’t use it as an attenuator, or a channel of a mixer, Maths can do many things, but not all at once, and that’s why I rarely use it. I can use it all up as a complex oscillator, and that would be it, so it sits there as an emergency aid, but just as the odd attenuator, or LFO. You can’t use it as four independent channels either, as the controls interact with each other across all four channels depending on how you’re using it.
Also, I have LFO's that are clearly labelled, obvious at a glance, with Maths you don’t know where you are regarding waveforms, you have to mess around until you hear something that resembles a sine or a triangle, and that’s another reason why I tend not to use it, functions aren’t obvious.
But that can also be a strong point, if you’re purely into experimentation, and exact settings aren’t important, then Maths is great, you can play around until you hit something interesting, so it really depends on how you approach it, as to how useful it’s going to be for you.
It’s a very frustrating module for me as I want it to be all things across all of my music, but it’s not, if you intend to stay small, Maths puts a lot into a small space, it’s major strength, but it does have its weak points that can be overlooked, you have to think before you buy, if it’s going to work for you.

[Guest]

If you are after a programable/multi function utility module and don't mind a bit of tinkering and learning then these are pretty good: https://shop.bela.io/collections/modular

I have the Salt & Salt+ here, cpu and skill permitting you can get them to do nearly anything.

Programmable in C/C++, PD, SuperCollider and Csound.

[Arpangel]

If you are after a programable/multi function utility module and don't mind a bit of tinkering and learning then these are pretty good: https://shop.bela.io/collections/modular

I have the Salt & Salt+ here, cpu and skill permitting you can get them to do nearly anything.

Programmable in C/C++, PD, SuperCollider and Csound.

Thanks Bob, but those look way beyond me, and I’m not a programmer.
It’s quite funny, modular started out to enable us to make our own patches from simple one function modules, hence the word "modular"
It’s all moved on since then, good that is too, but we seem to be trying to make things more complex, condensing things, that takes away from the immediacy of it all for me.

[Guest]

Just imagine that inside these salt modules is another mini modular that is also made up of connected mini modules, you can attach your hardware modular to the mini modular using cv cables. Here is an example of those mini modules patched together.



https://designingsound.org/2013/04/02/p ... th-part-1/

[Folderol]

That looks an incomprehensible mess to me. Maybe I'm just getting {cough} Middle-aged.

[Guest]

Not like this then

[Folderol]

Well that's a bit better but I find this much more friendly

[Arpangel]

Maths was a major help when I had just a few modules, in a small case, it got used a lot more.
But what I’m finding, since I got more single function modules, multiples of, it’s become a bit redundant. Also, I can achieve most of what I can do with Maths, sound wise, on these other modules, so it’s not as if it’s unique in that respect.
I shan’t sell it, it can be fun to self-patch, like a mini-synth voice.

[Ben Asaro]

Keep the Maths and learn how to use it. It's a full fledged analogue computer. You just need to start using it in patches.

[Eddy Deegan]

Keep the Maths and learn how to use it. It's a full fledged analogue computer. You just need to start using it in patches.

I agree. Multifunction modules are useful in that they can be pressed into any number of services at a pinch, but at the same time limiting because they can only perform a subset of their capabilities at any one time. But in the case of Maths there are many things it can do that cannot be done as efficiently using dedicated modules.

Tony, I suspect you're using it in a limited capacity. Sure it can do bread and butter stuff but it can get a lot more creative. I expect you've seen the loopop video about why Maths is so useful but if not it might give you some inspiration, and even if so it might remind you of an idea or two!

[Arpangel]

Folks, I do use it, but not as much as I maybe could do.
I like using it as a complex oscillator, self patching feedback, etc, it’s cool, but I’ve never really been a fan of that Make Noise aesthetic, I thought it was groovy to start with, but actually, that silly writing is just a pain in the arse, especially for an older person like me, with failing eyesight.

[Ben Asaro]

Folks, I do use it, but not as much as I maybe could do.
I like using it as a complex oscillator, self patching feedback, etc, it’s cool, but I’ve never really been a fan of that Make Noise aesthetic, I thought it was groovy to start with, but actually, that silly writing is just a pain in the arse, especially for an older person like me, with failing eyesight.

MN is not as bad as some manufacturers, but I agree their legends could be more clean!

[Arpangel]

Folks, I do use it, but not as much as I maybe could do.
I like using it as a complex oscillator, self patching feedback, etc, it’s cool, but I’ve never really been a fan of that Make Noise aesthetic, I thought it was groovy to start with, but actually, that silly writing is just a pain in the arse, especially for an older person like me, with failing eyesight.

MN is not as bad as some manufacturers, but I agree their legends could be more clean!

Yes! thats one thing that always puts me off.
I’ve owned a few Make Noise modules, Maths is the only one that’s stayed.
The most head damaging one was a Rene, no, no, please, I knew it could do interesting things, but unlocking it was almost impossible for me, and that was a few years ago, when my mind wasn’t so addled as it is now!

[Ben Asaro]

I have two MN skiffs, one powered and one unpowered, and a handful of their modules. Their build quality and relentless devotion to their creative vision of exploration is beyond reproach but it tends to reward a ‘systems’ approach and I prefer to have a hodgepodge of different modules.

[Arpangel]

I prefer to have a hodgepodge of different modules.

Ben, that beer has definitely got to happen, especially after that statement.