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In his latest loopop video, synthesist Ziv Eliraz takes a look at the Poly Effects Hector. Poly Effects Hector is a virtual modular environment for your Eurorack modular setup, containing over 100 virtual modules that can interact with the rest of your rack through 6 inputs and 8 outputs for CV and audio.

 

Hector contains a variety of modules, from the simple and functional – LFOs, quantizers, filters –  to the highly advanced. Among the most interesting on offer are the granular texture synthesizer, controllable chaos generator, and a meta modulator with seven blendable signal-combining algorithms. There is also a EDP-style looper module capable of looping multiple tracks simultaneously.

 

In addition, Hector brings convolution reverb technology to your modular, an effect that has long remained in the domain of DAWs, thanks to its CPU-intensive nature. Hector is completely lacking in any hardware controls and operated using a touch-screen that controls the virtual modular environment. However, module parameters can be controlled using CV or mapped to external MIDI controllers.

 

If the idea gives an overview of a virtual-modular-in-a-modular seems puzzling, Eliraz gives an overview of the module, compares it with the guitar effect version of it called Beebo, does a walkthrough of a quad delay Frippertronics-style patch compares it to other options, you can see how the Hector’s 100+ modules, effects and functions can bring some serious creative and experimental capability to your modular system.

 

Topics covered:

 

0:00 Intro

1:35 vs Beebo

3:20 Patching

8:15 MIDI learn

8:55 Spotlight

10:25 This setup

12:15 Fripp patch

13:20 Latency

14:15 Mutable ports

16:05 Rings

16:50 Into Clouds

17:30 Marbles

18:20 Grids

20:10 Euclidean seq

21:15 Loopler EDP

22:20 Competition

24:45 Pros & cons

29:25 Outro

 

The Poly Effects Hector is available now for $599.

 

 

 

This series of videos is a free masterclass on PitchLoop89, a new pitch-shifting delay device introduced in Ableton Live 11.

 

The two-part masterclass was created with the assistance of Ableton and features Robert Henke, developer of PitchLoop89.

 

Henke is one of the co-founders of Ableton and co-creator of Ableton Live; is active as a composer and performer with his project Monolake; and has held teaching positions at the Berlin University of the Arts, the Center for Computer Research in Music and Acoustics (CCRMA) at Stanford University, the Institut de Recherche et Coordination Acoustique/Musique (IRCAM) in Paris, and the Studio National des Arts Contemporains – Le Fresnoy, in Lille, France.

 

Henke was inspired to create PitchLoop89 by the rare Publison DHM 89 pitch-shifting delay from the ’70s. In this masterclass, Henke discusses the unique features of this rare effects unit, how it inspired its software counterpart and using PitchLoop89 for sound design.

 

In Part 1 of the PitchLoop89 Masterclass, video above, Henke discusses the Publison DHM 89 and how it was the inspiration for PitchLoop89; introduces the features of PitchLoop89, capturing audio and controlling the device with MIDI.

 

In Part 2, video below, Henke takes a look at using PitchLoop89 as a sound design tool with drums and also at Push integration.

 

 

PitchLoop89 is included in Live 11 Suite and can be downloaded directly from Live’s browser. Live 11 Standard users with a Max for Live license can also download it in the browser.

 

 

Noise Engineering has just released a very handy looking VCA in the form of the Quantus Ampla.

 

More than your average VCA, the Quantus Ampla can fulfil several needs including ducking and mixing, just to name a few. And is wrapped up in a very handy 6HP module which is DC-coupled and will work with audio or control voltages.

 

In addition, at a flick of a switch, any one of the four channels can act as an amplifier, or an attenuator, which can duck up to four incoming signals. Along with mixing and ducking the Quantus  Ampla can also be deployed as a compressor with CV-controlled levelling.

 

 

Quantus – Latin meaning “how much, how many”, Ampla meaning “opportunity” is quite literally brimming with tons of options for your patches.

 

Check out the Noise Engineering website for more information.

 

The Quantus Ampla is available now for $169. in either black or silver panels.