Maths by Make Noise is a remarkably talented module, capable of everything from acting as a VCO and generating ASR envelopes to audio mixing. Here are 22 things you can do with it.
Make Noise creates some really unique and powerful Eurorack modular synthesizers and modules, though they do tend to be among the more advanced instruments and devices out there. The industrious synth explorer and video-maker Loopop contacted us to let us know that he has been exploring Maths, billed as an analog computer designed for musical purposes. He's actually identifed 22 things that this module can do, many of which you might not have known about! In the video below, he shows off its many capabilities and we think you'll enjoy finding out about them.
It All Adds Up
Maths by Make Noise is by far the #1 eurorack module on Modular Grid - both in terms of rating and popularity. In this video, I explain what Maths is and why it's so popular.
Maths sounds complicated and if you've heard some of the terms used to describe it - an analog computer, a function generator and various other quadratic equations, it may seem a bit intimidating, but overall, it has three core components: attentuverters, a mixer and slew rate limiters.
It is however the combination of these things, with a few bonus features, that makes Maths such a versatile module.
In this clip I give an example of 22 things you can use it for:
Audio level control (for example, to reduce eurorack audio levels to line level)
A simple voltage generator
Mod depth control for external LFOs and envelopes.
Signal/waveform inversion
An audio mixer
Slew for glide/portamendo effects.
It has multiple ways to trigger envelopes.
It can generate two separate AD (Attack-Delay) Envelopes.
Envelope curves can be linear, exponential, logarithmich, or any combination thereof, generating "sharkfin" type envelopes.
It can generate ASR (Attack-Sustain-Release) envelopes
Various type LFOs
Math can behave as a voltage controller oscillator (VCO)
By creating two VCOs and patching one to the other you can create FM style sounds
With a bit of patching, Maths can create extremely slow LFOs (up to 25 minutes)
Maths can behave as an envelope follower...
... which can be used as Sidechain
It can be a simple clock...
... and perform as a clock divider
You can mix envelopes and LFOs to create complex shapes, such as a fast LFO riding a slow LFO
The OR output can be used to create even more complex waveforms, as well as act as a rectifier that only allow positive voltages.
Maths can process sounds fimilar to a filter with optional resonance
Hollin Jones was classically trained as a piano player but found the lure of blues and jazz too much to resist. Graduating from bands to composition then production, he relishes the chance to play anything with keys.
A sometime lecturer in videographics, music production and photography post production, Hollin has been a freelance writer on music technology and Apple topics for well over a decade, along the way publishing several books on audio software. He has been lead writer at a number of prominent music and technology publications.
As well as consultancy, full-time journalism, video production and professional photography, he occasionally plays Hammond, Rhodes and other keys for people who ask nicely.
Hollin is Contributing Editor at Ask.Audio.
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