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Eurorack modular synthesizers bring a dynamic and immersive experience to live performances, captivating both artists and audiences. This article delves into strategies and suggestions for designing a captivating and effective live setup, emphasizing essential Eurorack modules, exploring various workflow considerations and techniques, and providing examples of live performance systems. Additionally, we'll touch on the philosophical aspect of creating a live system. These insights aim to help you unlock your full potential in live performances. Let's scratch the surface of this complex topic.
Getting Started with Live Performance: Choosing the Right Modules
The foundation of a successful live Eurorack setup lies in selecting modules that offer versatility, responsiveness, and reliability. Before examining some modules, it's essential to understand the importance of creating a cohesive system with a clear vision for live performances.
A thoughtfully designed modular system serves various functions, such as recording, performing, or creating generative music, making the same system versatile for different applications. Careful module selection, rather than assembling random modules, ensures a unified, adaptable performance experience.
Consider this perspective: in the modular synthesis world, there are module engineers who design and build modules, and 'system engineers' (like you and me) who creatively utilize these modules to form cohesive systems tailored to their specific needs. And that's the real challenge.
In this context, patching two or more modules together effectively creates a new 'module' that should be designed to perform specific tasks tailored for live performances. Ultimately, a sequencer can become an oscillator and vice versa if this is what your live setup requires. It all comes down to your creative vision and crafting the ideal performance system.
That being said, here are some key modules to consider for various live purposes.
Sequencers
For sequencers that offer hands-on control and easy manipulation during performances, consider options such as the Make Noise Rene, Intellijel Metropolix, Korg SQ-1, Flame Instruments Takt or the Winter Modular Eloquencer. These sequencers allow for real-time adjustments and pattern creation, making them perfect for live performances.
Performance mixers
A high-quality mixer like the WMD Performance Mixer or the Befaco Hexmix can give you precise control over your sound and the ability to mute, solo, and fade individual elements. If you are limited in space and budget and need a specific amount of inputs and outputs, consider our mAPNEA module and build your own custom mixer like we do.
Sound Generators
To cover a wide range of sonic possibilities, good choices for live performance include Mutable Instruments Plaits, ALM Busy Circuits Akemie's Castle, RYK Modular Algo, and the Verbos Electronics Complex Oscillator. Each of these modules offers unique sound generation capabilities, giving you a diverse palette to work with on stage.
Effects
To elevate your sound during live performances, consider incorporating versatile effects modules such as the Make Noise Morphagene and Mimeophon, Mutable Instruments Clouds, Intellijel Sealegs, Strymon StarLab or the Intellijel Rainmaker. These modules can add depth, texture, and ambiance to your sound, creating a more engaging experience for your audience.
Controllers
Enhance your live setup with performance-focused controllers like the Make Noise Pressure Points, the Verbos Touchplate Keyboard, the Make Noise PrssPnt, Intellijel Tetrapad, or the Sensel Morph with Buchla Thunder Overlay. These controllers provide hands-on interaction and enable you to shape your sound with precision and ease, and allow for expressive and dynamic control during live performances.
This list is just a starting point and does not cover the entire variety of modules needed to create a complete system, as we are focusing only on performance. Because building a live Eurorack setup tailored to your needs and preferences requires careful selection of versatile, responsive, and reliable modules. By choosing the right combination of sequencers, performance mixers, sound generators, effects, and controllers, you can create a system that not only caters to your desired sound but also ensures a smooth and engaging performance experience for both you and your audience.
Workflow Considerations
Introducing a well-prepared and engaging live performance with your Eurorack system can be a rewarding experience, but it requires thorough preparation and practice. To ensure a smooth and successful live set, there are some aspects to consider.
Preparation
Develop a clear understanding of your patch and practice your performance. Familiarize yourself with every aspect of your Eurorack system and create a mental map of the signal flow. This will help you feel more confident and in control during the live set, allowing you to troubleshoot any issues that may arise.
Practice improvisation
Build your ability to improvise and respond to unexpected situations during live performances. Experiment with different patching techniques and develop a repertoire of go-to strategies for evolving your sound on the fly. This can include techniques like changing sequences, tweaking parameters, macro control, or introducing new modulation sources. The more comfortable you become with improvisation, the more adaptable and dynamic your live sets will be.
By focusing on these aspects, you can create engaging, dynamic performances that captivate your audience and showcase the unique capabilities of your modular setup.
Workflow Techniques
A well-thought-out workflow is essential for a smooth live performance. Some techniques to consider include:
Hybrid Setup
Combining your Eurorack system with a DAW like Ableton Live or Studio One can provide additional sequencing and effects processing capabilities, as well as more predictable and repeatable results. Use MIDI controllers like the MIDI Fighter Twister, Ableton Push 2, or Novation Launchpad X for enhanced control during your performance, allowing you to trigger sequences, adjust parameters, and launch clips in real-time. Synchronization can be an issue in this case and we wrote an article about how to solve it with two modules.
Pre-recorded Elements
Incorporating pre-recorded loops, ambient textures, or drum samples into your setup can provide a solid foundation to build your live improvisations upon. This can help create a consistent sonic backdrop while you focus on other aspects of your performance. The Elektron Octatrack MKII, Squarp Rample, and Rossum Electro-Music Assimil8or are popular choices.
Live Sampling and Resampling
Using modules like the 4ms Stereo Triggered Sampler, Make Noise Morphagene, or Instruo Arbhar, you can capture and manipulate live audio during your performance, creating unique and evolving textures. This technique allows you to incorporate elements of your live performance into the overall sound, adding depth and complexity to your set. Experiment with different ways of sampling, such as capturing snippets of your performance, using external sound sources, or resampling your entire mix. This can lead to interesting and unexpected results, making your live sets more dynamic and engaging.
By incorporating these methods and adapting them to your unique performance style, you can create a seamless and engaging live experience that showcases your creativity, technical skills, and the vast sonic possibilities offered by your Eurorack system.
Examples of Live Performance Systems
The following examples cover interesting modules for live systems, though additional modules may be needed for a comprehensive setup that matches your purpose.
The Compact Performer
Intellijel Metropolix
Make Noise PrssPnt
Mutable Instruments Clouds
This compact setup offers a great balance between size and functionality, allowing for expressive control and a wide range of sounds. It's perfect for performers who want a portable yet powerful system for live performances.
The Versatile Performer
Make Noise Rene
WMD Performance Mixer
Mutable Instruments Marbles
Intellijel Tetrapad
This setup offers a versatile range of modules, ideal for live performers who need to cover various sonic territories. It provides a comprehensive set of tools for sound generation, sequencing, and processing, ensuring you can adapt to any performance situation.
The Experimental Performer
Mutable Instruments Rings
Verbos Touchplate Keyboard
The experimental performer setup is perfect for those who want to push the boundaries of their live sets and explore unconventional sonic textures. This system is geared towards creating evolving soundscapes, incorporating complex modulation and unique sound processing techniques.
Tips for Optimizing Your Live Performances
When preparing for a live Eurorack performance, there are several key aspects to consider in order to ensure a successful and enjoyable experience for both you and your audience.
Simplify your setup by focusing on the essential modules and functions needed to achieve your desired sound, and reduce extraneous elements that may distract or confuse you on stage.
Build redundancy into your setup by incorporating backup plans for potential issues, such as using multiple sequencers or having spare cables on hand.
Utilize performance-oriented modules specifically designed for live performance, like touch controllers and performance mixers, to help you interact more fluidly with your system during a live set.
Design your system to be adaptable to different performance scenarios, such as solo gigs or collaborative sets, and experiment with various signal paths and effects chains to discover unique sound combinations and textures.
Embrace the unexpected. Part of the excitement of live Eurorack performances is the element of unpredictability. Be open, and use this as a creative asset in your performances.
By following these simple tips and embracing the unique opportunities provided by modular synthesis, you can create engaging, memorable live performances that showcase your creativity and musicianship.
In Sum
Now that you're getting started with live performance, remember that crafting a Eurorack live performance setup that is engaging and reliable takes time, experimentation, and practice. By selecting the right modules, refining your workflow, and embracing the unique aspects of modular synthesis, you can create a truly memorable live experience. Remember to focus on key Eurorack modules that provide versatility and hands-on control, and don't be afraid to experiment with different techniques to find your own unique performance style.
As you continue to develop your live setup, be open to learning from other artists and adapting your approach to suit your individual needs. Whether you're building a complex hybrid system or focusing on a purely Eurorack-based rig, the possibilities are vast, and the journey is an exciting one.
Live Performance Special Editions
Issues 4 and 42 of rakt Newsletter were interviews with NICØ and Noctambulance. In these insightful interviews, the artists share their unique approach to live performance preparation and modular synthesis, emphasizing the importance of embracing mistakes and leaving room for improvisation. They also offer valuable advice on building a live system, creating seamless transitions, and achieving a great live mix.
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