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In the captivating realm of modular synthesis, finding the perfect combination of modules to match your creative vision can be an overwhelming task, particularly for those on a budget or just starting their musical exploration.
Thankfully, the ingenious Ornament and Crime module, equipped with the transformative Hemisphere firmware (acting as two modules at once!), offers a seamless solution that caters to almost all aspects of the modular experience. It unlocks a myriad of possibilities, providing an exceptional platform for learning, exploration, and the discovery of personal interaction preferences―all within a single unit.
Learning with Ornament and Crime
For those embarking on their Eurorack modular synthesis adventure, the Ornament and Crime module serves as a captivating playground. With modes such as quantizer, sequencer, clock divider, logic, LFO, envelope generator, processors, and more, learners can immerse themselves in the vast array of sound synthesis capabilities. Through hands-on experimentation, users gain invaluable insights into the foundations of modular sound manipulation, empowering them to expand their setups with greater confidence and embrace a wider world of sonic possibilities.
The Hemisphere firmware (with over 50 diverse modes to explore) takes the already versatile Ornament and Crime original firmware (13 modes including the powerful 4-channel quantizer Quantermain) to new heights by effectively turning it into two distinct modules that can operate at the same time.
63 modes not enough for you? There is more!
There are other firmwares like the Phazerville or the powerful Calibr8or from none other than Chris Meyer. If you need to quantize your oscillators and keep them all perfectly in tune across the entire octave spectrum, this is your destination.
Are you afraid of diving into menus or changing firmware? Don't worry, Ornament and Crime has a menu that's easy to immerse yourself in and updating the firmware is a breeze when you have the right cable.
Crafting Personal Sonic Identity
Just as every musician develops a unique connection with their instruments, the Hemisphere firmware fosters a deeper personal bond between users and their modular setups. This is all the more true since modular synthesis consists of creating an instrument before making music, which means choosing and buying different modules without knowing clearly if they're the right ones for you.
This is usually a major pain point for most of us.
Fortunately, Ornament and Crime empowers users to uncover their preferred modes of interaction, whether it's the rhythmic trip of clock division, the serendipity of randomization or the joy of hassle-free quantized sequencing. This self-discovery serves as the cornerstone for crafting a personalized modular setup that truly reflects your artistic sensitivity.
I personally discovered through Ornament and Crime that clock dividers would become an important factor in my music. But more importantly, I found that turning a single knob to separately divide or multiply different clock signals was specifically the right kind of interaction for me. So I added with confidence the following module to my shopping list: 4MS Quad Clock Distributor, which I bought and enjoy greatly.
Budget-Friendly Brilliance
Beyond its versatile capabilities, Ornament and Crime offers a budget-friendly solution for aspiring modular enthusiasts. By allowing users to explore a diverse array of applications without too much financial constraints, it becomes a wise investment, ensuring that every future module added to their setup serves a meaningful purpose.
This cost-effective approach not only improves music production or budgeting, but is also a long-term investment as it will always be a solid option in any given situation. Personally, I can't imagine ever parting with this module — I'm even thinking of buying a second one in its 1U format. It's value is simply too exceptional! If I were to begin again with my first Eurorack case, I would unquestionably include the Ornament and Crime as part of the ideal starting system I've written about.
In Sum
Ornament and Crime with the Hemisphere firmware, but not limited to, stands as an essential tool for modular enthusiasts of all levels. By combining learning, exploration, and the discovery of personal interaction preferences, this multifaceted module becomes an invaluable asset for anyone seeking to delve into the world of modular synthesis.
Get started without hesitation; the value for money is extremely high, and disappointment is not an option.