A collection of ‘Audio Patches' from our online video tutorials & product announcements.

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Busy Patching

ALM Busy Circuits have teamed up with Unknown To The Unknown to present a fun alternative sample library for the ALM Squid Sample. Exclusive to ALM this “UTTU Data Dump” features 90 banks of royalty free samples & loops on a branded yellow USB stick.

Designed to be used as a starting block for the music making process, it turns the Squid Salmple into a groove box loaded with an arsenal of sounds cranked from various ALM sound modules.

Produced & recorded by UTTU’s DJ Haus with the intention to capture the spirit and wide-ranging palette of ALM – where the user can get immediate access to the wide range of Busy Circuit flavours from FM twangs, vocal blurts and retro-bass one shots to more in-depth loops exploring the nooks and crannies of ALM Modules under heavy modulation. 

Active on underground dance music labels such as Clone, Crème Organisation, Rinse FM & Dixon Avenue Basement Jams since 2012 DJ Haus set up Unknown To The Unknown as an exponential outlet for everything and anything in electronic music from software, events, records to currently manifesting itself into ALM’s flagship Squid Salmpler.

The banks are supplied on a 4GB ALM USB stick. It's a plastic compact stick featuring UTTU and ALM logos that can be attached to a key ring or lanyard.

Please note your Salmple needs to be running at least firmware version 186 to support these sticks.

UTTU x ALM USB Sample Stick

ALM Busy Circuits Voices Radio Takeover - 29/04/23

ALM teamed up with Mumdance to showcase two thirty minute mixes recorded in March 2023 using two CDJs and an ALM Eurorack system.

Utilising prototype synchronisation hardware & produced as part of the ALM Busy Circuits Ten Year Celebrations originally only available at last years ALM Pop Up Store. 

Last remaining limited stock has been added to the Webshop here: https://busycircuits.com/product/mumdance-x-alm-mixtape/

Mumdance x ALM: Two Decks - One Modular

A filter sweep of the ALM014 Fizzle Guts Filter, now open sourced!

The ‘Fizzle Guts’ is a Eurorack version of the enigmatic Casio FZ-1 filter. Only approx. 30 of the original units were made, as the module requires a ‘donor’ MB87186 Filter IC taken directly from a Casio FZ-1 or FZ-10M to function. 

With no plans to make any more, and as part of our 10 year celebrations, we have decided to open source the ‘Fizzle Guts’ so that anyone can build their own or modify the design. 

Full details: https://github.com/busycircuits/alm014-fizzle-guts

More Info

Fizzle Guts Sweep

UTTU SALMPLE PACK DEMO TRAK

Bank 31 SYN - Padz

Bank 3 BPnB-125

Bank 8 UK - Gz

Bank 2 UKG DRM

ALM Busy Circuits Voices Radio Takeover 29/04/23

As part our Voices Radio takeover listen to an interview with Satoshi & Makoto about their favourite Casio synthesizer.

Satoshi & Makoto CZ-5000 Special - ALM Busy Circuits Voices Radio Takeover 29/04/23

ALM Busy Circuits Voices Radio Takeover 29/04/23

As part our Voices Radio takeover listen to an interview & DJ Mix from Loula Yorke.

Loula Yorke - ALM Busy Circuits Voices Radio Takeover 29/04/23

ALM Busy Circuits Voices Radio Takeover 29/04/23

As part our Voices Radio takeover listen to Busy Zach mix and talk about his favourite SNES soundtracks.

Busy Zach - ALM Busy Circuits Voices Radio Takeover 29/04/23

LM Busy Circuits Voices Radio Takeover 29/04/23

As part our Voices Radio takeover listen to Busy Matthew select some of his favourite trax.

Busy Matthew - ALM Busy Circuits Voices Radio Takeover 29/04/23

ALM Busy Circuits Voices Radio Takeover 29/04/23

As part our Voices Radio takeover listen to a Live Set, DJ Mix and Interview with LOGOS about his love for the NORD MODULAR.

LOGOS - ALM Busy Circuits Voices Radio Takeover 29/04/23

Patch Notes:

Building a busy beat with TAZM-O using the Pam PRO + AXON-2 to sequence and perform complex modulation changes and the MEGA-TANG to layer and control the levels of multiple shape outputs.

Different shape outputs from the TAZM-O are patched to the 4 channels of the MEGA-TANG with each VCA modulated by a different envelope shape/pattern from Pam PRO. The remaining outputs of Pam are patched to the TAZM-O, providing zappy envelopes to pitch and octave CV + rhythmic modulation to the FM Index (self patched TZFM) and Shape CV. The new AXON-2 is used to perform quick macro changes to the modulation with the 4 offset knobs altering rhythms, wave width, CV level and wave shapes for several outputs at once.

Watch

TAZM-O Beat

Two Decks / One Modular 

Two Decks / One Modular - Side Two

Two Decks / One Modular - Side One

Patch Notes:

Using the Beast’s Chalkboard to switch the loop size of Pamela’s PRO Workout from 0 / 2 / 4 / 6 / 8 steps. 

Outputs 1 and 2 of Pam are set up to generate a quantised random sequence and random gate pattern respectively, sequencing a chord voice on the Squid Salmple. CV1 is assigned to the loop parameter on both outputs, with attenuation amounts set to exactly 17%. Beast’s Chalkboard is then patched to Pam’s CV1 input with the channels chained to produce a range of 0-5V stepped in 1V increments from the second rotary switch. Combined with Pam’s attenuation, looping is engaged jumping between lengths of 0 / 2 / 4 / 6 / 8 steps.

For more info on the Pam PRO visit: busycircuits.com/alm034/
For more info on the Beast’s Chalkboard visit: https://busycircuits.com/alm002/

Pam Loop Switching

Patch Notes: 

Pairing the MFX with the new MFD to create an FX send with both input mute and feedback buttons. 

To set up an FX send with the MFD:
👉 Patch a stereo or mono source to In A.
👉 Engage the Cue A button.
👉 Connect the Cue Out to the input of the MFX.
👉 Connect the MFX stereo out to In B of the MFD.
👉 Increase the X Fade control to mix in the wet signal.
👉 Press the Cue A button to disable the input send.
👉 Press the Cue B button to feed the MFX back into itself. (be very careful!)

Note the X Fade control acts as a dry/wet here with the send coming from the Cue A button. This allows the effect to be mixed to 100% wet when the crossfader is set fully to the B side.

For more info on the MFD visit: busycircuits.com/alm044/

MFD FX Send

Patch Notes: 

Using the new MT-EX1 MEGA-TANG expander to mix in an additional line level source + two extra mono sounds + chain in another stereo mix. 

MT-EX1 & MT-EX2 are two expander modules for the MEGA-TANG mixer. The MT-EX1 adds 4 additional inputs and the MT-EX2 adds an extra effects send/return for all channels.

Here we demo the MT-EX1 which adds a mono line level input with level and send controls, two extra fixed inputs each with send controls and a fixed stereo input (useful for chaining multiple MEGA-TANG’s).

Note the MEGA-TANG only supports a single expander at any time. For more info on the MT-EX1 visit: https://busycircuits.com/alm033-ex/

MT-EX1 Expander

Patch Notes: 

Using the new MT-EX2 MEGA-TANG expander to send / return all 4 mixer channels to / from a second MFX for layered reverb and delay on the mix. 

MT-EX1 & MT-EX2 are two expander modules for the MEGA-TANG mixer. The MT-EX1 adds 4 additional inputs and the MT-EX2 adds an extra effects send/return for all channels.

Here we demo the MT-EX2 which adds an extra send and return for all channels to your MEGA-TANG. Useful for more complex layered effects.

Note the MEGA-TANG only supports a single expander at any time. For more info on the MT-EX1 visit: busycircuits.com/alm033-ex/

MT-EX2 Expander

Patch Notes:

Here we demo the full lineup of ALM VCV modules including Pamela’s PRO Workout, Tyso Daiko, MFX and our bundle of free modules in a variety of different patches.

All modules featured are available now to purchase from the VCV Rack store, including the Pam PRO, MFX and Tyso Daiko alongside our FREE collection that includes the MCO, Pip Slope, Beast’s Chalkboard, Tangle Quartet and O/A/x2.

Create simple clocked triggers, complex rhythmic waveforms, quantized melodic patterns or random chaos with the Pamela's PRO Workout, access a multitude of classic hardware effects processors with the MFX, and generate classic 12-bit digital wavetable drum voices via the ‘Tyso Daiko’.

Download the latest update of the VCV Pam PRO to share and back up banks with the hardware version. The new context menu options ‘Export backup’ and ‘Import backup’ act like the standard presets in VCV but can be loaded from a hardware Pamela’s PRO Workout.

For more info please visit: busycircuits.com/vcv/
To purchase visit: library.vcvrack.com/?brand=ALM+Busy+Circuits

VCV Noise Beat

Patch Notes: 

Jamming a full electro track using the Turismo, with beats, bass, a lead voice, chords, sequencing, modulation and FX all produced from directly within the system. 

Starting with a beat from the Squid, the TAZM-O is mixed in followed with dynamic through-zero FM from a self oscillating filter of the MCFx2. Additional drum sounds are brought in via the mutes of the ASQ-1. A bass sequence is then added, also produced by the TAZM-O using one of its 2 sub oscillator outs filtered and triggered to alternate with the lead voice. The result is effectively 2 voices using only 1 oscillator. Finally, a vocal like chord sequence from the CIZZLE is mixed in, with both its pitch and inversion sequenced to create ‘arpeggiator’ style stepping from both oscillators. The reverb time of the MFX is increased as the elements are mixed out to conclude the track.

The Turismo is our fully modern Eurorack modular workstation, blending a curated mix of our flagship analog and digital modules for a versatile and creative patching experience. It offers a distinctive ALM character, designed for both precision and fun.

For more info on the Turismo visit: busycircuits.com/turismo/

Turismo Electro

Patch Notes: 

’Pinging’ the Pip Filter with its special ‘Trig’ input to create a plucky analog wood block / conga style melody, taken further with filter FM from the Pip LFO.

A fast x4 trigger is patched from Pamela’s PRO Workout to the ‘Trig’ input of the Pip Filter. The frequency is lowered and resonance is increased until it is just at the edge of self oscillation, producing a classic percussive ‘ping’. A V/Oct pitch sequence from Pam is then patched to the Frequency input, producing a simple rising melody reminiscent of the warm analogue wood block or conga sounds of vintage drum machines. Next, the square wave out of the Pip LFO is patched to the first frequency input of the Pip Filter, with very slight inversion to modulate the melody. The resonance is subtly increased to lengthen the ping and the Pip LFO is switched into VCO mode, introducing audio rate FM to the filter frequency. The Pip Slope is then patched to sweep the frequency of the FM and the filter frequency is manually increased, producing high pitched chaotic bursts of analogue filter FM. 

The new Pip LFO and Pip Filter join the Pip Slope, offering a compact but flexible group of modules great for adding functionality to a system with tight space or combined as a unique 12hp analogue synth voice. 

For more info on the Pip Filter visit: busycircuits.com/alm039/


Pip Filter Pinging

Patch Notes:

An uplifting 90s inspired jam with beats, a filtered break, FM lead, virtual analog chords and a CZ style bass line produced with all ALM in our 9U 84HP MEGA case.

Starting from Pamela’s PRO Workout, the ASQ-1 sequences a kick, filtered break and FM lead from Akemie’s Castle. The right side low pass filter of the MCFx2 is slowly opened and modulated, producing ‘slow motion’ break swells as more high frequencies begin to pass through. A snare and percussive tick sound are brought in by unmuting sequences on the ASQ-1, and lush 8 note virtual analog chords from the MCO’s ‘Virtana’ voice are mixed in. A bass line is then brought in using both oscillators of the CIZZLE to create round and buzzy CZ style bass hits, further processed by the left filter of the MCFx2. The entire mix is rhythmically blurred together by clock synced delay into long reverb produced by a pair of MFX’s run in series from the send of the MEGA-TANG.

For more info on ALM Eurorack cases visit: https://busycircuits.com/cases/



9U Downtempo

Patch Notes:

Momentary mute groups using the AXON-2 A and B Buttons as Cross Op sources on Pamela’s PRO Workout. 

Starting with a full track sequenced by the Pam PRO, the A and B buttons of the AXON-2 are set to function as two Cross Operation sources from Pam’s BPM menu. The Cross Ops for each of the four outputs triggering the drums are then set to ‘Subtract’ with the sources set to either Axon A or Axon B depending on the desired ‘Mute Group’. When pressed, each of the Axon buttons produces a gate which subtracts from the gates sequenced at the outputs, causing them to mute momentarily until the Axon button is released. 

For more info on the Pam PRO visit: https://busycircuits.com/alm034/
For more info on the AXON-2 visit: https://busycircuits.com/alm040/




Pam Mute Groups

Patch Notes:

Using the S&H Cross Op on Pamela’s PRO Workout to link CV + gate outputs and produce typical note sequencer behaviour. 

A Euclidean gate pattern from output 1 of the Pam PRO is patched to trigger the envelope in a CIZZLE synth voice patch. Switching to output 2, a quantised random CV is set up and patched to the V/Oct input of the CIZZLE to modulate the pitch. The level is reduced for a smaller note range and the random is looped, producing a short pitch sequence. The Cross Operation of output 2 is then enabled and set to S&H (Sample & Hold) with the Cross Source set to output 1, causing the pitch CV to change only when a new gate from output 1 occurs. This simple technique links the pitch CV out to the Gate output that triggers the envelope, producing typical note sequencer type behaviour.

For more info on the Pam PRO visit: busycircuits.com/alm034/

Pam CV + Gate

Patch Notes: 

Sequencing a dual voice MCO (mkII) patch directly from the iPad using the mmMidi updated to now include USB-C.

The iPad is connected directly the mmMidi’s USB-C port with 2 MIDI channels of the Fugue Machine sequencer app mapped to channels 1 and 2 of the mmMidi. The pair of CV / Gate outs are patched to control a pair of MCOs both using the Tonesum additive voice. Pamela’s PRO Workout is also MIDI clock synced directly with the Fugue Machine via the mmMidi’s x24 Clock and Run outputs, keeping the MFX delay and filter modulation all in time with the sequence. The mmMidi opens up many possibilities for externally controlling your system, easily connecting directly with computers, tablets, phones or any USB MIDI Host along with hardware TRS or Din MIDI gear. 

For more info on the mmMidi USB visit: https://busycircuits.com/alm023/



mmMidi USB + iPad

Patch Notes:

Mellow voice like chords using the new AEIOU engine on the MCO (mkII), a vocal synthesis engine for generating human vocal phonemes added in the latest firmware v105!

A chord is triggered, starting with two fixed vowels, ‘Aah’ & ‘Wuh’ for Vox A and Vox B, producing a static hit. CV1 is assigned to control the A/B Mix to begin adding movement to the ‘voice’.  LFO 1 is assigned to Vox Tone to slowly sweep the formant and add further subtle motion. Vox A and B are then assigned control from LFO 2 and 3 respectively, both set to produce a random value each time the MCO is triggered. The result is new Vox ‘mouth shapes’ that change with each chord hit.

Update your MCO to the new firmware v105 to try out the AEIOU engine yourself!

Updating your MCO (mkII) is easy, connect it to a computer via usb and copy the firmware file across. See the MCO (mkII) manual for full details here: busycircuits.com/docs/alm046-manual.pdf

To update visit: busycircuits.com/alm046/


MCO AEIOU Chords

Patch Notes:

BPM matching a break loop using the SQUID SALMPLE!  Hold Func while adjusting the Speed parameter to display the BPM pop up and set your 1 bar loop to the desired BPM.

A 1 bar break loop is loaded to channel 3 of the Squid and triggered by a /4 clock from Pamela’s PRO Workout (set to 170 BPM). By holding the Squid’s Function button while adjusting the Speed parameter, the BPM of the loop is displayed and the break speed is adjusted until it matches Pam. Multiple one shot drum sounds are then layered in along with sequenced bass and chord voices. The break is then filtered down by the MUM M8 while simultaneously lowering its pitch but preserving the BPM using the Squid’s new Pitch parameter - available in the latest firmware (v188).

For details visit the SQUID SALMPLE page here: https://busycircuits.com/alm022/

Squid BPM Match

Patch Notes:

Sequencing a pair of MCOs from the ASQ-1 with woody arpeggios from the Tonesum additive voice and a bright modulated lead line from the Digiwave wavetable voice.

The 2 ‘step-time’ pitch sequencer tracks of the ASQ-1 are patched to the V/Oct and trigger inputs of a pair of MCOs. The first MCO produces a woody vibraphone style bed of sound using the ToneSum additive voice. The second MCO is mixed in on top, using the DigiWave voice to produce a bright modulated wavetable lead. With both sequences playing, the ASQ-1 keyboard is used to transpose the melodies simultaneously by pressing a key with the ‘Mode’ button held, creating interesting evolution to the simple sequences. Finally, the feedback and mix of the MFX’s Tape-Tech Echo are increased creating a washy ambience.

For more info on the MCO visit: busycircuits.com/alm046/



Dual MCO

Patch Notes: 

Processing a 707 snare with our QuaidraVerb plugin for classic gated snare effects and lush airy reverb tails. 

Here the QuaidraVerb is used to process the snare sound of the TR-707 kit in Ableton. The reverb adds space and atmosphere to the dry snare sound with various adjustments to the Size, Low Cut and Damping parameters. Upon switching the Era from ‘90s’ to ‘Now’, the Gate parameter becomes available and is used to create a hard drop off in the reverb tail. This produces a classic punchy ‘gated snare’ sound, a technique that first emerged in pop music production in the 1980s.

To conclude, the Freeze switch is engaged, immediately producing an endless infinite reverb tail. Using automation, Freeze can be switched on and off for special experimental reverb effects.

The QuaidraVerb is available for download along with a growing number of other plugins ported from the MFX hardware with clean, simple and expanded user interfaces.

The QuaidraVerb is available alongside the Almicon reverb as the ‘MFX Digiverbs’ for only $10 - for more info visit: busycircuits.com/digiverbs/



QuaidraVerb Gate

Patch Notes:

A triple MCO patch using the Oomph, DigiWave and Virtana voices to create a heavily modulated kick & snare, wavetable hi-hats and a thick detuned bass line.

MCOs are patched up to create a track, starting with a punchy kick from the Oomph and custom hi-hat from the DigiWave. The Pip Filter is opened and modulated by Pamela’s PRO Workout, revealing a thick but sharp detuned square wave bass line from the Virtana voice. Output 6 of the Pam PRO is then unmuted to add shifting motion to the hi-hats via random modulation to the AB wavetable mix. The kick drum Distortion Type and FM depth are assigned modulation from CV 1 to produce a snare like hit in response to an envelope from Pam. The trigger from the hi-hat is then swapped over to the External input of the 3rd MCO to trigger a phase resync of the detuned square wave stack, resulting in an aggressive pluck that greatly emphasises the bass sound and heavily interacts with the Pip Filter’s resonance.

For more info on the MCO visit: busycircuits.com/alm046/



MMMCCCOOO

VCV Arp Patch

Patch Notes: 

The Squid Salmple now includes an independent multimode filter per channel! In this audio we show off the sounds of the four different filter types while building up a basic track that utilises filtering on drums, bass, and chords. 

For more info on the MCO visit: https://busycircuits.com/pages/alm022


Squid Filters

Patch Notes: 

Assigning modulation from a hardware MIDI controller in the latest version of the new MFX motto multi-effects plugin, available now for iPad from the App Store. 

‘MFX motto’ is a multi-effects plugin from ALM Busy Circuits, which brings the much lauded FX engines from our ‘MFX’ Eurorack Module, Guitar Pedal and Desktop plugins now to the iPad with the unique ability to now chain multiple effects.

Here, the MFX motto is loaded into AUM to process the Motto Akemie, sequenced by the Korg Nanokey which is also configured in AUM to send MIDI CCs to the MFX motto. From the new modulation page of the MFX motto, specific parameters of the 2051 Bit Corrupter are set as modulation destinations, allowing the Nanokey sliders to control them.

For more info on the MFX motto visit: https://busycircuits.com/pages/alm-pg010

MFX motto is available to purchase now via the App Store here: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/mfx-motto/id6746859149

MFX motto Modulation

Patch Notes: 

Ambient melodic sequencing with our modular workstation the Turismo, paired with a classic Roland SH-101. 

For the full patch writeup and demo video check out the Busy Blog here: https://busycircuits.com/blogs/latest/turismo-ambient-melodic-sequencing

Blog

Turismo: Ambient Melodic Sequencing

GetaPhixx is an alternate library of sound banks for the ALM Squid Salmple module. 

For more info visit  http://busycircuits.com/products/getaphixx

4  ANALOG Beat - GetaPhixx

5  REALWORLD - GetaPhixx

6  DRUMMER - GetaPhixx

7  PROPER ARTY - GetaPhixx

ALM / Busy Circuits, is a UK-based audio electronics company producing well designed, original and fun devices primarily for the Eurorack modular synthesis format.

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