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

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Busy Patching

Patch Notes: 

Processing the Motto Akemie through our new ‘Multi Phaser’ plugin available alongside the Ensembles Ensemble as part of the new ‘MFX Modulations’ bundle.

The ‘Multi Phaser’ offers subtle phase shifting for timbral changes, motion, and doubled sounds, with control over notch filters and modulation speed producing various classic phasing and flanging effects. Here we process our Motto Akemie FM drum plugin through the Multi Phaser, exploring how its various controls affect the sound. Both the Multi Phaser and Ensembles Ensemble plugins use enhanced DSP code from the MFX hardware with a clean, simple and expanded user interface. 

For more info on the Multi Phaser visit: busycircuits.com/mfx-modulations/



Multi Phaser Plugin

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

Drama Supersaw VCV

Patch Notes: 

Processing melodic sequences through a classic Roland RE-501 tape echo using the new S.B.G-PRO to interface directly with its balanced in and out.

The S.B.G-PRO makes it easy to connect your Eurorack system directly with stereo or mono pro audio equipment, pedals and more!

Melodic sequences from Akemie’s Castle, CIZZLE and the MCO (mkII) are mixed and sent via S.B.G-PRO out to the classic Roland RE-501 Chorus Echo. The S.B.G’s balanced 6.35mm jacks are connected directly to the RE-501’s balanced XLR in and out for a clean noise free signal. Tape echo, analog chorus and spring reverb are all added from the 501, creating a lush warm atmosphere around the sequences. Slow triangle wave modulation from Pam is patched to control the dry | wet mix of the S.B.G-PRO for subtle swelling of the ambience. The dry | wet is then increased and the sequences are filtered down in combination with a tape slow down to conclude.

For more info on the S.B.G-PRO visit: busycircuits.com/alm041/

S.B.G-PRO + RE-501

Patch Notes:

Creating a speaking beat patch using the new AEIOU engine on the MCO (mkII). Update your MCO to the new firmware v105 to try it out yourself!

Here the voice is layered in with a drum beat with synced modulation over many of its numerous parameters. Modulating Vox A rhythmically changes the vowel shape to produce human vocal like phonemes. The pitch is raised and chord is then switched on, with the attack modulated by one of the MCO’s internal LFOs, producing varied swells with a natural speaking like quality. Finally, CV from the AXON-2 is assigned to the Whisper parameter, increasing the amount of noise to resemble whispering human vocal tones.

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: https://busycircuits.com/docs/alm046-manual.pdf

To update visit: busycircuits.com/alm046/



MCO AEIOU Voice

Patch Notes: 

Exploring our new ‘Pocket PL8’ reverb plugin available alongside the ‘Slinky Reverb’ as part of the new ‘MFX PhysiVerbs’ bundle.

The ‘Pocket PL8’ produces a dense metallic reverberation based on early digital reverb algorithms. It offers all the magic of a massive aluminium plate whilst remaining small enough to fit in your pocket (or your downloads folder). Here we process our Motto Akemie FM drum plugin through the Pocket PL8, exploring its various controls to shape the reverb tail as well as producing more unique effects using the freeze, reverse and gate settings.

For more info on the Pocket PL8 visit: https://busycircuits.com/mfx-physiverbs/

Pocket PL8 Plugin

Patch Notes: 

Using the new digital emulation of our popular MUM M8 filter, now available in VCV Rack, to process a detuned sequence from the MCO (mkII).

A detuned saw wave sequence from the MCO (mkII) is filtered by the VCV MUM M8. The Cut off is modulated by a slow triangle LFO from Pamela’s PRO Workout, producing wide timbral sweeps. The resonance is increased and a fast exponential envelope from Pam is patched to the second frequency input of the MUM M8. The attenuverter is increased, producing a sharp but smooth rhythmic pluck. The octave is then lowered on the MCO, transposing the sequence down to create a bass line.

The VCV MUM M8 is now available from the VCV Store on its own for just $15 or as part of our new bundle with the CIZZLE and MCO (mkII) for a discounted $45. 

For full details visit:  https://library.vcvrack.com/?brand=ALM%20Busy%20Circuits

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MUM M8 VCV Trance

Patch Notes: 

Processing an Amen break using the new VCV version of the MUM M8, a realistic sounding emulation of our popular eurorack MUM M8 filter.

An Amen break loop is patched through the VCV MUM M8 for classic S950 style break filtering. The MUM M8’s resonance and input level are increased, adding grit to the break as the filter begins to saturate. A triangle LFO from Pam is added to slowly sweep the filter cutoff across the bars with the smooth ‘switched capacitor’ style filtering.

The VCV MUM M8 is now available from the VCV Store on its own for just $15 or as part of our new bundle with the CIZZLE and MCO (mkII) for a discounted $45.

For full details visit: library.vcvrack.com/?brand=ALM%20Busy%20Circuits


MUM M8 VCV Jungle

Patch Notes: 

Cross patching the new Pip LFO with Pamela’s PRO Workout to create organic exponential ramping effects as the two modules cross modulate one another. 

The new Pip Filter is modulated by the saw wave out of the Pip LFO and the square wave output is used to clock Pamela’s PRO Workout. A triangle wave LFO from Pam is then patched back to the Pip LFO to modulate the Frequency, creating an exponentially ramping tempo that loops over as the modules feedback with each other. The Pip LFO’s additional shape outputs are patched to modulate the MCO and MFX along with the Pip Filter, further emphasising the ramping tempo. Finally, the LFO frequency is lowered, causing a rippling slow down effect across the patch.

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 LFO visit: https://busycircuits.com/alm048/



Pip LFO + Pam PRO

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

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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Busy Patching

ALM Busy Circuits