Quartz 4

Field recordings in VCV rack

4 min read

More on VCV rack

Using field recording/noise signal generator:

  • Pick any sampler and load the file of recording. E.g. Simpliciter, NYSTHI sampler, Noise Plethora.
  • You can use audio as CV, so try sticking it into the cutoff input on a filter, V/oct inputs, VCO sync or FM inputs.

Simpliciter

  • Allows for slicing, pitch tracking, reverse, range selection, etc.
  • Has ramp (playhead position) and peak (env follower) outputs that you can use as modulations sources or triggers.

NYSTHI sampler https://library.vcvrack.com/NYSTHI/complexSimpler

Some more suggestions for samplers: https://community.vcvrack.com/t/using-external-audio-files-within-vcv/14522

There are several plugins you could use for this, a common one is from Nysthi called Complex Simpler or Simpliciter. Both of these will allow you to load a file and play it back by right clicking on it and using the menu to select a file. Neither seem to support MP3, however WAV and AIFF files can be loaded. There are also modules like QuadSimpler and MusicalBox from NYSTHI that allow multiple files to be loaded. Of course there’s probably more modules that can do this. So, get one of the above into your rack, wire the outputs to the mixer and set the playback controls to whatever settings you like. Fun can be had with Simpliciter by dragging a SimplerTapeControl next to it. This will allow you to modify the playback speed, and make the tape wobble and play in reverse, controllable with an LFO.

Youtube videos

VCV rack quick tips // 3 easy sample tricks

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xPTEKicjnjE

  • Save your samples in a good location.
  • Load a sample player: drumPlayer
    • Load wav samples into the slots.
    • When TRIG input is triggered, the sample will be played at the volume percentage set by the Standard Level knob + its relative attenuverted CVinput.
    • If ACCENT input is HIGH when TRIG occurs, the sample will be played at Accent Level knob + its attenuverted CVinput.
    • Playing speed can be set by SPD knob from 1 to 200% and modulated with its attenuverted CVinput. Speed can be modified during sample playback.
  • Right-click on the module and select “Sample Loading” feature. Load samples you like, e.g. 4 different ones.
  • Utilise a trigger source that will pick among the samples randomly, so that only one is playing at any given time. Use Random Gates module by HetrickCV.
    • Routes an incoming gate to one of up to eight outputs. The output is randomly selected every time the input goes above 1V. The MIN control determines the minimum position of the output gate, while the MAX control determines the maximum position.
    • Three modes: Triggers: Whenever a positive gate is detected, the randomly selected output will fire a 1ms trigger.
    • Hold: Whenever a positive gate is detected, the randomly selected output will stay positive until a new input gate is received.
    • Gate: Whenever a positive gate is detected, the randomly selected output will stay positive until the input drops below 1V.
  • Run outputs through ZZZORB filter to “tame” the outputs a bit, e.g. put a high-pass filter on it.
  • Use Supercell to break up a sample into individual bits, modulate them, and then recombine them. E.g. use Confusing Simpler, connect out L and out R with Left and Right audio inputs on Supercell, and connect Left and Right outputs on Supercell to audio output. Mix it with a drone to sound even better.
  • Voxglitches Autobreak Studio: Advanced automatic breakbeat sample chopper. Slices samples and plays them back in rythms.
    • Load sample: Right click on module, click on first empty slot in Samples. Select a sample file.
    • Clock is needed to advance the sample. E.g. Clocked. Set at e.g. 80 bpm. Connect CLK1 output of clock to Clock input on Voxglitch.
    • Position: Alter where the playhead jumps to. All the way up = end of sample. All the way down = beginning of sample. You can randomly click to set the positions along the sample.
    • Volume: Allows you to alter the volume of each step in the sequence.
    • Pan: Allows you to pan left or right. Leave as is.
    • Reverse: Will flip the playback of the step. Set a few to different positions.
    • Ratchet: Play step back with rapid succession of triggers. Set a few to different positions.

Field recording sound in VCV rack

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n4Jvza6VR1U

  1. Load wav files into NYSTHI sampler.
  2. Add EQ and reverb

Graph View

Backlinks