Gener8 update released

Very often I hear someone say “Modul8 is the Ableton Live of VJ apps.” It is big a compliment considering how ubiquitous the latter software is in the live mixing world. And now, low and behold, through the valiant efforts of forum regular Andy Teasdale of Black Earth Media you can now use Modul8 in an Ableton Live like way. Unlike most modules that are uploaded by the developer to the Public Module Library, Andy likes to send us newsletters with detailed information related to the updates. If you are interested in testing these bad boys out then you go to his blog to download them.

He has provides some decent documentation and the video above can is quite helpful considering that these modules are for more advanced users. I had to spend quite a bit of time myself fiddling around with it and I am still not fully aware of all of its capabilities. I can definitely sense it’s power because as soon as I am able to create a few layers I hid to the main Modul8 interface partly because Gener8 modules take up quite a bit of screen estate.

The newest addition to this suite of modules is Andy’s own rendition of the Filter module. I have to say it is one of the best implementations of this module thus far. Previously I would have used a module called L-Filters Ergo Mouse as it had a wider window then the standard Filter module. But Andy’s approach keeps it the same width as the standard one, making it a bit taller but without inconveniencing access to the controls. He also includes sound input controls.

For the math heads there is the timecode viewer that provides you with detailed information in numbers about your playback.

As Andy clearly states in his messages to us these modules are just a beta so any feedback is helpful. I won’t post his email address here to reduce the possible spam so feel free to check out his blog and add comments for feedback.

posted by modul8.us @ 6 June, 2012 0 comments »

Timeline Control Modul8 with MIDI notes


My friend and collaborator Geoff Matters (aka Lance Blisters) has posted a demo of a module he posted today to the online module library.

In his own words…

“A new module streamlines the process of setting media in layers, and turning layers on and off, using MIDI note events. Among other situations, this is particularly useful for:

* Using the timeline in 3rd-party apps such as Reaper, Cubase, ProTools, Live, etc to create a composition that varies over time. This can be simply played back (perhaps in a loop for an installation) or the user can jam on top of the automated clip sequence using other layers and/or effects on the automated layers

* As above, but first import an audio track into the audio software, then add M8 control MIDI data in time with the audio track to create a music video

* Within a live-performance audio app such as Live or Reason, create MIDI loops specifically to trigger different clips within Modul8. These M8-control loops can then be played alongside the music elements for a synchronized AV set. Imagine having several rows within your Live grid dedicated to M8 control clips. Every time the loops repeat, the corresponding video is re-triggered in Modul8. When you switch do a different column in Live, the video clips change at the same time the audio clips do.

MIDI can easily be routed into Modul8 using a MIDI loopback driver such as the IAC driver included with OSX. For more information on setting this up.

The module “LB – Media In Layer From MIDI Notes” can be found in the public module library.”

Additionally you can download the sample project used to create the video above.


Cheekily, this module has actually been in my possession for a while now in a slightly unfinished state. I only managed to use it for my work once. The above was created using Ableton live to change the media. After writing all the notes that would trigger my media and layers, I mapped a play button on my Nano Kontrol to the play button in Live and the record button in Modul8 and voila.

posted by modul8.us @ 21 April, 2012 2 comments »

module: 120 eq paint by ‘a nomad’

One of our forum regulars, a nomad put his module skills to the task and built everyone a graphical EQ module that uses the built in Paint functions of the module system. Of great assistance to him in this task was last years release of the Online Module Manual written by Gael Abegg Gauthey (aka Lupin) that provides detailed information and examples on how to use this often overlooked feature.

As you can see in the video, a nomad also takes some time to explain how the module works, providing the basic building blocks for this willing to expand on the ideas he has developed here. Maybe a circular EQ? How about allowing the colors to change with the sound as well? Or maybe the colors can be changed with the use of a MIDI controller? Or the possibility to change the distances between the columns on the fly using a slider within the module window? It’s all there, open and exposed for you to play with. A nice alternative to the MADmapper‘s MAD_Equalizer if you don’t feel like firing up and additional app for your MAD graphics EQ stage setups.

Download it today from the Public section of the module library within Modul8.

posted by modul8.us @ 9 January, 2012 1 comment »

Does (LT) stand for ‘lovely tools’? Maybe it should.

Modul8.lotechmod
I have to admit that I have been pretty distracted by all the MadMapper activity. Shaking me away from my haze of Mapping Madness was Simon Barker (known from the forums as lotech) who loaded up custom modules for those who want to see a lot more of the controls on their screen without too much clutter.

The first, of these that appealed the most to my sensibilities is (LT) Clip Control. A slim module that combines several other existing modules, such as the several existing variations of PLAY STOP ALL and Cross Fader modules, into one that you can conveniently position to the left of the main Modul8 interface with the included benefit of having a thumbnail preview of each media used in its layer.

After that, the (LT) Clip Control fits nicely below the main interface and provides you with an alternative to the existing clip controls with, what would be my favorite addition, preset speeds for clip playback.

The third, (LT) Media Panel is a compressed, functionally expanded, laptop screen friendly version of the Big Media Keyboard module, allowing you to see up to three media sets at a time with the added value of allowing you to name your sets for easy reference.

TouchOSC control

Along with the screenshot he provided was the above photo showing his TouchOSC layout on his iPad that is very appealing to in that it looks as if it takes into account the ergonomics of the iPad in that I would probably hold it in both my hands and tap the buttons with my thumbs, freeing myself from having to crouch in front of the laptop.

Try these out and if you like them or have suggestions on how to make them better feel free to join the threads on our forum where Simon has announced and been discussing them with the community.

posted by modul8.us @ 22 June, 2011 2 comments »

Time Squid, Freeky Deeky

With all the focus on mapping lately, one (namely me) can get really worn out from all the blowing up of buildings, floaty particles and so on.

Someone asked me recently ‘what exactly is going on in the U.S.?’ and, having not spent much time there in recent years, and even more so not having ventured into the midwest at all, my answer was ‘I have no clue.’ *Note that, during my recent mini-tour of the U.S. this has been alleviated somewhat and thanks to all those who hosted the workshops. But only on the coasts. Maybe next time?*

Enter Hal Lovemelt (aka Time Squid), a regular on our forums. At some point he ended up ‘friending’ me on facebook, posting some very whacked out images of himself that reminded me of… myself, on occasion, as well as some personal moments that I consider high points of my experiences at the Mapping Festival in Geneva. Hal, as you can see from the documentation of his show FREAKY DEEKY puts it all on the line.

In his own words:

Workflow is quick and easy, loosely structured to allow for as much intuitive performance… but here are some Modul8 specific details:

For every show we pick a theme the week before, ideas start brewing… I set up in Modul8, 8 compositions, 6 of them being a specific gag, one just rotating theme appropriate backgrounds, and one with different stylizations of the DFG input taking camera 1 over a solid blue BG, to Key over perhaps a hardware feedback or the Amiga Toaster feed.

So Modul8 is for specific compositions with foreground props and backgrounds, as a background generator, Video art performance, and as an effect unit for the camera feed (over solid blue).

We try and choreograph different gags 10 minutes before we go on and then when we go for the bit, or the video trick, or whatever, we just yell out things to the performers, musicians and camera people. Its no pressure stress free so its rarely perfect but its always fun and there is a certain comedy to its cheesy awesomocity.

The only reason we sometimes get pure gold in terms of content/comedy/style is when we find ourselves in the zone without over thinking it, keeping it intuitive.

Another interesting thing to note is that I use Ableton Live to control Modul8 as a sort of automation trick and locked in BPM helper, as well as TouchOSC for positioning props on peoples heads and painting.

We are moving towards a fully automated system and are going to be giving the caller more power by integrating a little phone electronics unit to decode phone tone to midi data, that in turn, can control camera angles, effects in Modul8, and sound effects.

Its free play fun. The best way to learn the art form, and really learn the software and gear.

The details on where it is broadcast and all the credits is all in the Vimeo description

I don’t want to give readers the impression that this is the only thing going on the U.S. Most certainly not.

The Public Access channel in New York City was one of those strange places that, while you were channel surfing late at night to find something worthy of your eyeballs, on occasion you accidentally landed on something completely unexpected. FREEKY DEEKY definitely has that same feel. And while I myself am not a big fan of filters, Hals use of this technology enhances intensity of the characters within the frames rather then hindering it. The key hethere is that it is live with real people doing crazy off beat things. I like.

We have already seen Modul8 integrated into live broadcast work flows. However the use of it in these contexts is usually very conservative, setup “multiple outputs and trigger pre-rendered clips. Time Squids “Playatta” setup is very unique because it is utilizing Modul8 in a live context in a way that it is clear that something is being manipulated on the spot without trying to elude its audience, in fact, the reverse is true.

For those curious about the modules used in this project:

  • (gN) – gNoma mixer control V1
  • (vs) recall LayerSetGroupAB
  • (s6) precisePosition
  • 120 spir0 v1

Freaky Deeky is produced by Hamil Griffin Cassidy and Hal Ibaba Lovemelt
And is made possible by the service and facilities at MTN
(minneapolis television network)

posted by modul8.us @ 9 December, 2010 0 comments »

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