Intelligent Dance Music, or IDM, has always been an elusive genre of electronic music that required a certain level of expertise and creativity to create. However, the IDUM Eurorack module from Mystic Circuits may be the solution to making that process a whole lot easier and accessible.
IDUM is a gate processing effect that aims to make the process of creating complex electronic music more accessible to the average modular user. With eight effect modes and CV modulation inputs for all controls, IDUM offers a range of options to create dynamic sequences or turn music into controlled chaos. Additionally, IDUM has an eight-step looper and the ability to manipulate external sequencers using the clock output.
The eight effect modes that IDUM offers includes HOLD, BURST, MULTIPLY/DIVIDE, BALL, ROTATE, DELAY, BREAK, and SKIP. HOLD mode allows users to alter the length of incoming triggers, while BURST generates a ratcheting effect with timing determined by the clock. MULTIPLY/DIVIDE generates a ratcheting effect with timing determined by incoming triggers, while BALL generates a bouncing ball effect. ROTATE scrambles the connections of inputs and outputs, while DELAY postpones incoming gates by a dynamic amount of time based on incoming triggers. BREAK mode allows users to select preset rhythms that turn incoming triggers into breakbeats, while SKIP manipulates the clock output to multiply the clock speed or skip forward multiple steps.
To control when IDUM's effects are active, the CHANCE slider sets the likelihood that on a given step an effect will activate and the LENGTH slider sets how many steps the effect will last for. The PARAM knob controls a parameter unique to each effect, while the MODE knob selects the mode. All of these controls, as well as the LOOP status, have their own CV modulation inputs.
Unique to IDUM is its ability to manipulate external sequencers using the clock output. This includes functions like pausing the clock when an effect is active for dynamic clock division, skipping forwards or multiplying the speed of the clock in SKIP mode, and looping a sub-section of sequencer steps in the looper. To keep everything tamed while manipulating the clock, the CYCLE switch will send out bursts of clocks to catch your sequencer up with its original sequencer position after an effect has completed.
IDUM is also beginner-friendly and encourages users to tweak the module to taste or to add new features with its open-source code and hardware based on the Arduino Nano Every. With IDUM, making IDM should not take a lot of knowledge to get immediate and compelling results, enabling the average user to achieve innovative music-making techniques.
Overall, IDUM may be the perfect gateway to intelligent dance music. Whether you are looking to add complexity to your dance floor bangers or make the most obtuse and unlistenable music, IDUM can help.
Example Usage
If you're new to using gate processing effects, IDUM makes it easy to experiment with complex rhythms and timbres. Start by connecting your sequencer to IDUM's input, and then connect IDUM's output to a synthesizer or drum machine. Use the MODE knob to select one of IDUM's eight effect modes, like HOLD to shorten or lengthen incoming triggers or BALL to add a bouncing ball effect to your sequence. Next, adjust the CHANCE, LENGTH, and PARAM controls to tweak the effect's intensity and character. Finally, experiment with CV modulation inputs to add even more variations to your sequences. With IDUM, even novices can create exciting and sophisticated electronic music tracks.
Let's say you're working on a new track, and you've set up a sequence that you like, but you want to add some variation to keep things interesting. You patch your sequence into IDUM, set the MODE knob to MULTIPLY/DIVIDE, and slowly raise the CHANCE slider until you start hearing the ratcheting effect. You can use the LENGTH slider to control the length of the effect, adding complexity and variation to your sequence. Want even more control? Patch a random voltage source into the PARAM knob, and let IDUM take your sequence in unexpected directions. With just a few simple tweaks, you've added a new dimension to your track, all thanks to the instant IDM gate processing power of IDUM.
Further Thoughts
A seasoned IDM producer could use IDUM to create unpredictable, generative rhythms that keep the dancefloor engaged. For example, the "MULTIPLY/DIVIDE" mode could be used to create an ever-evolving polyrhythmic pattern that drives the track forward. By modulating the "CHANCE" and "LENGTH" parameters with external CV signals, the pattern could be subtly tweaked over time, allowing for hypnotic repetition and subtle variation. Additionally, the "SKIP" mode could be used to create sudden, glitchy breaks in the rhythm, perfect for adding drama and tension to a track. Overall, IDUM could be used to create complex, evolving rhythms that are impossible to program manually, opening up new avenues for creative expression in the realm of intelligent dance music.