The AI018's power lies within its architecture which features sixteen potentiometers; each commanding the strength of a particular stereo input pair (1-4) that is delivered to a chosen stereo output (A-D). Notably minted as an effective tool for effects send, the mixer allows for impressive flexibility in routing inputs to numerous effects. Additionally, effects can be wired to each other or looped back into themselves, thereby magnifying the depth and dimension of the resulting sonic landscapes. :internal_private_article_id: ai-synthesis-ai018-stereo-matrix-mixer
Eurorack module AI Synthesis AI018 Stereo Matrix Mixer has cemented its position in the annals of sonic architecture with its remarkable ability to influence the flow of audio or control voltage (CV) signals from an array of sources to assorted destinations. The world of electronic musical instruments has experienced a tremendous influx of modular synthesis, and with this distinctive evolution arrives the ever-intriguing exploration of contemporary sound design tools like the AI018.
This compact yet highly effective stereo 8-in, 8-out matrix mixer, developed by AI Synthesis, is a fine demonstration of engineering that proves vital when crafting intricate sonic landscapes. Crucial to its form is the implementation of sixteen potentiometers. Each potentiometer wields the power to control the level of a specified stereo input pair (1-4), determining its contribution to a chosen stereo output (A-D). The creation of eight simultaneous routes, in multiple possible permutations, elevates the AI018 from a merely functional utility mixer to a significant center of command within the Eurorack universe.
One of the enigmatic powers of the AI018 lies within its functionality as an effects send. A common scenario includes having one or more inputs, with a portion of these inputs being delegated to one or many effect processors. As is common practice in music production, using an auxiliary send to route a signal to an effect processor alleviates the necessity for multiple dedicated outputs, which offers a frugal yet efficient method of processing multiple signals in parallel. However, the ingenuity of the AI018 takes this concept further with its freedom to route inputs to various effects, adding layers of complexity and depth to the audio output.
An added nuance of the AI018's architecture is its capability to route signals not just from inputs to outputs, but also between the effect processors themselves, and even looping back into their respective inputs. This invites possibilities of compounded feedback loops, creating a spectrum of distinctive sonic experiences. A phenomenon reminiscent of throwing a pebble into a pond, where the initial impact creates expanding waves that interfere with each other in an ever-changing dance of sonic phenomena.
In the expansive universe of Eurorack modules, the AI Synthesis AI018 Stereo Matrix Mixer is a colossal component for anyone wanting to emulate and manipulate intricate sonic landscapes. Its multi-faceted routing capabilities ensure that it is not simply another cog in the wheel, but an essential module deservedly earning its place in any modular synthesist’s rig. Beholding this level of customization potential, the AI018 is not merely a tool, but an expressive instrument in itself, translating the language of sound design into a comprehensive dialogue of sonic exploration.
Example Usage
Consider you have a small Eurorack setup with several sound sources and effects units. For this example, let's imagine you have two VCOs and two effects modules: a delay module and a reverb module.
Firstly, plug in your two VCOs into the first two stereo inputs of the AI018 Matrix Mixer. Your delay and reverb modules will feeding into the next slots.
Now, here is where the magic begins. Try sending VCO1 to both the delay and the reverb, adjusting the potentiometer to taste. VCO2 can be routed separately, sending it to the reverb but not to the delay.
On the receiving end, route the output of the delay and reverb units back into the AI018. Plugins are into the remaining stereo output slots. The top row potentiometers will control how loud the signal for that effect will be in the mix output.
To unleash a sonic exploration, you can create unique, cascading effects by sending the delayed signal back into the reverb and the reverbed signal back into the delay - a creative technique commonly known as feedback. You can even send a sound source back into itself for experimental soundscaping.
Having individual control over each source to destination path allows for detailed and intricate manipulation of sounds. While the principle is easy enough for a novice to understand, the actual outcomes can range from subtle nuances to dramatic transformations in your audio.
Remember to keep exploring and experiment with different routings to discover the AI018 Stereo Matrix Mixer's full potential. The magical thing about this module is how versatile it can be - instantly routing and re-routing signals on-the-fly, opening up an immense array of creative opportunities.
In this intermediate usage example, I'll demonstrate how the AI Synthesis AI018 Stereo Matrix Mixer could be utilized to create intricate interaction within a given sonic landscape.
Let's imagine a complex soundscaping setup, using four different sound sources (each one composed of different waveform generators, filters, or modulation sources), namely Source 1-4, paired with four unique effects units, which we'll label as Effect A-D.
Source 1 might be a haunting pad sound from an analog synthesizer, Source 2 could be a rhythmic sequence from a drum machine, Source 3 may present a self-resonating low-pass filter creating those deep, throbbing moments of bass, and Source 4, a digital sample of a guitar riff.
As for the effects, Effect A might be a spacious reverb to give depth, Effect B a delay for rhythmic propulsion, Effect C a warm analog distortion for introducing some grit, while Effect D is a ring modulator for adding metallic textures.
How we use the AI018 here will profoundly mould our sonic exploration. We could start by gently feeding Source 1 into Effect A, creating a large acoustic space for our pad sound. Simultaneously, all sources could be routed to Effect B, creating intricate rhythms and interactions between the drum sequence, the pad, the throbbing bass and the sampled guitar.
Take it a step further by routing the output of Effect B into Effect A and C. The echoes will start to get distorted and reverberate throughout the artificial acoustic space. But why stop there? Source 3 could be routed to Effect D, adding metallic timbres to our bass sounds. This output can then be sent back to Effect C (the distortion), and now we have a dirty, metallic bassline.
With the AI018 Stereo Matrix Mixer, you can easily lose yourself in the depths of the effects. The power lies in being able to feed effects into each other and even back into themselves, creating mesmerizing feedback loops. This is where the Stereo Matrix Mixer delivers its magic - not just as a utility module, but as a creative hub for crafting immersive sonic landscapes.
Further Thoughts
In our exploration of the AI Synthesis AI018 Stereo Matrix Mixer, let us dive into an advanced usage scenario amplifying its potential. Picture your modular setup, studded with a diverse array of sound generators – unique oscillators, rich samplers, noise modules - alongside an exciting bouquet of effects modules. Our protagonist is the AI018, standing poised as our 'sonic architect', prepared to construct intricate audio landscapes.
Firstly, connect oscillators to inputs 1 and 2 of the AI018. Next, our custom-made granular sampler, with its ethereal warbles, goes into Input 3, while a white noise generator sits in Input 4. Meanwhile, connect four different effects modules - a spring reverb, delay module, bit crusher, and a spectral filter - to outputs A, B, C, and D respectively.
Now let's breathe life into this setup with AI018's routing prowess. Gradually feed the oscillators into the reverb and delay on Outputs A and B. Simultaneously, assign the sampler and noise module into the bit crusher and spectral filter on outputs C and D.
Next is where we begin to untangle the beauty of the matrix. Turn the potentiometers to route the wet signal of the delay into the inputs of spectral filter and bit crusher, pushing experimental edge of feedback loops. Don't shy away from routing bit-crushed noise back into delay, creating recursive sonic complexities. The reverb-soaked oscillators could go to the granular sampler, providing a textured backdrop filled with unexpected sonic artifacts.
Further noise from the spectral filter can be sent back into the delay and reverb, creating a cascading ambient drone effect, as if your sound is swirling through an asteroid belt in distant space. With the final masterpiece for your listeners unfolding as a web of patch cables, regenerative loops, and mangled effects feeds, all under the command of the AI018 Stereo Matrix Mixer.
Remember, the AI018 also allows for precise CV control over the mixing levels, transforming this from a sophisticated routing hub into a dynamic performance instrument. Incorporating sequencers, LFOs or other modulation sources can contribute to evolving soundscapes where timbral identities twist and blur in electrifying, unexpected ways, prompting the question – who is the true conductor of this electronic symphony? The user, or the AI018?