TheTechnobear's SSP/XMX development

Wow 11 more plugins on the way. Great stuff.

Regarding release, maybe do a early access bundle or staggered early access. I think a early bird for paid or donations makes sense and is just that little incentive to give people a nudge to donate for the work you’ve done and more importantly give you a little extra something if you decide to continue developing more plugins.
Thanks for all you’ve done so far :+1:t3:

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seriously stoked for your new work!
See you at superbooth very probably!

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ok, time to let you all know what Ive been up to for the last few months !

first, before I start, again, I’d like to thank my ko-fi supporters!
Im happy to give my software away and let everyone enjoy it… but there is something special about receiving a donation… I think its the fact, that you have gone out of your way to say ‘thank you’ and that you are enjoying my work - and I really appreciate that effort !

so what has been going on? when do the goodies get released?

updates to existing technobear plugins

the first thing I had to do is update all my existing plugins to the new ssp-sdk.

one nice feature of the new ssp-sdk is that VSTs are no longer all the same colour :slight_smile:

oh, there are also some bug fixes in various existing modules , bugs that Id found, but didn’t warrant a new release.

ssp-sdk

I’ve also updated the ssp-sdk to use a new cross-compiling build approach and also to expand the ssk-sdk examples to be more aligned with how I work. the vst example, I updated also to use the latest version of Juce. so overall.
the ssp-sdk examples are better for newcomers to the ssp platform.
(I do still need to finish tidying up the documentation)

new plugins

k, I know this is why you are reading this :laughing:

first, a reminder…
whilst I’ve demo’d these, and they are basically complete there are a couple of tweaks here n’ there I want to do before release.

as previously mentioned, as there is so much new stuff… and the existing stuff has been reworked, I’m going to release a few at a time, rather than all at once. (I’ve yet to decide on order of release etc).

so idea is I’ll release (e.g.) 2 for early access ( * ) via my ko-fi page.
( * ) anyone that has donated within 30 days of the release, will see early access pages.

reminder: these donations are a gesture of support, rather than paying for a plugin etc.
… frankly, Ive spent so many days/hours on this, I can assure you its not paying for dev time :wink:
so, rather, I see it as just encouragement for developing these plugins, but to continue to do so , and make more!

anyway, when the next wave comes along, I will then likely make the previous early access plugins, public.
so basically the early access will let you play with the modules a couple of weeks earlier, but more importantly, also provide earlier feedback.

are you still reading… if so, finally here’s the list…in no particular order.

  • VOST , voltage store with abilities to morph
  • CLKD, a clock (internal, cv and midi) with clock division and multiplication
  • LOGI, a logic module, 8 inputs, 5 outputs… various operations including comparison.
  • HARM, a harmonic oscillator with tilt
  • CART, a cartesian sequencer inspired by make noise Rene
  • DRUM, a synthesis drum kit (8 voices) based on Mutable Plaits drums sounds
  • COMP, a simple compressor with sidechain input.
  • OMOD, a clockable modulator, with 8 modulation signal that are related (e.g. specific in ratios)
  • DLYD, a multi tap delay with 4 taps which can have time modulation.
  • LDRF , a quad ladder filter (aka moog filter)
  • SRVB, simple reverb, nice to have different flavours of reverb.

also, not sure if MTTR is new as well… this is a midi module that allows you to create trigs based on 8 note values - perfect for trigging percussion e.g. for DRUM or SAM.
so not quite sure, if this is 11 or 12 new plugins :laughing:

so my module browser is now pretty full !

of course, the important thing with modular is not number of modules, but rather how they work together, the power is how you combine them - and I have to say, Ive been having a lot of fun with the new modules and working with my existing modules, they really (for me?) fill some holes, make it all feel more complete.

Ive also been developing some presets for superbooth, which I may share at some point, which show off many of these modules - though not quite sure when/how I’ll release those.

there may be some video content coming, as Id really like to show how these modules can be used.
its funny as I design modules, theres almost always some extra use-cases that I think of along the way, that are often non-obvious… and even I forget about :wink: (esp. when releasing so many things at once!)

as for the future, of course, Ive many other ideas, some are more developed than others…

similarly, some of these modules, Ive ideas to expand or change, some that Im waiting for feedback to help decide on their final direction.
so exciting times !

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My word thetechnobear!

You’ve filled so many little holes up with delicious VST putty!

The clocking, clockable modulator (am I to understand you’re made some sort of Pam’s New Workout, or Marbles inspired tool?) and Compressor (thank you so much for heeding my request!) are going to get a workout no matter what, and I cannot WAIT to test out the other things as well!

God’s work, real talk!

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looking forward to the clock mod the most too

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not really, OMOD was (loosely) inspired by Ochd … having lots of modulation ‘quickly’, and having relationships between these modulation sources.
but like all inspiration, that was just a starting point - as I then added the clock input, then added more waveforms and to be able to mess with phase relationships… at which point, really theres no real similarity to its origins!

I don’t have PNW, (though read the manual etc) , but my impression is its a bit of a multi-function module not really anything unique to it … but its just handy to have all-in-one
but I’d say thats not really suited to a single SSP module, rather id split out the functions.
e.g. OMOD and CLKD have features that are in pnw, and are better suited as different modules.

fwiw, my favourite new module (by far) is CART … though its true OMOD and CLKD are a vital part of my patches now.
thats kind of the point really, as I mentioned previously… many of these modules really work together to form a complete solution (for me) , building on each other.

also, as I mentioned above… some simple modules should not be overlooked - VOST is an incredibly powerful utility… a bit like MMX4/MSW8 really you need to get creative with it.
Honestly, I’m a little surprised how little attention these modules get on the forum, as they are pretty important to get more out of the SSP (imho).

this is why Id like to so some more ‘advanced patching’ videos for the SSP.
I think its tempting when you get started on the SSP to build some pretty (what id call) vanilla patches, where you focus on functionality… you know, a poly synth, a sampler, a granular - or building simple sequencer patches.
but for me, whilst thats ‘useful’ - thats not where (any) modular really excels, its rather when you start getting creative with signals, particularly with modulation… for me one of the remarkable things of the SSP is the ability we have to create so much modulation, and in different forms - in a way that is just not practical in Eurorack (unless you have a lot of modules and $$$$ :slight_smile: )

of course, thats just my personal opinion… and how I find a place for the SSP, and so what drives me.

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Awesome, @thetechnobear, that’s really exciting!
I really love to see what LOGI can do. I had a K2500 and its FUN(ctions) were amazing soundshaping tools.

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Ochd is a great module and that as an inspiration makes sense. Ironically, for me at least, adding a clock input, more shapes and starting points you took it towards the features I use in pam’s (one of my absolute favourite modulation/trigger modules, though some of my local peers call it “soulless”)!

I look forward to checking out your approach, as it being different to what I have is far more exciting than you aiming for an existing product!

I also think you’re bang on about it being great to have to so much modulation in the SSP. I’ve been using a lot of single LFOs/envelopes and stuff to add to the existing modulation in my rack (which I often use 100% of the outputs already - Pam’s, Maths, a few other random voltage sources). This tool you’ve made (if I understand it correctly, of course) should make that all a bit quicker and cleaner to manage!

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Amazing lineup… sounds like CART is a perfect module for me to get my feet wet in lua, with some sort of a grid based touch and dials interface for on the Electra one…

Will look forward to the drops…

The SSP is becoming better and more complete as a stand alone instrument… so thank you for that…

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Wow! Amazing list of goodies! The CART sounds exciting.
And (klausfre) linking up with the Electra One would I’m sure make a super interface. Know nothing of lua but would be happy to test (hint hint) in a helpful way. :smiley:

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Wow super exciting. Beyond words right now.

How exactly will the roll out for the SDK and the new VSTs go? Tried to find some info I’m not sure if it was posted else where.

Aside from releasing it on your Patreon page, will the sdk and the new VSTs go straight to the forum or the downloads page on the website ?

Edit; also just want to add thetechnobear- thank you for all that you do. I know you’re doing it unpaid and that means a lot. Big thanks.

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sdk - is ‘owned’ by percussa, so will be released at same time as new image.

my vsts…
my current plan is (something like)

  • release existing vsts at same time as new image.
    (as the old vsts will not work on new image, Ive had to update to new code)
  • new vsts, I’ll release initially via ko-fi contributors , then will release publicly. (*)
  • I release my source code for a vst when I release the binary image of the vsts. (or shortly after)

(*) public releases will use existing link , and you’ll be able to get via this forum and also the ssp wiki.
contributor releases are done via ko-fi, using posts that are only accessible to those that have contributed in 30 days from that post.

sorry, I dont really have any other means to do it, and need to obviously ‘keep it simple’

as for timing…
not sure when the new ssp image is going to be released (as beta) , its close to ready… idea I believe is sometime in June… (of course, that could be potentially delayed… but that was the ‘date’ given).
there are a couple of issues outstanding.

my releases, as above, existing vsts will come out at same time as this image is released.
my first release to ko-fi contributors will also be at that same time
(or at least within day or two)
obviously, without that new image, you cannot use any of these builds so not point me releasing anything :wink:

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Thanks! :slight_smile: I’m literally so excited. Been exploring the other modules I don’t touch as much on the SSP in anticipation.

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Release Day :slight_smile:

ok, so we now have the wonderful news of the new SSP release

which means I can release the new versions of my plugins that will work with this new release !

This release contains all the plugins Ive previously released updated to the new sdk.
There have been many small bug fixes/improvements to these plugins too.
The issue with ‘plugin midi’ (e.g. learn) has been resolved, so you can now use them without fear :wink:

there are also TWO new modules in this release…

  • MTTR : midi trigger
    allows users to specify 8 midi notes to trigger 8 gates/velocity.
    perfect for using with SAM to trigger samples from an external controller
  • VOST : voltage store
    store and recall voltages, great for ‘preset’ like behaviour within a patch… but has many other uses.
    tip: its also an attenuverter, so also interesting to use to mix audio.
    this is a module, the more creative you get with it , the more you will discover!

go to SSP Wiki for the download link. Ive also updated this wiki for two new modules.

note 1: this plugin release will NOT work with the older SSP release, only the new release linked above

note 2: this release does NOT feature all the new plugins - only the 2 listed above.
as detailed previously, I will release all of these over coming weeks,
likely 2 at a time, first via ko-fi, then publicly… so watch out on ko-fi for those!

the primary aim of this is to let users dig into each new module in a bit of time, to discover what it can be used for… rather than get lots all in one go, and not explore them all. this in turns means I hope to get valuable feedback for all the modules … rather than just the ‘obvious’ ones :wink:

anyway, enjoy the new releases !

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What exciting news, Beta release and 2 new plugins. Downloading both now.

Great idea and thanks again for all the wonderful work you’re doing. I started to go through some Juce tutorials last week and you’ve been a big inspiration for me to look into that, so thanks for that too :+1:

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Thanks again for all your efforts on these rejigs and new plugins! I’ve got it all installed and am enjoying it very much so far.

I was playing around with the new module VOST and my patch was simple to test it out

DCG>VOST in A and activate VOST in/out A > DATA in A and activate A in DATA

I get the changes I make on the DCG indicated on the mini scope going into the VOST but it does not sample and hold or store the voltage in the out part… out remains 0v…

Where am I making a mistake?

Maybe I misunderstand something… very likely… non the less I totally see the potential as a very very powerful module if I get its purpose right…

Could it be integrated with fore example plaits and rings or any other of your midi controllable vst’s, by allowing some internal MIDI communication? Mostly to get the midi feed back like we get when connecting an external midi controller… but inside the ssp… a MAC midi (MAMI) if you like… internal midi controller like the Electra one… I’m not sure how much work this would be or if at all possible…

In all cases… The VOST opens up possibilities that is making my head spin… so very good idea not releasing all your new creations at once…

Again thanks for all your work…

yeah, VOST doesn’t work like that … perhaps the wiki description is not clear ?
(its not a sample and hold module … you can use SHQ4 for that :slight_smile: )

to use VOST you do not need any DCG…
you store the voltage within VOST, if use use pg+/- , you will see 10 pages of 16 voltages, that you can set… which page is used, is changed by select (param or cv)

the inputs are used for something different :slight_smile:
these turn VOST into kind an (16) attenuverter, e.g. OUT 1 = IN 1 * VOLT 1,
but of course, you can still use select to change those ‘volt N’ between the pages.

midi - sorry, second part of your question…
yes, ALL my plugins support midi learn for all parameters (*) using my MIDI page, accessed via both shift buttons (RS/LS)

press LS+RS, activate learn, press LS+RS (to return to ui)
twiddle parameter, twiddle midi knob (cc only currently) repeat as many times as you want.
press LS+RS… de-activate learn, press LS+RS (to return to ui)

note: with VOST , volt/page combo is different , so page 1 / volt 1, is different to page 2 / volt 1
so you could learn these individually… though that 160 (potential different cc’s :wink: )

if you just want a simple midi controlled attenuverter or one page of voltages… you can use ATTN.

(*) there are a couple of which are not ‘parameters’ eg which page you are looking at.

btw, for those wanting to see some of this functionality or have questions.
… things like midi learn are shown in my video on the SSP
link here to my channel

also there is going to be a livestream on YouTube with MATTHS next Monday
Monday 6th June , 7pm (CET) , 6pm (BST) , 5pm (UTC)

we’ll be posting an official announcement of this, once we have the YouTube link!
but book it in your diary now :slight_smile:

if we don’t get around to answering all questions then (time limits detail we can go into) , then if people are still hungry and interested - I could do my own livestream after that one.

EDIT: ah, link is good now