Episode 6: Ali Modular - Esu's Trifecta

Welcome to episode 06 of The Rack Pack 🎛 Today we've got Ali Modular in the house and we're talking everything Esu's Trifecta – the new triple FX engine from Ali the Architect and Chris Roberts.

In this episode, we break past the 1 hour mark for the first time and talk about:

• Ali and Chris' separate and unique avenues into modular synthesis
• the trials and tribulation of learning to develop a module
• how Ali and Chris linked up for Ali Modular (skills that complement)
• modbap workflows, where does the MPC sit in a hybrid studio
• learning about Esu, the trickster god of the Yoruba
• inspiration for Esu's panel design (custom printed aluminum)
• effects algorithms, Marvel naming, and the arch nemesis to Magneto
• how Ali and Chris decided to build a triple FX engine as their first module
• the importance of being excited about your own projects
• Esu's Trifecta specifics, what exactly it is and what it does (and why it took us 30 minutes to get to this topic)
• tips & tricks: clock / duck inputs, targeting bypass with CV, and FX chat
• what does "architecture" mean in the context of module development
• Ali's DSP learning curve, the joys of having a mentor when learning a skill
• using your musical ear to dial in algorithm sound and behavior
• on the flip side, learn how to do things right first before relying on your ear
• the mod matrix vs. live playing, how do you balance depth vs. immediacy (changing presets w/ CV)
• the importance of beta testers
• module design, sliders to knobs, and the minutia of UX design
• Ali performing in Europe, feeling the love for modbap
• what's next for Ali Modular (Ogun Orisha!)
• going from prototype to production, what does that look like with Electrosmith
• the importance of processes and applying them to future efforts
• keeping Esu's Trifecta fresh, new algorithms, and minimum viable products
• other single and multi-effect eurorack modules Ali / Chris are fans of
• making a multi-effect that isn't overwhelmingly complex
• getting started with modbap style production (MPC, Elektron, and modular synthesis)
• the benefits of having a multi-effects engine in a smaller setup
• congratulations to Ali Modular on their first module release

If you thought hearing five voices was confusing enough, let's see how things work with seven 😅

Esu's Trifecta Links

• Pre-order: https://alimodular.com/
• Esu's Feature Overview: Esu's Trifecta  Feature Overview  
• ModularGrid: https://modulargrid.net/e/other-unkno...

Ali the Architect Links

• Insta: https://www.instagram.com/ali.the.architect/
• Bandcamp: https://alithearchitect.bandcamp.com/

Chris Roberts Links

• Insta: https://www.instagram.com/cpr2323/
• YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/cpr2323
• Soundcloud: http://soundcloud.com/cpr
• A8 Manager: https://cpr2323.github.io/a8manager/
• Squid Manager: https://cpr2323.github.io/squidmanager/

Show Links

• Esu: The Misunderstood God of the Yoruba Religion: https://artsandculture.google.com/sto...
• The Last Emperor - Secret Wars Pt. 1:    • The Last Emperor   Secret Wars part 1  
• Electrosmith: https://electro-smith.com/