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Episode 6: Ali Modular - Esu's Trifecta
Episode 6
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 Â
- ModularGrid: https://modulargrid.net/e/other-unkno...
Ali the Architect Links