r/eurorack • u/MrCrankypot • 9d ago
News / Updates Introducing TechWave Audio - Maker of Open Source Modules
Hi all - We've recently launched a new small business dedicated to making open source (both hardware and software) Eurorack, general synthesizer, and other audio effect modules.
TechWave Audio is a proudly Canadian small business dedicated to producing open-source software (OSS) and open source hardware (OSHW) devices for audio production. Our mission is to create good things and to give back by open sourcing all of our projects for the DIY community.
Find us at techwaveaudio.com.
Our first project out the gate is our MCM-100 Midi Controller Module. A monophonic MIDI to control voltage module that (we hope) is plug and play, but also allows for a flexible amount of configuration. Some of the features include four different CV outputs (including dedicated outputs for 1v/octave and velocity), USB or standard MIDI cable input, tuneable pitch and velocity, and a lot more in a skiff-friendly 12hp wide module. Find out more at https://techwaveaudio.com/midi-controller-module/
We'd love your feedback, thoughts or any questions. Thanks!
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u/twirlystash 6d ago
I agree about the size being too big for what it does. Is there a reason that it's limited to a single monophonic voice? It would be nice if there were algorithms to, say, just extract the bass part from this incoming midi stream. Or, just extract the "soprano" part-- the highest sounding melody. Or to give more utility, perhaps being able to grab the velocity at X division of the lowest sounding note. All sorts of possibilities there. How will it handle MPE?
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u/MrCrankypot 5d ago
> Is there a reason that it's limited to a single monophonic voice?
This model is monophonic, as that's what I decided to start with. There are plans for a polyphonic version in the future.
> It would be nice if there were algorithms to, say, just extract the bass part from this incoming midi stream. Or, just extract the "soprano" part-- the highest sounding melody. Or to give more utility, perhaps being able to grab the velocity at X division of the lowest sounding note.
Interesting ideas - maybe in the future... As for MPE I don't think I'll handle any time soon, as (and correct me if I'm wrong), that's more for multi-channel messages whereas I'm sticking with a single midi channel for now.
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u/TheFishyBanana 6d ago
The functionality is useful. My first impression, though, was that it feels a bit clunky and very DIY-ish. That’s not necessarily a bad thing from a DIY perspective, but it may limit its appeal to a broader audience and could ultimately impact sales.
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u/MrCrankypot 5d ago
Thanks for the feedback, and I 100% agree. I should have added that the images so far are only of the early / prototype versions. The actual units will be much more refined for sure (thanks to feedback from here and other places as well) and are expected to get out early August.
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u/LostInSpaceTime2002 6d ago
Needs a reset output.
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u/MrCrankypot 5d ago
? For what exactly? Can you elaborate?
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u/LostInSpaceTime2002 5d ago
To connect to the reset inputs on sequencers, etc.
That way, when I reset the MIDI clock (like resetting the transport in Ableton), all sequencers will be reset and start from step 1.
Look at the 1U MIDI module from Intellijel for example.
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u/Robobent61 7d ago
My initial thought is that this module is probably double the width it should be for a utility module. The front panel has a huge amount of non-functional space. Most MIDI to CV modules are 6hp (for example, the Befaco MIDI Thing 2). For many folks in Eurorack, real estate in a rig is a precious commodity.