Tangible Waves

Notes: The IMDI HEART module is the central module for using IMDI (the "internal MIDI" transmision) within AE modular.

It receives MIDI, either by a TRS adapter, or via USB-C (the module appears as Class-compliant MIDI device on a computer); the incoming data is splitted up to 16 outputs carrying IMDI data. Each output contains the information of one (or more) MIDI channel(s) and a freely assignable note range, in the standard MIDI data rate or at a much higher data rate. Realtime data, like MIDI start/stop/clock is provided as gate/trigger outputs; the 1/96th clock can be divided to other, slower clock rates.

The outputs can drive then modules that can receive IMDI, like the micro oscillators (uOSC, uFM, uPOLY) and other upcoming IMDI capable modules.

The 16 chains of IMDI controlled modules you get with IMDI HEART is enough for quite complex setups, so in most cases, one IMDI HEART will be enough.

Notes: The 1-row QUICKSWAP CASE for AE modular is the high-end case for AE modular. It is based on a sturdy metal chassis with a beautiful matte black powder coating and - the key feature of this case - allows to plug in AE modules without any screws! The design makes sure that the modules sit really firm in the case and the bus connection is established automatically by the integrated bus board, so need for the separate bus cable known from the standard AE cases. This means, rearranging your modular system can't be easier!

This case is developed by Kyaa, a great 3rd party AE module developer; tangible waves is producing the case. We are happy about this great cooperation and this marvellous addition to our product range!

With a connector kit, another QUICKSWAP CASE of same width can be attached at certain angles, depending on the connector - and the power supply is linked between the cases also via the connector.

Other utilities, like a handle for carrying a folded case, are coming soon.

Please note: This rack does not include the Master or Power module.
To connect the case to power you have the following options:
install the Master Module
install the Power Module
connect to another, already powered QUICKSWAP CASE
connect to another AE case via the RACKLINK module kit

Notes: The 1-row QUICKSWAP CASE for AE modular is the high-end case for AE modular. It is based on a sturdy metal chassis with a beautiful matte black powder coating and - the key feature of this case - allows to plug in AE modules without any screws! The design makes sure that the modules sit really firm in the case and the bus connection is established automatically by the integrated bus board, so need for the separate bus cable known from the standard AE cases. This means, rearranging your modular system can't be easier!

This case is developed by Kyaa, a great 3rd party AE module developer; tangible waves is producing the case. We are happy about this great cooperation and this marvellous addition to our product range!

With a connector kit, another QUICKSWAP CASE of same width can be attached at certain angles, depending on the connector - and the power supply is linked between the cases also via the connector.

Other utilities, like a handle for carrying a folded case, are coming soon.


Please note: This rack does not include the Master or Power module. To connect the case to power you have the following options:
Install the Master Module
Install the Power Module
Connect to another, already powered QUICKSWAP CASE
Connect to another AE case via the RACKLINK module kit

Notes: The uBASE-QS 2 module is the carrier (or BASE) for four micro modules and explicitly designed for use in the QUICKSWAP CASEs. This carrier module can be plugged into the QS case as any other module; then, the uModules can be plugged in and removed itself into it, even with the AE system running, so you can reconfigure or add needed functions in form of micro modules "on the fly".

A number of sockets provide access to the bus signals, like CV, gate, cotroller, MIDI start/stop/clock.

Included is a small "key" to lift also modules without knobs in an easy way.

Notes: The uFM is an oscillator module, that is focused on FM synthesis.

It's basically a two-operator FM synthesis, but with extended functionality: The operator waveforms can be either sine waves (classic FM), or four other different combinations of non-sinewave waveforms, that produce a much broader palette of sounds beyond the classic sinewave based FM synthesis.

The MOD DPT knob controls the modulation depth; in combination with a button press also the multiplier of the modulating operator can be defined.

Both parameters can be controlled also by CV and also via IMDI by MIDI controllers. The pitch can be controlled via 1V/octave CV or also via IMDI e.g. from a DAW

(For IMDI, see IMDI HEART for more info).

Additional to the normal audio output a suboctave output with a squarewave is provided, and a third output with the mix of the primary oscillator signal and the suboctave.

Quite a lot for such a tiny module, right?

Please note: These micro module needs a carrier, like the uBASE module. The cannot be mounted directly into an AE case.

Notes: The VSYSTEM-3 is a complete synth in a case of exactly the size of the Korg Volca synths. t contains the following AE modules:

DRUMKIT (lofi digital drum module):

DRUMKIT 010 consists of 11 8-bit drum sound samples; 6 of them can be triggered in parallel in any combination by the trigger inputs. With a BANK selector knob, different combinations of the 11 samples can be selected. The PITCH knob affects the pitch of all instruments together, and with the REVERSE button the sounds are played backwards - quite a nice effect to be added here and there.
Don't expect high quality from this module - it's by design a nasty, lo-fi drum sound source, but definitely with its own character. Works great together with the analog KICK module.

KICK (analog kick drum):

It has three knobs: PITCH for the overall pitch of the sound; with DECAY the length of the sound can be set and with DRIVE a nice distortion can be added to the sound.
With the pitch decay switch the pitch follows the amplitude, giving a bit different character.
And a trigger button is available to check the sound without an external trigger signal.

SAMPLYR (sample player with micro-SD card, various loop modes, almost unlimited sample length):

The samples are simple 8-bit mono WAV files. Features of the module are:
CV control for pitch with 1V/octave
Gate input
NO (practical) LENGTH LIMIT for the sample playback, because the module plays the samples directly from the memory card
Sample is displayed on the included OLED display
For each sample, following playback parameters can be edited: Sample start/end, loop start/end, loop crossfade, transpose/tune, all this settings are visible in the display and are saved per sample
Different loop modes can be selected: Oneshot, Reverse, Loop forward/reverse/alternating, loop hold (loop remains playing when gate goes to off)
Editing of the different parameters is accomplished with an endless encoder and a small menu
CV control for playback start, loop start, loop length, reverting playback, sample selection
Six buttons can be used for quick switching between six samples of the current folder
Additionally to the audio output, the SAMPLYR provides trigger outputs for loop start point, loop end point, playback end; by this, certain other operations can be triggered at these specific points, e.g. synchronizing to the loop points.
...and all this in a 1-unit AE module!

The sample files are organized as simple folders on the micro SD card named "A"..."Z" and per folder files named "0....wav, 1....wav, ..."

Included with the module is a micro-SD card with some demo samples; and each buyer will receive an update for the factory samples, made by the sound designer "empty vessel" exclusively for the SAMPLYR module (provided as download later in 2024).

The SAMPLYR module is of course not a hi-fi, high quality sampler module due to its 8-bit design. It has the flavour of the early samplers like EMU II, Fairlight CMI IIx, Ensoniq Mirage... The typical, recommended sample rate is 16000 Hz. these samples can be pitched up by approx. 1 1/2 octaves max.

Beyond the 8-bit resolution, the samples can be also encoded as uLaw and aLaw; in this case, the resolution is true 10 bits. For converting your existing samples, the open-source audio editor "Audacity" is great for the conversion and editing process.

Note: The SAMPLYR module is a sample player only; it doesn't offer recording of audio.

MIXER 4-4 (4-channel mixer):

This module consists of:
An audio mixer with 4 inputs and their level knobs
Additional 4 separate inputs that are mixed at full level (especially for mixing CV signals) and a separate output

HEARTBEAT (precise clock source, with BPM setting, and tempo-tapping):

HEARTBEAT is a master clock source for AE modular, with some additional features. The module offers:
Precise BPM setting with an encoder in the range of 30-300 BPM in steps of 0.1 BPM
A graphical display for the tempo and additional info and menu
A big tap button for setting the tempo by tapping it
An illuminated start/stop button
Six independent clock outputs; each of them can be configured by a menu to a time signature between 1/1 to 1/32th plus dotted and triplets.
Inputs for clock, reset and two CV and trigger inputs that can be assigned to different functions
The clock source can be either internal or an external clock (at 1/96th rate which corresponds to MIDI real time

TRIQ164 (4-channel, 16-step trigger sequencer, with repeat/ratched per step):

Four track buttons select the track to be edited; with 16 buttons each step of the track can be activated an is then displayed by an LED.

Stereo Headphone amplifier, 2 IN/OUT sockets via a stereo minijack

It is delivered completely with power wall adapter and patchwires; everything needed to get the modular system started!

This is a REAL modular synth system; all modules can be rearranged and swapped as you like.