Adventures in CL (Starting out and forward)

[thymeandplace]

Hello all,

Today I placed my order at Patch Point for a PB2 & CQ2. I've admired these instruments from afar for a while now and after selling off a lot of gear that wasn't being used, I was able to finally pull the trigger. Been lurking for a while and love the community here. Started my eurorack journey years ago and was finding it had become stale over time. I've gone down the DIY route so it seems natural that banana synths would be the evolution over time. I absolutely admire the builders that Ciat Lonbarde community has and hope to build some of my own in the future.
I am currently playing space ambient music and think these will be the instruments to rekindle my love for synthesis.

Anyways, just wanted to introduce myself as I plan on using this thread to document my journey with these beautiful instruments.
I've really dug deep in the threads and have a notebook filled with notes from some threads but any advice for someone about just starting out would be greatly appreciated. Thanks and cheers all!

[VirginiaKeith]

Hello all,

Today I placed my order at Patch Point for a PB2 & CQ2. I've admired these instruments from afar for a while now and after selling off a lot of gear that wasn't being used, I was able to finally pull the trigger. Been lurking for a while and love the community here. Started my eurorack journey years ago and was finding it had become stale over time. I've gone down the DIY route so it seems natural that banana synths would be the evolution over time. I absolutely admire the builders that Ciat Lonbarde community has and hope to build some of my own in the future.
I am currently playing space ambient music and think these will be the instruments to rekindle my love for synthesis.

Anyways, just wanted to introduce myself as I plan on using this thread to document my journey with these beautiful instruments.
I've really dug deep in the threads and have a notebook filled with notes from some threads but any advice for someone about just starting out would be greatly appreciated. Thanks and cheers all!

Yes! Welcome. You are going to love the CL stuff. I splurged about 6 months ago on a PB, Coco, Sid and Tet all at once. Man, that was an incredible day when I received that package. Just ordered the Rolzer a few days ago, looking forward to that. Please reach out if you need some help. I was fortunate to have another wiggler reach out to me and do some FaceTime calls to get me started and help me along.

Congrats!!!

[thymeandplace]

Hello all,

Today I placed my order at Patch Point for a PB2 & CQ2. I've admired these instruments from afar for a while now and after selling off a lot of gear that wasn't being used, I was able to finally pull the trigger. Been lurking for a while and love the community here. Started my eurorack journey years ago and was finding it had become stale over time. I've gone down the DIY route so it seems natural that banana synths would be the evolution over time. I absolutely admire the builders that Ciat Lonbarde community has and hope to build some of my own in the future.
I am currently playing space ambient music and think these will be the instruments to rekindle my love for synthesis.

Anyways, just wanted to introduce myself as I plan on using this thread to document my journey with these beautiful instruments.
I've really dug deep in the threads and have a notebook filled with notes from some threads but any advice for someone about just starting out would be greatly appreciated. Thanks and cheers all!

Yes! Welcome. You are going to love the CL stuff. I splurged about 6 months ago on a PB, Coco, Sid and Tet all at once. Man, that was an incredible day when I received that package. Just ordered the Rolzer a few days ago, looking forward to that. Please reach out if you need some help. I was fortunate to have another wiggler reach out to me and do some FaceTime calls to get me started and help me along.

Congrats!!!

Really appreciate the offer for help! I considered the Sid but elected to start with these two so kudos to you. I am very interested in the Rollz and Rolzer so please keep us in the loop on your explorations on that. Happy patching!

[quiet_crisps]

I started my Ciat Lonbarde journey two years ago and I've been in love with it since. Like yourself, I sold most of my gear as I wasn't feeling very inspired despite having finally acquired all those classic synthesiser clones I always wanted. I've found that the Cocoquantus and Plumbutter changed how I play electronic instruments and has become more of a meditation-like practice for me any time I start plugging in those banana cables.

You're gonna absolutely love it. I find these quirky little instruments breach the gap between having a bit of control and losing yourself to chaos at the same time. I'd buy a Rolz but it's a little pricey for me, plus I think it's a good opportunity to eventually DIY my very own Rolz.

As for the Sidrax, I did purchase it a few months after I got the CQ/PB2 but ended up selling it not too long after. I should've spent a bit more time with the CQ/PB2 before delving deeper (I couldn't help myself) and felt a little overwhelmed.

[thymeandplace]

I started my Ciat Lonbarde journey two years ago and I've been in love with it since. Like yourself, I sold most of my gear as I wasn't feeling very inspired despite having finally acquired all those classic synthesiser clones I always wanted. I've found that the Cocoquantus and Plumbutter changed how I play electronic instruments and has become more of a meditation-like practice for me any time I start plugging in those banana cables.

You're gonna absolutely love it. I find these quirky little instruments breach the gap between having a bit of control and losing yourself to chaos at the same time. I'd buy a Rolz but it's a little pricey for me, plus I think it's a good opportunity to eventually DIY my very own Rolz.

As for the Sidrax, I did purchase it a few months after I got the CQ/PB2 but ended up selling it not too long after. I should've spent a bit more time with the CQ/PB2 before delving deeper (I couldn't help myself) and felt a little overwhelmed.

Thanks for the kind words! Also, just got an email from PP that they shipped while reading your post! I'm sure my story isn't new but it's been so cool to read through an almost 10 year old thread to see the progression of people who have adopted these instruments (and some who haven't, appreciate those too). I feel like a part of a new generation of users so I'm really looking forward to it. Thanks for the feedback on the Sid because that's how I felt also and gives me clarity to learn the PB2/CQ2 combo. These instruments really speak to me in a way few have. Another one of the reasons I went with CL was the community here has been really welcoming and informative. So just an honest thanks. Looking forward to uploading videos of my journey.

[thymeandplace]

CL came in today and made a video to document the first patch. Been playing for hours and already love these instruments. Can really recommend Patch Point, they were great through this whole process. Thanks to all the people on here who helped me get started, happy patching.

https://odysee.com/@thymeandplace:9/CL1:0

[quiet_crisps]

Glad to hear it was love at first sight for you too. I wish I’d documented my early journeys though I guess it’s never too late… I recently acquired a BugBrand crossover filter and I found this to be an excellent companion to my Coco, especially as I like to process field recordings. That being said, the PB2’s stereo audio processing capabilities are not to be underestimated, there’s definitely a whole lot to explore with that alone. I sometimes route the gray outs of the Coco into the PB2’s audio ins to achieve this. Itching to go home and play them now.

[thymeandplace]

I know the feeling @quiet_crisps. I already want to go home and play hah Spent the weekend playing these instruments and I am totally in love. Coming from Eurorack, I never really explored stereo but it's been so awesome to hook up nice speakers and explore that. I also found the instruments very intuitive after playing them for a bit. I actually listen to white noise sometimes for background music so I rather enjoy the noisy aspects of CL. I also really enjoy the unpredictable nature. I can fully understand why CL gear isn't for everyone but I am totally on board. These being such unique instruments, I thought it was important to documents my journey with them, for better or worse. Filmed another video over the weekend which you can watch here:

https://odysee.com/@thymeandplace:9/CL2:a

Have a great week all!

[thymeandplace]

Hello CL community, checking back in.

I've been utterly consumed by playing these instruments since the day they arrived and I don't see the honeymoon phase ending anytime soon. I have been able to record a few videos though. One thing I love about these instruments is that they really are built for exploring long format jams and I do find myself playing them for hours at time where every twist of the knob or node patched changes the flow.

I did take the time to read all 10 pages of the Ciat board which was awesome to see the evolution of the instruments as well as the performers over an extended period of time. Surprised it's only 10 pages to be honest here. Looking for tips and trick has turned into one of the coolest history lessons ever. hah

Anyways, my goal at this point is to complete my series of videos called Ciat Lonbarde missions and then when I reach the final destination, I will be recording an album. I've actually recorded more music in the last two weeks than I have in almost a year so I am happy I made these changes to my workflow. While nothing spectacular yet, I am getting better every day so thanks for the help out there CL community. Here is my latest video:

https://odysee.com/@thymeandplace:9/cl3:f

[quiet_crisps]

Delighted to hear it, and thanks for the video.

where every twist of the knob or node patched changes the flow.

Absolutely this. I enjoy the fact that I only ever vaguely know what I’m doing — it gets me out of my head.

I recently set my ciat instruments on the dining area table for easy access and I’m back playing them again most evenings.

[thymeandplace]

Delighted to hear it, and thanks for the video.

where every twist of the knob or node patched changes the flow.

Absolutely this. I enjoy the fact that I only ever vaguely know what I’m doing — it gets me out of my head.

I recently set my ciat instruments on the dining area table for easy access and I’m back playing them again most evenings.

27E4ED89-E44D-42F2-BB3D-026A988A4B3D.jpeg

Not sure how I missed this but I really love your setup QC! I've actually been using an old Casio in place of an OP-1 but I think I am going to grab one eventually. I've been playing my Coco & Plumbutter almost every day and I'm still in love. I really do find something new every day. Haven't been recording much but I am having more fun than I have in years. Will have to get back to making videos. Have a great holiday season!

[owenjay]

Hi guys,

Glad to find so many useful posts. I just started my CL journey since I received my Coco 2 and Sidrax yesterday. Very interesting and thoughtful units.

Owen

[thymeandplace]

Hi guys,

Glad to find so many useful posts. I just started my CL journey since I received my Coco 2 and Sidrax yesterday. Very interesting and thoughtful units.

Owen

Hey, welcome to weird and fun world of Ciat Lonbarde! There's a treasure trove of information on this board about those two instruments so make sure you dive in. Here's a great one for getting started with the Coco: viewtopic.php?t=173653

I'm a few months in and absolutely loving these instruments. I currently have a Plumbutter 2 & Cocoquantus 2 and hoping to obtain a Sidrax this year myself. Feel free to use this thread with any questions you come across and happy patching!

[owenjay]

Thanks a lot. Quick question please.

1. This was mentioned somewhere but cant find it again. When using the Coco2 and Sidrax, how/where should i connect both the ground outputs ? (black output on the right hand side).
2. Voltages from the Eurorack should not be sent to the CL, but is it ok ok the other way around?

Cheers
Owen

[thymeandplace]

Thanks a lot. Quick question please.

1. This was mentioned somewhere but cant find it again. When using the Coco2 and Sidrax, how/where should i connect both the ground outputs ? (black output on the right hand side).
2. Voltages from the Eurorack should not be sent to the CL, but is it ok ok the other way around?

Cheers
Owen

Hello, let me answer.
1. Yes, you should take a banana cable and connect them each to ground. So, it would be black banana Jack on side to black banana Jack on side and you’re good! If you’re using a format jumbler, there should be a ground Jack so you would just connect both black banana jacks to the ground on the format jumbler. Hope that helps.
2. Short answer yes. I’ll dig something up to explain better when I’m home but basically CL deals with only positive voltage and euro is positive and negative. I believe there’s protection on the CL devices but just to be safe, I’d just do that for now. Again, I’ll follow up on this but these guidelines should get you going. Cheers!

[owenjay]

Awesome, thanks a lot !

[owenjay]

Hi guys, It's getting more fun every day and I am enjoying every minute i can get.
I would like some guidance regarding the Clock out from Coco 2.

I would like to trigger a Eurorack sequencer from the Coco and i tried it using the Yellow or Grey outputs. However, even though the sequence is relatively slow, the tempo is very very fast. Should i use a clock divider on Eurorack or is there another way around this please?

Cheers
Owen

[oblis]

Hi guys, It's getting more fun every day and I am enjoying every minute i can get.
I would like some guidance regarding the Clock out from Coco 2.

I would like to trigger a Eurorack sequencer from the Coco and i tried it using the Yellow or Grey outputs. However, even though the sequence is relatively slow, the tempo is very very fast. Should i use a clock divider on Eurorack or is there another way around this please?

Cheers
Owen

The grey at the top of each coco is the audio out. When I go yellow out to the plumbutter “sequencer” clock in I get 16 steps per coco loop. I’ve never tried clocking anything else with it, though. Are you getting something similar on the eurorack sequencer?

[owenjay]

Hi Oblis, Thanks for your reply. I checked again and yes its 16 step. This solved my issue !!!

[owenjay]

Hi guys,
I have not yet combined my Eurorack to the CL yet since I do not have a converter.
I would like to:
(1) Pitch CV the Coco (via the purple inputs) using a Eurorack sequencer.
(2) Use some of the Quantussy outputs to trigger Folker Matter 'drums' (while i am waiting for the Plumbutter).

I saw a Meng Qi - Brass (euro module) and Low Gain UTL1A (links hereunder).
https://schneidersladen.de/en/meng-qi-brass
https://schneidersladen.de/en/low-gain- ... ber=210137.

Does the attenuation on the UTL1A work the same way as within the Euro system because in that case it surely required. A bit confused here. Which one would be more ideal for my situation ?

Thanks a lot

[bpf]

I can highly recommend the UTL-1A for interfacing CL gear with 3.5mm jack gear. The attenuverters are a huge help, and there is also a version of it with negative voltage protection in case you are using other equipment that is positive voltage only (you can also use it for banana<->banana or 3.5mm<->3.5mm to remove negative voltages. Maybe that's not much of a concern for you with your Eurorack, but especially once you get those Plumbutter Rolz browns or TMWRS reds into the mix, it's better to patch safely. ;-)

Also, this comment is highly recommended for an overview if various CL jack voltages: https://www.muffwiggler.com/forum/viewt ... 7#p3255177.

Oh, and if you are interested in keeping your Coco sequencing and control in the banana/wood realm, checkout the Controller from Palmelund Synthesizers. It has a basic 8-step sequencer in CL-friendly ranges, as well as all sorts of useful features.

[thymeandplace]

Hi guys,
I have not yet combined my Eurorack to the CL yet since I do not have a converter.
I would like to:
(1) Pitch CV the Coco (via the purple inputs) using a Eurorack sequencer.
(2) Use some of the Quantussy outputs to trigger Folker Matter 'drums' (while i am waiting for the Plumbutter).

I saw a Meng Qi - Brass (euro module) and Low Gain UTL1A (links hereunder).
https://schneidersladen.de/en/meng-qi-brass
https://schneidersladen.de/en/low-gain- ... ber=210137.

Does the attenuation on the UTL1A work the same way as within the Euro system because in that case it surely required. A bit confused here. Which one would be more ideal for my situation ?

Thanks a lot

Hey Owen!

Saw your email and I'll be replying to that too but wanted to reply here. I will make a video explaining the Ampel and how it works with the Coco & Plumbutter for you in the next day or so. My initial thoughts are that you might want to look at the Palmelund Controller for standard sequencing instead as the Ampel does have a CV sequencer but it's rather esoteric meaning that you have to patch it to get a standard 8 step sequence.
BPF above also has some great information regarding format jumblers so give that a look! (Thanks BPF). I have been using a few eurorack sequencers and have had no issues, it's all a matter of preference. Anyways, I'll be sure to make a video in that context for you and maybe it will help others.

[heliophis]

I would very much appreciate a video on the ampel (and the controller if possible) as I'm considering getting both for my ciat system!

[owenjay]

tyemeandplace & bpf: Thanks a lot for the information guys. Looking forward to the vid !!!

[oder]

+1 using the UTL-1A (with negative voltage protection) between CL and Eurorack, so far no issues and works great.

I can highly recommend the UTL-1A for interfacing CL gear with 3.5mm jack gear. The attenuverters are a huge help, and there is also a version of it with negative voltage protection in case you are using other equipment that is positive voltage only (you can also use it for banana<->banana or 3.5mm<->3.5mm to remove negative voltages. Maybe that's not much of a concern for you with your Eurorack, but especially once you get those Plumbutter Rolz browns or TMWRS reds into the mix, it's better to patch safely. ;-)

Also, this comment is highly recommended for an overview if various CL jack voltages: https://www.muffwiggler.com/forum/viewt ... 7#p3255177.

Oh, and if you are interested in keeping your Coco sequencing and control in the banana/wood realm, checkout the Controller from Palmelund Synthesizers. It has a basic 8-step sequencer in CL-friendly ranges, as well as all sorts of useful features.