Ableton link for modulars

[ersatzplanet]

Saw this video and wondered is anybody is making a Ableton link module. This is a stand alone running off of USB power so could easily be made into a module (unless modularizing it reduces the Wi-Fi reception). As he mentions in the video - You DON'T need Ableton to link separate boxes together. This would be great for a synth band or at meets and jams.

[video][/video]

His main site - http://circuithappy.com/themissinglink/

[MossGarden]

There's this https://www.modulargrid.net/e/seismic-industries-spink0

[bc3]

i've seen this in development:

https://vpme.de/spooky-action/

[ersatzplanet]

There's this https://www.modulargrid.net/e/seismic-industries-spink0

Looks good except for this line on their page that jumped out (emphasis mine) - "This thingy is a v0.1.0 patchwork. so please don’t expect stability over centuries. There may be a slip here or there. but it is definitively a handy and very usable toy to jam freely together with your friends!"

Have any experience with that module? I'm looking for a good solution for linking up computers, tablets and more in my setup.

[rklem]

I'd like to bump this topic again.

spink0: As @ersatzplanet stated, there were no updates for spink0, so it still has this "please don't expect stability over centuries" disclaimer.

VPM Spooky Action: Release was (still is) announced for late 2018, didn't happen yet.

The Missing Link: Seems to be the most elaborated hardware solution, but it's an external box, not a module.

Are there any news? Or would anybody like to share their experiences with one of the existing solutions?

[ether]

Bumping this for any news from anywhere at all. It's 2020! Where's the Link!!!!>>>!?!?!?!?

[versipellis]

spink0 is pretty much the only thing rackable.

[damase]

why not cv tools and dc coupled outs?

[versipellis]

why not cv tools and dc coupled outs?

Because that's different from Ableton Link?

[damase]

why not cv tools and dc coupled outs?

Because that's different from Ableton Link?

it accomplishes the goal of syncing the modular to ableton and doesnt use midi. i dont see the difference much. to each their own
- or, enlighten me on the advantage i suppose?

[ersatzplanet]

why not cv tools and dc coupled outs?

Because that's different from Ableton Link?

it accomplishes the goal of syncing the modular to ableton and doesnt use midi. i dont see the difference much. to each their own
- or, enlighten me on the advantage i suppose?

Basically Ableton link is a easier to set up solution that works over WiFi to multiple devices at once and is bi-directional. If you have multiple WiFi enabled devices like iPads and phones and other computers, they can all link up with a push of a button. Jamming is great on that system - multiple laptops and tablets and phones (not just iPads and iPhones) can link up.

If your goal is to only hook up one device to Ableton, there are many solutions out there. Ableton link is more for groups of devices - having your friends come over and linking everyone to a shared clock.

From the Ableton site "Hop on to the same network and jam with others using multiple devices running Link-enabled software. While others play, anyone can start and stop their part; or start and stop multiple Link-running applications at the same time. And anyone can adjust the tempo and the rest will follow. No MIDI cables, no installation, just free-flowing sync that works."

[damase]

ah yes i took for granted the need for wifi. i just use it for traktor or other dj gear myself. i dont think id trust wifi in live show anyway so my thought was just to use cv tools for the modular and link everything else with network cables and link. i guess it also makes a big difference if your setup is not the master clock

anyway though, thanks for the enlightenment there, the more ya know

[rurs]

I've seen this module mentioned a couple of times, I'm not sure if it's what you're looking for exactly?
https://instrumentsofthings.com/
I've never used Ableton link myself.

Also this thread might be interesting:
viewtopic.php?f=52&t=226254

[ersatzplanet]

ah yes i took for granted the need for wifi. i just use it for traktor or other dj gear myself. i dont think id trust wifi in live show anyway so my thought was just to use cv tools for the modular and link everything else with network cables and link. i guess it also makes a big difference if your setup is not the master clock

anyway though, thanks for the enlightenment there, the more ya know

Depending on the gear used, you can use a wired network of a hub and some cables. This works best from devices with a ethernet jack on them of course (computers and some tablets with adaptors). The optimal modular solution would have the hub built in and multiple ethernet jacks and WiFi but I doubt it would be made. It would cost a bit to get it tested for compliance.

[versipellis]

ah yes i took for granted the need for wifi. i just use it for traktor or other dj gear myself. i dont think id trust wifi in live show anyway so my thought was just to use cv tools for the modular and link everything else with network cables and link. i guess it also makes a big difference if your setup is not the master clock

anyway though, thanks for the enlightenment there, the more ya know

It's not just wifi. It's the fact that there is no "master/slave" designation - every system can control the BPM and phase. Oh, phase, yeah, Link also communicates beat phase and phrasing for synchronization It's a VERY good way of taking care of MIDI drift.

[damase]

thanks for all the info. i do see lots of use cases now where it wouldnt be covered by cv tools’ clocks. ill remain interested

[joefrost01]

I use Link to sync up devices for jams via Ethernet cables between two laptops running Ableton and I use Ableton CV Tools and an Expert Sleepers ES9 to sync my modular. It works very well but best to avoid any drastic tempo changes. I also suggest throwing in a reset signal periodically just in case a tempo shift throws your modular off by a 16th, that way it will line up with the downbeat on the next reset.
Other than that it's a very fun setup especially with a Trigger Riot and a Voltage Block in the modular.