Questions for ML and Valley

As a general comment I find Valley modules unapproachable on initial use. A bit like looking at the old poster of the 747 cockpit. I don't like to sound negative, but that was my initial impression.

Thanks so much for the questions everyone! Feel free to add more if you got anything else you want to know.

Hi, I just joined the Patreon (I'm macronencer on YouTube). I don't have enough experience yet to ask specific questions about modules. However, I have been a software engineer for over thirty years now and I'm very keen to try module design myself at some point... so perhaps you could ask them if they have any general advice for experienced developers taking their first steps in DSP? That would be awesome. Thanks!

Actually the questions for ML and Valley can basically be interchanged, for me they both have stand-out modules that I use in basically every one of my patches. But they both have a strong sense of design that seems to guide their choices. I guess one last question would be, are there any design choices that they made, either in the algorithms or the layout of the controls of any of their creations, that they felt locked into and regretted not being able to go back and break to make the module better, and how do they balance those old design choices in their new designs.

(At first I didn't have any questions, but after the day went by and I returned to this, now I'm full of them, haha. Just suggestions, I won't be offended if none of these questions get asked) Valley - I would be curious about the inspiration for Plateau, and the design process that led him to choosing the design of the controls. If there's time I'd be curious to know how he was using it while developing, what different situations was he imagining it to be used in, and anything that he felt at the time that it would be superior at doing compared to other reverbs, or things that surprised him that users discovered that he feels is superior or a weakness. ML - Were there any modules that surprised him with their popularity or the way people used them? What was the inspiration for the collection, are there modules that he liked in the hardware world, or were his modules a reaction to something he felt was missing in hardware and vcv? What was the evolution of quantum, and was there a point when he felt it was complete? Are there any modules that he's made that he feels have been under-appreciated that he thinks people have yet to properly discover? And for both, how much is designing modules and instruments a hobby, a calling, or a profession? Do they get to make any music that they like, or do they feel more drawn to the creation of tools? (As an instrument designer myself) how much do they weigh the value of creating tools that people can use vs. creating their own music that they want people to enjoy? Which of their creations are they most proud of, least proud of, most frustrated by, most excited and hopeful about? What has the experience of developing for VCV been like for them, and what form do they see the future of their work and creative output taking? What is the future of music that they see, and the future of music that they would wish for? Is there anything about pop music, academic music, or electronic music that frustrates them and they wish would be abandoned? Okay, that's everything I can think of right now, haha, these are mostly just suggestions in case you run into a dry spot in the the interview and are looking for a question, or inspiration for a line of questioning. But I'm sure whatever you ask them will be interesting, so I think, follow your own interview instincts before inserting any of my questions out of a feeling of patreonal duty.

A question for either/both and that is what artists/producers/developers (any or all!) inspire them and why? Looking forward to these interviews, thanks.

Not a question, Omri, more a request. Would you consider making a video on ML's Memory Sequencer? I can get to grips with his Analogue Seq, but the Mem Seq doesn't play nicely with me. No worries if not. Thanks

How much do you rely on mathematical concepts when building your modules, and how much do you rely on more exploratory programming? How do you the idea of a module to its final implementation?

For ML, I have a few Quantums in my default patch, alongside a mixer, Plateau, and a couple of modules for routing midi cc from controllers. I often "play" the quantizer from a keyboard using "poly gate mode", but seem unable to do the same with Quantum Multiverse, is this by design as this module also has additional features?

I will start with a light-hearted question for Valley, Over the years many genres of music have been defined by hardware or software units, not always intentionally, such as the TB 303. Did you intend to be a major player shaping the sound of VCV ambient, as well as a lot of other styles, or was it a pleasant surprise?

Valley: Any plans for hardware modules or porting algorithms to other platforms (Owl/Lich, TBD, Daisy etc.)?