This work-in-progress is based on several self-developed modular performance systems that are compact and small. They are neither one-trick ponies nor all-in-one systems. Each one expresses a specific musical idea and represents a specific instrument for improvisation and live performance. All components are analog. There's no MIDI, no sequencers, and no keyboard.
MTM
My first experiment with the Music Thing Modular Workshop System, a powerful compact modular desktop system. In this patch, I was creating a chaotic system using two ring-modulated oscillators with frequency modulation from two slope generators and a self-resonating bandpass filter.
Karlheinz Essl playing MTM
Studio Ölberg (15 Jan 20265)
The Noiser
A small modular performance system based on simple Doepfer modules, including a basic VCO, a noise random generator, a quad LFO with a signal mixer, a ring modulator, and an Endorphines function generator for creating pulses. The mix of the three sources (VCO, ring-modulated VCO and ring-modulated noise) is controlled by a dual 3-way crossfader. No filter is used!
Karlheinz Essl playing The Noiser
Studio kHz (3 Dec 2025)
The WaveBreaker
A small modular performance system based on a ring-modulated Benjolin and two ring-modulated MakeNoise MATH function generators. It is controlled by the new WORNG Quiver modulation engine. The sound of both sources is enriched and distorted by a feedback patch on a small Mackie mixer.
Karlheinz Essl playing The WaveBreaker
Studio kHz (27 Nov 2025)
The Wobbler
A small modular performance system based on a MakeNoise Wogglebug, an ORBIT 3 Chaos Oscillator, a self-resonating bandpass filter, a CLANG wave shaper a VALLEY timbre generator controlled by a Soundmachine LS1lightstrp.
Karlheinz Essl playing The Wobbler
Studio kHz (19 Sep 2025)
The Miner
A small modular performance system with an Airstreamer function generator, a Doepfer Phase-Locked Loop, a standard VCO and an Opto VCF that is controlled by a Theremin controller.
Karlheinz Essl playing The Miner
Studio kHz (20 Feb 2025)
The ChaoStick
A small modular performance system based on a Benjolin that is controlled by a Doepfer joy stick. The rhythm is created with a ring modulator controlled by a MakeNoise MATH function generator.
Karlheinz Essl playing The ChaoStick
Studio kHz (10 Feb 2025)
