Metamyther’s Modular Mindset: From Endless Jams to Finished Bangers

If you’ve ever built a modular patch that’s more tangled than a possum in a powerline, only to tear it down before a track’s finished, you’re not alone. Metamyther kicks things off by calling out the classic modular trap: endless jamming, zero releases, and a hard drive full of stereo recordings gathering digital dust.

But here’s the kicker—finishing tracks isn’t just about technical tweaks, it’s a full-on mindset shift. Instead of chasing every shiny new idea, Metamyther urges us to adopt a workflow that actually leads to completed music. It’s about keeping the fun of patching alive, while steering that energy toward something you can actually share (or at least not be embarrassed to play at your next BBQ).

Metamyther reckons stems are the name of the game, and he’s not wrong. Recording each part of your track separately—kicks, snares, synths—gives you the flexibility to fix, tweak, or totally overhaul your mix later on. No more wishing you could just turn down that one hi-hat that’s louder than a magpie at dawn.

He points out that stereo recordings might feel easy, but they’ll leave you stuck when you want to change something. With stems, you can clean up muddy mixes, fix levels, and even EQ out the low-end gunk that sneaks in when you’re not looking. It’s the difference between a backyard sausage sizzle and a full-on gourmet feast—more control, better results.

When it comes to recording stems, Metamyther lays out a buffet of gear options. The Expert Sleepers ES8, ES9, and ES10 modules are highlighted for their ability to send audio and CV straight to your DAW, making them a staple for anyone serious about modular recording. He’s especially fond of the ES8, calling it a mainstay in his setup.

For those after something more portable, the ALM Busy Circuits Stem Ripper is a ripper of a choice—eight channels, SD card recording, and perfect for live gigs. And if you want desktop flexibility, the Zoom L6 (and its beefier sibling, the L6 Max) offers 32-bit recording and easy USB transfer. Each bit of gear gets a nod for making stem capture less of a headache and more of a breeze, whether you’re in the studio or out bush.

Once your stems are wrangled, it’s DAW time. Metamyther knows some modular purists would rather wrestle a croc than open a laptop, but he’s adamant: your DAW is your best mate for arranging, mixing, and finishing tracks. It’s like having a Swiss Army knife compared to a single steak knife—surgical edits, version control, and the freedom to experiment without fear.

He introduces the ‘greening method’—colour-coding your DAW clips to track progress and focus your efforts. Green means good, red means redo, and yellow’s for the bits you’re not sure about. It’s a simple trick, but it keeps you from endlessly looping the same section and missing the forest for the gum trees. If you want pro results, don’t be afraid to mix hardware with software—just like you wouldn’t try to cook a whole BBQ with one pair of tongs.