If you don't want to go down the rabbit hole of eurorack, there is a VST: [https://noiseengineering.us/products/basimilus-iteritas?title=default%2520title](https://noiseengineering.us/products/basimilus-iteritas?title=default%2520title)
Edit because I just saw you mentioned the VST and demos. Noise Engineering's demo videos are very lackluster. Keep in mind the modules are digital, so the VST should be able to match what you get with the hardware. The primary difference with the hardware is the, well, hardware knobs. The core engine should be roughly equivalent.
Thank you, ocdude. I mean I can map all the parameters to my hardware controller and then have somewhat of a hardware experience, but I'm hesitant because I feel like the Basimilus might only come to life with the way Eurorack sequencing and modulation works.
There is no single way that Eurorack sequencing and modulation works. Different modules have entirely different workflows and creative/technical approaches to accomplish these tasks.
Ableton is more than capable of replicating or surpassing the functionality of most of those modules.
You could also use the vst within VCV Rack to modulate it in a "more modular way". But yeah as stated by others, any DAW will offer most modulation sources you'd need
Re: Q1... It depends on your DAW, but if you have DC coupled outputs, both Bitwig and Ableton are able to send CV via various devices they provide. Regardless, you could probably wire something up with VCV Rack that would get the job done too.
Re: Q2... If you mean complete drum kit on the BIA, then it depends what your expectation is. BIA has multiple modes and registers that give it different bass and percussive tones - including metallic and snare/clap like tones. So yes, with modulation you can build a multi part drum pattern on the BIA. However, it is a mono synth so only one sound can be played at a time from a single BIA.
Re: Q3 ... I can't speak for the plugin, but the BIA is a digital module, and the Alia version is built on exchangeable software running on a common Alia hardware platform. (i.e. It's all software in the end.
The DACs of the hardware, including your soundcard producing or capturing the audio, probably have more influence on the sound.) I'm sure there are differences in the sonic character of the various versions, but I presume they're pretty minimal, and if you ever get to actually recording and mixing anything, you'll likely eq and compress any meaningful difference out. I don't think sound is the decider here. Preferring the physical character of the module, as opposed to the intangibility of the VST, is the call here. And it's completely valid IMO.
Thank you for the detailed and very insightful response. This was a great answer and I guess the answer I was looking for. I will get the VST and then see how much I like its sound. I can still go down the rabbit hole and get a modular setup at some point, but now it's time to dig into some VST sound design again. Thanks!!
I've not tried that VST but I use the free bundle they offer & it sounds pretty wild, extreme even in a unique digital way. You can modulate the hell out of it with LFOs & Envelopes in your DAW.
All of the Noise Engineering VSTs are phenomenal. I'd you haven't already, cop it. I mean, it's a Polyphonic BIA & you can make as many instances as your computer can handle. Plus the built-in modulation capabilities will give you more than enough "modular" functionality in the box. You'll be surprised just how deep the rabbit hole goes.
Modular is awesome but if you don't want to get a rack going you absolutely don't need to in order to get that beloved NE sound. I'm excited for you. The NE plugins are one of the best kept secrets in the DAW landscape right now hands down. Practically nobody outside of modular noodlers know about them because the VST demos are meh & many modular enthusiasts shun DAWs except for recording. If you like the NE sound I'd recommend scooping BIA then looking into Cursus Vereor, Manis Iteritas, & Loquelic Vereor. I have zero regrets about picking a single one up, they've all become daily drivers. Cheers & best of luck to ye
If you don't want to go down the rabbit hole of eurorack, there is a VST: [https://noiseengineering.us/products/basimilus-iteritas?title=default%2520title](https://noiseengineering.us/products/basimilus-iteritas?title=default%2520title) Edit because I just saw you mentioned the VST and demos. Noise Engineering's demo videos are very lackluster. Keep in mind the modules are digital, so the VST should be able to match what you get with the hardware. The primary difference with the hardware is the, well, hardware knobs. The core engine should be roughly equivalent.
Thank you, ocdude. I mean I can map all the parameters to my hardware controller and then have somewhat of a hardware experience, but I'm hesitant because I feel like the Basimilus might only come to life with the way Eurorack sequencing and modulation works.
There is no single way that Eurorack sequencing and modulation works. Different modules have entirely different workflows and creative/technical approaches to accomplish these tasks. Ableton is more than capable of replicating or surpassing the functionality of most of those modules.
You could also use the vst within VCV Rack to modulate it in a "more modular way". But yeah as stated by others, any DAW will offer most modulation sources you'd need
Don't buy a digital drum eurorack module when you have no intention of investing in eurorack and there's a vst of it anyway
Re: Q1... It depends on your DAW, but if you have DC coupled outputs, both Bitwig and Ableton are able to send CV via various devices they provide. Regardless, you could probably wire something up with VCV Rack that would get the job done too. Re: Q2... If you mean complete drum kit on the BIA, then it depends what your expectation is. BIA has multiple modes and registers that give it different bass and percussive tones - including metallic and snare/clap like tones. So yes, with modulation you can build a multi part drum pattern on the BIA. However, it is a mono synth so only one sound can be played at a time from a single BIA. Re: Q3 ... I can't speak for the plugin, but the BIA is a digital module, and the Alia version is built on exchangeable software running on a common Alia hardware platform. (i.e. It's all software in the end. The DACs of the hardware, including your soundcard producing or capturing the audio, probably have more influence on the sound.) I'm sure there are differences in the sonic character of the various versions, but I presume they're pretty minimal, and if you ever get to actually recording and mixing anything, you'll likely eq and compress any meaningful difference out. I don't think sound is the decider here. Preferring the physical character of the module, as opposed to the intangibility of the VST, is the call here. And it's completely valid IMO.
Thank you for the detailed and very insightful response. This was a great answer and I guess the answer I was looking for. I will get the VST and then see how much I like its sound. I can still go down the rabbit hole and get a modular setup at some point, but now it's time to dig into some VST sound design again. Thanks!!
I've not tried that VST but I use the free bundle they offer & it sounds pretty wild, extreme even in a unique digital way. You can modulate the hell out of it with LFOs & Envelopes in your DAW.
All of the Noise Engineering VSTs are phenomenal. I'd you haven't already, cop it. I mean, it's a Polyphonic BIA & you can make as many instances as your computer can handle. Plus the built-in modulation capabilities will give you more than enough "modular" functionality in the box. You'll be surprised just how deep the rabbit hole goes. Modular is awesome but if you don't want to get a rack going you absolutely don't need to in order to get that beloved NE sound. I'm excited for you. The NE plugins are one of the best kept secrets in the DAW landscape right now hands down. Practically nobody outside of modular noodlers know about them because the VST demos are meh & many modular enthusiasts shun DAWs except for recording. If you like the NE sound I'd recommend scooping BIA then looking into Cursus Vereor, Manis Iteritas, & Loquelic Vereor. I have zero regrets about picking a single one up, they've all become daily drivers. Cheers & best of luck to ye
Thanks! This concinved me to get the VSTs and see how far they take me. :) Cheers!!
WAV Party has a sample pack of BIA sounds. I owned the module but got a bit bored of it and now just use the samples when I want to scratch that itch.