andrewhuang: Where Noon Turns High Noon in the Synth World

andrewhuang dives into the world of the Landscape Noon, a drum machine that defies the norm by thriving on voltage, not cords. With his signature ingenuity, Andrew explores how this device can shift from traditional beats to wild sonic landscapes.

The Unplugged Enigma

Imagine strumming a guitar only to find out that it’s powered by vibes rather than voltage. That’s precisely the kind of enigma andrewhuang unpacks in his latest video starring the Landscape Noon. It’s a drum machine that tosses the power supply out the window, opting instead to bob along on the crests of control voltage. With each channel boasting its own distinctive circuit, it’s like listening to an orchestra where every musician is playing a unique instrument by merely touching their strings. Andrew explains how the Noon responds not just to the typical triggers or gates but relishes a buffet of LFOs, envelopes, and sustained voltage offsets. Now, this is the sort of gear that turns a straight-laced synth convention into a punk-rock carnival.

"This is such a unique device."

Button Bonanza and Circuit Chaos

Andrew gives us the lowdown on what makes each circuit in the Landscape Noon tick. All those buttons are not just for show – they’re gateways to a realm where voltages intermingle like revellers at a late-night rave. The modulation button shifts the behavioural dynamics of the circuit, while mute buttons manage to add a dash of drama, intertwining with other channels in unexpected ways. Such is the unpredictable beauty of Noon. And then there are those mysterious touch plates. A mere brush of one’s finger, or any part of you that dares, sends cascading voltages that create a tactile symphony. It’s like a digital mosh pit, each circuit jostling for attention as they react to every prod and probe.

Chasing the Noon Sun

"It's so interesting to work with and there are so many ways to use it."

After years of tinkering with Noon, Andrew finally spills the beans on his capers with this eccentric gadget. It pairs with standard drumkits like butter melting over hot toast – utterly irresistible. Though Noon doesn’t mimic any classical drum timbres, Andrew demonstrates its deftness in augmenting beats with unforeseen quirks. He even collaborates with Rodrigo, adding another layer of intrigue as they mesh drum sequences with Noon’s alien frequencies. It’s a sonic exploration that proves how both planned and spontaneous elements can conjure magic. There’s a duality at play: electricity transformed through sound, adding a raw grittiness that rekindles the spark of classic underground synth vibes.

The Colourful Chaos

Andrew’s journey with Noon isn’t about tempering chaos but embracing it head-on with gusto. Where many might try to smooth the jagged edges, he opts to amplify them, tossing random modulations and unsynchronised rhythms into the mix. It’s like feeding a beast – the more you provoke, the wilder and more vibrant it becomes. Noon proves to be both a playground and a battlefield, where distortion and delay create a sound world colliding with shadows and sparks. Andrew finds that when crafted with thoughtless abandon, Noon transforms into a reservoir of unprecedented sounds. The lesson here is clear: sometimes you have to let the madness flourish to discover its true palette.

"I've been really pleasantly surprised at how good it can be if you actually throw more chaos at it."

Community and Beyond

In true Andrew fashion, the video concludes with a nod to collaboration and community engagement. He shares that all the wild sounds concocted in this session, and beyond, will make their way to Patreon and Discord, where his community eagerly awaits new challenges. For those wanting to share the chaos, Andrew’s sample flipping challenge offers the perfect opportunity to dive into this world of vibrant noise. It’s this sense of shared experience and collective exploration that makes his channel a beacon for aspiring sound adventurers. With the promise of more challenges, Andrew sets the stage for everyone to grab their slice of the sonic pie.