Molten Music Technology Unleashes the Bishop’s Miscellany Mk2: Dual-Channel Mayhem for Melody Maniacs

Robin Vincent wastes no time introducing the Shakmat Bishop’s Miscellany Mk2—a module that’s got more tricks than a dodgy magician at a warehouse party. This isn’t just a sequencer; it’s a dual-channel beast that records, loops, patterns, generates, and generally messes with your CV in ways that’ll make your head spin. If you’re after something that just spits out 16 steps and calls it a day, look elsewhere. The Bishop’s Miscellany Mk2 is all about layering features and possibilities, sometimes to the point of confusion, but always with the promise of something unexpected.

Both channels are identical, giving you two lanes of melodic mayhem to play with. Whether you want to run parallel sequences, have them interact, or just double your chances of not screwing up a live set, this module’s got you covered. Robin’s honest about the learning curve—he admits to being flummoxed at first—but once you start jamming, the creative doors swing wide open. It’s clear this isn’t a toy for the faint-hearted, but for those willing to dig in, the rewards are juicy.

Let’s talk about the interface: it’s got a screen, it’s got buttons, and it’s got enough shortcuts to make your fingers do gymnastics. Robin doesn’t sugar-coat it—the screen can be fiddly and the menu diving is real. But once you get past the initial confusion, the real-time controls start to shine. You can record internally or externally, generate sequences on the fly, and process them with a tap or a twist. Undo is a lifesaver, and the ability to kill or mutate patterns mid-jam is pure performance gold.

The Bishop’s Miscellany Mk2 rewards patience. The more you wrestle with its interface, the more it gives back. There’s a certain flow that emerges once you learn the shortcuts and start layering processes in real time. It’s not instant gratification, but it’s the kind of depth that’ll keep you coming back for more. If you’re after a module that holds your hand, look elsewhere—this one expects you to bring your A-game and a bit of grit.

Saving sequences isn’t just an afterthought here—it’s a core part of the Bishop’s Miscellany Mk2’s arsenal. Robin walks through the process of saving patterns, loading them up, and chaining them into playlists. This isn’t just about stashing a few loops for later; you can build entire songs or live sets, stepping through patterns manually or automating the transitions. There’s room for hundreds of patterns and multiple playlists, so you can prep a whole night’s worth of material if you’re feeling ambitious.

The playlist feature transforms the module from a clever melody generator into a serious performance tool. Whether you want to launch sequences on cue or let the machine run wild, the flexibility is there. Of course, the interface can still trip you up if you’re not careful—one wrong twist and you might end up in menu purgatory. But for those who master it, the playlist system is a game-changer. As always, the real magic is best seen in action, so check the video for Robin’s hands-on playlist antics.

Where the Bishop’s Miscellany Mk2 really flexes is in its melody generation and processing. Robin shows off the random generators, arpeggiators, and a slew of processes—slide, ratchet, vibrato, noise, and more. You can generate sequences from a keyboard, LFO, or just knob-wiggling voltage, then twist them into new shapes with a few button presses. The module’s generative modes are especially tasty, spitting out musical ideas that can be saved, mutated, and chained together.

Not every feature hits the mark—some processes are more baffling than brilliant—but the sheer range of options means you’ll stumble into happy accidents on the regular. If you’re the type who likes to let the machine surprise you, this thing delivers. Robin’s not shy about skipping over the more arcane functions; he knows the real fun is in the unexpected results and the instant performance tweaks. For the full sonic mayhem, you’ll want to watch the video and hear the module in action.