Miniverse Module bundle and Poly

[TXjeff]

I feel a bit like this is a bit misleading. I bought this bundle on sale for $20. When I loaded any of the poly presets, included, they wouldn't play. I noticed a poly stereo spread module in each one showed Buy or Demo. So that's not an individual module you can buy. Instead you have to buy a $50 core bundle that includes that module. Seriously? I didn't see any warning advertised of this situation. Am I missing something?

[utdgrant]

Just bypass the Poly Stereo Spread module by using the SIGNAL OUTPUT jack on the Poly Miniverse VCA.

[TXjeff]

Thanks I was thinking there was a way to get around that module. I just thought, since it was in every preset for Poly, it was required. I guess it was just a way to Spam to get people to buy another product? It also means I would have to edit dozens of presets and resave them to get rid of the module if it's not needed. Since I'm not very experienced with using VM and I'm more of a preset user, I'm going to have to figure out the right connections. Is this typical with VM where buying new module bundles they will throw in a Spam product?

Also, I guess it works to take the VCA signal out and go to the output module at the top in Mono, which would defeat the included stereo Reverb module as well and only make it Mono. And both Reverb modules are stereo. Hmm. Kind of sad that the Stereo Spread module isn't part of the package. Or at least purchasable as a separate module.

[SpaceDog]

[...]
Is this typical with VM where buying new module bundles they will throw in a Spam product?
[...]

No.

[utdgrant]

Thanks I was thinking there was a way to get around that module. I just thought, since it was in every preset for Poly, it was required. I guess it was just a way to Spam to get people to buy another product? It also means I would have to edit dozens of presets and resave them to get rid of the module if it's not needed. Since I'm not very experienced with using VM and I'm more of a preset user, I'm going to have to figure out the right connections. Is this typical with VM where buying new module bundles they will throw in a Spam product?

It's a bit late for you, but I always recommend using the Demo feature on a product before committing to a full purchase. That way, you can evaluate whether or not it meets your needs without spending any cash.

Calling Stereo Spread a "spam product" is going a bit far.

Also, I guess it works to take the VCA signal out and go to the output module at the top in Mono, which would defeat the included stereo Reverb module as well and only make it Mono. And both Reverb modules are stereo. Hmm.

If you take the mono output from the VCA and insert it into only the Left hand input of the reverb, you will get a pseudo-stereo output. Alternatively, replace the Spring Reverb with a couple of Delay modules set to different delay lengths for a nice wide stereo effect.

[TXjeff]

Calling Stereo Spread a "spam product" is going a bit far.

I don't think it's too far. I've bought a couple of dozen plugins that didn't stop presets from working unless you buy an inserted module or you have to edit the presets to work at all.

Actually I did use it as a Demo first. But I just figured they weren't going to enable the Poly part unless I bought it. It didn't register until after I bought it that, no, it didn't matter if I bought it or not. The stereo spread was still a buy or remove and re-patch situcation and re-save as some other arrangement. Certainly I can spend the time to do what you suggest with the delay modules. It's just strange to offer up a product without describing the caveat of the stereo module up front. It is a bit of a bait and switch encouraging one to buy that Core package to get it. Just saying, Why not offer up the Stereo module for a small fee instead of having to buy the whole Core package?

That's a first that I've seen with a product from CA. Not a major deal. $20 is still pretty good deal for the MV bundle.

[TXjeff]

Further thought about this. I think I would have gone about the bundle differently. Instead of inhibiting all the Poly presets from working, I would have had a pop up after buying (and had the Poly presets cabled differently so they worked) where the popup could have said, "Before you start, there is another module not included in the bundle, Stereo Spread, that will enhance the Poly sounds with ties to Stereo Reverb or Delay, for additional $xxx. See the Store pulldown for that module." Something like that. Then it would become an optional add on after the fact but not essential.

I'm willing to bet many who use presets only and not manual changes, are calling CA "How come my Poly presets aren't working?" And then going through hoops with the customer. I wouldn't want those calls.

[Steve W]

There is still a side-by-side comparison of the free version [Nucleus] and the full version [Core]. It also shows an intermediate version [Ignite]. I just checked and it is as I remember: Nucleus doesn't have any poly modules. https://cherryaudio.com/products/voltag ... comparison.

If you would be happier with the Instrument version, perhaps support can help you.

[Steve W]

I guess it was just a way to Spam to get people to buy another product?

Perhaps they could have a blanket statement like, "This bundle requires Voltage Modular Core and a compatible computer that meets minimum requirements to make full use of the modules and presets."

Actually, this would be needed for all bundles and modules that offer poly jacks.

Although, maybe there are third party modules that would let you take a single midi input and split it to multiple Miniverse Modules to give you poly. Not sure.

There's a new bundle from Waverley Instruments (MIDIMONO) that has some utility modules. Maybe if you demo one of those utilities (or the whole bundle) it might give you the poly you want. Not sure what you are trying to do specifically. That's part of why I suggest trying it as a demo before you buy it.

[ColinP]

This sounds like a problem with the curation of the presets.

I think the instrument version only has a mono output so the stereo spread idea might have been something of an afterthought.

The Poly Stereo Spread module is a pretty crude thing anyway so as Grant suggested using the Spring Reverb or a couple of Delay modules (or a combination thereof) might actually produce more pleasing pseudo-stereo results.

But TXjeff is new to VM so this task might seem trickier than it does to old hands.

Perhaps someone would be good enough to work through the poly presets in question converting them so that they work straight out of the box and posting the .voltagepreset files here so that TXjeff can download them?

I'd do it myself but 1970's style stuff really isn't my cup of tea.