Recording with ams

I have finally started recording with ams [æmz] and it is proving nothing short of a revelation. So far at least, it is doing much of what I intended it would. At its core ams is about developing a flexible, modular system that creates novel ways to bash, honk and excite acoustic sound generators. All of this is controllable over CV/Gate in the same way that modular synths are, which allows for integration with other modular gear and tight (or sloppy) control using existing sequencers etc. So far, I have stuck to the exclusively using the acoustic sound modules of ams itself and have controlled it all using an Arturia Beatstep Pro.

ams has some highly distinctive modules, such as the Puffer – a tight-control bellows module. Where modules perform a more familiar role, such as the Tapper (a twin solenoid drum module) attention has been paid to various distinctive details. For example, each Tapper module has two poseable arms and hot-swappable beater clasps to allow for real-time manipulation of how stuff is struck.

I didn’t really know when starting out with this project whether it would achieve the musical goals I intended it to but having recently begun recording with it, I have a strong sense that it might. For me it strikes just the right balance of mechanised control vs real-time adaptability, which is the crux of my work over the past few years. It works nicely as the sole sound source and as part of a wider ensemble, made up of myself and ams.

As the album is currently with the label, prior to release, I am not really at liberty to share anything other than this rather lack-lustre test track (ams and Indian harmonium) but I do look forward to sharing more soon.

With all this said it certainly feels that ams has only really hinted at its future potential. There is much left to design and build. Moreover, like any other instrument, there is much to be gained from spending quality time with it. My initial dabblings have excited me greatly and have inspired me to do just that!