4ms MetaModule - VCV Rack Host Module

The MetaModule is an all-purpose eurorack module that lets you patch together various virtual modules to create a "Meta" module.

What is it?

• A module that can be any of several hundred modules
• A macro controller for a custom patch that you create
• A hardware player for VCV Rack patches
• A preset manager
• A versatile utility module that lets you save and recall common functions which you re-use from patch to patch, so you can focus on the more interesting parts of your music
• A DSP development platform

The MetaModule puts real knobs and jacks on virtual software modules. Step back from the computer and make music with hardware, while keeping the flexibility and expandability of software.

The MetaModule comes with over 160 built-in modules from 4ms Company, Befaco, HetrickCV, NonlinearCircuits, and Scanner Darkly, plus clones of popular classics such as the Mutable Instruments eurorack modules, fun physical modeling algorithms, and lots of handy utilities.

All of the included modules are also available on the computer using the free program VCV Rack. Whether you make patches on VCV Rack and transfer them to the MetaModule, or if you just create patches directly on the MetaModule, there are plenty of creative modules to inspire new ways to make music.

MetaModule Plugins

If the 160+ built-in module aren’t enough, you can load more modules as plugins. Already there are over 200 modules in third-party plugins from Bogaudio, Valley, ChowDSP, NANO Modular, and the list is growing. We have an SDK available to make it easy for VCV Rack plugin developers to convert their plugin to a MetaModule plugin. Our licensing terms are non-restrictive: developers are welcome to distribute their plugin in any way they wish, commercially or not.

Mapping Knobs and Jacks

The MetaModule has 12 knobs that can be mapped to virtual knobs. Each knob can be mapped to up eight virtual knobs, and each mapping can have a different range and offset. You also can save a group of mappings as a Knob Set and switch between Knob Sets with the encoder. You also can map the 8 inputs and 8 outputs to virtual module jacks. Also, the MetaModule is a USB MIDI host, so you also can map MIDI CC, note, gate, and other parameters to knobs and jacks.

Expanders

There are lots of ways to customize your MetaModule. A Wifi expander allows you to wirelessly transfer patches from your computer. Add eight more knobs with the Knob expander, or buttons with the Button expander. A CV/Audio expander adds more high-resolution inputs and outputs, and the Gate In/Out expander adds not only gate jacks but also TRS MIDI and I2C.

Under the Hood

There are six CV/Audio inputs, two gate inputs, and six CV/Audio outputs. The CV/Audio jacks are all 24-bit, 48kHz DC-coupled, -10V to +10V. A USB-C jack accepts MIDI devices and thumb drives. Patches and plugins can be loaded via a USB drive or SD Card, and internal flash memory lets you save patches you always want to come back to.
The processor is more advanced than anything 4ms has used in the past, and is among the most powerful processors found in Eurorack. Startup time and latency are blazingly fast.

Modules

• 160 built-in modules
• Over 200 3rd-party module plugins available so far, and the ecosystem is growing
• Create patches using VCV Rack or directly on MetaModule

Patches

• Patches are loaded from SD Card, USB drive, or via the Wifi expander
• Patches can be optionally saved onto internal flash memory
• Create patches using VCV Rack or directly on MetaModule
• Patches can be given a name and description

Mappings

• Map each physical knob to up to 8 virtual knobs
• Set range and offset for each mapping, including inverted control
• Knob mappings are grouped into Knob Sets, and changing Knob Sets can be done quickly without menu-diving
• Map physical jacks to virtual jacks, seamlessly making splits/mults
• Add or edit modules, cables, and mappings in real-time while the patch is playing
• Create alias names for mappings like "Kick Drum Level"

Interface

• Simple, intuitive graphical interface lets you zoom in on details, or zoom out to get a big picture
• Patch View displays the patch as faceplates and cables, with knobs, buttons, and lights animating in real-time
• Knob Set View simplifies the display, showing only the mapped knobs for the current Knob Set
• Module View shows just one module and lists the names of each jack, knob, and control legibly
• Mapping View lets you adjust details of a knob mapping
• Adjust styles and visual preferences to your liking
• Save, rename, duplicate, and delete patches
• Firmware updater and plugin loader read from SD Card or USB drive

Hardware

• 12 Knobs
• 8 CV/Audio outputs, 24-bit 48kHz, -10V to +10V, DC-coupled
• 6 CV/Audio inputs, 24-bit 48kHz, -10V to +10V, DC-coupled
• 2 Gate inputs
• USB-C jack: MIDI Host or MSC (External drive) Host
• SD Card slot
• Internal Flash RAM for additional patch storage
• Dual-core 800MHz Cortex-A7 plus Cortex-M4 co-processor
• 512MB DDR3 533MHz RAM
• Bare-metal operation for fast startup and low latency
• 26hp