4ms Meta Module [META]

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 hundreds of 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, with the ability to add hundreds more via plugins.

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 modules 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. All expanders for MetaModule will be available later in 2024.

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 microSD 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 microSD 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 microSD 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
microSD 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



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