Different way of using Battalion by integrating it with Nest

[slotenvath]

Hey everyone,

This is my first post here. I hope I can contribute with some interesting ideas, and that someone might find inspiration in my way of working. In this case, I’d like to share something I’ve been experimenting with.

I’ve been experimenting with a different way of using Battalion by integrating it with Nest, which provides 8 independent MIDI outputs. Each output is routed to a separate part of Battalion, effectively treating it as a multi-timbral drum module controlled externally.

This setup avoids using Battalion’s internal sequencer and instead drives each layer independently via MIDI routing between both devices.

The result is a more modular and generative workflow, where patterns evolve through the interaction of both systems. It also leads to more unpredictable sampling and pattern development, which can then be refined into usable musical ideas.

It’s a simple routing concept, but it significantly expands the creative possibilities of Battalion.

​

 

[rob aylestone]

What is Battalion? I don't think anyone has mentioned it before, and as for nest? No idea what that is either. Please feel free to explain?

 

[slotenvath]

Hi

Battalion is a drum instrument plugin that lets you create, layer, and shape drum kits. It combines acoustic and electronic drum sounds with powerful editing features, and it also includes a library of sampled instruments that can be used as texture layers, allowing you to add depth and character beyond traditional drum sounds. It's great for building anything from realistic kits to modern, heavily processed drums.

Nest is a modular MIDI generator and rule-based sequencer with its own built-in sound engine. You can use it to create evolving melodies, arpeggios, rhythms, and generative sequences using modular logic, then play them through its internal sounds or route the MIDI to external hardware or software instruments. It's a very flexible tool for composition, experimentation, and performance.

 

[rob aylestone]

thanks - useful to tuck away

 

[Papanate]

Hey everyone,

This is my first post here. I hope I can contribute with some interesting ideas, and that someone might find inspiration in my way of working. In this case, I’d like to share something I’ve been experimenting with.

I’ve been experimenting with a different way of using Battalion by integrating it with Nest, which provides 8 independent MIDI outputs. Each output is routed to a separate part of Battalion, effectively treating it as a multi-timbral drum module controlled externally.

This setup avoids using Battalion’s internal sequencer and instead drives each layer independently via MIDI routing between both devices.

The result is a more modular and generative workflow, where patterns evolve through the interaction of both systems. It also leads to more unpredictable sampling and pattern development, which can then be refined into usable musical ideas.

It’s a simple routing concept, but it significantly expands the creative possibilities of Battalion.

​

Did you build both of them?

 

[slotenvath]

No, I didn't build either of them. I just used both tools to create the track. Here are the websites of each developer:

Nest:

Sugar Bytes | Nest

sugar-bytes.de

Battalion:

Battalion

Explosive Drum Machine Unfiltered Audio's Battalion is a drum machine that marries the depth of software with the performative fun of hardware. It combines an enormous number of synthesis and sampling engines with a deep sequencer and serendiptous performance controls. Battalion goes beyond...

$60.95

www.unfilteredaudio.com