Matrix mixing and feedback are two powerful concepts in electronic music. The former allows for the routing and mixing of multiple audio and CV signals, while the latter involves sending a signal back into a module's input to create complex and often unpredictable results. In this article, we will explore how to combine the Neutral Labs PIP, Paratek РЗРВ Black 1u, Instruo Lion, Nonlinear Circuits Clump, and Reverse Landfill Monotropa MK2 to create dynamic and random soundscapes using matrix mixing and feedback.
The Neutral Labs PIP is a dual clocked CV generator/recorder that provides two morphable CV generators/large complex LFOs in 8HP. It can be synced to each other in predefined ratios, unsynced, or phase-shifted between each other. The user can choose from a variety of preset waveforms, random waves, or record and morph their own external CV or knob movements.
The Paratek РЗРВ Black 1u is a random core gater-interruptor module that is used to interrupt or pass signals. Four independent generators perform two tasks depending on the operating conditions. When an external signal is connected, the device breaks and passes it according to a unique random algorithm. In the absence of an incoming signal, the device transmits +5v to use as the gate, triggers, etc. Each channel has a smooth setting from rare skips (CCW) to infrequent interrupts (CW).
The Instruo Lion is a 6x6 pin-style matrix mixer with send and return insert capabilities. It features true summing, passive multiple functionality, and cascaded attenuation through channels 3-6. The Lion can be used for signal routing, effect insert functionality, and true summing. It also makes live patching easy with the use of included pin and insert cables.
The Nonlinear Circuits Clump is a 4x4 CV-controlled matrix mixer with 16 VCAs. It can be used as a regular mixer, but its true power lies in its CV control and matrix capabilities. The gain pots can boost a signal to approx. 2x. Each VCA gets a 1k trimpot to remove any offset voltages, each input gets a switch to turn off or invert the incoming signal, and the pots act as gain pots with no CV patched in and as attenuators when CV is patched.
Finally, the Reverse Landfill Monotropa MK2 is a feedback distortion module with seven resonating frequency bands and feedback amount control. It can also be used as an oscillator, CV mutator, and resonator. The Monotropa MK2 is an extreme distortion effect, and its feedback path can be broken with a switch, making it a perfect performance feature. With six jacks, two inputs, two outputs, and a send and return path, it can be used to sidechain the feedback amount.
By combining these modules and experimenting with matrix mixing and feedback, it is possible to create interesting and unpredictable soundscapes. The Neutral Labs PIP and Paratek РЗРВ Black 1u provide the unpredictability, while the Instruo Lion and Nonlinear Circuits Clump allow for complex routing and mixing. The Reverse Landfill Monotropa MK2 adds a layer of feedback distortion to the mix. With this setup, users can create unique and dynamic soundscapes.
Example Usage
As a novice using the Matrix Mixer, try sending a steady signal from the PIP's CV generator into the first row of Lion's inputs. Patch the outputs of each of the six morphable CV generators from the PIP in randomly into Lion's other five input rows. Use the Clump matrix mixer to boost some of the weaker CV signals so that they don't get overwhelmed by the stronger ones. Then use the Random Gater-Interruptor to randomly pass or interrupt the mixed signals, sending the output to Monotropa for a dynamic and distorted soundscape that is constantly changing.
Intermediate:
To create dynamic and random soundscapes using the Neutral Labs PIP, Paratek РЗРВ black 1u, Instruō lìon, Nonlinearcircuits Clump, and Reverse Landfill Monotropa mk2, try this patch:
- Send the output of a sequencer to the input of the PIP.
- Use one of the morphable CV generators to modulate the frequency of an LFO in the PIP.
- Send the output of the LFO to one channel of the Instruō lìon.
- Use another LFO to modulate the amount of feedback in the Reverse Landfill Monotropa mk2.
- Send the output of the Monotropa to a different channel of the Instruō lìon.
- Patch the output of the Instruō lìon to the input of the Paratek РЗРВ black 1u.
- Use the random core gater-interruptor to randomly pass or interrupt signals, creating unexpected variations in the sound.
- Patch the output of the Paratek РЗРВ black 1u to another channel of the Instruō lìon.
- Use the Clump to mix and further modulate the signals from the PIP, Monotropa, Paratek, and any additional sources.
- Experiment with different configurations and settings to craft dynamic and randomized soundscapes.
Further Thoughts
To build dynamic and random soundscapes using matrix mixing and feedback, we can combine the Neutral Labs Pip, Instruō lìon, Nonlinearcircuits Clump, and Reverse Landfill Monotropa MK2 modules in our Eurorack setup. Firstly, we can use the Pip's morphable CV generators and LFOs to modulate the Lion's 6x6 matrix mixer, which allows us to route audio signals and apply effects with its insert capabilities. Then, we can use the Clump's 4x4 CV controlled matrix mixer to further manipulate the audio signals and introduce some randomness and chaos into the mix. Finally, we can use the Monotropa MK2's feedback distortion to create extreme distortion and add a touch of unpredictability to our soundscapes. By adjusting the various parameters of these modules and patching them creatively, we can generate complex and evolving soundscapes that are both dynamic and random.