It's no secret for those deep in the Eurorack synthesizer community; an authentic, quality, near-perfect replica of Mutable Instruments Stages is now widely available through an emerging company, Calsynth. Christened as 'Calsynth Changes,' this replica borrows heavily from the tried-and-true formula of its original - the much-heralded Mutable Instruments Stages, and offer its best traits to a new generation of modular synthesizer enthusiasts.
Those familiar with the iconic Mutable Instruments Stages will delight in the fact that Changes is a 1:1 ratio, full-size replica. Even better, the homage isn't merely cosmetic. Calsynth Changes offers the same versatility and depth of modulation one may expect from the original. With the sheer range of parameters on offer, users can sculpt and shape the sonic output to their heart's desire, creating everything from evolving drones to sharp, percussive blips with ease.
Another impressive aspect of the Changes is its build quality. The module comes with a durable, black metal panel that lends it a heavy-duty, sturdy feel. The robust facade not only adds to the aesthetic appeal but also assures users of the rig's longevity, even under constant use for live performances or studio sessions.
Complimenting the robust build is the unprecedented 2-year warranty that Calsynth offers. It's a demonstration of the company's confidence in their product and testament to their commitment to quality craftsmanship. The warranty covers manufacturing defects and circuit-related issues, making Changes a safer and more reliable option for those seeking to add to their Eurorack toolbox without the risk of potential mishaps.
Calsynth Changes serves as an excellent example of how an established, popular module can be reproduced faithfully without losing its essence. It's more than just a replica — it's a tribute to the original and the unique creative space it helped carve in the world of Eurorack synths. Whether you're a novice exploring the world of modular synths or a pro looking to expand your selection, the Calsynth Changes warrants serious consideration.
All in all, Calsynth Changes stands out as a shining link between past greatness and future potential in the Eurorack universe. It offers everything the Mutable Instruments Stages had to, but with the added boon of a sturdy metal panel and a generous 2-year warranty. It's a rare case of getting to relive the past without compromising on contemporary production values or reliability. Go ahead, explore the Changes. You might just find it's precisely the module you've been looking for to diversify your sound and open up new musical realms.
Example Usage
One way novices can use the Calsynth Changes module is as an envelope generator. Connect the output of the Changes module to a VCA or filter, and then connect a gate signal to the trigger input. Adjust the parameters on the module to shape the envelope to your liking. This will allow you to add dynamic and expressive elements to your modular patches, creating interesting and evolving sounds. By experimenting with different settings and modulation sources, you can create everything from short percussive hits to long, evolving pads using the Changes module.
Usage Example:
In this intermediate-level usage example, we will explore how the Calsynth Changes module can be employed as an advanced modulation source to create evolving rhythmic patterns within a Eurorack system.
To begin, let's assume we have a simple sequencer module outputting a basic gate signal. We will use the Changes module to transform this static gate signal into an expressive rhythmic pattern.
- Patch the gate signal from the sequencer into the input of the Calsynth Changes module.
- Adjust the Rise and Fall controls on the Changes module to determine the attack and decay shapes of the incoming gate signal. Experiment with different Rise and Fall settings to achieve desired timbral variations.
- Patch the output of the Changes module into a VCA or any other module capable of processing control voltage signals.
- Connect the VCA's output to any desired modulation destination, such as a filter cutoff frequency or a wavefolder's fold parameter.
- Start tweaking the Rise and Fall controls on the Changes module. Notice how the gate signal transforms into a complex, evolving modulation signal, shaping the timbre or other characteristics of the destination module in real-time.
- Further experimentation can be done by modulating the Rise and Fall controls themselves. You can use an LFO or an envelope generator to modify these parameters, creating even more intricate and dynamic patterns.
Remember, don't be afraid to explore different Rise and Fall settings and modulation sources to find the sweet spot that fits your musical intentions. The Calsynth Changes module, with its faithful replication of Mutable Instruments Stages, offers comprehensive control over shaping and evolving gate signals, providing a rich playground for sonic exploration.
By integrating the Changes module into your Eurorack setup, you can add an extra layer of expressiveness and movement to your patches, taking your modular sound design to new heights. So go ahead, experiment, and embrace the endless possibilities offered by this remarkable module.
Further Thoughts
One creative usage example of the Calsynth Changes module is using it as a versatile envelope generator for percussive sounds. With its faithful replica of Mutable Instruments Stages, this module offers multiple functions that can shape and modulate the amplitude and shape of a sound over time.
To achieve this, patch the output of the module into a VCA (voltage-controlled amplifier) and trigger the envelope generator using a gate signal. Set one stage of the Changes module to act as an attack, gradually increasing the volume of the sound. Use another stage as a decay, creating a smooth release of the sound after the initial attack.
Next, experiment with the other stages to introduce additional modulation. For example, using a third stage as an ASR (Attack-Sustain-Release) envelope can provide a longer sustain level before releasing the sound. This can be useful in creating long sustained percussion elements or evolving drone-like effects.
To add further complexity, consider patching the output of a sequencer or an LFO (low-frequency oscillator) into the CV inputs of different stages on the Changes module. This will allow for dynamic modulation of the envelope timing and shape, resulting in intricate and evolving percussive patterns.
By taking advantage of the various functionalities provided by the Changes module, you can create unique and expressive percussive sounds that add depth and character to your electronic music compositions.