In the world of Eurorack modules, the Feedback JP8 VCF has emerged as a stand-out, offering electronic musicians robust filtering capabilities and spectacular sonic characteristics. This dynamic piece of music hardware, a collaborative venture between Feedback Modules and CMS-LAB, is reminiscent of the golden age of synthesis but is pumped with modern features to meet the standards and demands of today's music production environment. Its high-performing low-pass filter, available with two-pole or four-pole settings, can be paired with a high-pass option, providing an extensive range of sound sculpting possibilities.
The JP8 VCF owes its exceptional performance to the iconic AS3109D and AS662A, ALFA RPAR IC clones which run its core operations. This smart implementation of modern identical IC clones takes the richest qualities of the original components and perfectly reproduces them for today's sound enthusiasts.
The inclusion of a high-pass filter adds another dimension to the JP8's sound shaping prowess. Powered by the AS662A IC, the high-pass filter works in tandem with the low-pass filter to craft unique, sophisticated sound textures. Balance and blend these filter types to create anything from deep, rumbling basses to convincing organ-like tones and beyond.
The JP8 VCF is equipped with WIMA polypropylene capacitors, known for their superior quality, to ensure crystal-clear outputs free from unwanted noise or distortion. These capacitors offer stable, long-lasting performance and contribute to the overall reliability of the module. And to further refine the sound, this Eurorack filter features a carefully selected 2SK30ATM-GR N-channel J-Fet transistor. This impactful component enriches the auditory experience, ensuring the reproduction of warm, organic tones that smoothly blend with your sonic constructions.
The module's twin signal inputs give you the flexibility to create complex patches. This comes handy when you want to experiment with different sound sources or effects. Moreover, the independent outputs for 2-pole, 4-pole and an alternate output give a lot of flexibility when it comes to routing your signals.
As if the eccentric blend of filters is not enough, the JP8 VCF also offers a selection of modes from a switch on the alternate output. This thoughtful feature allows for quick and easy adjustment between filter types, offering near-infinite possibilities for unique sonic architectures. And with its high-quality components and meticulously designed signal path, every mode provides incredible accuracy and musicality.
In conclusion, the Feedback JP8 VCF stands as a timeless tool for your Eurorack setup. Its rich, resonant character, robust filter options, and versatile routing opportunities combine to facilitate endless creativity in sound design. Harness the power of this unit to infuse your compositions with unparalleled depth, warmth, and complexity. Try the JP8 VCF today, and experience the transformation in your sound crafting experience.
Example Usage
To get started with the Feedback JP8 VCF, begin by patching your favorite oscillator module to one of the two mixed signal inputs. You’ll notice the rich tonal characteristics right from the outset. The JP8 VCF allows you to select between 2-pole and 4-pole configurations, providing versatile filtering options.
To set up, connect the oscillator output to Input 1 on the JP8. Activate the 2-pole mode initially by flipping the mode switch. The filter's resonance can be adjusted using the cutoff knob, which fine-tunes the frequency at which the filter begins to cut off audio. Turning up the resonance knob will add a pronounced peak right at the cutoff frequency, creating that iconic warm sound.
Experimenting with modulation will yield exciting results. Patch a low-frequency oscillator (LFO) to the cutoff modulation input. Set the LFO to a slow rate to make the filter open and close subtly, adding movement to your sound. For more aggressive modulation, increase the rate of the LFO or patch in an envelope generator triggered by a gate signal to make the filter react sharply to incoming transients.
To hear the difference between 2-pole and 4-pole settings, switch the mode after establishing your sound. The 4-pole mode offers a sharper cutoff slope, producing a more pronounced filtering effect as you adjust the resonance. Use the high-pass filter option by selecting this on the switch to explore the other side of the frequency spectrum, removing low-end frequencies and leaving a cleaner, brighter output that can be particularly effective for percussive sounds.
Finally, take advantage of the independent outputs on the JP8 VCF. You might want to send the output from the 4-pole setting to one effects module while letting the 2-pole output go to another, allowing for creative layering and processing of your sound. This flexibility enables you to craft complex soundscapes that can morph over time, making full use of the JP8 VCF’s rich character and robust capabilities in your Eurorack setup.
Using the Feedback JP8 VCF in your Eurorack setup can elevate your sound design to new heights, particularly when you’re aiming for rich, resonant tones and a versatile filtering palette. Begin by routing your audio signal through one of the two mixed signal inputs, enabling you to blend different sources effectively. Use a thick sawtooth wave generated from your favorite oscillator as it offers harmonic richness that works beautifully with the JP8's filtering capabilities.
Next, select between the 2-pole and 4-pole filter modes via the integrated switch. The 2-pole option will provide a gentler roll-off, which can enhance subtler elements of your sound, while the 4-pole mode is ideal for achieving a pronounced filtering effect, perfect for creating drama in your sequences. As you adjust the cutoff frequency, you can experience the distinctive character of the JP8 VCF; the resonance control allows you to push the filter into self-oscillation, generating melodic tones that can be used as a standalone element within your patch.
Consider engaging the High Pass Filter by selecting it through the appropriate output, which can help eliminate lower frequencies that mast other elements in your mix, creating a cleaner overall sound. Experiment with the filter's two independent outputs to layer sounds or process them separately. For instance, you could take the 2-pole output and send it to one effects chain while utilizing the 4-pole output for a different layer, enriching your soundscape with textures that interact in unexpected ways.
To further enhance the modulation capabilities, use an LFO or an envelope generator to modulate the cutoff frequency. The JP8's components, such as the selected 2SK30ATM-GR J-Fet transistor, respond beautifully to modulation, resulting in expressive movements in your sound. As you tweak the modulation depth, listen for how it transforms the tonality and rhythmic feel of your material, allowing you to craft a sonic narrative that feels both fresh and timeless.
By harnessing the Feedback JP8 VCF's advanced features, you can create complex, evolving pads or gritty basslines that are rich with character and depth, making your patches not only sonically pleasing but also profoundly engaging.
Further Thoughts
To fully harness the capabilities of the Feedback JP8 VCF in your Eurorack setup, start by exploring its dual-mode configuration, which allows you to seamlessly switch between the 2-pole (12 dB/oct) and 4-pole (24 dB/oct) filter characteristics. Connect a rich oscillator signal to the first input and engage both the high-pass and low-pass outputs to perceive how the filter shape affects the tonal quality.
Set your oscillator to a low frequency, ideally within the sub-bass range, and use the LPF output to sculpt a warm foundation for your patch. Enhance the resonance control to bring out that classic ringing effect characteristic of the JP8 filter. Pay close attention to the interaction between resonance and cutoff frequency, as slight adjustments can unveil a whole spectrum of lush textures.
Next, explore the high-pass filter’s response by running a bright, harmonically-rich waveform through its input. As you increase the cutoff frequency, notice how the lower frequencies are gradually attenuated while the higher harmonics are preserved, creating a sparkling timbre that can add clarity to your overall mix.
In a more experimental approach, utilize the mixed signal inputs; try layering different oscillators with distinct waveforms. This technique lets you create complex textures, especially when modulating the cutoff frequency simultaneously with an LFO or envelope generator. The JP8’s architecture shines when inputs are mixed, as it can create unique resonance interactions that evolve over time.
Employ the alternate output mode for sounds that require a different character. This offers new sonic possibilities for processing within your patch. For example, you can send the output of the alternate mode to an effects module, such as a reverb or delay, to layer spaciousness and depth to your resonant sounds.
Finally, incorporate modulation sources to enhance your performance. Using a sequencer or modulator, tweak both cutoff and resonance dynamically during your performance to keep your patches evolving. The feedback loop within the module can intensify the effects further, allowing you to delve into territory that shifts between subtle and extreme expressive sounds.
Incorporating the Feedback JP8 VCF into your Eurorack setup presents a versatile platform for crafting timeless sounds, bridging traditional analog warmth with modern creative possibilities. Experiment with its unique capabilities to discover the full range of what this powerful filter module can achieve.