The Schlappi Engineering Boundary Eurorack Module is a versatile and all-analog modulation and signal control center that offers dynamic capabilities for electronic music production. It consists of a cycling slew and a four quadrant multiplier (VCA) that enable a variety of modulation sources and signal processing capabilities.
The cycling slew can be used as an LFO or envelope with individual control over rise and fall, rate and shape, as well as dedicated inputs for triggers, slew for gates or pitch CV, full wave rectification for envelope following, and a unique BOUND input for bouncing ball effects and additional modulation.
The module also features a four quadrant multiplier that is usable as a VCA or ring modulator with a soft limiter on the output to tame extreme signals or push into distortion. This allows for unique sonic textures and possibilities in sound shaping and manipulation.
In addition to these features, the Schlappi Engineering Boundary Eurorack Module provides numerous input and output options, including a trigger input that can be used for attack-decay envelopes, a slew input for attack-release envelopes or portamento for v/oct signals, and a rectify input with a full wave rectifier to act as a high-quality envelope follower. The module also has a Bound input for exciting bouncing ball effects and combined AM/FM modulation, and a trig input that can be used for voltage-controlled frequency division at clock or audio rate.
The EOR output can be used for gate/trigger delay, and the four quadrant VCA allows for ring modulation. The soft limiter on the VCA output allows for taming or distortion of wild signals to add grit and texture to any sound.
Overall, the Schlappi Engineering Boundary Eurorack Module is an indispensable tool for creative sound design and modulation capabilities that can take electronic music production to a new level.
Example Usage
If you're just starting out in the world of eurorack modulation, the Schlappi Engineering Boundary is a great module to explore. For a simple example, try using the cycling slew as an LFO to modulate the amplitude (volume) of your audio signal. You can adjust the rate and shape of the LFO using the dedicated controls, or use external signals to trigger and shape the envelope. The four quadrant multiplier can add even more depth to your sound by allowing you to use ring modulation, and its soft limiter can help control wildly incoming signals. The Schlappi Engineering Boundary is an ideal tool for adding experimentation and controlled chaos to your modular rig.
An intermediate-level usage example of the Schlappi Engineering Boundary Eurorack module involves creating a unique bouncing ball effect using the BOUND input. Patch a trigger output from a sequencer or other rhythmic source into the trigger input and a pitch CV signal into the slew input. Adjust the rate and shape controls to match the desired LFO speed and waveform shape. Use the BOUND input to add modulation to the LFO envelope, creating a bouncing ball effect that responds to the incoming pitch CV signal. The envelope can then be connected to modulate other parameters in your modular setup for a dynamic and expressive performance.
Further Thoughts
The Schlappi Engineering Boundary eurorack module is a powerful tool for generating rhythmic patterns and timbral changes in a Eurorack system. One interesting usage example is to use the cycling slew as an FM modulator for a VCO. By patching the output of a VCO into the BOUND input and then sending triggers into the trig input, you can create complex bouncing ball effects that modulate the pitch of the VCO. By adjusting the rise and fall time of the cycling slew, as well as the rate and shape, you can produce a wide variety of FM timbres that evolve over time. The full wave rectification input can also be used to create envelope shapes that follow the amplitude of the incoming audio signal, allowing for even more complex and dynamic modulations. Overall, the Boundary module is an incredibly versatile tool for creating complex and evolving soundscapes in a Eurorack system.