Combining Eurorack modules is an exciting endeavor that can lead to new and unique sounds in your modular synthesizer system. In this article, we explore the possibilities of combining five different Eurorack modules: the Weston Precision Audio PA0 Phase Animated Oscillator, Befaco Morphader, ALM Busy Circuits MCFx2, Toppobrillo Multifilter 2, and After Later Audio Popple.
The Weston Precision Audio PA0 is a voltage-controlled oscillator (VCO) with a triangle-core phase animator. It features through-zero PM, TZFM, and exponential FM, which allows for generating a broad range of sounds. The Befaco Morphader is another exciting module that features a CV-controlled four-channel crossfader. You can blend four CV/audio scenes, and the module mixes the four crossfades at its fourth output. The module includes attenuators per input, normalization of voltages to every input, fader control to crossfade all channels simultaneously, CV or Audio switch per channel to change response curve, and LED per channel for signal level monitoring.
The ALM Busy Circuits MCFx2 is a fantastic dual-state variable filter module with tons of control and CV inputs. The filters are based on the original MCF found in ALM's System Coupe. The module has per-filter 1V/Oct inputs for filter tracking and three simultaneous filter outputs: low-pass, high-pass, and band-pass/notch. One filter can be fed into the other via a Feed button. The Toppobrillo Multifilter 2 is a newly redesigned multimode filter that adds a ton of functionality to the old filter. It has a dual-input crossfading mixer with voltage-controlled gain, a variable mode output with continuously variable voltage-controlled response, and a dedicated "Ping" input that percusses the filter.
The After Later Audio Popple is an 8hp multimode stereo filter based on the Mutable Instruments Ripples V1 filter section. Popple can act as a dual sine wave oscillator as well, thanks to its self-oscillation feature at high resonance settings when coupled with the v/oct CV control. It maintains the smoothness of Ripples filter while giving you two separate audio paths, each with its own cutoff CV input with attenuverters.
Combining these modules can create new and exciting possibilities for sound design. You can shape timbres, create feedback loops, and generate different types of filters. With these modules, you can create something unique and never heard before in your Eurorack build. The possibilities are endless, and it's just a matter of being creative and exploring the capabilities of each module.
Example Usage
As a novice, you can use the Weston Precision Audio PA0 to create a basic triangle wave, which can then be connected to the Befaco Morphader to control the crossfade levels between different audio scenes. From there, you can route it to the ALM Busy Circuits MCFx2 to filter and shape the sound using its dual analog filters. The Toppobrillo Multifilter 2 can also be used to add more filtering options, with the added functionality of a ping input to percuss the filter. Finally, the After Later Audio Popple can be used to add multimode stereo filtering to the mix, giving you even more control over the sound.
An intermediate-level patch using these Eurorack modules could involve using the Weston Precision Audio PA0 as the main oscillator for the patch, sending its output through the Befaco Morphader to crossfade between two different filter paths. The ALM Busy Circuits MCFx2 and Toppobrillo Multifilter 2 can be used for these filter paths, with one side of the Morphader controlling the filter blend of the MCFx2 and the other side controlling the filter blend of the Multifilter 2. Additionally, the Popple can be used to add stereo filtering to the final output. CV inputs from an LFO or sequencer can be used to modulate the cutoff frequency and resonance parameters of the filters, creating complex and evolving soundscapes.
Further Thoughts
One of the exciting possibilities of combining the Weston Precision Audio PA0, Befaco Morphader, ALM Busy Circuits MCFx2, Toppobrillo Multifilter 2, and After Later Audio Popple Eurorack Modules is creating complex and evolving textures. By using the PA0's through-zero phase modulation and feeding it into the Befaco Morphader's crossfader, you can create smooth transitions between different waveforms and timbres. You can then route the output into the MCFx2 for filtering - the multiple filter types and cross modulation capabilities can create a wide range of tonal variations. Finally, you can add some stereo depth by sending the filtered signal through the After Later Audio Popple and using its stereo outputs. The Toppobrillo Multifilter 2 can add even more complexity by crossfading between the Popple's two separate audio paths and applying variable mode responses. The possibilities for experimentation and exploration are endless with this combination of modules.