Exploring the Versatility of the Dual Low Pass Gate: A Vactrol-Based Eurorack Module

The Dual Low Pass Gate is a two-channel vactrol-based module that brings a new level of versatility to your Eurorack setup. This module combines the legacy of classic low pass gates with improved circuit performance, making it a powerful tool for shaping your sound.

One of the standout features of this module is its unique CV circuit. Unlike traditional low pass gates, this module is able to closely track incoming CV, allowing it to work harmoniously with voltage controlled envelopes. What makes this even more impressive is its ability to remain completely silent when the incoming CV is at 0 volts. This off-ness feature ensures that when you want silence, you get complete silence.

Each channel of the Dual Low Pass Gate is equipped with a dynamics control, in addition to the expected CV input. This dynamics control gives you the freedom to modulate the response of the low pass gate. By turning it counterclockwise, you can achieve shorter and pluckier sounds, while turning it fully clockwise allows for a more gradual and extended decay. This adds incredible depth and expression to your sonic creations.

In addition to its exceptional performance, the Dual Low Pass Gate is part of a limited release series. Each module is meticulously assembled by hand in New York City, ensuring the utmost attention to detail and quality. High-quality hand-matched film capacitors are utilized in the audio path, delivering pristine sound reproduction. Furthermore, the two channels feature hand-matched Vactrols, with the CV circuit specially tuned to compensate for each Vactrol's natural variances. This level of craftsmanship ensures that every module is a work of art, both sonically and visually.

If you're looking for a vactrol-based low pass gate that offers incredible versatility and exceptional build quality, the Dual Low Pass Gate is undoubtedly worth considering. Its unique CV circuit, dynamics control, and limited release series make it a standout module in the world of Eurorack. Explore the possibilities of this module and elevate your sound to new heights.

For more information about the Dual Low Pass Gate and to experience its full potential, visit the module's page on the shkrjn website. Don't miss out on this extraordinary tool for sonic exploration.

Example Usage

Novice-level usage example:

Let's say you have a simple melody sequence running through your Eurorack system, but you want to add some dynamics and organic movement to it. This is where the Dual Low Pass Gate module can come in handy.

First, patch the audio output of your sequencer into Channel 1 of the Dual Low Pass Gate. This will act as the input signal for the module. Then, connect the output of Channel 1 to your mixer or audio interface.

Next, let's add some modulation to the module. Take a random or stepped voltage source, such as a sequencer or an LFO, and patch it into the CV input of Channel 1. Adjust the dynamics control knob to your liking. Turning it towards the counter-clockwise direction will make the low pass gate respond with shorter and pluckier sounds, while turning it fully clockwise will open the gate and allow for more gradual decay.

Now, play around with the modulation source to dynamically control the opening and closing of the low pass gate. This will add subtle variations and rhythmic accents to your melody sequence. Experiment with different modulation rates and shapes to find the perfect amount of movement for your composition.

If you want to add even more depth to your sound, you can also patch another audio source into Channel 2 of the Dual Low Pass Gate and repeat the same process. This way, you can have two different audio signals being controlled by separate modulation sources, creating intricate and evolving textures.

Remember to experiment and trust your ears. The Dual Low Pass Gate is a versatile module that can bring life and expressiveness to your Eurorack system. Have fun exploring its capabilities and enjoy the unique character it lends to your music.

Intermediate-level usage example:

One interesting way to utilize the Dual Low Pass Gate module is by creating evolving and percussive sounds. Let's say we have a sequence running from a quantizer module into the CV input of one of the channels. We can patch an envelope generator into the dynamics control of the same channel, allowing us to shape the amplitude and decay of the sound. By setting the dynamics control to a shorter and pluckier response, we can achieve a percussive sound that is perfect for creating snappy kicks or mallet-like sounds.

To add more depth to the sound, we can patch an LFO into the CV input of the second channel. By modulating the low pass gate with the LFO, we create a rhythmic and evolving effect. Adjust the dynamics control to fit your desired response, whether you want quick and punchy or slow and smooth gates.

Furthermore, by patching the output of the two channels into a mixer or a mixer module, you can blend and shape the sounds of each channel together, creating even more unique and complex textures. Experiment with different envelope shapes, LFO rates, and modulation depth to explore the vast possibilities of the Dual Low Pass Gate module in creating intricate and dynamic electronic music.

Further Thoughts

The Dual Low Pass Gate is an incredibly versatile module that can add unique textures and dynamics to your eurorack setup. One creative way to use this module is by patching it in a feedback loop with a sequencer and a random voltage generator.

Here's how it works:

  1. Start by patching the CV output from your sequencer into the CV input of one channel of the Dual Low Pass Gate. This will control the opening and closing of the low pass gate.
  2. Now, take the output of that channel and patch it into the input of the random voltage generator.
  3. Set the random voltage generator to produce a wide range of voltages that will create unpredictable fluctuations in the control signal sent to the Dual Low Pass Gate. This will introduce randomness and unpredictability to the module's response.
  4. Next, patch the output of the random voltage generator back into the CV input of the Dual Low Pass Gate's second channel. This will create a feedback loop, where the output of the module influences its own control signal.
  5. Experiment with the dynamics control on each channel of the Dual Low Pass Gate to shape the response of the module. Turning the dynamics control counter-clockwise will make the response shorter and pluckier, while turning it fully clockwise will allow for a more gradual decay.
  6. Finally, listen to the output of the Dual Low Pass Gate and tweak the parameters of the sequencer and the random voltage generator to shape the evolving sound. You'll be amazed at the complex and evolving textures that can be achieved through this feedback loop setup.

By using the Dual Low Pass Gate in this way, you can create ever-changing and unpredictable soundscapes that add depth and character to your music. Experiment with different sequencer patterns and random voltage settings to discover new sonic possibilities with this versatile module.

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