Modular Magic: Combining TSNM MKII, M-610 Black, Crazy Chicken Dance, Black Quad VCA2, and Behringer ABACUS

In this article, we explore the creative possibilities of combining the TSNM MKII, M-610 Black, Crazy Chicken Dance, Black Quad VCA2, and Behringer ABACUS Eurorack modules. The TSNM MKII is a performance-oriented monophonic keyboard controller with pressure sensing capabilities, arpeggiator, sequencer, and more. The M-610 Black is a 6-channel stereo mixer module, perfect for blending sounds from multiple sources. The Crazy Chicken Dance module offers an LFO with various waveforms and tempo control options. The Black Quad VCA2 is a versatile four-channel voltage controlled amplifier and mixer module. Lastly, the Behringer ABACUS is an analog music computer that allows for intricate modulation and tempo manipulation. By combining these modules, users can unlock endless creative opportunities in their eurorack builds.

Let's start with the TSNM MKII. This module is a performance-oriented keyboard controller that offers much more than just playing notes. With 12 touch-sensitive note plates and transposition buttons, you can easily explore different musical ideas and create dynamic melodies. The TSNM MKII also features an arpeggiator, sequencer, quantizer, envelope generator, random voltage generator, and more. It even allows you to save 17 presets, making it convenient for live performances or studio sessions. The pressure sensing capability adds an extra layer of expressiveness to your playing, giving you maximum control over your sound.

Next, we have the M-610 Black, a 6-channel stereo mixer module. This module is perfect for blending sounds from multiple sources in your eurorack setup. With its input channels, level sliders, and pan/balance pot, you can easily adjust the levels and panning of each sound source to create a cohesive mix. You can even expand the number of inputs with the M-613 or M-616 expansions, allowing you to incorporate even more sounds into your mix. The M-610 Black is a versatile tool for achieving the perfect balance in your eurorack builds.

Now let's dive into the Crazy Chicken Dance module. This module offers an LFO with eight different waveforms to choose from, including ramp up, ramp down, square, triangle, sine, u-shape, sample and hold style random levels, and random slopes. What sets this module apart is its tempo control options. You can set the tempo using the knob or tap-tempo button, or even sync it to an external clock signal. The Crazy Chicken Dance also allows for amplitude control and CV modulation of all its parameters. With its two outputs (unipolar and bipolar) and frequency range from 0.05Hz to audio-rate, this module opens up a world of rhythmic and modulatory possibilities in your eurorack system.

Moving on to the Black Quad VCA2 by Erica Synths. This versatile module features four independent voltage controlled amplifiers and a mixer. Each channel has a selectable linear/logarithmic response, allowing for precise control over the dynamics of your sound. The Black Quad VCA2 also has manual CV bias and signal level adjustment, as well as sequential output mixing. This module can be used as a signal mixer or to control CV sources, making it an essential tool for shaping and manipulating your audio and control signals.

Lastly, we have the Behringer ABACUS, an analog music computer for Eurorack. This module is a direct clone of the Make Noise Maths v2, which is based on the legendary Buchla 257 and 281 analog synthesizers. The ABACUS offers a wide range of linear, logarithmic, and exponential triggered or continuous functions. It can generate musical envelopes or LFO signals up to 25 minutes in length and as fast as 1 kHz. With its modulation depth control, you can create complex modulations by manipulating tempo and other parameters. The ABACUS also allows for amplified, attenuated, integrated, or inverted signals, providing unlimited creative possibilities in your eurorack builds.

In conclusion, combining the TSNM MKII, M-610 Black, Crazy Chicken Dance, Black Quad VCA2, and Behringer ABACUS modules in your eurorack builds opens up endless creative opportunities. From performance-oriented control and sequencing to mixing, modulation, and tempo manipulation, these modules work together seamlessly to create unique and captivating sounds. Whether you're a seasoned eurorack user or just getting started, these modules will inspire your creativity and take your music production to new heights.

Example Usage

To create a novice-level usage example for combining the TSNM MKII, M-610 Black, Crazy Chicken Dance, Black Quad VCA2, and Behringer ABACUS modules, let's imagine a simple setup for generating a rhythmic sequence and shaping the sound:

  1. Start by connecting the TSNM MKII to the Crazy Chicken Dance module. Use a patch cable to connect the pressure CV output of the TSNM MKII to the amplitude control input of the Crazy Chicken Dance. This will modulate the amplitude of the LFO waveform.
  2. Next, connect the output of the Crazy Chicken Dance to one of the channels of the Black Quad VCA2. Use a patch cable to connect the output of the Crazy Chicken Dance to the input of the Black Quad VCA2.
  3. Now, connect one of the outputs of the Black Quad VCA2 to the M-610 Black mixer. Use a patch cable to connect one of the outputs of the Black Quad VCA2 to one of the input channels of the M-610 Black.
  4. Finally, connect the output of the M-610 Black mixer to your speakers or audio interface. Use a patch cable to connect the output of the M-610 Black to your audio output device.

Now, when you play a note on the TSNM MKII keyboard, the pressure sensitivity will modulate the amplitude of the LFO waveform generated by the Crazy Chicken Dance. This modulated waveform will then pass through the Black Quad VCA2, which will control the overall volume. The mixed output will then be sent to the M-610 Black mixer, which will combine the signals from the Black Quad VCA2 and other sources if desired. Finally, the mixed output will be sent to your speakers or audio interface for sound output.

This basic setup allows you to create rhythmic modulation effects by controlling the amplitude of the LFO with the pressure-sensitivity of the TSNM MKII keyboard. Experiment with different LFO waveforms and modulation depths to create unique rhythmic patterns and explore the possibilities of modular synthesis. Have fun exploring the modular magic!

In this intermediate-level usage example, let's explore how you can combine the TSNM MKII, M-610 Black, Crazy Chicken Dance, Black Quad VCA2, and Behringer ABACUS to create a unique and dynamic Eurorack build.

First, we'll start with the TSNM MKII. Use its pressure sensing keyboard controller to play a monophonic sequence, utilizing the built-in arpeggiator and sequencer. Set the transposition distance to create interesting melodic variations.

Next, connect the TSNM MKII to the M-610 Black. Use the M-610 as a 6-channel stereo mixer to blend the audio signals from different modules in your Eurorack setup. Adjust the level sliders and pan/balance pots to achieve the desired mix.

To add modulation and rhythmic elements, introduce the Crazy Chicken Dance module. Use its LFO capabilities to create evolving waveforms, either by setting the tempo manually or tapping a tempo button. Modulate the TSNM MKII's pressure output and other parameters with the Crazy Chicken Dance module for added expressiveness.

Now, let's bring in the Black Quad VCA2. Use this versatile module to control the levels of the audio signals coming from the M-610 Black. Experiment with both linear and logarithmic response settings to shape the sound. You can also use the Black Quad VCA2 as a signal mixer by not applying any CV modulation.

Lastly, integrate the Behringer ABACUS into the setup. Connect this analog music computer to the TSNM MKII and use it to generate long envelopes or LFO signals. Modulate the tempo and depth of modulation to create evolving and dynamic musical events. Experiment with the ABACUS' control knobs to amplify, attenuate, integrate, or invert incoming signals for unlimited creative possibilities.

By combining the TSNM MKII, M-610 Black, Crazy Chicken Dance, Black Quad VCA2, and Behringer ABACUS, you can create a modular magic experience that blends expressive performance, mixing capabilities, modulation, and complex modulation techniques for unlimited creativity in your Eurorack build.

Further Thoughts

To create a modular magic setup with the TSNM MKII, M-610 Black, Crazy Chicken Dance, Black Quad VCA2, and Behringer ABACUS, follow these steps:

  1. Start by connecting the TSNM MKII to the M-610 Black. Use the TSNM MKII as a pressure sensing keyboard controller, arpeggiator, sequencer, envelope generator. The TSNM MKII features 12 note plates with pressure sensing capability, giving you maximum human control through the dedicated CV output. Take advantage of the arpeggiator, sequencer, quantizer, and pressure CV recorder to create melodic sequences with precise control over pitch and modulation.
  2. Use the outputs of the TSNM MKII to control the Black Quad VCA2. The Black Quad VCA2 is a versatile four-channel voltage-controlled amplifier and mixer module. Route the CV outputs of the TSNM MKII to the CV inputs of the Black Quad VCA2 to modulate the amplitude of audio signals or control voltages. Experiment with the selectable linear/logarithmic response for each channel and the manual CV bias and signal level adjustment to shape the character of your sounds.
  3. Introduce the Crazy Chicken Dance module into the mix. The Crazy Chicken Dance is an LFO with eight waveforms to choose from, including ramp up, ramp down, square, triangle, sine, u-shape, sample and hold style random levels, and random slopes. Connect the Crazy Chicken Dance to the Black Quad VCA2 to modulate the amplitude or other parameters of your audio signals. Use the tap-tempo function or external clock signal to synchronize the LFO to your desired tempo.
  4. Finally, incorporate the Behringer ABACUS into your setup. The ABACUS is an analog music computer module inspired by Buchla's legendary 257 and 281 analog synthesizers. Use the ABACUS to generate musical envelopes or LFO signals of various lengths and speeds. Take advantage of its unique feature set to modulate the parameters of other modules in your setup, including the TSNM MKII, Black Quad VCA2, and Crazy Chicken Dance. Experiment with the control knobs to amplify, attenuate, integrate, or invert incoming signals and unlock unlimited creative possibilities.

By combining the TSNM MKII, M-610 Black, Crazy Chicken Dance, Black Quad VCA2, and Behringer ABACUS in your modular setup, you can create intricate and evolving musical compositions with precise control over pitch, modulation, amplitude, and more. Let your imagination run wild and explore the endless possibilities of modular magic.

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