The Signal Switch module is a versatile mute module with eight stages, featuring vactrols to avoid clicks and provide a fade-out effect. It offers internal routing and can be split into two independent floors, allowing for various combinations depending on your needs.
Nijel is a user-customizable distortion module that allows you to change its character by plugging in components directly to the front panel. It comes with a set of small components for experimentation, and preset cartridges are available separately for instant access to different sounds.
This 2 Shall Pass is a dual passive XOR module that can do interesting things to your signal. By patching it in different ways, you can achieve XOR-like behavior or create voltage-controlled ring modulation effects. It's an easy module to build, making it a great introduction to soldering SMD components.
Switched Mult 1U is a chainable, passive signal multiplier with six jacks and a 3-position switch for asymmetrical routings. It allows you to route an input signal to multiple outputs simultaneously, making it useful for a range of scenarios. It also features Link connectors for connecting other 3-pin Link devices.
Total Recall Silver is a 3-channel CV preset manager, multistage, and macro controller. It offers a versatile control voltage generation, attenuation, and attenuationverter capabilities. It includes an 8-preset CV manager with two banks, allowing for instant, slewed, or continuous changes between stored CV values. Additionally, it features a 3-channel macro CV generator with smooth control via CV, trigger, or manual input.
By combining these modules, eurorack enthusiasts can achieve unique and dynamic sound manipulations, making their modular setups even more exciting and expressive. :internal_private_article_id: ph-modular-signal-switch_neutral-labs-nijel_nonlinearcircuits-this-2-shall-pass_intellijel-switched-mult-1u_endorphin-es-total-recall-silver
Mutating Signals: The Art of Combining Signal Switch, Nijel, This 2 Shall Pass, Switched Mult 1U, and Total Recall Silver
In the ever-evolving world of Eurorack modular synthesis, the possibilities are endless. With a vast array of modules available, it can be challenging to find the perfect combination that suits your creative needs. In this article, we explore the art of combining the Signal Switch, Nijel, This 2 Shall Pass, Switched Mult 1U, and Total Recall Silver modules in a Eurorack setup.
First up, let's talk about the Signal Switch module. This versatile mute module boasts eight stages and features vactrols to avoid clicks and provide a smooth fade-out effect. The Signal Switch offers internal routing and can even be split into two independent floors, allowing for various combinations depending on your needs. This module is perfect for adding dynamic and expressive control to your signal path.
Next, we have the Nijel module from Neutral Labs. Nijel is a user-customizable distortion module that allows you to change its character by plugging in components directly to the front panel. This means you can experiment with different diodes, capacitors, and resistors to shape your sound. The module comes with a set of small components for experimentation, and if you're looking for instant access to different sounds, preset cartridges are available separately.
If you're looking to add some unique modulation effects to your setup, the This 2 Shall Pass module from Nonlinearcircuits is worth exploring. This dual passive XOR module can do interesting things to your signal. By patching it in different ways, you can achieve XOR-like behavior or create voltage-controlled ring modulation effects. It's also worth noting that this module is relatively easy to build, making it a great introduction to soldering SMD components.
To expand your signal routing options, the Switched Mult 1U module from Intellijel is an excellent addition to your modular arsenal. This chainable, passive signal multiplier features six jacks and a convenient 3-position switch for asymmetrical routings. It allows you to route an input signal to multiple outputs simultaneously, making it incredibly useful for a range of scenarios. Additionally, it features Link connectors for connecting other 3-pin Link devices, offering even more possibilities for expanding your setup.
Last but not least, we have the Total Recall Silver module from Endorphin.es. This module is a 3-channel CV preset manager, multistage, and macro controller. It offers a versatile control voltage generation, attenuation, and attenuationverter capabilities. With its 8-preset CV manager and two banks, you can achieve instant, slewed, or continuous changes between stored CV values. Furthermore, the Total Recall Silver features a 3-channel macro CV generator with smooth control via CV, trigger, or manual input. It's a powerful tool for shaping and modulating your sound in real-time.
By combining the Signal Switch, Nijel, This 2 Shall Pass, Switched Mult 1U, and Total Recall Silver modules, eurorack enthusiasts can achieve unique and dynamic sound manipulations. These modules offer a wide range of creative possibilities, allowing you to explore new sonic territories and make your modular setup even more exciting and expressive. Whether you're a seasoned modular enthusiast or just starting your journey, these modules are sure to spark your creativity and open up new avenues for sonic exploration.
Example Usage
In this Novice-level example, let's explore how we can combine the Signal Switch, Nijel, This 2 Shall Pass, Switched Mult 1U, and Total Recall Silver modules in a creative way.
- Start by connecting an audio signal source, such as a synthesizer or drum machine, to the input of the Signal Switch module.
- Use the illuminated push buttons on the Signal Switch module to selectively mute or pass the incoming audio signal. Experiment with muting different stages to create dynamic variations in your sound.
- Take the output of the Signal Switch module and send it to the input of the Nijel module. The Nijel module allows you to customize the character of the audio signal by plugging in different components. Try experimenting with different diodes, capacitors, or resistors to create unique distortion effects.
- From the output of the Nijel module, send the signal to the inputs of the This 2 Shall Pass module. This module acts as a dual XOR circuit and can produce interesting signal transformations. Experiment with patching the inputs differently to achieve different results. For example, try using the top and bottom inputs for a close-to-XOR behavior or use the middle input for voltage-controlled modulation.
- Take the output of the This 2 Shall Pass module and route it to one of the inputs of the Switched Mult 1U module. The Switched Mult 1U module allows you to multiply the signal and send it to multiple destinations simultaneously. In this case, we can send the signal to two different destinations for further processing.
- Connect one of the outputs from the Switched Mult 1U module to a separate audio effect or module of your choice. This will allow you to apply additional processing, such as filtering or modulation, to the multiplied signal.
- Finally, take the output of the effect or module from step 6 and send it to one of the inputs of the Total Recall Silver module. The Total Recall Silver module is a preset manager and multistage controller, which can be used to recall and manipulate different CV values.
- Experiment with the presets and macro controls on the Total Recall Silver module to create evolving and expressive modulation patterns. Use the CV outputs from the Total Recall Silver module to control parameters on other modules in your Eurorack setup, creating complex and evolving soundscapes.
By combining the Signal Switch, Nijel, This 2 Shall Pass, Switched Mult 1U, and Total Recall Silver modules in this way, you can explore a wide range of creative possibilities and achieve unique and expressive sound results.
For this intermediate-level usage example, let's create a patch that explores the creative possibilities of combining the Signal Switch, Nijel, This 2 Shall Pass, Switched Mult 1U, and Total Recall Silver modules:
- Start by sending a sequence from your sequencer into the Signal Switch module's Input 1. This will act as our main melodic line.
- Route the output of the Signal Switch's Output 1 to one of the inputs of the Nijel module. This will allow us to add some distortion to the melodic line.
- Experiment with different components plugged into the Nijel module to shape the character of the distortion. Try selecting different diodes, capacitors, or resistors to achieve the desired effect.
- Take the output of the Nijel module and send it to one of the inputs of the Switched Mult 1U module. This will serve as our main distorted melody.
- Use the Switched Mult 1U's 3-position switch to route the distorted melody to other destinations. For example, you can set the switch to the "Y bus" position and send the signal to a filter module for further processing.
- Connect the Switched Mult 1U's output to another input on the Signal Switch module. This will allow us to create variations of the distorted melody.
- Repeat steps 3-6 for the second channel of the Signal Switch, Nijel, and Switched Mult 1U modules.
- Take the outputs of both Switched Mult 1U modules and route them to separate inputs of the Total Recall Silver module.
- Use the Total Recall Silver module's preset manager functionality to store and recall different combinations of the distorted melodies. This will give you instant access to a variety of sound textures in your performance.
- Experiment with adjusting the preset CV values of the Total Recall Silver module using triggers, CV signals, or manually. This will allow you to dynamically change the sound during your performance.
By combining the Signal Switch, Nijel, This 2 Shall Pass, Switched Mult 1U, and Total Recall Silver modules in this way, you can create complex and evolving distorted melodies with extensive control and variation options. Have fun exploring and pushing the boundaries of your eurorack system!
Further Thoughts
In this example, we will explore how to creatively combine the Signal Switch, Nijel, This 2 Shall Pass, Switched Mult 1U, and Total Recall Silver modules to create unique and dynamic sound manipulations in a Eurorack setup.
First, let's use the Signal Switch module to mute and fade signals in interesting ways. Connect your desired audio sources to the inputs of the Signal Switch module and route the outputs to different destinations. By activating and deactivating the illuminated push buttons, you can selectively mute or pass the signals through. The use of vactrols helps achieve clean and discreet muting with a subtle fade-out effect, avoiding any unpleasant clicking sounds. You can also experiment with the internal routing options of the module by using the passive multiple function, allowing you to create different combinations of signal routing based on your needs.
Next, let's introduce some distortion into the mix using the Nijel module. This module offers user-customizable distortion by allowing you to plug in various components like diodes, capacitors, or resistors directly into its front panel. By experimenting with different component combinations, you can shape the character of the distortion to suit your creative vision. Additionally, you can explore the use of preset cartridges (sold separately) to instantly access a wide variety of pre-designed distortion sounds.
To further manipulate the signals, we can utilize the This 2 Shall Pass module. Originally inspired by a vintage XOR circuit, this module provides intriguing signal processing possibilities. To achieve classic XOR behavior, patch your signals into the top and bottom inputs, leaving the middle input empty. However, you can also explore voltage-controlled XOR-like effects by sending a control voltage (CV) signal to the middle input while simultaneously routing audio signals to the top and bottom inputs. By switching the signals across different inputs and experimenting with various input combinations, you can achieve unique and unexpected results, ranging from ring modulation-like effects to voltage-controlled ring modulation textures.
To expand our signal routing capabilities, let's incorporate the Switched Mult 1U module. This module serves as a passive signal multiplier, allowing you to route one input signal to multiple outputs simultaneously. By utilizing the three-position switch, you can configure each jack to function as a mult of the X bus, a mult of the Y bus, or be turned off entirely. This flexibility enables complex and asymmetrical routings, which can be beneficial for tasks such as triggering different envelopes or distributing mults across your Eurorack system. Moreover, the built-in 3-pin Link connectors allow for seamless integration with other 3-pin Link devices, such as the XY I/O 1U module or additional Switched Mult 1U modules.
Lastly, let's incorporate the Total Recall Silver module to add macro control and preset management capabilities to our setup. With its 3-channel control voltage generator/attenuator/attenuverter functionality, this module empowers you to shape and modulate your signals precisely. You can store and recall up to eight different preset CV values in bipolar or unipolar formats. Additionally, the macro CV generator offers smooth control over minimum and maximum values via CV, trigger, or manual input. The high-resolution SDADCs and DACs ensure accurate CV acquisition and output, respectively. By integrating the Total Recall Silver module into your setup, you can add dynamic and expressive modulation possibilities to your Eurorack system.
In conclusion, by combining the Signal Switch, Nijel, This 2 Shall Pass, Switched Mult 1U, and Total Recall Silver modules, you can create a truly versatile and expressive Eurorack setup. These modules provide a wide range of signal manipulation options, from muting and fading to distortion shaping, XOR-like processing, signal routing, and macro modulation control. With their creative potential and flexible functionalities, these modules can inspire you to explore new sonic territories and unleash your artistic vision in the world of modular synthesis.