This article delves into the creative realm of constructing distinctive soundscapes by interweaving the unique capabilities of the NLC I Was Sitting in a Room module, the Bastl Pizza module, and the Doepfer A-101-8 Photo Phaser module in a Eurorack setup. Alongside, it highlights the NLC More Black Panel module for crafting individual cowbell circuits and the AMSynths AM8109SE JP-8 Filters module for emulating filters from the renowned Roland Jupiter 8 and 4 synthesizers. These modules collectively offer an array of sonic possibilities to captivate and innovate within your Eurorack system.
The NLC I Was Sitting in a Room module introduces nine PT2399 chips in series, delivering a distinct delay effect with a touch of noise for experimental sound manipulations. Through its multiple outputs and feedback options, this module opens doors to pseudo stereo, multi-phonic, and spatialization effects, enabling immersive soundscapes.
On the other hand, the Bastl Pizza module stands out as a complex oscillator powerhouse, offering three internal oscillators with diverse wave-shaping capabilities. With features like phase modulation, wave folding, ring modulation, and various waveform outputs, the Pizza module provides ample room for sonic exploration and modulation possibilities to sculpt unique timbres.
Transitioning to the Doepfer A-101-8 Photo Phaser module, it revives the vintage phasing effects of the Compact Phasing A from the seventies with a contemporary twist. Utilizing light-sensitive resistors and LEDs, this 8-stage phase shifter module offers precise control over phasing offset, modulation depth, feedback, and mixing ratio, presenting classic phase shifting effects enriched with modern control options for enhanced creativity.
Moreover, the NLC More Black Panel module injects the charm of TR-808 cowbell circuits into your setup, allowing for customizable frequencies and external signal patching to tailor the cowbell sounds to your liking. Originally conceived as a playful endeavor, this module surprises with its sonic character and potential for rhythmic accents in your compositions.
Lastly, the AMSynths AM8109SE JP-8 Filters module brings forth the iconic filters from the Roland Jupiter 8 and 4 synthesizers in a 2 and 4 pole OTA design. With a focus on warm and smooth filtering, this module offers precise control over cutoff frequency, resonance, and filter slopes, replicating the nostalgic tones of the early 1980s with a touch of modern functionality for expressive sound shaping.
By combining these diverse modules in your Eurorack system, you embark on a sonic journey filled with innovative textures, evolving delays, intricate oscillations, vintage phasing, resonant cowbells, and classic filter tones, enriching your musical creations with depth, character, and boundless creativity.
Example Usage
Novice-Level Usage Example:
To create a unique and evolving soundscape, let's combine the following Eurorack modules: Nonlinear Circuits I Was Sitting in a Room, Bastl Instruments Pizza, and Doepfer A-101-8 Photo Phaser.
- Start by patching the output of the Nonlinear Circuits I Was Sitting in a Room module to the input of the Doepfer A-101-8 Photo Phaser module.
- Adjust the voltage controlled delay time on the Nonlinear Circuits module to introduce varying delays into the signal processed by the Doepfer Photo Phaser.
- Experiment with different outputs from the Nonlinear Circuits module to feed back into the feedback input of the Doepfer module. Try using odd and even numbered outputs for different effects.
- Explore the wave-shaping capabilities of the Bastl Instruments Pizza module by modulating the FM Index crossfader with signals from the Nonlinear Circuits and Doepfer modules.
- Use the Doepfer A-101-8 Photo Phaser’s phase shifting controls to further manipulate the sound and create spatial stereo effects.
- Play with the controls and inputs of all three modules to sculpt a rich and dynamic sonic landscape that evolves over time.
By combining the unique features of these modules, you can craft immersive soundscapes that push the boundaries of traditional delay and phasing effects. Experiment, have fun, and let your creativity flow!
Usage Example:
Start by patching the "I Was Sitting in a Room" module by Nonlinear Circuits. Take the output from one of the fixed delays, let's say stage 3, and route it through the SHAPE section of the Bastl Instruments Pizza module using the FM Index crossfader. Adjust the wave shaping and modulation depth to taste.
Next, take the output from the Pizza module and feed it into the Doepfer A-101-8 Photo Phaser's audio input. Experiment with the phase shift offset, modulation depth, and mixing ratio controls to create evolving spatialization effects. You can also try adjusting the feedback/resonance to further shape the sound.
Finally, explore using the Pizza module's different waveform outputs to modulate the A-101-8 Photo Phaser, adding extra movement and texture to your sonic landscape. Don't forget to utilize the assignable CTRL knob and CV inputs on the Pizza module for dynamic control over the patch.
This unique combination of modules will allow you to craft rich and evolving soundscapes, full of depth and character, perfect for adding a touch of avant-garde flair to your compositions.
Further Thoughts
In this advanced setup, we will explore the creation of unique soundscapes by combining the "I Was Sitting In A Room" delay module from Nonlinear Circuits with the "Pizza" oscillator module from Bastl Instruments, and the "A-101-8 Photo Phasing" module from Doepfer.
- Begin by patching the output of the "I Was Sitting In A Room" module into the FM Index of the "Pizza" oscillator module. This will introduce dynamic frequency modulation to your sound.
- Take one of the outputs (such as the square-sine-saw waveshaper) from the "Pizza" oscillator and route it through a voltage-controlled filter (VCF) or phase shifter. Adjust the filter cutoff or phase shift amount to add spatialization effects to the sound.
- Next, take the output of the processed signal from the filter or phase shifter and feed it back into the feedback input of the "I Was Sitting In A Room" module. Experiment with different feedback paths and processing techniques to shape the sound further.
- Use the "A-101-8 Photo Phasing" module to create evolving phase shifting textures in conjunction with the delay and oscillator modules. Adjust the phase shift offset, modulation depth, and feedback controls to blend the phased signals with your delayed and processed oscillator sounds.
- For added complexity and depth, try modulating the parameters of all three modules using a sequencer, LFO, or random voltage source. This will introduce evolving timbral changes and movement to your soundscapes.
By creatively combining the unique features of these modules, you can craft intricate and immersive sonic textures that push the boundaries of traditional delay and phasing effects. Experimentation and exploration are key in discovering new sonic territories within the realm of modular synthesis.