Tapping into the heart of classic gear, the Nonlinearcircuits Isolate module brings the bygone times of vintage music equipment back to life with a wealth of grippingly nostalgic sound character. Much like the veritable SP-808 — an integral part of the late 90s music scene — this Eurorack module boasts two manually controlled EQ filters, showcasing an aesthetic that pairs seamlessly with our current modular music making process.
Reminiscing about my time spent in Japan during its vibrant late-90s music scene, there was a certain joy in tweaking the filters on SP-808s, nurturing the ambient sound birthed from the synergy of the Korg ER-1, the Pinky, and other hardware. As then, this joy can still be replicated today, but this time around, our stage is the modular setup and the revered star of the show is the Nonlinearcircuits Isolate module.
The simplicity of the Nonlinearcircuits Isolate module is perhaps its most enchanting quality. All things considered, it is straightforward, devoid of digital frills or overly complex features. Its design, though seemingly effortless, is laden with the contemplative nostalgia of early 70's electronics hobby magazines. It subtly breathes fresh life into an organic sound design approach, reminding us of the roots of our musical journey.
Probing deeper into its intricacies and utility, the Isolate module enhances incoming signals with an approximate 1.5x boost. This kink creates a notable difference in sound quality and output, providing a unique flavor that sets the module apart in the Eurorack ecosystem. This tweak is a testament to its vintage design ethos, one where the user would make changes directly on the circuit board to produce differing results. However, in the modern eurorack world the changes are made within the module, still maintaining that hands-on modulation interaction that modular synthesis users cherish.
Without a doubt, the Isolate module invigorates life into percussive elements. Serving up an enticing invitation for users to feed it drum sequences and tweak the results, it pledges an expressive and unprecedented dynamic for sound design and music creation. The Isolate module, when paired with an array intricate melody sequences, byte-bursting beats or even simple drum lines, unfolds a spectacular display of sound manipulation possibilities.
Ultimately, the Nonlinearcircuits Isolate module enliven the modular synthesis community with its authentic vintage design and encouraging hands-on operational feel. Its DIY edge and the love for 70s culture resonate through each noise it modulates and every signal it boosts, making every dial maneuver an adventure in sound. Paying a touching tribute to classic tools like the SP-808, it offers a reminder that even as we embrace the future of sound engineering, the past has a deep-seated influence on how we shape sonic landscapes.
Example Usage
To start exploring the Nonlinearcircuits Isolate Dual EQ Filters, let's dive into a simple setup to give beginners a taste of its capabilities. The Isolate module comprises two manually controlled EQ filters, designed for adding that vintage vibe to your modular setup. Each filter is based on a core circuit reminiscent of the PGM Isolator, combining old-school charm with modern modular flexibility.
Begin by patching a drum machine or drum loop into one of the inputs on the Isolate module. The unique input stage slightly boosts the signal, enhancing the nuances of your audio content. Applying it directly to drums will allow you to appreciate its ability to shape and enhance rhythms. The filters provide two distinct EQ sections, each controlled manually, offering a tactile approach to sculpting your sound.
Turn the knobs of the filters slowly to understand how each affects your audio. One of the most rewarding aspects of the Isolate module is its hands-on quality, enabling you to draw out resonances or dial back frequencies to easily create new textures. Notice how the module can enhance lows for punch or shape the highs for clarity, all while maintaining the vintage character that makes the Isolate unique.
This simple exploration with drum sounds is an ideal way for novices to get acquainted with basic EQ shaping in a modular context. As you become more familiar with the Isolate, consider experimenting with other sound sources like a bassline or a synth patch. The tactile control and subtle signal boost will offer you endless possibilities to revive vintage vibes in your modern music-making.
To dive further into the enchanting world of vintage vibes, let's explore an intermediate usage example for the Nonlinearcircuits Isolate module. This dual EQ filter is perfect for those who want to add character to their sound, reminiscent of classic isolators yet offering the nuanced control that modular enthusiasts crave. Imagine your modular setup, weaving rhythmic tapestries using a robust sequence of drum beats. This is where the Isolate module comes into play.
Begin by routing a drum loop into the input of the first Isolate filter channel. You’ll notice the signal gets an immediate boost, thanks to the module's input stage, which increases the amplitude by approximately 1.5 times. This is optimal for ensuring that every tweak you make to the EQ is instantly noticeable. Now, engage the EQ controls. The magic lies in the manual operation, allowing you to sculpt the low, mid, and high frequencies with precision. This manual interaction gives you an authentic feel of the vintage isolators, reminiscent of playing with the SP-808s.
For a more profound experience, connect the second channel to another sound source, perhaps a bassline or a lead synth. This setup allows simultaneous filtering, imparting rich dynamics to your performance. By alternating your focus between channels, you can create intricate sonic landscapes that evolve over time. Feel free to experiment with different combinations of sounds and EQ settings, as the Nonlinearcircuits Isolate is designed to encourage exploration and creativity.
Finally, don’t forget the module’s potential for live performances. By adjusting the gain resistor on the input op amp (swap the default 15k resistor if necessary), you can tailor the input sensitivity to suit different environments or to match other equipment in your lineup, ensuring the Isolate seamlessly integrates into your live sets. This fine-tuning opens up new realms of experimentation, reminiscent of the classic DJ setups but with the deep, hands-on control offered by the Eurorack format.
Further Thoughts
To truly tap into the sonic potential of the Nonlinearcircuits Isolate Dual EQ filters, we can start by integrating them with a classic drum module setup, providing an ideal playground for these EQ filters to shine. Connect the output of a percussion module, such as the Mutable Instruments Peaks or the Erica Synths Pico Drums, into the input of the Isolate Dual EQ. This module acts as a sculptor for the sound, allowing you to carve out specific frequencies and amplify or attenuate each range to your liking.
The Isolate's ability to manually control the frequency bands gives a sense of old-school hands-on tweaking reminiscent of vintage DJ mixers, where the physical interaction is as much a part of the performance as the sound itself. By boosting the signal at the input stage, drum sounds can be made punchier, with an energetic presence that cuts through any mix. For instance, amplifying the high frequencies can emphasize the crispness of hi-hats, while boosting the lows can lend a thunderous depth to the kick drum.
For a more experimental approach, try feeding the Isolate with signals from oscillators to create resonant peaks and dynamic sweeps by manually adjusting the EQ controls. This can lead to unexpected and thrilling soundscapes when paired with modulation sources like LFOs or envelopes. Incorporating subtle movements in the EQ filter bands can transform basic oscillator tones into intricate textural backgrounds or prominent lead voices.
Alternatively, integrating this EQ module with a set of samplers, such as TipTop Audio's One or the Qubit Nebulae, embodies the charm of retro broadcast equipment while ensuring modern modular flexibility. By layering and tweaking sampled material through the Isolate's responsive controls, you can achieve that sought-after warm, crunchy, and dynamic tonality akin to classic records, all while maintaining the immediacy and tactile feedback that only Eurorack can provide.
Ultimately, the Nonlinearcircuits Isolate inspires a connection to the past while offering a fresh and powerful tool for shaping sound in the ever-evolving landscape of modular synthesis. Whether you are looking to revive the quintessential vintage vibe or carve new sonic paths, these Dual EQ filters are both homage and innovation wrapped into a single compelling package.