This article delves into the enchanting world of sequencing in Eurorack with a focus on the Leaves Expander by Mystic Circuits and the Berlin School by Frequency Central. Alongside these modules, the piece also explores the Reverse Landfill Blur for analog video filtering, the AJH Synth MiniMod Muting Mixer & VCA for audio mixing, and the Ritual Electronics Altar II, a revised 3-pole SVF. Discover how these modules intertwine to shape mesmerizing sonic landscapes in your Eurorack setup.
Voltage sequencing expander for Tree and other Turing Machine hosts.
Leaves is a versatile voltage sequencing expander for Tree and any other modules that host Turing Machine Expanders. Leaves enables many complex sequencing possibilities with multiple inputs and outputs and the capability to daisy chain many expanders to a single host. Designed with non-linear sequencing in mind, Leaves is the beginning of a set of expanders intended to grow Tree from a unique sequential switch into the center of a flexible modular sequencing environment.
Each of Leaves four outputs correspond to a different range of sliders, and each output has its own dedicated transpose input. All outputs can have a 0 - 5V range, but by default, the final output has a 0 - 2V range, making it more useful for note sequencing. The eye-catching eight color LED rainbow on the sliders corresponds to the colors on the host Tree, facilitating the identification of active steps across multiple expanders.
Leaves uses the open source Turing Machine expansion protocol, allowing it to attach easily to classic Turing Machines, Vert, and other Turing Machine clones. The expander ports are buffered at the input to prevent issues when chaining multiple modules and duplicated for straightforward daisy chaining.
(https://www.mysticcircuits.com/product/leaves-expander)
Flexible 8 Step Analogue Sequencer
Berlin School is a blend of a classic CD4017 based analogue sequencer controlled by a microcontroller, offering novel features like onboard clock divisions, quantized output, quantized manual & voltage controlled transpose, and 4/6/8 step sequence options.
(https://frequencycentral.co.uk/product/berlin-school/)
Analog video filter
The Reverse Landfill Blur module uses a lowpass filter to create blur and softening trail effects. With features like blur amount adjustment, gain control, 3 blur range settings, and CV control over the dry/wet signal, this module offers creative possibilities for video manipulation in your Eurorack setup.
(https://www.reverselandfill.org/blur/)
Audio mixer & VCA
The AJH Synth MiniMod Muting Mixer & VCA is a versatile 5-channel audio mixer with mute switches and a VCA with selectable linear/exponential response. It also includes a soft overdrive circuit for adding warmth and distortion to your sound. This module is a powerful tool for audio mixing and shaping in your Eurorack system.
(https://ajhsynth.com/MutingMixer.html)
Revised discrete 3-pole SVF
The Ritual Electronics Altar II is a voltage-controlled 3-pole, 18dB/octave state-variable discrete filter with a second input. With smooth crossfading between bandpass, lowpass, and highpass modes, voltage-controlled resonance and gain circuits, and excellent tracking capabilities, the Altar II offers rich sound sculpting possibilities for your Eurorack synthesis setup.
(https://ritualelectronics.com/products/altar-ii/)
Example Usage
To create a simple sequenced melody using the modules, connect the Berlin School sequencer to the Leaves Expander. Set the Berlin School to an 8-step sequence with quantized output. Patch the quantized CV output from the Berlin School into one of the transpose inputs on the Leaves Expander. Then, patch the output from the Leaves Expander to a VCO to hear the sequenced melody.
Experiment with adjusting the sliders on the Leaves Expander to introduce non-linear changes to the sequence. You can also try modulating the sliders using LFOs or envelopes for evolving melodies. Additionally, explore daisy chaining multiple Leaves Expanders to create even more intricate and evolving sequences.
This setup allows for creative manipulation of voltage sequencing, adding depth and complexity to your Eurorack compositions. Have fun exploring different settings and configurations to discover unique and captivating sequences for your modular adventures!
For an intricate sequencing setup blending the Mystic Circuits Leaves Expander with the Frequency Central Berlin School sequencer, you can create a mesmerizing evolving pattern. Start by patching the Berlin School's quantized output into the Leaves Expander's transpose input. Utilize the Berlin School's clock divisions to modulate the Leaves Expander's slider ranges dynamically. You can then cascade the outputs of the Leaves Expander back into the Berlin School's CV inputs for intricate melodic transformations. Experiment with different step sequences on the Berlin School while using the non-linear sequencing capabilities of the Leaves Expander to introduce subtle variations and organic movements to your sequences. This combination opens up a realm of possibilities for crafting evolving Berlin School-inspired sequences with a touch of unpredictability and depth.
Further Thoughts
In this sequencing sorcery setup, we will delve into the mystical realms of voltage manipulation and sonic exploration by combining the Mystic Circuits Leaves Expander, the Frequency Central Berlin School, and the Reverse Landfill Blur modules.
We will start by using the Mystic Circuits Leaves Expander to generate intricate voltage sequences that will drive our composition. With its non-linear sequencing capabilities and multiple inputs and outputs, the Leaves Expander will add a touch of unpredictability and depth to our sonic tapestry.
Next, we will introduce the Frequency Central Berlin School into the mix. This flexible 8-step analogue sequencer, under the control of a microcontroller, will bring a classic yet innovative approach to our sequencing journey. With features like onboard clock divisions, quantized output, and manual/voltage-controlled transpose options, the Berlin School will provide rhythmic nuances and evolving patterns to our sonic landscape.
To add a visual dimension to our sonic odyssey, we will incorporate the Reverse Landfill Blur module. This analog video filter will introduce blur and softening effects to our video output, creating mesmerizing visual accompaniments to our evolving soundscapes. With its blur amount potentiometer, gain adjustments, and video rate CV control, the Blur module will enhance the immersive experience of our performance.
By intertwining the voltage sequencing prowess of the Leaves Expander, the rhythmic versatility of the Berlin School, and the visual enchantment of the Blur module, we will embark on a sonic journey that transcends traditional sequencing paradigms. Through experimentation and exploration, we will unlock new realms of creativity and expression in our Eurorack setup, demonstrating the true sorcery of modular synthesis.