The 'This 2 Shall Pass' module, designed by nonlinearcircuits, is a peculiar and charismatic tool for any eurorack user, both in its functionality and its DIY nature. This unique logical warrior springs from the ingenuity of the analog XOR concept seen in the electronics magazines of the '70s. Don't be misled by its ancestry, as this exclusive module is not just a resurrected gadget from the past, but a progressive reincarnation for contemporary modular synthesists.
At the heart of this module lurks a dual passive-aggressive XOR. While it may seem intimidating to the uninitiated, it reveals its cooperative nature as your understanding deepens. Contrary to most XOR implementations, it maintains three inputs offering the flexibility of switching roles between a passive XOR, a voltage-controlled “pseudo-XOR,” or even imitating the uncanny behaviour of a ring modulator.
For the XOR traditionalists, injecting your signals in the top and bottom inputs while leaving the middle input vacant will conjure similar behavior to classic XOR. If an audacious experimentation overwhelms you, then treat the middle socket with some CV signal love and witness the birth of a signal that impersonates an XOR but dabbles amid the confines of voltage control.
Incrementing the complexity and fun factor of the usage, try routing your signals differently across the inputs. This module doesn't play favorites, so send it gates, audio-rate signals, and even CVs, or let them all party together! Normally, with audio signals, the 'This 2 Shall Pass' emulates the soundscape of a ring modulator. However, add a CV into the middle input, and suddenly you find yourself in the realm of a voltage-controlled ring modulator.
Stepping away from its Boolean prowess, let's explore its hand-on aspect. This module could be your first thrilling step into the world of DIY synth modules, as the 'This 2 Shall Pass' is perhaps the most straightforward nonlinearcircuits module to assemble. It serves as a gentle and enjoyable introduction to soldering Surface Mount Device (SMD) components.
It is to be noted that nonlinearcircuits doesn't provide assembled modules directly but several builders globally recreate and sell NLC modules. A quick email to NLC can fetch you a list.
In closing, the 'This 2 Shall Pass' module is an intriguing bookmark in the ever-growing eurorack library. Its multiple roles, achieved by varying sequences of patching, unlock a world of sonic possibilities, making it an enticing choice for the curious and creatively adventurous electronic music enthusiast.
Example Usage
Novice-level usage example:
To start exploring the creative possibilities of the Passive-Aggressive XOR module, let's begin with a basic setup. Connect an audio source, like a synthesizer or drum machine, to the top input of the module and another audio source to the bottom input. Then, connect the output of the module to your speakers or audio interface.
Next, adjust the levels of the audio sources and start playing them simultaneously. Notice how the Passive-Aggressive XOR module adds an interesting effect to the sound. It creates a sort of ring modulation effect, where the harmonic content of the two audio sources interacts in unique and unexpected ways.
Now, let's take it a step further and introduce some modulation. Connect a control voltage (CV) source, such as an LFO or envelope generator, to the middle input of the module. Experiment with different CV waveforms and rates to modulate the XOR effect.
By changing the combinations of audio sources and CV inputs, you can achieve a wide range of sonic textures and transformations. This module is all about experimentation, so don't be afraid to mix different types of signals or try unconventional patching.
Remember, the Passive-Aggressive XOR module is a great starting point for beginners in soldering SMD components. If you're interested in building this module yourself, reach out to the listed builders provided by NLC for assistance.
Start unlocking the sonic potential of the Passive-Aggressive XOR module and let your creativity soar!
A creative usage example for the Passive-Aggressive XOR module:
In this patch, we will explore the unique sonic possibilities of the Passive-Aggressive XOR module by creating a rhythmic gate pattern with a touch of randomness.
First, let's set up the patch. Take an LFO module and assign it to the CV input of the Passive-Aggressive XOR module. Adjust the LFO rate to a moderate speed, around 4Hz.
Next, connect a clock source to the top input of the Passive-Aggressive XOR module. This could be a sequencer or a drum machine generating a steady beat.
Now, take a random source module and connect it to the bottom input of the Passive-Aggressive XOR module. Adjust the random source to output random gate signals.
To add some unpredictability, connect a modulation source to the middle input of the Passive-Aggressive XOR module. This could be another LFO or an envelope generator producing varying voltages.
As you start the clock source, you'll notice that the Passive-Aggressive XOR module combines the rhythmic pattern from the clock with the sporadic gate signals generated by the random source. The modulation source adds a touch of chaos, altering the behavior of both inputs.
Experiment with different clock rates, random sources, and modulation sources to discover various rhythmic patterns and textures. You'll find that the Passive-Aggressive XOR module can breathe life into your compositions with its unique blend of controlled aggression and unpredictability.
Remember, the beauty of eurorack modular synthesis is in the exploration and experimentation. Embrace the happy accidents and let the Passive-Aggressive XOR module unlock new sonic possibilities in your music.
Further Thoughts
One creative usage example for the Passive-Aggressive XOR module would be to create a dynamic and evolving drum pattern. Patch the top input with a drum loop, the bottom input with a random gate sequence, and the middle input with an LFO signal. As you adjust the LFO rate, you'll notice the XOR module adding sporadic gates to the drum loop, injecting an unpredictable and glitchy texture to your pattern. Experiment with different LFO shapes and rates to explore various rhythmic possibilities. This module's ability to transform ordinary drum loops into complex and highly intriguing patterns makes it a valuable tool for those seeking unique and unconventional electronic music production techniques.