Predominantly known for their boutique eurorack modules, After Later Audio's FFS Dual Fuzz Channel Module is a revolutionary offering. Based on the classic fuzz face circuit, the FFS module engages users with a dual-tone approach to fuzz amplification and a unique pickup simulator, providing an electrifying journey into the realm of deep, rich, and uniquely gritty sounds.
Eurorack enthusiasts enamored by the wild, audaciously loud, and envelope-pushing characteristics of fuzz tones will find the dual-channel design of the FFS module fascinating. The module's design centers around two channels, aptly named the 'Gnarly' and the 'Oomph'. Each channel is a dedicated fuzz circuit offering wildly different characteristics but unified by their commitment to exploration and raw auditory mayhem.
Let's delve into the beastly Gnarly first - a seven-knob monster that relishes the frenzied environment of whatever inputs are thrown at it. The Gnarly boasts many potentiometer - or 'pot' - dead zones that fluctuate based on the positions of other knobs. This design feature embodies the module's emphasis on exploration, coaxing users to unlock hidden sweet spots and surf the module's fine edge of sonic possibilities. Also, for those wanting an extra layer of customizability, the transistor pairs in this section can be replaced.
Complementing the esoteric characteristics of the Gnarly channel is the Oomph section. It's a bass-friendly revision of the fuzz face circuit, integrating seamlessly with the Gnarly’s abrasive upper harmonics. The Oomph's five knobs truly make it a versatile mate for the fuzzy embellishments a bass player would crave while being harmonically understated enough to preserve the nuanced characteristics of any input.
Another masterstroke from After Later Audio is the module's built-in pickup simulator - a concept scarcely seen in the eurorack universe. It simulates a guitar pickup coil's unique interaction with fuzz circuits, mimicking a signature tone regularly recommended to be placed first in any pedal chain. Moreover, there's a pickup simulator output to potentially create an awe-inspiring fuzz unit chain by interfacing it with other fuzz instruments like pedals and modules. The module also offers a quirky feature - the ability to input the guitar into the pickup sim output, generating eurorack level output.
A quick tip for all the Eurorack experimentalists out there: venture into the unchartered territories of sound design by exploring the relationship of the pickup simulator and buffered signal. The PS.Level knob can be nudged to keep the signal low, skirting on the edge of cutting out, which uncovers a wealth of possibilities in the wickedly unpredictable Gnarly section.
In summary, After Later Audio's FFS Dual Fuzz Channel Module is nothing shy of a proponent of next-level sonic existence. The eurorack module's interactive layout, intuitive design principles, bass-friendly fuzz tone, flexible configuration, and surging creative potential open the gateway to boundless intersecting streams of modulation, advanced techniques, customizability, and creative sound design. A must-have piece not just for fuzz enthusiasts but for everyone looking to electrify their modular setup.
Example Usage
To begin your journey with After Later Audio's FFS Dual Fuzz Channel Module, let’s explore how to harness its sonic potential at a novice level. Start by familiarizing yourself with the two distinct channels: 'Gnarly' and 'Oomph'. 'Gnarly', with its 7 knobs, is all about sculpting intense, saturated fuzz tones. Take your time to slowly adjust each knob and listen closely to how your tweaks interact, as this channel is known for its intriguing "dead zones" — areas where minute adjustments can dramatically alter the sound.
If you're looking for something more bass-friendly, 'Oomph' offers a 5-knob palette that complements the higher frequencies of 'Gnarly'. Begin by setting moderate levels on each knob and gradually fine-tune them. This will help you explore how the bass-focused characteristics bring depth and texture.
The built-in pickup simulator is your gateway to authentic guitar-like responses. Start by inputting your eurorack signal after adjusting the PS.Level (pickup simulator level) to taste. Lower settings on the PS.Level can create more dynamic responses, which can be thrilling when combined with 'Gnarly’s hair-raising harmonics.
A practical approach would be to keep the pickup simulator level just on the brink of cutting out, which can unlock a host of expressive opportunities in the 'Gnarly' channel, especially when you're experimenting at the edge of its capabilities for subtle overdrives or aggressive distortion.
For an unorthodox experiment, connect your guitar to the pickup sim output; just ensure it replaces the module's standard input. This peculiar feature maintains a eurorack level output while offering a delightful twist in your setup. Remember, when diving into these territories, sticking to beginner levels to avoid overwhelming results is crucial. Enjoy letting the profound and raw sounds of your FFS module reverberate through your sonic explorations!
To get started with After Later Audio's FFS Dual Fuzz Channel Module, let's dive into an intermediate patch setup that takes full advantage of its intriguing features. We'll explore how to integrate both the "Gnarly" and "Oomph" channels while using the built-in pickup simulator for a rich, textured fuzz experience that sits perfectly in a Eurorack setup.
Begin by patching your primary audio source into the PS (Pickup Simulator) Input of the FFS module. This can be a VCO providing a robust signal that emulates the characteristics of a guitar pickup, ensuring the distinct impedance effects that fuzz circuits crave. Dial in the PS.Level carefully, as this control dictates the overall texture—too high and you might lose the nuanced sweet spots, too low and the signal could fade into inaudibility. Strive for a balance that brings out the module's complex sonic palette.
With the signal prepped, route it through the Gnarly channel. Start adjusting the knobs, noting that due to the circuit's nature, tiny tweaks can result in significant changes, sometimes even silencing parts due to the dead zones between controls. Your goal is to explore the peripheries of these zones, finding those perfect edges where abrasive, chaotic fuzz transforms into musical nirvana.
To enrich the texture, patch the output from the Gnarly channel into the Oomph channel. This channel excels at augmenting lower frequencies and adding warmth, effectively complementing the high-energy harmonics generated by Gnarly. The interaction between these two channels can unleash layers of sonic complexity and dynamic depth.
Now, to demonstrate the versatility of the FFS, experiment with patching the Pickup Simulator Output to other fuzz pedals or modules within your eurorack setup. This extends the raw, fuzz-driven timbres across your entire rack, offering endless exploration possibilities.
During this exploration, challenge yourself to engage with the replaceable transistor pairs in the Gnarly section. By experimenting with different transistor combinations, you can sculpt and redefine the fuzz character even further, discovering unique voices and expanding the module’s sonic realm.
Ultimately, the key to mastering the After Later Audio's FFS is embracing its unpredictable nature. Allow the erratic brilliance of its circuits to guide your creative process. Dive into its chaotic depths, and you'll unleash an unparalleled fuzz beast that's both wildly expressive and unmistakably powerful in any performance or production context.
Further Thoughts
For an expert seeking to harness the full potential of the After Later Audio's FFS Dual Fuzz Channel module, an intricate understanding of both its features and interaction dynamics is essential. The FFS comprises two distinct fuzz circuits: Gnarly, which is a multi-faceted 7-knob configuration, and Oomph, a more bass-friendly, 5-knob variant. These channels are not merely designed for standalone operation; their true power emerges when they are methodically combined and calibrated.
To begin, focus on Gnarly, which is the module's quintessential beast. Approach it as you would a sculptor, delicately shaping noise by adjusting its complex array of dials. Gnarly is characterized by dead zones within the potentiometer range that introduce a realm of unpredictability and variability, yet therein lies the charm—discovering the sweet spots amidst the chaos. These dead zones fluctuate in behavior based on the interplay of other controls, making iterative experimentation vital. Regularly swap out the transistor pairs in Gnarly to influence alterations in tonal character and noise texture, enabling you to tailor each session's sound identity.
Next, engage Oomph as a supporting player, emphasizing its capacity to enrich the lower harmonic spectrum. The Oomph's subdued aggression serves as a counterbalance to Gnarly, providing depth and richness. Integrate both channels by manning the transition points where one fuzz variant overtakes the other. These seamless crossovers between Gnarly's volatile distortions and Oomph's resonant bass nuances can yield a synergy that maximizes the overall aural impact.
Leverage the built-in pickup simulator not merely as a function but as an innovative tool that bridges your eurorack environment with guitar-inspired textures. This simulator emulates the natural inductance and interaction typical of guitar pickups, offering a novel dimension to your module chain configurations. Experiment with a marginally restrained PS.Level to infuse the input signal with subtleties of saturation and clipping behavior, achieving a dynamically responsive fuzz layer. This restraint invites the gnarly channel to articulate nuanced grit and bite, while simultaneously granting Oomph the room to envelop with warmth.
To inject additional versatility, the FFS offers the unique ability to route a guitar directly into the pickup simulator's output. This capability permits the overcoming of typical level disparities between different audio domains, allowing eurorack enthusiasts to integrate guitar-derived signals without attenuation loss or normalization issues.
As you fine-tune the interplay of controls and modules, observe how the complexities inherent in the FFS's design foster an innovative approach to traditional fuzz processing. Delve deeply into the symbiotic relationship between module settings and the inherent characteristics of sound. By blending meticulous precision with boundary-pushing exploration, the FFS dual fuzz transcends conventional tone crafting, paving the way for groundbreaking soundscapes within your eurorack assembly.