The Stonk eurorack module is one of the most versatile and interactive performers from Tesseract Modular that can breathe life into your music. Expect to get lost in a maze of modulations, audio processing, and deep experimentation as every nook and cranny of this module presents a new component to explore.
At first glance, the Stonk appears to be a controller with a remarkable joystick at its center that's poised for real-time manipulation. The joystick intentionally takes center stage, compelling the user to engage in a hands-on approach. This feature, along with the 12 illuminated push buttons, allows for a very touch-centric and kinetic interaction with your sound.
However, this deceptive simplicity masks a potent CV generator and audio processor. The module offers 2 channels of CV and 2 of audio, along with 2 extra CV outputs (analog sum and difference of CV outputs 1&2). This superior technological feature set provides a myriad of creative avenues leading to not just musical compositions, but immersive soundscapes.
Furthermore, the Stonk is teeming with onboard utilities. There's an audio and CV looper with an impressive 150 seconds per channel. This in-built capability lets you arrange repetitive rhythmic patterns or create intriguing ambient textures injecting dynamism and movement into your patches.
The module also features an LFO, Euclidean envelope generator, multimode filter, stereo reverb, wave folder, and VCA. These embedded signal processing devices designate the Stonk as not just a controller, but an audio workhorse, effectively pushing the boundaries on what a singular module can contribute to a system.
The audio AD/DA holds a standard of 24 bits at 48 KHz, while the CV AD/DA is 16/12 bits at 12 KHz. Combined with an internal audio handle of 32-bit float, Stonk assures top-notch audio quality, which is vital when every nuance can gift character and personality to your output.
Moreover, Stonk's highly adaptable interface allows for extensive parameter control. By default, two parameters are assigned to the horizontal and vertical axes of the joystick. However, these can be easily modified. You can command any parameter, like frequency or amplitude of the LFO, with the joystick or the 2 CV inputs. Additionally, every parameter's polarity control and offset can also be adjusted on every mode and every channel - a testament to the Stonk's flexibility and adaptability.
Its capability to store and recall six presets sweetens the deal. This feature conveniently memorizes not only the joystick assignments and settings, but also every parameter value for all modes and channels. The value of this function cannot be overstated, as it retains your perfect sweet spots, thereby accelerating workflow and preserving creativity.
Tesseract Modular's Stonk is a testament to the potential and expansiveness that can be achieved when the lines between controller and processor are blurred. It's a star modular performer that nurtures creativity and crafts a symphony of soundscapes by simply pushing buttons, maneuvering a joystick, and tweaking parameters. One thing is certain - the Stonk module excels at creating individuals who are both performers and composers, all at the same time. Check out the Stonk at tesseractmodular.com and find a new path to realizing your sonic ambitions.
Example Usage
Novice-Level Usage Example:
In this example, let's see how you can use the Tesseract Modular Stonk Eurorack Module to create an interesting audio effect using the joystick and looper functionalities.
First, connect your audio source (such as a synthesizer or drum machine) to one of the audio inputs on the Stonk module. Then, connect the audio output of the Stonk module to your speakers or mixer.
Next, let's set up the joystick to control the LFO frequency. Press the button labeled "Joystick Assign" to enter the joystick assignment mode. Use the joystick to select the LFO frequency parameter. You can move the joystick up and down to increase or decrease the frequency.
Now, let's enable the CV inputs to control the LFO symmetry. Connect a modulation source (such as an LFO or envelope generator) to one of the CV inputs on the Stonk module. Press the button labeled "CV Assign" to enter the CV assignment mode. Use the joystick to select the LFO symmetry parameter. The CV input will now control the symmetry of the LFO waveform.
To add some depth to the audio, activate the built-in stereo reverb. Press the button labeled "Reverb" to enable the effect. Adjust the reverb parameters using the illuminated push buttons.
Finally, let's record a loop using the audio looper. Press the button labeled "Looper" to enter the looper mode. Play your audio source, and it will be recorded into the looper buffer. Press the button again to stop recording, and the loop will start playing. You can adjust the loop length and playback speed using the push buttons.
With these simple steps, you can experiment and create unique audio effects using the Tesseract Modular Stonk Eurorack Module. Don't be afraid to explore other modes and parameters to further expand your creativity and unlock the true potential of this versatile module. Happy patching!
Intermediate-level usage example:
The Tesseract Modular Stonk Eurorack module offers endless possibilities for sound manipulation and control. Let's explore an intermediate-level usage example to unlock the full potential of this versatile module.
Imagine you have two oscillators sending audio signals into the Stonk module. You want to create a dynamic stereo effect in real-time. Start by connecting the audio outputs of the oscillators to the audio inputs of the Stonk module.
Next, assign the horizontal axis of the joystick to control the frequency of the LFO on channel 1 by tweaking the parameters. This means that as you move the joystick horizontally, the LFO frequency will increase or decrease, adding movement to the stereo effect.
To further enhance the stereo image, assign the vertical axis of the joystick to control the stereo panning of channel 2. Adjust the parameter settings to achieve a gradual shift in the stereo field as you move the joystick vertically.
Now, engage the CV looper on channel 1 and record a sequence of CV values created by the joystick movements. Use the loop length adjustment to specify the desired duration of the loop, let's say 16 seconds, to create a continuously evolving stereo effect.
To add more complexity, engage the Euclidean envelope generator on channel 2. Tweak the parameters to create rhythmic variations in the stereo panning as the envelope modulates the joystick movements.
Finally, experiment with the multimode filter, wave folder, and stereo reverb to shape the sound further and add depth to the stereo effect. These modules offer extensive parameter control, allowing you to sculpt the audio to your liking.
By combining the joystick control, CV looper, LFO, envelope generator, and various audio processing modules of the Stonk module, you can create captivating and evolving stereo effects that will take your soundscapes to new heights.
Unleash your creativity and dive into the boundless possibilities that the Tesseract Modular Stonk Eurorack module offers. With its intuitive interface and multitude of features, it's the perfect tool for intermediate-level users looking to push the boundaries of their sound design journey.
Further Thoughts
In this audio example, we will explore the limitless creative potential of the Tesseract Modular Stonk Eurorack module by creating a dynamic and evolving sound using the joystick, looper, and the various audio processing features.
First, let's start by connecting a synthesizer to one of the audio inputs of the Stonk module and routing its output to a mixer or audio interface. We'll also connect a CV source, such as an envelope generator or sequencer, to one of the CV inputs for modulation purposes.
Once everything is properly connected, let's enter the "CV & Audio looper" mode on the Stonk module. Press the corresponding illuminated push button to activate it. This will allow us to loop and manipulate both the audio and CV signals in real-time.
Use the joystick to control the horizontal and vertical axes of the looper. Move the joystick towards the top to increase the loop length or towards the bottom to decrease it. Experiment with different loop lengths to create rhythmic patterns or evolving textures.
Now, let's engage the LFO mode on the Stonk module. By default, the LFO parameters are assigned to the joystick axes, but we can easily tweak them. Use the joystick to modulate the frequency or symmetry of the LFO waveform. You can also explore modulating the LFO parameters using the CV inputs.
Next, let's add some depth and character to the sound by engaging the multimode filter. Adjust the filter cutoff and resonance parameters using the joystick or the CV inputs. Explore different filter modes to sculpt the sound to your liking.
To add spaciousness and ambience, activate the stereo reverb. Adjust the reverb length and mix parameters to create a sense of depth and immersion in the audio signal. The joystick can be used to control the reverb parameters or link them to the CV inputs for further modulation possibilities.
For some additional tonal shaping, engage the wave folder. Experiment with different waveforms and folding intensities using the joystick or CV inputs. This will add harmonics and complexity to the audio signal, creating unique timbres.
Finally, let's use the VCA mode on the Stonk module to control the amplitude of the audio signal. Connect an envelope generator or another CV source to the VCA CV input. Adjust the VCA level using the joystick or CV inputs to dynamically shape the audio signal's volume.
By experimenting with the different modes, joystick control, CV modulation, and audio processing features of the Tesseract Modular Stonk Eurorack module, you can unlock boundless creativity and uncover unique sonic possibilities in your modular setup. Let your imagination soar and dive into the sonic universe that the Stonk module offers.