The Nonlinear Circuits I Was Sitting in a Room Eurorack module, a homage to Alvin Lucier and his famous sound art piece, is not your typical delay. Built with a series of nine PT2399 chips, it forays into the realm of spatial soundscapes, offering unique delays, creative processing capabilities and a chance to explore sound in a new and refreshing way.
At its core, the module is a testament to the creative potential of delay — a powerful effect used for creating dynamic leads, enriching sound design, and exploring uncharted sonic territories. By combining nine PT2399 chips in series, the module enables a wealth of variation, each chip contributing a layer to the complex tapestry of the cumulative delay effect. Interestingly, the first PT2399 chip offers voltage-controlled delay time, allowing for hands-on manipulation of the echo's rhythmic structure. The subsequent eight, however, possess fixed delays, the constants in your aurally immersive journey.
But what good is experimentation if not seasoned with a little noise? It's important to mention that the module is deliberately noisy: a quality that veers towards the gritty realism that makes experimental electronic music so engaging. Under specific settings, the module even instills an illusion of reverse delay, adding another layer of auditory intrigue to its already captivating repertoire. In essence, this "engineered imperfection" opens up substantial opportunities for crafting unique pseudo stereo, multi-phonic, or spatialization effects.
The module comforts users with its flexibility. For instance, output number six by default feeds into the feedback input, but this setting is far from rigid. The alternative outs can all be used for excitingly different effects—a seemingly simple tweak could lead to a drastic sonic shift when engaging with odd or even numbered outs as feedback. A step further, when one of the outputs gets processed through a voltage controlled filter or phase shifter before feeding it back, the result can be exquisitely transformative.
As far as the outputs go, stages 1 to 8 possess individual outputs, with stage 9 summed into the "ALL" output along with everything else. This unique configuration means that the position of an echo in the series can dramatically shape its final sonic personality, lending the module an impressive range of sound design capabilities.
On the building side of the equation, there are a few important points to consider. It's worth mentioning that this module draws generously from the +12V rail, requiring at least 220mA. In preparation for this, it’s critical to ensure your power source's capacity is fit for the task.
The Nonlinear Circuits I Was Sitting in a Room module is a voyage into the profound capabilities of delay, a must-have for sonic explorers seeking innovative ways to manipulate and augment their sonic palette. As a fantastic tool for experimental synthesis or as a long reverberating tribute to Lucier, there's never been a better reason to delve into your DIY Eurorack build journey. Happy modulating!
Example Usage
To begin using the Nonlinear Circuits I Was Sitting in a Room Eurorack module, start by connecting the module to your Eurorack case and providing power to the module. Ensure that you have a good understanding of voltage controlled delay time as well as fixed delays to fully explore the capabilities of this module.
Experiment with different settings on the module to discover its unique and noisy sound characteristics. Try adjusting the feedback input by exploring various outputs, such as odd or even numbered outs, to achieve different effects. For more versatility, consider processing one of the outputs through a VCF or Phase shifter before feeding it back into the module.
Utilize the outputs for stages 1-8 to create diverse spatialization effects, and remember that stage 9 is summed into the ALL output with the rest of the signals. Additionally, delve into creating pseudo stereo, multi-phonic, or other spatial effects with this module to expand your sonic palette.
Keep in mind that the Nonlinear Circuits I Was Sitting in a Room module draws a significant amount of current on the +12V rail, so ensure that your power supply can handle the load. For further guidance on building and utilizing this module, refer to the provided build guide for additional insights and best practices in exploring the spatial soundscapes this module can create.
When patching your Nonlinear Circuits I Was Sitting in a Room module, try experimenting with different feedback outputs to explore unique textures and sonic landscapes. By utilizing different output stages and processing the signal through additional modules like VCFs or phase shifters, you can further manipulate the sound and create complex spatial effects. Additionally, leveraging the module's noisy nature and voltage controlled delay time can result in intriguing audio illusions such as reverse delay. Remember to refer to the build guide for optimal performance and be mindful of the module's high current consumption on the +12V rail. Dive into the possibilities of pseudo stereo, multi-phonic, and spatialization effects by unleashing the creative potential of this module's nine PT2399 chips in series.
Further Thoughts
An expert-level usage example with the Nonlinear Circuits I Was Sitting in a Room Eurorack module involves leveraging its unique nine PT2399 chips in series. Experiment with different feedback outputs for distinct effects, such as utilizing odd or even numbered outs. For enhanced creativity, route one of the outputs through a VCF or Phase shifter before feeding it back into the module. Explore the possibilities of pseudo stereo, multi-phonic, or spatialization effects with this versatile module. Keep in mind the substantial current draw of at least 220mA on the +12V rail and refer to the build guide for additional customization options.