Combining Doepfer, Noise Engineering, Jolin, Bastl Instruments, and Super Synthesis Modules!
Eurorack modular synthesizers offer an incredible amount of flexibility and creativity when it comes to sound design and music production. With a vast array of modules available, the possibilities are truly endless. In this article, we will explore the exciting combination of five unique modules: the Doepfer A-126-2 Voltage Controlled Frequency Shifter II, the Noise Engineering Sinc Bucina, the Jolin Getrekt wave squarifier, the Bastl Instruments Pizza FM & Wave-Shape Oscillator, and the Super Synthesis TVCA 2-input VCA with smooth distortion.
Starting with the Doepfer A-126-2 Voltage Controlled Frequency Shifter II, this module is a fully analog frequency shifter designed for audio signals. Unlike pitch shifting, which alters all frequencies proportionally, a frequency shifter shifts each frequency of the incoming audio signal by the same frequency. This creates unique and interesting sonic effects. The A-126-2 offers a wide frequency range of approximately 8 octaves, allowing for a broad spectrum of shifting possibilities. Additionally, it can be used with an external quadrature VCO for even more flexibility.
Moving on to the Noise Engineering Sinc Bucina, we encounter a resonant low-pass gate with a variable filter slope, an RC envelope generator, and slew capabilities. This module is a successor to the Sinclastic Empulatrix and combines a resonant low-pass VCF and VCA combo. The velocity-dependent Ping input provides classic release-only low-pass gate behavior, while the Gate input offers complex slewing for dynamic modulation. The Envelope Out allows the internal envelope to be routed for even more versatility and modulation possibilities.
Next up is the Jolin Getrekt wave squarifier. This module is designed to add saturation, harmonics, and aggressive waveshaping to your Eurorack setup. Whether you want to generate square waves from other control voltage signals or audio sources, invert the polarity of triggers or other pulses, or experiment with folding and clipping, the Getrekt is the perfect tool. It features a clipping and folding analog waveshaper circuit, touch controls for effect and PWM, reactive CV inputs, and the ability to work with audio and CV sources. Its compact size makes it extremely skiff-friendly.
Continuing our exploration, we come across the Bastl Instruments Pizza FM & Wave-Shape Oscillator. This module packs a ton of flavor into a compact form. It offers a complex oscillator with three internal oscillators, each with its own unique features. The main oscillator provides phase modulation (FM), wave folding, and ring modulation. The octave oscillator has a square-sine-saw waveshaper and an independent output, while the ratio oscillator allows for FM with user-adjustable ratios and a square-sine-saw waveshaper. The Pizza module offers three waveform outputs, a pulse output, an FM index crossfader, and a shape section for wave-shaping operators. With assignable controls and CV inputs, this module allows for high patch flexibility and endless sound design possibilities.
Finally, we have the Super Synthesis TVCA 2-input VCA with smooth distortion. This module is a simple two-input, one-output VCA with a smooth distortion circuit. It provides individual gain control per input and features a CV input to control the opening and closing of the VCA. The distortion circuit adds a warm and smooth crunch to both inputs without overpowering the signal. The TVCA module mixes both inputs and outputs a modular level signal, making it an essential tool for dynamic and expressive sound shaping.
By combining the Doepfer A-126-2, Noise Engineering Sinc Bucina, Jolin Getrekt, Bastl Instruments Pizza, and Super Synthesis TVCA modules, you open up a world of creative possibilities. From shifting frequencies to resonant low-pass gates, aggressive waveshaping, complex oscillations, and smooth distortion, these modules complement each other and allow for unique and diverse sound exploration. Whether you are a musician, producer, or sound designer, the combination of these Eurorack modules will undoubtedly enhance your sonic palette and infuse your music with a fresh, innovative edge. So go ahead, amp up the Eurorack fun, and start creating your own sonic masterpieces!
Example Usage
To create a novice-level usage example, let's combine the Doepfer A-126-2 Voltage Controlled Frequency Shifter II, the Noise Engineering Sinc Bucina, the Jolin Getrekt, the Bastl Instruments Pizza, and the Super Synthesis TVCA modules in a basic patch.
- Connect the audio output from your sound source module to the audio input of the Doepfer A-126-2 Voltage Controlled Frequency Shifter II.
- Take one of the outputs from the Doepfer module and connect it to the audio input of the Jolin Getrekt.
- Connect the output of the Jolin module to one of the inputs of the Super Synthesis TVCA.
- Take the output of the Super Synthesis module and connect it to your audio output module or sound system.
- Now, let's add some modulation to the patch. Take an LFO module and connect its output to the CV input of the Doepfer A-126-2 Voltage Controlled Frequency Shifter II.
- Finally, adjust the controls on each module to find the desired sound. You can experiment with the frequency shifting, wave shaping, and distortion to create unique sonic textures.
With this basic patch, you can start exploring the possibilities of combining these modules. Remember to experiment, trust your ears, and have fun exploring the world of Eurorack synthesis!
For an intermediate-level usage example, let's create a rich and dynamic synth patch using the Doepfer A-126-2 Voltage Controlled Frequency Shifter II, the Noise Engineering Sinc Bucina, the Jolin Getrekt, the Bastl Instruments Pizza, and the Super Synthesis TVCA modules.
We'll start by using an oscillator, like the Bastl Instruments Pizza, as our main audio source. We'll patch its waveform outputs into the inputs of the Doepfer A-126-2 Frequency Shifter. The Frequency Shifter will add an interesting shifting effect to the incoming audio signal, altering the frequencies and creating a unique tonal character.
Next, we'll use the Sinc Bucina module to shape the sound further. We'll patch its Gate input with a trigger signal from a sequencer or a drum machine to modulate the amplitude of the sound. By adjusting the envelope parameters of the Sinc Bucina, we can create dynamic modulations and interesting variations in the sound.
To add some distortion and harmonics to the mix, we'll patch the audio output of the Pizza oscillator into the Jolin Getrekt module. The Getrekt's clipping and folding circuit will introduce saturation and create rich harmonics, adding grit and character to the sound. We can experiment with the Getrekt's touch controls and reactive CV inputs to shape the amount of effect and PWM, creating a wide range of sonic possibilities.
Finally, we'll use the TVCA module from Super Synthesis to control the overall volume of our patch. We'll patch the output of the Doepfer Frequency Shifter and the Jolin Getrekt into the TVCA's two inputs. By adjusting the CV input and the opening and closing of the VCA, we can create smooth fades and add a touch of distortion to the sound. The TVCA's smooth distortion circuit will add warmth and crunch to the mix without overpowering the signal.
With this combination of modules, we can create complex and evolving sounds that are rich in texture and character. By experimenting with different patch configurations and modulation sources, the possibilities for sonic exploration are endless. So dive in and start amping up your Eurorack fun with the Doepfer, Noise Engineering, Jolin, Bastl Instruments, and Super Synthesis modules!
Further Thoughts
In this patch, we will combine the Doepfer A-126-2 Voltage Controlled Frequency Shifter II, the Noise Engineering Sinc Bucina, the Jolin Getrekt, the Bastl Instruments Pizza, and the Super Synthesis TVCA modules to create a unique and experimental sound.
First, we'll start by connecting the output of a VCO to the audio input of the Doepfer A-126-2 Frequency Shifter. We'll set the shifting frequency to a value that creates interesting harmonic content in the audio signal. We can experiment with different frequencies to achieve desired results.
Next, we'll take the output of the Frequency Shifter and route it to the resonant low-pass gate of the Noise Engineering Sinc Bucina module. We'll use the Gate input to add complex slewing and modulation to the sound. This will add dynamic movement and organic character to the audio signal.
From the Sinc Bucina's envelope out, we'll patch it into the Jolin Getrekt module. The Getrekt module will add saturation, harmonics, and waveshaping to the sound. We can use the touch controls and reactive CV inputs to further shape and manipulate the audio signal. We can also experiment with inverting the polarity of the signal for added creativity.
To add more layers of complexity to the sound, we'll connect the output of the Jolin Getrekt to the Pizza module's main oscillator input. The Pizza module provides powerful wave shaping capabilities and FM synthesis. We can use the different outputs and wave-shaping options to sculpt the sound and create interesting timbral variations.
Finally, we'll route the output of the Pizza module to the input of the Super Synthesis TVCA module. The TVCA module is a two-input VCA with a smooth distortion circuit. This will add a warm and crunchy character to the audio signal, enhancing the harmonics and giving it a unique texture.
By combining these modules in this way, we can create complex and evolving sounds with rich harmonics, dynamic modulation, and unique textures. The patch offers endless possibilities for experimentation and exploration in your Eurorack setup. Have fun exploring and creating your own sonic adventures!