The Befaco Oneiroi, a cutting-edge experimental synth, is a revelation in the realms of ambient pads and drone-like soundscapes. Devised to facilitate live performances, it encompasses an abundance of functionalities designed for intense sonic exploration and dynamic sound structuring.
Focused on immersive ambient production, the Oneiroi boasts a full stereo signal path, a trait heightening output depth and spatiality. This stereo principle is not only confined to the output stage, the input stage too is blessed with stereo functionality and three switchable gain levels, providing initial control over incoming audio signals. Oneiroi’s strength also lies in its versatile oscillators - three in total – featuring a sine wave oscillator, a Stereo Supersaw oscillator (inspired by the Roland JP-8000), and a captivating 2048-sample dynamic wavetable oscillator. This oscillator trio, each with a dedicated v/oct input, evokes a broad palette of aural possibilities and forms the basis for the module’s pads and expansive drones.
Moreover, Oneiroi’s distinctive self-modulation attribute is undoubtedly its driving force. With configurable routing, control over level and speed, and various types of self-modulation, artists can manipulate parameters in real-time, crafting sounds that evolve and transform throughout their piece. This ability to have its sound engine modulate itself results in multidimensional, complex pieces with an exotic flavor that refuses to adhere to conventional sound textures.
The 5-second looper is another integral aspect of the Oneiroi, delivering continuous speed control from double-speed in reverse up to double-speed forward. What makes the looper even more intriguing is its integration with the dynamic wavetable oscillator. The looper buffer feeds this oscillator, imparting an organic touch to the tonal content being produced.
Incorporated within the Oneiroi's design is a powerful filtering unit, allowing users to sculpt their audio with low-pass, band-pass, high-pass, and comb filters. This filter component can be freely moved within the effects chain, permitting precise control over the spectral content of the sound. With the ability to place this filter at different positions in the signal path, a wide array of harmonic structures and timbral transformations can be achieved.
Enhancing the immersive sonic depth of Oneiroi, there are four included effects: a 3-band resonator, 2-tap echo, a reverb module, and a randomizer. The resonator, with tune and feedback controls, adds a resonant body flavor to the sounds produced. The 2-tap echo, with controls over time and density, injects a sense of repartition and temporal interest, and the reverb, with macro control for size, filtering, and direction, further expands the soundscape possibilities. What’s unique about the Oneiroi is its randomizer - with four targets, three levels of intensity, and undo/redo functionality, unexpected sonic adventures can be explored with ease.
Finally, the Oneiroi features eight short-throw faders for controlling volumes and effects amount, coupled with eight CV controls for primary parameters. Four of these CV controls can be dynamically assigned to the secondary ones as well, adding a layer of added flexibility and nuanced parameter interaction.
The Befaco Oneiroi is far more than just a modular synth module - it's an expansive tool that cultivates inspiration and encourages dynamic exploration in the realm of electronic music. Its distinct functionalities, including the full stereo signal path, versatile oscillators, live-performance oriented design and innovative self-modulation system, make it an excellent tool for anyone looking to delve into the depths of ambient music.
Example Usage
To fully explore the creative potential of the Befaco Oneiroi, beginners can start by setting up a simple ambient patch that highlights its capabilities.
Begin by connecting your audio source to the stereo input of the Oneiroi. This could be anything from an external instrument to other Eurorack modules. Set the gain to an appropriate level using the two-coloured LED as a monitoring tool. With the input established, engage the sine oscillator first to produce a soft and smooth tone.
Next, switch over to the Stereo Supersaw oscillator. This feature is known for its lush, wide sound, perfect for ambient music. Adjust the detune control to create a more complex texture. For an additional layer, use the dynamic wavetable oscillator, which can introduce unique harmonic content. Manipulate the offset control to vary the characteristics of the sound, creating a rich soundscape.
Incorporate filtering by experimenting with the four types available. For instance, you might start with a low-pass filter to gently roll off the high frequencies, which helps to create a smoother mix. Think about placing the filter at different points in the effects chain, as its positional flexibility allows for diverse sound shaping.
Utilize the built-in 5-second looper to record snippets of your oscillators. Play around with the continuous speed control, allowing the looper to play back your ambient phrases in reverse for added interest or stretch the playback for ethereal textures.
Adding effects can greatly enhance your sound. Start with the reverb, adjusting the macro control to expand its size and tweak its filtering. Follow that with the 2-tap echo, which will create a sense of space and depth. Adjust the density to determine how pronounced the echoes are.
Make use of the CV controls to modulate your settings dynamically. Assign parameters such as volume and effects amount to the short-throw faders and observe how the changes impact your performance.
To infuse spontaneity into your patch, engage the powerful randomizer. Experiment with various intensity levels and targets to create unexpected results. The soft take-over functionality is particularly useful here, allowing you to smoothly transition every adjusted parameter into the shuffled values. This interplay can lead to unique sound discoveries that may surprise you.
With these starting steps, you can effectively harness the Befaco Oneiroi's vast capabilities, crafting immersive ambient pads and drones that evolve throughout your performance. Remember to continuously experiment and modify parameters as your session progresses to unlock deeper sonic textures.
To harness the full potential of the Befaco Oneiroi for crafting intricate ambient soundscapes, we’ll explore an intermediate-level patch that showcases its capabilities as both a sound generator and an effects processor.
Begin by setting up a basic patch: connect your audio source or external instrument to the stereo input of the Oneiroi. This could be a synth, a field recording, or even an instrument like a guitar. Set the input levels using the available gain switches to achieve an optimal signal that won’t clip.
Next, focus on the oscillators. Activate the sine oscillator for a gentle foundation, then layer in the stereo Supersaw oscillator. Adjust the detune control to thicken the sound; a subtle detune will create a rich, lush pad characteristic of atmospheric music.
Now, let’s incorporate the 2048-sample dynamic wavetable oscillator. Use it to add texture by selecting a wavetable that complements the existing layers. Play with the offset control to find sweet spots that evolve over time. To make the oscillators more dynamic, consider applying the Oneiroi’s self-modulation features. Route a slow LFO to the amplitude of the Supersaw oscillator, adding an organic ebb and flow to your sound.
For processing, utilize the filtering unit to shape the tonal characteristics of your sound. Experiment with the low-pass filter to eliminate harsh frequencies or try the comb filter for a delay-like character. Position the filter early in the effects chain for a more pronounced effect on the oscillators.
Next, engage the built-in reverberation and 2-tap echo. Set the reverb size to a more expansive setting, filtering the highs to create a smooth tail, and adjust the echo density to allow for overlapping sounds that create a sense of space. This will result in a lush backdrop filled with echoes that blend into the pads.
The looper function can further enhance your performance. Record a short phrase or chord progression and use the speed control to manipulate playback, creating a continuously evolving soundscape. Set the speed to reverse intermittently, which can introduce a dreamy quality to the audio texture.
As you tweak faders and CV controls, experiment with the randomizer feature to add unexpected twists to your sonic landscape. Assign different targets, such as the filter cutoff or echo time, to keep the process lively and fresh—a technique valuable in live performances as it injects spontaneity.
In conclusion, with the Befaco Oneiroi, you can craft soundscapes that transform over time. Balancing its oscillators, utilizing filtering, and integrating effects with the looper will guide you to create ambient music that captivates and transports listeners, inviting them to explore the depths of sound alongside you.
Further Thoughts
While integrating the Befaco Oneiroi into your setup, consider approaching it with an experimental mindset aimed at creating lush ambient soundscapes that can evolve and shift dynamically. Start by selecting the three oscillators: the sine oscillator offers a pure tone perfect for foundational pads, while the stereo Supersaw provides a rich, detuned layer that thickens your sound, reminiscent of classic synthesizers. Engage the dynamic wavetable oscillator to introduce complexity and intrigue; use the looper to capture samples of your evolving textures, allowing for manipulation and rearrangement in real-time.
Next, route the output from the oscillators through the filtering unit. Experiment with the various filter types: utilizing the low-pass filter can smooth out any harsh frequencies and create warmer tones, while the comb filter might produce interesting resonances ideal for drones. Position the filter along the effects chain creatively; placing it before the reverb can help retain clarity in the ambient textures, whereas placing it after could result in a more atmospheric feel.
Explore the modulation possibilities offered by Oneiroi's self-modulation features. Assign different control levels to parameters such as filter cutoff or oscillator pitch. This can create evolving timbres that breathe life into your ambient pads. Use external CV sources to dictate changes in sound, or just lean on the built-in randomizer to introduce unexpected variations. This is where the soft take-over functionality shines, as it allows you to recalibrate your parameters seamlessly without jarring transitions.
To complete your sound, blend in the effects: the 2-tap echo can enhance spatial depth, while the reverb adds a dimension that envelops the listener. Utilize the macro control features for size and filtering to mold the sonic space. The key to harnessing Oneiroi effectively lies in continuously layering, looping, and styling your sound; with practice, you’ll find that it naturally lends itself to live performance, keeping both you and your audience engaged in the evolving auditory experience.
Experimentation is key; don’t shy away from making bold moves with the parameters, allowing yourself to trust instinct as you sculpt your personalized ambient landscapes.