The Bananalogue VCS 2 Dual Universal Slope Generator carries on the 20-year legacy of the original VCS with significant enhancements. This compact module offers an array of functionalities that make it a treasured asset to novice and seasoned modular synthesists alike. It delivers impressive versatility as a voltage-controlled transient envelope generator, VC portamento, CV oscillator, low-pass gate, and much more. The VCS 2 module encourages users to seek out new dimensions of sound and modulation, thus forming a nexus point amidst a cluster of Eurorack sound modules.
Let's look at the functionalities of the VCS 2 module and how we can use them creatively:
The VC Transient Envelope Generator is a highly dynamic feature. A pulse at the trigger input will initiate the envelope, while a held gate input sustains the level. The envelope then falls when the gate turns low. This allows users to control the timing of events in their patches, opening up a plethora of rhythmic possibilities.
VC Portamento offers a way of controlling the time it takes for a signal to change from one state to another, which is pivotal when you're trying to create seamless note transitions and gliding effects.
As a VC Oscillator, while the VCS 2 may not offer an as wide range or accuracy as a dedicated oscillator module, it still makes for an excellent audio source. Users can morph waveforms from triangle to saw, yielding a rich blend of tonalities.
For VC LFO, once the cycle switch is activated, the trigger input internally connects to the end trigger output, leading to a VC clock with alterable waveform and independent rise and fall times. This function can be used to modulate other module parameters, contributing to interesting rhythmic segments or creating pulsating drones.
VC Non-Linear Audio Processor (Low-Pass Gate) provides an intriguing characteristic. In this mode, if an audio rate signal is slewed, the module reacts like a VCF and VCA. The audio signal can thus be low-pass filtered almost to silence, offering a means of severe attenuation or frequency-dependent modulation.
The Envelope Follower functionality with positive and negative peak detection is an excellent addition for attaining dynamic control over different elements in a patch based on the audio signal's contour.
VC Pulse Delay is another exciting feature. A trigger input starts the envelope, and when the envelope completes its cycle, a gate is produced again at the "End Out." This can create interesting effects, particularly when chains of these modules are used together for clocked delays or rhythmic generation.
Last but not least, the Sub-Harmonic Generator enables users to divide the input signal by a whole number if a series of triggers is applied to the VCS faster than the total rise and fall times. In the audio range, the output will be the sub-harmonic series, adding an unconventional yet musically rich element to the sounds created by the module.
The Bananalogue VCS 2 Dual Universal Slope Generator, with its expanded functionality and flexibility, provides users with an exciting tool to unlock their creative furrows and explore sonic territories uncharted. As a testament to the evolutionary journey of Bananalogue, the VCS 2 is an embodiment of the exemplary advancement of Eurorack modules and their capacity to alter the landscape of sound modulation and envelope generation.
Example Usage
The Bananalogue VCS 2 Dual Universal Slope Generator offers novice users a multitude of exciting ways to explore modulation and envelopes. Let's dive into a few straightforward applications to help you get started.
First up is utilizing the VCS 2 as a VC Transient Envelope Generator. Simply send a pulse to the trigger input to initiate the envelope. Experience real-time control by adjusting the rise and fall times, allowing you to sculpt snappy percussive sounds or gentle swells. For added versatility, use a held gate input to sustain an envelope, enabling you to experiment with dynamics further as the envelope descends once the gate signal goes low.
Next, you can employ the VCS 2 for VC Portamento. By patching your incoming CV signal, you can create smooth glide effects between notes. Manipulate the independently adjustable rise and fall times to achieve subtle transitions or pronounced portamento, perfect for adding expressiveness to melodic lines.
The VCS 2 also shines when functioning as a VC Oscillator. While not as precise as dedicated oscillators, it can produce interesting audio sources. By adjusting the output, you can sweep seamlessly from triangle to saw waves. This makes it a great tool for generating harmonic content in your patches, especially when you want something a bit unconventional.
Switching to LFO duties, the VCS 2 can easily transform into a Voltage-Controlled Low-Frequency Oscillator. By engaging the cycle switch, the trigger input connects to the end trigger output, producing a cycle of modulation with variable waveforms. This feature lets you create rhythmic modulations or slowly evolving soundscapes.
Lastly, explore the non-linear audio processing capabilities of the VCS 2 by using it as a Low-Pass Gate. Feed it an audio signal and adjust the slopes to simulate classic filter and amplifier behaviors, achieving control over brightness and volume simultaneously. This can be especially useful for creating rich, evolving textures or for processing external audio sources.
By experimenting with these basic functionalities of the VCS 2, you'll quickly discover just how versatile and creative this module can be in your eurorack setup, unlocking new avenues for sound design and musical expression.
To tap into the versatility of the Bananalogue VCS 2, we will explore a few intermediate-level patch ideas that demonstrate its rich potential as a dual universal slope generator.
First, let’s create a VC Transient Envelope Generator. Connect a pulse to the trigger input and set the rise and fall knobs to taste, adjusting the shapes to suit your sound. The VCS 2 allows you to dynamically control the envelope behavior. For example, you can feed a control voltage into the Rise and Fall inputs for expressive changes in the envelope based on other elements in your patch. Try routing an LFO or a sequencer output into the rise or fall inputs to create complex, evolving envelope shapes that can really animate your sounds.
Next, let’s delve into the world of VC Oscillation. Patch the output of the VCS 2 into your audio mixer and switch the mode to use the module as an oscillator. Adjusting both rise and fall times will help you sculpt the waveform transitioning from a triangle to a sawtooth. While it's not as precise as a dedicated oscillator, it offers a warm and inviting analog tone, perfect for basslines or melodic components in your track.
For a unique take on modulation, consider using the VCS 2 as a VC Low-Pass Gate. Feed an audio signal into the input, and tweak the rise and fall settings. As you adjust the waveform and introduce control voltages to the slope settings, you'll notice the audio will undergo a gating effect while simultaneously filtering out higher frequencies. This dual functionality can lead to captivating textures and dynamics, much like a classic low-pass gate.
Deriving a VC Pulse Delay can also provide a rhythmic interest. Start by sending a trigger to the input, and observe how the End Output produces another gate signal once the envelope completes its cycle. Experimenting with the rise and fall times allows for creating interesting delays that can sync up with your sequencer or other rhythmic elements.
Lastly, try experimenting with the Sub-Harmonic Generator function. If you send a series of fast triggers, the VCS 2 can produce sub-harmonic outputs. Start with some rhythmic triggers from a sequencer clock and increase the frequency beyond the total rise and fall times. You'll find the module will divide this input signal and yield a series of harmonics that can be layered back into your patch for rich texture.
By exploring these various functions and how they can interact and influence one another, you can unlock new creative pathways with the VCS 2 that will elevate your music production and live performances.
Further Thoughts
The Bananalogue VCS 2 shines as an extraordinary tool for creative sound design and modulation. To fully utilize its capabilities, consider a patch that combines the various functions of the VCS 2 into a cohesive workflow.
Begin by using the VCS 2 as a VC Transient Envelope Generator. Patch a trigger signal from your sequencer or an LFO into the trigger input of the VCS 2. Adjust the rise and fall times to achieve anything from quick, snappy percussive bursts to longer, evolving envelopes suitable for pads and leads. By modulating the rise and fall controls with an external LFO or another CV source, you can create dynamic envelopes that evolve over time, adding complexity to your sound design.
Next, explore the VC Portamento feature. Patch the output of an oscillator into the VCS 2 and use the rise and fall controls to shape the slewing of the pitch. This can add a smooth glide effect to your melodies, making for a more organic and fluid sound. If you’re working with a monophonic line, this setup can yield melodies that groove and sway with each note transition.
For more intricate sound textures, engage the VC LFO functionality. Set the cycle switch to activate the internal clocking from the trigger input. You can experiment with different wave shapes, modulating the output to create rich evolving textures. The ability to have independent rise and fall times allows for polyrhythmic aspects, enabling you to create rhythmic shifts that would otherwise be difficult to achieve with traditional LFOs.
As you explore audio processing, patch a sound source into the VCS 2 to utilize the VC Non-Linear Audio Processor feature. By slewing an audio-rate signal, you can achieve filtering that functions similar to a low-pass gate. Adjust the parameters to sculpt your sound, melding filtering with amplitude dynamics for unique tonal characteristics.
Experiment with the Envelope Follower by routing an external audio source into the VCS 2. Use the output to dynamically control parameters on other modules in your setup. This can allow for interaction where the characteristics of an incoming signal shape the behavior of your patches in real-time, fostering a highly responsive system.
For a truly experimental approach, implement the Sub-Harmonic Generator feature. Feed fast successive triggers into the VCS 2 and observe how it divides the incoming signal, producing a sub-harmonic output that can be used as a base layer or foundation for your composition. Layering this with conventional sounds can create an intricate harmony that diverges from typical linear progressions.
Together, these techniques showcase the breadth of modulation and tonal shaping achievable with the Bananalogue VCS 2. The combination of its versatile features fosters an environment ripe for exploration, allowing musicians and sound designers to push their creative boundaries and unlock new sonic possibilities.