The Instruō Lion is a versatile 6x6 pin-style matrix mixer that has become an essential tool for many electronic musicians looking for a high-quality and reliable matrix mixer for live performance. The Eurorack module is designed for live patching and true summing, which means that users can easily route signals and insert effects into their signal chain with cascaded attenuation capabilities.
The interface of the Instruō Lion is modelled on iconic modular synthesizers of the 1970s and includes 10 pin cables and 2 insert cables for easy live patching. This means that users can centralize their I/O network and quickly patch signals to new destinations on the fly. Whether you need to route a sound to a new destination or insert an effect into your signal chain, the Instruō Lion makes live patching easy and intuitive.
One of the standout features of the Instruō Lion is its true summing functionality. This means that users can combine multiple sources and feed them into a single output without losing any of the audio quality. This is achieved through cascaded attenuation capabilities that are available on channels 3-6. The Lion also features passive multiple functionality, allowing you to send a single input to multiple destinations.
The Lion's send and return insert capabilities make it an excellent option for users who want to insert effects into their signal chain. The module includes two insert cables (black for send, gold for return), which can be used to connect external effect units. Once connected, you can easily incorporate the external effects into your signal chain, giving you even more creative flexibility.
In conclusion, the Instruō Lion is an extremely versatile and easy-to-use matrix mixer that is perfect for live performance. Its pin-style interface and true summing functionality make it an ideal tool for electronic musicians who want to centralize their I/O network and quickly patch signals to new destinations on the fly. If you're looking for a reliable and high-quality matrix mixer, the Instruō Lion is definitely worth considering.
Example Usage
If you're new to the Instruō Lion, a great place to get started is by using it for signal routing. You can easily patch multiple signals into the module using the included pin cables, then route them to different destinations using the pin-style matrix interface. With the Lion's passive multiple functionality, you can also create copies of your audio signals to send them to multiple outputs. It's a simple and intuitive way to explore signal routing in your modular setup.
An intermediate-level usage example for the Instruō Lion would be using it as a live effects mixer for a DJ set. Connect your DJ mixer's send and return channels to inputs 1 and 2 of the Lion, then patch different effects processors such as delays, reverbs, and filters to the remaining inputs and outputs of the Lion using the included pin cables. With the Lion's pin-style interface, you can easily switch between different effect combinations on the fly, creating unique and dynamic sounds for your live performance. Additionally, the Lion's true summing and cascaded attenuation capabilities ensure that your mix stays balanced and you can achieve the desired effect levels without any loss in quality.
Further Thoughts
One innovative way to use the Instruō Lion in live performance is to set up a series of effect chains, allowing for seamless and dynamic transitions between different soundscapes. By connecting each channel of the Lion to a different effect module, you can manipulate and blend multiple sounds in real-time, creating a unique sonic experience for your audience. The insert capabilities of the Lion also allow for easy integration of external effects or processors, further expanding the possibilities for live sound manipulation. With the Lion, live patching is made simple and intuitive, allowing you to focus on creating and performing without being hindered by complex routing.