The Éon Procyon, a brainchild of the Glasgow Synth Guild, is certainly not your typical Eurorack filter. Cloaked in a shell of functional aesthetics, the Procyon is a potpourri of innovation, creativity and auditory wonder waiting to be discovered. It consists of a pair of intertwining filters that orbit around each other in the stereo field, invoking a celestial sense of sonic exploration that's truly unrivaled in the modular world.
Taking its cues from the revered second version of the MS-20 filter core, the Procyon pushes the envelope by allowing for CV morphing of the filter type and a novel take on CV-ing the resonance path. This, in essence, makes it a morphing filter – a chameleon of sorts that can navigate seamlessly from different tones at the turn of a knob or flip of a switch, adding a fresh dynamic to your Eurorack setup.
One of the remarkable features of the Procyon is its ingenious frequency control scheme. Redesigned from the ground up, this system facilitates the smooth and effortless manipulation of the filter cutoff points in stereo. Navigating through the frequency spectrum is as easy as a waltz, providing an intuitive and instinctual experience akin to boat gently gliding on water. This adds an engaging element to your interaction with the module, encouraging exploration and experimentation in sound design.
Taking versatility a notch higher, an additional CV input for key tracking suited for eurorack V/oct signals is thrown into the mix. By accommodating variable control voltages, the filter morphs and reacts according to the input signals it receives, turning sonic manipulation into a fluid, immersive journey. This is particularly handy not just for music production but for sound designers chasing after delectable timbres and uncharted tonal territories.
The Éon Procyon is more than a filter module; it's an instrument that empowers you to define, shape and sculpt sound in ways you've never imagined. The addition of this stellar stereo morphing filter to your Eurorack setup ensures an adherent fascination with the vast, unexplored sonic landscapes waiting to be uncovered.
In conclusion, the Éon Procyon stereo morphing filter exudes both charm and substance. Its well-thought-out design coupled with its innovative functionality make it an indispensable tool for every modular enthusiast. From subtle shifts in tonality to drastic spectral transformations, the Procyon is ready to take you on a captivating sonic journey, elevating your Eurorack experience to an all-new high.
Example Usage
To dive into the Éon Procyon Stereo Morphing Filter, let's start by configuring a simple setup that showcases its unique capabilities. Begin by linking the output of your favorite oscillator to the audio input of the Éon Procyon. For a novice explorer, a basic sawtooth waveform will perfectly illustrate the filter's characteristics.
Next, you'll want to patch the two outputs of the filter into your mixer, allowing you to hear the true stereo imaging of the module. You'll notice right away the engaging sound of two filter cores interacting in an orbit, creating a rich stereo field.
Now, let's introduce some modulation to unlock the filter's potential. Utilize a low-frequency oscillator (LFO) to CV modulate the filter type. Start with a slow rate to keep things gentle and listen to how the filter morphs from a low-pass to a band-pass and back, exploring the tonal possibilities. This is a fantastic way to add movement to your sound without overwhelming it.
For further experimentation, patch a control voltage source to the resonance input. You can use an envelope generator triggered by a MIDI sequencer or a gate from a drum machine for dynamic changes. Adjusting the resonance while playing will yield delightful peaks and sharpness, especially when the cutoff frequency is swept.
Finally, engage the key tracking feature by connecting a V/oct output from your sequencer or MIDI interface to the designated input on the Procyon. This allows the filter's cutoff frequency to move in accordance with the pitches being played, lending a musical quality to your evolving textures.
As you explore, take notes on how different settings and modulation sources affect your output. The interplay between the stereo morphology and your modulation choices will lead you to discover the depth and richness that the Éon Procyon can bring to your sonic landscapes. Enjoy the journey!
To create compelling sonic landscapes using the Éon Procyon, begin by patching in a versatile oscillator as your primary sound source. Consider using a wavetable oscillator like the Morphagene or a classic analog oscillator to generate rich harmonic content. Route the oscillator’s output into the left and right inputs of the Éon Procyon.
Next, set the filter morphing parameter to the center position, allowing the two filters to work in tandem. Start with a moderate resonance setting and slowly adjust the cutoff frequency while playing a sequence or a sustained note. You will notice how the filter responds uniquely in stereo, allowing each side to move independently.
To explore the morphing capabilities, introduce control voltage (CV) from a LFO or an envelope generator to the morph control input. As you animate this parameter, you'll create sweeping changes in timbre that elegantly evolve over time. For even more dynamic control, use an expressively patched sequencer that outputs CV in sync with your music—the filters will follow the rhythmic pulses, enhancing the stereo image.
Now, experiment with adding modulation to the resonance path. Use an envelope generator to create dynamic filter sweeps. When played alongside evolving sequences, it allows for dramatic builds and drops. Additionally, patch a second LFO to the frequency cutoff to introduce rhythmic shake, making the sound more alive.
For a more complex layer, patch a second oscillator to the Procyon’s filters. Utilize the stereo mode, tweaking one oscillator slightly out of tune with the other to create a thicker, more engaging stereo field. Adjust the pan controls to emphasize the lateral movement, bringing a wider sense of space that captures the listener's attention.
Finally, don’t forget to use the key tracking feature. Connect a keyboard or a more complex sequencer with a V/oct output to the filter’s key tracking CV input. This adds an expressive element that allows you to play melodies that retain their character even as the filter settings change.
Combining these techniques will enable you to harness the full potential of the Éon Procyon, creating intricate and captivating sonic landscapes that draw listeners into deeper auditory experiences.
Further Thoughts
To fully appreciate the capabilities of the Éon Procyon Stereo Morphing Filter in your Eurorack system, consider a sound design scenario that highlights its unique features. Imagine you’re crafting an evolving soundscape that gradually unfolds and shifts in tone and texture. Start by patching two oscillators into the filter’s input, each generating distinct waveforms—perhaps a rich saw wave and a more harmonically complex wavetable sound.
Set both oscillators to a moderately low frequency to create a drone-like foundation. Now, with the Éon Procyon, you can utilize its dual filter architecture. By engaging the stereo linking feature, adjust the filter 1 and filter 2 parameters to create a sense of movement across the stereo field. As you slowly morph between filter types, explore the tonal breadth ranging from tight and peaky to wide and resonant.
Engaging the CV morphing allows real-time manipulation of the filter characteristics while modulation sources such as an LFO or an envelope generator can inject dynamic changes. Assign one of these modulation sources to the morph control, and set the rate to a low value for gradual shifts, or crank it up for a more aggressive metamorphosis.
Take advantage of the CV input for key tracking; as you play notes on your sequencer or keyboard, the filter cutoff can follow the pitch, making it responsive and expressive. This interaction between your notes and the filter, especially when combined with the carefully tuned resonance, will result in rich harmonic content that feels alive.
Next, introduce some external modulation: a random voltage generator can add unpredictable elements to the filter frequency and resonance parameters, causing the soundscape to evolve organically. As you increase the modulation depth, you’ll discover how the Éon Procyon can transform straightforward patches into intricate and complex sonic narratives.
Finally, experiment with the stereo effects by slightly offsetting the cutoff frequencies between the two filters. This can create a lush stereo image that shifts and moves in real-time, drawing listeners into the immersive sound universe you've constructed. The combination of morphing, modulation, and stereo manipulation allows the Éon Procyon to not just shape sound, but to sculpt an expansive aural landscape that captures the imagination.