The Make Noise Function Module is not your standard function generator within the modular realm, but a cornerstone for creative sound synthesis that is as compact as it is versatile. Often considered the younger sibling to the iconic Make Noise Maths, the Function maintains a strong, unique identity with its exhaustive set of modulation capabilities paired with a thoughtful layout that's both user-friendly and efficient in design.
The central charm of the Function Module lies in its VC Rise and Fall features, allowing you to adjust the rise and fall time of generated envelopes or signals with the twist of its tactile knobs. Adjustable from a rapid 2ms to a protracted 25 minutes per cycle, these time constants also respond to control voltage, significantly broadening your expressive potential.
The module's linear to exponential shaping provides a plethora of timbral possibilities—from precise, logarithmic cuts to smooth and flowing exponential ramps, the Function opens avenues to radically rethink envelope design in a Eurorack system. The Cycle switch further supercharges this, transforming your defined envelope into an LFO, creating a pool of unending control voltage to draw from.
However, the true jewel in Function's crown is the "Hang" function—an exclusive feature absent in its elder sibling, Maths. When a positive gate is fed into it, "Hang" suspends the module’s output, generating an effect similar to Sample & Hold. When combined with the Function’s cycling capabilities, it forms complex, yet controllable modulation shapes that breathe life into static sound sources or yield intricate data sequences.
Complementing these features are the Function's End of Rise and End of Cycle gate outputs. These not only facilitate the conversion of analog to digital data but offer synchronisation points for the rest of your module array. They also drive a passive 4-way multiple without any loading effects, eliminating the need for a buffered multiple.
While perfect for modulating parameters on a DPO oscillator or indeed any other voltage-controlled module in your system, the Function Module is far from being limited to shaping oscillators. It can successfully function as a clock source, generate intricate modulation chains, or stand as a highly flexible envelope follower, among other roles.
Indeed, a concept brought up in the page for Maths rings true here—the possibility of an entire synth benefited from the extensive applications offered by the Function module forms a formidable image, promising an inspiring venture for the modular explorer.
In conclusion, the Make Noise Function module encapsulates the spirit of the eurorack format—modularity, versatility, and creativity. From crafting complex envelopes and waveshapes to pulling off sample and hold-like sequences, it thrives at the core of control voltage manipulation, transcending beyond its function generator label. It's an instrument that prompts a constant state of exploration and discovery—a testament to the boundless potential of voltage-controlled synthesis.
Example Usage
In patching your Eurorack setup, let's explore a NOVICE-level example of using the Make Noise Function module as an envelope generator. Begin by patching a gate signal from your sequencer into the Gate input of the Function module. Adjust the Rise and Fall controls to set the desired attack and release times of your envelope. Next, patch one of the CV outputs to modulate the filter cutoff frequency of your oscillator to add dynamic movement to your sound. Experiment with different shapes and timings to tailor the envelope to suit your composition. Remember to use the End of Rise and End of Cycle gate outputs to trigger other modules in your patch for intricate rhythmic patterns and evolving textures. Enjoy crafting unique and expressive sounds with the Make Noise Function module at the core of your modular synthesis journey.
In this intermediate-level usage example, we will explore creating evolving rhythmic patterns using the Make Noise Function module in conjunction with a percussive sound source.
- Patch the Gate output of a sequencer or clock source into the Trigger input of the Function module to initiate the function generation process.
- Adjust the Rise and Fall controls to sculpt the envelope shape to your liking, creating dynamic percussive accents or subtle modulations.
- Utilize the CV outputs of the Function module to modulate parameters on a percussive module, such as decay time or pitch modulation, adding depth and movement to your sound.
- Experiment with patching the End of Rise and End of Cycle gate outputs into different destinations within your modular setup, triggering additional events or creating complex rhythmic interactions.
- Explore utilizing the "Hang" function on the Function module to pause voltage output in response to external triggers, creating glitchy effects or rhythmic stutter patterns in your percussion sequences.
By creatively integrating the Make Noise Function module into your modular setup in this manner, you can unlock new realms of sonic possibilities and infuse your electronic music productions with unique and captivating textures.
Further Thoughts
In a live performance setting, the Make Noise Function module truly shines when used to modulate the harmonic content of a complex oscillator such as the Make Noise DPO. By patching one of the Function module's CV outputs to modulate the timbre parameters of the DPO, while simultaneously using the End of Rise and End of Cycle gate outputs to trigger events within the DPO's internal structure, intricate and evolving soundscapes can be effortlessly sculpted in real time. The ability to create unique and dynamic timbral shifts through the Function module's diverse range of linear, logarithmic, or exponential functions adds a layer of depth and expressiveness to the sonic palette of the performance. This seamless integration of modulation sources not only demonstrates the Function module's prowess in shaping audio signals but also showcases its versatility as a powerful tool for sonic exploration and manipulation.