From the bustling labyrinth of sonic sorcery emerges the Intellijel Stomp, a landslide innovation that’s rewriting the rulebook for both modular synthesists and guitarists alike. This unique Eurorack module is a doorway that leads to diverse avenues of sound exploration. It proficiently bridges the gap between the intricate world of Eurorack and the wide range of stompboxes, walking you through a landscape where fuzzy distortions, wormy phasers, and crispy flangers naturally co-exist with modular sweeps, burbles, and bleeps.
But what’s in the Stomp, you ask? The answer lies in its meticulously designed architecture.
Featuring robust Neutrik connectors for SEND/RETURN and TRS for the Expression interface, the Stomp ensures a reliable, high-quality connection. The signals that go through the RETURN jack benefit from a Class A triode emulator, mimicking the harmonically-rich, warm tone of a tube, which can be transformed into an enticing overdrive by cranking up the gain - a nod to classic stompboxes that guitarists adore.
Moreover, Stomp is more than a mere level shifter. Its clever design also makes it an impedance converter that offers appropriate drive and loading for any FX pedals or instruments connected. This dual functionality lens a musical versatility to this Eurorack module that not many others possess.
Adding a dash of tweaking liberty, the Stomp features separate gain controls for both SEND and RETURN. These allow precision-level adjustments to the audio sent to the FX pedals or coming back into the modular. By significantly amplifying the RETURN level, you can also create overdriven tones that are sure to tickle the ears of distortion enthusiasts.
Addressing the needs of different audio sources, Stomp supports both Instrument and Line levels with a front-panel switch, allowing you to connect a broad range of devices from powerful synths to delicate piezo pickups in acoustic instruments. With low SEND output impedance, it can efficiently drive long cables whilst reducing noise and interference from outside sources — a practical feature for live performers who often work in challenging environments.
Being a brainchild of Intellijel, the Stomp would obviously have its foot in the modular realm as well. It sports a built-in LFO that can modulate your pedal’s expression control. For those seeking something more audacious, the expression control jack can accept any modulation source from the modular system, overriding the internal LFO – a feature that encourages infinite aural experimentations.
But the magic doesn't stop here. The Stomp can also serve as a “direct box,” allowing direct connections of any instruments. In the studio, it can function actively as a “re-amping” device, playing pre-recorded tracks back through guitar amplifiers or pedals.
All these features, though robust on their own, are wrapped in a protective shell against RF interference. Plus, the potential Phase Inversion and Expression Pedal Output that convert analog CV sources into compatible output with most stompbox Expression inputs ultimately make Intellijel Stomp a toolbox packed with utilities.
Transporting the complex Eurorack world to the stompbox domain, and vice versa, the Intellijel Stomp becomes a passport to extraordinary sonic landscapes. By eliminating the technical hindrances from the equation, it allows musicians to focus on what really matters, creativity and expression. With the Stomp, the roads leading to Stompbox Nirvana and Eurorack Bliss intersect, and the journey down this crossroads presents endless possibilities, where the only limit is one's sonic imagination.
Example Usage
Novice-level usage example:
One way to use the Intellijel Stomp module is to connect a guitar into the Stomp's RETURN jack. This allows guitarists to access a wide range of filters, ring mods, wavefolders, and other exciting sonic possibilities available in the Eurorack world. By experimenting with different CV modulation sources, guitarists can add unique textures and expressive dynamics to their playing. The high input impedance of the RETURN circuit also makes it possible to use Stomp as a preamp for acoustic instruments, such as piezo pickups for acoustic guitars. With Stomp, guitarists can explore new sonic territories and break free from traditional guitar effects, opening up a portal to Eurorack bliss.
Intermediate-level usage example:
One creative way to use the Intellijel Stomp module is to incorporate it into a feedback loop for glitchy and chaotic effects. Here's how you can achieve this:
- Connect the SEND jack of the Stomp module to the input of a delay pedal.
- Take the output of the delay pedal and connect it to the RETURN jack of the Stomp module.
- Turn up the gain control on the RETURN side to introduce some overdrive.
- Patch a modulation source, such as an LFO, from your modular system into the expression control jack of the Stomp module.
- Experiment with different LFO waveforms and rates to modulate the expression input of the connected delay pedal.
- Adjust the delay time and feedback settings on the delay pedal to create unique rhythmic patterns and glitchy textures.
- Use additional effects pedals, such as a chorus or distortion, in the feedback loop to further shape the sound.
- Explore different CV modulation sources from your modular system to further modulate the Stomp module, adding complexity and evolving sonic variations to the feedback loop.
This setup allows you to create intricate, unpredictable, and heavily manipulated delay effects that can add depth and character to your music. The combination of the Stomp module's impedance conversion capabilities, gain controls, and built-in LFO opens up a world of sonic possibilities when integrated with external effects pedals. Let your creativity run wild as you explore the boundaries of glitchy textures and chaotic soundscapes with the Intellijel Stomp module.
Further Thoughts
One of the most exciting possibilities with the Intellijel Stomp is the ability to integrate modular synthesis with guitar effects pedals. Imagine creating a mind-bending performance by combining the expressive power of your modular system with the rich palette of sonic colors provided by guitar stompboxes.
To demonstrate this, let's explore a creative patch idea using the Stomp. Start by creating a simple sequenced melody with a VCO and a sequencer module of your choice. Route this melodic sequence to the Stomp's SEND input.
Now, connect a delay pedal to the Stomp's SEND output. Set the delay pedal parameters to your desired settings, such as a short delay time and moderate feedback. With the Intellijel Stomp, you have precise control over the level of the audio being sent to the delay pedal and the return audio from the pedal.
Next, connect the OUTPUT of the delay pedal back into the Stomp's RETURN input. Here's where the magic happens. The Stomp allows you to blend the delayed signal with the original sequence, giving you the flexibility to add depth and texture to your melodies.
To take it a step further, let's introduce modulation into the mix. Patch an LFO from your modular system into the Stomp's expression control jack. This allows you to modulate the parameters of your delay pedal using the internal LFO. Experiment with different LFO waveforms and speeds to create dynamic rhythmic variations in the delayed signal.
But why stop there? The Intellijel Stomp provides even more possibilities. If your delay pedal has an expression pedal input, you can connect an external expression pedal to the Stomp and use it to control parameters of the delay effect in real-time. Imagine playing a guitar while simultaneously manipulating the delay time or feedback using a dedicated expression pedal - talk about sonic exploration!
With the Intellijel Stomp, you can push the boundaries of what's possible by seamlessly integrating modular synthesis and stompboxes. Whether you're a modular synthesist looking to expand your sonic palette or a guitarist eager to explore the realm of Eurorack, the Stomp opens up endless opportunities for sonic experimentation and creative expression.