Imagination and experimentation are central tenets in the practice of creating electronic music, especially in the realm of Eurorack modular synthesis. The Joranalogue Audio Design Route 4 goo-goo injects a level of ludic adaptability to this process, blurring the lines between set paths and serendipitous compositions. This module helps you rewire your sound like never before, offering impressive control over modular patching scenarios through an intuitive gate or latch controller.
The Route 4 is bifurcated into two flexible routing sections, each filled with a cornucopia of creative opportunities. The top section plays the role of a 4-to-1 router, compartmentalising four inputs into one consolidated output. This output is dictated by control inputs, a playground for texture and tone where you can dictate the narrative of your sonic landscape. Control can be effectively maintained via gate or latch mechanisms, depending on whether you are more inclined towards measured construction or serendipitous manipulation. You can also activate the solo/multi switch to decide on the exclusivity, or lack thereof, of your inputs — an operational caprice for select or multilateral signal control.
What makes the Route 4 an even more stellar ally in your Eurorack setup is its biasing feature. Each of the module's input sockets is biased by a +1 V precision voltage source when not in use. This functionality brings pitch sequences alive by allowing for seamless transposition under gate or trigger-controlled processes.
Flip the module and the lower half gracefully mirrors its superior counterpart as a 1-to-4 router; a single input can be routed to up to four outputs. Here, a slice of convenience is added with automatic normalisation between sections, serving as a patching convenience to streamline your workflow.
A critical factor to address is the Route 4's LED visual feedback arrangement. A cluster of ten responsive LEDs continually informs you of the router's status. This visual accompaniment allows for an insightful and fulfilling interaction as you navigate your ways around the module, making informed choices as you patch away.
The Joranalogue Audio Design Route 4 proves that it is an 8 HP super-flexible analogue mixing and routing powerhouse. It encourages adventurous modulation expeditions by improving your capacity to redirect signals with precision and panache. Whether your palette includes control voltages, audio streams, or gate signals, Route 4 promises the thrill of discovery and liberation in your modular escapades.
A final word to the wise, seasoned patchers and curious newcomers alike: let the Route 4 tune into your frequency, weave through your modules, step outside the box and feel the limits of signal routing dissolve, inspiring you to tap into uncharted sonic territories. Why walk when you can dance, especially when your dance card consists of infinite choices and the allure of the unexpected?
Example Usage
NOVICE LEVEL USAGE EXAMPLE:
Let's say you have a drum machine module in your Eurorack setup and you want to create dynamic drum patterns by manipulating the rhythms using a gate signal. Here's where the Joranalogue Audio Design Route 4 can come in handy.
Step 1: Connect the output of your drum machine to one of the input sockets on the top section of the Route 4 module. This will be your primary drum pattern.
Step 2: Take a gate signal output from a sequencer module or any other control source and connect it to the gate input on the Route 4 module.
Step 3: Use the control inputs on the Route 4 module to determine how the gate signal influences the routing. For example, you can set it to toggle between the primary drum pattern and silence, effectively creating a rhythmic stutter effect.
Step 4: Experiment with the solo/multi switch to determine whether you want the primary drum pattern to play exclusively or if you want multiple patterns to play simultaneously.
Step 5: Connect the output of the Route 4 module to an audio mixer or directly to an amplifier module to hear the modified drum pattern.
By using the Joranalogue Audio Design Route 4 in this way, you can easily manipulate and modify drum patterns on the fly, adding variation and excitement to your music.
For an intermediate-level usage example, let's explore how the Joranalogue Audio Design Route 4 can enhance your modulation and envelope techniques.
Imagine you have a complex sequence running through multiple modules in your Eurorack system. You want to creatively modulate different parameters based on specific triggers or gates. This is where the Route 4 comes into play.
First, patch your sequencer's gate output into the Route 4's gate input. Now, insert the CV output from the sequencer, controlling the desired modulation parameter, into one of the four inputs of the Route 4's top section. Enable the latch mode and set the solo/multi switch to multi to allow multiple inputs to be active simultaneously.
Next, connect the gate output from a drum module to another input on the Route 4. This gate will toggle the signal on and off based on the received triggers, effectively gating the modulation source. Connect a different modulation parameter to this input.
Now, take the output from the Route 4 and route it to the target module that you want to modulate. This can be a filter cutoff, oscillator pitch, or any other parameter that responds to modulation.
As you sequence through your track, the Route 4 will dynamically route different modulation sources to different destinations based on the gate and trigger inputs. This not only brings variation and movement to your sound but also allows for intricate control over your patches.
Experiment with different gate patterns, latch durations, and modulation sources. The precision voltage biasing on the unused inputs ensures that your modulation remains in tune while transposing pitch sequences.
With the Route 4 as your modulation and envelope hub, the possibilities are endless. Unleash your patching imagination and explore the depths of dynamic modulation within your Eurorack system.
Further Thoughts
One creative way to use the Joranalogue Audio Design Route 4 is to create dynamic and evolving melodies by combining pitch sequences and trigger pulses. Start by connecting multiple sequencers or sequencer-like modules to the signal inputs of the top section of Route 4. Each sequencer should be programmed with a different pitch sequence to create a harmonic progression.
Next, use gate signals or trigger pulses to control the routing of these pitch sequences. By sending gate signals or trigger pulses to the control inputs of Route 4, you can toggle the signal inputs on and off, effectively transposing the pitch sequences in real-time.
To add variation and complexity to your melodies, experiment with different gate patterns or trigger rhythms. For example, you can use a clock divider or random generator module to generate interesting and unexpected rhythmical patterns for triggering the signal inputs.
Additionally, make use of the solo/multi switch to determine whether the signal inputs are exclusive or if multiple inputs can be active at the same time. This allows you to create polyrhythmic and polyphonic textures by activating multiple pitch sequences simultaneously.
As you explore this patching technique, pay attention to the visual feedback provided by the responsive LEDs on Route 4. They will display the status of the routers, giving you a clear visual indication of which signal inputs are currently active.
By utilizing the Joranalogue Audio Design Route 4 in this manner, you can unleash your patching imagination and create intricate, ever-changing melodies that add depth and character to your electronic music compositions.