The VnIcursal VCA is a compact and versatile Voltage Controlled Amplifier with six OTA-based DC Coupled Linear VCAs. It can be used as a voltage controlled mixer, and each VCA output is normalled to the sum output, providing flexibility in sound routing. The latest version of the VnIcursal VCA simplifies the build process and reduces troubleshooting, making it more DIY-friendly.
The Expert Sleepers Ivo is a resonant low-pass VCF with switchable 2-pole and 3-pole responses. It offers voltage control over feedback and cutoff frequency, and it can self-oscillate in 2-pole mode. With two audio inputs and an attenuator, the Ivo can also mix two signals at the filter input, adding depth and complexity to the sound.
The Ladik S-316 sequencer is a 16-step CV sequencer module with clock and reset inputs, as well as manual buttons for easy control. It offers a gate output and 16 step CV knobs with on/off switches, allowing for precise sequencing and modulation. The S-316 provides various modes, including random, up/down, and up, giving users flexibility in creating patterns. It also features range settings and S/H options for further customization.
By combining these modules, users can create intricate and evolving beats, with dynamic control over parameters and modulation possibilities. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced Eurorack enthusiast, this combination of modules offers endless creative potential for electronic music production.
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In this article, we explore the combination of the Erica Synths Bass Drum 2, VnIcursal VCA, Ivo, and S-316 Sequencer to create unique and powerful beats in a Eurorack setup. The Erica Synths Bass Drum 2 offers a massive and punchy sound, with CV control over key parameters, allowing for expressive performances. Its special Trigger/Gate mode enables the creation of sustained drum sounds, making it perfect for unconventional bass drum patterns.
The VnIcursal VCA is a compact and versatile Voltage Controlled Amplifier with six OTA-based DC Coupled Linear VCAs. It can be used as a voltage controlled mixer, and each VCA output is normalled to the sum output, providing flexibility in sound routing. The latest version of the VnIcursal VCA simplifies the build process and reduces troubleshooting, making it more DIY-friendly.
The Expert Sleepers Ivo is a resonant low-pass VCF with switchable 2-pole and 3-pole responses. It offers voltage control over feedback and cutoff frequency, and it can self-oscillate in 2-pole mode. With two audio inputs and an attenuator, the Ivo can also mix two signals at the filter input, adding depth and complexity to the sound.
The Ladik S-316 sequencer is a 16-step CV sequencer module with clock and reset inputs, as well as manual buttons for easy control. It offers a gate output and 16 step CV knobs with on/off switches, allowing for precise sequencing and modulation. The S-316 provides various modes, including random, up/down, and up, giving users flexibility in creating patterns. It also features range settings and S/H options for further customization.
By combining these modules, users can create intricate and evolving beats, with dynamic control over parameters and modulation possibilities. The Erica Synths Bass Drum 2 provides a solid foundation for the rhythm, while the VnIcursal VCA allows for precise control over the mixing and routing of sounds. The Expert Sleepers Ivo adds a resonant and filter-based character to the beats, allowing for further shaping of the sound. Finally, the Ladik S-316 sequencer brings the patterns to life, with its intuitive control and flexible sequencing options.
Whether you're a beginner or an experienced Eurorack enthusiast, this combination of modules offers endless creative potential for electronic music production. The Bass Drum 2, VnIcursal VCA, Ivo, and S-316 Sequencer unite to create a system that pushes the boundaries of what is possible in the world of Eurorack builds. So get ready to kick it with these modules and experience the power of blended signals in your beats!
Example Usage
Here's a NOVICE-level usage example for combining the Eurorack modules (Erica Synths Bass Drum 2, VnIcursal VCA, Ivo, and S-316 Sequencer):
- Start by patching the output of the S-316 Sequencer's Gate output to the Trigger input of the Erica Synths Bass Drum 2 module.
- Set the gate length on the S-316 Sequencer's Gate length knob to control the duration of the bass drum sound.
- Take the output of the Erica Synths Bass Drum 2 module and connect it to one of the audio inputs on the VnIcursal VCA module.
- Adjust the gain on the VnIcursal VCA using the potentiometer to control the volume of the bass drum sound.
- Patch the output of the VnIcursal VCA module to one of the audio inputs on the Ivo module.
- Use the cutoff frequency knob on the Ivo module to shape the timbre of the bass drum sound.
- Experiment with the resonance (feedback) control on the Ivo module to add extra character to the sound.
- Finally, connect the output of the Ivo module to a mixer, like the Ladik M-610, to blend the bass drum sound with other audio sources in your Eurorack system.
By using this combination of modules, you can create powerful and dynamic bass drum sequences that can be further tweaked and shaped to fit your musical style. Have fun exploring the possibilities!
To create a bass-heavy, rhythmic sequence using the Erica Synths Bass Drum 2, VnIcursal VCA, Ivo, and S-316 Sequencer together, follow these steps:
- Start by patching the output of the S-316 Sequencer's Gate Out into the Trigger input of the Bass Drum 2 module.
- Set the S-316 Sequencer to the desired sequence length and direction. For example, select the Up/Down (Pendulum) direction for a dynamic sequence.
- Adjust the Gate Length knob on the S-316 Sequencer to control the duration of the gates triggering the Bass Drum 2.
- Use the CV Out of the S-316 Sequencer to modulate the VnIcursal VCA. Patch the CV Out into the CV In of the VnIcursal VCA.
- Connect the output of the Bass Drum 2 module to one of the audio inputs of the Ivo VCF.
- Adjust the Cutoff Frequency and Resonance knobs on the Ivo VCF to shape the sound of the bass drum.
- Patch the output of the Ivo VCF into one of the channels of the Ladik M-610 mixer.
- Repeat steps 5-7 for additional voices if desired, using additional channels of the Ladik M-610 mixer.
- Adjust the level sliders and pan/balance pots on the Ladik M-610 mixer to blend the different voices together.
- Connect the output of the Ladik M-610 mixer to your audio interface or amplifier, and start experimenting with different sequences, gate lengths, and filter settings to create unique and dynamic bass drum patterns.
By combining the powerful bass drum sound of the Bass Drum 2, the versatile modulation capabilities of the VnIcursal VCA, the filter processing of the Ivo VCF, and the sequencing capabilities of the S-316 Sequencer, you can create complex and engaging bass drum patterns that will give your music a unique character.
Further Thoughts
One of the most exciting aspects of working with a modular synth setup is the ability to combine different modules to create unique and complex sounds. In this article, we will explore how the Erica Synths Bass Drum 2, Zlob VnIcursal VCA, Expert Sleepers Ivo, and Ladik S-316 Sequencer can come together to produce kickin' beats and blended signals.
First, let's start with the Erica Synths Bass Drum 2. Known for its massive and punchy sound, this module offers CV control over key parameters, making it expressive in live performances. What sets the Bass Drum 2 apart is its Trigger/Gate mode, which allows for sustained drum sounds. By patching the gate output of the Ladik S-316 Sequencer into the trigger input of the Bass Drum 2, we can modulate the gate length and design unconventional bass drum patterns.
Next, we'll introduce the Zlob VnIcursal VCA. This compact voltage-controlled amplifier offers 6 OTA-based DC coupled linear VCAs, which can be used for audio or CV signals. With its small footprint, the VnIcursal VCA is perfect for saving space in your modular setup. We can take advantage of its 6 VCAs by using them as a voltage-controlled mixer. By routing the audio output of the Bass Drum 2 into one of the VCA inputs and another signal into a different VCA input, we can blend the two sounds together and create dynamic and evolving rhythms.
To shape the sound further, we'll introduce the Expert Sleepers Ivo. This resonant low-pass voltage-controlled filter offers a switchable 2-pole and 3-pole response, allowing for different levels of filtering. We can use the CV control over feedback to add resonance to the sound. By patching the audio output of the VnIcursal VCA into one of the audio inputs of the Ivo, we can sculpt the sound of the bass drum, adding warmth and character to the beats.
Finally, we'll bring it all together with the Ladik S-316 Sequencer. This 16-step CV sequencer allows for precise control over note patterns and rhythms. By programming a sequence using the step knobs and step on/off switches, we can create intricate bass drum patterns. The gate length knob, which can be controlled by CV from an external source, allows us to customize the length of the bass drum hits, adding even more variation to our beats.
By combining the Erica Synths Bass Drum 2, Zlob VnIcursal VCA, Expert Sleepers Ivo, and Ladik S-316 Sequencer, we have a powerful setup for creating kickin' beats and blended signals. The modular nature of these modules allows for endless possibilities and experimentation. Whether you're creating EDM, techno, or experimental music, this combination will surely elevate your productions to the next level.