Born from a 'pleasant mistake', the Stealth-paneled Nonlinear Circuits Splish is a prime example of innovative engineering meeting serendipity. With its potential for versatile modulation schemes and intriguing sound design, this module proves, the colour of the module doesn’t always determine the vibrancy of the sounds it can produce.
Crammed inside a compact 4HP design, the Splish's creative magic is centered upon its difference rectifier circuits. By taking the difference between the sums of voltages from the + and – inputs, it outputs the positive and negative components as separate signals. These eight resulting signals are unique, offering an array of CV outputs with distinct spectral characteristics based upon the original three inputs. This allows for simple CV's, like an LFO’s sine, ramp or pulse waveforms, to be transformed and manipulated into exceedingly complex outputs. Thus, the Splish acts as a CV complexity multiplier.
The real marvel of the Splish is its ingenuity in transforming simple modulation signals into complex, intertwined sonic landscapes. By feeding a combination of LFOs into the inputs, the Splish returns the favor eightfold. The resulting CV output can be used for complex pitch modulation of a VCO, for instance, or manipulation of a filter cut-off or resonance. By controlling multiple parameters across your Eurorack setup from one module, the Splish allows for exciting modulations that maintain a consistent thematic element.
Incorporating the new Stealth panels gives this module a distinctive aesthetic within any Eurorack setting. This unexpected version of panels, resulting from a wrong panel file sent on production, adds a dash of ‘serendipitous style’ to the functional package. Though officially an accident, the black Stealth panels have a sense of purposeful minimalist chic that could allure certain modular enthusiasts.
Further down the line, when the novelty of the Serendipity series eventually comes to a close, you can choose to shift to the essential black panels as they will continue to be always in stock. Whether you're choosing the Splish for its technical prowess or aesthetic appeal, its impact on your sound creation journey promises to be rich and thrilling.
In conclusion, the Nonlinear Circuits Splish module invites a deep delving into its CV processing capabilities. It invites us to experiment, to play, to discover new relationships between simple inputs and complex outputs. It provides a platform for creating intricate soundscapes and dynamic sequences, thus opening up a wealth of synthesis techniques to explore. It is a testament to what can be achieved with innovative circuit design and an eagerness to push the boundaries of sonic manipulation. Whether you are an experimental music aficionado or a hardcore Eurorack modular synth enthusiast, the potential held within the small, inventive Nonlinear Circuits Splish module is waiting for you to tap into.
Example Usage
When integrating the Nonlinear Circuits Splish module into your Eurorack setup, you'll find that its ability to manipulate control voltages offers a fantastic opportunity to explore new realms of sound and complexity. The module features three inputs, which can be used to merge multiple control signals, and eight outputs that deliver unique variations of those inputs.
To start utilizing the Splish, connect the outputs of two or three LFOs to its inputs. For instance, you might patch an LFO that modulates pitch and another that alters filter cutoff into the module. The Splish will process these signals through difference rectifier circuits, effectively finding the difference between the positive and negative inputs to generate new control voltages.
As you experiment, listen closely to the various relationships formed at the eight outputs. You'll notice that each output provides a distinct flavor of modulation, which can then be routed to control parameters on different modules within your setup. This allows for a complex web of interactivity and spontaneity, transforming simple LFO patterns into intricate modulation sources.
Don’t hesitate to experiment with different combinations of LFO rates and wave shapes. For example, patch a slow sine wave LFO alongside a fast square wave; the Splish will create unexpected rhythmically complex patterns perfect for evolving soundscapes. You can also route the outputs back into the Splish for further processing, allowing its nonlinear manipulation to further enrich your CV signals. Feel free to mix and match various modules within your setup to witness the extraordinary variations and rich textures that emerge from this creative patching philosophy.
As you delve deeper, keep a notebook or a patch log to document which combinations produce your desired results. This can be an invaluable resource for refining your techniques and expanding your sonic palette. The Splish opens doors to complexities that encourage experimentation, making it an exciting addition to your Eurorack toolkit.
To effectively harness the power of the Nonlinear Circuits Splish module in your Eurorack setup, consider incorporating it into a patch that emphasizes its unique capabilities in generating complex control voltages (CVs). Start by routing two low-frequency oscillators (LFOs) into the Splish’s three inputs. For example, you could use an LFO generating a triangle wave as Input A, and another LFO with a sine wave modulation as Input B. For the third input, you might want to connect a third LFO with a slow random CV output, which will introduce some unpredictability into the mix.
Next, patch the eight outputs from the Splish module to different destinations in your modular system. The beauty of the Splish lies in its differential rectifier circuits, which process the information from your LFOs in innovative ways. The module combines input signals and then spits out eight unique outputs that are interconnected yet distinct, offering a rich palette for controlling various parameters in your setup.
Take, for instance, Outputs 1 and 2: route these to the pitch and filter cutoff of a synthesizer voice. By doing so, you’ll create a dynamic that causes the note played to modulate in response to the interplay of the LFOs feeding into the Splish. This creates a subtle but compelling variation that can enhance your melodies.
Outputs 3 and 4 might be assigned to modulate the amplitude and reverb send of an audio signal, subtly shifting the texture of the sound based on the complex CVs generated.
For further complexity, consider sending Output 5 into an envelope generator triggering a VCA, allowing the modulations to affect your signal’s dynamics. By adjusting the levels and shapes of your initially simple LFO signals, you can craft intricate soundscapes that feel both organic and evolving.
Utilizing the Splish in this way will not only showcase its key features but also add depth to your compositions. Its 4HP size means it won't take up much space in your case, yet it can significantly expand your creative possibilities, inspiring new ways to interact with your Eurorack system. Embrace the nonlinear nature of the Splish and experiment; you might just stumble upon unexpected sonic landscapes.
Further Thoughts
To fully grasp the intricate possibilities that the Nonlinear Circuits Splish module offers, we can dive into a practical example that showcases its ability to produce complex control voltages (CVs) from simpler input sources. The Splish module’s unique architecture leverages three inputs and transforms them through difference rectifier circuits, leading to a plethora of outputs that can enhance your patch.
Imagine you have two LFOs (Low-Frequency Oscillators) generating CVs; let's call them LFO A and LFO B. Route the output of LFO A to the positive input (IN A) of the Splish module, and LFO B to the negative input (IN B). For the third input, you could utilize a random CV source or a sequencer to add an additional layer of complexity (IN C). This setup creates the foundation for your exploration.
As you engage with the module, you’ll notice that upon adjusting the parameters of LFO A and LFO B, the outputs from the eight output jacks begin to diverge in fascinating ways. For instance, while IN A and IN B are oscillating at similar rates, their phase relationships will create distinct outputs at the Splish's outputs. One output might yield a sharp, jagged waveform, while another might give off a smoother, more subdued sine wave, illustrating how the difference rectifier circuits sculpt each output uniquely.
By patching multiple of these outputs into various destinations, such as filter cutoff, oscillator pitch, or modulation depth, you will start experiencing a richness in texture that can elevate your sound design. Since the outputs bear relation to each other yet remain distinct, you can create intricate, evolving soundscapes that feel alive and dynamic over time.
Moreover, with the option for black Stealth panels, this module not only performs extraordinarily but also looks the part in a tightly packed Eurorack setup, allowing for creative visual aesthetics alongside functional prowess. Experiment with feedback loops by routing outputs back into the inputs of other modules, exploring feedback in CGs, or utilizing the outputs to modulate effects for surprising results.
This creative approach not only demonstrates how the Nonlinear Circuits Splish module excels in generating complex CVs but also illustrates the beauty of modular synthesis where experimentation leads to unexpected and rewarding sonic experiences.