When you think of the essentials for a Eurorack module, parameters like quality, versatility, and user-friendliness rise to the top, and the CalSynth Ripley delivers on all fronts. Based on the Mutable Instruments Ripples V2 filter, Ripley embodies the very essence of sonic versatility in a charmingly compact package. What draws your attention first is its matte black aluminum panel design, which holds all its controls, inputs, and outputs. Its sober and elegant design subtly complements any Eurorack setup.
As you plug it in and start tweaking, you notice Ripley's potent analog character - a four-pole filter that offers an immense sonic range despite its modest 8-HP size. But the Ripley doesn't just stop at being a typical filter module—it enhances the flavor and flexibility with two unique input paths. The first path allows you to drive your signals, distorting them if necessary, also conveniently amplifies line-level signals. This means that Ripley doesn't just process the signal, it could actively shape it into something more exciting and vivacious. The other input path is entirely transparent, maintaining the clean and refined character that the original Ripples mkI is known for.
Among its numerous tricks, Ripley boasts three distinctive filter modes - high-pass, band-pass, and low-pass. The switchable slope for the band-pass and low-pass outputs adds an extra level of adaptability as it lets you shift the nature of the sound from smooth transitions to severe cut-offs. The high-pass output cleverly varies its slope as you play with the resonance control.
What sets Ripley apart is its self-oscillation capability across all modes—when cranked up, the filter transforms into a clean sine-wave generator without any significant loss in volume, a significant downside with many classic filters. This unique feature allows you to use Ripley as a sound source rather than just a shaping tool. As a wonderful addition, there's also an internal VCA for the low-pass output, enabling Ripley to serve as a final stage in your subtractive synth voice chain.
Ripley leaves no stone unturned to invite you to experiment. It includes an un-attenuated frequency CV input calibrated for 1V/Oct tracking over four octaves, no small feat. There's also a frequency CV with an attenuverter and a Resonance CV input. Once controls exceed 5V, they are scalably compressed, allowing for fine-tuning over resonance drive. Last but not least, there's a VCA level control for the low-pass output to ensure that you have absolute control over your sound's final form.
In summary, whether you're a Eurorack newbie looking for a robust, versatile module to kick start your modular journey, or a seasoned synth-expert wanting to add some more flexibility to your rig, Ripley makes for an essential addition. With its unique approach to sound-shaping, impressive feature set, and beautiful design, it ensures to thrive in any Eurorack ecosystem.
Example Usage
To utilize the RIPLEY eurorack module, start by connecting your audio source to one of the two input paths available. Adjust the drive control for signal distortion or keep it clean using the transparent path. Experiment with the three filter modes - high-pass, band-pass, and low-pass - and switch between 2 or 4 poles for varying slopes.
Explore self-oscillation in all modes to generate a clean sine wave, enhanced by the resonance loudness compensation circuit for a unique tone coloration. Utilize the internal VCA on the low-pass output for effective subtractive synthesis.
Leverage the multiple CV inputs provided, including attenuverted frequency CV, resonance CV, and VCA level control. Adjust the cutoff knob within the range of 20Hz to 20kHz and experiment with audio-rate modulations for dynamic sound shaping.
Immerse yourself in the analog goodness of RIPLEY, featuring top-quality components for a versatile and expressive modular synthesis experience.
In an intermediate-level usage example, let's explore creating evolving rhythmic textures with the Mutable Instruments Ripples V2 Replica, also known as RIPLEY. Start by patching a sequencer output into the frequency CV input with an attenuated voltage to control the cutoff frequency. Adjust the cutoff knob to find a starting point for your sound. Then, send a gate signal to trigger the envelope affecting the VCA level input, shaping the amplitude of the resulting sound. Experiment with different filter modes like high-pass, band-pass, and low-pass to sculpt the timbre further.
Next, introduce modulation sources such as an LFO or an envelope generator to the resonance CV input. This modulation can add dynamic movement to the sound, evolving over time. Explore the self-oscillation feature by gradually increasing the resonance knob until the filter starts to resonate and produce a clean sine wave. Control the resonance intensity with the CV input to achieve smooth and expressive tones.
For a more complex sound design, consider patching the output of RIPLEY into other modules like delays or reverbs to add spatial depth to your evolving textures. Experiment with feedback loops by sending the filter output back into its own input for self-modulation and unexpected sonic transformations. Utilize the versatility of RIPLEY's CV inputs to explore audio-rate modulations for even more intricate soundscapes.
By combining modulation sources, exploring different filter modes, and incorporating external effects, you can unlock the sonic potential of the Mutable Instruments Ripples V2 Replica in your Eurorack system. Whether you're creating pulsating rhythms, evolving atmospheres, or expressive leads, RIPLEY offers a wide range of possibilities for sonic exploration and experimentation.
Further Thoughts
In an expert-level usage scenario, let's explore the creative possibilities of the Mutable Instruments Ripples V2 Replica in a eurorack setup. Suppose you have already integrated RIPLEY into your modular system and want to push its sonic boundaries to the next level.
By utilizing the un-attenuated frequency CV input calibrated for 1V/Oct tracking, you can achieve precise and musical control over the self-oscillation tone across four octaves. Experiment with patching this CV input to a sequencer or a quantizer module to create evolving melodies or intricate harmonic progressions that interact dynamically with Ripples' filter response.
For more intricate modulation possibilities, try using the frequency CV input with an attenuverter. This allows you to apply both positive and negative voltages, enabling you to explore a broader spectrum of timbral shifts and tonal variations. Blend subtle frequency changes with extreme modulation depths to sculpt intricate textures and evolving soundscapes.
To add expressive depth to your patches, leverage the resonance CV input. With self-oscillation initiating at 4V and non-linear compression above 5V, you can finely control the resonance and drive it into harmonic saturation territory. Use envelope generators, LFOs, or sequencers to modulate the resonance CV input dynamically, creating dynamic swells, rhythmic pulsations, and evolving textures that breathe life into your sound.
Furthermore, tap into the VCA level input for the low-pass output to shape the final stage of your subtractive synthesis chain. Adjust the VCA level with envelopes, LFOs, or manually to control the amplitude and contour of your sound output. This feature not only enhances the versatility of Ripples as a standalone voice but also allows for seamless integration within a larger modular setup.
By exploring the full potential of RIPLEY's CV inputs and internal architecture, you can unlock a rich palette of sonic possibilities, from lush evolving drones to intricate rhythmic textures and everything in between. Embrace experimentation, modulation, and creative patching to sculpt unique soundscapes that showcase the depth and versatility of the Mutable Instruments Ripples V2 Replica.