Synth Spirals: Exploring Plaits, Total Recall, RGB Matrix, Cockpit 2, and Sofia for Epic Eurorack Sound!
In this article, we delve into the world of Eurorack sound exploration by combining five exciting modules: Plum Audio RO'VED Black, Endorphin.es Total Recall Black, Visible Signals RGB Matrix Combo Panel, Endorphin.es Cockpit 2 Golden, and Xaoc Devices Sofia. Each module brings unique features and capabilities to create epic soundscapes.
Plum Audio RO'VED Black: 1U Macro Oscillator
The Plum Audio RO'VED Black is an innovative 1U Macro Oscillator based on the legendary "Plaits" by Mutable Instruments. This module offers impressive synthesis models for both pitched sounds and noise/percussions. With its improved interface, featuring 4 "CLICKKNOBS" as Plum's 3-in-1 Knobs, the RO'VED Black delivers the best of the 1U format. It comes with 8 synthesis models for pitched sounds, including detuned virtual analog oscillators, wavetable oscillators, formant generators, and more. Additionally, it offers 8 synthesis models for noise and percussions, such as granular oscillators, resonant filters, and analog drum emulations. The RO'VED Black provides a wide range of controls and inputs for sound shaping, modulation, and external control. Its unique synthesis models allow users to explore a vast sonic palette in their Eurorack setups.
Endorphin.es Total Recall Black: 3-Channel Preset Manager and Macro Controller
The Endorphin.es Total Recall Black is a versatile 3-channel preset manager, multistage, and macro controller module. With its compact 6 HP width, it offers a range of control voltage generation and attenuation capabilities. It features an 8 preset CV manager with bipolar and unipolar banks, allowing for instant, slewed, or continuous changes between stored CV values. The Total Recall Black also includes a 3-channel macro CV generator with smooth min./max. control via CV, trigger, or manual input. Its high-resolution SDADCs and DACs ensure accurate CV acquisition and output. With the Total Recall Black, users can easily recall and manipulate complex CV sequences and modulation sources in their Eurorack setups.
Visible Signals RGB Matrix Combo Panel: Expandable Three-Channel Matrix Mixer
The Visible Signals RGB Matrix Combo Panel is an expandable three-channel matrix mixer designed specifically for video sources. It allows for mixing and colorizing pattern and video sources in full RGB. The RGB Matrix Combo Panel includes two Input modules, one Output module, and one Keyer module. Each Input module provides independent level controls for each Red, Green, and Blue output. These level controls allow for precise control over the color and intensity of mixed inputs. The Output module provides access to each of the mixed A and B bus RGB signals. The Keyer module adds another set of RGB outputs and enables cross-fade, keying, and layering functionality. The customizable cross-fade key can be generated automatically from A or B bus image brightness, or via an external CV source. The RGB Matrix Combo Panel is perfect for audio-visual performers and creators who want to add dynamic visual elements to their Eurorack setups.
Endorphin.es Cockpit 2 Golden: Feature-Rich Stereo Channel Performance Mixer
The Endorphin.es Cockpit 2 Golden is a feature-rich stereo channel performance mixer designed to provide comprehensive control over your mix. It features 4 stereo channels and an on-board compressor with external sidechain control voltage option. This allows users to add proper dynamics to their mix and achieve a professional sound. The Cockpit 2 Golden includes a stereo output for speakerphones or headphones, with enough current to drive a wide range of headphones. It is also available in a space-saving 1U/24HP version, perfect for compact Eurorack setups. With its advanced features and high-quality sound, the Cockpit 2 Golden ensures dynamic control and excellent audio performance in any Eurorack system.
Xaoc Devices Sofia: Analog Oscillator with Unique Waveforming Principle
The Xaoc Devices Sofia is an analog oscillator that stands out with its unique waveforming principle. It offers a mixture of a warm saturated base tone and two modulating ripple elements, resulting in a wide range of sounds. Users can achieve vowel-like tones, tearing hard-sync effects, woody pings, and warm sine-like evolving tones with a touch of bright sparkle on top. The Sofia features a comprehensive set of control inputs and outputs, allowing for extensive self-patching and complex waveform animation. It pairs well with filters, but also shines on its own with just a VCA. Whether you're looking for classic analog tones or experimental sounds, the Sofia is a versatile oscillator that opens up new sonic possibilities in your Eurorack system.
By combining the Plum Audio RO'VED Black, Endorphin.es Total Recall Black, Visible Signals RGB Matrix Combo Panel, Endorphin.es Cockpit 2 Golden, and Xaoc Devices Sofia, users can achieve unparalleled sonic possibilities in their Eurorack setups. From powerful oscillations and comprehensive control voltage management to dynamic mixing and video colorization capabilities, these modules bring together the best of Eurorack sound design and performance. With these modules, the limitations of your soundscapes are only bound by your imagination.
Tags: Eurorack Builds, Synth Spirals, Plaits, Total Recall, RGB Matrix, Cockpit 2, Sofia, Epic Eurorack Sound
Example Usage
Let's use these modules to create a novice-level usage example for our article:
"Imagine you're a novice Eurorack user, excited to dive into the world of modular synthesis. You've just acquired the Plum Audio RO'VED Black, the Endorphin.es Total Recall Black, the Visible Signals RGB Matrix Combo Panel, the Endorphin.es Cockpit 2, and the XAOC Devices Sofia module. These modules offer a versatile palette of sound possibilities that will help you create epic eurorack sounds.
To start, let's focus on the Plum Audio RO'VED Black. Its 3-in-1 knobs allow for intuitive control over the 8 synthesis models for both pitched sounds (green models) and noise and percussions (red models). Experiment with the detuned virtual analog oscillators, the wavetable oscillator, or the analog kick drum emulation to create your foundational sound.
Now, let's add some control over your Eurorack setup with the Endorphin.es Total Recall Black. Use its 3-channel preset manager/multistage and macro controller to easily recall and manipulate different settings. With its smooth min/max control, you can create evolving soundscapes by modulating the parameters of various modules. This module will help you explore different possibilities with your other modules.
Next, incorporate the Visible Signals RGB Matrix Combo Panel into your setup. This expandable matrix mixer allows you to colorize and mix pattern and video sources, adding a visual element to your performances. With its dual-bus functionality and crossfading keyer, you can create complex image compositing and effects. Connect your video-rate signal sources to the Input modules, and explore the creative possibilities of the RGB Matrix.
To complete your performance setup, integrate the Endorphin.es Cockpit 2. This 4 stereo channel performance mixer offers an onboard compressor with external sidechain control voltage. With the ability to properly control dynamics and mix your sounds, you'll achieve a professional and polished sound output. Connect your audio sources to the stereo channels and experiment with the sidechain ducking feature to create dynamic and engaging performances.
Lastly, let's add a unique character to your sound using the XAOC Devices Sofia module. With its original waveforming principle, Sofia combines a warm saturated base tone with two modulating ripple elements. Connect the output of the Sofia module to a filter or a VCA, and explore the wide range of sounds you can achieve – from vowel-like tones to tearing hard-sync effects.
By combining these modules, you'll have a powerful and versatile eurorack setup ready to explore epic soundscapes. Each module brings its own unique features and capabilities, allowing you to unleash your creativity and express yourself in new and exciting ways. Get ready to embark on a sonic journey with Plaits, Total Recall, RGB Matrix, Cockpit 2, and Sofia!"
In this intermediate-level usage example, we will explore how to create epic and evolving Eurorack soundscapes using the Plum Audio RO'VED, Endorphin.es Total Recall, Visible Signals RGB Matrix, Endorphin.es Cockpit 2, and Xaoc Devices Sofia modules.
To start, let's use the Plum Audio RO'VED as the centerpiece of our patch. With its 8 synthesis models, we have a wide range of sound possibilities. Let's select the wavetable oscillator with interpolation for its rich and evolving waveform. We can also use the granular sawtooth oscillator from the red models for some textural elements. Connect the main frequency control to a sequencer or keyboard for melodic control. Use the harmonics, timbre, and morph controls to shape the sound to your liking. Experiment with the FM and formant control inputs to add modulation sources to further animate the sound. The main V/O CV input can be used with an external controller to add expressive control to the pitch. With its compact size, the RO'VED can easily fit into any Eurorack setup while providing a wide variety of sound possibilities.
Now let's move on to the Endorphin.es Total Recall module. This 3-channel preset manager and macro controller will allow us to recall different parameter settings for our patch. Use the CV preset manager to store and switch between different settings for the RO'VED, such as different wavetables, harmonics, or FM modulation amounts. The macro CV generator can be used to create dynamic changes in multiple parameters simultaneously. Experiment with different CV sources, triggers, or manual control to create evolving textures and movements in your patch. The sleek design and small footprint of the Total Recall module make it an essential tool for live performances or complex composition setups.
Next, let's explore the Visible Signals RGB Matrix. This expandable three-channel matrix mixer is not only great for video applications but also provides interesting possibilities for sound manipulation. Connect the red, green, and blue outputs of the RO'VED to the RGB inputs of the matrix. Use the A/B bus and crossfading keyer to mix and manipulate the different channels of the RO'VED. The RGB Matrix Combo Panel allows for input expansion, so you can add additional sound sources or manipulate other modules within your Eurorack system. With the ability to mix and crossfade between sources, the RGB Matrix opens up new creative avenues for sound design and performance.
Now let's add some mixing and dynamics control with the Endorphin.es Cockpit 2. With its 4 stereo channels and built-in compressor, it offers a versatile solution for shaping and enhancing your sounds. Connect the RO'VED outputs to individual channels of the Cockpit 2, adjusting the level and panning to create spatial depth in your mix. Use the on-board compressor to add dynamics and punch to your sound. Experiment with the sidechain input option to create rhythmic ducking effects or to blend external sound sources into your mix. The stereo output of the Cockpit 2 provides a clean and powerful signal, ready to be sent to speakers or headphones. With its compact size and additional 1U version available, the Cockpit 2 is a valuable addition to any Eurorack setup.
Lastly, let's incorporate the Xaoc Devices Sofia module into our patch. This unique analog oscillator adds a warm saturated base tone with modulating ripple elements. Connect the output of the Sofia module to the RGB Matrix inputs or the Cockpit 2 channels, blending it with the sound from the RO'VED. Experiment with the various control inputs and outputs of the Sofia to create complex animations and evolving waveforms. Use filters or VCAs in your Eurorack system to further shape and manipulate the sound from the Sofia. Its distinctive characteristics make it a versatile companion for sound design or as a standalone sound source.
By combining the capabilities of the Plum Audio RO'VED, Endorphin.es Total Recall, Visible Signals RGB Matrix, Endorphin.es Cockpit 2, and Xaoc Devices Sofia modules, you can create epic and evolving soundscapes in your Eurorack system. The possibilities for sonic exploration are endless, allowing you to craft unique compositions, perform live sets, or simply enjoy the immersive world of modular synthesis.
Further Thoughts
In this epic eurorack build, we will combine the Plum Audio RO'VED Black, the Endorphin.es Total Recall Black, the Visible Signals RGB Matrix Combo Panel, the Endorphin.es Cockpit 2 Golden, and the Xaoc Devices Sofia to create an incredible sound experience.
First, let's start with the Plum Audio RO'VED Black, a versatile 1U Macro Oscillator. With its 8 synthesis models for pitched sounds, including detuned virtual analog oscillators, wavetable oscillators, and speech synthesis algorithms, the RO'VED provides a wide range of sonic possibilities. Its innovative interface, featuring 4 "CLICKKNOBS" for model selection and main controls, ensures a natural and convenient user experience.
Next, we have the Endorphin.es Total Recall Black, a 3-channel preset manager, multistage, and macro controller. With its 8 preset CV manager and smooth min/max control via CV, trigger, or manual input, this module allows for precise and dynamic control over your sound. The bi-polar and unipolar preset banks provide further flexibility in shaping your music.
To add a visual dimension to our eurorack setup, we incorporate the Visible Signals RGB Matrix Combo Panel. This expandable three-channel matrix mixer allows for the colorization and mixing of video sources in full RGB. With its input and output modules, as well as a keyer module for crossfade and layering effects, the RGB Matrix takes audio-visual synthesis to the next level.
The Endorphin.es Cockpit 2 Golden is our choice for a performance mixer in this build. With 4 stereo channels and an onboard compressor with external sidechain control voltage option, this mixer adds proper dynamics to your mix. Its stereo output can drive a wide range of headphones, making it ideal for live performances.
Last but not least, we have the Xaoc Devices Sofia, a transcendent waveform analog oscillator. Based on an original waveforming principle, Sofia offers a unique sound with warm saturated base tones and modulating ripple elements. With its extensive control inputs and separate outputs for different components of the sound shaping chain, Sofia opens up a world of self-patching and complex animation possibilities.
By combining the Plum Audio RO'VED Black, the Endorphin.es Total Recall Black, the Visible Signals RGB Matrix Combo Panel, the Endorphin.es Cockpit 2 Golden, and the Xaoc Devices Sofia, you can create epic and immersive eurorack soundscapes that push the boundaries of electronic music. Let your creativity soar and explore the limitless sonic possibilities offered by these modules.