When 1010 Music announced the bluebox Eurorack Edition, it was met with an enthusiastic response from the Eurorack community. The bluebox Eurorack Edition breaks the mold of traditional Eurorack mixer modules, offering a host of unique features that elevate it above its contemporaries.
With twelve mono and six stereo tracks, you can mix live or pre-recorded sound alike. You have the freedom to independently route each track to any combination of its four mono or two stereo outputs. Additionally, a dedicated stereo headphone output is provided, facilitating live monitoring or private listening.
Notably, one of the standout features of the bluebox Eurorack Edition is its utilization of six CV inputs, turning it into a powerful modular mixing suite. Modulation and control were never so expansive. Combined with a clock output and TRS MIDI input and output, synchronizing your Eurorack system with an external MIDI gear or DAW is a breeze.
The USB-C ports equipped in the module serve multiple purposes. One can hook up external MIDI controllers for additional control or sync/clock purposes. Furthermore, you can stream two channels of audio to and from your computer. This integration with your digital setup can provide plenty of possibilities for hybrid analog-digital performances or productions.
Another feature that sets the bluebox Eurorack Edition apart is its microSD card slot. Say goodbye to external recording devices, as now you can record and play hours of multi-track/stereo music at 48k, 24-bit high-quality WAV. The microSD card slot also serves as an easy and effective mechanism to implement firmware updates.
From a performance aspect, it showcases an efficient and ergonomic design. You can control multiple parameters across varied tracks simultaneously, making your mix adjustments faster and more intuitive. This is complemented by touchscreen gestures and knobs for quick and easy parameter tweaks.
That's not all; the bluebox Eurorack Edition spoils you with a ton of sound-shaping tools. Each track comes with a four-band EQ, with cut, shelf, and parametric settings for each band. This provides unprecedented control for a Eurorack mix module, typically only featured within professional mixer consoles. Moreover, high-quality reverb and delay effects are provided, with independent sends for each track.
The inclusion of a built-in global compressor is an impressive addition to this Eurorack module. Not only does it maximize loudness, but it creates a cohesive and glued mix, vital for achieving a professional sound. Project settings, inclusive of all parameters for tracks, outputs, EQ, and effects, can also be saved and recalled for later use.
Despite its extensive feature set, the bluebox Eurorack Edition is surprisingly compact, demanding only 30 HP of space. It's designed optimally, with a depth of 1.0" behind the front panel including the ribbon cable. The faceplate is made from durable aluminum, ensuring long-lasting use. Power wise, it's pretty standard with a need for a +5V rail, and the acceptable current draw of 500-850mA at +5V (depending on screen brightness), 320 mA at +12V, and 82mA at -12V.
Captivatingly, the bluebox Eurorack Edition offers several configurations for track usage. You can opt for twelve mono tracks, six stereo tracks, or something in between, depending on the needs of your project. Alongside this flexibility, the bluebox Eurorack Edition also delivers on quality, providing substantial headroom with support for Eurorack levels up to +/-5V inputs and outputs.
In essence, the bluebox Eurorack Edition redefines what a Eurorack mix module can be and pushes the boundary of its potentials. It's an all-in-one package, offering not just a highly versatile mixer, but also a multi-faceted recording solution packed in a user-friendly interface. Whether for recording Eurorack jams or for manipulating live sets, the bluebox Eurorack Edition by 1010 Music is a must-have addition to your Eurorack system.
Example Usage
Novice-level Usage Example:
Let's say you're a novice eurorack user and you've just added the bluebox Eurorack edition to your setup. You want to use it to record your eurorack jams, but you're not sure where to begin. Here's a step-by-step guide to get you started:
- Connect your eurorack modules to the bluebox Eurorack edition using patch cables. This will allow you to send audio signals from your modules to the bluebox for recording.
- Insert a microSD card into the bluebox's microSD slot. This will be used to record your tracks as multi-track or stereo WAV files.
- On the bluebox's touchscreen, select the "Record" mode. This will enable the bluebox to start recording all the audio signals coming from your eurorack modules.
- Start jamming on your eurorack setup. As you play, the bluebox will capture and record all the audio in real-time.
- To add some effects to your recorded tracks, use the bluebox's built-in reverb and delay effects. Adjust the effect parameters using the touchscreen gestures and knobs to find the desired sound.
- Once you're satisfied with your recording, you can save it to the microSD card and export it to your computer for further editing or sharing. The bluebox supports 48k, 24-bit audio WAV files, ensuring high-quality recordings.
By following these simple steps, you can unlock the potential of your eurorack setup and start capturing your creative eurorack jams using the powerful bluebox Eurorack edition. Get ready to rock your rack and unleash your musical ideas!
Intermediate-level Usage Example:
One great way to utilize the bluebox Eurorack edition is to create dynamic and evolving drum patterns. By sending individual drum sounds to separate tracks and using the 6 CV inputs for modulation and control, you can add movement and variation to your beats. For example, connect a random CV generator to one of the CV inputs and assign it to control the panning of a hi-hat track. As the random CV values change, the hi-hat will move around in the stereo field, adding an interesting and unpredictable element to your groove. Combine this with the built-in reverb and delay effects, and you can create intricate and immersive drum patterns that will captivate your listeners. With the bluebox Eurorack edition's flexibility and powerful features, your drum programming possibilities are endless.
Further Thoughts
The bluebox Eurorack edition is a versatile module that allows you to mix, record, and play back multiple tracks of live or prerecorded sound in your Eurorack system. Its extensive features make it an essential tool for any electronic music producer looking to unlock the potential of their modular setup.
One creative way to utilize the bluebox Eurorack edition is by integrating it into a live performance setup. Let's say you have six different sequencers triggering various modules in your rack. By routing each sequencer's output to a separate track on the bluebox, you can easily control and mix the individual sequences.
With the 6 CV inputs, you can use external control voltage sources to modulate parameters on the bluebox, allowing for dynamic and evolving soundscapes during your performance. For example, you can use an LFO to manipulate the wet/dry mix of the built-in reverb effect, creating atmospheric textures that sweep and change over time.
Furthermore, the bluebox's ability to record and play back tracks opens up even more possibilities. Suppose you want to incorporate pre-recorded stems or backing tracks into your live set. You can load them onto the bluebox via the microSD slot and play them back simultaneously while performing your live sequences. This allows for seamless integration of both live and pre-recorded elements, adding depth and complexity to your performance.
To take it a step further, imagine using the bluebox to capture and loop sections of your live improvisation. By recording portions of your performance on different tracks, you can then use the bluebox's mix settings to create evolving loops and layers. This real-time manipulation of recorded material adds an element of spontaneity and improvisation to your set, making each performance unique and engaging.
In summary, the bluebox Eurorack edition is a powerful tool for unlocking the potential of your modular system. Its multi-track recording, flexible routing options, CV inputs, and high-quality effects open up endless creative possibilities for live performances. Seamlessly integrate pre-recorded material, modulate parameters, and create evolving loops to elevate your Eurorack experience to new heights.