The Worng Electronics SoundStage II Eurorack Module is an absolute game-changer in the realm of creative mixing. This stereo mixer module proffers an all-new approach to patch-based mixing, affording a groundbreaking platform to sculpt overlapping voices within the stereo field and the frequency spectrum. Let's dive into the expansive potential of SoundStage II.
Think of SoundStage II as a canvas for your sonic landscape. Weaving your synth modules into a sonic tapestry is simplified with the intuitive placement of inputs. The horizontal placement of patch inputs dictates the stereo field positioning, with left inputs mapped to the left channel and right inputs to the right channel. This allows for a vivid stereo mix to unfurl in real-time as you patch, liberating you from monotonous dead center patches and bringing dimension and depth to your mix.
An additional layer of sculpting sophistication is introduced with vertical patch placement influencing frequency spectrum mapping. This impressive feature is achieved through twenty finely tuned analogue resonant -12dB/octave Sallen-Key filters, segmenting the spectrum into low, low mid, mid, high mid and high voices, evoking a unique, spectral panorama with discernable clarity between the overlapping frequencies.
Controlling the depth of filtering and the output level is a breeze; dedicated knobs and bipolar CV inputs offer creative applications such as sidechain compression and rhythm filtering. Connectivity enhancements include a fully filtered FX send and return, allowing for external sound shaping devices to flawlessly mesh with your soundscape.
SoundStage II has been bolstered with new features and improvements over its predecessor. A refined Depth control circuit divulges nuanced command over the fullness of your mix. Notably, the module also features an improved low-end response, delivering heavier, punchier bass for those earthy,textured drones and throbbing kick drums.
One of the essential upgrades in SoundStage II is the power efficiency, which makes it a suitable feature-heavy yet less power-hungry module for your Eurorack rig. Also, the introduction of a logarithmic VCA on the output paves the way for a smoother, musical response when implementing compression or expansion on the outputs, offering an even broader spectrum of dynamic possibilities.
In summary, the Worng Electronics SoundStage II Eurorack Module does much more than just mixing – it offers a creative outlet for patch-based mixing, guiding you in the orchestration of intricate, beautiful soundscapes. It's clear that Worng Electronics has truly reimagined what a mixer could and should be within a Eurorack system. The SoundStage II unlocks a world of multi-dimensional, frequency-wise and stereo-wise mixing, setting the stage for endless auditory exploration.
Example Usage
Novice-Level Usage Example:
Let's say you have a Eurorack setup with a few different sound sources, like a drum module, a synthesizer, and a sampler. You want to create an interesting mix where each sound occupies its own space in the stereo field and frequency spectrum. This is where the Worng Electronics SoundStage II comes in handy.
First, patch your drum module to the left input of the SoundStage II and the synthesizer to the right input. Adjust the horizontal patch positions of each input so that the drum module is more to the left and the synthesizer is more to the right. This will give the illusion of the drum sounds coming from the left side of the stereo field and the synthesizer sounds coming from the right.
Next, patch your sampler to a higher vertical patch position and the drum module to a lower vertical patch position. This will place the sampler sounds higher in the frequency spectrum and the drum sounds lower, allowing for better separation of the two.
Now, let's get creative with some effects. Patch an effects module to the SoundStage II's FX send and return. This will allow you to apply effects specifically to the sounds going through the SoundStage II. Experiment with different effects like delay, reverb, or even modulation effects to add depth and texture to your mix.
Lastly, you can use the bipolar CV inputs and dedicated controls on the SoundStage II to further shape your mix. For example, you can use a rhythmic modulation source to control the filter depth, creating a pulsating effect on certain sounds. Or you can use a sidechain compressor to add a pumping effect to your mix, emphasizing the rhythmic elements.
By utilizing the unique features of the SoundStage II, such as the placement of inputs in the stereo field and frequency spectrum, along with the dedicated controls and effects send/return, you can unleash your creativity and craft a truly immersive and dynamic mix in your Eurorack system.
In this intermediate-level usage example, we will explore how the Worng Electronics SoundStage II Eurorack module can be employed to create dynamic stereo effects and rhythmic filtering. By utilizing its voltage-controlled filters and CV inputs, we can manipulate the stereo field and frequency spectrum to shape our mix in creative ways.
Let's begin by patching two different voices into the SoundStage II module. Connect a percussion sound to the left input and a melodic synth tone to the right input. The module will automatically position these voices in the stereo field based on their horizontal patch position.
Now, we can start working with the vertical patch position to control the frequency spectrum. By patching a low-frequency oscillator (LFO) into the vertical CV input, we can modulate the placement of the voices in the frequency spectrum. Adjust the LFO rate and depth to create a dynamic movement of the voices between different frequency ranges.
To add even more depth and variation, let's make use of the module's bipolar CV inputs. Patch a rhythmic source, such as a sequencer or a drum trigger, into the depth CV input. As the triggers or sequencer steps are triggered, they will control the depth of the filtering for each voice. Experiment with different trigger patterns and control voltages to create rhythmic filter effects that bring life and movement to your mix.
Furthermore, take advantage of the newly added FX send and return feature of the SoundStage II. Patch an effects module or a chain of effects into the FX send, adjust the FX return level, and explore how it enhances your mix. You can apply parallel processing, such as adding subtle reverb or delay, to the voices without affecting the dry signal.
Finally, to shape the overall mix and enhance its dynamics, utilize the log VCA on the output of the SoundStage II. Patch a compressor module or an envelope follower into the VCA control input to dynamically control the output level based on the amplitude of the mix. This allows for creative compression or expansion techniques, adding a sense of movement and responsiveness to the final output.
By exploring the versatility of the Worng Electronics SoundStage II module as a voltage-controlled stereo spectral mixer, we can unleash our creativity in mixing. With its unique approach to positioning voices in the stereo field and frequency spectrum, as well as its various control options, the SoundStage II opens up new possibilities for creating immersive and dynamic mixes in our Eurorack system.
Further Thoughts
The Worng Electronics SoundStage II Eurorack module is a powerhouse when it comes to creative mixing and sound manipulation. With its unique approach to stereo mixing, it allows you to delve into uncharted territories of sonic exploration. Let's take a look at an expert-level usage example to demonstrate the immense versatility of this module:
Imagine you have a drum sequence with various drum sounds patched into the SoundStage II. By strategically placing each voice within the stereo field using the horizontal patch position, you can craft an immersive and dynamic drum mix. For instance, you can position the kick drum at the center, snare drum slightly to the right, hi-hat to the left, and so on. This spatial placement gives each sound its own distinct position in the stereo image, resulting in a more engaging and lifelike listening experience.
But that's not all. The SoundStage II goes a step further by allowing you to shape the frequency spectrum through vertical patching. Let's say you want to emphasize the low-end thump of the kick drum and give it some extra weight. By patching the kick drum input lower in the vertical position, the module's built-in Sallen-Key filters will bring out the low frequencies, adding depth and impact to the kick sound.
But the real magic happens when we start to explore the module's depth control circuit and FX send and return. With the dedicated depth control and its corresponding bipolar CV input, you can modulate the filtering parameters in real-time, opening up endless possibilities for rhythmic filtering and sidechain compression effects. This allows you to create intricate patterns and dynamic motion within your mix, enhancing every beat and adding a sense of movement and excitement.
And let's not forget about the FX send and return. With its fully filtered path, you can easily integrate external effects processors into your setup. Whether you want to add spacious reverb, gritty distortion, or ethereal delays, the SoundStage II provides a seamless way to bring external effects into your mix, further expanding your sonic palette.
To top it all off, the log VCA on the output ensures optimal response when applying compression or expansion to your mix. This means you can achieve professional-level dynamics processing right within your Eurorack system, without compromising on sound quality or control.
In conclusion, the Worng Electronics SoundStage II Eurorack module is a game-changer when it comes to creative mixing. Its unique approach to stereo placement, frequency shaping, and dynamic control opens up a world of possibilities for both experienced producers and beginners alike. Whether you're looking to craft immersive drum mixes, experiment with rhythmic filtering, or integrate external effects, the SoundStage II will undoubtedly elevate your Eurorack setup to new heights of sonic expression.