The XAOC Devices Batumi II is a revolution in the realm of Eurorack modules, redefining the boundaries of creativity and sonic innovation. Embarking on a journey with this Quadruple Low Frequency Oscillator (LFO) is like stepping into a world with boundless modulation capabilities and sonic morphogenesis. This unique module boasts four voltage-controlled LFOs with extended range, 1V/oct tracking, and multiple modes to promote an unparalleled ease of exploration.
Designed with four free, phase, divide, and mult modes, the Batumi II allows you to create waves, manage frequencies, and switch phase offsets seamlessly. Its free mode lets you operate all four LFOs entirely independently, while the phase mode stratifies your sound creation, allowing you to experiment with phase offsets and vivacious vibratos. Furthermore, the divide mode offers frequency divisions, enabling you to generate complex patterns with absolute precision.
Perhaps the Batumi II's pièce de résistance is its versatile waveform outputs. Offering twelve simultaneous waveform outputs, this module transcends traditional sonic boundaries, introducing a brave new world of sound experimentation. Whether you are working with assignable waves, including two randoms, or exploring the wide-ranging wave selection, the Batumi II promises a sonic experience like no other.
As a Eurorack module, the Batumi II's per-channel reset and sync capabilities affirm its status as an intuitive, user-friendly oscillator. The module's innovative design facilitates easy per-channel reset, allowing you to seamlessly synchronise the oscillators, and encourages rhythmically proficient and harmonically rich sonic exploration.
Notwithstanding its digital foundation, the Batumi II goes the extra mile to ensure the production of high-fidelity, pristine sounds. Its output waveforms are anti-aliased and then smoothed with adaptive analog filters. This means that despite the digital genome of the module, the sound is devoid of any digital artifacts. This detail attentiveness guarantees that the Batumi II delivers a sound as good as its promise.
The Batumi II is a second, vastly upgraded revision of the original Batumi. It has been internally redesigned from scratch using modern technology and offers more waveforms, including two types of randoms, extended range (up to audio rates), and a new frequency multiplication mode. This frequency multiplication mode allows frequencies to be combined harmonically, fostering a world of pitching sequences, cascading arpeggios and intricate polyrhythms.
In conclusion, the XAOC Devices Batumi II is far more than a mere Quadruple Low Frequency Oscillator. It is a versatile and powerful central driving force that redefines the sonic landscape of any modular patch. With its innovative design, vast and intuitive control, and range of unique functionality, it sets a new benchmark for sonic exploration. It's time to harness the power of the Batumi II, and propel your sound into new dimensions of breadth and depth.
Example Usage
Novice-level usage example:
In this example, we will explore how to use the XAOC Devices Batumi II to add movement and variation to a simple bassline sequence.
- Start by connecting a MIDI keyboard or sequencer to your modular setup, sending a pitch CV to a VCO of your choice.
- Take one of the four channels of the Batumi II and patch its waveform output to the VCO's FM input. This will introduce subtle frequency modulation to the bassline.
- Set the Batumi II's first channel to a slow LFO rate, such as a few Hz, and choose a waveform that suits your desired modulation effect. A smooth triangle or sine wave could work well for this example.
- Adjust the depth control on the Batumi II's first channel to control the amount of modulation applied to the VCO. Start with a conservative setting and gradually increase it to find the sweet spot where the bassline comes alive without overpowering it.
- Experiment with different waveforms on the Batumi II's first channel to add variety to the modulation. Try switching between triangle, sawtooth, and square waves to hear different timbral changes in the bassline.
- Now, take the second channel of the Batumi II and patch its waveform output to a VCF's cutoff frequency input. This will create dynamic filtering effects.
- Set the second channel's rate to a faster LFO speed compared to the first channel, such as several Hz or even audio rate if your VCF supports it.
- Adjust the depth control of the second channel to shape the amount of filtering applied to the bassline. You can create subtle filter sweeps or more aggressive and rhythmic effects depending on your taste.
- To further enhance the modulation, experiment with the third and fourth channels of the Batumi II. You can use them to apply modulation to other parameters of your modular system, such as oscillator waveforms, envelope times, or even the levels of other sound sources.
- Don't be afraid to play around with different combinations of LFO rates, waveforms, and depth settings. Trust your ears and let your creativity guide you in finding interesting modulation possibilities.
Remember, the Batumi II is a versatile module, and these steps only scratch the surface of its capabilities. As you become more comfortable with modulation, you can explore more advanced techniques like phase offset, frequency division, and syncing multiple channels together.
Have fun exploring the power of the XAOC Devices Batumi II and unleashing the potential of modulation in your modular system!
One intermediate-level usage example for the XAOC Devices Batumi II module in the context of modulation and envelopes could be:
"In this patch, we'll use the Batumi II to create evolving and dynamic textures with multiple waveforms. Start by patching one of the Batumi's channels to modulate the cutoff frequency of a low-pass filter. Set the waveform to a slow triangle and adjust the modulation depth to create a gentle, undulating movement in the filter. Now, take another channel of the Batumi II and patch it to modulate the decay time of an envelope generator connected to a VCA. Set the waveform to a square and adjust the modulation depth to control the sudden opening and closing of the VCA. This will add rhythmic accents to the evolving texture created by the filter modulation. Finally, use the remaining two channels of the Batumi II to modulate other parameters in your patch, such as oscillator pitch or feedback amount in a delay module, to further shape and transform the sound. Experiment with different waveform combinations, phase offsets, and ratios to achieve complex and expressive modulations. The Batumi II's versatility and extensive waveform options make it an invaluable tool for adding movement and depth to your modular patches."
Further Thoughts
In this particular case, let's dive into a scenario where the XAOC Devices Batumi II is used to add dynamic modulation to a patch, creating a pulsating rhythm with evolving timbres.
Imagine you have a melodic sequence playing on a VCO, and you want to introduce a rhythmic variation to give it more depth and movement. By connecting one of the voltage-controlled LFOs (VC LFOs) from Batumi II to the VCO's pitch input, you can achieve this effect.
Let's say you choose Channel 1 of Batumi II for this purpose. You set the waveform to a smooth triangle wave, ideal for generating subtle pitch fluctuations. You then adjust the frequency of the LFO manually or using an external clock signal to fit the desired rhythmic pattern.
To further enhance the rhythmic variation, you engage the Phase mode on Channel 1. This mode allows you to offset the phase of the waveform, introducing a shifting starting point for each cycle. By experimenting with different phase offsets, you can create interesting rhythmic patterns that complement your melodic sequence.
To make the modulation more interesting and organic, you assign another VC LFO from Batumi II, let's say Channel 3, to the VCO's waveform selection input. Channel 3 could be set to a random waveform, adding an element of unpredictability to the timbre. You can adjust the rate and randomness of the waveform to fine-tune the desired effect.
With these settings in place, you'll notice how the melodic sequence now pulsates and evolves over time. The subtle pitch fluctuations provided by Channel 1 create a sense of movement, while the changing waveforms from Channel 3 introduce surprising variations to the sound's character.
By applying this multi-channel modulation approach, you can fully explore the power and versatility of the XAOC Devices Batumi II. It allows you to transform a simple melodic sequence into a dynamic and evolving composition, thanks to its four VC LFOs, selectable waveforms, phase offsets, and tempo-controlled operation.