At first glance, Colossus Audio's SIGNS may seem like a traditional delay module. However, the aptly named SIGNS Voltage Controlled Double Delay offers an innovative approach to echo and delay processing, providing producers with a platform that stimulates creativity and experimentation.
A distinguishing aspect of SIGNS lies within its composite design. It incorporates two PT2399 ICs, known for their rich, robust, and extremely versatile sonic characteristics. This ingenious construction enables SIGNS to deliver a clean 400ms delay only to shatter this pristine preconception with nearly 2 seconds of gritty, gloriously degraded output.
Making use of a single input signal, this module harnesses the power of both ICs differently yet in parallel, establishing two distinct delay paths. The result? Musicians can weave intricate rhythmic patterns or unearth previously unfathomable textures, opening up a realm of possibilities entirely unique to SIGNS.
And it doesn't stop there. A noteworthy feature of this remarkable module is its glitch and degrade generators, assigned to each individual delay channel. By gradually distorting the signal, SIGNS morphs traditional echoes into tantalizingly circuit-bent noises, concocting a realm of chaotic charm that is far from predictable. Repetitive sequences transform into beautifully crushing noise, adding an extra layer of depth to your sonic landscape.
The versatile POST GAIN stage elevates SIGNS even further. With a switchable Soft/Hard clipping mode, you can tailor your output with fine precision, ramping up distortion intensity or choosing a smoother, subtle drive.
The options for routing and output configuration on SIGNS are another nod towards its design sophistication. D1 and D2 send outputs can operate in a stereo configuration, perfect for creating a vast spatial soundscape. Alternatively, each output can work independently, dextrously carving their own path through your mix.
In conclusion, SIGNS transcends the basic expectations one might have of a delay module. From generating complex rhythmic patterns to crafting immersive, textural soundscapes, the SIGNS Voltage Controlled Double Delay not only facilitates the creation of unique audio experiences but actively encourages it through its innovative design. It's the perfect addition to your eurorack setup if you’re looking to dive deep into experimentation, circumventing tradition to whittle out new audio territories.
Example Usage
To harness the full potential of Colossus Audio's SIGNS Voltage Controlled Double Delay, start by connecting your favorite audio source to the module's input. This could be anything from a synth line to a vocal sample. With the basic setup ready, let's explore its capabilities step by step.
- Initial Setup: Begin with both delay paths set to a moderate feedback level, around 50%. Adjust the time knobs on each delay channel to different values. One channel can be set to around 200ms, while the other is closer to 1.5 seconds. This creates a dynamic tension between the quick echoes and the extended delays.
- Modulation: Introduce a low-frequency oscillator (LFO) to modulate the delay time of each channel. This can be done by patching the LFO signal into the respective CV inputs of D1 and D2. Experimenting with various waveforms like sine or square will yield rich, evolving textures. The shifting delay times will make your audio source feel alive, with echoes that dynamically shift in and out of sync.
- Glitch and Degrade Effects: As you play with the degrade generator on both delay channels, turn the knobs incrementally to introduce distortion. Start with a lower setting to subtly alter the sound, increasing it to create those gritty, circuit-bent noises that SIGNS is known for. This is where the character of the module truly shines, adding layers of complexity to your audio.
- Post Gain and Clipping: Use the POST GAIN stage to boost the overall level of the affected signal. Toggle between the Soft and Hard clipping modes to hear how they influence the overall texture. The Soft setting adds warmth, while the Hard mode introduces aggressive clipping, perfect for harsher soundscapes.
- Stereophonic Spatial Effects: For more immersive experiences, take the D1 and D2 send outputs and connect them to separate channels in your mixer. Panning them left and right will create a lush stereo field. Tweak the feedback and delay times independently, allowing one channel to wash over the other, creating rich confluence and depth in your mix.
- Experimentation: Finally, don’t hesitate to experiment. Try routing different sources through SIGNS, like percussion or ambient noise, and manipulate parameters live. The unexpected results can lead to creative breakthroughs. Given the unit's unique architecture, you might create rhythmic patterns or atmospheric drifts that surprise not only your audience but also yourself.
By exploring these pathways with Colossus Audio's SIGNS, you'll not only tap into the creative potential of the module but also discover new soundscapes that elevate your tracks to unprecedented heights. Each tweak and adjustment opens a door to new sonic realms, making this an essential tool for any eurorack setup.
To tap into the creative potential of Colossus Audio's SIGNS Voltage Controlled Double Delay, an engaging intermediate-level usage example revolves around crafting complex rhythmic patterns and textured soundscapes. Begin by sending a clean audio signal, such as a simple synth line or sampled loop, into the input of SIGNS.
To explore the dual delay paths, patch the output of your audio source to both D1 and D2 inputs. Set the D1 channel for a shorter delay time, around 200ms, with minimal feedback, and adjust the wet/dry mix to taste. This channel will serve as your crisp, rhythmic echo. For D2, dial up the delay time close to 1.5 seconds and increase feedback to create a lush, heavily repeated sound that sits beneath the initial rhythm.
Next, activate the glitch/degrade generators on both delay channels. Gradually increase the amount of degradation on D2 while maintaining a clean signal on D1 to highlight the contrast between pristine and degraded sounds. Automation of the glitch amount can yield fascinating results, especially when timed with musical phrases, providing moments of surprise within your composition.
Utilize the POST GAIN stage to emphasize or tame the overall output. Experiment with the Soft/Hard clipping mode—Soft will add warmth and subtle saturation, while Hard will yield a more aggressive sound, perfect for pushing the limits of your sonic exploration.
Finally, consider routing the send outputs of D1 and D2 to different channels on your mixer for spatial manipulation. Panning D1 slightly left and D2 slightly right creates a wider stereo image, enhancing the depth of your texture. Within this setup, you can also integrate modulation sources, like LFOs or envelope generators, to vary the delay times or feedback dynamically, resulting in a rich layering of frequencies that evolves over time.
As you experiment with these configurations, allow SIGNS to guide you through a lush landscape of sound where rhythmic precision meets chaotic textures.
Further Thoughts
To truly harness the capabilities of Colossus Audio's SIGNS Voltage Controlled Double Delay, one compelling approach involves layering your sound sources with varying degrees of processing to create rich, immersive sonic landscapes.
Begin by routing a crisp synth line into the INPUT of SIGNS. Adjust the first delay channel (D1) to about 400ms, engaging the feedback knob to taste; this will yield a clear, rhythmic echo that complements the original source. Experiment with the wet/dry mix to find a balance that enhances without overwhelming.
Next, route the same synth line into the second delay channel (D2), set to the longer delay time close to 2 seconds. This will give you a more degraded and textured echo. Engage the glitch/degrade generator on D2 subtly, noting how it introduces an element of unpredictability. This character can evolve your sound significantly over time, morphing the smooth synth tone into something gritty and complex.
For added depth, connect the D1 and D2 outputs to separate mixers or effects chains, allowing for independent manipulation. Consider applying modulation to the feedback controls on both channels to create dynamic, evolving repetitions that weave in and out of the mix, enhancing the sense of space and texture.
Finally, make use of the POST GAIN stage—switch between Soft and Hard clipping modes depending on the mood you want to evoke. Soft clipping can provide a warm, rounded character to your overall sound, while Hard clipping will introduce a more aggressive edge, perfect for contrasting sections that require an uptick in intensity.
By embracing the duality offered by SIGNS—combining pristine clarity with gritty decay—you're not just creating echoes but crafting a sonic narrative that invites listeners to explore the depths of modulation and delay, ultimately revealing the profound artistic potential of this module.