The Hector Black Panel offers a vast array of creative flexibility with its more than 100 different modules. It features euclidean sequencers, convolution reverb, effects, filters, powerful LFOs, quantizer, and more. With its convolution reverb capability, you can capture the sound of real spaces or vintage reverb tanks, opening up a world of sonic possibilities.
Xer Mixa is a summing mixer with ten stereo-paired inputs and three stereo-paired output busses. It boasts a 100% analog signal path, low noise and crosstalk, pristine sound quality, and high headroom. With its digital control interface, you can save and recall settings, configure pan laws and send settings, and more. It can be expanded with the Expando Expandi module for additional CV control.
Altar II is a voltage-controlled 3-pole state variable discrete filter. It offers smooth crossfading from bandpass to lowpass to highpass, bringing out unique harmonics and nuances. The CV input and attenuverter allow for expressive timbre modulations, and the gain knob adds distortion for bigger sounds. The filter can also be used as a sine oscillator, especially when combined with Miasma as a waveshaper.
To complete our epic adventures, the Alma de Luz module, a collaboration between VauxFlores and Audiobulb, brings a lo-res analog delay with a maximum delay time of around two seconds. It can simulate a flickering lightbulb with glitchy, irregular modulation. The module features an 8-bit bit-shifter section controlled by clock and data inputs, providing chaotic gradients of shifting voltages. A switchable "rungler" circuit inspired by Rob Hordijk's Benjolin device adds extra instability. The module also offers external modulation and control voltage outputs.
By combining these modules, electronic musicians can unlock a world of sonic exploration, from immersive spaces and powerful mixing capabilities to expressive filtering and glitchy delay effects. The possibilities for epic eurorack adventures are endless with this creative combination.
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In this article, we explore the exciting possibilities of combining four Eurorack modules – Hector Black Panel, Xer Mixa, Altar II, and Alma de Luz – to create epic adventures in electronic music.
The Hector Black Panel offers a vast array of creative flexibility with its more than 100 different modules. It features euclidean sequencers, convolution reverb, effects, filters, powerful LFOs, quantizer, and more. With its convolution reverb capability, you can capture the sound of real spaces or vintage reverb tanks, opening up a world of sonic possibilities.
Xer Mixa is a summing mixer with ten stereo-paired inputs and three stereo-paired output busses. It boasts a 100% analog signal path, low noise and crosstalk, pristine sound quality, and high headroom. With its digital control interface, you can save and recall settings, configure pan laws and send settings, and more. It can be expanded with the Expando Expandi module for additional CV control.
Altar II is a voltage-controlled 3-pole state variable discrete filter. It offers smooth crossfading from bandpass to lowpass to highpass, bringing out unique harmonics and nuances. The CV input and attenuverter allow for expressive timbre modulations, and the gain knob adds distortion for bigger sounds. The filter can also be used as a sine oscillator, especially when combined with Miasma as a waveshaper.
To complete our epic adventures, the Alma de Luz module, a collaboration between VauxFlores and Audiobulb, brings a lo-res analog delay with a maximum delay time of around two seconds. It can simulate a flickering lightbulb with glitchy, irregular modulation. The module features an 8-bit bit-shifter section controlled by clock and data inputs, providing chaotic gradients of shifting voltages. A switchable "rungler" circuit inspired by Rob Hordijk's Benjolin device adds extra instability. The module also offers external modulation and control voltage outputs.
By combining these modules, electronic musicians can unlock a world of sonic exploration, from immersive spaces and powerful mixing capabilities to expressive filtering and glitchy delay effects. The possibilities for epic Eurorack adventures are endless with this creative combination.
Example Usage
NOVICE USAGE:
Let's explore a creative combination using the Hector Black Panel, Xer Mixa, Altar II, and Alma de Luz modules.
- Connect the audio output of a synthesizer or any sound source to one of the inputs of the Xer Mixa mixer.
- In the Xer Mixa, adjust the levels of the input channels to set the balance between different sound sources. You can use the tactile controls and the clickless mutes to fine-tune the mix.
- Take the mixed output from the Xer Mixa and send it to the Altar II filter. Experiment with different filter configurations by smoothly crossfading between bandpass (BP), lowpass (LP), and highpass (HP) modes. Use the resonance control with the attenuverter to add timbre modulations and create accent patterns.
- To add some additional effects to the filtered signal, route it to the Hector Black Panel. Explore the wide range of effects, filters, LFOs, and sequencers available. You can use the convolution reverb to mimic the sound of different spaces or get creative by loading non-reverb sounds.
- Finally, take the processed signal from the Hector Black Panel and pass it through the Alma de Luz module. The Alma de Luz adds a lo-fi analog delay with a max delay time of about two seconds. Activate the modulation section to introduce glitchy and irregular flickering lightbulb-like effects to the delayed signal. Adjust the modulation depth control for subtle or extreme modulations.
By combining these modules, you can create unique and epic soundscapes. Experiment with different settings, modulation sources, and routing options to unleash your creativity in the world of Eurorack modules.
(Note: Make sure to consult the manuals of each module for specific instructions on connections and parameter adjustments.)
Here's an intermediate-level usage example of combining the Hector Black Panel, Xer Mixa, Altar II, and Alma de Luz eurorack modules:
- Connect a sequencer module to the CV input of Hector Black Panel.
- Use the euclidean sequencer module within Hector to create complex rhythmic patterns.
- Patch the audio output of Hector Black Panel to one of the input channels on Xer Mixa.
- Adjust the faders on Xer Mixa to blend the audio signals from Hector with other audio sources.
- Take the output from one of the aux inputs on Xer Mixa and route it to the second input on Altar II.
- Use Altar II's voltage control to modulate the filter cutoff and resonance parameters, creating evolving and dynamic timbral changes to the audio signal.
- Take the filtered audio output from Altar II and send it to another input channel on Xer Mixa.
- Utilize Xer Mixa's onboard effects and blending algorithms to further shape and process the audio signal.
- Finally, connect the output of Xer Mixa to the input of Alma de Luz.
- Engage the modulation section of Alma de Luz to add flickering lightbulb glitch effects to the audio signal, adjusting the depth control to achieve the desired intensity.
- Optionally, use the control voltage output of Alma de Luz to modulate other modules in your eurorack system, creating synchronized and chaotic modulation throughout your setup.
By combining these modules, you can create epic eurorack adventures filled with intricate rhythms, evolving timbres, and glitchy textures. The possibilities are endless, allowing you to explore new sonic territories and express your creativity in unique ways.
Further Thoughts
One creative combination using the Hector Black Panel, Xer Mixa, Altar II, and Alma de Luz modules could be to create a dynamic and evolving ambient drone patch.
Start by using the Xer Mixa to mix together different sound sources, such as a field recording and a synthesizer drone, and route the output to the Altar II filter. Use the Altar II's voltage control and resonance to shape and modulate the sound, adding movement and texture to the drone.
Next, route the filtered sound into the Hector Black Panel module and take advantage of its extensive effects and modulation capabilities. Use the granular texture synthesizer to add shimmer and ethereal qualities to the sound, while utilizing the powerful LFOs to introduce rhythmic modulation. Experiment with the convolution reverb to give the drone a sense of depth and space, creating an immersive sonic experience.
To further expand the sonic possibilities, incorporate the Alma de Luz module into the patch. Use its modulated delay to add subtle repetition and glitchy artifacts to the drone. Connect the Alma de Luz's control voltage output to the Altar II's CV input to create complex and unpredictable modulation patterns.
Throughout the patch creation, utilize the MIDI IO on the Hector Black Panel to control various parameters and sequences, adding a layer of control and precision to the evolving drone.
With these creative combinations of modules, you can create an epic and atmospheric eurorack adventure that takes the listener on a captivating sonic journey.