Make Noise and Alessandro Cortini's Bruxa, much like its moniker suggesting witchcraft, certainly invokes the bewitching power of sound experimentation. Stepping away from its sibling Strega's standalone properties, it fully embraces Eurorack's modular ecosystem, creating a magical fusion of synthesis, modulation, signal degradation and noise accumulation. With each control and connection point, Bruxa paints a vast, ever-changing sonic landscape that is ripe for exploration.
The heart of Bruxa lies within its multi-tap delay line, incorporating a dozen unique feedback paths and multiple filters within those paths. This core feature invites users to unearth varied levels of noise, saturation, and signal degradation. A quick twist of the Absorb and Filter knobs will substantially shape the echo and reflection, unveiling nuances within the sound spectrum and creating novel tone colours.
Living authentically in the Eurorack ecosystem, Bruxa evolves from just a sound processor to an interaction facilitator. Its layout and functionality encourage users to incorporate their sound and modulation sources. This process yields surprisingly unique results that are distinctly different from Strega or any other sound processor for that matter. A vast variety of patching possibilities and integration with other modules, such as STO, MATHS, Prss Pnt, and modDemix, allow for unmatched sonic adventures.
One of Bruxa's signature highlights is its blend of analog and digital technology. The analog dry signal path mixed with a hybrid signal processor offers a wide playground for sound manipulation. The addition of an expansive Time control, complete with a linear FM input and attenuator, ensures a smoothly adjustable range and the ability to introduce subtle variations into the sound texture.
But it is the CV inputs and outputs that permit endless experimentation and self-patching. The analog CV inputs are fully capable of handling audio rate modulation, providing an additional layer of flexibility within the Eurorack’s larger ecosystem. Subsequently, the unique CV outputs amplify the self-patching process, opening avenues for complex signal routing and modulation.
Bruxa's design and functionality represent a new frontier in the Eurorack world. The intricate feedback paths, detailed filtering systems, and innovative controls combined with creative modulation possibilities, set it apart as a versatile module in a Eurorack enthusiast's arsenal. While it contains echoes of Strega’s power and functionality, it takes a bold, divergent path that truly embodies the spirit of exploration, innovation, and of course, a little bit of magic.
In conclusion, Make Noise's Bruxa is a testimony to sonic alchemy, a perfect blend of cutting-edge technology and creative artistry. From its multi-tap delay system to the myriad feedback paths and integrated filters, and the flexibility of CV inputs and outputs, it empowers users with an unmatched depth for sonic exploration. Whether you are an experimental sound designer or someone seeking to diversify their sonic palette, the Bruxa is nothing short of a game-changer.
Example Usage
Using the Bruxa to create unique sonic textures is an exciting exploration into the world of delays and feedback processing. Begin by patching your sound source into the input of the Bruxa, which could be anything from a simple oscillator like the STO to a more complex output from your favorite sequencer.
Set the Time control to a moderate value, allowing the delay to create an initial echo that compliments your input. As you play around with the Absorb and Filter controls, you'll notice how they dramatically influence the character of the echo. Start by turning up Absorb to see how it can tighten the feedback and yield a sharper, more resonant tone. This control is crucial for finding the sweet spot where the delay can evolve without becoming overly chaotic.
Next, explore the multiple feedback paths that Bruxa offers. By patching signals into the CV inputs, you can modulate parameters in real-time. For instance, if you take a CV output from a module like MATHS and route it to the Filter control, you will create shifting textures that morph as the input signal changes. This self-patching technique can yield unpredictable but musically rewarding results.
Utilizing the linear FM input can also add dynamic movement to the delay time. Adjust the attenuator while introducing a modulating signal—this creates a fluttering effect that enhances the overall depth of the sound. Experiment with audio-rate modulation to push the boundaries of Bruxa's capabilities, generating chaotic and interwoven patterns that can surprise even seasoned users.
As you become more comfortable, don’t shy away from cranking the feedback levels. This can lead to lush, cascading echoes that can wash over an entire mix or standalone sound. Remember to keep an eye on the output levels, as the accumulation of resonance can escalate quickly and lead to clipping if not monitored.
With Bruxa, each patch can unveil new layers of complexity and texture in your music. Whether you want subtle ambience or thick, saturated delays, the module is designed to inspire creativity and experimentation. Enjoy the process of sound manipulation and the serendipitous discoveries that come with it.
To explore the sonic alchemy of Make Noise's Bruxa, we'll dive into a hands-on example that showcases its capabilities as a multi-tap delay with unique feedback paths. Imagine you're working with a simple audio source—perhaps an oscillator generating a steady waveform.
First, connect your oscillator output to the input of the Bruxa. Using the Time control, you'll want to set a relatively short delay time to begin with. As you turn the knob, notice how the signal begins to echo, creating a cascading effect in your sound. This is where the first hint of the magic happens.
Next, introduce modulation to the Time control using a source like an LFO from your modular setup. Patch the LFO output to the Linear FM input on the Bruxa, setting the attenuator to a moderate level. This fluttering modulation will create shifting delays that breathe life into your sound, making it feel dynamic and evolving.
Now, let’s explore the feedback paths. Engage the Absorb control, which allows you to blend in an analog wet signal with your dry input. Turn up the Filter controls to shape the frequency response of the delays. You can tweak these to emphasize or de-emphasize certain ranges, which can add character and depth to the echoed sounds. Experiment with different feedback paths by using the unique CV outputs to route modulation signals that interact with the delays, turning Bruxa into an evolving texture generator.
To further enrich your soundscape, patch the output of the Bruxa into a low-pass filter, followed by an additional effects module. This allows you to sculpt the overall timbre and create lush soundscapes.
By the end of this process, you’ll have layered sounds that morph and evolve, taking full advantage of the intricate feedback network and filtering options within Bruxa. With its ability to accumulate noise, saturation, and signal degradation, your sonic explorations can lead to surprising and beautiful outcomes.
Further Thoughts
To harness the full potential of Make Noise's Bruxa, start by patching your audio source – this can be a simple oscillator or a more complex wave source like a granular synth. For an effective setup, let’s use a STO (Sine Wave Oscillator) for clean sine waves. Connect the output of the STO into the audio input of the Bruxa.
Begin with the Time control set to a low setting to maintain clarity in the delay effect. Slowly increase the Time knob while playing with the Absorb and Filter controls. The Absorb control will blend the wet and dry signals, allowing you to introduce varying degrees of feedback. As you increase the Absorb, listen for how the echoes begin to saturate. This is where the magic happens – the intricacies of the feedback paths become apparent, creating an ethereal wash of sound.
Now, to explore the feedback complexity Bruxa offers, patch a second output from the module back into one of the audio inputs. This self-patching technique can generate rich, textured layers, perfect for creating evolving soundscapes. Experiment with different output combinations; using the unique CV outputs can be particularly exciting as they allow modulation routes that evolve dynamically.
Next, introduce modulation to the Time control via an analog LFO like the Make Noise MATHS or a sample and hold unit. This will create a fluttering effect that breathes unpredictability into your delays. As you modulate the Time parameter, the echoes begin to dance rhythmically which adds an organic feel to the overall sound, rich in texture.
Incorporate the linear FM input to experiment with frequency modulation effects on the delays. Adjusting the frequency and depth with an LFO will create intriguing pitch fluctuations, making each echo a new and distinct sound, ideal for adding complexity to melodic lines.
Finally, use the output of Bruxa to run through a filter or additional effects modules in the chain. Experiment with the modDemix for mixing and further shaping your sound; the interaction between delay and feedback creates limitless pathways for sonic exploration. The combination of Bruxa's unique feedback paths, filters, and modulation capabilities provides an endless range of textures and sonic possibilities that redefine your understanding of delay effects in the Eurorack ecosystem.