Combining Zerosum Inertia PLXNA2, Squarp Instruments Hermod+, Xaoc Devices Rostock, ThunDrum 2140, and Cosmotronic Peradam for Sonic Delights!
In this article, we explore the thrilling sonic possibilities that arise from combining the Zerosum Inertia PLXNA2, Squarp Instruments Hermod+, Xaoc Devices Rostock, ThunDrum 2140, and Cosmotronic Peradam eurorack modules. Each module brings its unique features and capabilities to create a patch playground of sonic delights.
The Zerosum Inertia PLXNA2 is a handmade analog signal processor designed to process VCO waveforms and create new and unique sounds. With its 22 HP eurorack format and a 12v DC Center Positive power supply, this module adds a touch of analog magic to your modular setup. By patching VCO 1 into the Enter input and VCO 2 into the AM CV input, and then introducing a third VCO or an alternate waveform from VCO 1 or 2 into the FM CV input, you can explore a wide range of tonal possibilities. The audio output comes from the exit jack, presenting a captivating signal to further process in your modular synthesis journey.
The Squarp Instruments Hermod+ acts as the central hub of any modular setup, combining an advanced sequencer and interface. Building upon the proven workflow of the original Hermod, the Hermod+ offers new features and a refined, more playful interface. With 16 tracks, including 8 CV/Gate tracks and 8 MIDI tracks, it provides ample sequencing capabilities. The recording resolution of 96ppqn ensures precise and detailed sequencing, while the track length ranges from 1/16 note to 16 bars, accommodating a variety of musical ideas. The unique automation per pattern feature allows modulation, pitchbend, aftertouch, and sustain parameters to add dynamic expressiveness to your sequences. With its wide screen and grid-based step-by-step sequencer, the Hermod+ offers a streamlined and intuitive workflow for creative composition and live performances.
The Xaoc Devices Rostock is a data pipeline that operates similarly to a BBD delay or an ASR (analog shift register). As a component of the Leibniz Binary Subsystem, Rostock functions as a FIFO (first in—first out) shift register or a digital delay with variable delay lengths ranging from 1 to 64 stages. With optional looping and scrambling capabilities, it can process data sequences representing rhythms, control voltages, audio-rate signals, and even video signals. Its versatility makes it an essential tool for sequence automation, pattern and chaos generation, and various creative modular patches. The combination of Rostock with other Leibniz modules using data ribbon cables provides endless creative possibilities.
The ThunDrum 2140 offers a flexible two-oscillator FM percussive membrane module in an 8 HP eurorack format. Designed to provide simplicity, tonal versatility, and affordability, the ThunDrum 2140 incorporates a main tone oscillator with a linear control response, adjustable from zero to several kilohertz. Its unique sound comes from the enveloped linear FM, which adds depth and character to your percussion patches. With a secondary wide range FM oscillator and various modulation sources, including external CV inputs and envelope control, you have full control over shaping the sound of the ThunDrum 2140. The module also features a color control, allowing you to adjust the waveform between triangle, pseudo-sine, and rounded square waves. With its inputs and outputs, including a lighted trigger button and smooth metal shaft pots, the ThunDrum 2140 offers a wide tonal palette to explore in your modular adventures.
The Cosmotronic Peradam is an analog distortion module with an internal sidechain, offering a unique twist on traditional distortion effects. The input signal is split into a main signal and a sidechain, which is phase modulated and then ring modulated by itself. This creates a signal at twice the frequency of the original, modulating the amplitude of the VCA and resulting in complex self-distortions in the main signal. The Peradam also features a dual-band drive circuit and a soft clipper output stage, allowing for a wide range of distortion flavors. When you start feedbacking the output back into the input, the module generates rich feedback tones and can even go into self-oscillation at high feedback levels. With the ability to modulate various parameters, the Peradam offers a broad palette of distortions, from subtle saturation to massive clipping and complete destruction.
When combined, the Zerosum Inertia PLXNA2, Squarp Instruments Hermod+, Xaoc Devices Rostock, ThunDrum 2140, and Cosmotronic Peradam modules create an inspiring playground for sonic exploration. The PLXNA2 adds analog signal processing capabilities, while the Hermod+ serves as the central sequencing and interface hub. The Rostock offers unique data processing and delay capabilities, enhancing your patching possibilities. The ThunDrum 2140 adds flexible FM percussion synthesis to your modular setup, and the Peradam introduces captivating analog distortion with an internal sidechain. Together, these modules offer endless opportunities for creative exploration and sonic experimentation. Dive into the world of eurorack builds with this unique combination of modules and unleash your sonic imagination!
Example Usage
In this patch playground, we'll explore the sonic delights of combining the Zerosum Inertia PLXNA2, Squarp Instruments Hermod+, Xaoc Devices Rostock, ThunDrum 2140, and Cosmotronic Peradam eurorack modules.
First, let's start by using the Zerosum Inertia PLXNA2 as our signal processor. Patch VCO 1 into the "Enter" input and VCO 2 into the "AM CV" input. For additional modulation, patch a third VCO or alternate waveform from VCO 1 or 2 into the "FM CV" input. The audio output comes from the "Exit" jack. With the PLXNA2, you can create unique sounds and waveforms that will add depth and character to your patch.
Next, let's incorporate the Squarp Instruments Hermod+ as our sequencer and interface. With its 16 tracks (8 CV/Gate + 8 MIDI), 16 patterns per track, and versatile recording resolution, the Hermod+ offers a lot of possibilities for composition and live performances. Connect your modular setup through the MIDI, CV, and Gate outputs of the Hermod+ to control various parameters of your patch and bring your sequences to life.
Now, let's introduce the Xaoc Devices Rostock into the mix. This data pipeline module acts as a digital delay or a FIFO shift register, allowing you to process data sequences representing rhythms, control voltages, audio-rate signals, and even video signals. Connect the Rostock to other Leibniz modules using data ribbon cables and experiment with delay lengths (from 1 to 64 stages), looping, and scrambling to create complex and evolving sequences.
To add percussive elements, the ThunDrum 2140 is an excellent choice. This module features two oscillators with FM percussion and a unique envelope-controlled linear FM function. Experiment with the modulation depth and frequency modulation options to create rhythmic and dynamic drum sounds. Don't forget to patch additional modulation sources into the ThunDrum for even more versatility.
Finally, let's incorporate the Cosmotronic Peradam for some side-chained distortion. This analog distortion module features an internal sidechain that creates complex self-distortions in the main signal. Experiment with the blend slider to dial in the perfect amount of distortion, and don't be afraid to feedback the output into the input for truly wild and rich feedback tones. Modulate the parameters of the Peradam to add a broad palette of distortions to your sonic explorations.
By combining the Zerosum Inertia PLXNA2, Squarp Instruments Hermod+, Xaoc Devices Rostock, ThunDrum 2140, and Cosmotronic Peradam, you can create an immersive and dynamic sonic playground filled with unique waveforms, sequences, percussive elements, and complex distortions. Let your creativity run wild and explore the sonic delights that these modules have to offer!
One way to combine the Zerosum Inertia PLXNA2, Squarp Instruments Hermod+, Xaoc Devices Rostock, ThunDrum 2140, and Cosmotronic Peradam modules for sonic delights is by creating a complex percussion patch.
First, patch the output of the ThunDrum 2140 into the input of the Zerosum Inertia PLXNA2. This will allow you to process the percussive sounds generated by the ThunDrum through the analog signal processing capabilities of the PLXNA2.
Next, take the processed output of the PLXNA2 and route it into the Xaoc Devices Rostock module. The Rostock's data pipeline and delay capabilities can add interesting rhythmic variations and textures to the percussive sounds.
To further enhance the rhythmic complexity, patch the output of the Rostock into one of the CV inputs of the Squarp Instruments Hermod+. The Hermod+ can act as a sequencer and interface, allowing you to create intricate patterns and sequences that control the timing and modulation of the percussive elements.
Finally, take the output of the Hermod+ and send it into the input of the Cosmotronic Peradam. The Peradam's side-chained distortion capabilities can add a unique and twisted character to the percussive sounds, creating additional harmonics and textures.
By combining these modules in this way, you can create an expansive and dynamic percussion patch that is full of sonic delights. Experiment with different patch configurations, modulation sources, and settings to discover new and exciting sounds. Let your creativity run wild in the patch playground!
Further Thoughts
In this patch, we will create a dynamic and evolving percussive sequence using the Zerosum Inertia PLXNA2, Squarp Instruments Hermod+, Xaoc Devices Rostock, ThunDrum 2140, and Cosmotronic Peradam modules.
First, let's start by connecting the Zerosum Inertia PLXNA2. We will patch VCO 1 into the Enter input and VCO 2 into the AM CV input. Additionally, we will patch a third VCO or an alternate waveform from VCO 1 or 2 into the FM CV input. The audio output will be connected to the exit jack.
Next, we will integrate the Squarp Instruments Hermod+. This versatile sequencer and interface will act as the central hub of our modular setup. We can use its 16 tracks, both CV/Gate and MIDI, and its step-by-step sequencer to create intricate patterns and sequences. The dedicated tracks buttons will streamline our workflow, making it more intuitive and playful.
Now, let's introduce the Xaoc Devices Rostock module. This data pipeline and digital delay will add depth and texture to our percussive sequence. We can adjust the delay length from 1 to 64 stages, allowing for rhythmic variations and pattern generation. By connecting the Rostock to other Leibniz modules using data ribbon cables, we can process various data sequences, including rhythms, control voltages, audio-rate signals, and even video signals.
To create the percussive sounds, we will employ the ThunDrum 2140 module. This flexible drum voice offers two oscillators that can be modulated through frequency modulation. The enveloped linear FM adds unique tonal characteristics to our percussive elements. We can adjust the modulation depth using the Envelope output, giving us control over the harmonic content and decay of the sounds. The Color control further enhances the waveform's shape, ranging from triangle to pseudo-sine to rounded square.
Finally, we will add the Cosmotronic Peradam module to introduce analog distortion and self-modulation effects. The internal sidechain creates complex self-distortions in the main signal, which then goes through a dual-band drive circuit and a soft clipper. By feedbacking the output back into the input, we can achieve rich feedback tones and even self-oscillation at higher feedback levels. Modulating the parameters of the Peradam module opens up a wide palette of distortions, from subtle saturation to extreme clipping.
With this combination of modules, we have created a patch playground for sonic delights. By leveraging the unique capabilities of each module, we can create intricate and evolving percussive sequences, enriched with analog signal processing and distortion effects. The result is a sonic journey that combines creativity, versatility, and a touch of experimentalism.