Expanding Possibilities: Squid Salmple meets Juno VCF & More!
Eurorack modular synthesis provides endless creative possibilities for musicians and sound designers. By combining different modules, you can create unique sounds and manipulate them in innovative ways. In this article, we will explore the exciting potential of combining the following Eurorack modules: Squid Salmple, Juno VCF, mElEe mixer/distortion, Line Input converter, and Black Low Pass VCF.
First up, let's dive into the Squid Salmple. This module is a powerful sampler and effects processor that offers a wide range of sound manipulation options. What makes it even more versatile is the CV Expander, AXON-1. This 4HP expander module adds four additional freely assignable CV inputs to the Squid Salmple, expanding the possibilities for modular sampler or FX program manipulation. Each modulation assignment includes digital attenuation and offset, behaving just like the main module's built-in CV inputs. The AXON-1 is powered directly from the Squid Salmple, making it a convenient and skiff-friendly addition to your setup.
Next, let's explore the upcoming SoundForce uVCF 6 module. This module is a reinterpretation of the Juno 60/106 VCF section, utilizing modern components. Most Juno users agree that the Juno 60 and 106 have distinct sonic characteristics, and the uVCF 6 captures the essence of both. By using the reliable Texas Instruments LM13700 dual OTA IC, the uVCF 6 recreates the voltage-controlled low pass filter with a selection between four poles (24dB/octave) or two poles (12dB/octave). It also features FM and QCV inputs for modulation and resonance control. The uVCF 6 is a compact 6HP module that brings the classic Juno sound to your Eurorack system.
Now, let's add some distortion and mixing capabilities with the mElEe mixer/distortion module from Sovage Engineering. This classic three-channel audio and CV mixer comes with a master volume control, but with a unique twist. The central switch on the module changes how the signals are mixed together, offering three modes: Safe, Hostile, and Violent. Each mode introduces a different level of signal interaction, adding character and distortion to your mix. The mElEe mixer/distortion module is not only great for audio signals but also for manipulating CV sources, making it a versatile tool for sound shaping.
To process external gear within your modular setup, the Line Input converter from Mosaic Line in Black Panel is a must-have module. This module allows you to input stereo audio from keyboards, desktop synths, audio interfaces, and more. It features an attenuator for level adjustment, allowing you to fine-tune the input signal. With the Line Input converter, you can integrate your favorite desktop and pro audio gear seamlessly into your Eurorack system, opening up a world of possibilities.
Finally, let's add some analog filtering to our setup with the Erica Synths Black Low Pass VCF. This module is designed for those who take sound design seriously. It offers a highly stable 24dB/oct resonant low pass filtering with voltage control over cutoff and resonance. What sets it apart is the adjustable post-filter overdrive circuit, adding grit and character to your sound. Additionally, the Black Filter Coupler connector allows you to combine the Black Low Pass VCF with other Erica Synths modules like the Black High Pass VCF, creating a Holy Trinity of VCFs for an ultimate analog modular system.
In conclusion, by combining the Squid Salmple, Juno VCF, mElEe mixer/distortion, Line Input converter, and Black Low Pass VCF, you can expand the possibilities of your Eurorack setup. These modules offer a range of features and creative options, from sampling and effects processing to filtering and distortion. Whether you're a musician or a sound designer, these modules will inspire you to push the boundaries of electronic music.
Example Usage
One way to combine these Eurorack modules is to use the Axon-1 CV Expander for Squid Salmple & MFX to expand the CV inputs of the Squid Salmple module. By connecting the Axon-1 to the Squid Salmple, you can add 4 additional freely assignable CV inputs, allowing for more versatile modulation options.
To further enhance your sound, you can then connect the Juno VCF module to the Squid Salmple. The Juno VCF is a voltage-controlled lowpass filter that is an interpretation of the Juno 60/106 VCF section. It offers different filter modes, including 4 poles (24db/octave) or 2 poles (12db/octave), and features parameters like cutoff frequency and resonance that can be modulated using CV inputs. By connecting the output of the Squid Salmple to the input of the Juno VCF, you can shape and manipulate the sampled sounds using the filter's characteristics.
To add more depth and character to your sound, you can also include the Sovage Engineering mElEe module in the signal chain. This module is a classic 3-channel audio and CV mixer with a master volume control. However, it also has a unique twist that allows you to switch between different mixing modes: Safe, Hostile, and Violent. Each mode introduces different levels of distortion and interaction between the signals, adding a touch of creative chaos to your sound.
To integrate external audio sources, such as keyboards or desktop synths, you can use the Mosaic Line Input module. This module allows you to input stereo audio into the modular system, providing a way to process external audio signals alongside the Squid Salmple and other modules. It includes an attenuator for level adjustment, ensuring compatibility and proper signal levels between the different sources.
For a complete and well-rounded sound, you can also include the Erica Synths Black Low Pass VCF module. This module is a highly stable resonant lowpass filter with voltage control over cutoff and resonance. It also features a post-filter overdrive circuit, allowing you to add extra saturation and distortion to your sound. By connecting the Squid Salmple and the Juno VCF to the Erica Synths Black Low Pass VCF, you can create a powerful combination of filters that will greatly shape and color your sound.
By combining these modules in your Eurorack system, you can expand the possibilities of your sound design and create unique and expressive electronic music. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced musician, these modules offer endless potential for sonic exploration and experimentation.
To create an interesting and unique sound, you can combine the Squid Salmple, Juno VCF, mElEe Mixer/Distortion, Line Input module, and Black Low-Pass VCF. Here's an intermediate-level usage example:
- Start by sending a drum loop or sample into the Squid Salmple for manipulation. Use the additional CV inputs provided by the AXON-1 expander module to modulate various parameters of the sample, such as pitch, filter cutoff, or sample start position. Experiment with different modulation assignments and settings to create dynamic and evolving rhythms.
- Take the output of the Squid Salmple and route it to the Juno VCF. The voltage-controlled low-pass filter will add warmth, character, and resonance to the sampled sound. Adjust the filter cutoff frequency using the FREQ pot and try modulating it with the FM CV input. Use the Q CV input to add expressive filter sweeps and resonance effects.
- For some creative distortion and mixing options, connect the output of the Juno VCF to the mElEe Mixer/Distortion module. Set the switch to the "Violent" mode to introduce unpredictable signal slicing and distortion. This will add grit and aggression to your sound. Adjust the individual channel volumes to further shape the mix and emphasize specific elements.
- If you want to incorporate external sources into the mix, use the Line Input module. Connect keyboards, desktop synths, or audio interface outputs to the stereo line inputs. Use the built-in gain knob to adjust the levels and attenuate if necessary. This allows you to process external audio sources within your modular setup, expanding the sonic possibilities even further.
- Finally, if you desire extra control over the filter, connect the output of the Juno VCF to the Black Low-Pass VCF using the Filter Coupler connector. This combination creates an ultimate analog modular system, enhancing the sound-shaping capabilities and allowing for a wide range of tonal possibilities.
By combining these modules, you can create intricate and evolving textures, add distortion and character to your sounds, and integrate external sources for a truly immersive and versatile modular experience. Let your creativity flow and explore the endless possibilities that arise from the interaction of these modules.
Further Thoughts
In this example, we will explore how the combination of the Squid Salmple and Juno VCF modules can expand the creative possibilities in a Eurorack build.
The Squid Salmple is a powerful modular sampler that offers a wide range of sampling and manipulation options. By adding the AXON-1 CV Expander module, you can take the Squid Salmple to the next level. The AXON-1 provides four additional CV inputs that can be freely assigned, greatly increasing the modulation capabilities of the Squid Salmple. With a total of seven CV inputs, you can create intricate and dynamic modulation patterns, transforming your samples into evolving sonic landscapes.
Now, let's bring the Juno VCF into the mix. This module is a voltage-controlled lowpass filter inspired by the iconic Juno 60/106 synthesizers. It offers a selection between 4-pole (24dB/octave) and 2-pole (12dB/octave) modes, allowing you to sculpt your sound with precision. The FM CV input can be used to modulate the cutoff frequency of the filter, adding movement and texture to your samples. The VOCT input, on the other hand, allows you to close the filter based on the pitch of the played note, creating expressive filter sweeps.
But here's where it gets interesting. By using the Squid Salmple's CV outputs to modulate the Juno VCF's parameters, you can create intricate and evolving filter effects. Imagine using one of the Squid Salmple's CV outputs to modulate the FM CV input of the Juno VCF, while another CV output controls the cutoff frequency. This combination allows you to shape your samples in real-time, adding richness and complexity to your sound.
To take it even further, let's introduce the mElEe module from Sovage Engineering. This mixer/distortion module offers a unique twist on signal processing. With its different mixing modes - Safe, Hostile, and Violent - you can create a wide range of sonic textures. Imagine sending the output of the Squid Salmple and Juno VCF through the mElEe module, using its Hostile or Violent mode to add aggressive and unpredictable distortion to your sound. This combination of modules opens up a whole new world of sonic possibilities, where glitches, grit, and character reign supreme.
To complete the setup, we can use the Line Input module from Mosaic to integrate external audio sources into our Eurorack system. Whether it's a keyboard, desktop synth, or audio interface, the Line Input module allows you to process these signals within the modular environment. With its built-in attenuator, you can easily adjust the level of the incoming audio, ensuring optimal integration with the rest of your modular setup.
Finally, we can incorporate the Erica Synths Black Low Pass VCF. This module provides a highly stable, 24dB/oct resonant low pass filter with voltage control over cutoff and resonance. With its post-filter overdrive circuit and the Black Filter Coupler connector, you can add warmth, character, and additional creative possibilities to your sound. By chaining the Black Low Pass VCF with the Juno VCF and utilizing the Filter Coupler, you can create complex filter networks, opening up a world of filtering possibilities in your Eurorack setup.
By combining the Squid Salmple, Juno VCF, mElEe, Line Input, and Black Low Pass VCF modules, you can explore a wide range of sonic textures, from pristine samples to aggressive and distorted soundscapes. The possibilities for creative expression are endless, allowing you to push the boundaries of electronic music production in your Eurorack build.