In this Eurorack Builds article, we embark on a Patch Adventure combining the Nekyia Circuits Sosumi for organic plucky sounds, Joranalogue Audio Design Route 4 for flexible signal routing, ERD/TOAD for modeling bird and toad vocal emissions, and ST Modular Duck for effective sidechaining without compression. These modules come together to create a journey from lunar toad soundscapes with diverse sonic possibilities.
Let's start with Nekyia Circuits Sosumi, a dual Low Pass Gate based on Buchla 292 design. It features two identical mild non-resonant circuits utilizing vactrols to control amplitude and frequency simultaneously, providing organic plucky and percussive sounds from harmonically rich sources.
Moving on to Joranalogue Audio Design Route 4, a latching signal router offering flexible routing options under gate or trigger control. It consists of a 4-to-1 router on top and a 1-to-4 router below, allowing for dynamic signal routing with visual feedback through responsive LEDs.
Next, we explore ERD/TOAD, an hermaphroditic analogue computer designed to model the vocal emissions of lunar and solar creatures like ravens and toads. By implementing physicist Gabriel B. Mindlin’s differential equation for bird song production, TOAD generates oscillations based on clock signals, offering a unique approach to sound generation.
Lastly, we dive into ST Modular Duck, a ducking module for sidechaining without compression. With controls for amount, hold, rise, and fall, DUCK enables precise level reduction of audio signals based on CV gate signals, allowing for creative dynamics in your patches without muddying the mix.
By combining these modules in your Eurorack setup, you can craft immersive lunar toad soundscapes with intricate textures and evolving sonic landscapes. Each module adds its unique character to the patch, opening up a world of sonic exploration and creative possibilities in your modular synth adventures.
Example Usage
To create a novice-level patch adventure using the Eurorack modules Sosumi, Route 4, and Duck, you can start by connecting the audio output of the Sosumi module to the audio input of the Duck module. Adjust the Sosumi parameters to generate plucky percussive sounds, and use the Ping input for creating accents.
Next, take the output of the Duck module and connect it to one of the inputs of the Route 4 module. Set up the Route 4 module by selecting the routing options using either gate or latch control. Experiment with toggling on and off different signal inputs using trigger pulses to create dynamic signal routing.
Finally, take the output of the Route 4 module and connect it to the audio input of your mixer or audio interface. Play around with the Amount, Hold, Rise, and Fall controls on the Duck module to experiment with different levels of ducking or sidechaining effects on your sound.
By combining these modules in this patch adventure, you can dive into the world of modular synthesis and start exploring the creative possibilities of Eurorack patching. Have fun experimenting and creating your own unique lunar toad soundscapes!
First, patch the Joranalogue Route 4 module to route the output of the Nekyia Circuits Sosumi module through it. Use the gate-driven control to toggle between the different inputs of the Sosumi module, creating dynamic variations in the plucky and percussive sounds generated.
Next, connect the output of the Route 4 module to the ST Modular Duck module. Adjust the Amount, Hold, Rise, and Fall parameters on the Duck module to control the level reduction of the signal from the Route 4 module based on the incoming gate signal. Experiment with different settings to achieve unique ducking effects that enhance the organic qualities of the soundscapes generated by the Sosumi module.
Finally, use the ERD/TOAD module to modulate various parameters of the Route 4 module and the ST Modular Duck module. By introducing the erratic and whimsical modulation from the ERD/TOAD module, you can further transform the soundscapes into otherworldly textures reminiscent of twinned lunar and solar creatures. Experiment with different clock signals and pulse inputs to explore the full range of sonic possibilities offered by the combination of these modules.
Further Thoughts
To create a dynamic and engaging sound journey in your Eurorack setup, we can combine the Nekyia Circuits Sosumi for its organic plucky and percussive sounds, the Joranalogue Audio Design Route 4 for its flexible signal routing options, the ERD ERD Toad for modeling lunar and solar creature vocal emissions, and the ST Modular Duck for ducking effects without compression.
Start by sending a harmonically rich sound through the Nekyia Circuits Sosumi to generate intriguing plucks and percussive elements. Use the ping input for striking the vactrol gate and creating accents to add depth to your sound palette.
Next, route the output of the Sosumi through the Joranalogue Audio Design Route 4 for unparalleled signal routing control. Experiment with gating or toggling different signal inputs using gate or latch triggers to create evolving textures in your sonic landscape.
Introduce the unique analog computing capabilities of the ERD ERD Toad to further manipulate and shape your sound. Explore the modeling of bird vocalizations and the generation of oscillations to add a mystical and otherworldly character to your compositions.
Finally, incorporate the ST Modular Duck for dynamic sidechaining effects without signal compression. Adjust the amount, hold, rise, and fall controls to sculpt the level dynamics of your audio signal and create rhythmic variations in your mix.
By integrating these diverse modules into your Eurorack setup and exploring their creative potential, you can embark on a patch adventure that leads to ethereal lunar toad soundscapes unlike anything you've heard before. Let your imagination soar and push the boundaries of sound design with this innovative combination of modules.