At the heart of many experimental and ambient-based modular setups lies a secret weapon: the Nonlinearcircuits Logorrhea module. This innovative device, occupying only 8HP, stands out with its unconventional approach to audio filtering. Essentially, it's like having the back half of a vocoder in your rack, taking your audio signals and letting you craft remarkable, harmonic-rich soundscapes that would otherwise require a hoard of modules.
The butterscotch of Logorrhea's unique premise lies in its inclusion of two SSI2190 chips, working in tandem to yield ten filter channels - a veritable smorgasbord of resonant possibilities. Accompanied by a white noise channel and a convenient "thru" channel (enabling you to retain your original signal), you can control an impressive array of sonic variables with this module.
Operating the Logorrhea may feel a tad unfamiliar to knob-twirlers. In lieu of traditional controls, your CVs are the key to manipulating this module. However, the intrigue comes from its hunger for harmonics, its bread and butter. Audio signals brimming with rich harmonic content - think along the lines of pulses, squares, or wave-folder outputs - will yield the most rewarding results.
Taking a closer look at the module's outputs, we discover two, aptly named OUT A and OUT B. Interfaces A blends the low pass and multiple bandpass filters (BP2, BP4, BP6, BP8), along with your initial signal. Contrastingly, Interface B offers the white noise, remaining bandpass filters (BP1, BP3, BP5, BP7) and the high pass filter. This distinction provides an opportunity for smart panning through a stereo mixer, allowing you to sweep your sounds across the stereo field for enticing sonic movement.
On the practicality side, the Logorrhea is built with user-friendly interfacing in mind. Despite needing multiple CV inputs between the 0-5V range to fully configure your sound, this vocoder-style module provides all mixed channels in one cohesive output. Pairing this module with a stereo mixer like Nonlinear Circuits' Macramé, integrating it into larger setups is a breeze.
The Logorrhea module from Nonlinearcircuits truly shines in its ability to leverage complex audio signals, rich in harmonics, and reshape them into exciting, unique waveforms. Its implementation within a Eurorack system offers direct control over an assortment of filter channels aiding in widening your sonic palette with a single 8HP module. Its unconventional control scheme might encourage some to exercise their patching creativity, and its potential with stereo mixing paves the path to intriguing stereo textures.
In the realm of Eurorack modular synthesis, the Nonlinearcircuits Logorrhea represents an ideal fusion of simplicity and versatility, bridging the gap between traditional and experimental sound design. Whether you're a seasoned sound sculptor or a modular neophyte, it's an intriguing instrument that might just redefine your perception of audio filtering.
Example Usage
As you step into the sonic realm of the Nonlinearcircuits Logorrhea module, even at the novice level, the experience is visually unassuming yet aurally enriching. Begin your exploration by connecting one or two audio signals to the inputs. Aim for those rich in harmonics—pulses, square waves, or wave-folder outputs are your best allies here. Avoid sine waves as they don't unleash the module's full potential.
With no knobs available for direct manipulation, the magic lies in your control voltage (CV) inputs. Use a De-escalate module to attenuate your CVs if necessary, ensuring that your signals range between 0-5V. This setup is key to navigating the Logorrhea's intricacies.
Once your audio sources and CVs are in place, the module's dual outputs, OUT A and OUT B, offer diverse sonic pathways. OUT A blends your original signal with low-pass filtered and selected bandpass frequencies (BP2, BP4, BP6, BP8), allowing subtle tweaks to your sonic landscapes. Meanwhile, OUT B maries noise elements with high-pass and other bandpass outputs (BP1, BP3, BP5, BP7), which can infuse your creations with dynamic textures.
To elevate your experience, consider employing a stereo mixer like the NLC Macramé, using both OUT A and OUT B. Panning these outputs can result in a compelling auditory movement, bringing a spatial dimension to your compositions. The Logorrhea module entices you to explore its sound-shaping possibilities, encouraging innovative approaches even within its deceptively simple interface.
To delve into the full potential of the Nonlinearcircuits Logorrhea module, let's explore a creative patch that utilizes its unique vocal-filter capabilities to produce deep, evolving soundscapes. Begin by sourcing two harmonically rich audio signals. Pulses or square waves often yield more engaging results, and if you have access to a wavefolder output, that can add an interesting texture.
Patch these audio signals into the Logorrhea's inputs. To craft a more dynamic and shifting sound, introduce a range of control voltages. The module responds best to CV signals in the 0-5V range, so be mindful of this when selecting or attenuating your modulating sources. While the Logorrhea doesn't have its own attenuators, pairing it with a module like the De-escalate is a perfect fit to manage CV input levels.
Next, focus on the outputs. You have a variety of options: the main OUT mixes all channels together for a complex, rich texture. If you're aiming for a stereo image, use both OUT A and OUT B. OUT A includes the through signal along with four bandpasses and a low-pass filter, while OUT B comprises noise, another set of bandpasses, and a high-pass filter. By connecting these outputs to a stereo mixer like the NLC Macramé, you can experiment with panning to dynamically move sounds across the stereo field.
For an intermediate patch, consider incorporating external modulation sources like LFOs or sequencers to influence the Logorrhea's response over time. This can create evolving soundscapes that continuously surprise and engage. Furthermore, layering additional effects such as delays or reverbs post-mixer can enhance the harmonic depth, bringing your sonic exploration to new heights.
Further Thoughts
To fully harness the potential of the Nonlinearcircuits Logorrhea module and inject new nuances into your sonic palette, it's crucial to explore its intricate array of outputs and processing capabilities. Begin by selecting audio signals rich in harmonics, such as pulsating square waves or complex wave-folder outputs, which the Logorrhea thrives on due to its vocoder-inspired design.
Patch these signals into one or both inputs and prepare to be enthralled by the module's transformative nature. The 10 filter channels in combination with two SSI2190 chips, partition the signal across multiple frequency bands, creating a versatile chameleon in the realm of vocal filters. Experiment with connecting various control voltage (CV) signals to the module, ideally within the 0-5V range, to modulate the filters dynamically. Given that there are no knobs on the Logorrhea, the subtlety of your CVs becomes paramount; using an attenuation module like the De-escalate can bring precision to your control.
As you explore the outputs, employ the mixed OUT for a conglomeration of all filter channels. This output serves as a canvas of complex textures forged by the fusion of your input signal and CV manipulations. Meanwhile, the specific separation of channels into OUT A and OUT B opens doors to innovative stereo imaging techniques. OUT A combines the original signal in a thru channel, along with low pass and select bandpass outputs. Conversely, OUT B offers a venerable blend of noise, select bandpass, and high pass outputs. Embrace these designations to craft dynamic stereo landscapes; feeding both outputs into a stereo mixer such as the NLC Macramé allows for panning strategies that breathe life into the spatial deployment of sound, creating movement that enthralls and engages the listener's ear.
Incorporate white noise from OUT B for textural contrasts or augment frequency content, and savor the unpredictability as the Logorrhea imparts its signature character onto your audio. By delving into all these features, you unlock its deepest harmonic capabilities, designing ever-evolving sonic works that push the boundaries of typical vocoding applications. Share your creations with the world, demonstrating the unique power and potential of the Logorrhea in driving forward-thinking audio artistry.