The Jomox ModBase 09 MK II is a powerful and versatile Eurorack drum module that offers an impressive range of sound sculpting and modulation options uniquely designed for crafting the perfect bass drum. The module boasts a variety of features that allow producers to create everything from slim and clicky kicks to deep and punchy 808-style bass drums that are the hallmark of classic electronic dance music.
One of the standout features of the ModBase 09 MK II is its ability to tune the pitch envelope of the VCO, allowing for basses as low as 10Hz which can be modulated to reach up to 175Hz. This feature offers a great deal of flexibility when it comes to shaping the sound of the module and creating the perfect bass drum for any production.
Another interesting feature is the module's harmonics enrichment capability, which enables the user to add harmonics to the sound of the VCO. This feature can be especially useful when looking to create harder kick drums that cut through the mix and drive the track forward.
The ModBase 09 MK II also offers pulse and noise shaping, EQ filtering, gate time control, and compression. These features provide producers with even more control and versatility when it comes to designing their ideal bass drum sound.
Other advanced features of this module include metalized noise, CV and LFO modulation, MIDI control, and a programmable audio bus envelope. The CV input can route external 0-5V CV signals to any of the parameters, including LFOs. The module also includes the LIN.FM, which is a true analog dedicated CV FM modulation input for the bass drum VCO, and the ACC CV input for the kick drum accent/velocity.
Additionally, the ModBase 09 MK II is equipped with two LFOs that work on the pitch of the bass drum. The LFOs have multiple waveforms, such as saw, sine, triangle, rectangle, and portions of the waveforms, which can be utilized to add character and movement to the bass drum sound.
The ModBase 09 MK II's MIDI controllers are identical to those of the Alpha Base/XBASE999/MBase11, which means that all parameters, including LFOs, can be remotely controlled by MIDI CCs. Lastly, the module has a programmable bus envelope that allows for a customizable level of audio out signal from the bus on the back mixed to the Kick Drum VCA envelope, which works hand-in-hand with experimental Jayemsonic modules.
Overall, the Jomox ModBase 09 MK II is a must-have addition to any Eurorack setup, whether you're a seasoned producer or just starting out. Its versatility and range of sound sculpting and modulation options make it an incredibly powerful tool for crafting the bass drum of your dreams.
Example Usage
If you're new to the world of Eurorack drum modules, the Jomox ModBase 09 MK II might seem intimidating. But don't worry, getting started with this powerful module is easier than you think. Try adjusting the Pitch control to create bass drum sounds ranging from 10Hz to 175Hz, and experiment with the Decay and Gate Time controls to shape the length of your drum's envelope. Adjusting the Pulse and Noise controls will help dial in the perfect mix of attack, and using the EQ and Harmonics controls will help refine the overall sound. With practice, you'll soon be crafting the bass drum of your dreams through sound sculpting and modulation.
An intermediate-level example of using the Jomox ModBase 09 MK II for crafting the bass drum of your dreams would be utilizing the LFOs to add some movement and variation to the sound. You could set LFO1 to a slow sine wave to modulate the pitch of the bass drum, giving it a slight pitch bend effect. Then, you could set LFO2 to a faster saw wave to modulate the pulse and noise parts of the attack, creating a more dynamic and complex sound. By tweaking the rate and depth of the LFOs, you can achieve a wide range of unique and interesting bass drum sounds.
Further Thoughts
To create a unique and dynamic bass drum sound with the Jomox ModBase 09 MK II, use the LIN.FM input to apply true analog CV FM modulation to the VCO. This input works linear-wise, allowing for precise control over the pitch of the bass drum. Additionally, take advantage of the two LFOs that work on the pitch of the bass drum, with waveform options including saw up, saw down, sine+/-, triangle+/-, rectangle+/-, and portions of each. By combining these modulation techniques, you can craft a bass drum sound that stands out in any mix.