The QU from the yonder reigns of Djupviks Elektronik is a delightful enigma in the world of Eurorack modules, steered by the inspired currents of 90's Doppelganger pedal and Turkish sci-fi maestro, CM Kosemen. Possessing a seemingly wild chaos at its core, this module is a perfect catalyst for any modular synthesiser enthusiast yearning for a voyage into the abyss of sound experimentation.
At its baseline, the QU functions as a thriving phaser simulating the edgy nostalgia of the Doppelganger phaser pedal, with two outputs catering to our enduring attraction to stereo sound. The 'clean' and 'distorted' outputs present an engaging dynamic of variation in volume, where distortions run rampant, splattering your auditory canvas with raw, visceral sound.
Delving into sound controls, two available CV inputs unveil greater command over your sonic inventions. When a single input is in usage, it normalises to the right. However, the true eccentricity of the QU lies within the switches, each harbouring a universe of tonal anomalies.
The first switch undertakes an interesting mission of purging the dry signal from the circuit. This radical step manifests vibrato-based effects within the phaser mode, escalating to peculiar sound transformations once the QU mode takes the baton. The second switch, rightfully labelled as QU, is to power the QU reactor within the module; a source of relentless sound alterations and audacious mangling.
The sphere of QU mode goes further into oblivion, ruthlessly morphing the input, occasionally mimicking it before transmuting into unfamiliar sonic organisms. Interestingly, in QU mode, the right CV input lodges a tad more influence over the sound.
Perched atop the device are three pots dedicated to feedback and mix controls. The presence of a dry signal is of paramount importance to the phaser effect, making the mix control a vital element in achieving the optimal blend of sounds. The feedback pots for the QU mode introduce another dimension of sound manipulation, influencing the final output based on the incoming signals and pre-set configurations.
The QU's intricate network of controls extends its unpredictability to the wet switch, ultimately infusing the module with boundless opportunities for sound exploration. The thrill of relentless experimentation forms the core of the modular synthesis world, and the astounding QU syncs perfectly with this ideology.
In conclusion, the QU Eurorack module takes us onto a profound journey into the depths of sound, channeling its inspirations to pull out eccentric, mind-bending audio. Its phaser origins seamlessly meld with destructive sound mangling, offering an obsessive exploration of thresholds in our quest for sonic excellence. The QU is an inspired mess of delightful chaos, and one can only make sense of it diving head-first into the obscure rabbit hole it opens up.
Example Usage
To give you a novice-level usage example with the QU module, let's imagine you have a simple eurorack setup with a VCO (voltage-controlled oscillator) module and a mixer module. Here's how you can incorporate the QU module into your setup to add some unique phaser and sound mangling effects:
- Start by connecting the output of your VCO module to one of the inputs on the QU module. This will be the audio signal that you want to process.
- Connect the clean output of the QU module to one of the inputs on your mixer module. This will allow you to hear the original, unprocessed signal alongside the affected signal.
- Adjust the Mix knob on the QU module. Since you are using the QU in phaser mode, the dry signal is essential for the phaser effect. Turn the Mix knob counterclockwise to increase the amount of dry signal in the mix.
- Experiment with the feedback pots on the QU module. These pots will affect the sound in QU mode, so turn them slowly while listening to the changes in the affected signal. Find settings that create interesting and unique textures based on the incoming signal and your desired sound.
- If you want to explore more extreme and experimental sound mangling, engage the QU switch. This will activate the QU mode, where the module will start attacking, mangling, and transforming the incoming sound. Make sure to adjust the feedback pots and other knobs while in QU mode to explore the full range of sound possibilities.
- To add more dynamics to the effects, you can also use CV inputs. Connect a modulation source, such as an LFO (low-frequency oscillator), to one of the CV inputs on the QU module. This will introduce modulation to the affected signal, creating rhythmic or swirling phaser effects.
- Keep in mind that the QU module has two outputs, one clean and one distorted. You can use both outputs to create stereo effects by connecting them to separate inputs on your mixer module.
Remember, this is just a basic usage example to get you started with the QU module. As you become more comfortable and experienced, feel free to experiment with different settings, modulation sources, and audio sources to unlock even more creative possibilities with this phaser and sound mangler module.
One creative way to use the QU module is to enhance a drum sequence by adding dynamic phasing and sound manipulation. Here's an intermediate-level usage example to demonstrate this technique:
- Begin by patching a drum module into the audio input of the QU module.
- Connect the clean output of the QU module to your mixer or audio interface.
- Set the MIX knob fully clockwise to ensure a prominent dry signal alongside the phased sound.
- Adjust the FEEDBACK knobs to your liking. Higher feedback levels will create more pronounced and intense phasing effects, while lower levels will yield more subtle results.
- Experiment with the CV inputs to introduce modulation into the phasing process. You can use an LFO or an envelope generator to create rhythmic or evolving phaser effects.
- Engage the QU mode by flipping the second switch labeled "QU." This will activate the sound mangling capabilities of the module.
- Twiddle the knobs on the QU module while your drum sequence is playing. The QU's interaction with the input signal will generate unique and unpredictable variations, transforming the drum sounds into something new and exciting.
- To add even more depth to the sound, patch the distorted output of the QU module into a separate channel of your mixer or audio interface. This will allow you to blend the clean and distorted signals together, giving you additional tonal options.
- Use the feedback knobs in conjunction with the MIX knob to fine-tune the balance between the original drum sounds and the affected, transformed output. This will help you find the sweet spot where the phasing and sound mangling enhance the rhythm without overpowering it.
- Experiment with different drum patterns, tempos, and modulation sources to explore the full range of possibilities offered by the QU module. Continuously adjust the knobs and switches to sculpt and sculpt the sound in real-time, unleashing the module's potential for sonic exploration.
Remember, the QU module offers a vast playground of phasing and sound mangling possibilities, and it's up to you to push the boundaries and discover unique sounds within your eurorack system.
Further Thoughts
One expert-level usage example for the QU module would be to create complex, evolving phaser effects with an external sequencer. By patching the two CV inputs to different sequencer outputs, you can modulate the feedback and mix parameters at different rates and patterns. This allows you to introduce subtle or drastic changes to the phaser effect over time. Additionally, you can experiment with patching other modulation sources, such as an LFO or random voltage generator, to create even more unpredictable and dynamic phaser sounds. The QU module's ability to mangle and destroy the sound in QU mode adds an extra layer of experimentation and sonic exploration to your phaser effects.