First, we have the MRG KICK module, a clone of the TR-808 Bass Drum. This module offers two trigger inputs with different accent levels, allowing you to create kicks with dynamic accents. With control over tone and decay, the MRG KICK delivers a powerful and distortion-ready 808-like bass drum sound.
Next up is the Lacrima Versio module by Noise Engineering. This module takes the classic autowah concept and adds a twist. With an envelope follower controlling a high-resonance filter, you can morph between lowpass, bandpass, and highpass slopes. The module also features adjustable distortion, stereo chorus, and a mod parameter for audio-rate modulation and octavizing effects.
The Trinity module from Modbap Modular is a digital drum synth array with three powerful drum voices. With different drum synthesis algorithms, including subtractive, additive, FM, and noise, Trinity offers a wide range of drum design capabilities. The module also provides extensive CV control options and a performable output matrix for versatile routing possibilities.
Lastly, we have the Black 3109 VCF/VCA module by Erica Synths. Based on the AS3109 filter IC, which is a contemporary version of the IR3109 chip found in vintage Roland synths, this module combines a lowpass filter with a voltage-controlled amplifier. It offers volume drop compensation, cutoff level attenuverter, and 1V/oct tracking, making it suitable for both filtering and VCO applications.
To expand your sequencing capabilities, the Five12 Jack Expander is an I/O expansion module for the Five12 Vector Sequencer. This module provides additional voice outputs with pitch, gate, and velocity signals, as well as trigger outputs that can also function as input triggers. It also includes MIDI and DIN Sync connections for seamless integration with external gear.
By combining these modules in creative ways, you can unlock endless possibilities for sound exploration and composition in your Eurorack system. Whether you're a seasoned modular enthusiast or just starting your journey, this guide will inspire you to experiment and unleash your full creative potential. :internal_private_article_id: emrg-synthesizers-mrg-kick_enoise-engineering-lacrima-versio_emodbap-modular-trinity_eerica-synths-black-3109-vcf-vca_efive12-jack-expander-black
Unleashing Creative Potential: A Guide to Eurorack Module Combinations
In this article, we explore the exciting possibilities of combining Eurorack modules to unleash your creative potential. We discuss four unique modules that can be combined in various ways to create diverse and innovative sounds.
First, we have the MRG KICK module, a clone of the TR-808 Bass Drum. This module offers two trigger inputs with different accent levels, allowing you to create kicks with dynamic accents. With control over tone and decay, the MRG KICK delivers a powerful and distortion-ready 808-like bass drum sound.
Next up is the Lacrima Versio module by Noise Engineering. This module takes the classic autowah concept and adds a twist. With an envelope follower controlling a high-resonance filter, you can morph between lowpass, bandpass, and highpass slopes. The module also features adjustable distortion, stereo chorus, and a mod parameter for audio-rate modulation and octavizing effects.
The Trinity module from Modbap Modular is a digital drum synth array with three powerful drum voices. With different drum synthesis algorithms, including subtractive, additive, FM, and noise, Trinity offers a wide range of drum design capabilities. The module also provides extensive CV control options and a performable output matrix for versatile routing possibilities.
Lastly, we have the Black 3109 VCF/VCA module by Erica Synths. Based on the AS3109 filter IC, which is a contemporary version of the IR3109 chip found in vintage Roland synths, this module combines a lowpass filter with a voltage-controlled amplifier. It offers volume drop compensation, cutoff level attenuverter, and 1V/oct tracking, making it suitable for both filtering and VCO applications.
To expand your sequencing capabilities, the Five12 Jack Expander is an I/O expansion module for the Five12 Vector Sequencer. This module provides additional voice outputs with pitch, gate, and velocity signals, as well as trigger outputs that can also function as input triggers. It also includes MIDI and DIN Sync connections for seamless integration with external gear.
By combining these modules in creative ways, you can unlock endless possibilities for sound exploration and composition in your Eurorack system. Whether you're a seasoned modular enthusiast or just starting your journey, this guide will inspire you to experiment and unleash your full creative potential.
Example Usage
For a novice-level usage example, let's combine the MRG KICK and the Trinity modules to create a powerful electronic drum sound. Connect the trigger output from the MRG KICK to one of the trigger inputs on the Trinity module. Adjust the TONE and DECAY knobs on the MRG KICK to shape the kick drum sound to your liking. On the Trinity module, use the knobs for each drum type to sculpt your desired drum sound. Connect the audio output from the Trinity module to your mixer or audio interface. Now, when you trigger the MRG KICK, you will hear a powerful kick drum sound generated by the Trinity module. Experiment with different settings on both modules to create a wide range of electronic drum sounds.
To create a rhythmic and dynamic drum sequence, you can combine the MRG KICK module, the Trinity module, and the Five12 Jack Expander module.
- Start by sending a trigger signal from your sequencer or controller to the trigger input of the MRG KICK module. Adjust the TONE and DECAY parameters to shape the kick drum sound to your liking.
- Connect the output of the MRG KICK module to one of the voice outputs of the Five12 Jack Expander module. This will allow you to control the pitch, gate, and velocity of the kick drum.
- Use one of the trigger outputs from the Five12 Jack Expander module to trigger the Trinity module. This will activate one of the drum channels.
- Adjust the knobs on the Trinity module to shape the sound of the drum channel. Experiment with different drum algorithms (Block, Heap, Neon, and Arcade) to create unique percussive tones.
- Connect the output of the Trinity module to another voice output of the Five12 Jack Expander module. This will provide control over the pitch, gate, and velocity of the drum channel.
- Repeat steps 3-5 with the remaining drum channels on the Trinity module and voice outputs on the Five12 Jack Expander module.
- Utilize the additional trigger outputs of the Five12 Jack Expander module to trigger additional drum modules or generate clock signals for other sequencers.
- If desired, you can use the MIDI In and Out on the Five12 Jack Expander module to integrate external MIDI devices into your setup.
By combining the MRG KICK module, the Trinity module, and the Five12 Jack Expander module, you can create a versatile and expressive drum setup with precise control over each drum sound. Experiment with different trigger patterns, pitch modulation, and additional effects to unleash your creative potential and take your rhythmic compositions to new heights.
Further Thoughts
In this example, we are going to explore a combination of the MRG KICK, Lacrima Versio, Trinity, Black 3109 VCF/VCA, and Five12 Jack Expander modules to create a dynamic drum synthesis and sequencing setup.
First, let's start with the MRG KICK module. By connecting the trigger output of the Five12 Jack Expander to the TRIGGER1 input of the MRG KICK, we can use the Vector Sequencer to trigger the bass drum sound. The MRG KICK's TONE and DECAY controls can be adjusted to shape the sound to our liking.
Next, let's enhance the sound of the bass drum using the Lacrima Versio module. We can connect the output of the MRG KICK to the input of the Lacrima Versio and use its envelope follower and high-resonance filter to add some wah-like effects to the bass drum sound. The morphing filter allows us to explore a wide range of tonal variations. Additionally, we can use the adjustable distortion pre or post filter for some extra crunch.
To add more complexity to our drum setup, let's incorporate the Trinity module. We can use one of the Trinity's channels for the snare sound and another for the hi-hat sound. By connecting the trigger outputs of the Five12 Jack Expander to the trigger inputs of the Trinity, we can sequence the snare and hi-hat patterns using the Vector Sequencer. The Trinity's various drum synth algorithms can be tweaked using its knobs and mini-pots to create unique and customizable snare and hi-hat sounds.
To shape the overall sound of our drum kit, we can incorporate the Black 3109 VCF/VCA module. By connecting the output of the Trinity to the input of the Black 3109, we can use its lowpass filter to sculpt the tonal character of the snare and hi-hat sounds. The volume drop compensation feature of the Black 3109 ensures that the resonance doesn't affect the overall volume of the drums. Additionally, the built-in VCA allows for further control over the dynamics of the sounds.
Finally, let's take advantage of the additional I/O provided by the Five12 Jack Expander. We can route the individual voice outputs of the Trinity (Pitch, Gate, and Velocity) to the various inputs of the Five12 Jack Expander. This allows us to further process and modulate each drum sound individually. Additionally, the trigger outputs of the Five12 Jack Expander can be used to trigger external modules or synchronize other devices in our Eurorack setup.
By combining these modules and utilizing their unique features, we can create a versatile and expressive drum synthesis and sequencing system within our Eurorack setup. The possibilities for exploring new sounds and rhythms are endless, allowing us to unleash our creative potential.