In the ever-expansive universe of Eurorack modules, the Djupviks Elektronik DE-13 Star Maker emerges as a luminous catalyst for your modular synthesizer setup. Embark on an otherworldly sonic adventure with this four-input stereo panning mixer, meticulously designed to augment your music-making process with its innovative feature set and unparalleled versatility.
The Star Maker is the quintessential addition to any audiophile's Eurorack module collection. Its 12HP scanning stereo mixer format allows for active engagement with your compositions. The device boasts 1-4 labelled inputs, intended primarily for audio use, but they also accept CV, diversifying the possible interactions within your modular set up. Inputs 1 and 3 are connected to the left output, and 2 and 4 to the right, thereby creating an analog crossfader where audio signals can be panned with precision and ease.
Transcending the traditional functionalities of a mixer, the DE-13 Star Maker challenges the common boundaries with its dual-purpose inputs for clocking and audio use. The multifaceted module allows for simultaneous use of a clock input and an audio (clock) input, fostering complex rhythmic structures and real-time manipulation of audio sources.
A hallmark of this design is its ability to track the events within the circuit via its gate output. This built-in feature reflects the occasional internal pauses, allowing for anticipated breaks in clock steadiness, enhancing expressive and intuitive music production. The built-in switch provides the possibility of setting active steps, between 4,5 or 8 sequences. Whether you choose sequence 5 or 8, the DE-13 Star Maker ingeniously inserts pauses in places where there is no input.
Adding to the device’s versatility is the switch at the bottom that allows for adjustments to the audio clock division, post-facto, depending on the desired tempo. Crucial to mention is the occasional propensity for the circuit to lock up; however, simply flipping the division switch can instantly revive your audio landscape.
A unique aspect of the Star Maker is its implementation of a manual stepping button. This allows users to set the "start" position for a sequence prior to the addition of a clock, providing more control over sequence initiation. If a sequence is needed to start at step 3, press the button until the LED beneath panel for LED 3 is lit.
The Djupviks Elektronik DE-13 Star Maker, therefore, is not just a mixer but an immersive, hands-on companion to your sound exploration journey. Its array of features encourages interactive play with rhythmic patterns, stereo panning, and the realm of dynamic synthesis. So go ahead, plug in, and allow the DE-13 Star Maker to unfold vibrant, captivating soundscapes in your modular setup!
Example Usage
Novice Usage Example: Let's say you have a basic eurorack setup with a few oscillators, a filter, and some modulation sources. You want to add some movement and stereo width to your sound by panning different audio sources between the left and right channels.
This is where the Djupviks Elektronik DE-13 Star Maker comes in. It's a stereo panning mixer module that allows you to control the stereo position of your audio signals. With its 4 inputs and stereo output, it's perfect for adding depth and dimension to your mix.
To use the DE-13 Star Maker, start by connecting your audio sources to the inputs labeled 1-4. These inputs can accept both audio signals and CV, so you have flexibility in your sound sources.
Once your audio sources are connected, you can use the top switch on the module to determine the number of active steps each sequence will have. You can choose between 4, 5, or 8 steps. If you select 5 or 8 steps, the module will insert pauses where there is no input beyond step 4.
The bottom switch on the module is for division of the audio clock. If you want the clock to run slower or faster, you can adjust this switch accordingly. In case the circuit locks up, you can try switching the division switch to bring it back to life.
If you want to manually control the panning position or set the starting point for a sequence before adding a clock, there is a button for manual stepping and setting the "start" position. Simply press the button until the LED beneath the panel for the desired step is lit.
Once everything is set up, you can hear the magic happen. With the DE-13 Star Maker, you can pan your audio signals between the left and right channels, creating a dynamic and immersive stereo field. Experiment with different inputs, sequences, and panning positions to unleash your creativity and take your eurorack setup to the next level.
In an intermediate-level usage example with the Djupviks Elektronik DE-13 Star Maker, you can employ its versatile stereo panning mixer capabilities to create dynamic spatial movements in your eurorack setup. Let's explore how you can utilize this module to enhance your sound design and performances.
Imagine you have a drum loop running through inputs 1 and 2 of the DE-13 Star Maker, and you want to add a swirling stereo effect to it. Start by adjusting the stereo pan controls for inputs 1 and 2 to position the sound more towards the left and right respectively. This initial panning will create a wider stereo image and provide a foundation for further modulation.
Now, let's take advantage of the CV inputs on the DE-13 Star Maker to introduce some modulation to the panning. Patch a slow LFO (low-frequency oscillator) into the CV input for input 1. As the LFO modulates the panning for input 1, the drum loop will start to pan back and forth between the left and center positions, adding movement and interest to the sound.
Next, connect a sequencer to the clock input of the DE-13 Star Maker. Set the sequencer to a 4-step sequence with a repeating pattern. This will determine the rate at which the panning modulation occurs. Experiment with different step patterns to achieve varied panning rhythms, such as a slow fade-in and quick panning bursts.
To add more depth to the stereo image, route another audio source like a melodic synth through inputs 3 and 4 of the DE-13 Star Maker. Adjust the stereo pan controls for inputs 3 and 4 to position the sound wider apart from each other, creating a spacious stereo spread.
Finally, use the manual step button on the DE-13 Star Maker to manually step through the sequence and find the ideal starting point. Press the button until the LED beneath panel for LED 3 is lit, signaling that the sequence will start at step 3. This allows you to precisely control when the panning modulation begins, synchronizing it with other elements in your composition.
By leveraging the advanced stereo panning features of the Djupviks Elektronik DE-13 Star Maker and combining them with modulation sources and sequencers, you can achieve intricate and evolving spatial effects within your eurorack system. Let your creativity soar as you craft captivating stereo movements that add depth and immersive qualities to your music.
Further Thoughts
One creative way to utilize the Djupviks Elektronik DE-13 Star Maker in a eurorack setup is by incorporating it in a live performance scenario. By connecting various audio sources, such as synthesizers, drum machines, and samplers, to the four inputs of the DE-13 Star Maker, you can create a dynamic stereo mix that evolves and pans in real-time.
To start, you can connect your main audio output to a sound system or a mixer. Then, take two audio sources and connect them to inputs 1 and 2 of the DE-13 Star Maker. These could be two synthesizers producing different melodic phrases or chord progressions.
Next, connect two more audio sources, such as a drum machine and a sampler, to inputs 3 and 4 of the DE-13 Star Maker. This allows you to add rhythmic elements and additional textures to your mix.
Once all your audio sources are connected, set the top switch on the DE-13 Star Maker to determine the number of active steps for each sequence. Let's choose 8 for more complexity and variation.
Now, turn on the clock and audio inputs to synchronize the DE-13 Star Maker with your performance. As the clock signal progresses, the DE-13 Star Maker will automatically pan the audio signals between the left and right outputs based on the active steps and pauses within the sequences.
To add an extra touch of control and creativity, manually step through the sequences by pressing the button on the DE-13 Star Maker. This allows you to emphasize certain steps or create rhythmic variations on the fly.
As you perform, experiment with the bottom switch for audio clock division. Adjusting the speed of the clock will change the pacing and feel of the stereo panning, providing additional sonic possibilities.
With the DE-13 Star Maker as part of your eurorack setup, you can truly unleash your creativity during live performances, immersing your audience in a captivating stereo mix that constantly evolves, pans, and surprises.