Eurorack modules have become popular among musicians and sound enthusiasts in recent years, thanks to their limitless possibilities and versatility. Combining different eurorack modules can lead to new and unique sounds that would be impossible to achieve with standalone synthesizers. In this guide, we'll explore how to combine different eurorack modules to create unique sounds and effects.
Endorphin.es Shuttle Control Silver: The Endorphin.es Shuttle Control Silver is a 12-bit USB-to-MIDI-to-CV converter module with 16 arbitrary assignable channels. It has simultaneous USB on-the-go device and host modes using 120 MHz 32-bit ARM Cortex™-M3 CPU and internal PSU capable of working from cigarette lighter receptacle, rechargeable battery, or 12-20V AC-DC power adapter. The Shuttle Control Silver offers up to 8 voices of polyphony, polyphonic key aftertouch, no steps in CC voltages, MIDI clock, Tap Clock, Tap LFO, bi-directional USB-MIDI transfer, and many more MIDI events that can be translated into CV. MPE enabled, the Shuttle Control consists of switched mode PSU, USB-to-MIDI-to-CV converter, and web-based editor for editing presets.
Error Instruments Liquid Glitcher: The only ultraviolence oscillator, the Error Instruments Liquid Glitcher is perfect for those looking for small micro sounds, glitchy deep sub-bass noise, industrial rhythms, sounds of vinyl crackle, old typewriters, and heavy bass. The Liquid Glitcher consists of 2x complex oscillators hybrid Analog and Digital, wave and sub, sub and wave are in sync with both outputs, 2x LFO high en low speed, 6x Clock divider trigger or gate in Drum uit, and 16 hp.
Patching Panda Ephemere: The Patching Panda Ephemere is a CV Looper interface that serves as a high-resolution dual-channel recording interface for your signals. You can record from 1014sec at 172Hz up to 4 seconds at 44.1kHz of a signal on each channel, change the playback speed, and scan through the recorded CV. It has an OLED display to monitor your live and recorded signal to adjust playback length. When nothing is patched to the input, you can use the input pot as an offset/cv generator to record pot movements into the module. It is possible to save, load your signals in the SD Card up to 16GB of space, and there are four different modes to record to choose from to make more complex signals and three different play modes, either 2 Channels signal interface recording.
Sacrament Modular The Cursible: The Sacrament Modular The Cursible is a 14HP 6 channel, morphing effects-send matrix with an incredible feature set and a vast amount of applications from morphing/sequencing through and blending effects through to cadavre exquis style mixing of sound sources or control voltages. The Cursible features multiple modes of operation, including PIANO MODE, CLOCK MODE, CONTROL VOLTAGE MODE, MANUAL MODE, RANDOM MANUAL MODE, CV + CLOCK MODE, and FILL OPERATION. All modes feature user-defined "morph" timing to allow you to adjust from click-less switching to long attack and decay times and everything in between.
Ladik Q-040 Quad Quantizer: The Ladik Q-040 Quad Quantizer is a great tool for quantizing CV signals to specific scales or notes. It comprises four semitone CV quantizers in 4HP, input and output ranges from 0-5V, and an LED that shows input signal output is out of range. The fourth channel can be configured for quantizing input CV to quints, semitones, or octaves using the three-position front panel switch.
Combining any of these modules or other eurorack modules is just one way to unlock endless possibilities in your builds. By experimenting with different combinations of modules, you can create unique sounds and explore new sonic territories that were previously unattainable. So, grab your eurorack modules and get started on a sonic adventure.
Example Usage
Novice-level usage example:
If you're just starting with combining Eurorack modules, a simple way to get started is by using the Patching Panda Ephemere and the Endorphin.es Shuttle Control together. The Shuttle Control can convert MIDI and USB signals into CV signals, and the Ephemere can record and loop those CV signals. You can use the Ephemere to record a MIDI or USB sequence triggered by the Shuttle Control and then play it back as a loop. This way, you can control your synth sounds with MIDI or USB and loop them with the Ephemere, creating a simple but effective performance setup.
An intermediate-level example of combining these modules might involve using the Endorphin.es Shuttle Control to send MIDI signals to the Ladik Q-040 Quad Quantizer. This would allow you to quantize your MIDI notes and create precise melodic sequences. Additionally, you could route the quantized signals to the Patching Panda Ephemere for further manipulation and looping. The Sacrament Modular Cursible could also be used to blend multiple quantized sequences and add unique effects to the final output. Finally, the Error Instruments Liquid Glitcher could be used to add glitchy textures and electronic textures to the sequence, resulting in a complex and layered composition.
Further Thoughts
One way to combine these modules to create a unique sound is by using the Endorphin.es Shuttle Control Silver to translate MIDI events into CV that can be manipulated by other modules. Pair it with the Patching Panda Ephemere to record and loop your CV signals, utilizing the 4 different modes to create complex and intricate sounds. Next, utilize the Ladik Q-040 Quad Quantizer to quantize your CV signals into semitones for more precise and controlled manipulation. Finally, use the Sacrament Modular The Cursible to sequence and blend your effects chains, morphing and switching your way through your sound with user-defined timing. The Liquid Glitcher from Error Instruments can also be added to introduce ultraviolent oscillator sounds and complex rhythms to your setup. The possibilities are endless with these modules working together to create a truly unique and innovative sound.