Tags: Looper module

Notes: Module A-196 contains a so-called phase locked loop (PLL). The basic PLL system is shown in the sketch at the bottom of this page. A PLL consists of three parts: voltage-controlled oscillator (VCO), phase comparator (PC), and low-pass filter (LPF). All parts are normally connected to form a closed-loop frequency-feedback system.

This is how a PLL works: The output of the internal VCO (linear CV control, rectangle output) is compared with an external signal (e.g. the rectangle output of a A-110 VCO) in the so-called phase comparator (PC). The output of the phase comparator is a digital signal (low/high/tristate) that indicates if the frequency resp. phase difference of the two input signals is negative, zero or positive. The output of the phase comparator is processed by a low pass filter (LPF) to generate a smooth voltage that is used to control the frequency of the internal VCO. The 3 units VCO, PC and LPF form a feedback loop that works like this: The control voltage (output of the LPF) increases as long as the external frequency is higher than the frequency of the internal VCO und stops increasing when both frequencies become identical. The control voltage decreases as long as the external frequency is lower than the frequency of the internal VCO und stops decreasing when both frequencies become identical.

But there are some stumbling blocks: Different types of phase comparators with advantages and disadvantages can be made. Some phase comparators e.g. even lock at harmonics, i.e. if the two frequencies to be compared are integer multiples. But for some applications this can be used to create interesting effects. The A-196 contains 3 different types of phase comparators: PC1 is a simple exclusive OR, that even locks at harmonics. PC2 is a so-called RS flipflop and PC3 a more complex digital memory network. The user can select one of the three phase comparators with a 3-position switch. When PC2 is used a LED displays the "locked" state, i.e. when the frequency of the internal VCO is identical to the external frequency.

Special attention has to be directed to the frequency of the LPF. To obtain a smooth control voltage for the VCO the frequency of the LPF has to be much smaller than the lowest frequency of the internal or external audio signal. Otherwise the frequency of the internal VCO will jitter or wobble around the correct frequency. But for special effects this frequency jitter can be used intentionally. Example: frequencies in the range 50Hz...1kHz have to be processed with the PLL. Therefore the frequency of the LPF has to be about 10Hz or even less. Such a low frequency of the LPF causes a noticeable slew of the internal VCO. When the frequency of the external signal jumps e.g. between 500Hz and 1kHz it takes about 0.1 second until the internal VCO reaches the new frequency (like portamento). So one has to find a compromise between frequency jitter and portamento. But these remarks are valid only for the "ideal" working PLL. As the A-196 is used in a musical environment the "problems" and disadvantages with jitter and slew time lead to additional musical applications like portamento effects, wobbling frequencies or harmonic locking according to the type of frequency comparator and time constant of the PLL low pass filter. Instead of the internal manually controlled low pass filter the voltage controlled slew limiter A-171 can be used to obtain voltage control of this parameter. Normal audio filters (e.g. A-120, A-121) cannot be used for this job as the minimum frequency is to high (down to a few Hz or even less necessary) and the signal has to be DC coupled due to the low frequencies. Audio filters are normally AC coupled.

Another very important application of a PLL is frequency multiplication in combination with an external frequency divider. For this the output of the PLL-VCO is processed through an external frequency divider (e.g. A-163, A-160, A-161, A-115) before it is fed to In1 of the phase comparator. In this case the frequency of the PLL-VCO will be a multiple of the master frequency. E.g. if the A-163 is used and adjusted to dividing factor 5 the frequency of the PLL-VCO will be 5 times the frequency of the master VCO. Consequently, frequency division (A-163) leads to frequency multiplication with the PLL circuit. In combination with the PLL low pass frequency several effects can be realized (frequency multiplication with portamento or wobbling). The frequency multiplication can even be used to drive a graphic VCO. If your graphic VCO e.g. has 8 steps (e.g. A-155) and you use a frequency divider with factor 8 in the PLL feedback the output of the graphic VCO has the same frequency as the master VCO. Another application is the generation of pseudo-harmonics (not real harmonics as only rectangle waves are available) or clock generation for switched-capacitor filters.

Notes: Loop is a high fidelity looper with four unique recording modes and an intuitive user interface. It can capture up to five minutes of audio with reverse, and half-speed playback accessible. Each recording can use one of four modes: Sound on Sound, Dub, Replace, and Infinite (i.e. Frippertronics). Whether you're looking for minimal part layering, or full blown ambient soundscapes, Loop will take your patch for a ride.

High fidelity audio - 24-bit, 48kHz with five minutes of recording time
Four recording modes: Sound on sound, Dub, Replace, and Frippertronics
Intuitive interface
Half speed and reverse playback

Tech Specs:
Width: 2HP
Depth: 42mm

Notes: One of the most impressive granular synthesis approaches in Eurorack, combining looping and granular effects with buffer sizes up to five minutes. Hugely creative and powerful dual-module setup.

Supplier's Notes:
There's a long history behind the granular concept and many reinterpretations of it's core principles, this is ADDAC's take on it.

In a loose description digital Granular refer to pieces of sound files being played at the same time with slight or completely different parameters originating what is commonly referred to as granular clouds. Normally there's a buffer size from which the granular engine snips it's pieces from and plays them according to the parameters set. This buffer size is normally small in size where grains are so small that can reach the hearing spectrum and be heard as a sort of ever changing complex wavetable, this is the principle behind granular synthesis.

ADDAC have added the possibility of long buffer sizes up to 5 minutes, allowing "softer" approaches to the granular principle using it as an effect that can generate from "accidental" effects like slight "stutters" to extreme processing and transformation of any incoming audio signal.

This module is conceptually deep but easy to grasp and operate as all controls are in its dedicated panel, all jack inputs and outputs have its own separate panel to allow no compromise when playing it's controls.

There are three main sections in this module:
Looper Engine: The Looper is where all the Real-Time recording happens. The audio input feeds the recording buffer, multiple controls allow to record and play loops into a list so that any sample in the list can be accessed at ay time and more acting as a standard looper
Granular Engine: The Granular acts upon the buffer of whatever LOOP is selected.
Output Mix The output mix allow individual control for the Dry Input, Looper Volume and Grains Volume.
Besides these main sections there's also a simple strip down MENU mainly used to LOAD and SAVE Banks, no Menu diving guaranteed.

For more detailed info, please refer to the User's Guide.

Audio Specs:
Audio input: Stereo, 16bit 44.1Khz
Audio output: Stereo, 16bit 44.1Khz

Tech Specs:
32HP + 13HP
4.5cm deep
240mA +12V
70mA -12V

Notes: Instant IDM! An unusual genre-specific module from Mystic Circuits, automatically generating complex trigger sequences. Create loops or apply real-time effects to a trigger or gate input.

Supplier's Notes:
IDUM is a gate processing effect that turns its input effortlessly into IDM. Making complex electronic music with the modular usually requires meticulous sequencing done in advance or a large ecosystem of modules. Unfortunately, the level of expertise needed to accomplish this is not accessible to the average modular user. IDUM aims to make this process easier and put Intelligent Dance Music, also known as IDM, into the hands of people with average intelligence. IDUM does not require much knowledge to get immediate and compelling results; but with some extra familiarity, this module can enable innovative music making techniques. Instead of generating musical patterns on its own, IDUM acts like an effects processor for the sequences that run through it. For example, a filter or a delay allows the user to alter their sound by twisting the knobs or modulating the parameters. Similarly, IDUM manipulates the actual gates and sequences of connected modules, but with a level of playability normally inaccessible to a sequencer. IDUM can vary carefully crafted sequences or turn your music into an onslaught of controlled chaos. Its open source code and hardware based on the beginner friendly Arduino Nano Every encourage users to tweak their modules to taste or to add new features all while ensuring future improvements as IDUM makes its way into the wild.

IDUM has eight effect modes:

HOLD - Alter the length of incoming triggers.

BURST - Generates a ratcheting effect with timing determined by the clock.

MULTIPLY/DIVIDE - Generates a ratcheting effect with timing determined by incoming triggers.

BALL - Generates a bouncing ball effect.

ROTATE - scrambles the connections of inputs and outputs.

DELAY - postpones incoming gates by a dynamic amount of time based on incoming triggers.

BREAK - preset rhythms that turn incoming triggers into breakbeats.

SKIP - manipulates the clock output to multiply the clock speed or skip forward multiple steps.

In addition to these modes, IDUM features an eight step looper that loops incoming gates as well as any effects that were active on those steps.

To control when IDUM's effects are active, the CHANCE slider sets the likelihood that on a given step an effect will activate and the LENGTH slider sets how many steps the effect will last for. The PARAM knob controls a parameter unique to each effect while the MODE knob selects the mode. All of these controls as well as the LOOP status have their own CV modulation inputs.

Unique to IDUM is its ability to manipulate external sequencers using the clock output. This includes functions like: pausing the clock when an effect is active for dynamic clock division, skipping forwards or multiplying the speed of the clock in SKIP mode, and looping a sub-section of sequencer steps in the looper. To keep everything tamed while manipulating the clock, the CYCLE switch will send out bursts of clocks to catch your sequencer up with its original sequencer position after an effect has completed. Keep in mind that not all sequencers like to be clocked fast enough to work with these features, so for best results pair your IDUM with a TREE/ LEAVES combo from Mystic Circuits.

IDUM might be the stupidest way to make IDM and Mystic Circuits are proud of that. Whether you want to add complexity to your dance floor bangers or make the most obtuse and unlistenable music imaginable, IDUM is here to help. See just how dumb your music can get with the Mystic Circuits IDUM.

Notes: Loop is a high fidelity looper with four unique recording modes and an intuitive user interface. It can capture up to five minutes of audio with reverse, and half-speed playback accessible. Each recording can use one of four modes: Sound on Sound, Dub, Replace, and Infinite (i.e. Frippertronics). Whether you're looking for minimal part layering, or full blown ambient soundscapes, Loop will take your patch for a ride.

High fidelity audio - 24-bit, 48kHz with five minutes of recording time
Four recording modes: Sound on sound, Dub, Replace, and Frippertronics
Intuitive interface
Half speed and reverse playback

Tech Specs:
Width: 2HP
Depth: 42mm

Notes: Part of Xaoc's Leibniz binary system, the Rostock is a digital delay line capable of processing triggers, audio, CV and video signals. Another useful module from the unique Leibniz series.

Supplier's Notes:
Rostock is a component of the Leibniz Binary Subsystem. It is a data pipeline, a FIFO (first in - first out) shift register, or a very short digital delay. The module operates similarly to a BBD delay or an ASR (analogue shift register), except that it is digital. It consists of a chain of memory cells that pass bits from one to another at each clock cycle. The delay length is variable from 1 to 64 stages (with optional looping and scrambling). It works by processing data in the Leibniz bus and must be connected to other Leibniz modules using data ribbon cables at the back. Rostock may process data sequences representing rhythms, control voltages, audio-rate signals, and even video signals because the bits can change at extreme rates (up to 2MHz). In addition, its memory may be digitally looped. Delaying and looping is a fundamental building block for sequence automation, pattern and chaos generation, and various cybernetic modular patches. Thus, Rostock is a multi-purpose open-ended device that invites creative thinking.

Technical details

Eurorack synth compatible
8hp, skiff friendly
Current draw: +70mA/-40mA
Reverse power protection

Notes: Second-generation version of 1010's outstanding Bitbox sampler module, featuring improved processing power, higher-quality touchscreen and new effects.

Supplier's Notes:
Next Generation Sampling Module for Eurorack

The bitbox mk2 is a follow up to 1010's successful bitbox module. Do more with bitbox mk2's more powerful processor and improved touch screen. This module has all of the features of the original bitbox and adds effects and mixing capabilities that take advantage of the faster and more powerful processor.

Sample Playback

Play up to 24 polyphonic notes when your samples fit in the 64 MB of internal memory or up to 8 larger samples streaming directly from the microSD card
Configure 16 sample pads per preset as single or multi-samples, clips, slicers, granular or new recordings
Stream long samples from the microSD card with a max sample size of 4 GB, which can be many hours of audio
Trigger samples with the touch screen, CV gate inputs, or MIDI input
Use MIDI for polyphonic playback of samples or slices
Control how samples start and stop by choosing from one-shot, toggle, and gate launch modes
Tweak playback through a variety of sample parameters, including start position, length, pitch, gain, filter, loop mode, launch quantization, ADSR, Exclusive Grouping, clip synchronization, slice placement and sequencing, grain size, grain spread, grain count, and MIDI note and channel mapping

Sample Recording

Record Eurorack level audio straight into the module:

Record samples from a stereo audio input pair
Configure each pad for stereo or mono recording with the option to synchronize the start and stop times to clock inputs
Trigger recording via audio level threshold
Create perfectly sized loops by setting the recording length
Enable immediate playback after recording for live looping capabilities
Make recordings up to 4 hours in length
Store recorded samples as WAV files on the micro SD card then remove the card to transfer them to your computer
Sample Modes

Find creative ways of using your samples with our 5 sample playback modes:

Trigger one shots or launch loops using sample mode
Load a folder of samples into a sample mode pad to improve the quality of the pitch shifting when playing a sample chromatically or to trigger different samples with each note
Play time-synchronized loops with constant pitch time shifting in clip mode
Skip between slices of a WAV using slicer mode
Create rich textures and other worldly sounds with granular mode
External Control and Synchronization
Playback can be immediate or synchronized to internal clock, TRS clock in, or MIDI clock in and out
Trigger each pad independently through a dedicated gate input
Use MIDI to trigger pads via a note per pad
Play a single or multi-sample pad pitch shifted using MIDI notes or CV
Trigger different sample slices using MIDI notes or CV
Modulate a wide variety of sample parameters through the MIDI input and up to 8 CV signals
Quickly set up MIDI modulation using Learn mode - no need to look up CC numbers
Module Features
Use the 3.5" diagonal touch screen to intuitively explore the features of the module
Get more creative with double the processing power of the original bitbox
Fill out your sound with reverb and delay
Import or export WAV files with your Mac or PC using a microSD card
Save and recall multiple presets
Increase your capacity with larger microSD cards
Select Flipped UI mode to mount the unit with the screen on the bottom and use the screen, knobs, buttons, and CV jacks as you normally would

When you purchase a bitbox mk2, you will receive:

a bitbox mk2 Eurorack module
a microSD card with with a bank of demo presets and samples loaded on it
a Eurorack power cable
a bitbox mk2 Quick Start guide
a MIDI Adapter

Technical Specs

Supports 1 and 2 channel WAV files with 16, 24 or 32-bit resolution at any sample rate (48kHz preferred)
26 HP
Module dimensions including knobs: 5.25" x 5"x 1.75"
Depth behind front panel with ribbon cable: 1.25"
+12V: 400mA
-12V: 0mA
5V: 0mA
24-bit ADC and DAC

Inputs and Outputs

Connect up to 8 CV modulators to control numerous sample parameters
Trigger each of the 16 pads with a dedicated gate input
Record through the dedicated stereo audio input pair
Use CV to keep time through the dedicated clock input
Confidently connect with both TRS MIDI Type A and Type B, no adapter needed
Route the audio from each pad out to one of 2 stereo audio output pairs or any of the corresponding single channels
Inputs and outputs are DC coupled so you can record and play out CV signals

Notes: Crystal-clear clock-synced delay for loop up to 90 seconds, echoes, sound-on-sound, Karplus-Strong etc.

Features:
Loop or echo time is synchronized to a clock
87 seconds of delay/loop time maximum
48kHz/24-bit sampling rate, loop recorded at 16-bit (24-bit optional)
Extremely quiet, low noise and low jitter design
Tap tempo button and clock Ping input set the basis for one "beat"
Delay/loop time set as a number of musical beats (or fractions of beats) using the Time knob, switch, and CV jack
Sample-accurate clock output for perfect synchronization
Loop clock outputs for each channel
Time switches change range of Time knob from 1/8th notes up to 32 bars
Digital feedback, up to 110%
Delay Feed control, independent of dry/wet signal mix
Infinite Hold mode disables recording input and fixes regeneration at exactly 100%
Reverse mode plays memory contents backwards
With an infinite loop locked, knobs or CV can "window" around memory, by shifting the loop
Trigger inputs for toggling Infinite Hold and Reverse
Send and Return for applying effects to feedback with external modules
CV jacks to control Time, Level, Feedback and Dry/Wet Mix
16HP Eurorack module

Specs:
48kHz, 24-bit low-noise hi-fidelity
Up to 90 seconds of loop time
16HP
+12V: 110mA
-12V: 45mA

Included with the Looping Delay:
16-to-16 pin power cable
4 x M3 Knurlie screws

Notes: The Looping ADSR is an extremely versatile envelope generator. It can act as a traditional ADSR envelope requiring a gate signal to activate or as a looping ADSR. Envelopes can be output with both linear and exponential curves. In Loop Mode it repeats the cycle of Attack, Decay, & Release. Once the Release phase is complete, it loops back to the Attack and begins the cycle again. The Looped envelope can be further manipulated with the Loop Scale knob. Loop Scale shrinks the overall size of the envelope while keeping the ratio of A:D:R identical. All knobs on the Looping ADSR have CV input. As with all Hungry Robot "Modular Boxes" the Looping ADSR can be powered with a simple 9V DC, Negative Center power supply.

KNOBS
-ATTACK: Sets the attack length (1st stage of ADSR cycle). Determines how long it takes to come to full voltage after gate is applied (up to 10 sec.)
-DECAY: Sets the decay length (2nd stage of ADSR cycle). Determines how long it takes to go from full voltage to sustain voltage (up to 10 sec.)
-SUSTAIN: Sets the sustain level. Determines what voltage the envelope returns to after decay stage
-RELEASE: Sets the release length (Final stage of ADSR cycle). Determine how long it takes to return to 0V after gate is released (up to 10 sec.)
-LOOP SCALE: When in loop mode, this knob scales down the length of the envelope while keeping the ratios identical

SWITCHES
-LIN/EXP: Selects the envelope type: linear vs. exponential curve
-LOOP/ADSR: Switches between Loop and ADSR mode. LOOP turns the loop on. ADSR is a traditional ADSR requiring a gate signal
-RPT./GATE: Works only in LOOP mode. RPT. automatically repeats the loop without a gate. GATE mode requires a gate to begin looping.

PATCH POINTS
-LS.CV: CV input for Loop Scale. Allows for CV control of this parameter.
-A.CV: CV input for Attack. Allows for CV control of this parameter.
-D.CV: CV input for Decay. Allows for CV control of this parameter.
-S.CV: CV input for Sustain. Allows for CV control of this parameter.
-R.CV: CV input for Release. Allows for CV control of this parameter.
-GATE: Gate input for ADSR mode as well as Gate/Loop mode
-OUT: Output of final envelope for all modes.

Dimensions: 4.7" x 3.7" x 1.96"
Power: 9V DC - Negative Center - 2.1mm Barrel

Notes: Cleverly designed melodic looping sequencer/sampler, offering four pattern banks each with 16 steps, aiming to bring 'DAW-style' workflows to Eurorack - sample reversing, pitch shifting, and so on.

Suppliers notes:
Torus is an overdub looper for harmonic playback. It offers four, 16-step pattern banks for sequencing as well as other sample manipulation techniques. It was designed to bring daw recording workflows (sample reversing, pitch shifting, sequencing, etc.) to eurorack cases.

Inputs:

A, B, C, D - buttons for choosing the current pattern. When combined with chain, these buttons can be used to sequence a pattern chain. Individual chains can be support 16 steps and are kept in sync with torus's global clock.

Chain - button for chaining behaviours. Chain + A, B, C, D can be used to sequence a pattern chain. Chain + record can be used to record multiple patterns in series and then chain playback. Chain + clear can be used to clear all recorded patterns. Chain + tap can be used to reset the current pattern when it contains recordings.

Mix - knob and CV used to blend between the input signal and the recorded pattern.

Record - button and gate in for turning on and off recording. When a pattern is not recorded, record will turn on and in sync with the clock. When a pattern is recorded, record will immediately turn on and off overdubbing.

Oct - buttons for octave shifting pattern buffer playback. Oct buttons can be used to clock divide/multiply an input clock signal.

Reverse - button and gate in for reversing buffer playback.

Harm - knob and CV for choosing harmonic pattern playback speeds. Playback speeds include both integer clock multipliers and perfect intervals.

Tap - button for tapping in tempos for the internal clock. Tap will repeat the current note when the current pattern contains recordings. Combine with chain to reset the entire pattern when the current pattern contains recordings.

Clear - button and gate in for clearing the current pattern. Combine with chain to clear all recorded patterns.

Clock - gate in for clock syncing

In L and in R - audio input, left will be converted to stereo if there is no right input.

Outputs:

Harm out - gate output mapping to harmonic playback resets. This gate output will range from 1-16x the clock out frequency depending on the harm knob/CV value.

Clock out - gate output for the global clock. The output gate frequency will be 0.25-4x the input clock speed based on the oct button state.

Reset - gate output when the current pattern has reset.

Out L and out R - audio output

100 mA +12V 40 mA -12V 0 mA 5V

16 HP 35mm deep

Notes: SkipLog, a probability processor with sequence capturing and looping features, along a range of other versatile functions waiting to be explored.

SkipLog is a 3-channel rhythmic probability processor designed for inventive rhythmic exploration in modular setups. Introduce unpredictable rhythmic possibilitis to your creative flow.
SkipLog's basic operation is simple: when a trigger or gate is received at one of its three channels' inputs, the same channel’s Probability knob allows you to control the likelihood of these triggers or gates reaching the output. This inputs are internally connected .

SkipLog continuously captures the binary outcomes of its use, storing them for potential sequences. Activate the Loop function to break from pattern creation and loop the recorded sequences. Individual Loop Length knobs for each channel allow adjustment of the loop sizefrom 1 to 16 or 32 steps (as selected on the back), providing evolving rhythmic patterns.

To fine-tune your arrangement, SkipLog introduces functions like Mute for real-time channel silencing, Inv for signal inversion, and Choke for establishing channel priorities. Lastly, the G/T (Gate/Trigger) Mode enables users to specify whether the channel output is a gate or a trigger.

Dimensions
8 HP
33 mm deep

Current Draw
100 mA +12V
22 mA -12V