November 2024 Eurorack round-up
This month’s best new module releases include a rebooted classic from Buchla, an intriguing drone voice from Befaco and a versatile sequencer from Morphor.
Buchla/Tiptop Audio 259t
Newly reissued Tiptop/Buchla modules are always exciting, but the 259t might be the best yet. This groundbreaking complex oscillator module has been one of the most eagerly anticipated releases as Tiptop continue to reboot iconic Buchla modules in Eurorack format. The 259 ‘programmable complex waveform generator’ is a landmark moment in Buchla history, originally released in 1978 and considered by many aficionados to be the holy grail of Buchla oscillators. A modulation oscillator is used to affect the output of the ‘principal oscillator’, via a choice of techniques including frequency modulation, amplitude modulation and phase lock.
The cross-modulation options are extensive, particularly when factoring in the comprehensive provision of CV control, but the timbre and harmonics section also adds a degree of immediacy. Here, the outputs of three different wave shapers can be crossfaded with the sine wave output, allowing you to dial in a huge variety of tones in a surprisingly intuitive fashion.
Complex oscillators are usually quite expensive, largely because they contain so much more circuitry than a regular oscillator. At £485, the 259t actually represents excellent value, not least because it recreates one of the most sought after modules in Buchla history. Compared to other good options like the Endorphin.es Furthrrrr Generator at £539.99 and the 259t feels like a bit of a bargain for something so special.
The 259t also includes ART, Tiptop’s new polyphonic communication protocol transmitted over 3.5mm connections. ART is designed to address the tuning challenges sometimes faced in Eurorack, so it makes sense that it would add a degree of precision and accuracy to a module like the 259t. Time will tell if it takes off as a Eurorack-specific alternative to MIDI, but it’s an interesting inclusion here. One to keep an eye on.
Befaco Oneiroi
Befaco’s Oneiroi synth voice module is a decidedly more contemporary offering than the 259 reboot, but there’s a definite echo of Buchla’s self-contained system approach in the way that this engaging module has been designed. Intended mainly for ambient pads, drones and soundscapes, the Oneiroi teams a bunch of digital elements to create a cohesive instrument in a single module. A sine/wavetable/supersaw oscillator and stereo audio input feed into a filter, resonator, echo and ambience effects. A built-in looper can capture the signal from the audio input or the output of the module itself, allowing for some really interesting resampling-style drone effects. A very distinctive, experimental module that functions as a self-contained instrument in its own right.
Morphor Sequencer – Quad Gate/CV
Morphor’s Sequencer – Quad Gate/CV comes in at a mere 4 HP but packs surprising versatility into that small footprint. With a built-in clock and the option to run in two-, three- or four-track modes, the Sequencer is a powerful little thing. Programming is slightly complicated at first, but well documented. Morphor position the module as suitable for generating ideas or performing live, and there are various different modes which work well for either use case. The arpeggiator and chord mode are particularly fun for jamming out new ideas in a studio context, while features like probability, random sequence order and good old-fashioned track mutes lend a real-time aspect to live performance. Great value at just over £200.
Happy Nerdings MMM and OXI Instruments Meta
Finally this month, two simple but highly effective little modules. Happy Nerding’s MMM is a multi-mode take on the classic Moog ladder filter, built with shared controls but separate inputs for the high-and low-pass circuits, meaning you can use it as a stereo filter. An FM input rounds out the options, keeping it straightforward but with fantastically clear, powerful sound.
OXI Instruments’ Meta, meanwhile, is a deceptive little effects module which looks fairly basic at first glance but packs a lot of creative power. End-of-chain stereo effects are on tap, built around a large central control knob for quick hands-on tweaking of effects like DJ-style filtering, reverb and loops. Compact, neat and much more versatile than you might expect.
Greg Scarth