Neuzeit Instruments

Notes: Which live performer doesn't know this situation: You build the tension to immeasurable heights, add another filter here, three more effects there, hands go up in the air, everyone's waiting for the big drop and then you realize: You can't find your way out of the chaos you've created!

The sweat on your forehead drips onto your equipment, and in a firework of spraying sparks, your devices and your fans say goodbye forever.

This doesn't have to happen!

With Drop, you can now map your MIDI equipment across devices and easily store different controller positions as snapshots. During performance, you can jump back to these snapshots at any time (JUMP mode) and trigger them. All of this can be quantized and with variable fade time, allowing you to use a snapshot for slowly building tension and automatically have multiple controllers move simultaneously.

A particularly useful feature, is firing snapshots in DROP mode at exactly the right moment, precisely at the end of a pattern of, for example, 8 bars. For this purpose, Drop features an integrated master clock that counts any number between 1 and 32 bars (= cycle). In DROP mode, you can schedule a snapshot to trigger at the end of a cycle, build tension and go crazy on effects until then, and lean back as the snapshot automatically turns the controllers at exactly the right moment, bringing your live set back to solid ground.

Saving and recalling snapshots is quick and simple even during live situations, allowing you to work spontaneously with new snapshots on-the-fly during your performance. The LED buttons always provide clear visual feedback about what's happening. If you want to plan further ahead, you can prepare sequences of DROP snapshots according to your song arrangement in the studio. Then use CHAIN mode to automatically trigger them sequentially on stage. Multiple chains and banks of snapshots are available, allowing you to configure your live set according to a song-by-song structure.

As with our Warp Synthesizer, Drop has two main operating levels: The PLAY level with direct hands-on access to the most important parameters, and the MENU level for studio configuration. The PLAY level is reduced to the essentials, such as the clear progress display (how many bars until the DROP at the end of the cycle), similar to a countdown clock. The buttons can be used for beat jumps, allowing you to spontaneously extend or shorten a break. Also, the number of bars per cycle and the quantization behavior can be changed on-the-fly. Everything is easily and directly accessible without submenus or hidden button combinations.

Mapping is done in the MENU level, directly on the device. No additional software is required, ensuring Drop isn't dependent on outdated operating systems in the future. Copy/paste/move functions and MIDI-Learn help with quick setup. Furthermore, an integrated MIDI monitor allows recording and analyzing incoming and outgoing messages. All possible MIDI commands are supported, including 14-bit CCs (NRPN), Program Change, Bank Select, Aftertouch, Pitchbend, and of course CCs and Notes.

Each controller enables macro mapping by sending up to eight different MIDI messages simultaneously to any MIDI output port. Individual curves can be assigned to each destination. This allows you to control multiple devices simultaneously with one knob, giving you a manageable number of highly expressive controls for your live set.
MIDI messages can also be assigned to snapshots, so that, for example, device programs and banks can be changed automatically in sync with a snapshot DROP.

On the output side, four MIDI In/Out ports via TRS jacks (types A and B) and two USB-C ports are available. Device and host modes are automatically detected, allowing connection not only to synths and grooveboxes but also to external keyboards, two laptops, or other MIDI controllers via USB.

Thanks to the multiple outputs, each connected device gets its own dedicated MIDI port with full data rate and all 16 MIDI channels, plus its own independent MIDI clock. This can even be adjusted individually for each output down to the millisecond, ensuring all devices run in perfect sync. Additionally, there are two CV outputs that can also be used for clock signals or as freely assignable 0-5V CV voltages. If one of the receiving devices accidentally falls out of sync, e.g., by accidentally pressing the stop/play button, Drop offers a quickly accessible resync button that resynchronizes all devices at the beginning of the next bar. As a master clock generator, there's also a nudge function for manual beat matching (DJ-style), or you can simply synchronize Drop to an incoming MIDI clock or a 0-5V clock from your modular system.

Another function is the reception and forwarding of incoming MIDI signals. Via the MIDI merge function, incoming messages can be filtered by channel and distributed to the connected devices. This allows a master sequencer that outputs sequences for all devices on multiple channels to be connected and appropriately routed through Drop. Drop adds the MIDI messages from its own controllers (MIDI merge), so the receiver gets the sum of both signals. You can go even further and integrate an external MIDI keyboard, allowing you to play some of your own notes in addition to the sequencer. Such routing was previously mainly reserved for software solutions, but now you can save having a laptop on stage, as Drop takes over this hub function.
The silicone buttons for snapshots can also be used as a 4x4 clip launcher for Ableton Live integration, parallel to snapshot control. Simply load the corresponding script from below into the appropriate folder on your computer. Drop now offers navigation through Ableton clips with RGB LED feedback, play/stop functionality for clips and tracks, scene triggering, and even the ability to start a scene in sync with a snapshot DROP.

Even without Ableton, the button matrix doubles as a convenient mini keyboard, allowing you to trigger notes on your favorite synth without lugging around extra gear. It includes practical features like customizable scales and transpose functions to enhance your playing flexibility.

Drop can be powered via USB-C, allowing it to be elegantly connected to a laptop with just one USB-C cable. However, an external power supply is also included to effectively prevent the notorious ground loops in branched USB setups. The power supply also contains globally compatible power adapters (EU, UK, US, AU), making it ready for global tours. The package also includes a USB-C cable, a USB-C to USB-A adapter, and two MIDI-TRS cables with 3.5mm stereo jacks.

The solid metal housing, metal faders and encoders, and high-quality soft-touch buttons guarantee long-lasting enjoyment and professional touring reliability.

Notes: Quasar brings 3D spatial audio to the Eurorack world. It is a two-channel audio mixer that uses binaural algorithms. You can seamlessly move sounds around your head, dynamically change the angle, height and distance in real time.

** Includes 3mm screws, 16-Pin to 10-Pin eurorack power cable, USB cable for firmware updates **

Main functions
2 mono inputs
Stereo output (two single jacks + headphone stereo jack)
2 CV inputs
24Bit 48kHz inputs and outputs, 32Bit internal signal processing
Dynamic 3D positioning in three dimensions (height, angle, distance)
Room reverb can be applied for better localization
Internal LFOs with flexible routing
External CVs can be flexibly routed to all parameters, multiple destinations per CV, individual intensity
Different 3D transfer functions to choose from
Two large endless encoders with aluminum knobs, RGB LED rings for setting and displaying parameters
OLED display for navigation and to show which parameter the encoders are currently controlling
Flat menu structure, no deep dives neccessary
" User presets can be flexibly created and recalled
" Potentiometers for volume control of the three positions Quasar 1, Quasar 2 and Center

Quasar creates a 3D sound image by binaural audio processing. Two positions named Quasar 1 and Quasar 2 are available, which you can virtually place and move at any angle, height and distance around your head. Room reverb can be added as a further aid to distance perception. The audio signals at input 1 and input 2 can be flexibly routed to either or both positions via an internal matrix mixer. The coordinates of the positions can be set manually or be modulated by internal LFOs or external CVs. For example, you can have sounds orbiting around you, coming from above or below, front or back, and moving toward or away from you. Likewise, a centre position is available as a routing destination that leaves the signal without sonic processing to create a dry/wet mix.

Quasar features two CV inputs which can be flexibly routed to any target inside the module. In fact, each CV can have up to four different targets, which enables a very flexible design of auditory 3D-scenes.

Internal LFOs can be used to add dynamic movement and to create spectacular three-dimensional scenes. There are a variety of standard and advanced waveforms that can be routed to the position coordinates. LFOs can also be triggered and reset by external CVs.

Quasar can add some reverb to the signal. While not being a reverberation module in the first place, Quasar's reverb can improve distance estimation, but also be used to create impressing ambient stereo soundscapes.

All inputs also have digital high and low pass filters, so you can decide which frequency bands go to which position. However, in addition to Quasar 1 or Quasar 2, you can also route the audio to the center position. The center position takes the input signal and distributes it equally to the left and right ears without further processing. For example, you can route the low frequencies to the center position and have the higher frequencies distributed to the outer positions Quasar 1 and Quasar 2. That way, the bass stays centered and mono-compatibility is preserved.

As soon as a three-dimensional virtual scene has been created, it can be saved to the module's preset list. That way, scenes can be recalled at any time. Quasar also features some factory presets as a starting point and to show off the module's capabilities.

The module works best with headphones, as the algorithm basically mimics the shape of the head and the pinnae, which are responsible for our directional hearing. But even if you play the sound through speakers, you will hear a significant difference from classic panning.

As spatial hearing is a psychoacoustic effect that everybody perceives in a slightly different way, Quasar offers several transfer functions for different ear types to choose from. This way, the intensity of the 3D effect can be adjusted to personal needs and fits with the processed audio signal.
With its large aluminum knobs, LED rings, rubber potentiometers and mechanically solid components, Quasar is fun to use and invites creative work.

Notes: Warp is a novel synth engine that combines the best of additive and wavetable synthesis.

In the center of Warp's control panel is a colorful XY LED matrix that represents the sound space from which Warp draws its sounds. This XY sound space consists of 32x16 frequency spectra. Each of Warp's four voices can move freely and independently across the XY space. It always uses the surrounding frequency spectra to calculate a wavetable based on 512 sine waves in real time using additive synthesis. By changing the position, wicked wavetable sounds are possible, playable with four voices and eight oscillators and navigable in two directions. An intuitive integrated editor allows playful modeling of your own frequency spectra.
With Warp's SPEC effects the frequency spectrum can be filtered and deformed in realtime before a wavetable is calculated. The wavetable can then be modified with WARP effects like wavefolder, PWM bend, overdrive and redux. The resulting wavetable serves as source for two oscillators per voice, which can be detuned and also synchronized to each other. Each voice is followed by a 12/24dB/octave high pass and low pass filter.

Warp offers an integrated editor, with which you can playfully draw and modify your own frequency spectra. The XY-Sound Space is seen as a canvas on which you can draw your own frequency peaks. Several drawing algorithms are available as tools to edit single or a group of harmonics in a musically meaningful way. There is also the possibility to derive frequency spectra from audio samples from the SD card or to put whole wavetable audio files into the XY sound space. Likewise, the XY sound space can be exported to the SD card as a wavetable audio file of any length and bit depth, so Warp can also be used as an intuitive wavetable generator for other synthesizers.

Also on board are two internal ADSR envelopes and two LFOs, which can be routed to a variety of internal destinations using a modulation matrix. To keep the overview, all modulations are color-coded and are additionally visualized by pulsating LEDs in the modulation matrix view.

Navigation through the menu is as intuitive as with our QUASAR module and is simply done via a push-encoder and a back button. The display always shows which function the four surrounding aluminum encoders currently have, and colored LEDs next to the encoders provide visual assistance. Likewise, the tuning of the module is done via a detented encoder, which adjusts the pitch either in fine steps, in semitones or in octaves. An octave switch is thus already integrated.

For all its feature-richness, Warp still remains a playable and performance-oriented instrument. The large potentiometers serve as macro controls to control several parameters under the hood at once. This keeps the instrument straight forward with a manageable number of controls, but they are all very expressive.
Likewise, the module offers the ability to save and load presets and also comes with audio files and presets on board. Thus, Warp is ideally suited for both detail-oriented sound design and hands-on performance.

In the standalone version, Warp is a monophonic four-voice synth voice that can also be used as an oscillator. With an expander module, it will also be possible to play Warp four-voice polyphonic via MIDI and CV/Gate in the future.

Warp uses a novel hybrid engine that combines the best of additive and wavetable synthesis. With the integrated editor you can playfully draw your own frequency spectra like on a canvas into the colorful XY sound palette. Warp is a feature-rich powerhouse that lets you create all kinds of sounds, from glassy clean to crunchy crunch. Thanks to expressive macro tone controls, extreme morphs are possible in a single pot turn.



Main functions
4 Voices & 2 oscillators using a hybrid additive-wavetable synth engine
Big knobs act as macro controls for underlying parameters and enable expressive Hands-On playability
Polyphonic with expander, monophonic as standalone unit
Usable as a full synth voice or as an oscillator module
Additive synthesis with 512 sine waves per oscillator = 4096 sine waves in total
XY sound space as a collection of 32x16 frequency spectra
Each voice travels independently across the XY space and uses the underlying spectra to synthesize a wavetable in real-time
Spectral FX are applied on the spectrum before a wavetable is generated
Wavetable FX are applied once the wavetable is generated, e.g. Wavefolder, PWM-Bend, Redux, Overdrive
Two Post-Filters per voice: 12/24dB Lowpass and Highpass with resonance control
Independent oscillator settings per voice, e.g. volume, pitch, stereo pan, detune, sync, X/Y position
Integrated modulation by 2x ADSR, 2x LFO with many waveforms
Modulation matrix view to see everything that is going on at once
Integrated editor for playful drawing of own frequency spectra
Algorithms for musically meaningful drawing of harmonics

Width: 24 HP
Depth: 30 mm
Current draw +12V: 205mA
Current draw -12V: 20 mA
Current draw +5V: 0 mA

** Includes 3mm screws, 16-Pin to 10-Pin eurorack power cable, USB cable for firmware updates **

Warp uses a novel hybrid engine that combines the best of additive and wavetable synthesis. With the integrated editor you can playfully draw your own frequency spectra like on a canvas into the colorful XY sound palette. Warp is a feature-rich powerhouse that lets you create all kinds of sounds, from glassy clean to crunchy crunch. Thanks to expressive macro tone controls, extreme morphs are possible in a single pot turn.

Notes: WarpEx is an expander module that adds polyphony and MIDI to Warp.

- 4-Voice polyphony
- MIDI input and MIDI Thru
- MPE compatibility (MIDI polyphonic expression)
- Dedicated trigger and V/Oct inputs for each voice
- Illuminated pushbutton to quickly toggle between the MIDI voice modes: Mono, Poly and MPE.

Inputs:

- +/- 8 Volts (V/OCT)
- 0.0 Volts to +5.0 Volts (TRIG and MIDI)
- Overvoltage protection on all jacks.
- 4 TRIG Inputs: Gate inputs for Voices 1-4
- 4 V/Oct Inputs: CV input for pitch of voices 1-4 (i 8V, up to low audio rate ~100Hz)
- 1 MIDI In: Input Type-A for Midi signals. Use provided MIDI-to-DIN adapters.
- Button Toggles between MIDI voice modes: Red = Mono, Blue = Poly, Purple = MPE (Poly)

Outputs:

- Midi-Thru, 5v signal

WarpEx is fully managed by the Warp master

Scope of delivery:

Module, 3mm screws, ribbon cable for connection to Warp, 2 Midi-to-Din adapters Type A

Power consumption: Warp powers this expander via the included grey bus cable
Depth: 30mm
HP : 4