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: *** Firmware update- February 2025 ***

Hermod+OS2.00

Again, a major firmware upgrade packed with exciting new features. This update offers a wealth of new creative tools and improvements.

Audio tuner

4 internal automation per track - MOD, MOD2, MOD3, MOD4

Automation per track : 7 (4x modulations + pitchbend + aftertouch + sustain

***

Parisian sequencer specialists Squarp turn up the goods once again with the updated Hermod+ module. Huge sequencing power for both MIDI and CV, with a range of monophonic and polyphonic features to get the most out of your sound sources.

Supplier's Notes:

Hermod+ adds so much to your system.

Based on the established Hermod workflow and keeping the same form factor, Hermod+ offers a lot of new features, and a refined, more playful interface with extended connectivity.

Record CV/Gate, MIDI notes and modulations on 16 polyphonic tracks. Compose melodic variations across 16 patterns per track, and take advantage of the advanced step sequencer and the new effects to gain efficiency and creativity in studio and on stage.

8 CV/Gate and 8 MIDI tracks

Hermod+ offers 8 CV/Gate tracks (that can also output midi) and adds 8 dedicated MIDI tracks for your extra gear.

CV inputs

Record, edit and loop analogue modulations or CV/Gate using the 4 CV inputs, and use them to synchronize Hermod+ to an incoming analogue clock.

Record live

With an improved resolution of 96ppqn, record and playback your CV/Gate or MIDI performance seamlessly without any noticeable note shifting, for up to 16 bars per pattern.

Polyphonic step composer

The revisited piano-roll now allows intuitive polyphonic editing. Edit or program chords, melodies and rhythms using the 16 built-in pads for a quick and playful composition process.

Automation

Program or record automated modulations (CV and/or MIDI) for each track, in addition to midi aftertouch, pitchbend and sustain voices.

Dynamic effects

Add up to 8 real-time CV/MIDI effects per track. All effects are non-destructive, so they can be edited at any given time to add some variations to a performance.

Advanced ModMatrix

Use the modulation matrix to link incoming CV or CC messages to effect parameters. Each modulations can be attenuverted and offsetted.

Playable song mode

Build your song structures using up to 16 sequences per project. Play them into a predefined order or launch them manually for improvised performances.

Synchronized project swap

Quickly save and recall your projects on the SD card. Project loading can now be done in sync, without interrupting your performance.

Boosted connectivity.

The missing link between your eurorack system and the rest of your studio.

Editing made simple.

Fluid workflow with a redesigned Step mode

Step mode is where you can edit notes, modulations and gate events. Hermod+ offers quick ways to write melodies and rhythms. Zoom in and out to visualize and edit portions of your track precisely and break free from rigid grid sequencing.

The re-designed piano roll editor makes the vertical and horizontal scrolling easier and faster, while the new "row edit" feature allows for quick chords and drum patterns programming.

Create modulation curves by programming them directly on Hermod+ or by recording incoming signals, and send those curves via CV or MIDI to other parts of your system.

Versatile interface.

Polymorphic layouts for perfect integration

Hermod+ can adapt its voice layout to any patching scenario. Depending on your needs, any track can become a modulation output, a monophonic CV/Gate track, a polyphonic MIDI track...

For a track of CV/Gate note + velocity + aftertouch, or for a polyphonic CV/Gate track, simply group voices using the desired layout.

Take advantage of the 8 dedicated MIDI tracks, that can record and be programmed independently from the 8 CV/Gate tracks. Up to 8 real-time effects per track with creative parameters and generative features. Hermod+ is the canvas, the paint and the brush of your setup.

Specifications

Sequencer
Tracks: 8 CV/Gate + 8 MIDI
Patterns: 16 per track
Recording resolution: 96ppqn
Track length: 1/16 note to 16 bars
Automation per patterns: modulation + pitchbend + aftertouch + sustain

Projects
Amount of projects: unlimited
Tempo: 10 to 280 BPM
Global transpose track: yes
Double project architecture: yes
Song chain length: 64 sequences

Piano roll
Zoom min: /4 (1 step = 1/4 note = 1 beat)
Zoom max: X8 (1 step = 1/128 note)
Note/gate width: 1/32 (1/512 note) to 8 bars
Maximum polyphony per step: 24
Row edit (polyphony editing): yes
Note pitch: C0 to C10
Note velocity: 0 to 127

Synchonization clock speed
Max input rate: 1/96 = 24ppqn
Max output rate: 1/96 = 24ppqn

Input
MIDI: TRS type A + USB host + USB device
CV: 4x [-5V to +5V]

Output
MIDI: TRS (type A) + USB host + USB device
CV: 8x [-5V to +5V]
GATE: 8x [0V / +5V]
Dedicated Clock port
Dedicated Reset port for transport

Power
Note: the use of your eurorack +5V rail is configurable with a switch on the back of Hermod+
Consumption (using +5V rail): -12V 20mA, +12V 20mA, +5V 820mA (add up to +500mA when attaching a controller on USB host)
Consumption (not using +5V rail): -12V 20mA, +12V 400mA (add up to +220mA when attaching a controller on USB host)

Hardware
Width: 26HP
Depth: 20mm
Weight: 285gr (0.63lbs)
CV inputs resolution: 16-bit
CV outputs resolution: 16-bit
Display: OLED 58 x 16mm
SD card: microSD high speed (provided)
CPU: ARM 480MHz

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: Dual-channel CV recorder, capable of unlocking some interesting modulation options. Record up to 1,014 seconds of CV signal per channel, then play back and manipulate.

Supplier's Notes:
This is a high-resolution dual-channel recording interface for your signals mainly focused on recording control voltages. You can record from 1014 sec at 172Hz up to 4 sec at 44.1kHz of signal on each channel, change the playback speed and scan through the recorded CV.

There is a dedicated attenuverter pot for your incoming signals. When nothing is patched to the input you can use the input pot as an offset/cv generator and record pot movements into the module.

It's possible to save, load your signals and settings on the SD card up to 16GB of space.

There are 4 different recording modes to choose from to make more complex signals to prepare your live performances.

MENUS
You can navigate through the menu by pressing SELECT BUTTON (Holding SELECT plus rotating ENCODER you can scroll the menu too)
Pressing ENCODER you can go inside the selected menu, each menu fuction can be changed by rotating ENCODER plus pressing SELECT.
1. Channel: Switch channels 1 & 2 on the OLED display (Holding SELECT for 3 seconds you can swicth channels too)

2. Display: Switch display (live or playback)
a) Live: Live signal monitoring from DAC output
b) Playback: Recorded signal displayed on the OLED

3. Play: Select modes either loop or 1 shot
a) Loop: The playback of the signal will play in loop until STOP is pressed.
b) One shot: The playback of the signal will stop when it reaches the end or if STOP is pressed

4. REC: Select manual, sync, manual mult and sync mult
a) Manual: Pressing REC will start recording, pressing REC again will finish recording, automaticly will start playing.
b) Manual mult: Pressing REC will start recording, pressing REC again will finish recording, automaticly will start playing.
(If PLAY is pressed during recording, or trigger is received to PLAY input recording proccess will be paused, pressing PLAY again or receiving a trigger to PLAY input jack will continue recording)
c) Sync: Pressing REC will wait for a trigger from REC trigger input to start recording, when a second trigger is received to REC input again will finish recording
d) Sync mult: Pressing REC will wait for a trigger from REC trigger inputto start recording, when a second trigger is received to REC input again will finish recording (If PLAY is pressed during recording, or trigger is received to PLAY input recording proccess will be paused, pressing PLAY again or receiving a trigger to PLAY input jack will continue recording)

5. Record Sampling: Select between different sample rate modes and time length of recording

6. Play direction: 3 different play modes can be selected. Forward, backward, pendulum

7. CV Range: Change the offset of the incoming signal from -5/+5V or 0/10V, it can also change the offset of the recorded signal

8. File Load: Loads signals saved on the SD card

9: File Erase: Erases signals saved on the SD card

10: File Save: Saves and names signals on the SD card

Notes: Stonk it's a joystick controller with 2 channels of CV and 2 of audio. It's a CV generator, looper & audio processor.

Very hands on module which can be a chaos pad or DJ looper.

Features:

2 audio in & out (AC coupled)
2 CV in & out (DC coupled) i5V
2 extra CV outputs +/-10V
12 illuminated push buttons
CV & Audio looper (2:30 per channel)
LFO
Euclidean envelope generator
Multimode Filter
Stereo Reverb
Wave
VCA

The audio AD/DA is 24 bit, 48 KHz, the internal audio handle is 32 bit float.

The CV AD/DA is 16/12 bits, 12 KHz.

The extra CV outputs are the analogue sum and difference of the CV outputs 1 & 2.

Each channel has 6 modes available. By default 2 parameters are assigned to the horizontal & vertical axes but this can be easily tweaked, so it's possible to control any of them (frequency, symmetry, offset or amplitude of the LFO, for example) not only with the joystick but with the 2 CV inputs.

The polarity control & offset of every parameter can also be modified on every mode and every channel.

6 presets for store and recall not only the joystick assignment and settings but all the parameter values for all modes and channels.

Size 12 HP
mA +12V
mA -12V

Notes: Really nice melody sequencer module from Flame. Create patterns and then modify them using features like note repeats, transposing options or even the built-in distance sensor.

Supplier's Notes:
"TON" is a 12HP wide Eurorack live sequencer module for creating two note sequences. There are two 1V/octave outputs with GATE/NOTE/VELOCITY. Notes can also be sent via MIDI. Both note tracks are independent of each other and can be used in different octave spreads. In addition to the analog connection, the module has full MIDI functionality. It can be synchronized via analogue clock or via MIDI.

The sequencer is designed as a looper. It plays a pattern of up to four bars in a loop. The notes can be played (or deleted) quantized with two buttons. One button is used for note repeats, another for setting individual events. The pitch is determined by either the potentiometer or the built-in distance sensor. The sensor works in a range of about 1 to 40 cm and is independent of extraneous light. Even bright sunlight does not affect it.

A 1-octave mini-keyboard allows transposing on the fly and setting a scale. Since the module has two CV inputs, it can also be used as a two-channel quantizer or arpeggiator. All settings of the current pattern are simply saved together in a patch. There are 5 banks with 7 seats each (per mini-keyboard) available. This allows up to 35 patterns to be managed. The patches can also be selected via CV or MIDI program change and can be saved and reloaded on the fly.

The pattern can be manipulated during and after the import with eg: gate length, velocity, random, last step, hold, mute, glide, scale and transposition. Both tracks can have different settings. With TRACK-Link, however, parameters can also be applied to both tracks at the same time. This is helpful, for example, with transpositions or duophonic playing.

Dimensions
12 HP
45 mm deep

Current Draw
80 mA +12V