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Buying Guide: Multifunction Eurorack Modules
Getting the Most from Your Modular Synthesizer
Buried within the modular vibe is the mythological idea that every module should have a unique and distinct function. If you want an oscillator, then you need a VCO module; if you want a filter then you need a VCF, then you'll need a dedicated VCA and two envelope generators, and so on. Building your modular module by module, function by function, is a completely normal and natural way to progress. However, it doesn't have to be like this. There are so many possibilities in modular that to have a module for every eventuality would require a huge case and a magic money tree. Thankfully, to our rescue comes the multi-function Eurorack module.
You may feel that modules with multiple functions go against the grain a little bit, but you shouldn't, because they are phenomenally useful and give you the opportunity to explore ideas and options without filling your house and draining your bank account.
When I first got into Eurorack, I bought a single 104HP case and enough modules to build a simple synth voice. It was enough to fiddle with, but left me feeling that there must be more to modular, but I wasn’t sure how to move on from there. The answer for me came in the form of the Expert Sleepers Disting Mk4. It's the least intuitive module I've ever used, but it was full of intriguing modular functions. If I wanted to have a go with a Sample & Hold function, the Disting had an algorithm for that. If I wanted a noise generator, a sequencer, trigger patterns, probability, a second oscillator, the Disting could serve all those up through a twist of the algorithm knob. It gave me the chance to try things out and discover what I could buy to expand my system before I parted with my cash.
However, multi-function modules can create a tension in your modular between usefulness and usability. Something I love about modular is how each function can be pulled into its own module with its own parameters and controls. Multi-function modules can sometimes have generic controls that move different values depending on what function you're using. So, while there's a gain in functionality, there can be a loss of individuality, and you have to find your own balance as to what's more important in your rack.
So, with a combination of caution and expectation, let's look at some of the most interesting multi-function Eurorack modules to see if they might take you off into some new directions. We'll discuss some modules that simply act as modulation sources; some that are completely reprogrammable; and others that purport to duplicate the function of a complete modular system in a single device. Let's dive in.
Expert Sleepers Disting
The Disting is an incredible piece of work that's probably the most useful thing to have knocking around in your modular. The classic Mk4 can be, at the current count, 112 different things. These include functions such as a precision adder, quantizer, comparator, waveshaper, sample & hold, LFO and VCO. It can be all sorts of filters, envelopes, audio effects, pattern generators, mixers, gates and dynamic processors. It can sample, it can playback recordings, and it can playback MIDI files. If there's something you need to do you'll find it in the Disting.
The MK4 suffers from a less-than-intuitive menu system, and you'll need the manual to hand in order to unlock the parameters and navigate the connections. The front panel is simple enough with two inputs, two outputs and a control input. The custom patch sockets glow red and blue depending on the polarity of the signal passing through and this can be a great help in identifying what each socket does. Once you get the hang of it, the Mk4 is phenomenally useful and very affordable.
Then comes the NT. While taking the intention of the Disting, the NT starts from scratch with a new engine, greatly expanded I/O and a million more possibilities. All of the previous algorithms will be built in over time, but Expert Sleepers also want to know what you'd like it to and they'll do their best to implement it. Along with modular functions, logic, module emulations and CV generation it has a massive multisampled instrument, an expansive polysynth and a whole bunch of processor-heavy audio effects. The large screen makes it much easier to navigate, and it's going to keep getting better and better.
The MK4 is a perfect little module that can sneak into all sorts of patches, whereas the NT can be the center of the action, but in either case, they will never stop being useful.
ALM Pamela's Pro Workout
At first, I never understood why people raved about "Pam's". I was completely happy with my clock generator and clock divider modules and couldn't see the value in turning that over to a menu-driven module. However, I found myself having to get one in order to solve some sync problems when performing on modular with other people, and now I'd never be without it.
At a basic level, Pam's Pro Workout is eight channels of clock and a big yellow start/stop button. Clock no longer has to be perpetual; you could actually start a sequence running at the beginning of a gig rather than slowly turn things up. But the real magic happens behind those eight channels. If you select a channel with the data knob and hold it in, you discover a large bunch of clock and pulse-related possibilities that you can cycle through. You can change the width of the pulse and use it as gate variation, you can multiply the pulse into ratchets and bursts, you can slew the pulses into envelopes and shape them into LFOs. You can impose Euclidean patterns onto fields of pulses and dial in the probability of it ever happening.
Channels can modulate each other, and there's scope for external meddling via the CV inputs along the top. It's an immensely powerful, rhythm-focused module that could be a drum machine, a source of gate patterns, synced modulations or just a bunch of related clocks that reach out to every time-conscious module in your rack. And you can sync it to other Pams in other cases for rock-solid timing.
Also worth noting—despite its minimal editing interface, Pam's Pro Workout does support the addition of expander modules such as Axon-1 and Axon-2 you can add extra CV inputs and knobs, while PPexp1 and PPexp2 offer additional DIN Sync and MIDI outputs and more.
Pam's Pro Workout Expanders
Ornament & Crime (in Many Forms)
Now this is one mysterious module. It gets mentioned a lot in modular circles, and when I was new to the format, I would often look it up and come away feeling none the wiser. Ornament & Crime (o_C) is an open-source polymorphic CV generator. The hardware never gives you any clue as to what it is or what it could be doing. There are no labels other than trigger inputs, CV inputs and four outputs. Everything else is controlled via two encoders, a couple of buttons and a nice big OLED screen.
So, let's try to enlighten ourselves. o_C was originally designed as a four-output, quantizing analog shift register. So on each trigger, it samples the input, quantizes it to a set scale and sends it to the first output. With each new trigger, the first output shifts to the next output and so on. This generates a series of delayed sequences that are, because of the quantization, inherently musical.
The open-source nature of the o_C means that the firmware running on the Teensy microprocessor behind the scenes has been expanded into over a dozen other processes. It can act as a four-channel quantizer, a bank of four Turing Machine randomizers, and it can generate chords and envelopes, LFOs and sequences. It's taken on many aspects of the Open Source Mutable Instrument modules, particularly Streams and Peaks.
There is no exact "official" o_C — the Ornament & Crime project publishes a bill of materials and circuit diagrams for you to build your own. However, a number of modular builders offer kits or premade o_C modules for sale in various forms. Several of these offer extended functionality or special features, with the new Tunefish ORN8 serving as an especially fully-featured implementation and extension of the Ornament & Crime concept.
Select Implementaton of the o_C Concept
Bastl Neo Trinity
The Neo Trinity is an action-packed module that squeezes astonishing functionality into 8HP. It has six channels of modulation and CV generation that can sequence, gate and modulate your whole rack. Each channel can either output an LFO, an envelope or CV, and the brilliant thing is that it's all performable and recordable within itself. So you can set up a four-bar loop, tap out a couple of channels of percussion, send out quantized CV to run some melodies, throw in some envelope patterns to pull on the filter and then modulate stuff in perfect sync.
It's fast, fun, terrifically performable and totally recallable. You can fill channels with automatic patterns, you can apply any of up to 8 scales, you can quantize your triggers to the clock or freely let your timing go all over the place. You can drop mutes, overwrite modulations, clear and record all on the fly and without missing a beat.
The interface is a bit tight and pushes channels 5 and 6 around a corner, making it feel somewhat physically disjointed. There are a lot of black buttons on black backgrounds and too many green LEDs, but with a bit of practice, it all becomes second nature. The CV recording is on a knob twist which isn't the most natural way to enter notes, but it's very fluid and immediate.
Neo Trinity is the coolest party in town, and it's going to dance all night; all you have to do is hang on. Happily, compared to some of the other options in this list, it's perhaps one of the most hands-on, making it a perfect choice for anyone looking to add a performative modulation hub to their system.
Acid Rain Maestro
Maestro is a sensible module that pulls everything into order. If you're used to freeform modulation and adjusting things by hand and ear, then Maestro may feel a bit constricting, but once you start to feel those modulations hitting exactly where they're supposed to you'll be amazed at how much tighter your music sounds.
The key to Maestro is in the sync. It has six channels of LFOs and modulation shapes that get fired at the right time and perfectly follow the movement of your clock. While on their journey, you can mess with them, alter time, shift the shape, drop them in and out all at the touch of a button. The 28 buttons give you a very performable surface to play as you warp and manipulate the movement of the modulations.
Probably the most interesting factor of Maestro is in the chaining of waveforms. With a few more button presses, you can line up a bunch of different waveshapes, modes and time divisions to inject energy and variance into your modulations. You don't need to stand for a boring repeating sine wave oscillator, you can couple it to a ramp, speed it through a host of triangles until you drop it off a cliff and then do the whole thing again.
It's brilliantly clever and terribly addictive. You'll never be bored by an LFO again.
4MS MetaModule
The MetaModule has caused a bit of a stir. It attempts to put software modular within hardware modular without compromising either. Many modules can run different firmwares and become different things, but the MetaModule can run an entire modular system within a single module.
MetaModule takes a build of the VCV Rack software modular environment and lets you run entire patches within the module. You can assign the front panel controls and patch sockets to any of the available modules in the patch. There are six inputs and eight outputs, and cleverly colour-coded knobs to help you keep track of what's assigned to which.
It currently includes over 160 built-in modules, which you can patch together into vast arrays of modular synthesis. Over 1600 additional modules are available as plugins—making it a deeply expandable ecosystem. You can use it completely self-contained and build and explore patches using the knobs and interface. Or you can pull down to something simpler and have it fit within the context of your hardware modular. Working with such complexity on a small screen can be challenging, but the power and possibility on offer here is off the charts. If you don't fancy building a patch on the module itself, then you can always put it together in VCV Rack and port it across.
MetaModule is a great way to bring a whole range of modules into your rack. You could use it to build your own synth to complement your modular, or perhaps a multi-layered effects box, or to simply add another dimension that's instantly recallable.
More from 4MS
Poly Effects Hector
The Hector from Poly Effects takes a different approach to a similar idea to the MetaModule. It also runs an entire virtual modular system within itself, but one that uses proprietary design to make a more efficient use of the software environment. Instead of trying to handle virtual hardware in a small space, it uses its own system of connection and editing. It feels a bit like installing a laptop into your rack.
Hector has over 100 different modules ranging from modulations, quantizers and modular functions to audio effects, granulators, chaos engines and polyphonic oscillators. It has a huge convolution reverb, an Echoplex-style looper and several ports of Mutable Instrument modules.
You have six signal inputs and eight outputs, which you can use for audio or CV, together or separately, threading hardware through effects, while pulling Euclidean sequencers out, throwing melodies in and triggering patterns wrapped in a chaotic adventure. To interact, all you need to do is reach out and touch the screen where the interface will morph to provide the changes you need without end or restriction. It's not as satisfyingly tactile as turning a knob but the versatility more than makes up for it.
Hector is a powerful companion to any modular system that can augment, expand and add multiple levels of flourish to your modular.
Empress Zoia Euroburo
The Zoia Euroburo is an expanded, Eurorack version of the Zoia pedal. Behind a slightly cryptic interface they've packed a programmable modular system that's opened itself up to modular control. It has over 90 modules covering regular functions like LFO, envelopes, VCAs, generators like oscillators and loopers and then a whole bunch of audio effects. They've added four CV inputs and outputs that can be freely assigned, and it retains the MIDI I/O of the original.
The interface may look baffling to start with, but pretty much everything can be achieved via the tactile matrix of eight-by-five buttons. You build your patch by first tapping a button to select a location on the matrix and then using the dial to select the module you want to use. Every parameter on the module gets its own button, and so as you move through modules the number of buttons assigned to it will light up depending on the complexity. Then, to change a parameter, you simply hit the corresponding button and change it with the dial, in reference to the screen. You can colour-code the buttons and move modules around to best fit on the matrix, and then open new pages to expand further. The interface is methodical, well thought out, and it takes very little time to get the hang of.
The Euroburo version benefits from being opened up to CV control in ways that the original pedal never could and offers a very unique way of building patches within your modular environment. Use it as a CV generator, an audio processor, a sound generator—it can handle it all with ease.
Electrosmith Daisy patch.init
Daisy is a microprocessor platform from Electrosmith that's designed for modular and musical interactions. You can pretty much build anything you like on the platform, making this a super-versatile solution for people who want to get creative with programming.
Patch.init is an empty Eurorack module onto which you can load Daisy-based patches. It has four knobs on the front, four CV inputs, one CV output, two gate inputs and outputs, stereo audio in/out, a switch and a button or two. All of these connections are ready for you to prototype your functions via the Daisy Patch Submodule. All you really have to do is code it, and it will be a working module in your rack.
It's worth noting that this devices' multifunctional nature, though, is more based around typical computer programming workflows than the previous devices we've discussed. The Daisy platform supports all sorts of coding from C++, Max/MSP's Gen~, and Pure Data through to multiple DSP engines. It's definitely not for the newbie, but if you have an interest in programming, then patch.init can offer a clear path from idea to hardware.
Befaco Lich
The Lich is a similar idea to the Daisy but uses something called the OWL platform that was originally conceived by Rebel Technology. In the hardware module, you have four programmable knobs, four attentuators over the CV inputs, two gate inputs with a single gate out, two CV outputs and stereo audio in/out. It can hold a number of patches that you can browse through without having to reprogram the device.
The advantage of the Lich is that it's quite a mature platform and there's a large library of patches and modules already built for it. Loading them up is as simple as connecting the module to your computer and opening a web browser.
However, if coding is your thing, then it also supports Pure Data, Faust, Max Gen~, and C++, so you can design your own functions and processes.
Der Mann mit der Maschine DROID Ecosystem
I'm not entirely sure where to start with DROID. It's the brain-child of Mathias Kettner, who takes the idea of a programmable, configurable Eurorack module and expands it into a whole ecosystem of intertwined controllers, processors, and firmware. It comes from a desire to be able to control every aspect of a modular synthesizer during live performance, and it's quite phenomenal.
You begin with a DROID Master module. It has eight CV inputs and eight CV outputs and a simple, but fabulously designed visual interface. A Master module can run any number of functions, including envelopes, LFOs, sequencers, patterns, logic, quantizing, mixing and so much more. You can then expand it with gate modules and then start to explore the many controller options. You can add button modules, switches, knobs and motorized faders. You can put together a perfect controller that's customized to exactly what it is you want to do.
DROID is capable of performing any CV task you can possibly imagine, and it can do with a side of MIDI. You put your patches together in the DROID Forge application for macOS or Windows. You can run simple modules (what DROID calls "circuits") or patch them together into complex functions, modulations, processors or generators. Port it across to your master and off you go.
The configuration possibilities are endless, and it's all based on a tactile, hardware experience. So while the code can run behind the scenes, DROID encourages you to tie in hardware control so that you feel part of the machine rather than a spectator. But just one Master module can be a huge source of modulation and function within your rack, and you can always expand later.
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