Page 2: Modular Synth Effects

Modular synth effects are another key component to creating unique Eurorack modular synthesizer sounds. There are a wide variety of effects you can add to your Eurorack, each with their own unique coloring.

The addition of a reverb unit can create space around your initial sound. This is a great way to add a room tone to a dry signal, or by cranking the reverb effect you can make it seem as if the source is in a cavern. Some units have the ability to adjust the balance of the wet and dry signals. If the wet is set to 100% and the dry is set to 0%, you can get a unique sound by hearing only the reverb return.

Delay is a great way to add rhythm to whatever you send through it. Setting a delay to a timed interval of the song such as a quarter note, eighth note or triplet, can add exciting movement to the initial source. You can also use delay in short intervals to create a “slap” effect which is really good for one shot sounds, or adding a tight room tone to any signal. Some modular delay units can have over a minute of delay, which can help create a nice randomness to the track.

Some units come with multiple effect possibilities such as the Antimatter Audio Sub Ring. This unit gives you the ability to add multiple layers of sub frequencies to create havoc in the low end, ring modulation to add a sci-fi effect, and a noise filter that can create lush ambient pads all the way to aggressive static fuzz. All five channels are summed in the single mix output, but the white noise circuit has a dedicated output if you choose to use it independently.

Chorus effects can add a slight off-time pitch modulation to the signal, if you go heavy on the depth control, this can make your patch sound as if you are under water. Chorus is a great way to add depth to any signal you run through it.

Adding compression can expand the control of your sound exponentially. A compressor can have many different end results depending on how you set it up. It can be used to squash the signal to take away all the dynamics, making every frequency an even volume. You can drive the input to oversaturate the signal, creating a heavy distortion tone. Compression with a side chain input can be used for the ducking or pumping effect, commonly heard on trance and house electronic music, which will make any desired signal “duck” anytime the key source is triggered. For example, the synths will duck every time the kick drum hits, making a pumping effect within the tempo of your song. Most compressors have individual CV outputs for each parameter, allowing you to send that parameter to an external modular synth to further expand on the sound design.

For any questions regarding what set of effects units will be best for your Eurorack modular synthesizer, contact your sales rep at Vintage King.