UTILITY WEEK
The utility module is the often overlooked building block of a modular synthesizer system that can really make all the difference. This week we want to shine a light on what should be in the centre of your instrument: Utility.
So you have put together a beautiful modular synth. You have some amazing sound sources, one or two interesting filters and a smattering of effects and modulation sources.
Why do you need utility?
Mostly to glue things together and to really use all the possibilities of the modules you have in your system.
Different modules often work with different ranges of CV and you need an in-between buffer to connect them. You might want to change the amount of CV influence over time. You might want to counteract one movement in your signal with the opposite movement. You might want to build a compressor to cut off the edges or to fine-tune the range of modulation on a specific sound. You might want to do all of these things at the same time.
You need utility to do that.
Utility is the great multiplier
You can cut the CV range of your module into thinner slices. Duplicate and invert your signal. Create different moves from one signal. Group oscillators together musically. You can switch instantly between several patches. Blend the volume of your sound sources. Attain greater control and more precise tweaking.
Utilities give you more options to play with all your other modules. They are part splitter and part duct tape, part multi-tool and double espresso, part gecko grip and part tweezers. Utilities are the modules that truly serve. Their work is to make others shine and in a musical system made of blocks of interesting audio it is these subservient connectors that you should put right in the centre.
Ardabil and Switch
We have a very smart and a very stupid utility module: Ardabil and Switch.
Our Ardabil is the rug that ties your rack together. This smart module has two threads that both give you all the utility options you need to play with, counter, tweak, cut and multiply your signal sound.
Precision adder adds 2 CVs together with great precision. 1 + 1 = exactly 2
Attenuverter incoming CV is multiplied by the knob next to it and the result is added to the sum of the Precision adder, range -1 / +1
Offset fixed voltage under a knob that is added to the sum of the Precison adder and the Attenuverter, range -5V/+5V
Buffered multiple outputs Three buffered outputs and a fourth buffered inverted output. LEDs blink when there is a signal
VCA CV input that controls the volume of the audio input into the output. The CV input defaults to the signal from a buffered output.
Switch is our small sort of stupid utility module that gives you more decisions to be made instantly.
You can patch in up to six things and select two at a time, twice. The switches select one out of three signal paths. Our Switch is completely passive and will have no effect on the signal that you run through it – either audio or CV. Not even directionality. Everything is up to you.
This module gives you the power to switch instantly between signals.
PRICE DROP
Ardabil is now available for 180 EUR
and our Utility combo Ardabil & Switch for 225 EUR
Go get it at your local synthesizer shop or order from our webshop
