Bastl Instruments — Dark Matter
Certainly! Here is a concise cheat sheet for the Bastl Instruments Dark Matter Feedback Observatory Eurorack module based on your screenshots.
View the official Dark Matter Manual (PDF)
Dark Matter: Cheat Sheet
Overview
- Type: Feedback/Distortion/EQ with dynamic shaping
- Role: Feedback processing, unique textures, aggressive FX, creative distortion
Panel Reference
Inputs
- Input: Main audio signal input (±5V typical).
- Drive CV: CV control for drive/gain (0–5V).
- Dynamics CV: CV for envelope's effect on drive/gain (0–5V).
- Tone CV: CV control for EQ (±5V).
- FBK CV: CV control for feedback loop's VCA (0–5V).
- X-Fade CV: CV for crossfade between dry & feedback (0–5V).
- EXT FBK IN: External feedback loop input (audio).
Outputs
- X-Fade Out: Main output, post crossfade section (audio).
- Dynamics Out: Envelope follower output (0–5V).
Knobs, Sliders, Switches
DRIVE
- Knob: Sets gain/saturation of input VCA.
- Switch ("Drive/Drive+"): Hyperdrive mode for hard clipping & distortion.
DYNAMICS
- Knob: Envelope intensity amount (how much envelope affects Drive).
- Dynamics Out Jack: Envelope follower out (0–5V).
TONE
- BASS and TREB Sliders: 2-band EQ shaping.
- Boost: Pushes bass/treble for extra impact.
- Tone CV Input: Modulates both bands simultaneously (±5V).
FBK
- FBK Fader: Sets VCA amount in feedback path.
- FBK CV: Controls feedback VCA (0–5V).
- EXT FBK IN Jack: For routing external FX/device into the feedback loop.
- Polarity Switch: Inverts phase of feedback loop.
X-FADE
- X-Fade Fader: Crossfades between dry (drive) and feedback.
- X-Fade CV Input: Controls position of X-fade (0–5V).
Other Controls
- Boost (Dynamics): Extra punch to envelope effect.
- Signal/Drive LED: Shows gain and drive state.
- Dynamics LED: Shows envelope activity.
Quick Start
- Patch audio to Input, X-Fade Out to your mixer.
- Set Drive for desired saturation; use Hyper for harder distortion.
- EQ with Bass/Treb sliders.
- Set FBK slider for feedback intensity; try Polarity switch for phase effects.
- Play with X-Fade to balance clean vs. effect signal.
- Modulate CV inputs for dynamic, rhythmic, or evolving results.
Reference Table: Jacks & Controls
| Label |
Function / CV Range |
Type |
Notes |
| INPUT |
Audio in |
Input |
Main signal, ±5V |
| DRIVE CV |
0–5V |
Input (CV) |
VCA drive/gain |
| DYNAMICS CV |
0–5V |
Input (CV) |
Envelope VCA amount |
| TONE CV |
±5V |
Input (CV) |
EQ bands |
| FBK CV |
0–5V |
Input (CV) |
Feedback VCA |
| X-FADE CV |
0–5V |
Input (CV) |
Dry/feedback mixer |
| EXT FBK IN |
Audio in |
Input |
Insert FX or devices into FEEDBACK loop |
| X-FADE OUT |
Audio out |
Output |
Mixed output |
| DYNAMICS OUT |
0–5V Envelope |
Output (CV) |
Envelope follower |
Tips
- Use EXT FBK IN to route reverb/delay for true "echoes."
- FBK Polarity for different phase coloration in feedback path.
- Dynamics Out can trigger or modulate other modules in sync with audio.
- Try aggressive Drive settings with Tone boost for crunchy leads or drums.
Specs
- Power: +12V: 75mA, -12V: 60mA
- HP: 13
- See manual for advanced patch suggestions!
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