2hp — Comb

• Manual PDF

Comb Module Manual (PDF)

Creative Uses for the Comb (2hp) Eurorack Module

The 2hp Comb module is a compact and versatile IIR peaking comb filter capable of self-oscillation and creative timbral shaping. Below are several approaches—ranging from classic to experimental—to inspire your patching adventures with Comb:

1. Fattening and Thickening Mono Signals

• Use case: Make simple waveforms (saw, square, triangle) from a VCO richer and more “alive.”
• How:
  • Patch the VCO output into Comb IN.
  • Adjust FREQ to suit your base pitch and tune the combing effect to harmonize with the VCO pitch.
  • Set RES for desired resonance/thickness.
  • Modulate DAMP with a snappy envelope for dynamic bright/dark sweeps.
• Recommended modules: Any VCO (Mutable Instruments Plaits, Make Noise STO), envelope generator (ALM Pip Slope), oscillator with FM.

2. Physical Modeling (String and Plucked Sounds)

• Use case: Decay noise bursts or triggers to generate Karplus-Strong string or percussion sounds.
• How:
  • Generate short bursts using a noise source (Mutable Instruments Kinks, 2hp Noise) and a fast envelope into a VCA.
  • Feed noise burst into Comb, crank up RES to near self-oscillation.
  • Tune FREQ to pitch; modulate with sequencer for melodies.
  • Use DAMP to shape string/pluck brightness.
• Extra tip: Sequence FREQ for melodic “bouncing ball” or tonal pluck patterns.
• Recommended modules: Trigger sequencer (Pamela’s PRO Workout, Deluge), Noise Source, Envelope, VCA.

3. Self-Oscillation Drone and FX

• Use case: Turn Comb into a tunable oscillator or noise drone generator.
• How:
  • Set RES high enough for self-oscillation.
  • Do not patch audio into IN, or feed a minimal signal for wave-warped results.
  • Modulate FREQ and DAMP with slow LFOs for “drifting” drones.
  • Try FM’ing FREQ with audio-rate oscillators for metallic “DX7” FM textures.
• Recommended modules: LFO (Batumi, Befaco Rampage), audio-rate modulator (Disting, Dixie II+).

4. Pseudo-Phasing, Flanging, and Chorus-Like Effects

• Use case: Animate dull pads or drones with moving peaks and notches.
• How:
  • Patch audio (pads, chords, drones) to Comb.
  • Slowly modulate FREQ with an LFO, or use S&H for stepped movements.
  • Layer dry and wet signals using a mixer for parallel processing.
  • Modulate DAMP for subtle wet/dry shimmer.
• Recommended modules: LFO, mixer or crossfader module (Doepfer A-138, WMD Overseer).

5. Percussive and Glitch FX

• Use case: Rhythmically destroy or warp drum hits, breaks, or external sounds.
• How:
  • Send drum loops or hits (via sampler/looper module or external input) to Comb.
  • Use clocked random voltages and stepped modulation for FREQ and RES (“digital artifacts,” “shredded” percussives).
  • Add a VCA or a gate to “chop” Comb’s output for circuit bent/game music style textures.
• Recommended modules: Sampler (Morphagene, BitBox), random CV source (Wogglebug, SSF Ultra-Random).

6. Live Performance/Expressive Control

• Use case: Make Comb’s settings playable in real time.
• How:
  • Assign pressure sensor, joystick (Intellijel Tetrapad/Planar), or manual CV sources to modulate FREQ, RES, and DAMP.
  • Use foot controllers to control feedback/dampening for live builds/breaks in a jam.
• Recommended modules: Intellijel Planar/Tetrapad, Synthwerks FSR, DIY expression pedal interface.

7. Multi-Comb Chaining for Resonant Clouds

• Use case: Process sound through more than one Comb (or other resonant modules) in series for dense, moving peaks—a “comb cloud.”
• How:
  • Chain multiple Comb modules or use a combination of Comb and resonant filters (Doepfer A-127).
  • Spread FREQ settings for each unique harmonic focus.
  • Experiment with cross-modulating their CVs for interdependent modulations.
• Recommended modules: More Comb modules, resonant filter banks (A-127, Frap Tools Fumana).

Bonus Tips

• Clocked Comb: Use clock division/multiplication to “sync” FREQ modulation to your patch’s tempo for rhythmically coherent comb artifacts.
• CV Automation: Use sequencers or random sources to automate all three parameters—great for morphing textures in generative or evolving patches.
• Stereo Processing: Use two Comb modules for left and right channels, modulate FREQ slightly differently for wide, animated stereo fields.

For reference, here is the Comb Module Manual (PDF)

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