2hp — Grain

• Manual PDF

2hp Grain Manual (PDF)

Creative Uses for the 2hp Grain in a Eurorack System

The 2hp Grain is a compact yet powerful granular audio processor with CV control over every parameter. Here are some creative patch ideas and module pairings to explore its full potential:

1. Granular Drum Layering

• Patch Idea: Run drum loops or percussive hits (from a sampler like Mutable Instruments Plaits, or a sample player like Tiptop One) into the Grain’s IN. Use the Density and Freq controls to create stuttering, chopped, or time-stretched versions of your drums.
• Enhancement: Modulate the Density CV with a randomized stepped LFO (like from Make Noise Wogglebug), or pattern sequencer (Malekko Varigate 4+), for evolving drum scatter.
• Result: Glitchy, granular percussion layers over steady, dry drums.

2. Textural Processing with Field Recordings or Vocals

• Patch Idea: Feed audio from a mic preamp (e.g., Intellijel Audio Interface II) or a field recorder (Music Thing Radio Music), into the Grain. Set the Mix knob mid-way to blend natural ambience with granular “clouds”.
• Enhancement: Modulate Mix CV with an envelope follower (Doepfer A-119) to accentuate granular effect on sound peaks (e.g., birdsong crescendos or vocal shouts).
• Result: Organic textures with shimmering, animated atmospheres that respond to sound intensity.

3. Pitch-Sequenced Melodies and Grains

• Patch Idea: Use a CV sequencer (Make Noise 0-CTRL or Intellijel Metropolis) to control the V/Oct input. Adjust the Freq knob for additional pitch shifting.
• Enhancement: Modulate Density with a slow LFO to shift grain generation from rhythmic to random.
• Result: Granular melodic sequences, evolving between pitch-accurate and lush, spectral mess.

4. Self-Oscillating Granular Synthesis

• Patch Idea: Patch the OUT of Grain back into the IN via a VCA or mixer (Intellijel Quad VCA), and gently raise the feedback. Modulate Density and Freq with random voltages (Mutable Instruments Marbles).
• Result: Self-generating, evolving soundscapes full of morphing grains and unpredictable behavior.

5. Granular Reverb/Echo Designs

• Patch Idea: After the Grain, route audio to a reverb or delay (Mutable Instruments Clouds, Make Noise Mimeophon).
• Enhancement: Use Grain as a “pre-granularizer” for your ambience processor: subtle settings yield lush, smeared echoes; high Density makes resynthesized vaporwave tails.
• Result: Immersive, sparkling, or destroyed ambience.

6. Granular Freezer / Live Resampling

• Patch Idea: Use a gate or trigger sequencer (e.g., Pamela’s New Workout) to modulate the Density CV—periodically freezing and scattering live input.
• Enhancement: Patch Grain between an instrument and a looper for sampled, evolving textures.
• Result: Live, hands-free, time-warped “freezes” and animated textures from any incoming audio.

7. CV Interplay / Complex Animation

• Patch Idea: Stack multiple modulation sources into the Density, Mix, and Freq CVs: try envelopes, random, LFOs, and sequencers.
• Modules: ALMPamela’s New Workout, Mutable Instruments Stages, Make Noise Maths.
• Result: Highly animated granular effects changing over time, ideal for generative sets or evolving sound installations.

General Module-Type Suggestions:

• Envelope Generators (for dynamic control of Mix/Density, e.g., Intellijel Quadra)
• Random/S&H (for unpredictable, organic variation, e.g., WMD/SSF Ultra-Random Analog)
• Sequencers (for pitch sequencing and rhythmic tricks, e.g., Arturia Keystep)
• LFOs (for cyclical grain speed and blend changes, e.g., Xaoc Batumi)
• Effect Processors (delays/reverbs for lush tails)
• Filters (pre or post Grain for sculpting, e.g., Mutable Ripples)
• Mixers/VCA (for feedback and live blending)

Explore, experiment, and embrace chaos—grain the world!

Generated With Eurorack Processor