2hp — Pluck

Manual PDF

Creative Ways to Patch 2hp Pluck in Your Eurorack System

2hp Pluck is a 2HP-wide, Karplus-Strong algorithm-based string voice, designed for physical modeling synthesis with up to four voices of polyphony. It's super compact but very powerful — making it an ideal tool for adding plucked string timbres and "acoustic-esque" textures to your rack. Here are some creative patch ideas, along with suggestions of other modules (both specific and generic) that combine brilliantly with Pluck.

1. Polyphonic Sequencing & Chord Stabs

Idea: Take advantage of Pluck’s four-voice polyphony for melodic content, arpeggios, or chord stabs.
How: Use a polyphonic MIDI-to-CV converter (e.g., MIDI 1U from Intellijel, or Polyend Poly) to send polyphonic gates and CVs to Pluck’s V/Oct and Trig.
Patch: Connect up to four gate/CV lanes; play chords or arpeggios from your DAW or MIDI keyboard. You could transpose the root with a sequencer or quantizer for more complex progression.

2. Physical Modeling Percussion

Idea: Use Pluck as more than just a "string voice." With short decay and high damping, it can sound like percussive hits, wooden blocks, or even synthetic drums.
How: Patch random or Euclidean gate patterns from a trigger sequencer (e.g., Pamela's Pro Workout, Mutable Instruments Grids) to Trig. Modulate DAMP/DECAY (with LFOs, envelopes, or random sources) to emulate natural subtle variations.
Patch: Clock Pamela’s into Pluck’s TRIG, send random CV (e.g., from Wogglebug, Turing Machine, or Marbles) into DAMP and DECAY. Output can be processed through short stereo delays for extra realism.

3. Expressive, Modulated Strings

Idea: Use envelopes or complex LFOs to modulate DAMP and DECAY, providing dramatically shifting timbres.
How: Try assigning separate envelopes to DAMP and DECAY, with an expressive controller (e.g., Make Noise Maths, Intellijel Quadrax, or ALM Pip Slope).
Patch: Use a pressure CV from a touch controller (e.g., Make Noise 0-CTRL) to DAMP, and let a longer envelope modulate DECAY. Gesture-based performance is very rewarding here.

4. “Strummed” Chords with Switches/Sequential Gate Controllers

Idea: Use manual gate generators/switches (e.g., Intellijel Tetrapad, Doepfer A-182-2, or Mutable Instruments Mutable Grids) to “strum” chords or trigger fast arpeggios, playing Pluck almost like a real instrument.
How: Patch sequential gates to the TRIG input and quantized CVs to V/Oct.
Patch: A quantizer or pitch CV selector can step through a chord; a switch controller can fire triggers in a rhythmic pattern.

5. Processing the Output

Idea: Run the sharp, plucked output to FX for new timbres.
How:
Reverb: Emphasize the naturalistic quality (e.g., Make Noise Mimeophon, Strymon Magneto, Erica Synths Black Hole DSP).
Filter: Sweepable low-pass for duller or "muted" string sounds.
Ring Modulation or Wavefolder: Get harmonically dense, metallic, or prepared-piano effects (Doepfer A-133, Intellijel Bifold, Ring Modulator).
Patch: Output → FX → Mixer; try CV controlling effects (e.g., reverb decay, filter cutoff) in time with Pluck’s damping for shifting spatial illusions.

6. Algorithmic/Generative Pluck Playing

Idea: Use random or generative gate sources (e.g., Mutable Instruments Marbles, ALM Pamela’s Pro Workout, Ornament & Crime in gate sequencing modes) to create ever-changing melodic figures or textures.
How:
Random gates → TRIG.
Quanitized random or generative voltages → V/Oct (for melodic lines).
Slow random or S&H → DAMP/DECAY (for organic movement).
Patch: Let the system surprise you with evolving pseudo-acoustic patterns.

7. Layering with Other Voices

Idea: Stack Pluck with subtractive or FM synths for a hybrid string lead.
How: Mult your gate/CV signals to Pluck and another voice (e.g., Mutable Instruments Plaits, 2hp VCO + VCF/VCA).
Patch: Mix both signals together or layer through a crossfader for morphing timbres—e.g., string/plucked attack and sustained analog pad.

Module Compatibility (Quick Reference)

Sequencers: Make Noise Rene, Malekko Voltage Block, Intellijel Metropolis
Random CV: Mutable Instruments Marbles, Turing Machine, Noise Tools
Envelopes & LFOs: Maths, Quadrax, Batumi
Effect Modules: Mimeophon, Magneto, Black Hole DSP, Erica Fusion Delay
Polyphonic Gate/CV: Polyend Poly, MIDI 1U

Final Tips

Attenuate CVs before sending to DAMP/DECAY for more subtlety. Many modules output stronger CV ranges than you need: use an attenuverter or mixer if things get too wild!
Experiment with feedback by routing Pluck’s output into a delay or reverb with a feedback path—imitating resonant instruments or prepared pianos.
Acoustic Emulation: Patch Pluck through an EQ, then a reverb with early reflections for extreme realism.

For full details, check the Full 2hp Pluck Manual (PDF).

Generated With Eurorack Processor