The 2hp Unity is a compact, dual-channel unity mixer with three flexible mixing modes and normalling features that offer a surprising amount of depth despite its size. Below are some inspiring ways to leverage Unity’s features in your rack, both in generic modular environments and with specific module combinations.
Context: Small cases or pods where space is premium
- Chain six audio sources (oscillators, drum voices, etc.) into all six inputs, utilize the Averaging Mode to keep your mix balanced without overloading the output.
- Interesting Combo: Use it after six oscillators (e.g., Mutable Instruments Plaits, Make Noise STO, etc.) for dense, harmonically rich drone textures without signal clipping.
Use Case: Mix both audio and control voltages simultaneously
- Top three mixer channels (gain=1) can sum pitch sources such as sequencer CV, LFO, and manual offsets.
- Bottom three (gain=1/3) could mix kick, snare, and hats into a single drum output.
- Great with a CV sequencer (Intellijel Tête, Malekko Voltage Block) and drum synths (WMD Crater, Tiptop ONE).
Context: Create gnarly, unpredictable CV shapes
- Patch different LFOs, random voltage generators (e.g., Make Noise Wogglebug), and envelope outputs into the same mixer.
- Use Unity Mode for true additive mixing—send the wild result into a filter cutoff or wavefolder for modulations that sync but still surprise.
- Try: Befaco Rampage + ALM Pamela’s Pro Workout + Doepfer A-145 into the mixer.
Scenario:
- Use normalling: If "Out 1" is not patched, the mixed signal goes to "Out 2" along with the second group of three inputs.
- Patch combined outputs to parallel effects chains (e.g., Erica Synths Black Hole DSP + Make Noise Mimeophon), then blend the wet/dry sum for evolving textures.
Pitch and Gate Track Handling:
- Use Averaging Mode for pitch CVs when running simple paraphonic or polyphonic setups—helps keep detuning in check.
- Great for summing keyboard, arpeggiator, and sequenced CVs before sending to a dual oscillator (e.g., Dreadbox Antiphon, Doepfer A-111-4).
Advanced Play:
- In Unity Mode, stacking several hot audio signals (all with gain=1) can intentionally overdrive the sum and create pleasing distortion.
- Patch multiple outputs from a single oscillator at different waveshapes for "polywave" timbres.
Scenario:
- Use manual offset modules (e.g., Intellijel Quadratt, 2hp DC) patched into Unity’s inputs as active CV or audio "faders" for tactile live tweaks.
Experimental Sound Design:
- Use self-patching: Route Unity’s output to a delay or reverb, then back into one of Unity’s inputs (via attenuator/VCAs for level control).
- This can build evolving, regenerative feedback textures—great for ambient or generative music when used with effects like Mutable Instruments Clouds or Strymon Magneto.
Control Distribution:
- Feed a single master clock, random, or offset voltage to multiple destinations by splitting from Unity’s inputs and utilizing all outputs.
In summary:
The 2hp Unity, while tiny, is immensely powerful when strategically paired with modulation sources, oscillators, audio/CV effects, and utility modules.
Its flexible mixing logic and normalling saves patch cables and opens new creative routings in your modular workflow.