Altered State Machines — Eris

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Eris 4x4 Matrix Mixer Manual (PDF Link)

Creative Uses for the Eris 4x4 Matrix Mixer in a Modular Synthesizer System

The Altered State Machines Eris 4x4 matrix mixer offers a wealth of creative patching possibilities thanks to its unique routing, DC coupling, and CV/audio capabilities. Here are some advanced and interesting ways you might use the Eris in your setup, along with relevant module recommendations:

1. Multi-FX Send/Return Matrix

How-To:
- Connect your primary oscillator(s) or voice(s) to the Eris inputs. - Send the 4 outputs to four different effects modules (e.g., Make Noise Mimeophon, Mutable Instruments Beads, Strymon Magneto, or Erica Synths Fusion Delay). - Return the effects' outputs to another mixer, or back to Eris’s Aux In. - Use the matrix to blend dry/wet effects, create parallel processing chains, or even feedback mixes by routing effect outputs back to Eris inputs.

Result:
Complex, evolving textures and chained effects mixes—highly customizable send/return routing usually found in high-end consoles.

2. Feedback and No-Input Mixing

How-To:
- Patch Eris's outputs back into its own inputs to create a "no-input" mixer situation. - Insert filters (e.g., Doepfer A-124 Wasp Filter), distortion units, or delays in between the feedback loops.

Result:
Self-generating drones, complex feedback tones, and experimental soundscapes reminiscent of old analog mixers used as sound sources.

3. CV Routing and Cross-Modulation Matrix

How-To:
- Send up to four modulation sources (e.g., ALM Pamela’s Pro Workout, Make Noise Maths, Mutable Instruments Stages) into Eris inputs. - Route and attenuate blends of these CV signals to four different destinations (oscillator pitch, filter cutoff, VCA, etc).

Result:
Highly dynamic, interwoven modulations, perfect for generative patches or animated sound design.

4. Polyrhythmic Drum/Trigger Matrix

How-To:
- Route triggers/gates from different sequencers (e.g., Intellijel Metropolix, 4ms Quad Clock Distributor) or drum machines into Eris. - Send blended, attenuated, or even overdriven signals to trigger/clock various drum voices (e.g., Noise Engineering Basimilus Iteritas Alter, Mutable Instruments Peaks).

Result:
Create composite or probability-based rhythms, hybrid percussion triggers, and morphing drum patterns.

5. Audio-to-CV Distortion/Mangling

How-To:
- Use Eris as a waveshaping signal processor for CV (by running LFOs/envelopes hot into x4 gain), or for overdriving and distorting audio. - Route the distorted output into envelope followers (Doepfer A-119, Mutable Instruments Ears) for dynamic CV generation.

Result:
Responsive, highly distorted CV or audio signals that can turn subtle modulation into wild shapes or drive filters/VCAs unusually.

6. Performance Mixer with Mutes

How-To:
- Use the aux channel and vactrol-based soft mute to bring in external gear, sidechain signals, or live input (vocal mic, external synth). - Gently fade in/out sections or transitions live without clicks or pops.

Result:
A tactile, smooth-performance mixer solution for hands-on sets.

7. Cybernetic/Compounded Feedback Networks

How-To:
- Integrate the Eris within a feedback chain; outputs from delays, reverbs (e.g., Strymon Magneto, Tiptop Z-DSP) are routed back into the mixer. - Use the Eris gain stages to control the amount and type of feedback precisely.

Result:
Self-generating pads, endlessly evolving atmospheres, and new "instruments" created from feedback.

Generic Module Type Suggestions

• Complex Oscillators: Route different waves into/out of Eris for FM/AM mixes.
• Function Generators (Maths, Function, Rampage): For evolving CV blends.
• Envelope Followers, VCAs, or Ring Modulators: For processing and shaping signals further.
• Sequencers & Logic Modules: For creative CV/gate mixing.

Bonus Patching Tips

• Flip the back panel switch for x2 gain on the Aux input and creatively overdrive external synths, drum machines, or microphones.
• Use Eris as a pseudo-quadraphonic distributor, sending audio or CV to different speakers/effects chains.
• Can serve as a preset morph system: carefully set up the matrix, and with minimal knob tweaks, shift between drastically different patch routings.

Links - Eris 4x4 Matrix Mixer on ModularGrid - Buy on Etsy

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