Download the Afterneath Eurorack Module Manual (PDF)
As a fellow modular synth artist, here are some inspiring and less-obvious ways to patch the Afterneath module in your rack, leveraging its unique features for maximum creativity:
Patch Idea: - Feed a steady waveform (triangle, sine, or even a drone voice like Mutable Instruments Rings or Make Noise STO) into the Afterneath. - Modulate the Drag parameter via CV from a slow LFO or random source (e.g., Mutable Instruments Tides or Make Noise Wogglebug). - Vary the Mode between quantized scales for evolving harmonic shifts, using a sequential switch (Doepfer A-151 or Sequential Switch Matrix). - Bump up the Reflect and Length controls for lush, evolving self-oscillation. - Use the Dry Kill for 100% wet output—great for drone/noise applications.
Result:
Gorgeous, self-sustaining pads with microtonal or scale-locked pitch shifts, perfect for ambient backgrounds.
Patch Idea: - Split your main sound source using a signal multiple (Intellijel Mult, Mutable Instruments Links). - Patch one output into Afterneath, and the other into a classic reverb (like Strymon Magneto in reverb mode or Erica Synths Black Hole DSP). - Pan Afterneath’s Main Output left, and tap the Reflect Send output and pan it right. - Optionally, process Reflect Send further (delay, filter, or wavefolder) before returning to stereo out or back into Afterneath’s Reflect Return. - Modulate the Diffuse or Length CV inputs with envelopes or sequencers for dynamic movement.
Result:
Pseudo-stereo clouds, spatial ping-ponging ambience, or dense shimmer effects—especially if Reflect Send is externally effected.
Patch Idea: - Send melodic CV (1v/oct from a sequencer or quantizer like Intellijel Metropolis, Pam's New Workout, or O_C in sequencer app) into the Drag CV input. - Set Afterneath to Modes 4–9 for quantized scale responses. - Feed a simple percussive pluck or chord into the audio input. - Clock the CV sequence in sync with your rhythm. - Vary the Mode with additional stepped random modulation for evolving harmonics.
Result:
The reverb itself arpeggiates and melodically modulates, creating randomized or quantized harmonic tails and refracted melodic echoes.
Patch Idea: - Take Reflect Send and patch it through a distortion pedal (Elektron Analog Drive, Doepfer A-136) or resonant filter (VCF), or granular effect (Qu-Bit Nebulae). - Return it to Reflect Return. - Use the Reflect knob to taste, and use an envelope follower (Mutable Instruments Ears) to modulate feedback level or the Length parameter, making the feedback reactive to incoming transients.
Result:
Organic self-oscillation, howling drones, glitched-out swarms—each peak and slap in the input will modulate the Afterneath's internal chaos.
Patch Idea: - Use a dual VCA (e.g., Intellijel Quad VCA or Doepfer A-132-3) to crossfade between the Afterneath output and the dry input signal. - Use a function generator (Make Noise Maths, Intellijel Quadrax) to 'strike' the Wet/Dry balance in time with a sequence. - Use an external envelope to modulate Diffuse or Length for evolving reverb shapes.
Result:
Gestural, playable reverb storms with precisely-timed fade-ins, ghostly reverb accents, or gated, percussive echo bursts.
Patch Idea: - Patch a random voltage (Mutable Instruments Marbles, SSF Ultra-Random Analog) to the Afterneath’s Mode CV or Drag CV input while in a quantized mode. - Feed percussive material or spoken word into the input. - Use the output as a generative source layer for IDM, glitch, or experimental music.
Result:
Serendipitous fragments, scale-mapped chaos, and generative sonic ecosystems.
For further patching inspiration, download the manual and deep-dive into all the parameter interactions.