Erica Synths — Black Delay

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Erica Synths Black Stereo Delay Manual (PDF)

Creative Patch Ideas for the Erica Synths Black Stereo Delay

The Erica Synths Black Stereo Delay offers deep DSP-based stereo delay processing, CV control, tape/digital modes, reverse, hold/overdub, and ping-pong features—making it more than “just a delay.” Below are creative approaches to patching this module, both generically and with references to specific modules where relevant.

1. Granular Looping & Live Buffer Warping

Patch Concept: Use the HOLD and ADD (overdub) to capture incoming audio (e.g., melodic phrases or percussive hits) and mutate it in real-time.

• How-To:
• Send complex source material (Mutable Instruments Plaits, Make Noise Maths-function generated envelopes, or even drums) into Stereo Delay’s L/R input.
• Use a trigger sequencer (ALM Pamela’s New Workout, Malekko Varigate, etc.) to randomly hit the HOLD and ADD inputs, shifting in and out of ‘frozen loop’ mode and layering new material.
• Sequence the REVERSE trigger with probability, flip-flopping between forward and reverse playback.
• Modulate the delay time and feedback with an LFO (XAOC Batumi, Make Noise Maths) or random CV (Mutable Instruments Marbles).

2. CV-Controlled Feedback & Karplus-Strong Synthesis

Patch Concept: Self-oscillation plus feedback modulation can be tuned and "played" as a pseudo-Karplus-Strong string voice.

• How-To:
• Patch a filtered, short trigger (Makenoise Function or Maths EOR output) to the input.
• Set the delay to a very short time (few ms, try tuning by ear or scope) and crank feedback until self-oscillation.
• Modulate delay time with a quantized CV pitch sequence (Intellijel Scales, Ornament & Crime, or any quantizer), creating pitch sweeps or melodies.
• The tap tempo input can clock this if you want percussive rhythms.

3. Psychoacoustic Stereo Imaging

Patch Concept: Use the adjustable stereo spread to create spatial and phasey stereo imaging from mono sources.

• How-To:
• Send a mono source to both L and R inputs (or just Left, leave Right unconnected), output to your mixer/monitors.
• Use the ADD button in “stereo spread” mode, sweep the spread via the TIME knob or CV for swirling, animated stereophonics.
• CV the dry/wet mix with an envelope follower (Doepfer A-119 or Mutable Instruments Ears) so mix responds dynamically to your playing.

4. Self-Playing Rhythmic Patterns

Patch Concept: Use external triggers to rhythmically punch in/out HOLD, REVERSE, and ADD modes, generating unpredictable loops and reverse delays.

• How-To:
• Patch a gate/trigger sequence (from a drum sequencer like Trigger Riot/WMD Metron, or clock dividers) to the HOLD and REVERSE inputs.
• Patch an LFO or random gate to ADD.
• The result is a constantly evolving, glitchy stream of forward/reverse/permuted audio—a great soundscape bed or percussion mangler.

5. Dub-Style Performance FX

Patch Concept: Tap tempo, feedback ‘rides’, and real-time mangling for classic dub-style echo madness.

• How-To:
• Feed a snare or vocal into delay input.
• Use an expression pedal or CV joystick (Intellijel Tetrapad, FSRs) patched to feedback or dry/wet, for live fades and feedback stabs.
• Manually tap or clock-synchronize delay time to your tempo.
• Blend tape and digital modes for timbral variety.
• Patch the return into a filter (e.g., Mutable Ripples, MS-20 clone), sweeps post-delay for deeper dub sound.

6. Maximalist Rhythmic Textures

Patch Concept: Create complex, polyrhythmic echoes with ping-pong mode, clocking, and stereo spread.

• How-To:
• Use two independent clocks or rhythms (Pam’s, Temps Utile) to trigger tap tempo and hold/add/reverse in rhythmic relationship (e.g., 5:4 or 3:7).
• Set ping-pong mode, and modulate stereo spread with a slowly morphing voltage (Planar 2, Batumi quadrature).
• Feed drums, noise bursts, or chopped audio in, and listen for beat-shifted, multidimensional results.

7. Ghostly Ambient Textures

Patch Concept: Transform simple tone sources into endless, evolving drones.

• How-To:
• Feed sustained synth notes or guitar to the input.
• HOLD long buffers, overdubbing gently with new notes over time.
• Use the REVERSE button for backwards swells.
• Slowly modulate feedback and dry/wet for subtle movement.
• Patch post-delay output into heavy reverb (Valhalla, Clouds, FX Aid) for galactic depth.

Module Type Recommendations

• Random Voltage Generators: Mutable Marbles, Wogglebug for unusual modulation of delay parameters.
• Envelope Followers: Mutable Ears, Doepfer A-119 for dynamic delay feedback or mix CV.
• Rhythm/Trigger Sequencers: ALM Pamela’s, WMD Metron, Intellijel Steppy to automate button-like controls (hold, reverse, add).
• Joysticks/Manual CV: Planar 2, Tetrapad for performance gestures.
• Granular/Looper FX: Pairing with Mutable Clouds/Beads, or 4MS Dual Looping Delay for wild layered atmospheres.

More Resources

• Erica Synths Black Stereo Delay Manual (PDF)

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