Erica Synths — Black Multi Mode VCF
Erica Synths Black Multimode VCF Manual (PDF)
Creative Patch Ideas: Erica Synths Black Multimode VCF
The Erica Synths Black Multimode VCF is a flexible and characterful filter module, featuring simultaneous HP/BP/LP outputs, voltage control for cutoff and resonance, and a unique germanium diode overdrive on the input. Here are some creative ways to exploit its features in your Eurorack system, both with specific module suggestions and general module types.
1. Three-Way Parallel Processing
Idea: Split your sound source (oscillator, sampler, etc.) and patch it to the VCF input, then process its HP, BP, and LP outputs separately.
- Mix & Morph: Send the three outputs to a mixer module (e.g. Intellijel Triatt, Mutable Instruments Shades). Manually blend them for evolving timbres or use VCAs with envelopes/LFOs for automated morphing.
- Processing Chains: Route LP to a reverb, BP to a phaser, and HP to a distortion. Then recombine for a rich, dynamic texture.
2. Voltage-Controlled Overdrive & Dynamic Harmonics
Idea: Use the input drive/level knob with external signal amplitude modulation.
- Sidechain CV: Patch an envelope follower (e.g. Mutable Instruments Ears or Befaco Envelope Follower) from a drum or vocal source into the VCF audio input or drive CV if available. The harder your source hits, the more overdrive is applied, resulting in dynamic saturation.
- Dynamic Patching: Run a sequencer or random CV into the drive CV (via CV mixer/attenuverter) for evolving overdrive character.
3. Self-Oscillating Madness & FM
Idea: Tap into the VCF's self-oscillation as a sine(ish) wave oscillator at high resonance.
- V/oct Tracking: Use precise CV sources or sequencers to control the cutoff, effectively "playing" the filter as a tonal voice.
- Filter FM: Use a second oscillator or complex LFO patched to the cutoff CV input to explore filter FM. Try audio-rate signals for metallic or percussive sounds.
4. Complex CV Animation
Idea: With CV control over both cutoff and resonance, use different modulation sources for each.
- Dual-LFO Animation: Run two LFOs at different rates into the cutoff and resonance CV ins. Attenuvert their depth for gentle evolving or wild, chaotic sweeps.
- Envelope Control: Patch a snappy envelope to the resonance CV for filter "pings" or squelchy attacks while a slower envelope or LFO changes cutoff.
5. Stereo Effects Creator
Idea: Exploit the multiple outputs to generate stereo or spatial effects.
- Dual-Channel Processing: Send LP out to left and HP out to right channel in your final out/mixer/panorama. Animate cutoff with a cycling CV for a moving spectral stereo image.
- BP Pan Sweep: Use a stereo mixer with CV panning (e.g. Happy Nerding PanMix) and move the BP output dynamically between speakers.
6. Feedback Patch for Chaos & Textures
Idea: Create feedback loops by routing one filter output (e.g., HP or BP) back into the audio input with attenuation and/or effects in between.
- Feedback Control: Use a VCA or attenuator to tame the amount of feedback. Insert delay, reverb, or even another filter in the feedback path for dubby, metallic or drone textures.
7. Play with Overvoltage-Resistant Inputs
Given that all I/O is protected, don't be afraid to patch CV or audio-rate signals creatively, even in ways that may not be "traditional".
- Audio-Rate CV: Patch an audio oscillator into the resonance CV for wild, gritty modulations.
- Logic Gates/Sequencer: Try sequencing resonance or cutoff with random gates/triggers for glitchy or rhythmic filter movements.
8. Specific Module Pairings
- Oscillators: Mutable Instruments Plaits, Make Noise STO, or Erica Synths’ Black VCO for diverse source timbres.
- Modulators: ALM Busy Circuits Pamela’s New Workout for complex, synced modulation, or Xaoc Devices Batumi for quad LFO duties.
- Mixers & Morphers: Intellijel Planar2 for joystick-controlled live morphing of filter outputs, or St. Modular Morph for voltage-controlled crossfading.
- Envelope Generators: Maths, Zadar, or Erica Synths Black EG for advanced envelope control.
- VCAs/Attenuverters: Mutable Instruments Veils or Befaco A*B+C to shape your CVs and audio flow.
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