Erica Synths — Octasource

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Erica Synths Black Octasource Manual (PDF)

Creative Uses for Erica Synths Black Octasource in Your Eurorack System

The Erica Synths Black Octasource is an ultra-versatile 8-output, phase-shifting LFO with extensive modulation and sync options. Here are several creative ways to integrate it with other modules for unique and inspiring patches:

1. Complex Animation with Multiple Destinations

• Patch Idea: Connect each of the 8 phase-shifted outputs to different CV destinations: filter cutoff, oscillator pitch, VCA, wavefolder amount, delay time, reverb mix, stereo panner, or waveshaper.
• Modules to Try: Mutable Instruments Rings/Clouds, Intellijel Polaris, Make Noise Mimeophon, ALM Tangle Quartet, Doepfer A-132-8.
• Result: Entire patches "breathe" cohesively with complex, interleaved modulation. All movements are rhythmically related but offset, resulting in deeply organic textures.

2. Wavetable Morphing & Animated Soundscapes

• Patch Idea: In Multi Mode, each output provides a different waveform. Patch several outputs to a wavetable oscillator’s different CV inputs, or to multiple parameters on a digital effects module.
• Modules to Try: 4ms SWN, Mutable Instruments Plaits, Noise Engineering Loquelic Iteritas, Expert Sleepers Disting EX.
• Result: Continually evolving timbres, where the character of the sound morphs smoothly thanks to the Octasource’s phased and morphing LFO outputs.

3. Polyphonic/Polyrhythmic Modulation

• Patch Idea: Use the Octasource to sync and modulate a bank of drum modules, with each output controlling a specific aspect (decay, pitch, FX send) of a drum voice or effect.
• Modules to Try: Addac System 104 VC T-Networks, Hexinverter Mutant Drums, Endorphin.es BLCK_Noir.
• Result: Rhythmic, evolving percussive modulation. You can further modulate the phase CV or wave CV for non-static, generative beats.

4. LFO as VC/Clock Generator for Sequencers & Random Modules

• Patch Idea: Sync the Black Octasource to an external clock or gate source. Use one or more of its outputs (square/pulse preferred) to clock step sequencers or random modules.
• Modules to Try: Make Noise Rene, Winter Modular Eloquencer, ALM Pamela’s New Workout, Toppobrillo Quantimator, Mutable Instruments Marbles.
• Result: Achieve evolving, phase-offset rhythmic control across several timelines. Modulate phase or rate with CV over time for shifting rhythmic landscapes.

5. Quad/Octal Spatial Modulation (for Multi-Speaker or Panning Systems)

• Patch Idea: Send outputs to a quad or octal panning module for immersive audio. Each pan CV input receives an offset LFO.
• Modules to Try: Doepfer A-174-4, XAOC Devices Praga, Frap Tools QSC.
• Result: Sounds swirl around a multi-speaker setup, with each sound/source orbiting in a unique phase over time. Dramatic for installations and surround sound experiments.

6. Crossfading & Complex Morphing Between Sound Sources

• Patch Idea: Use the LFOs to automate VCAs or crossfaders, crossfading multiple audio or CV sources with phase-shifted LFOs.
• Modules to Try: Mutable Instruments Blinds, Doepfer A-134-1, LZX Visual Cortex (for video systems).
• Result: Organic, ever-shifting blends between sound (or video) sources, perfect for evolving ambient pieces.

7. Feedback & Self-Modulation

• Patch Idea: Patch one or more Octasource outputs back into its own CV inputs (WAVE, PHASE, FM), or even use them to cross-modulate each other.
• Result: Unpredictable, chaotic modulation curves that can add life and motion to static patches. Try attenuating with a module like the ALM S.B.G. or Mutable Shades for finer control.

8. Envelope Generation via Freeze Function

• Patch Idea: Use the "Freeze" setting to capture the current voltage (via rate knob or external CV), holding the momentary LFO output as a static voltage. Trigger “freeze” with a gate or pressure controller.
• Result: Temporarily sustain your modulation, creating stepped-automation effects or transforming the Octasource into a kind of multi-channel sample-and-hold.

Tips for Extra Exploration

• In Unipolar Mode (0V–+5V), use your Octasource for pitch CV or quantizer inputs without needing external offset/shifting.
• Modulate WAVE and PHASE with random, envelope, or stepped voltages from modules like Mutable Instruments Tides, Make Noise Maths, or Doepfer A-148.

Have fun! The Black Octasource is exceptionally deep—the ideas above are just the beginning.

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