Erica Synths — Sample Drum

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Download the Erica Synths Sample Drum Manual (PDF)

Creative Ways to Use Erica Synths Sample Drum in Your Eurorack System

The Erica Synths Sample Drum is a deep, performance-oriented sampler module with loads of creative CV and performance possibilities. Here are ways to squeeze the most out of it in your modular setup:

1. Smart Use of CV Inputs for Algorithmic Manipulation

• Random CV/Random Step Voltages: Patch a random voltage or stepped source (like the Mutable Instruments Marbles, Turing Machine, or Make Noise Wogglebug) to the sample select, start point, or slice index. This creates unpredictable, generative percussion or glitchy sample rearrangement.
• Sequencers: Use a CV sequencer (Malekko Voltage Block, Intellijel Metropolis) for tonal variation (tune), rhythmic slicing (slice index), or sample switching in time with your sequence.

2. Dynamic Drum or Percussion Voices

• Envelope Generators: Patch envelopes from modules like the Make Noise Maths, Intellijel Quadra, or ALM Pip Slope to the Decay or Level CV input, to dynamically shape your samples based on precise performance gestures or gates from your main sequencer.
• CVable FX Control: Assign CV to effect parameters; use LFOs or random sources for evolving, animated effects during playback.

3. On-the-Fly Sample Chopping, Live Loop Remixing

• Performance Mode: Prepare 1-bar loops, slice into 8/16/32. Trigger slices from gate sequencers or clock dividers (4ms Rotating Clock Divider, Pamela’s New Workout) to create micro-variations and live “remixes” in sync with your system's tempo.
• CV Slice Index: Use buffered mults to send the same sequence or modulation to both the Sample Drum and another voice for tightly coordinated sample chopping and synth voice shifts.

4. Hybrid Granular/Glitch Drumming

• Use Manual Slicing or Zero Crossing Auto Slicing for click-free, granular playback.
• Randomize or CV-control playback direction and slice order (RND, BKW, FWD modes) for glitch, IDM, breakcore, or Autechre-style percussive effects.
• Pair with Make Noise Morphagene or 1010Music Bitbox for stereo, higher-polyphony, or cross-sample manipulation.

5. Audio-Rate CV Experiments

• Patch high-speed LFOs, oscillators, or even audio signals to the tune or start/loop/end points for FM-style, pseudo-granular, or audio-rate effects. Try slowly increasing the LFO speed into the audio range for wild timbral shifts.

6. Live Sample Recording and Reprocessing

• Use the module’s live sampling to grab fragments of your modular jams. Route an aux send or cue bus to Sample Drum input (CV3, channel 2) and immediately process/slice for instant remix, mangling, and recall.
• Idea: Use XOR Electronics NerdSeq or Winter Modular Eloquencer to send triggers to record new content at precise moments.

7. Insertion FX, Parallel Processing, and Sidechaining

• Send Sample Drum audio out to effects modules (Strymon Magneto, Mordax Data, Tiptop Z-DSP, Endorphin.es Milky Way) before returning to your main outs or other mixers.
• Use VCAs (Intellijel Quad VCA, Doepfer A-132-4) to further sculpt dynamics with envelope or modulation control.
• Apply a sidechain ducking effect with envelope followers or dedicated sidechain modules to let Sample Drum "duck" or react dynamically to other percussion.

8. Stereo Imaging and Crossfades (with External Mixer)

• Exploit the dual-channel nature of Sample Drum for live A/B performance: one-shot stabs on one channel, evolving loops on the other.
• Use a performance mixer (WMD Performance Mixer, Intellijel Mixup) for crossfading, mutes, or parallel FX sends.

9. Sample-Based Synth Voice/Liquid Droning

• Load tuned single-cycle waveforms or drone loops into Sample Drum. Use 1V/Oct into pitch for playable melodic lines.
• Modulate loop points and FX via slow LFOs for morphing pads or shifting background textures.

10. Sample Drum as a Performance Hub

• Assign the six rotary encoders for instant control of the parameters you tweak most in live jams (tune, FX, start/loop/end, decay, etc.).
• Save projects suited to different live sets/styles for instant recall during performances.

Example Patches

Glitch Percussion Machine

1. Patch clock divider triggers to both TRG1 and TRG2 (polyrhythms).
2. Use Marbles or Wogglebug stepped random to CV Slice Index.
3. Assign FX mix to a spare encoder and modulate with an LFO.
4. Split the outs into a mixer, cueing one out for additional live FX.

Live Loop Chopping with Sequencer Sync

1. Load a loop, slice into 16 parts.
2. Use a pitch CV sequencer in 1V/Oct mode to select slices per step.
3. Patch a gate sequence from your main sequencer to TRIG1.
4. Try quickly recording in new audio on channel 2 (as a breakdown fill).

Useful Module Types for Pairing

• Random/stepped CV generators (Turing Machine, Marbles)
• Sequencers with CV out (Voltage Block, Eloquencer, NerdSeq)
• Dedicated effects modules (Milky Way, Magneto, Z-DSP)
• Audio/CV mixers and VCAs (Quad VCA, WMD Performance Mixer)
• Clock modulation tools (4ms Rotating Clock Divider, PNW)
• LFOs and Envelope Generators (ALM Pip Slope, Maths)

Generated With Eurorack Processor