Free Modular — Boost

Manual PDF

Creative Uses for Boost in Your Eurorack System

The Boost module by Free Modular is a flexible, all-analog preamp with gentle diode clipping and a tone circuit. Below are several ways to creatively integrate Boost into your Eurorack system and get the most from its unique character.

1. Add Harmonic Interest to Digital Oscillators

Why? Digital oscillators (like the Mutable Instruments Plaits or Noise Engineering Basimilus Iteritas Alter) can sometimes sound sterile.
How? Place Boost after the digital oscillator to inject analog warmth and subtle (or not-so-subtle) saturation. Use the Tone knob to shape the overtones for a richer or more aggressive sound.
Tip: Modulate the VCA level pre-Boost for dynamic distortion.

2. External Gear Integration: Guitar Pedal Sounds, Line Level to Modular

Why? Want to use guitar pedals or synths with your rack, or feed in audio from your DAW/interface?
How? Use Boost to bring external line-level sources (drum machines, grooveboxes, audio interfaces, microphones) up to modular levels, with a dash of analog overdrive.
Combo Suggestion: Pair with a send/return module (like Befaco's Instrument Interface) for extra routing/metering options.

3. Envelope-Controlled Saturation

Why? Dynamic distortion = more expressive sound.
How? Place a VCA (e.g., Intellijel VCA, Mutable Veils) before Boost, amplitude-modulated by an envelope (like Maths or an ADSR). Fast, snappy envelopes spike the distortion; slower envelopes give smooth saturation.

4. Feedback, Bitcrushing, and Glitch FX

Why? Push Boost into extreme territory for clipped, crunchy artifacts.
How? Feed the output of Boost back into itself, via a mixer with an attenuator (e.g., Doepfer A-138), and control input with a VCA. High feedback can yield "hard" distortion and noise textures.
Combo Suggestion: Use with a bitcrusher module (e.g., Erica Synths Pico BitCrusher) post-Boost for wild digital grit.

5. Overdriven Percussion

Why? Make your percussion knock!
How? Route hats, snares, or kicks through Boost. Use the Tone control to emphasize sizzle (right) or tame it for rounder drum sounds (left).

6. Analog Fuzz Lead Sounds

How? Send a simple waveform like a sine or triangle from an analog oscillator (e.g., Dreadbox Hysteria or Make Noise Dixie II+) through Boost. The gentle diode clipping creates fuzz or overdrive-like leads, unlike aggressive wavefolders.

7. Tame Harshness or Push Brilliance in Pads

Why? Flexible tone shaping!
How? Use Boost in an aux send return path on a mixer. Boost and brighten washed-out pads, or take off the edge to sit them comfortably in the mix.

8. Layered Coloration in Submixes

Tip: Place Boost on a submix (e.g., grouping multiple voices, percussion, or FX returns) for glue and cohesion. Subtle clipping works as a bus compressor alternative to gel disparate sounds together.

9. Excite Vocals and Spoken Word

How? With a dynamic mic and a preamp to bring levels up (or an interface module), send vocals through Boost for overdriven, radio-like punch—great for aggressive voice processing or lofi sampling.

Example Patch

Oscillator → [VCA] → Boost → [Filter/Phaser/FX] → Mixer/Output
Envelope → CV In (VCA)
Modulation Source → Tone (if using external attenuverter or voltage-controlled tone circuit via DIY)

Replace oscillator with any sound source (drums, field recordings, vocals)
Try with FX after Boost (delay, reverb modules) for wild saturation trails

Module Type Recommendations: - VCA with envelope/LFO modulation - External input interface (Befaco Instrument Interface, ADDAC200) - Modulation source: Envelope generators (Make Noise Maths), LFOs - Wave shaping modules: Before or after Boost for aggressive tones - Filters: To tame harmonics post-Boost - Delay/Reverb: For ambient/smeared textures - Mixers: To blend Boosted and clean signals

For more info and updates, check out the Boost manual PDF.

Generated With Eurorack Processor