Intellijel — Micro VCF

• Manual PDF

Download the Intellijel µVCF Manual (PDF)

Creative Eurorack Patching Ideas with the Intellijel µVCF

The Intellijel µVCF is a compact, versatile state variable filter that excels not just as a filter, but also as a unique sound source and modulation processor. Here are some creative patching and integration ideas to explore fresh sonic ground in your modular setup.

1. Self-Oscillating Sine VCO

• Setup: Remove the input signal, turn Q to maximum. The µVCF will self-oscillate and generate a stable sine wave.
• Expand: Use FM1 as a 1V/Oct pitch CV input (fully clockwise on the attenuator). You can now sequence melodies using any sequencer, quantizer, or analog keyboard.
• Recommended Modules:
  • Intellijel Metropolix for sequenced melodies
  • Generic: Any sequencer or quantizer

2. Multi-Output Filtering for Parallel Processing

• Setup: Pass the same sound source (e.g., complex oscillator, chord, drum loop) to the µVCF input. Send the LPF, HPF, and BPF outputs to different FX chains, VCAs, or mixes.
• Creative Twist: Crossfade or pan the different outputs for morphing filter textures, or use a switch module (like the WMD Sequential Switch) for rhythmically swapping filter flavors.
• Recommended Modules:
  • Intellijel Planar2 for manual/CV crossfading
  • WMD Sequential Switch Matrix for rhythmically cycling outputs
  • Generic: Stereo/multichannel mixers

3. Filter FM: Additive or Complex Modulation

• Setup: Patch LFOs, envelopes, or even audio-rate oscillators into FM1 and FM2.
• Bipolar Fun: Use the bipolar attenuator (FM2 knob) to invert modulation polarity on the fly.
• Audio-Rate FM: Try running a second oscillator (tuned to harmonic or inharmonic intervals) into FM2 for classic filter FM “zing” or metallic sounds.
• Recommended Modules:
  • Make Noise Maths (complex envelopes/LFO)
  • Generic: Any VCO, LFO, or envelope generator

4. Dynamic Timbre Animation with Envelopes & LFOs

• Setup: Envelope to FM1; LFO to FM2. Set FM1 for tracking, use FM2 for slow movement or vibrato.
• Hack: Try patching gate signals or clocks into FM2, and experiment with the attenuator for rhythmic cutoff “stepping.”
• Recommended Modules:
  • Intellijel Quadra (multi-envelope)
  • ALM Busy Circuits Pam’s New Workout for clocked modulation

5. Spectral “Split” via Parallel Filtering

• Setup: Use a signal splitter (or mult) to send audio both pre- and post-filter.
• Mix: Wet/dry mix or parallel compression/EQ can be achieved with a mixer—process the filtered and dry sounds separately for punchy, custom results.
• Recommended Modules:
  • Intellijel Mixup (compact audio mixer)
  • Generic: Buffered multiple

6. Noise Shaping for Percussion and Texture

• Setup: Patch white or pink noise into the µVCF. Sweep FREQ and Q for sweeps and wind noises, resonant snare/hi-hat shaping, or unusual percussive textures.
• Tip: Gate or envelope the input attenuator for percussion and rhythmic gating.
• Recommended Modules:
  • Mutable Instruments Peaks (envelopes, LFOs)
  • Doepfer A-118 (noise source)

7. Voltage-Controlled Stereo Animation

• Setup: Use two µVCF modules in parallel on the same source, modulate their cutoffs with different LFOs/EGs, and pan their outputs hard left/right for dramatic stereo movement.
• Recommended Modules:
  • Second µVCF module
  • Happy Nerding PanMix Jr (stereo mixer)

8. Wavefolder/Distortion Pre- or Post-Filtering

• Setup: Patch a wavefolder, distortion, or waveshaper before or after the filter to carve out exciting harmonics and tame or enhance them with resonance and cutoff.
• Recommended Modules:
  • Intellijel Bifold
  • Tiptop Audio Fold Processor

9. Triggerable Sound Effects (Karplus-Strong Style Plucks)

• Setup: Patch noise or a short impulse to the input, set Q high but below full resonance, and ping (or envelope) the frequency for plucked string or percussive tones.
• Recommended Modules:
  • Mutable Instruments Marbles (random trigger source)
  • Intellijel Quadrax (fast envelopes)

10. CV-Controllable Feedback Loop

• Setup: Patch one of the filter outputs (e.g., LPF) back into the input via a VCA, and modulate the feedback amount for evolving resonant effects.
• Warning: Adjust feedback carefully to avoid runaway self-oscillation.
• Recommended Modules:
  • Intellijel VCA 1U/2U
  • Generic: Any linear VCA

Bonus Tip: Use ModularGrid!

Use ModularGrid to virtually arrange your modules and plan power/hp usage for your system as you explore new patching possibilities.

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