Intellijel — Plonk

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Plonk Physical Modeling Percussion Synthesizer Manual (PDF)

Creative Eurorack Patching with Intellijel Plonk

The Intellijel Plonk is a deep and unique percussion module utilizing physical modeling techniques, making it ideal both as a realistic percussive sound source and as a wild, modular-centric experimental tool. Below, you'll find creative patch ideas and module combination suggestions to unlock new sonic territory.

1. Dynamic Kits & Live Performance Switching

Idea: Use the MOD input set to "Preset Step" and feed it voltage from a sequencer (like Malekko Voltage Block, Make Noise Pressure Points), or a random source, to morph between banks of related sounds ("kits") in real time.

• Pro tip: Group presets as kits (Kick, Snare, Hi-hat, Perc FX) and automate switching so that every trigger produces a unique percussive element.
• Bonus: Use a clock-divider (4ms RCD) to switch kits every bar, or for complex polymetric switching.

2. Naturalistic Velocity Modulation

Idea: Patch a random stepped voltage or envelope generator (e.g., Mutable Instruments Marbles, Intellijel Quadrax) to the VEL input for dynamic accenting and humanized grooves.

• Set VEL mode to "dynamics" for realistic articulations.
• Try a touch controller (Make Noise 0-CTRL) for real-time manual dynamics.

3. Physical Modeling "FM" with External CV

Idea: Assign the MOD, X, or Y input to "R Pitch (Resonator Pitch e.g. 'FM')" and frequency-modulate the model with a fast LFO (Intellijel Dixie II+), audio oscillator, or random source for metallic, warped, or outlandish sounds.

• Set short DECAY for percussive "carrier" FM/East Coast x West Coast fusion.
• Use stepped random to create randomized, every-hit-different percussion.

4. Evolving Textures via Morphing

Idea: Assign MOD to "Morph," and fading between two wildly divergent presets with a slow LFO (Mutable Instruments Tides, XAOC Batumi) or sequenced envelope for slowly shifting percussive timbres or bowed/struck hybrids.

5. "Choke" Techniques for Rhythmic Control

Idea: Patch a gate from another percussion module or track (e.g., hi-hat trigger) to the MOD input with destination "Choke Noise"/"Choke Res"/"Choke Both" to implement tight hats, open/closed hi-hat trills, or articulate rhythmic cutoffs.

6. Processing External Audio through Plonk

• Not directly possible, as Plonk does not accept audio input for the resonator. But you can use Plonk's outs as a "triggered exciter" alongside other resonator modules, like Mutable Instruments Rings or Physical Modelling FX modules, for creative layering and call-and-response patches.

7. Self-Modulation & CV Feedback

Idea: Take Plonk’s OUT and mult (split) it to an envelope follower (Doepfer A-119, Mutable Instruments Ears), then feed that CV to the MOD/X/Y input mapped to parameters like "Noise Density" or "Resonator Decay" for audio-reactive, evolving percussion.

8. Drum Brains in a Full Modular Kit

Idea: Use multiple Plonk modules—each loaded with different preset kits (one for drums, one for tuned percussion, one for textural/FX hits)—sequenced by a euro-drum sequencer (Endorphin.es Ground Control, Intellijel Metropolix), and mix for full modular drum set.

9. Auxiliary FX Processing

• Pass Plonk’s OUT through LPGs, wavefolders, or granular processors (Make Noise Mimeophon, Mutable Instruments Clouds, Happy Nerding FX Aid) to extend the range from natural percussion to lush, shimmering drones or digital chaos.

10. Algorithmic & Euclidean Percussion

Idea: Use a Euclidean rhythm generator (Euclidean Circles, Pamela's PRO Workout) to trigger Plonk, modulating parameters with CV for polyrhythms and cross-rhythmic percussive patterns.

Module Type Recommendations

• Sequencers: for note, velocity, and MOD (Voltage Block, Circadian Rhythms, Eloquencer).
• Random/Chaos Generators: for generative modulation (Marbles, Wogglebug, Sapél).
• LFOs/Envelopes: for morphing and dynamic parameter movement (Quadrax, Batumi, Zadar).
• Attenuverters/Mixers: to combine and tame CV going into Plonk (Mutable Shades, Intellijel Triatt).
• Envelope Followers: for self-modulation or external reactive patches.
• Drum Mixers & VCAs: to blend, process, and effect multiple Plonk voices or kits.

Advanced Tip

Preset Randomization for Inspiration:
Assign "Randomize" to the MOD input and send random or clocked gates for instantly new, wild percussion—great for generative or experimental sessions.

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