The HATS808 is a versatile TR-808-style hi-hat generator with key enhancements for Eurorack integration: VC resonance (Q), independent gain staging, voltage-controllable accent, and filter output. Here are some inventive ways to use it in your modular system, blending both specific and generic module suggestions:
Explore VC-Q and Accent: - Patch: Send an LFO (e.g., Make Noise Maths, Intellijel Quadrax) or envelope generator (e.g., Intellijel Quadra) into the VC-Q CV input. - Result: Sweep resonance dynamically—metallic timbres and wild, percussive morphs. High-frequency LFOs can make inharmonic, glitchy fizzles. Try an envelope with velocity sensitivity for real-time playing expressiveness. - Pro Tip: Modulate Accent input for groove that “breathes,” making some hi-hats hit harder than others in a rhythmic cycle.
Classic 808 Style, Techno Flair: - Patch: Program a gate/CV sequencer (e.g., Erica Synths Black Sequencer, Mutable Instruments Grids) to alternate triggers between OH (Open Hat) and CH (Closed Hat) inputs. - Result: The internal choke circuit gives velocity and groove; rapid-fire hi-hats with call-and-response interplay. - Variation: Disable choke (per manual instructions) for unbroken splashing hats layered with tight closed hats on top, then blend them for complexity.
Overdrive Output Signals: - Run HATS808’s output hot (Level/Accent maxed) into: - a wavefolder (e.g., ST Modular Fold, Intellijel uFold) - a saturation/distortion unit (e.g., Erica Synths Fusion Tube VCA/Waveshaper, Intellijel Bifold) - or a guitar pedal (via a module like ALM S.B.G. or Befaco Instrument Interface). - Result: Wildly clipped, harmonically rich hats. Shape digital or analog distortion for industrial textures, techno aggression, or lo-fi vibes.
Raw Source for Custom Sound Design: - Connect the Band-Pass Out to other filters (e.g., Mutable Ripples, WMD C4RBN) or wave shapers. - Patch into VCAs (Doepfer A-132-4, Intellijel Quad VCA) with custom envelopes. - Result: Roll your own cymbals, metallic percussion, or noise-based FX. Add further modulation or spring reverbs for vintage splash.
Experimental Hat Tones: - Patch an audio-rate oscillator (e.g., Make Noise STO, Instruo Ts-L) into the VC-Q input. - Result: FM or AM of the filter’s resonance. Chaotic, metallic, and alien hat splatters. Sculpt mutations with the Q and accent controls.
Multi-Module Groove Engine: - Combine with other percussion modules (Tiptop SD808, BD808, or any kick/snare modules). - Pan CH and OH outputs using a stereo mixer (e.g., Intellijel Mixup, Befaco STMix). - Delay or reverb only the OH, for big-room club hats. - Result: Lively, dynamic drum mixes that move in stereo space and time.
Algorithmic Drumming: - Use a random gate generator (Mutable Marbles) or Euclidean sequencer (e.g., Euclidean Circles) patched to Accent input for ever-changing groove accents. - Result: Humanized, shifting hats, ideal for generative/techno/IDM rhythms.