Download the Ectocore Module Quickstart Guide (PDF)
The Ectocore module is an inspiring sample player and FX processor, packed with intriguing controls like Grimoire, Break, and Amen, plus flexible clocking and CV support. Here are some creative patching strategies and module pairing recommendations to take your Ectocore explorations further!
How-To:
- Load breakbeat or percussive sample banks.
- Use the Amen and Break knobs for generative beat slicing and randomized glitch fills.
- Patch an external trigger sequencer (like Pamela's New Workout, Mutable Instruments Grids, or a simple clock divider/multiplier) into the Clock In for evolving rhythms synced to your system.
- Mult the Trig Output to other drum modules for synced fill or accent triggers.
How-To:
- Assign LFOs, random CV (like Make Noise Wogglebug, Intellijel Tetrapad, or Mutable Instruments Marbles) to the Amen Attenurandomizer or FX density (Break) to automate unpredictable changes and textural evolutions.
- Use the Grimoire under CV to morph through FX combinations: try slow, slewed modulation for drone/shimmer atmospheres and rapid random modulation for chaotic jamming.
How-To:
- Use a CV sequencer (like Malekko Voltage Block or Erica Synths Black Sequencer) to sweep through the Sample or Bank CV input.
- Allows for phrase chaining, dynamic performance switching, or generative composition by automating sample/bank selection.
How-To:
- The Tap tempo also acts as a clock reset when external clock is patched. Send a reset pulse from a master clock module (e.g., Pam's, Arturia Keystep Pro, MIDI to CV interface) for song-structure transitions or to rein in wild generative patches.
How-To:
- Use the built-in Volume+Drive and DJ Filter (LP/HP) FX with slow, performative modulation from tactile controllers (like Make Noise Pressure Points or Erica Synths Matrix Mixer).
- Process Ectocore’s audio output with additional FX modules (eg: ALM MFX, Mutable Instruments Clouds, Strymon Magneto) for even deeper soundscaping.
How-To:
- Patch a probabilistic or logic module (like Mutable Branches, 2hp Logic, or a DIY OR/AND/NOT gate) to the CV or Trig inputs. Let generative CV/triggering mutate the performance.
- Innovative results when combining with random rhythm sources, or for generative evolving backgrounds.
How-To:
- Mult Ectocore’s output into a looper/sample recorder module (like 1010 Music Bitbox, or Squid Salmple).
- Build complex layers by resampling glitchy or mangled passages triggered by Ectocore FX or amen slices, then remix them live.
How-To:
- Chain clock outputs to other clock-based modules or sequencers for complex clock division polyrhythms and tempo-synced cross-module interactions.
- Use clock mult/div to create everything from IDM micro-edits to slow ambient evolutions.
How-To:
- Monitor the onboard LED ring feedback with visual CV tools (like Mordax Data or O_C Hemisphere’s CV recorder) to fine-tune and map FX changes to exact moments in your broader patch.
How-To:
- Set up feedback by sending CV from the Ectocore’s outputs (Trig, Clock, etc.) back into control inputs of the module itself, or sample playback CV inputs, for generative, evolving, self-modifying patches.
Highly Compatible Modules (for reference and inspiration): - Random/Chaos: Mutable Instruments Marbles, Make Noise Wogglebug, SSF Ultra-Random Analog - Sequencers: Malekko Voltage Block, Intellijel Metropolix, Erica Synths Black Sequencer - Logic/Trigger Utilities: Mutable Branches, 2hp Div, 2hp Logic - Clocks/Dividers: Pamela’s New Workout, 4ms QCD, ALM Busy Circuits Boss Bow Two - CV/Attenuverters: Happy Nerding 3x MIA, Befaco AB+C - Performance FX: ALM MFX, Make Noise Mimeophon, Strymon Magneto - Loopers/Samplers:* 1010 Music Bitbox, Squid Salmple, Morphagene
Push your modular system deeper into generative, glitchy territories and beyond by creatively combining the Ectocore with your favorite modules!