2hp — Comb

• Manual PDF

Comb 2hp Manual (PDF)

Using the 2hp Comb Module for Densely Rhythmic, Hyper-Complex Percussion

The 2hp Comb is an effect module—a versatile IIR peaking comb filter, not a sound source. However, its ability to reshape transient content, add harmonics, punch, and metallic resonance makes it an outstanding secret weapon for intricate percussion and complex rhythmic patterns in modular music.

Below are strategies for integrating Comb into a setup geared towards densely rhythmic, hyper-complex percussion featuring polyrhythms, unusual time signatures, and complex sequences.

1. Percussion Processing: Adding Harmonic Character

• Input: Patch drum or percussive sounds (kick, snare, hats, FM percussion, or even white noise bursts) to the IN.
• Cutoff Frequency (FREQ):
• Modulate the FREQ parameter with either clock-divided triggers or sequenced random CV (using the FREQ CV input).
• This shifts the harmonic peaks, making each hit unique and “pitched” or metallic.
• Resonance (RES):
• Use high resonance settings to cause ringing and overtones—ideal for metallic, trashy snares/crashes, or tuned percussion (think log drums, agogo).
• Modulate RES with random, Euclidean, or polyrhythmic patterns—each drum can “ring” differently within the rhythmic grid.

2. Creating Unique, Punchy, Percussive FX

• Damp Control (DAMP):
• Modulate with complex envelopes or LFOs sync’d/polyrhythmic to base clock: short, sharp (fully damped) = more clipped and thuddy; open (no damping) = more metallic and resonant.
• Use “accent” triggers to momentarily brighten certain hits—great for ghost notes or syncopated events.
• Self-oscillation:
• Push resonance into self-oscillation, then trigger the filter with gates or bursts—Comb will act as a wild, pingable percussion voice of its own.
• Vary FREQ CV input by using different divisions or clock sources for different polyrhythms.

3. Complex CV Modulation for Complex Rhythms

• Sequence All CV Inputs:
• Use sequencers or random sources (Turing Machine, Marbles, Pamela’s New Workout) to provide stepped or smoothly transitioning voltages to FREQ CV, RES CV, and DAMP CV.
• Phase-offset LFOs or Euclidean pattern CVs provide ever-changing parameter shifts, imprinting rhythmic complexity and timbral movement onto percussive material.
• Rhythmic Gate Processing:
• Use logic modules to combine multiple rhythms and send short gates/envelopes to the FREQ or RES CV inputs for polyrhythmic flams, ratchets, or fills.

4. Sound Design Tips for Hyper-Complex Patterns

• Layer Multiple Comb Instances:
• Use more than one Comb (or mult’s with varied CV), processing different drums with different settings for dense, granular “comb-filtered drumkit” sounds.
• Turn White Noise Into Claps:
• Pulse white noise or crowd samples through Comb with modulated settings, resembling classic 808/909 “clap” machines—modulate FREQ for flams or roll effects.
• Glitch and Stutter FX:
• Rapidly switch parameter states (via fast gates or stepped CV) for hard, glitchy timbral jumps—a modern, IDM-friendly technique.

5. Integration for Maximum Rhythmic Density

• Feedback and Damping:
• Heavy feedback + rapid changes to DAMP allow you to “choke” and “release” the resonance per hit, mechanically accenting certain rhythms in a highly dynamic way.
• Sync with Clocked CV:
• Use clocked or phase-shifted LFOs/envelopes to rhythmically animate Comb’s parameters in non-repetitive ways, bridging polyrhythmic signals into something coherent and punchy.

Summary of Patch Techniques

• Drums → Comb In → Audio Out
• Patch complex sequencer/clock dividers/LFOs/gate sources to FREQ CV, RES CV, and DAMP CV.
• Push resonance high for metallic/fx sounds, modulate for evolving timbral rhythm.
• Use damp for drum “accent”/tone/decay control.
• Self-oscillate Comb and “ping” it for hybrid drum sounds.

For sonic examples and workflow tools, visit the Generated With Eurorack Processor repository.

Happy patching! Let the rhythms get as intricate as your imagination.