Acid Rain — Chainsaw

• Manual PDF

Download the Chainsaw Stereo Super-Oscillator Manual (PDF)

Using Chainsaw For Complex, Percussive, and Rhythmic Eurorack Music

As a eurorack synthesist, the Acid Rain Technology Chainsaw module is a powerful digital oscillator that excels in generating dense, harmonically rich sound sources—perfect for sophisticated percussive and rhythmic applications. Here are actionable strategies for leveraging Chainsaw’s features to craft hyper-complicated, polyrhythmic percussion:

1. Polyphonic Percussion Through Envelopes & Triggers

• Individually Gate Each Voice: Use three different sequencer channels or rhythm generators to send gates/triggers into v/o 1, v/o 2, and v/o 3 inputs. With the right envelopes (short decay, snappy attack), each of Chainsaw’s voices becomes a distinct drum hit (e.g., kick, snare, clicky hats).
• Polyrhythms: Patch triggers in different time divisions (e.g., 3:4:5) to each v/o input so that each voice plays its own pattern, creating phase-shifting percussion.

2. Complex Modulation for Percussive Timbre

• Wave Morphing: CV the waveform morph input between super saw and super square using stepped, random, or sequenced modulation synced with your rhythm. Sharp morphing can create unique, aggressive attack transients.
• Detune Animation: Modulate the detune CV input with envelopes or rhythmic LFOs; at extreme (but momentary) detune you can get clangorous, metallic, and noisy percussion—especially with fast envelopes to emphasize the downbeat.
• Frequency Modulation: Send fast envelopes or stepped random voltages into the FM input for percussive pitch sweeps or pseudo–“drum machine tom” effects. Try routing clock-divided triggers in polyrhythmic patterns to create evolving, intricate pitch modulations.

3. Stereo Field & Dense Layers

• Extrude the Mix: Use both left and right outputs to pan different voices (or waves) for spatially complex percussion. Blend with additional FX modules (delays, panning, reverb).
• Layering: For extra punch, stack Chainsaw voices with dedicated analog drum modules, using the stereo spread to position Chainsaw layers “around” the core rhythm.

4. Sequencing Tricks for Hyper-Complex Patterns

• Micro-Variations: Use CV sequencers or random sources clocked at polyrhythmic divisions to constantly alter detune, waveform, and FM settings. The rapid, non-repeating parameter changes build evolving grooves.
• Non-Standard Time Signatures: Program your sequencers (or algorithmic trigger modules like Euclidean or West Coast probability-based clocks) to pulses that do not repeat for many bars—fitting Chainsaw’s dense sound to a maximalist drum programming ethos.

5. Punch, Transient, and Articulation Tips

• Transient Shaping: After the Chainsaw, use VCA/Envelope combos with very fast attack/decay. Drive the module slightly with a wavefolder, saturation, or compressor downstream for beefier hits.
• Waveform Selection: Morph fully to square for hollow, woody percussion or stay closer to saw for sharper, buzzy attacks—modulate live for dynamic movement in timbral character per hit.

Summary Table

Pro Tip: Combine Chainsaw's density and stereo image with rhythmic CV modulation for ever-shifting, complex percussion that will stand out in any maximal, rhythm-focused modular set.

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