Bored Brain — EQx5

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eqx5 User Manual PDF

Creative Use of the eqx5 for Dense, Hyper-Complex Percussion in Eurorack

The Boredbrain eqx5 is a five-band CV-controllable equalizer, which is more of a powerful sound sculpting tool (effect/processor) than a sound source or voice. However, it can be used to shape, modulate, and emphasize percussion and other rhythmic material to generate dynamic, punchy, and unique timbres — perfect for complex polyrhythmic and multimeter electronic music.

Key Features Relevant for Percussion and Rhythm

• Five CV-controlled frequency bands: Band Gain AND Band CV (±12dB per band with up to ±15dB with full CV).
• Resonant filter curves: Each band selectable between wide, narrow, or resonant — excellent for sculpting or emphasizing transients.
• Voltage-controlled balance (wet/dry): Morph between processed and dry signals on the fly.
• High headroom & modular levels.
• Crossfader style CV control: Animate between heavily processed and clean signals.

Musical Strategies for Dense & Complex Rhythmic Music

1. CV Animate the Bands with Rhythmic or Polyrhythmic Modulators

• Route clock-divided or polyrhythmic gate/trigger CV sources into the EQ band's CV inputs.
• Modulate certain frequencies (e.g., low for kick, mids for snare, highs for hats) to dynamically punch, scoop, or emphasize hits in time with multiple rhythmic patterns.
• Envelope followers from percussion can duck or boost specific ranges per hit.

Example Patch Idea: - Split a clock into two or three gate patterns (Euclidean, polyrhythmic divisions). - Convert these to stepped random or shaped envelopes. - Send them to eqx5 band CV inputs—e.g., Band 1 gets a 5/4 rhythm, Band 3 gets 7/8. - The effect is complex spectral movement that's tightly synchronized with (or cross-cutting against) your percussion.

2. Transform Percussion into New Textures with Band Resonance

• Set certain bands to resonant mode.
• Patch snare or hi-hat sources through the eqx5.
• Use envelopes, LFOs, or stepped random to modulate the resonant bands for whipcrack, zappy, or “buzzy” timbres.
• You can resonate only when a trigger hits by using envelope generators.

3. Wet/Dry Blending for Accent Patterns or Groove Switches

• Sequence the CV controlled BALANCE input with a rhythmic pattern.
• Jump or sweep between dry and wet EQ'd versions in real time — can be used as ghost notes, fills, or dramatic accent pattern switches.
• Combine with a random gate source for unpredictable rhythmic excitement.

4. CV Sequence Smears & Timbral Morphs

• By sending stepped random or sequenced voltages to one or more band CVs, you can create percussive timbre morphs at every beat, creating dynamic and unfamiliar drum textures.
• Use slow LFOs or sample & hold to make evolving, granular feeling percussion beds.

5. Sidechain/Envelope Modulated Ducking

• Send a fast envelope (from a kick drum, for instance) to scoop mid or high frequencies every time the kick hits—sidechain-style timbral ducking for clarity and punch.

6. Spectral Polyrhythms

• Feed the CVs for different bands different time signatures, creating a mesh of rhythmic spectral movement. For example, Band 2 (mid scoop/boost) modulates in 3/16, Band 4 (presence) in 5/16—resulting in ever-shifting interactions and evolving grooves.

Tips for Maximum Uniqueness, Punch, and Percussiveness

• Use the narrow or resonant settings for snappiness and punch.
• Combine with distortion, wavefolding, or other dynamics modules post-eqx5.
• Use fast modulation (audio-rate CV) for frequency shifting, warbling, or even pseudo-FM effects on percussion.
• Animate between contrasting EQ curves using the BALANCE CV input.

Example Hyper-Complex Sequence Patch

1. Drum Pattern Source: Multiple gate/trigger streams from a polyrhythmic sequencer.
2. Percussive Audio: Drum machine or sampled breaks into eqx5 IN.
3. Band CV Control: Map each band’s CV to different rhythmic patterns or random stepped voltages.
4. BALANCE CV: Sweep or gate blend via another rhythmic CV pattern.
5. OUT: To VCA/mixer or straight to FX chain.

Result: Evolving, spectral-rich, rhythmically active percussion that mutates with every measure, never sounding static or predictable.

Inspiration

• Patch random/sample & hold to band CVs for every snare hit.
• Switch EQ curves abruptly (“pseudo slice”) for glitchy fills.
• Feed slow polyrhythmic LFOs for shifting spectral beds over complex drum programming.

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