Intellijel — Plonk

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Plonk Physical Modeling Percussion Synthesizer – Manual PDF

Using Intellijel Plonk for Densely Rhythmic, Hyper-Complex Percussion Sequences

As a eurorack artist, Plonk gives you powerful tools to create intricate, dynamic, and unique percussion—ideal for polyrhythms, odd time signatures, and highly detailed patterns. Below, I break down how to maximize Plonk's potential for rhythmic complexity and percussive punch, focusing on both its synthesis engine and modular patching strategies.

1. Patch Plonk As Its Own Percussive Voice Bank

Plonk is a voice—not an effect—meant for physical modeling percussion and tuned percussion synthesis. It excels in creating both natural and bizarre percussive sounds.

• Duo-Voice Polyphony: Plonk is duophonic, letting one voice decay naturally while a new strike occurs. This means overlapping hits (not just choked retriggering), which is fantastic for dense rhythmic textures.
• 128 user presets: Set up a variety of drums, metals, woods, glitchy textures, and melodic perc. These can be stepped or morphed in real-time for evolving sequences.

2. Sequencing for Polyrhythms and Complex Patterns

• Clock & Trigger Inputs: Sequence the TRIG input from multiple rhythmic sources (Euclidean sequencer, random pulse generators, clock dividers/multipliers, etc.).
• Compound triggers: Use logic modules (AND, OR, XOR) to sum or intersect various gates for emergent rhythmic patterns.
• MOD Input as Preset Step/Select: Assign the MOD CV input to “Preset Step” and sweep through preset kits (e.g., kicks, snares, hats) with distinct modulation voltages. The default preset is set up as a pseudo drum kit, and you can create your own articulated kits.
• Offset Rhythms: Feed gates from sequencers set to different divisions (e.g., 3 vs. 4, or 7 vs. 5 steps) for true polyrhythms, letting Plonk ring out notes independently.

3. Complex Time Signatures

• Non-Uniform Sequencing: Use sequencers that can handle step counts not divisible by 2, 4, or 8. Plonk's fast trigger input will respond to any odd cluster of gates—create "strange" groove cycles.
• CV Addressing: Use the MOD, X, or Y inputs with random/chaotic CV sources (e.g., Turing machine, LFOs with odd rates, or stepped random) to evolve Plonk parameters in time, further complicating rhythm.

4. Make Each Hit Unique, Punchy, and Percussive

A. Manipulate Voice Characteristics

• Velocity (VEL) Input as Dynamics or Timbre Control: Feed velocity-sensitive gate or random CV to the VEL input for expressive, non-static hits. Set VEL mode to “Dynamics” for realistic drum articulation.
• Exciter Parameters: Dial in snappy, punchy attacks (high stiffness mallet, short decay) for kicks and snares, or use Noise/exciter for claps, hats, and more abstract percussion.
• Object (Resonator) Parameters: Model a variety of surfaces (e.g., marimba, membrane, plate) for broad sonic territory. Inharmonicity, position, and tone settings push realism or bring out 'unreal' metallic/buzzing effects.

B. Advanced Modulation

• Assign CV to X/Y/Mod Destinations: Routinely change tone, decay, mix, density, or pitch envelope for complex, evolving percussion. Modulate “Noise Density” for granular, glitch hats; “Resonator Decay” for ghost notes.
• Morph and Randomize: Use the MOD input in “Morph” mode to sweep between substantially different preset timbres in real-time. Or, trigger “Randomize” for bursts of new percussive ideas—ideal for fills or surprises.

5. Integration with Effects and the Rest of Your Rack

• Saturation & Bitcrusher: Use onboard saturation and bitcrusher (assignable as CV destinations) for aggressive, digital, or degraded percussion. Automate these for stutter/cut-up/glitch effects during fills.
• Choke Controls: Use gate signals on the MOD input set to “Choke Both/Noise/Res” to instantly cut sustaining sounds—critical for realistic open-to-closed hat articulations or tight staccato grooves.

6. Preset Management for Performance

• Preset Morphing and Stepping: Rapidly step or morph between entire kits, or between “sound families,” via MOD CV—great for live sets requiring drastic changes within a sequence.
• Preset Storage: 128 presets = "drum machine in a module"; program full kits or mapped sounds for fast access in performance.

Summary Patch Ideas for Hyper-Complex Percussion

• Polymetric LFOs or Sequencers → TRIG/VEL/MOD/X/Y for varied hit placement and articulation
• Preset Kits with MOD/Preset Step, selected live by voltage
• Random Gates on MOD (Randomize or Choke) for fills/glitch points
• Fast CV to Bitcrusher/Saturation for stutter/distortion ‘effects’ per hit
• Quantized CV on pitch for tuned percussion + evolving quantize/scale

For more technical information, download the full PDF manual:
Plonk Official Manual PDF

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