Make Noise — MultiMod

Manual PDF

MultiMod for Hyper-Complex Rhythmic Percussion—Eurorack Strategies

Overview

The Make Noise MultiMod is a DSP-based mult, not a sound-generating voice or audio effect itself, but a modulation processor. Its power lies in generating multiple, time-modified, and phase-shifted control signals based on a single input (or internal LFO) for simultaneously animating multiple parameters, modules, or voices. The MultiMod is exceptionally well-suited to creating dense, polymetric and polyrhythmic modulation patterns, ideal for intricate percussion sequencing and advanced modular patching.

Below is a focused guide for using MultiMod in the pursuit of hyper-rhythmic, complex percussive outcomes:

Core Techniques

1. Turning Single Clocks into Many Rhythms

Patch a master clock or pulse (e.g., from Pamela’s New Workout, Tempi, etc.) into the Signal In.
Use the Spread control to create divisions/multiplications of that clock across outputs.
At 12:00, all outputs align; turning Spread CW/CCW “bends” channels to faster/slower divisions/multiplications—even into irrational clocking regimes, not just musical integer divisions.
Result: Instant polyrhythms or non-standard ratchets to trigger percussion voices, LPGs, or drum modules.

2. Generate and Manipulate Multilayer LFOs

With nothing patched to Signal In, MultiMod’s internal LFO acts as a polymorphic master modulator. Use Shape to select classic or random waves.
Modulate Time, Spread, and Phase with CV sequencers or random sources to warp those LFO shapes for punches, twists, and morphing modulations.
Gate the Hold input to freeze (“buffer repeat”) phrasing, or reset sync with external triggers for repeatable, glitchy hits.

3. Phase-lock Polyrhythms

Use Phase to shift outputs for complex step-offsets; with percussion, this offsets trigger/gate timing for flam, swing, or stagger effects.
As Phase is increased from fully CCW to CW, outputs are distributed from identical (in-phase) to fully offset (channels 1 & 8 at 180° out).
Periodically hit Reset (manual or CV/gate) to re-align all channels, making for pulsed grouping, bursts, or cyclical realignment—a key for punchy fills.

4. Polyrhythmic Sequencing with TEMPO and Reset

Patch an external clock to TEMPO In to make all rhythmic relationships grid-locked but allow divisions/multiplications that cross metric boundaries.
Use different permutations of Time, Spread, Phase (with or without CV modulation) for each session or section in your set.

5. Hyper-Complex Patterns: Shape Strategies

Select non-linear or random shapes in Shape mode (Stepped Random—orange, Smoothed Random—yellow) for stochastic, west-coast-style percussion timing. Each output channel “walks” its own clocked random sequence, great for non-repeating rhythms.
With Square (Pink) shape use MultiMod as a master clock generator. Outputs give multiples/divisions set by Spread, ideal for layers of pulses ticking in and out of phase.

Patch Ideas for Densely Rhythmic Percussion

A. Multichannel Trigger Generator

SIMPLE: Patch MultiMod outs to percussive modules’ trigger/strike inputs. Set Spread off-center, Phase to taste, and modulate Time with a slow envelope for tempo automations.
COMPLEX: Flick through Shapes during performance to morph the rhythm engine.

B. Modulation of Percussive Parameters

Take outs to modulate decay, pitch, filter, or wavefold amount on synth voices or drums. Each channel gives you a time-skewed version of the base input or LFO.

C. Chain Reaction (Shift Register Patch)

Send a modulated CV sequence (melodic or rhythmic) into Signal In. With Spread at noon, increase Phase for staggered outputs; patch outs to drum tunings, LPG amplitudes, or sequencer CV inputs for tightly related “echoes” or call-and-response.

D. Burst Fills and Controlled Chaos

Patch a regular or irregular burst generator (or a hand-triggered button) to Reset. The MultiMod outputs “snap back” into phase, accenting fills or imposing structure on a swirling cloud of rhythms.
Engage Hold to freeze and loop a particularly complex rhythmic phrase, unleashing it again at will by releasing Hold.

Percussive Effects (Punch, Grit, Uniqueness)

Since MultiMod isn’t a voice or audio effect, but a control voltage processor, you enhance percussiveness by:

Rapidly modulating parameters of your actual drum synths/modules.
Using random or heavily phase-shifted outputs for “off-the-grid” triggerings.
For punch: Phase offset outputs to create micro-timing variation, pseudo-flams, handclap clusters, etc.
For grit: Send noise or audio-rate pulses into Signal In and use shaped, phase/scattered outs to create randomized, glitchy modulation of percussive parameters.
For uniqueness: Hyper-modulate Spread, Phase, and Shape with external sources (random, sequencers, envelopes) continually through the performance.

Power Tips

All outputs are attuned to your input signal’s changes at different times; automating or jamming with the input signal leads to cascading pattern development across all outs.
Use Shape’s random modes with non-LFO input (random gates, envelope followers, etc.) for weighted randomizations of your entire percussion kit.
Create coupling between percussion “voices” by cross-patching MultiMod outputs to each others’ mod and trig ins.

For even more inspiration, check the manual’s Patch Corner and Appendix: LED Cheat Sheet for real-time feedback on what your MultiMod outputs are doing.

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