ADDAC Systems — ADDAC-112 Granular Looper

• Manual PDF

ADDAC112 VC Looper & Granular Processor Manual (PDF)

Using the ADDAC112 VC Looper & Granular Processor to Create Full Length Eurorack Songs

Turning modular jams into structured, full-length songs is one of the most challenging aspects of eurorack performance and composition. The ADDAC112 VC Looper & Granular Processor, with its deep real-time sampling, looping, and granular capabilities, offers a unique toolset for breaking the loop-based rut and introducing arrangement, variation, and narrative into modular music.

Below are strategies and patch ideas for integrating the ADDAC112 into full-length songs, especially in coordination with other eurorack modules.

1. Use Looper Banks & Presets for Song Sections

How It Works

• The ADDAC112 allows you to create banks containing up to 99 loops and 99 presets.
• Each preset captures a state of granular and looper parameters—effectively saving a “scene” or “song section”.

Song-Building Technique

• Verse/Chorus/Bridge Structure: Record different loops per section (e.g., loop 1: verse, loop 2: chorus, loop 3: bridge).
• Save relevant granular and processing settings as presets.
• Programmatically switch between presets or loops using CV or manual knob movement during performance, emulating arrangement changes like in DAWs.

With Other Modules

• Use gate sequencers or footswitches to automate loop or preset changes.
• Combine with voltage-addressable sequencer modules (like SelectBus, Tetrapad, or Nerdseq) to program complex song arrangements.

2. Evolve Patterns Through Overdub, Granular Processing, and Real-Time Recording

How It Works

• Real-time overdubbing with decay—gradually replacing loop material (think live tape experiments).
• Granular engine allows the same source material to be layered and transformed across the song.

Song-Building Technique

• Start with a simple rhythmic or melodic loop; overdub slowly evolving new ideas or textures, allowing the old to fade out (using Overdub Decay).
• Automate or perform granular parameters (density, grain size, pitch, direction) over time—creating textural build-ups, drops, or dramatic moments.
• Use granular parameters under CV (from LFOs/envelopes/sequencers) to build or release musical tension.

With Other Modules

• Feed evolving modulation (LFOs, Random, Complex CV) to control granular or looper parameters.
• Sync granular changes to rhythmic events in your patch with clock dividers/multipliers for musical cohesion.

3. Arrangement Control via CV/Triggers

How It Works

• All parameters (loop select, preset select, playback direction, volume, and most grains parameters) have dedicated CV inputs.

Song-Building Technique

• Use sequencer tracks or manually programmed gates to trigger:
  • Loop changes (loop select CV) at designated song moments.
  • Playback direction reversals for breakdowns or fills.
  • Rec New / Play / Stop functions for creating new sections or drops.
• Automate grain density, panning, or pitch for movement through the song (think dynamic chorus/verse textures).

With Other Modules

• Trigger looper or preset changes from drum patterns, melodies, or synchronized events with clocked logic modules (e.g., Pamela’s New Workout, Tempi).
• CV from performative touch controllers for on-the-fly fills or dynamic structure changes.

4. Integration with Non-Modular Elements

How It Works

• ADDAC112 accepts stereo line-level inputs—record and manipulate external synths, voices, or even a DAW stem loop.
• Easily save/load banks via SD card for repeatable performances.

Song-Building Technique

• Print modular improvisations/loops into the ADDAC112, then perform song arrangements by morphing, chopping, or re-sequencing them.
• Resample live modular jams to create new evolving backgrounds or “glue” sections together.

With Other Modules

• Use multi-channel MIDI-to-CV (e.g., FH-2, Shuttle Control) to sync with DAWs or drum machines.
• Sample vocals or acoustic instruments, granulate them, and arrange them alongside modular parts for song variation.

5. Clocked and Quantized Sections

How It Works

• Clocked Mode syncs looper controls to an external clock, allowing hands-free arrangement changes.
• Granular and loop pitch can be quantized to musical scales (and scales can be customized).

Song-Building Technique

• Create tight transitions and 'drops' by aligning record/play/clear actions to bars/beats.
• Employ quantized pitch changes for melodically coherent sections and improvisation.

6. Storing, Saving, and Repeatability

• Save banks, presets, and loops to SD for repeatable live sets.
• Build songs in scenes, load them between sets, and recall instantly—essential for live performance workflows.

Example Eurorack Full Song Workflow

1. INTRO: Record atmospheric texture loop into ADDAC112. Slowly granulate and overdub evolving sounds.
2. VERSE: Trigger loop switch to a beat or bassline loop, dry volume up, grains subtle for rhythm.
3. CHORUS: Switch preset; grains active and more dense, new loop introduced, pitch up, volume jump.
4. BREAKDOWN: Reverse playback, granular size maxed, extreme deviation, automated via CV.
5. BRIDGE: Feed external line-level loop (maybe a vocal or field recording), granulate heavily, lower main loop.
6. OUTRO: Fade grains and looper, reintroduce intro loop, decrease density and pitch, end.

Sync all structural changes via sequencer CV/gates, or perform them live via manual control.

Key Patch Strategies with Other Modules

• Programmable Sequencers/Controllers: Automate song structure and parameter evolution with tracks of changes, not just musical notes.
• Performance Switches or Touch Controllers: Use footswitches, Planar, Tetrapad, or similar for hands-on scene switching.
• Clock/Logic Utilities: Sync changes to beats using Pamela’s New Workout, Temps Utile, or clocked switch modules.
• CV Modulation Sources: LFOs, random, and envelopes to add motion, evolving interest, and transitions.

For more, see the full manual:
ADDAC112 VC Looper & Granular Processor Manual (PDF)

Generated With Eurorack Processor