# ADDAC Systems — ADDAC-112 Granular Looper - [Manual PDF](../../manuals/ADDAC112_Granular_E_0.pdf) --- [ADDAC112 VC Looper & Granular Processor Manual (PDF)](https://media.addacsystem.com/manuals/ADDAC112_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)](https://media.addacsystem.com/manuals/ADDAC112_manual.pdf) --- [Generated With Eurorack Processor](https://github.com/nstarke/eurorack-processor)