Erica Synths Fusion Plasma Drive Manual (PDF)
The Erica Synths Fusion Plasma Drive is a unique eurorack distortion module based on high-voltage xenon tube technology. It features voltage-controlled distortion, dry/wet mix, switchable EQ, and octave-tracking oscillators for harmonic enhancement. Below are some creative patching and modulation ideas tailored for:
Key modulation inputs: - Voltage CV Input: Controls distortion depth. - Dry/Wet CV Input: Blends original and processed signals. - Octave Trigger Inputs (OCT TRIG / SUB TRIG): Dynamically activate harmonic oscillators (octave up, down, subs). - EQ Switch (CV-free but manual switch): Choose EQ pre or post-distortion for different coloration.
Goal: Create punchy, rhythmic, and gnarly percussion (e.g., kicks, snares, hats).
Patch Example: 1. Input Source: Use a short envelope generator (EG) or trigger-driven percussion module to supply sharp, high-level transients to the Plasma Drive input. 2. Voltage CV Input: Patch the same/related envelope to the VOLTAGE CV. This will dynamically crank up the distortion at transient peaks, making attacks more explosive. 3. Dry/Wet CV Input: Modulate with a slow triangle or stepped random voltage for variable texture on each hit. 4. Octave Triggers: Send rhythmic gates to OCT TRIG and/or SUB TRIG from a sequencer or clock divider. This introduces harmonic accents or glitches at chosen moments. 5. EQ Switch: Try both ON and OFF positions. EQ ON (pre-distortion) makes frequency boosting more aggressive/distinct.
Tips: - Overdrive may need to be turned up quite high for classic aggressive industrial hits. - Experiment with output EQ to shape post-distortion thump (boost lows for kicks, highs for snares/hats).
Goal: Achieve tearing, modulated, formant-rich bass.
Patch Example: 1. Input Source: Fat analog VCOs, FM, or wavetable oscillators, ideally with lots of sub content. 2. Voltage CV Input: Use complex LFOs, envelopes, or sequenced modulation for wild distortion movement (e.g., fast LFO synced to tempo for "wub" patterns). 3. Dry/Wet CV Input: Modulate with gates, random voltage, or a second LFO (out of phase) for dynamic clean/dirty blends within the groove. 4. Octave Triggers: Send rhythmic or randomized gates to Octave triggers to activate the “+1” or “-1/2/3” sub oscillators in sync with your bass riff, generating growls and artifacts. 5. EQ: Set EQ ON with boosted lows and cut highs for classic dark, woolly bass; or cut lows and boost highs for metallic snarl.
Tips: - Sub octave tracking is essential for dubstep "growl" – automate with trigger patterns closely tied to your groove. - Drive the input hard for maximum harmonic content.
Goal: Dense, shifting, spooky textures.
Patch Example: 1. Input Source: Slowly evolving pads, granular, or spectral sources. 2. Voltage CV Input: Very slow random or sample & hold CV to create evolving timbral “drift” in distortion flavor. 3. Dry/Wet CV Input: Crossfade between states with an LFO or dynamic envelope follower to respond to pad intensity. 4. Octave Triggers: Use clock dividers, burst generators, or generative gates to bring +1/-1 tracking oscillators in and out in slow, unpredictable patterns. 5. EQ: ON for extra pre-distortion swirl; off for more faithful input texture. Boost highs subtly for air, or cut for gloom.
Tips: - Combining octave triggers with reverb, delay, and VCAs downstream can produce spectral “ghost tones” and eerie, evolving beds. - Moderate drive settings retain more pad detail; extreme drive makes for haunting, noisy, tape-distressed vibes.