# Xaoc Devices — Batumi - [Manual PDF](../../manuals/xaoc_batumi2_poti2_manual.pdf) --- [**Xaoc Devices Batumi II & Poti II Manual** (PDF)](https://xaocdevices.com/manuals/batumi_ii_manual.pdf) --- # Creative Modulation Techniques for Batumi II (+Poti II) _Aimed at distorted percussive sounds, basslines (d&b/dubstep), and atmospheric pads_ **Batumi II** is one of the deepest Eurorack LFO/VCOs, and with the **Poti II** expander you get extensive hands-on and CV modulation options per channel. Here’s how you can squeeze some unique and extreme sounds from them, based on the manual: --- ## 1. Distorted Percussive Sounds ### Extreme Phase Modulation (Pseudo-FM Synthesis) - **How:** Set Batumi II to **Phase Mode** (yellow LED). Use one channel at audio rate (using slider + CV as VCO), then patch another channel's output into the first channel’s **FRQ/PH/RTO CV input**. - **Result:** This creates brutal FM-style timbres, perfect for metallic/harsh percussive hits. Modulating phase rapidly can morph sine waves into sharp, distorted clangs. If you have a VCA, use it to rhythmically gate the output for further percussive effect. ### Hard Reset Sync for Glitchy Hits - **How:** Feed rhythmic triggers (from sequencer or burst generator) into Batumi’s **RESET/SYNC inputs** in Reset Mode (LED off). - **Result:** This hard-resets the phase, chopping or stuttering the LFO/VCO—perfect for digitally-glitchy clicks, folds, or repeating percussive blips. ### Wavefolding Percussion with Poti II - **How:** On the **Poti II**, select “Sine Out” for the target channel. Feed audio-rate CV into the corresponding **SHAPE input**. - **Result:** The sine wave will be wavefolded and amplified dynamically (with auto-amplitude compensation), generating harsh, clangorous, or almost metallic percussion like you might hear in more aggressive modular techno or glitch. --- ## 2. Dubstep/Drum & Bass Basses ### Audio-rate LFO as VCO with V/Oct Tracking - **How:** Use any channel in **Free Mode** as a VCO, patch sequenced CV (from keyboard/sequencer) into the channel’s CV input—Batumi tracks 1V/oct pretty well. - **Result:** You get classic sub bass, but with available complex waves (triangle, trapezoid, etc.), and random/smooth random for more experimental tones. ### Bass Wobble via Wave Morph + Phase Sync - **How:** Assign “asgn” output (triangle, saw, random, etc.) per channel with Poti II. Modulate wave shape by sending LFO or envelope into its **SHAPE input** (switch set to “asgn”). - **Result:** Morphing between waves can make LFOs that “wobble” the timbre of your bass, giving you those famous dubstep modulated basslines—especially when passed through a filter or distortion. ### Suboscillator Trick: Divide Mode - **How:** In **Divide Mode** (blue LED), b/c/d channels become divisions of channel a. Set a to audio rate, others to 1, 2, 4, etc.—run trigs into reset/sync for phase variations. - **Result:** Create a stack of related suboscillators at subharmonic intervals, dialing in classic reese or layered d&b basses by mixing waves. --- ## 3. Haunting Pads & Atmospheric Sounds ### Multi-channel Random LFOs for Modulation - **How:** In **Free Mode**, set b/c/d channels to stepped or smooth random via wave select. Patch their outputs into filter cutoff, VCA CV, reverb, etc. - **Result:** Non-repeating, uncorrelated modulation lets pads drift, swell, and evolve organically—especially when each channel modulates a different effect. ### Synchronous Morphing Pads in Phase/Divide/Mult Mode - **How:** In **Phase**/**Divide**/**Mult** modes, all channels sync to channel a; set the others' sliders for phase/frequency offsets. Set each asgn output to a different waveform (using Poti II). - **Result:** Generate four perfectly interlocked LFOs or VCOs, with each morphing/wobbling its own parameter, for shimmering, spectral pad atmospheres. ### Modulating Wave Shape for Subtle Complexity - **How:** Use **Poti II SHAPE input** CVs to slowly morph sine to folded or asgn output’s shape; especially on random and trapezoid shapes. - **Result:** Pads that "breathe" and shimmer as overtones and timbre shift smoothly. --- ## Advanced Tips - **VCAs after Batumi II:** Process its output with VCAs/envelopes for "pluck" or "hit" envelopes. - **Cascading Reset:** Patch Batumi II’s outputs into its own or another channel’s reset input for recursive, chaotic modulation. - **Clock-following LFOs:** Use sync mode to lock Batumi II to external clocks for tempo-synced modulations (great for rhythmic pads and syncopated bounces). ## Patching Scenarios - **Percussion:** Batumi Sine Out → Wavefolded by SHAPE input → VCA (triggered by sequencer) → Distortion/FX. - **Dubstep Bass:** Batumi Channel a in audio rate, modulated by Batumi Channel b LFO in phase mode, with asgn set to triangle, routed through filter and distortion. - **Atmospheric Pad:** Multiple Batumi channels in random mode, each modulating different effect/parameter (reverb wet, filter cutoff, VCA gain, delay time). --- *Explore self-patching and feedback using Batumi's outputs into each other's CV and reset inputs for unpredictable, living results!* --- [Generated With Eurorack Processor](https://github.com/nstarke/eurorack-processor)