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At Superbooth 2021, Haken Audio has introduced the EaganMatrix Module, a 22 HP Euro format module that puts an advanced polyphonic modular matrix synth engine into your Eurorack system.

The EaganMatrix Module is a full-featured EaganMatrix Sound Engine for Eurorack, and can be controlled by control voltages and/or MIDI.

The EaganMatrix is a highly-respected synth engine, originally created for the Haken Continuum and also the engine for the upcoming Expressive E Osmose. The synth engine supports a wide range of synthesis methods, including Subtractive Synthesis, Physical Modelling with Modal Filter Banks, FM, Spectral Sets with Micro Analysation, including Waveguide with Feedback and Feedback Delay Networks.

It was also designed for responsive expressive control and supports multidimensional control, MPE and MPE+ MIDI.

EaganMatrix presets are edited by using a cross-platform editing program, the Haken Editor, above.

The EaganMatrix takes advantage of the subtle and dramatic musical possibilities provided by CV signals as well as MPE and MPE+ MIDI. The freedom of its internal matrix design and internal deep modulation structure allows for deep integration with your patched CV inputs. This allows complex sound modulation to be assigned and mapped to the detail of your control voltages.

The EaganMatrix Module can act as a sound source, a sound processor, a CV source (via connection to an external Control Voltage Converter), a MIDI source, or a customizable combination of all these capabilities.

Features:

• Advanced polyphonic synth engine with multidimensional expressive control
• Polyphony: Nominal 1, Maximum 8 – Direct CV note control is limited to 1 voice at a time, but higher polyphony avoids voice stealing when EaganMatrix presets have long decays, and higher polyphony is often useful for MIDI input.
• Control via integrated CV I/O, MIDI, external CV (with Haken Control Voltage Converter)
• 4 Per-note CV Inputs: W, X, Y, Z
  • Gate (W) — Triggers at 1V, with max range -10V to +10V
  • Pitch (X) — 1V per octave, with programmable offset for Middle C
  • Timbre (Y) — Function depends on EaganMatrix preset; voltage ranges 0..5V, -5..+5V, or 0..10V, with programmable offset
  • Loudness (Z) — 0..5V, -5..+5V, or 0..10V, with programmable offset
• Robust implementation of MPE and MPE+ MIDI
• Cross-platform (Mac and PC) Haken Editor may be connected to create and customize presets
• 4 Global CV Inputs: i, ii, iii, iv
  • Functionality depends on EaganMatrix preset; these CV affect all voices (notes from WXYZ and Midi); each global CV has selectable voltage range 0..5V, -5..+5V, or 0..10V, and programmable offset
• 2 Analog Audio Inputs: Left and Right, or Mono
• 2 Analog Audio Outputs: Left and Right, or Mono Sum
• -12dB switch selects between Eurorack Level and Line Level
• MIDI over USB – Allows bidirectional MPE and MPE+ connection to other devices; allows connection to the Haken Editor for editing and archiving EaganMatrix presets (USB-A cable included with purchase)
• Universal 3.5mm Midi In (Type A, Type B, and TS) – Allows connection to other MIDI devices without need of computer or USB (adapter to 5-pin DIN Midi In included with purchase)
• Type B 3.5mm Midi Out – Allows connection to other MIDI devices without need of computer or USB (adapter to 5-pin DIN Midi Out included with purchase)
• i2c Port for Communication to optional Control Voltage Converter – (a switch selects between 3.5mm Midi Out and i2c functionality)
• 12 Switches, 1 Rotary, and LED Matrix – A menu system allows stand-alone operation without need of computer, and provides monitoring for notes being played and CV input levels

Here’s a demo of a Slim Continuum being used to control EaganMatrix. Starting at about 15:00 in, there’s an in-depth discussion of the Editor and synth engine:

The EaganMatrix Eurorack Module is now available to pre-order for $799 USD.

VCV Rack is an open-source Eurorack-style modular soft synth with a great community behind it.

VCV Rack 2.0 will offer VST plugin support, but not in the free version.

Change is afoot with the imminent arrival of version 2, which will offer a new UI, a dark mode for those light-night patching sessions, an improved browser, and import/export, duplicate and randomise module selection options.

Most notable, though, is the addition of VST plugin support, though this only be offered in the new paid-for Studio Edition of VCV Rack 2.0. This will cost $149, though this price will be reduced to $99 during the launch sale. Support for other plugin formats is set to follow.

The good news is that a free Community Edition of VCV Rack 2.0 will also be available, though this will be restricted to standalone operation.

VCV Rack 2.0 is coming in November. In the meantime, you can check out a new set of nine analogue-modelled drum modules, VCV Drums, which is available now priced at $30.

The official intro video:

A more portable version of the intuitive and versatile synth is coming.

UDO Audio has taken the wraps off the Super 6 desktop, a new compact and keyboard-free version of its acclaimed keyboard synth.

Given that this is billed as a “no-compromise” take on the Super 6, we believe that the functionality is very much similar, so you can expect a 12-voice polyphonic, binaural analogue-hybrid engine with FPGA digital oscillators and voltage-controlled analogue technology.

You can also expect filter and amplifier sections, LFOs, envelopes and a modulation matrix, along with an arpeggiator and step sequencer and dual stereo 24-bit effects (delay and chorus).

The Super 6 desktop has an interesting ‘wedge’ design – almost like a compact keyboard synth, but with knobs and buttons where the keyboard bit would be. Whether there’s any practical benefit to having this two-tier design remains to be seen, but it gives the instrument something of an ‘‘80s home computer’ look.

Here’s what they say about it:

“Our brand new, compact and no-compromise take on the Super 6 — offering the irresistible combination of a powerful and accessible musical instrument with flexible and immediate control, gorgeous analog sound and unrivalled build quality. All in a desirable portable format designed to open the Super 6 to a new audience.”

We are expecting more information on the Super-6 Desktop soon via the UDO website.