Ahead of Superbooth 2024, ModBap Modular has introduced the CLRS (pronounced colors) Stereo Color Effects Processor, an updated version of their HUE Eurorack module, expanded to stereo and updated with additional features.
At the core of CLRS is a DJ-style filter, equipped with a single large top-center knob, with the low pass to the left and the high pass to the right. In addition, it offers a Drive effect, Mag (tape saturation) effect, LoFi effect, stereo widening, tape artifacts, and an expanded compressor with switchable ratios and ducking input.
Ahead of Superbooth 2024, Bastl Instruments has introduced Pizza Crust, a Eurorack drum voice, and THYME+, a delay box.
Pizza Crust is a Eurorack drum voice module that they say “goes way beyond the drum territory”.
It consists of two layers – the NOISE source and dual oscillator TONE generator. You can tune your drum sound in using a pitch envelope, layer mixing, FM envelope, and transient shaper with hard-clipping.
Features:
Complex drum voice
Dual oscillator TONE layer with pitch settings
OCTAVE, DETUNE, pitch SWEEP, SEMI and FINE tune
4 TONE shaping algorithms: FM, FM2, RING and DUAL
NOISE layer with filter and 4 algorithms: WHITE, BIT, CLAP and METALMETALIC
LAYER fader macro for balancing the TONE and NOISE layer by envelope settings and volume
ENV knob to lengthed decay to the right (CW of 12 o’clock) and both attack and decay to the left (CCW of 12 o’clock)
Dedicated CV input for LAYER and ENV
ENV output
V/OCT input with calibration to tune the TONE layer
TIMBRE section with 3 parameters: FILTER, CLIP and SHAPE and a dedicated CV input
FILTER is lowpass/highpass filter of the NOISE layer
CLIP is a clipper with transient focus (hard clip) or body bass boost focus (soft clip)
SHAPE settings for the TONE layer with BODY focus or TRANSIENT focus
Trigger input
Manual triggers
Velocity input – when trigger not connected it acts as input for external envelope
Assignable CTRL knob and CTRL CV option
Firmware updates via micro USB
Interchangeable HW with the Pizza Oscillator (just a different panel)
THYME+ is a digital tape machine that they say “transcends typical delay effects and spans across various multi-effect categories.”
THYME+ operates with the metaphor of an analog tape delay machine, offering adjustable tape speed and positions of the read heads. Multiple read heads (multi-tap) enhance density and complexity, while feedback and filters govern the richness or darkness of the echo tails.
THYME+ is an updated version of the original THYME, released in 2017. Alongside improved connectivity, a better audio codec, and a few firmware tweaks and refinements, the new version’s hardware is enhanced with a compact metal enclosure, larger, more spaced-out knobs, and a sleeker faceplate.
Features:
Hi-fi audio quality
Analog Input Gain knob up to +20dB
Multiple tape read heads
9 adjustable parameters with LED signalization
Each parameter has a dedicated modulation source – a Robot
Each Robot is a powerful modulation source: LFO, envelope follower, ext. CV
Options for stereo Robot modulation, phase shifting, and more
Randomization of parameters
Rhythmical quantization of Delay time and Robots
Low-pass & high-pass filter
FREEZE button for creating Tape Loops
LINK button compensates for the change in Delay time caused by adjusting the Tape Speed
Tap tempo
Internal or external clock for synchronizing Delay, Robot, or Sequencer
Internal memory for 8 presets organized in 8 banks (64 presets)
Copy & paste presets even between banks
32-step sequencer with 4 patterns for sequencing presets
2 sequencer modes: Live & Write
Karplus-Strong synthesis method
Stereo/mono input and output
MIDI input
Analog clock input
CV input 0–5V (volt per octave for Tape Speed and Delay Time)
Footswitch jack for BYPASS
Pizza Crust is available now for €267 excl. VAT (approx. €323 incl. VAT) and is expected to ship in early June. THYME+ is available now for €495 excl. VAT (approx. €599 incl. VAT) and will be shipping in early June.
Ahead of Superbooth 24, Icelandic synth maker Love Synthesizers has announced the First Love synthesizer, a portable synth that they say makes FM synthesis user-friendly.
Here’s what they have to say about it:
“The FIRST LOVE synthesizer has an engaging interactive interface on a 7” touchscreen with real-time graphics as well as hardware controls that shape the output of its sound generating module.
It gives unprecedented real-time control over the intricate variables of an FM synthesizer in a fast-flowing user-friendly manner.”
Details are to come at SuperBooth 2024, being held in Berlin, May 16-18
