Multiphonics CV-1

modules into the virtual rack is a simple process
of selecting the module menu and clicking on
the module required. Modules can then be
dragged around, in order to simplify the low of
your patch, while connections are made
through virtual patch cables, by clicking on an
input or output, and dragging the cable to the
appropriate connection point. Unlike a hardware
modular, you won’t be struggling to have the
correct length of cable, as all cables will adjust to
suit the connection you wish to make. Neither
will you have an excess of cables, dangling in
the way of the modules that you’ve been trying
to work with!
If you’re new to the modular environment,
visiting and viewing some of the walkthroughs
which are available from the AAS website would
be very much worthwhile, to get your head
around the modular concept. There’s also a
great selection of patches, which are organised
into categories, such as basses, leads,
percussion and generative patches.
The basics
If you want to keep things simple to begin with,
there are four audio generator modules
available, to form the starting point for a
subtractive patch. Two of these are more
conventional VCO-style modules, while a
speciic Pulse VCO and Noise module are also
available. To add to the oscillators, there are
three diferent ilter modules; the irst is a
regular ladder ilter, which is equipped with four
diferent slopes from 6dB to 24dB. The on-board
addition of an overdrive allows the ladder ilter
to be overdriven. Meanwhile there is also a state
variable ilter module, which will happily move
between high and low-pass states, with the
addition of a band-pass option. The third
module is the most unique of the three; the
Objeq Filter is a form of modelling ilter, which is
inluenced by shapes such as drum heads,
strings and membranes, and allows for a unique
sweeping efect, as you move between ilter
forms. As we’re in the modular domain, this is
open to modulation from a number of sources,
and can create some very beautiful and
inspiring tones, even from the most minimal of
oscillator inputs.
CV1 also includes envelopes, LFOs and VCAs,
among the basic module set. The envelope
module is a 4-stage ADSR, with the VCA
modules being available in solo or duo form,
while accompanied by a Low Pass Gate.
In setting up the most basic of patches, you
will still need to provide the envelope with a
trigger input, and an accompanying envelope
output, heading in the direction of your VCA. It is
relatively self-explanatory for anyone who is
used to the modular concept, but it could take a
little manual diving, or reverse engineering of
existing patches, for any newcomers to the
modular world.
Getting creative
Taking CV1 beyond the basic steps is a rapid
concept. The more modules that you add, the
more that you will need to employ elements
such as mixers, in order to sum signals and
output them appropriately.
Thanks to the addition of on-board
sequencers, these can easily be synchronised to
the master clock module, at the top of the rack.
This will, in turn, lock to your DAW, meaning that
you can create sequences within the modular,
for triggering within your overall production.
Add an extensive number of signal processing
modules, for processing both audio and CV, and
it’s quite a package of creativity.
Sonically, CV1 can sound beautiful and
aggressive in equal quantity. The ilters are
lovely and wispy, while the Objeq ilter is an
incredibly inspiring tool. As with any complex
sound creation instrument of this kind, it’s
inspiring on a preset level, but continues to
reward on a creative level, if you have the time
to get your hands dirty and create patches from
scratch. And it doesn’t get much more fulilling
than that!
Web applied-acoustics.com
Verdict
For Highly versatile architecture
Worthy synth engine for simple patches
Engaging for more complex patching
Presets are useful for inspiration
Against More VCOs and ilters would
have been welcome
Onboard tips for new users would help
If you fancy dipping your toe in the
modular domain, this is an excellent, cost
efective way to start, and sounds superb
9 / 1 0
Alternatively
Softube Modular
€89.00
Ofers licensed software facsimiles
of some of Eurorack’s greatest hits!
VCV Rack 2
Free/Pro - £Free/$149
Now in its version 2 form, available
as a free package or paid Pro
version, for high-end setups
One of the alluring elements of CV1 is
that it’s a standalone, breathing,
growing, organic instrument. While
many modular users will use their
hardware in a conventional way by
creating subtractive synth patches
(albeit complex in nature), it’s
incredibly appealing to use a modular
in a generative way.
This means that the modular itself
may create the very notes being
triggered, in an entirely randomised
way. If this sounds a little haphazard, it
can be, but it’s also very plausible to
place constraints on the level of
generation. By applying these
constraints through elements such as
quantising modules, the output can be
less randomised, and more scalic or
sequential. It is also possible to
organise patches in such a way that a
root note can act as the base for your
sequence, meaning that it’s far easier
to employ within your production and
DAW, if so required. Generative patch
creation is the modular equivalent of
disappearing down the rabbit hole, and
you can ind yourself in a time vacuum,
while creating a patch of this kind.
Thankfully, AAS provide a number of
generative patches in a preset section.
This is not only useful for inclusion in
your own music, but also as a point of
reverse engineering, in order to
discover how patches have been
created. As with all modular setups and
software, you can go as deep into the
process as you like!
Generative patching
All the creative
colour of
modular in
software form
“It can create some
very beautiful and
inspiring tones, even
from the most minimal
of oscillator inputs”
All the creative
colour of
modular in
software form
May 2022 / COMPUTER MUSIC / 73
a pplied acoustic systems multiphonics cv-1 / reviews <
CMU307.rev_aas_multiphonics.indd 73CMU307.rev_aas_multiphonics.indd 73 08/03/2022 09:5508/03/2022 09:55