SSF Mixmode + Expander

SSF Mixmode

I created a set of four movies exploring the Steady State Fate Mixmode 4:1 mixer plus its expander. This first movie gives an overview of its connections and controls, and then focuses on the usefulness of the invert switch on each input to create different timbres when mixing waveforms from the same oscillator (in this case, the sawtooth and square from a Moog Mother-32).

The second movie focuses on the subtle behavior of its Saturation mode, which adds an angled slope to the tops of waveforms such as a sawtooth or triangle (compared to clipping, which would just cut the top and bottom of the waveform off completely). I then compare this to the effect and sound of the Moog Mother-32’s own built-in saturation when you drive it with an external audio signal stronger than +/-5 volts.

The third movie takes a look at its optional Expander module, which gives much more control over its saturation behavior (plus adds an additional 1/4” output). Knobs on the Expander’s front panel allow you to independently set the positive and negative saturation breakpoint from 4 to 10 volts, while control voltage inputs allow you to set it to any voltage. In addition to providing more varied effects compared to the subtle nature of the Mixmode’s default saturation, it allows for saturation and the resulting timbre shift to become a performable parameter.

This fourth of four movies on the Steady State Fate Mixmode focuses on using its saturation capabilities with both synthesizes and sampled percussive sounds, including performing asymmetrical saturation and rhythmically changing the amount of saturation on different beats.

For more information on this module and others, join the Learning Modular Patreon Tribe. For more on the Learning Modular Synthesis Eurorack Expansion Project for those exploring what module to add to their system next, click here.

Skills

Posted on

July 19, 2017

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