Toolbox
Toolbox is the newest essential utility module for your Eurorack system.
It's designed to summarize and replace all those necessary small one-function modules, often overlooked due to their space and cost requirements.With a compact 12hp design, it offers a comprehensive selection of carefully curated blocks to expand and enhance the potential of every patch.The module is also specifically designed for internal interaction, allowing the combination of various basic blocks to achieve compelling outcomes, from complex rhythm creation to unusual sound shaper. Every system needs a Toolbox!problem solver // ideas enhancer
Dimensions: 12hp
Power consumption:
+12 rail: 65mA
-12 rail: 60mA
+ 5 rail: 0 mA
Media / Links:
ModularGrid
VCAs
Since VCAs are always not enough, the first two blocks on the top row consist of two linear and very fast VCAs, which are also great for AM modulation.
They are arranged from left to right: input (DC coupled), control voltage input (ranging from 0 to 8V), and output. The two inputs and control voltages are normalized from left to right, facilitating easy stereo operation.
These VCAs, designed primarily for voltage attenuation, are versatile tools that excel in scenarios requiring linear response.
With audio, their true strengths shine when applied to amplitude modulation (AM) scenarios, where the benefits of linear control become quite significant.
Although they are optimized for AM and voltage control, using exponential envelopes with these VCAs can transform them into two highly effective and fast VCAs for audio applications.
Threshold
The threshold CV (0-8V) is crucial for the functionality of the blocks labeled with an asterisk (*): AND/OR gates, sequential switches, and flip-flops.
By default, the threshold for each block (the voltage that must be reached at every * input for the circuit to operate) is set very low, allowing almost any positive signal to be used.
By increasing the threshold with an external voltage, you will change the point at which the circuits marked with the * begin to operate.
This may seem a little tricky at first, but once you master all the functionality of the Toolbox, the Threshold CV—rarely found in other Eurorack modules—will open up many more possibilities!
Offset / Attenuverters
Located at the bottom are two offset and attenuverting channels.
This section comprises two identical blocks that can easily attenuate, invert, and offset any input signal.
Each block features an input jack, one output, and two small knobs.
The first knob functions as an attenuverter, allowing you to invert and scale the signal at the same moment.
The second knob, the offset, adds a static voltage of +/-0-8V to the resulting output.
This functionality is crucial when seeking a more refined control over voltage or a signal.
Without any signal at the input, you can use the offset knob as a manual control generator for any control voltage (CV) in your system. For example, try to change the threshold with it.
Flip Flop
On the right side of the sequential switch, we have a more classic block: the flip-flop. This block outputs a square wave at half the frequency of any signal applied to the input, whether audio or gate. Two flip-flops are available, which can be used individually or normalized in series. This block is handy for creating sub-octaves of square format from any sound or as a clock divider.
Two-operator summing section
Still composed of two identical parts, the second and third rows contain two blocks of two-channel summing (A & B).
This region offers many ways to combine two signals.
From left to right, input A, B, SUM out inverted SUM out, and two Boolean operators: AND/OR.
While any input signal can be used here, the first two outputs are primarily intended for audio sources. In contrast, the Boolean outputs are more suitable for summing gates and logic signals.
This setup also allows for the use of both logic and analog signals together; don’t hesitate to experiment with Boolean operators using analog or audio signals.
For example, connecting two different LFOs to the input of the summing section can create many gate rhythms from the two Boolean outputs by varying the threshold with external voltages.
Summing mixers / mult out
This section consists of two 3-input summing mixers connected in series: the output of the upper mixer is routed to the first input of the lower mixer, allowing you to combine a total of five signals with two outputs available.
To break this connection, insert a patch cable into the first input of the lower mixer.
This action separates the two sections, enabling you to sum two sets of three signals each. Additionally, the lower section includes a multed output by default.
Bidirectional sequential switch
A bidirectional sequential switch is located at the center of the module and labeled with three "I/O" tags.
This often overlooked component allows for a wide range of functions, from the most practical to the most creative.
When a voltage exceeding the threshold level is applied to the * input, the switch connects the upper left jack to the lower right one.
If the voltage is below the threshold, the lower left jack is connected instead.
Being bidirectional, each I/O can function as both an input and an output, enabling a 2:1 or 1:2 configuration.
Try using the switch at audio rate; this can function as a versatile oscillator waveform shaper. Think of something other than this block as a simple channel switcher!
some creative patch ideas
RHYTHM FORM LFOs
Connect two different LFOs to the inputs of the two-operator summing section. Then, plug the output of the first annuverter/offset into the threshold input. The AND and OR outputs will produce interesting gate patterns from the LFOs, which you can use to trigger percussion or envelopes.
Try adjusting the threshold manually using the offset knob; you will continually discover new rhythms!
PANNER/CROSSFADER
Connect two different sound sources, or the same one, to the inputs of the two VCAs. Monitor the outputs by assigning one to the left (L) channel and the other to the right (R) channel of the mixer.
Next, connect a modulation source of your preference to the summing inputs of the two operators.
Use the sum output, which effectively doubles the input, to control a VCA, while the inverted output will drive the other VCA.
This setup will allow you to create a crossfader/panner that will invert the two voices across the stereo field.
OCTAVER
Connect an oscillator to the first input of the summing/multiplier section.
This setup enables you to multiply the signal, with the normalized output directed by default to the lower part of the summing section.
The other output should be routed to the flip-flop section. Next, connect the /2 and /4 outputs to the two attenuverting sections, and then send their outputs into the summing section.
This configuration will provide you with the original waveform alongside two distinct suboctave square waves, which you can adjust in volume using the attenuverter knobs.
Try also to play with the threshold input for some unexpected results.
LATCHING SWITCH
Another method to trigger the sequential switch is by implementing a latching switch.
To create a latching switch, start by connecting a trigger to the flip-flop. Then, link the output of the flip-flop to the “ * “ input of the sequential switch.
In this setup, the first time the flip-flop receives a trigger, it will open the switch. The second time it receives a trigger, it will close the switch. You can utilize the sequential I/O in various ways. Experiment with switching between two different sequences or even between two audio sources.