Microbrute to Eurorack
When I first saw the release of Arturia’s Microbrute I thought it might be a very cheap entry into modular synthesis. Using it’s patchbay I figured I could use it as my basic voice and build out from it. Based on comments I saw online I am not the only one who has had a similar idea. Being new to modular synthesis I had some misconceptions about how this plan would work out. I decided to share my results in order to help anyone else considering the same path. As I am still a newbie with this feel free to correct me about anything I get wrong and I will update the post.
Oscillator
While the Microbrute has a very nice oscillator it’s use in a modular environment is very limited.
- The oscillator pitch is tied to the built in keyboard/sequencer. While there is a CV in for the pitch I believe it is meant more for modulation of the pitch rather than playing the oscillator from an external source as there is no way to disconnect the oscillator pitch from the keys.
- The oscillator volume is tied to the gate or envelope, you cannot have the oscillator free run without holding down a key or sending an external gate signal.
Filter
The filter works out a little better than the oscillator.
- Signals can be run to the filter from the external audio in.
- Filter cutoff can be controlled by a CV in.
- The audio in merges with the output of the oscillator and cannot be separated.
- The external audio in has the same issue as the oscillator where it is always tied to gate or envelope signal.
LFO
The LFO works great as a simple LFO for controlling your Eurorack system.
- It is worth mentioning that with the Microbrute control software or MIDI CC you can set your LFO to retrigger on each gate signal.
Envelope
The envelope, like the LFO integrates pretty well with your modular system.
Glide
- The glide is unfortunately only applied when working with the Microbrute and does not transmit from the pitch out jack.
Controller
- The keys and sequencer works very well with the gate and pitch out jacks.
- The Microbrute will also transmit pitch and gate signals for MIDI date recieved at the MIDI In jack or over USB.
What’s else?
- Clock out – The Microbrute has an internal sequencer that can work on it’s own internal clock or sync to external MIDI clock. It is a real shame they could not put a clock out jack on the unit. I have used the LFO as a clock signal to sync up my Pingable Envelope Generator to the Microbrute’s sequencer but doing that does limit what you can do with the LFO.
What’s next?
If you do decide to go with the Microbrute as the first step towards a eurorack system I would suggest one of the following as your first modules
- Envelope Generator / LFO – The Microbrute features 6 different modulation inputs and only 2 sources. By adding more modulation you can really start to make your brute come alive.
- VCA – One trick I have found very useful is to run the LFO signal through the VCA and control it using the envelope. This allows you to have the LFO amount change over the course of an individual note. This can really help bring some of your Microbrute patches to life and is not something that can be done internally on the unit.
Conclusion
While some of the pieces of the Microbrute were less useful in a modular system than I initially believed I still think it is a great value for the features it has. As your modular system grows I think it will get most use as a keyboard controller and MIDI to CV converter rather than fully integrating into the system.