Hungry Robot Modular - Guitar Pedal Style Stand Alone Modules

Published on Jul 23, 2018 Knobs

Note this is the first post to feature Hungry Robot Modular. We have a new maker in town. As you can see in the video above from Knobs, these are individual modules in stomp-box like format. Know the jacks are on the top face only and there are no pedal switches. These are meant for the desktop and not the floor.

"Today, we do modular synthesis, with pedals.

0:31 - Overview
1:37 - Minimal
2:07 - Not minimal
2:47 - With semi-modular
3:24 - Super-synth
3:50 - Outro

Other synthesizers:
Make Noice 0-Coast
Malekko Manther

If you want to download these sounds and listen to them while you use an elliptical machine, Patreon:
https://www.patreon.com/KNOBs"

Details on the modules via https://www.hungryrobotmodular.com/:

"The Hungry Robot VCO is an all-analog, low cost, workhorse of a VCO. It can output triangle, sawtooth, and square waveforms simultaneously with tremendous bass response. The VCO has exceptional 1V/OCT tracking with FM modulation. The FM modulation input has a built-in CV attenuator as well as an inversion switch. The square wave has PWM with a built-in CV attenuator. As with all Hungry Robot "Modular Boxes" the VCO can be powered with a simple 9V DC, Negative Center power supply.

KNOBS
-COARSE: Provides a wide sweep of output frequencies
-FINE: Provides a narrow sweep of output frequencies for fine tuning
-PWM: Attenuator for the PWM CV input.
-FM: Attenuator for the FM CV input
​
SWITCHES
-INVERT: Inverts the incoming FM CV input. Toggle to the right to invert incoming CV

PATCH POINTS
-1V/OCT: Input for 1V/OCT tracking
-FM: CV input for Frequency Modulation
-PWM: CV input for Pulse Width Modulation
-TRIANGLE: Triangle waveform output
-SAWTOOTH: Sawtooth waveform output
-SQUARE: Square waveform output
​
Price: $150
Dimensions: 4.7” x 2.6” x 1.5”
Power: 9V DC - Negative Center - 2.1mm Barrel
(ISOLATED SUPPLY PREFERABLE)"

"The Looping ADSR is an extremely versatile envelope generator. It can act as a traditional ADSR envelope requiring a gate signal to activate or as a looping ADSR. Envelopes can be output with both linear and exponential curves. In Loop Mode it repeats the cycle of Attack, Decay, & Release. Once the Release phase is complete, it loops back to the Attack and begins the cycle again. The Looped envelope can be further manipulated with the Loop Scale knob. Loop Scale shrinks the overall size of the envelope while keeping the ratio of A:D:R identical. All knobs on the Looping ADSR have CV input. As with all Hungry Robot "Modular Boxes" the Looping ADSR can be powered with a simple 9V DC, Negative Center power supply.

KNOBS
-ATTACK: Sets the attack length (1st stage of ADSR cycle). Determines how long it takes to come to full voltage after gate is applied (up to 10 sec.)
-DECAY: Sets the decay length (2nd stage of ADSR cycle). Determines how long it takes to go from full voltage to sustain voltage (up to 10 sec.)
-SUSTAIN: Sets the sustain level. Determines what voltage the envelope returns to after decay stage
-RELEASE: Sets the release length (Final stage of ADSR cycle). Determine how long it takes to return to 0V after gate is released (up to 10 sec.)
-LOOP SCALE: When in loop mode, this knob scales down the length of the envelope while keeping the ratios identical
​
SWITCHES
-LIN/EXP: Selects the envelope type: linear vs. exponential curve
-LOOP/ADSR: Switches between Loop and ADSR mode. LOOP turns the loop on. ADSR is a traditional ADSR requiring a gate signal
-RPT./GATE: Works only in LOOP mode. RPT. automatically repeats the loop without a gate. GATE mode requires a gate to begin looping.

PATCH POINTS
-LS.CV: CV input for Loop Scale. Allows for CV control of this parameter.
-A.CV: CV input for Attack. Allows for CV control of this parameter.
-D.CV: CV input for Decay. Allows for CV control of this parameter.
-S.CV: CV input for Sustain. Allows for CV control of this parameter.
-R.CV: CV input for Release. Allows for CV control of this parameter.
-GATE: Gate input for ADSR mode as well as Gate/Loop mode
-OUT: Output of final envelope for all modes.
​
Price: $150
Dimensions: 4.7” x 3.7” x 1.96”
Power: 9V DC - Negative Center - 2.1mm Barrel
(ISOLATED SUPPLY PREFERABLE)"

"The Clockable LFO brings multiple waveforms, CV control, subdivisions, and wave symmetry in a simple, user friendly package. LFO speed can be controlled by the tap tempo pushbutton, clock input, or over-sized Speed knob. There are three waveforms that can be selected by toggle and further modified by the Level and Symmetry knob. The Symmetry knob shifts the wave form from a symmetrical wave to a ramp up or ramp down waveform (or when using square wave, acts a pulse width control). Clock In and Clock Out for syncing with other devices. All knobs on the Clockable LFO can be manipulated with CV. As with all Hungry Robot "Modular Boxes" the Clockable LFO can be powered with a simple 9V DC, Negative Center power supply.

KNOBS
-SPEED: Sets the overall speed of the LFO. Turning this knob will override any tap or clocked tempo. This control is still affected by subdivision.
-LEVEL: Sets the level of the LFO output. Ranges from 0-10V peak-to-peak
-SYMMETRY: Sets the symmetry of the waveform. Shifting from ramp-down to ramp-up on triangle and sin waves. Adjusts pulse width on square.
​
SWITCHES
-SUBDIVISIONS: Selects subdivisions (x1,x2,÷2). Automatically converts LFO speed.
-WAVESHAPE: Selects the waveshape of the LFO output (Sin, Triangle, Square)

PATCH POINTS
-SPD CV: CV input for Speed. Allows for CV control of this parameter.
-SYM CV: CV input for Symmetry. Allows for CV control of this parameter.
-LVL CV: CV input for Level. Allows for CV control of this parameter.
-CLK IN: Will sync to external clock. Will override the speed knob.
-CLK OUT: Outputs a 5V clock signal at 50% duty cycle. Can also be useful as a gate signal for your ADSR
-LFO OUT: Two outputs of final waveform. Both outputs are buffered for minimal signal attenuation. 10V Peak-to-Peak

PUSHBUTTON
-CENTER PUSHBUTTON: On-board tap tempo. Will override the speed knob.
​
Price: $150
Dimensions: 4.7” x 3.7” x 1.96”
Power: 9V DC - Negative Center - 2.1mm Barrel
(ISOLATED SUPPLY PREFERABLE)"

"The Hungry Robot Sample & Hold provides basic S&H functionality with some added bells and whistles. It uses an internal clock dialed into a very useful range. If the internal clock rate is not to your liking, you can bypass the Rate knob by patching a clock signal into Clk In. The Sample & Hold has a built in attenuverter giving a bit of added control over the random voltages that are outputted. White noise out for uses elsewhere. Traditionally a S&H samples voltages from chaotic white noise, but E.In allows you to bypass the white noise and patch in your own sample source (i.e. patching an LFO in for a bit crushed LFO). As with all Hungry Robot "Modular Boxes" the Sample & Hold can be powered with a simple 9V DC, Negative Center power supply.

KNOBS
-MINUS/PLUS: Attenuverter for output. Allows you to sweep between positive and negative voltage outputs.
-RATE: On board clock source ranging from approximately 25ms to 1000ms.

PATCH POINTS
-E.IN: Bypasses internal white noise as a sample source. Patch in any CV source that you want to sample from
-STATIC: Taps into white noise output (0-5V range)
-CLK IN: Bypasses internal clock with your provided external clock
-S&H OUT: Two buffered outputs of S&H voltage
​
Price: $125
Dimensions: 4.7” x 2.6” x 1.5”
Power: 9V DC - Negative Center - 2.1mm Barrel
(ISOLATED SUPPLY PREFERABLE)
Dimensions: 4.7” x 3.7” x 1.96”
Power: 9V DC - Negative Center - 2.1mm Barrel
(ISOLATED SUPPLY PREFERABLE)"

"The Hungry Robot CV Keys is the perfect utility for incorporating 1V/OCT, chromatic semitones into a modular system when it is not convenient to use midi keyboards or a midi-to-CV interface. This small pushbutton keyboard has just enough functionality for most modular users and provides very accurate 1V/OCT tracking. The CV keys has a full octave keyboard as well as octave switch allowing you to jump between octaves on the fly. The Hold button latches the gate signal for handsfree use. It uses last note priority, has two unique gate modes, two buffered outputs, and a Transpose jack that let you patch in an external sequence and transpose it chromatically through the CV keys.

KNOBS
-OCTAVE: Cycles between 6 octaves
​
PUSHBUTTONS
-HOLD: When LED is lit, Hold is on. When Hold Mode is on, the Gate and Retriggered Gate will latch so you don't have to hold down the key
-KEYS: 13 note, single octave keyboard. Last note priority

PATCH POINTS
-TRANSPOSE: Patching in a control voltage (i.e. from a sequencer) allows you to transpose the sequence according to the notes you play
-GATE: Standard 5V gate outputted when a key is played or when Hold mode is active
-GATE (Retriggered): 5V gate that retriggers with every new note played. NOTE: To retrigger an ADSR, you must use a short release setting
-CV OUT: Two buffered 1V/OCT outputs to patch to your multiple VCOs
​
Price: $150
Dimensions: 4.7” x 3.7” x 1.96”
Power: 9V DC - Negative Center - 2.1mm Barrel
(ISOLATED SUPPLY PREFERABLE)"

"The Hungry Robot VCF is an all analog, 4-pole low pass filter with a self-oscillating resonance control. It is a close replication of the filter circuit found on the famous Prophet 5. It uses a HM2040 which is a high quality, faithful replication of the original SSM2040 chip. This resonant filter has a beautiful tonal quality. The over-sized knobs provide a satisfying tactile response. The cutoff frequency can be controlled by external control voltage. It has a built-in attenuator and invert switch for the incoming CV. CV input does not track at 1V/Oct, but is scaled to act as a VCA when a 5V signal is applied to CV input. As with all Hungry Robot "Modular Boxes" the VCF can be powered by a simple 9V DC, Negative Center power supply.

KNOBS
-FREQUENCY: Sweeps the cutoff frequency of the filter.
-CV: Attenuator for incoming CV input.
-RESONANCE: Sets resonance of filter. Small volume drop is to be expected. Will self-oscillate at higher settings.
​
SWITCHES
-INVERT: Inverts the incoming CV input. Toggle to the right to invert incoming CV

PATCH POINTS
-IN: Patch Audio Signal In
-CV: CV input for Frequency. Allows for CV control of this parameter.
-OUT: Patch Audio Signal Out
​
Price: $150
Dimensions: 4.7” x 2.6” x 1.5”
Power: 9V DC - Negative Center - 2.1mm Barrel
(ISOLATED SUPPLY PREFERABLE)"

"This basic building block of a modular system is indispensable. The Hungry Robot VCA provides 2 independent, high quality VCAs. These VCAs are DC coupled which means you can patch in audio sources as well as CV sources. As with all Hungry Robot "Modular Boxes" the VCA can be powered with a simple 9V DC, Negative Center power supply.

KNOBS
-CV Knobs: The two knobs are attenuators for the incoming CV inputs

PATCH POINTS
-IN: Patch in an Audio signal or CV source.
-CV: Patch in an envelope, LFO, or any CV source to provide voltage controlled amplification to the incoming source
-OUT: Output of VCA
​
Price: $100
Dimensions: 4.7” x 2.6” x 1.5”
Power: 9V DC - Negative Center - 2.1mm Barrel
(ISOLATED SUPPLY PREFERABLE)"

"The CV Sequencer is a bare-bones 8-step sequencer. Patch in an external clock and you are good to go. Pressing the Reset button brings the sequence back to the beginning and the Pause button pauses the sequence until you release. There are plans for more complex sequencers for the lineup, so keep an eye out for future announcements. As with all Hungry Robot "Modular Boxes" the Output Module can be powered with a simple 9V DC, Negative Center power supply.

KNOBS
-VOLTAGE (x8): Eight individual knobs to adjust voltage for each step (approximately 4V range)

PATCH POINTS
-CLOCK: Clock input. Use a 4-5V clock signal to advance the sequencer one step. (No internal clock)
-CV.OUT: This jack outputs voltage from current step.
​
PUSHBUTTONS
-RESET: Pushing this button transports the sequence back to the beginning
-PAUSE: Pushing this button pauses the sequence and resumes once released
​
Price: $100
Dimensions: 4.7” x 2.6” x 1.5”
Power: 9V DC - Negative Center - 2.1mm Barrel
(ISOLATED SUPPLY PREFERABLE)"

"The 4 Channel Mixer is a basic DC coupled mixer with 4 inputs and 4 attenuators. DC coupled means that it will accept both DC and AC (Audio) signals. As with all Hungry Robot "Modular Boxes" the 4 Channel Mixer can be powered with a simple 9V DC, Negative Center power supply.

PATCH POINTS
-IN (x4): Patch in any audio or CV signal to any of the 4 inputs. (NOTE: Avoid mixing CV and Audio)
-OUT: This output is the sum of the four channels
​
KNOBS
-LEVEL (x4): Each input has its own attenuator that allow you to bring down the level of the inputs
​
Price: $75
Dimensions: 4.7” x 2.6” x 1.5”
Power: 9V DC - Negative Center - 2.1mm Barrel
(ISOLATED SUPPLY PREFERABLE)"

"The Hungry Robot Output Module allows users to interface your modular system with headphones, speakers, and recording interfaces. It uses a high quality amplifier circuit to boost the signal to the level you need. It accepts both mono and stereo signals. Plug in you inputs and output however you need, internal switching will automatically route the signal to where it needs to be based on what you have plugged in. As with all Hungry Robot "Modular Boxes" the Output Module can be powered with a simple 9V DC, Negative Center power supply.

KNOB
-VOLUME: Controls the overall volume of the output. Adjust to taste.

PATCH POINTS
-IN(L/MONO): Left input. Use this if you are running mono and want it split into stereo.
-IN(R): Right Input
-OUT(L/STEREO): Left output. Use this for stereo situations (TRS/Headphones)
-OUT(R): Right Output
​
Price: $100
Dimensions: 4.7” x 2.6” x 1.5”
Power: 9V DC - Negative Center - 2.1mm Barrel
(ISOLATED SUPPLY PREFERABLE)"

"The Buffered Multiples is a simple utility that allows you to patch in a cable and split it to three locations without any signal loss. A common problem with stackable cables or passive multiples is signal attenuation. The Buffered Multiples uses 4 high quality buffers to provide 4 banks of lossless splitting. There is nothing groundbreaking or sexy about the module, but it is an extremely useful utility for any modular rig. As with all Hungry Robot "Modular Boxes" the Buffered Multiples can be powered with a simple 9V DC, Negative Center power supply.

PATCH POINTS
-IN: Patch in what you want to split (can accept any voltage or audio source)
-OUTPUTS: Patch out with zero signal loss
​
Price: $75
Dimensions: 4.7” x 2.6” x 1.5”
Power: 9V DC - Negative Center - 2.1mm Barrel
(ISOLATED SUPPLY PREFERABLE)"

"This module is a dual channel Slew generator. In short, slew generators restrict changes in voltage. The most common use of this is to add portamento or glide to a fluctuating voltage. As with all Hungry Robot "Modular Boxes" the Slew can be powered with a simple 9V DC, Negative Center power supply.

KNOBS
-SLEW KNOBS (x2): Adjusts the amount of slew on each channel. Max slew time is approximately 750ms (patch both channels together for 1500ms)

PATCH POINTS
-IN (x2): Patch in the CV that you would like to add Slew or Portamento
-OUT (x2): Patch this to where you would like the resulting Slewed CV to go
​
Price: $75
Dimensions: 4.7” x 2.6” x 1.5”
Power: 9V DC - Negative Center - 2.1mm Barrel
(ISOLATED SUPPLY PREFERABLE)"

"This module is a simple two channel attenuverter and voltage source. An attenuverter takes an input voltage and allows you to attenuate and invert the voltage (i.e. 4.2V input would allow you to create new voltages ranging from -4.2V to +4.2V). With no input present, the module acts as a voltages source (-5V to +5V range). As with all Hungry Robot "Modular Boxes" the Attenuverter can be powered with a simple 9V DC, Negative Center power supply.

KNOBS
-MINUS/PLUS (x2): Allows you to attenuate and invert the original incoming voltage. In absence of an input, this can be used a a voltage source

PATCH POINTS
-IN (x2): Patch in the voltage you want affected. Leaving empty and this will normalize to 5V for use as a voltage source.
-OUT (x2): The resulting voltage after passing through the attenuverter is output to other modules
​
Price: $75
Dimensions: 4.7” x 2.6” x 1.5”
Power: 9V DC - Negative Center - 2.1mm Barrel
(ISOLATED SUPPLY PREFERABLE)"